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GAZETTEER
OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK:
EMBRACINQ
A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW
OF THE
GEOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND GENERAL HISTORY OF THE STATE,
AND
A COMPLETE HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
OF
(Bvm^ fitottttti}, <£% ®mt% WilUp, mid §tat%
WITH FULL TABLES OF STATISTICS.
;
BY
J. H. FRENCH,
MEMBER OP THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OP THE NEW YORK
HISTORICAL SOCIETY, OF THE ALBANY INSTITUTE, ETC.
Illustrated by Original Steel Engravings,
AND ACCOMPANIED BY A NEW MAP OP THE STATE FROM ACCURATE SURVEYS.
SYRACUSE, N. T.:
PUBLISHED BY R. PEARSALL SMITH. .
1860. ' •"; .' "'
THE r
PUBLIC LIBRARY
465638 A
ASTOR, LENOX A-
T1LDEN FOUND AT
1930 L
R
i
LIST OF PERSONS EMOTIED UM'THECONSTRUCTION OF THE STATE MAP
AND THE PREPARATION OF THE GAZETTEER.
This list includes the names of those only who have been employed for considerable lengths of time.
GENEKAL SUPERINTENDENT.
J. H. French.
foreman of drafting department.
Francis Mahler.
foremen of statistical department.
Franklin B. Hough, M.D., James Johonnot.
DRAFTSMEN.
G. R. Bechler,
S. Beeman,
Silas N. Beers,
H. P. Benton,
Lorin Blodget,
P. J. Browne,
L. H. Cheney,
Gcrdon Evans,
Lawrence Fagan,
Frank Frbnch,
Cyrus Gates,
John F. Geil,
Samuel Geil,
Franklin Gifford,
Wm. T. Gibson,
George Worley,
Wm. Bracher,
J. Sartain,
Francis Mahler,
Frank French,
Wm. E. Wood,
B. W. O'Grady.
George N. Barnard,
surveyors and statisticians.
Jay Gould,
H. W. Hardy,
Franklin B. Hough,
Chester Hull,
Wm. Jay Hunt,
J. W. Hurlbut,
James Johonnot,
Geo. P. Johonnot,
D. J. Lake,
A. D. Lampklns,
Morris Levy,
A. Ligowsky,
Wm. Lorey,
Horace C. Manning,
David E. E. Mis,
ENGRAVERS.
On Stone.
Gustavus R. Bechler,
Benj. Matthias,
On SteeL
J. W. Steele,
On Wood.
H. Sebald.
ARTISTS.
B. W. O'Grady,
Ebexezer Mix,
J. B. Moore,
Samuel M. Rea,
Thomas W. Rhodes,
A. E. Rogerson,
Alphonse Schoppe,
J. C. Sidney,
Stephen 0. Slosson,
Homer D. L. Sweet,
A. V. Trimble,
A. Van Nostrand,
R. B. Van Petten,
Charles M. Wilbur,
Wm. E. Wood.
S. K. Godshalk.
Charles Reen.
D. L. Glover.
Wm. T. Richards.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in tho year 1859, by
R. PEARSAM, BMITH,
in tho Ork'a Office of tlm District Conrt of the United States for tho Xorthora District of New York.
6TZRE0TTPED DT L. JOHNBOJf * CO.
COLLETS, PEINTEB.
PREFACE.
TnE map of Westchester County which was commenced about ten years since, and soon
after published by Eobert Pearsall Smith, was probably the first map of any county in the
State of New York published from actual survey of roads and boundaries. This was followed
by maps of other counties on a similar plan ; and, about eight years since, Mr. Smith conceived
the idea of publishing a series of maps from actual survey, embracing all the counties in the
State, and, from these, of producing a State Map that should be more full, complete, and
reliable than any ever before published. But, about four years since, upon careful trial, in
reducing a large number of these county maps to a uniform scale, so many omissions and
discrepancies were found in them, that a new survey of the State was deemed necessary to the
construction of an accurate map of the State, An arrangement was accordingly made with
the author to take the general superintendence of the new survey ; the general plan for the
works to be prepared was fixed upon ; and the re-survey of the State and the collection of
statistics were begun.
At the commencement of the re-survey, maps of fifty-one counties had been completed
and published ; six counties had been surveyed, but the maps were not yet published ; and
three counties were still unsurveyed. Of the fifty-one published maps, twelve were found to
be so deficient in matters essential to the completion of the State Map according to the plan
fixed upon, as to render entire new surveys of these counties necessary. Surveyors were
sent into the remaining counties, with copies of the published or manuscript maps in hand,
with instructions to visit eveiy town, to correct every error that should be found upon the
maps, to make additions of new roads, note changes in boundaries, and, in short, to return
the maps properly revised and corrected for use in the preparation of the State Map. In
many instances new surveys of parts of towns, town lines, roads, and streams were found
necessary, and also countless changes in the location of boundary lines, roads, streams and
bodies of water, and in the representation of the topographical features of the country. The
surveyors were instructed to obtain copies of manuscript and other local maps, as far as
practicable, as these were generally found to contain metes and bounds, and, being plotted to
large scales, were of value in laying down boundary lines. Draftsmen were also sent to the
several private Land Offices in the State, and to Albany, and all maps of any value in the offices
of the State Engineer and Surveyor and the Secretary of State were copied, to be laid under
contribution in the preparation of the State Map. The Superintendent of the United States
Coast Survey and the Secretary of the Interior also furnished copies of all the maps in their
Departments pertaining to the State. The number and variety of maps and plots, printed and
manuscript, that have thus been collected is very great, and probably embraces more valuable
matter than any similar collection in the State.
Not the least difficult part of the labor of constructing a map of a large extent of country
is "making the projection." In surveys of small areas this difficulty does not occur, as the
proportion of the curvature of the earth's surface to that part of its area contained in a rect-
angle of thirty to fifty miles, is so small that, when reduced to the scale of even an inch to
the mile, it is scarcely perceptible. But in projecting a map of territory of as great extent
as the State of New York, the curvature of the surface from a plane is so great as to make
the departure of the lines of latitude and longitude from right lines plainly visible upon a
map even when plotted to a scale of less than one-fourth of an inch to a mile.
The Flamstead Improved Projection, being the one best adapted to the correct representa-
tion of a large extent of country, was adopted for the State Map.
The maps of the State heretofore published embrace a large part of the New England
States, Pennsylvania, and Canada. The space thus usually occupied is appropriated to plans
of the cities, and to smaller maps illustrating particular features of the State. These marginal
maps, it is believed, add to the value of the work. By placing a map of Long Island by itself, — ■
at the same time showing its relative position to the rest of the State, by retaining a map of
nearly one-third of the island in its proper place, — the map of the entire State is constructed
4 PREFACE.
on a scale about twenty per cent, (linear scale) larger than can be done on a sheet of the same
size with all of Long Island projecting eastward of New York City. This increased scale will
be found to fully compensate for the change of place of the eastern portion of Long Island.
The map of the State is plotted to the scale of 350^55, which is f £f or a small fraction more
than 4.7 miles to an inch ; and the city plans to the scale of 3^55, which is Jj-ff or a small
fraction more than .78 of a mile to an inch.
The longitude of several points in the eastern and western portions of the State having
been accurately determined by the Coast Survey and the Department of the Interior, and
the latitude of many points on the north and south borders and within the State from nume-
rous and repeated observations, the projection of the parallels and meridians was first made
with accurately constructed scales, using the most recent tables of latitude and longitude mea-
surements as adopted by the Coast Survey and the U. S. Military Academy at West Point.
The. boundaries of the State were next projected, after which the lines of the counties were
located on the map. The town lines were next laid out ; and finally the roads, bodies of
water, streams, topography, and all other details were filled in. This course could not fail to
secure accuracy in all parts of the work ; and, while the map does not agree, in many points,
with previous maps of the State, the author feels confident that it will bear the closest
scrutiny and criticism.
A prominent and distinctive feature of the State Map is the representation of all the roads,
railroads, canals, and routes of travel, every mile of each of which has been run and every
angle measured.
The city plans are all drawn to the same scale, thus presenting, at a glance, the comparative
extent of the built-up portions of each. Albany, Brooklyn, and Buffalo have so great an
extent of unoccupied or farm lands that it was not practicable to show the entire corporate
limits of either on the city plans ; but no built-up part of either city has been omitted. The
plans of the other cities embrace their entire area.
In the construction of the Geological and Land Patent Map, the geology of the State
according to the New York System has been followed; but the different strata or formations
are represented by a system of shading in the engraving, — instead of by color, as is usually
done in geological maps. This plan was adopted, as it was desirable to present two distinct
features in the one map ; and the engraved shading for the geology permits the use of colors
for the land patents. The size of the map would not admit of the representation of tracts of
land smaller than a township ; but a complete list of all the grants will be found in this work.
In the year 1825 the Regents of the University established meteorological stations in various
parts of the State, and reports were required to be made from these stations annually to the
Board of Regents. At the expiration of twenty-five years the Regents caused these reports
to be digested : and the mean averages of the summaries thus deduced — so far as relates to
temperature, fall of rain, and direction of wind — are embraced in the Meteorological Map.
On this map the several stations (including three established at military posts, and not subject
to tlif direction of the Board of Regents) are at the centers of the small circles. In each of
these circles are either two or three numbers: when two, the upper number is the mean
annual temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, and the lower number is the mean annual fall of
rain in inches; and when three, the upper and lower numbers indicate, respectively, tem-
perature and rain, and the middle one the elevation of the station above tide, in feet. The
diagram at the righl represents the mean annual direction of wind at the several stations,
the index in any case denoting the point of compass, and its length the number of days, —
one inch in length of radius representing five days. Thus, taking the index for Canandaigua,
the direction i 1 ' W., and tli" Length of the radius is 3.4 inches. This indicates that
the mean annual direction "f the wind at tins station was from the W. s. w. for 17 days in the
year more than from nil othf-r directions. For the isothermal lines, or lines of equal tempe-
rature, and tin' shading repre-' n'ing the different depths of rain, we are indebted to Lorin
BLODfiF.t, author of American Climatology.
The Time Indicator has been prepared from minute calculations, and will be found correct
in every case.
The diagram showing the capacity of the church edifices is constructed to a scale, and
correctly represents the proportion of each to the whole.
An examination of the various Gazetteers heretofore published cannot fail to satisfy any
one that a great part of the material from which they were compiled was furnished by corre-
PREFACE. 5
spondents. This plan seemed to be the one most likely to secure accuracy, and with some
modifications it was at first adopted in collecting materials for this work. Agents were sent
into some portions of the State, furnished with printed instructions, questions, and blanks, to
obtain the desired information, either by personal research, or through the assistance of such
competent persons in the various localities visited as would undertake to fill the blanks and
return them to the general office. While a few persons promptly responded to the request
thus made of them, others delayed giving it immediate attention, and still others neglected it
altogether. A large proportion of the matter received from correspondents was found to be
irrelevant, devoted to specialties, or unreliable, and therefore of little value. Much matter
was received which possesses a greater or less amount of local interest, but which could not
be admitted without giving undue prominence to some subjects or localities at the expense
of others. After a fair trial of the plan first adopted, it was found subject to so many objec-
tions that it was abandoned. The surveyors and agents were then instructed to visit every
city, town, and village, to search records, examine documents, consult the best living, printed,
and manuscript authorities, and to make returns to the general office of all the reliable
matter and information obtained. They were instructed to take no statement on a single
authority, and in cases where authorities were found to differ, to examine diligently and
impartially, and report all the facts, so that in digesting and arranging them for the press,
all the evidence might be at hand. They were particularly cautioned against taking mere
hearsay or traditionary tales for truth, and not to seek wonders and marvels. A competent
person was employed to examine records and documents in the State Library and State and
other public offices at Albany and in New York City, for information that might be avail-
able in the preparation of this work. The Documentary History and the State Geology of
New York, general and local histories, biographies, sketches, essays, reports, newspapers,
manuscripts, and all other available authorities that were likely to contain any information
of value, were collected, and in turn consulted, and their accuracy and value tested as the
work progressed.
The plan for the work finally fixed upon, while it embraces a wider range than is usually
taken by similar works, seems to be one that cannot fail to meet the wants and tastes of the
people, as it presents the wealth, resources, present condition, and past history of the State
in a form and style at once convenient, perspicuous, and concise.
The details of description of each county, city, town, and village, have been arranged, as
far as practicable, according to a uniform plan or outline ; as has been also the General
Article embraced in the first 154 pages. The subjects embraced in this article seemed to
cover all the ground that properly belongs to the work ; and they are treated at as great
length as their proportional importance to the limits of the volume would permit. A
Gazetteer of a State should not be expected to contain, in a connected form, a complete
compendium of knowledge upon whatever pertains to a State. But present condition, brief
and comprehensive statements, short historical sketches of general interest, tables, facts and
figures as connected with the wealth, prosperity, and resources of a State, should be con-
sidered to an extent sufficient for a work of reference, such as a Gazetteer is intended
to be.
The general outline of the county descriptions is as follows : 1st. Date of formation of the
county, from what taken, subsequent changes in boundaries, location in the State, and air-line
distance of geographical center from the Capitol at Albany. 2d. Geology, topography, and
drainage ; embracing the general geological formations, general contour of the surface, lakes,
rivers, and other watercourses. 3d. Soil, leading articles of production, and occupation of the
people. 4th. Works of internal improvement. 5th. County seat, names of first county officers,
and description of county buildings and institutions. 6th. History of the newspaper press.
7th. Brief historical sketch of the county from the date of first settlement to the present time.
The descriptions of the towns are according to nearly the same general plan, and embrace,
1st. Date of formation, from what taken, subsequent changes in boundaries, and location in
the county. 2d. Peculiarities in geological formations not mentioned in county description.
3d. Topography and drainage. 4th. Names and description of villages, hamlets, and local
ities, with their location in town, date of incorporation, institutions, leading branches of
business, and population according to the most recent reliable enumeration. 5th. A brief
historical sketch, embracing incidents of general and local interest, names of first settlers,
first birth, marriage, and death, first church, school, mill, and factory, and number of churches
6 PREFACE.
in 1855. After the towns in each county is a table compiled from the last State census,
except the valuation and statistics of schools, which are from the returns for the year 1858.
In many cases, the population of villages and the number of churches given are from enu-
merations taken since 1855 ; but the last State census has invariably been taken as authority
on these two points, except in cases where later reliable enumerations have been taken. The
acres of land :h given in the tables fall short of the area of the county as given at the com-
mencement of each county description. The reason of this is obvious : the acres of land as
shown by the tables are from the returns of assessors, which seldom embrace marsh, swamp,
and unproductive lands, and lands under water; while the area in square miles, as given in
the OOUnty descriptions, lias in every case been ascertained from actual measurements.
The steel plate illustrations are engraved from original views taken expressly for this work.
The map has been engraved on stone, at great expense, by the best artists, and the mechani-
cal execution of both works is highly creditable to the publisher.
The Index of Subjects at the commencement of the work, and the Index of Geographical
Names at the close, cannot fail of being justly valued for their convenience. The uniform
use of a bold-face letter for names of towns, villages, and hamlets will also be found to
greatly facilitate rapid Bearch for this class of geographical names.
To many of the officers in the several State Departments, and to numerous county, town,
and city officers, local surveyors, civil engineers, land agents, members of the press, and
other-, the author is indebted for furnishing valuable materials for these works. To them,
and to all who have in any way rendered him assistance in the preparation of either Map or
••tteer, he desires to acknowledge his obligations. Many persons may feel disappoint-
ment at finding that information furnished by them has not been used. An examination
of the work, however, must convince them that nothing has been omitted which was essential
to the - I plan of the work, and that whatever did not come within this plan could not
be introdm
The author would not be doing justice to himself nor to the public did he fail to acknow-
ledge his obligations to those who have been associated with him in the preparation of these
works. He desires to make particular mention of the valuable services of Lieut. Francis
Mahler, Franki.ix B. Houcn, M. D., and James Johonxot. Lieut. Mahler was educated in a
European Military Academy for a Topographical Engineer. Ten years of subsequent practice
lered him eminently qualified for the position he has occupied on the Survey. Dr. Hough
is well known to the people of the State as the Superintendent of the last State census and as
the author of several historical and statistical works. His services in searching records and
at Albany, in New York City, and elsewhere, have been invaluable, and to his
pledge of the geology of the State the author is mainly indebted for whatever
i that subject in this work. Mr. Johonnot has devoted many years to the subject
of Physical Geography. The topography of the State, its counties and towns, has been
mainly written by him.
The intelligent citizens of the state of New York cannot fail to appreciate the liberality
of the publisher in the great expenditures he has mad.' in bringing out these works. The
; of tl.- for the county maps was about S4-N,<m)0, and the expenditures on
the works from the commencement of the re-survey to the date of publication have readied
about $4 e, making a total investment of $94,000. Thewhole time spent in surveys,
collection of materials, writing, engraving, proof-reading, 4c., ha- been equal to the time of
one person 121 It i- believed that no similar enterprise of e.jual extent, and involving
tie- outlay of so la pital, ha- ever been undertaken at private expense in this or any
othi i try. Time, talents, and money have alike been devoted to the production of a
Map and Gazetteer that it i.- hoped will be found every way worthy of the Empire State.
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Abeel, John, Indian trader, 414.
Abercrombie, Gen. James, 298.
Academies, general article on, 125.
list of incorporated, 130.
notices of. 48, 140, 160, 161, 169, 171, 172,
173, 175, 176, 180, 184, 193,197, 200,
201,202, 203, 205, 211, 212, 214, 216,
220, 228, 229, 230, 235, 237, 239, 243,
244, 246, 247, 248, 251, 252, 253, 259,
260, 261, 203, 265, 270, 272, 275, 277,
278, 282, 283, 286, 289, 300, 303, 305,
311, 312. 317, 324, 326,327, 330, 331,
332, 333, 343, 346, 349, 355, 356, 357,
360, 361, 362, 363, 369, 372. 378, 383,
384, 3S5, 390, 391, 392, 393, 398, 399,
400, 401, 403, 405, 412, 414, 429,430,
453, 456, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 408,
469, 471, 482, 484, 4S5, 486, 489, 495,
498, 505, 506, 508, 509, 510, 514, 515,
516, 522, 527, 52S, 532, 536, 538, 546,
547, 548, 554, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560,
561, 575, 577, 580, 582, 587, 588, 590,
591, 592, 597, 598, 604, 606, 607, 610,
617, 625, 627, 628, 634, 637, 638, 640,
645, 647, 650, 652, 057, 058, 003, 665,
666, 674, 675, 679, 6S0, 682, 6S3, 684,
685, 686, 692, 694, 695, 698, 699, 700,
701, 704, 705, 707, 708, 713, 714, 715,
716.
statistical summary of, 128.
Academy of Music, 436.
Accidents, steamboat, statistics, 115.
Acid springs, 320, 324, 325, 456, 593.
Acres of land, by cos., &c, 108.
by towns, 167, 177, 185, 196, 207, 217,
222, 231, 240, 249, 256, 266, 278, 294,
306, 313, 319, 328, 335, 339, 350, 364,
373, 380, 387, 394, 406, 417, 457, 472,
491, 500, 511, 510, 529, 539, 543, 551,
502, 567, 571, 583, 594, 599, 008, 612,
618, 6.30, 640, 648, 653, 659, 669, 076,
687, 695, 709, 716, 721.
Adgate's Patent, 48, 341, 349.
Adjutant General, 43.
African Methodist Episcopal Church, 139.
Agrarian movement. See Anti Rent.
Agricultural College, 616.
fairs, 101.
Hall, 27, 160.
Agricultural Implement manufactory, 160,
166, 199, 200, 216, 244, 248, 260, 274,
286, 312, 362, 368, 384, 3S7, 400, 401,
405, 406, 407, 411, 416, 454, 466, 484,
488, 495, 509, 510, 536. 556, 559, 561,
571, 575, 598, 611, 617, 665, 681, 691,
093, 095, 099, 716.
products, counties excelling in, 103.
societies, town and county, 83, 102,
103, 575.
Society, 27, 101, 495.
Agriculture, appropriations for, 106.
statistics of, by cos., 104 to 107.
Albany Institute, 101, 161.
Aldermanic Districts, New York, 420.
Aliens, statistics of, by counties. 150.
Allen, Ebenezer, 3S4, 398, 402, 404, 406, 711.
Capt. Ebeuezer, 300, 301.
Ethan, at Ticonderoga, 299, 305.
family murdered, 679.
Nathaniel. 498.
Almshouses, 161, 365, 393, 398, 422, 425,
426, 509, 553.
Ambuscade. 345, 411, 461, 604, 671, 672.
American Anti Slavery Society, 146.
and Foreign Christian Union, 146.
Bethel Society, 146.
Bible Society, 144.
Board Commissioners for Foreign Mis-
sions. 145.
Colonization Society, 146.
Home Missionary Society, 146.
Institute, 435.
Seamen's Friend Society, 146.
Sunday School Union, 146.
Tract Society, 145.
Amherst, Sir Jeffrey, 49, 298, 337, 574,
673, 674.
Analyses of Mineral Waters, 248, 383, 394,
470, 480, 497, 537, 592, 607.
Anaquassacook Patent, 684.
Anchor manufactory, 297, 508, 510, 681.
Andre, Major J., 504, 541, 570, 603, 699,
700, 701, 703.
Andrustown plundered, 342, 349.
Angler, Sieur, surveys by, 298.
Anno, Queen, Germans settle- under, 242,
245.
Anniversary Week, N. Y., 144.
Anti masonic movement, 147, 323.
Mission Baptists, 139.
rent troubles, 157, 210, 242, 258, 259,
209, 322, 3C0, 553, 602, 621, 643.
Anti Slavery Society, 146.
Antwerp Company, 353, 355, 375.
Appel Patent, 585.
Apples, statistics of, by counties, 105.
Appling, Major D., 355, 358, 525.
Appointing power, 31.
Aqueducts, 60, 165, 275, 397, 418, 424,
5S9, 597, 689, 714.
Ararat, or resting place for Jews, 291.
Arcade, 403.
Architecture, 436, 437.
Argyle Patent, 679.
Armories, 44, 369, 437, 489, 580.
Armstrong, Gen. John, 276.
Arnold, Benedict, 299, 333, 335, 338, 342,
410, 504, 541, 542. 570, 687, 699, 700.
Arsenals, 44, 45, 165, 2S6, 312, 325, 362, 369,
423, 437, 460, 495, 582, 002, 000.
Artesian wells, 25, 362, 392, 424.
Artillery Patent, 681.
Asia, man-of-war, 438.
Asparagus culture, 544.
Assay Office, 122, 437.
Assembly, 28.
districts, 28.
Assessments, power of Supervisors in, 30.
Associate Presbyterians and Associate Re-
formed Presbyterians, 139.
Astor claim, Putnam co., 541.
Library, 435.
Astronomical Instrument manufactory,
392.
Observatories, 161, 423.
Asylums, 42, 149, 198, 275, 276, 365, 370,
396, 398, 403, 412, 419, 425, 432, 433,
434, 468, 488, 488, 518, 524, 566.
Atheneum, 368, 403.
Attainder. See Forfeiture.
Attorney General, 32.
Auditor of Canal Department, 54.
Auger manufactory, 593.
Avenues, New York City, plan of, 422.
Awl manufactory, 2S6.
Ax factories. 106, 220, 235, 2S6, 368, 402,
483, 4S4, 558, 593, 616, 668.
Axle manufactory, 235, 277, 668, 699.
Bakeries, statistics by counties, 109.
Bank note engraving, 90.
Banks, agencies of, 90.
commissioners, 90.
existing, list of, 90 to 95.
general article on, 89.
individual, 89.
obsolete and closing, 95 to 99.
savings, 99.
suspension of, 90.
United States, 90.
Baptists, 139. 140.
Free Will, 140.
Old School, 139.
Seventh Day, 143.
Barley, counties where most raised, 101.
statistics by counties, 104.
trade 159.
Barracks,' 45, 239, 354, 358, 542, 555, 580.
Barrel manufactory, 220, 402, 488, 509,
518 5^0 522
Barytes, sulphate of, 352, 356, 577, 600,
604, 698.
Basket manufactory, 286.
Batteries, 423, 437, 565.
Batting manufactory, 464.
Battles, 219, 233, 234, 297, 305, 316, 342,
343, 345, 355, 358, 371, 410, 411,438,
461, 478, 521, 525, 554, 556, 569, 574,
675, 580, 586, 602, 604, 607, 633, 643,
645, 661, 667, 671, 681, 698,701, 707.
Baum, Col., defeated, 586.
Bayard's Patent, 601.
Bay of New York, 437.
Beaches, 544, 547, 550, 631, 634, 635, 636,
638, 639.
Beacons. See Lightlwuses.
Beacraft, a tory, 602.
Beans, statistics by counties, 105.
Beardsley. Purchase, 210.
Beck, Dr. T. Romeyn, 156, 160.
Becker's Patent. 603.
Bodini, Cardinal, 287.
Bedstead manufactory, 160, 291.
I'.ecf. supply to New York Citv. 427.428.
I'.rrkman's Patent, 269. 270, 276, li77.
Bell, attempt to steal, 343.
fonnderies, 166, 661.
Belletre, expedition of, 348.
Bellevne Hospital. 42;",.
Bellows manufactory, 286.
Belting manufactory, 199, 549.
Bemis Heights, 586, 679.
Bonevolent Societies, 81, 144, 370, 371,
403, 432.
Bennington, battle of, 554, 556, 586, 680.
Bethel Society, 146.
Bible Societies, 144, 145, 370, 403, 434, 489.
Big Tree Council, 322.
Billiard Table manufactory, 286.
Billop House, 565.
Manor, 564.
Bird, Col., 699.
Bituminous springs, 168, 173
Blackberry culture, 703.
Blacking manufactory, 716.
Black Lead, 302, 303. 304.
manufactory. 297, 304.
Black River Navigation Co., 60.
Tract, 375.
Black Bock Plat, 288.
Blacksmith Bhops by counties, 109.
Blacksmiths, number by counties, 152.
Blackwells Island, 419, 425.
Blanchard, Col., 672.
Blank Book manufactorv, 2S6.
Blenheim Patent, 602, 603.
Blind, Institution for the. 432. 433.
statistics bv counties. 150.
Blockhouses, 232, 297, 301, 310. 342. 343,
346, 356. 359, 467, 469, 470, 511. 549,
577, 582, 591, 596, 604, 646, 6S1, 682,
687, 691.
Block manufactory, 368.
Bloomer costume, origin of. 617.
Board of Agriculture. 102. 106.
Education. New York, 430.
Health. 116, 428.
Boatbuilding, 307, 402, 419, 016, 61S, 657,
662, 6S6.
Bog iron ore, 25.
Boiler manufactory, 160, 2S6, 652.
Bolt manufactory, 166.
Bonaparte, Joseph, 363, 376.
Bonded warehouses, 111, 113.
Bono boiling, 372.
manure. 368.
pits, 361, 453, 522.
Bonv fish, 124, 631.
Bookbinderies, 160, 246, 286.
Book manufactory, 199.
Boon, Gerrit, 462, 46S.
Boot and Shoe Makers, number by coun-
ties, 152.
Boot and Shoe manufac. 286, 402, 4SS, 596.
statistics bv counties. 109.
Boroughs, 596, 598, 69S, 706.
Boston Corner, 18.
Ten Towns, 18, 180, 199. 479, 650.
Botanical gardens, 370, 423, 430.
Bouck's Patent, 605.
Bouck, William C, 59.
Boundaries, 17, 258, 290, 308. 418, 5S6.
Boundary commissions, 18, 677.
controversies, 503, 545, 551, 700, 706.
Bourbon, reputed. 309.
Box manufactory, 286.
Boyd, Lieut. Win., 3S4.
Boylston Tract, 375.
Braddock's defeat, 671.
Bradford, William, 431.
Bradstreet, Col., 519.
Brantingham Tract, 375.
Brant, Joseph. 219, 264, 265, 283, 315, 34i,
343, 349, 409, 410, 412, 414, 454, 478,
503, 531, 538, 586. 604.
Brass founderv, 166. 286.
Breakwater, 280, 284.
Breathing well, so called, 190.
Breweries, 109, 160, 214, 237, 241.275. 286,
367, 368, 3S3, 385, 399, 402, 400, 419,
408, 483, 488, 509, 556, 561, 563, 598,
617, 657, 662, 691.
7
8
IXDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Brick manufactory, bv counties, 109.
manufactory of, 110, 160, 246, 2S6, 330,
331, 332. 39S, 505. 542. 550, 563, 566,
568, 569, 598, 632, 639, 662, 666, 691,
696, 698, 699.
Brine springs, 26, ITS. 181, 1S6, 197, 203,
257,825, 827, 892, 395, 400, 449, 456,
473. 474. 4T<. 479, 4*2, 483, 512, 514,
515. 517. 522, 532, 619, 688.
Britannia Ware manufactory, 163, 2S6.
Brockville captured, 574.
Brooklyn Institute, 369.
Broom Corn, statistics 1>t counties, 107.
culture of. 101. 220, 3S1, 407, 413, 595,
597. 600, 606.
Broom Handle manufactory, 590, 597.
manufactory. 248, 282, 413, 595, 597.
Brothertown Indians, 465.
Brown. Col.. 410, 416.
John, settlement of. 349.
Browns Trart. 341, 349. 375, 379.
Brush manufactory, 2S6, 556.
plains, 681, 636.
Buckskin manufactory. 811, "17.
Buckwheat, quantity raised, lnl.104.
Building associations, 81, 366, 700.
Building stone. 26,
Buildings. public. New Yi irk City, 436, 437.
Bull, William, surveys bv, 621.
Burgovne. Gen.. 1*4. 166, 233, 299, 461,
504, 554, 559, 5S6, 673, 679, 682, 685,
i
Burial Case manufactory, 549.
Burial Places, New York City, 428.
See Rural Ctmet'ritt.
Burnetsfield Patent. 341, 344. 345, 346.
Burning of jail. Delaware county. 258.
of steamer Sir Robert Peel. 860.
springs, 208, 213, 214, 267, 491, 499,
691.
Burr. Aaron. 404.
Busti. Paul. 22
Butler. CI. John. 409. 41". 411. 415.
Walter N.. 347,409, 410, 411.415,531.
Butler'- P * nt. 317, 605.
I'.utt and Hinge manufactory, 166
Buttermilk Channel, 41J.
Fall-
P.utt-r. product by counties, 106.
Bvrne's Patent, 605, 682.
Cabinet Making shops, by counties. 109.
Cabinet Ware manufactory, 203, 286, 368,
. 402, 514. 515. 522, 523, 598, 618.
Cabinet of Natural History, 125,126.
ireous tufa. 391. 717.
. 161.
c Printing, 2
Oamhri !_ 'SO.
Camd'-n Tract, •
Campb-ir- Patent, 079
Camph'-n'' manufactory, •
Canada.-' :ist, 246, 311,358.
32.
Canad-i. fortifications in, 45.
Canadian Hinfl'ti 119.
raflwart ilr'.
trade, U7, 118.
Canal Ap] I
1. River, history of, 60, 61.
I
Oavug-i * BfPf*, history of, 62.
Ch-
Ch " >ry of, 60, 61.
Commi«ioner*. M. 59.
'
CT"
Dels* .- I n .02,506.
Department Auditor of, 64.
dist
enlsrcnvnt. ■"•'
1
.1. 389, 482, 484,
_ . 024, 645, 671.
Fund. 54.
general n I
Genesee Valley, history I
hydraulic, 859, 454, 465, 484. 524. 693,
'637 ■
Manhattan Island, 418.
natural. 575.
•)neida Lake, history of, 61.
Canal Oswego, history of, 61, 62.
reservoirs, 60, 61, 173. 3S9, 390, 393.
statistics, 55, 56, 57, 58.
structures. 5S.
tolls, 56, 57.
Canals, notices of. 156, 169, 171, 173, 179,
186, 187, 193, 198, 201, 203, 218,220,
221, 224, 226, 228, 230, 279, 280, 288,
293, 330, 341, 346, 375, 3S1, 384, 385,
3*7,388, 395, 397, 398, 401, 402, 403,
404, 407, 413, 420. 449. 451, 452, 455,
459, 466, 468, 469, 475, 482, 484, 488,
4-89, 492. 502, 491, 512, 513, 514, 515,
518, 520, 523, 524, 526, 574, 581, 585,
587, 593, 598, 609, 610, 611, 614, 617,
642, 624, 654, 6S9, 690, 691, 693, 714,
71S.
Canastota Tract, 47, 3S9.
Capital, State, 26, 27.
Car manufactory, 286, 395, 509, 571.
Wheel manufactory, 160, 273, 2S6, 509.
Mills. 462. 516, 60S, 694, 695.
Carding Machines introduced, 683.
Card manufactory, 199.
Carillon Fort, 29S.
Carleton, Major, 300.
Caroline steamer destroyed, 453.
Carpenters, by counties, 109, 152.
Carpet Bag manufactory, 510.
Carpet manufactory. 199, 244, 275, 402, 407,
411. 468. 549, 686, 695, 707.
Carriage manufactory, 109, 160, 166, 228,
229, 237, 255, 275, 286, 346. 368, 399,
401. 402, 405, 411, 419, 463, 4S4, 487,
494. 496, 522, 548, 561, 575, 598, 657,
658, 6S3, 716.
Cartridge manufactory, 549.
Cary, Trumbull, and others, purchase by,
210.
Cascades. 20, 21, 22, 165, 203, 210, 227,
235, 239, 253, 255, 271, 300, 305, 310,
312. 320, 324, 326, 328, 333, 346, 352,
355, 360, 361, 374, 376, 377, 379, 3S3,
. 390, 395, 401, 402, 419, 467. 474,
484, 486. 487, 505, 508, 514, 515, 517,
521, 523. 524, 526, 527, 532, 558, 560,
572, 579, 593, 597, 604, 605, 609, 611,
613, 616, 617, 618, 646, 654, 656, 657,
658, 664, 670, 674, 675, 715.
Cases before Court of Sessions, N.Y., 421.
Cassiltown Manor, 564.
Castle Garden, 117, 427.
Castles of the Mohawks, 408.
Catholic Schools, New York, 431. See
Roman Catholics.
Catskill Mountain House, 333.
Patent, 332.
Cattle market, 427.
statistics by counties, 106.
trade, 428.
Caughnawaga Indians 408.
Caves, 26. 155, 162, 163, 164, 302, 328, 351,
356, 360, 361, 362, 393. 416, 482, 570,
600, 604, 606, 607, 666, 674, 675, 684.
Cayuga Bridge, 199. 200.
Marshes, 63,474.
C.iz'novc. TheophflUB, 322.
Cement manufactury. — See Wabrlime.
Central American .Educational Society,
1 16.
Asylum for Deaf and Dumb. 412.
Park, New York, 44, 423, 424.
Chain across the Hudson, 504, 505, 508,
609,642.
Lake Champlain, at Ticondcroga, 299.
Oiain Cable manufactory, 681.
Chair manufsu tary, 276, 282, 286, 343, 402,
462, 487, 527, 610.
Cliaml>er of Commerce, 116, 436.
Chambers, Thomas, 661, 662, 664.
Chambh CanaL 119.
Champlain Lake, 297.
grants on. 298.
Champlain, BamueL 288, 297. 477. MO.
Chandl.ri.-. -. 119,563,667.
• Fort Harbor, 418.
Chapel, Onsen Anne's, 418.
Charitable societies, 144, 247, 287, 403, 433,
434. 561.
Char- .370,431.
in, grant to a New York
church. I
Chart' -r«. New Vert City, 418, 438.
to academies, 127.
Chaoe. I:, v. Philander, 265.
Chasm. remarkable, in Clinton CO., 238.
in Lewis co., 378.
Chassanis, Peter, Purchase, 353, 375, 377.
Cheesebox manufactory, 343, 347, 348.
Cheesecock's Patent, 503, 508, 56S.
Cheese manufactory, 175, 416, 537.
product of, by counties, 107.
Chemical works. See Laboratories.
Chenango Tract, 47. ,
Triangle. 224.
Twenty Towns, 52, 224, 3S9.
Cherry YaUey massacre, 410, 531.
Patent, 532.
Chevaux de frise, 542.
Children's Aid Society, 370, 403, 434.
Hospital, 432.
Chinese, early trade with, 162.
Cholera, 308.
Christian Association, 146.
Connexion, 140.
Unions, 146, 147.
Cryslers Field, 311.
Churches, general article on, 139 to 144.
New York, 434, 435.
Church, John B., and Philip, 169.
property controversy, 287.
Tract, 321.
Cider, product by counties, 105
Cigar manufactories. See Tobacco.
Cincinnati. Society of, 434.
Ciscoes, fishery of, 359
Cities, officers of, 31.
City Courts, 34.
Halls, 156, 160, 246, 275, 365, 369,403,
423, 436, 468, 4SS, 524.
Inspector's Department, N. Y., 427.
Park. Brooklyn, 369.
Railroads, 367, 368, 429.
Schools, 160, 199, 246, 275. 286, 369, 403,
429, 430, 468, 488, 524, 560, 598.
Clark, Rev. Thomas, 685, 686.
Willis and Lewis G., 486.
Clarke, Miss Sara J.. 4S7.
Claus, Colonel Daniel, 315, 409, 412.
Clearances on Northern lakes, 118.
Clearing-House Association, N. Y., 436.
Clendening Valley Aqueduct, 424.
Clergymen, number by counties, 151.
property of, exempt from taxes, 48.
Clerks' offices. See County Buildings.
Clermont, steamboat, 162. 521.
Clifton Park Patent, 5S5, 587.
Mine, 572.
Clinton. Charles. 510.
College, Fairfield. 343.
Clinton, De Witt, 58, 59, 102, 481, 506, 549.
George, 274. 276.
Sir Henry, 504, 664, 699.
General James, 410, 412, 531, 536.
Prison, 41, 238
Purchase. 224.
Township. 47.
Clock manufactory, 638.
Clover mill. 350.
Cloves of the Catskills, 329, 334.
Coachmakers, number by counties, 151.
Coal formations. 329, 619.
mining for, 178, 407.
Oil manufactory. 367.
trad.-. 2Jo. 4sS, 618, 624, 655, 657, 661,
61 j. 863, r.64.
Coasting trade, statistics of, 115, 116.
Coast Survey, 23, 121.
Coffee and Bplce manufactory, 368.
Coldcu. Oadwallader, 508, 546.
Tract. 341, 343, 344, 345, 348.
Collar and Bosom manufactory, 657.
Collection districts, coasting trade by, 115.
general article on. 111.
Northern frontier, 11", 118.
ship building by, 115
tonnage by, 112.
C. IWioni on canals, 54.
Collect Pond, N. Y., 418.
Colleges, general article upon, 125.
notices of, 48. 125, 126, 160, 161, 188,
220, 252, 343, 384, 391, 403, 419, 430,
431, 455, 464, 498, 546, 560, 564, 675,
598, 610, 616, 657, 707.
tabular list and statistics of, 126, 127
Colonial history, 125.
Colonization Society, 146.
Colored Home. 425, 426.
schools, 136.
statistics of, by counties, 150.
Color manufactory, 272, 373.
Comb manufactory, 272, 286.
Commerce, foreign. Ill, 112, 113, 114, 115,
162, 247, 367, 418, 436, 438, 639.
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Commerce, lake, 118, 119, 203, 214, 237, 239,
280, 285, 352, 395, 399, 402, 403, 452,
517, 518, 520, 524, 525, 580, 582, 657.
river, 156, 246, 268, 274, 276, 285, 330,
332, 502, 509, 561, 5S0, 581, 620, 652,
661, 662, 663, 664, 666, 699.
Commercial colleges, 287, 431, 489.
Commissioners of Canal Fund, 54.
for taking acknowledgment of aeeds,
35.
of Emigration, 117, 419, 420, 427, 549.
of Excise, 36.
of Health, 116.
of Highways, 39.
of Land Office, 46, 53.
Common Councils of cities, 31, 420.
Communities, 293, 405.
Comptroller, 32.
Confectioneries, 286.
Congregational Churches, 140.
Methodist Church, 140.
Congress, Continental, 565.
first meeting in New York, 438.
first Colonial, 162.
Connecticut Tract, 321, 513.
Constable's Towns, 375.
Contracting Board, 54.
Contributions to aid Schenectady, 599.
Controversy in Dutch Church, 275.
Convention for adopting U. S. Const., 276.
Hartford, 48, 52.
Hempstead, 544, 545.
Kingston, 664.
Provincial, 269, 272, 276.
Conventions at Syracuse, 488.
Convents, 419, 431, 434, 701.
Convictions, statistics of, 36, 421.
Cooper Institute, 435.
Cooper, J. Fenimore, 536.
Cooperages, 2S6, 514, 691.
Coopers, number by counties, 151.
Copperas, 305.
manufactory, 575.
Copper coinage, 509.
ores, 25, 267, 340, 575, 577, 579, 660, 704.
Corn, statistics of, 101, 104.
Cornplanter, an Indian chief, 410, 414.
Cornwall county, 18.
Coroners, 35, 427.
Cortland Manor, 705, 706, 708.
Corporations, general article on, 80.
Cosby's Manor and Patent, 341, 344, 348,
469.
Cotringer Tract, 321.
Cotton manufactory, 110, 166, 216, 228,
241, 247, 248, 253, 271, 274, 276, 293,
334, 346, 347, 348, 352, 356, 360, 362,
368, 402, 464, 465, 466, 468, 471, 504,
509, 510, 525, 527, 532, 533, 534, 535,
536, 538, 554, 556, 558, 559, 560, 561,
569, 571, 584, 590, 591, 598, 605, 634,
638, 662, 666, 682.
Councils, Indian, 322, 344, 414.
Council of Appointment, 31.
of Revision, 31.
of Safety, 601.
Country Roads, Suffolk co., 632.'
Country seats, 272, 275, 276, 664, 696, 703,
704, 707, 708.
County buildings, 156, 160, 168, 179, 186,
198, 208, 218, 223, 232, 241, 251, 258,
268, 280, 297, 307, 314, 320, 330, 337,
341, 352, 365, 375, 381, 388, 396, 407,
451, 458, 475, 492, 502, 512, 518, 530,
540, 544, 553, 563, 568, 573, 584, 595,
600, 609, 614, 620, 632, 642, 649, 654,
661, 671, 678, 689, 697, 710, 717.
Clerk, 35.
courts, 34.
Superintendent, 137.
Treasurer, 36.
Courts of admiralty, 117.
of Appeals, 33.
for Trial of Impeachments, 33.
New York City, 428.
of oyer and terminer, 35.
of sessions, 35.
State, 33.
United States, 33.
of Wiltwyck, ancient, 663.
Courtenay, E. H., 368.
Coverlet manufactory, 695.
Cowbell manufactory, 283.
Cowboys, 333, 698.
Cowen, Eseck., 592.
Cows, number by counties, 106.
Craigie Tract, 321.
Cranberry swamp, 528, 618.
Cratean lakes, Onon. co., 26, 474, 482, 484.
Cricket grounds, 423.
Crime of New York City, 421.
Criminal convictions, 35, 36.
courts, 35.
statistics, 425.
Crosby, Enoch, 541.
Croton Aqueduct, 418, 422, 424, 697, 706,
707, 708.
Yalley surveyed, 424.
Crown Point, fort at, 297, 298, 299, 673.
Crumhorn Mountain Tract, 125.
Crystal palace, 423, 424.
Cuck, George, a tory, 414.
Cumberland Bay, naval victory in, 234.
Currents of rivers reversed, 304, 579.
Customhouses, 119, 120, 239, 247, 286, 355,
356, 436, 524, 580, 638.
Cutlery manufactory, 246, 508.
Dairying, product of. See Acres, dc.
Dakin Ore Bed, 273.
D'Alainville, seigniory of, 298
Dam, State, 678.
Deaf and dumb, statistics by counties, 150.
Asylum, 419, 432, 433.
Deane's Patent, 48, 235, 471.
Deaths, New York, totals, 428.
of Holland Co. proprietors, 322.
De Bruyn, John Hendrick, Patent of, 247.
Debt of N. Y. to U. S., Revolutionary, 45.
Debtors, imprisoned, 42.
De Courcelles, expedition of, 408.
Deep Spring, so called, 484.
Deeds, acknowledgment of, 35.
Degrees conferred by Regents, 125.
De Lancey's corps, 551.
De Lancey, James, 701, 705.
Patent of, 413.
De la Barre's expedition, 358.
Delaware & Hudson Canal, 63, 642, 661,
662, 664, 666, 668.
Delliu's Patent, 682.
De Nonville, expedition of, 493, 499.
Dentists' Gold manufactory, 368.
Denton, Rev. Richard, 547.
Depots, 403, 561.
Deserters executed, 412, 536.
De Tracy's expedition, 408.
De Veaux, Samuel, 455.
Devendorf, Jacob, scalped, 416.
Devil's Hole, event at, 452, 453.
De Yries, D. P., 564.
Dewitt, Simeon, 58, 657.
Die manufactory, 593.
Dieskau, Baron, 298, 671, 672.
Dikes, 677.
Diluvial valleys, 361.
Dioceses of New York, 142, 143.
Dionondahowa Falls, 680, 683.
Disciples of Christ, 140.
Dise's Manor, 604.
Dispensaries, 2S7, 370, 432.
Distances by canals, 59 to 64.
by railroads, 66 to 73.
Distilleries, 160, 198, 199, 201, 213, 214,
286, 344, 367, 368, 384, 385, 391, 398,
401, 406, 454, 462, 467, 483, 484, 4S7,
497, 515, 535, 561, 593, 617, 618, 691,
693, 699.
Distributing post offices, 123, 652.
District attorneys, 35.
libraries, 135.
school meetings, 135.
Districts, aldermanic, 420.
Assembly, 28.
collection. See Customhouses.
judicial, 33, 34.
military, 43.
Senatorial, 28.
of Tryon co., early, 409.
Divisions, Colonial, Dutchess co., 269.
Docks, 367.
Dolomite, 41, 267, 699.
Domestic manufactures by counties. See
Acres, d-c.
Dongan, Governor, 564.
Dover Stone Church, so called, 271.
Door factory, 188.
Dorfs of Palatinates, 601.
Downie, Commodore, 234.
Downing, A. J., 708.
Doxtader, Tory, 411, 4i6, 602, 607.
Dressmakers, number by counties, 151.
Drouth, 352.
Drowned Lands, 501, 506, 507, 510, 511.
Drug manufactory, 275.
Dry docks, 45, 368, 618.
Dry goods, statistics of, 113.
Duane, Colonel, 410.
Dubois, Bishop, school founded by, 300.
Colonel, 410.
Dudley Observatory, 161.
Duel, 358.
Duervillo Patent, 235.
Duke of Gloucester, 574.
Dukes county, 18.
Dutch, policy of, toward Indians, 408.
settlements by, 306, 408, 437, 503, 601,
663, 667.
Duties on salt, 54.
Duties, receipts from, 111, 113, 114.
Dwelliugs, number and kind of, 108.
Dwight, Francis, 137.
Dyed Stuffs manufactory, 373, 563.
works, 293, 465, 5(?5, 706.
Earl of Moira, 574.
Earthen Ware manufactory, 198, 286, 499,
668.
Easton's Patent, 466.
Eaton, Amos, 24.
Ebenezer Society, 293
Edge Tool manufactory, 166, 235, 286, 300,
347, 393, 395, 402, 486, 590.
Edict of Nantes, Revocation of, 269, 564.
Edmeston, Col., 533.
Elections, New York, 420.
canvass of, 30.
Inspectors of, 40.
military, 44.
Electors, census of, 31.
Elephant, fossil remains of, 163.
Elevations above tide, 19 to 22.
Delaware co., 257.
Steuben co., 619.
"Washington co., 677.
Elevators, 293, 356, 399, 525.
Eleven Towns on Black River, so called,
353, 355, 357, 358, 361. 362, 375.
Elias. officers of the ship, 564.
Elk, domestication of, 192.
Ellicott, Joseph, 322.
Embargo, 233, 247, 356, 357, 643.
Emery manufactory, 546.
Emigration. See Commissioners of Emi-
gration.
Emigrant homes, 427.
Emmons, E., analysis by, 324.
geologist of Second District, 24.
Encroachment upon N. Y. Harbor, 46.
Endowment of Union College, 598.
Engineers, Canal, 54.
English conquest, 438.
Engraving, 286.
Entries of vessels at New York, 112.
Epidemic, 361, 579.
Erie Canal. See Canals.
Basin, 284.
Escheats, 48.
Esopus, enemy advance to, 504.
Evacuation Day, 437, 438.
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140.
Evans, David E., 322.
Evan's Patent, 503.
Evans, William, bequest of, 393.
Evening schools, 430.
Exchange building, 160.
Excise, Commissioners of, 36.
Executive Department, N. Y. City, 420.
State, 19.
Expeditions against Canada. See Canada.
Exports, Canadian, 118.
total New York, since 1701, 112, 114.
Eye and Ear Infirmaries, 370, 432.
Fairs, Colonial, 101.
State, and other, 102, 269, 706.
Fall Hill Patent, 341, 343, 346.
Families, number of, by counties. See
Acres, d-c.
Fancy Goods manufactory, 455.
Fanning Mill manufactory. 618, 691, 692.
Farms, number of, by counties, 108, 151.
Farrett, James, agent of Earl of Stirling,
633, 635. 637, 639.
Federalist (the) newspaper articles, 276.
Feldspar, 267, 671, 674.
Females, Asylum for, 433, 4S8.
Female Guardian Society, 433.
Seminaries. See Academies.
Ferries, general act, and list of. 82.
notices of. 200, 245, 249, 271, 272, 275,
276, 277, 356, 367, 420, 428, 450, 509.
546, 555, 503, 570, 580, 636, 664, 666
699, 700, 704.
10
INDEX OF SUBJECTS,
Fertilizers, 631.
Feudal privileges, 212.
Fever, 425.
Field notes of Holland Land Co.. 322.
File manufactory. 271. 275. 510. 571.
Fillmore. Millar 2 2 . 283.
Finance Department New York City, 420.
Fire arms first known to Indians in Xew
York. - :.
Fir..- Brick manufactory, 26, 468, 563, 567,
69 >.
Department-. 27". 369, 422. 421. 424.
destructive, S3, 162, 362, 438, 46S, 561,
575, 503. 652. 682.
Engine manufactory, 402, 593, 61".
436.
Wardens, 423.
in the woods. 631.
nan Hanoi J. 638, 639.
pn serration of, 124.
Fisher, Col. Frederick. 415.
Fisheries. Is. 46. 124. 232, 247. 357. 359,
427. 620, 544, 550, 632, 634, 636, 637,
641. 7>il.
Fitch. Dr. Asa. 27.
John. 82, 418.
Five Dutch Towns of Kings CO., 366.
Flagg. Axariafa C. 137.
Flagging Stone, 26, 197, 204. 205, 228, 2
2,881 . 149, 464, 491,512,
615. 581. 660. 663. 664, 666, 717.
Flax culture. 655, 558 •
statistic* of lint and seed, by cos., 106.
niiii- .569.
Floating battery, 45.
Flour manufactory, 160, 169, 17o. 172. 173.
17 ,193, 194, 199,202, 2 3, - '5.211.
212. 213. 214. 21>',. 22 - 222,226,
238,24 248, - 271, -"- 273, 274.
276, 2 24,82 .- ■
362. - 395,400,401,402,
405, 406, 413. 454. 465, H B, 481, 4-2.
4-1. 497, 514. 516, 518, 52 I, 521, .".22.
524. 525. 527. 528, 534, 536, 537. 538,
10,611, 612, '".17.
61v 23,625, 1. 651.
75, - 683, 685,
.712.713,715.
r culture, 548, 549.
l William. 463, 471, 634.
aw, 415.
BtOlman, 271.
-'.. Edwin, "
H. 31 6. 342, 347. 348, 540,
541, 602, €98. 700, 702, 704, 708.
238,239 210.297,349,360,
-. 504, 508, 582, 681, 686,
F.rk manufactory, 229, 390, 416, 487, 535,
■
.1 notice of, 45.
, 1 r r 1 i - 1 ■ • r
522.
Clinton.
15.
(ii»
Hr
II o • . H7.
Hunter, 108, 413.
Ind'
119.
! ■
I
Miller, 591.
Honl \ 45, 237, 603, 5
Plain. 410, 414.
Putnam, 504, 505.
Richmond,
.410, 461, 4671 469. 686,
•
l'U. 407.
BulUvan,
Tompkins. 565.
419.
William Henry
Forts. Canadian, 45.
notices of. 45.156.157. 162, 163, 166. 206,
219, 220, 221. 237, 264. 274, 275. 277,
286, 297, 298, 299, 301, 304, 305, 327,
342, 344, 353, 356, 358, 373, 393, 408,
409, 110. 412, 413, 414,415, 416, 417,
419, 437. 452, 453, 460, 461, 467, 469,
473, 499. 503. 504. 505. 519, 525, 542.
546, 551, 559, 564, 565, 569, 574, 596,
598, 599, 601, 602, 604, 605, 634, 664,
673, 679, 681, 682, 700, 707.
Forty Thousand Acre Tract, 321.
Founderies. 160. ISO. 193. 2ol, 206. 227. 237,
239, 240. 244, 246, 248, 272. 277,' 286,
344. 356, 367, 391, 400, 401, 405. 454,
465. 466, 470, 4S4. 4S7, 488,506, 509,
510. 515, 521, 525, 533, 534, 535, 536,
542, .'.40. 556, 557, 55S, 569, 570, 591,
16, 007,610, 611, 615'.
617. 61 S. 622. 625, 627, 647.656, 657,
694, 702, 705, 707, 7o8, 715.
Fountain-. 362, 423.
Fowling. 544. 634.
Fox, George, 546.
Hull Manor. 40, 662, 663.
Franci-can College, 188.
Franklin Institute. Syracuse, 489.
Frauds. 808, 311, 362.
Free Academy, New York, 429, 430.
Freeholders, number of. See Acres, <£c.
Free Masons, 147.
- li ola, 137, 138,701,708.
Freestone, 568, 570.
French cede Canada to Great Britain, 299.
colonization, 353.
colonies, 224.
defeat of. 409.
fortifications, 297, 519.
grants on Lake Champlain, 233, 298.
missions, 477, 5S0.
1 i>t-. -■■-.
Protestants, 371. 546.
settlements, 264, 301, 363, 375, 376,
377, 378, 454, 477, 478, 546.
surrender, 574.
traces of. 457. 477, 4S2.
Tract, 224.
War. See War, French.
Freshets, 157. 162, 105, 302, 329, 558, 613,
644, 682. 683.
Friends, 142, 360.
cemetery, 371.
mission established by, 187, 195.
Frigates on Lake Ontario, 358.
Frisnell's Patent, 50.
Frontiers, 297.
Frontenac. expedition of, 408, 478.
Fort, 519.
Fruit culture. 198, 205, 327, 395, 402, 456,
464, 4-81, 497, 512, 546, 569, 570, 609,
661, 662, o--. 6S'.i. 606. 703, 706.
Fur Company. North Western, 525.
dressing. 368,
trade. 232;
Fulton, Robert, 83.
Funds, lands belonging to, 46. 47.
Furnaces, 109, 195, 198, 202. 211.212. 214.
226, 228, 235,288,244,245,247,270,
27:;. 2-2. 289,291,298,826, 856
:;o-. :;-2. 388, 386, 386,890,898, ! 98,
I, loo, 402, 401;. 40S,462, 400.471,
484,608, 514, 516, 62 77, 667,
682. 690, 691, 692, 698, 695.
Furniture, 109, 2-m* 20l.:',o2.;;os, 402, 488,
614,615,
makers, by OOUnti
Gage's Patent. 50.
Game, proti ction of, 30.
Gananoqui, expedition against, 864,
roort, OoL Peter, 401. 47s. 014.
Qardi an Trai t. 711.
ning. lol. •<■ .'.ol. 544.546,
547, 1,696,706.
Onrd.-n Seeds, 211. 213.686.
Gardner, Lyon, 636, 038.
k, John Christian, 409.
(iari
Gaslight mmiifactory, 80, 317, 368, 421.
. 093.
springs. 26. 186, 203, 208. 213, 214, 230.
2, 491,
490. 07,616,691.720.
Gnt<- rights, ho called. 550.
Gauntl-t. running "f the, 452.
rd, Willis, 486.
479, 483.
George, 63, 474, 482.
General Assembly, 698.
Court, 635, 640.
Genesee Falls Portage, 386, 710.
Tariff, 322.
Genet, Edmund C, 555.
Geographical and Statistical Society, 436.
Geological survey, 24.
Hall. 27, 160.
George III, statue of, 423. 438.
German Mats. 342, 344, 410.
Methodists. 141.
Ghent, treaty of, 18.
Gibbs, the pirate. 419.
GiUiland, William, 299, 300, 301, 305.
Ginseng trade, 415, 469.
Glass manufactory, 164, 240, 291, 355, 368,
462, 470, 517, 521, 549, 55S, 589. 641,
644, 668. 691.
Glebes, 344, 566, 571, 607, 699.
Glen's Purchase, 341, 343, 345, 346, 585.
Glove and Mitten manufactory. 286, 311,
314, 317, 318.
Glue manufactory, 286, 368, 398.
Goat Island, 455.
Gold Beating, 286.
Gold Pen manufactory, 368.
Gold and Silver Refining, 368-
Gore Tracts, 224, 263, 690.
Gospel and School Lands, 47, 135, 250, 574.
Governor, powers, qualifications, &c, 31.
Governors Island, forts on, 419.
Purchase. See Chenango.
Grain, amount by towns. See Acres, &c.
cradle manufactory, 484, 510.
destroyed, 264.
excellence of the several counties in,
101.
trade. Buffalo, 285.
Grand Island Tract, 290.
Granger, Gideon, 495.
Grape culture, 101, 497, 628, 699.
Graphite. 26. 267, 297, 300, 301, 302. 303,
304, 337, 338, 340, 540, 670, 671, 685.
Grass Seed, Sullivan CO., 641.
Great Nine Partners' Tract, 269, 277.
Green, Col., 708.
Griffin, first vessel on upper lakes. 452. 455.
Grindstone manufactory, 168, 223. 471.
Gristmills, number by counties, 109.
See Flour manufactory.
Grocers, number by counties, 152.
Guano manufactory. 637, 639.
Gun manufactory, 246, 286, 699.
barrel manufactory, 655.
Gunpowder explosion, 489.
Guthrie, Dr. Samuel, 359.
1 in 1 la l'ercha Belting manufactory, 549.
Guy Park, 412.
Gypsum, 26. 110, 197, 203. 320. 326, 340, 388,
392, 393, 394, 395, 398, 406, 45S, 469,
473, 480, 481, 482, 484, 485, 491, 497,
613, 614, 617, 688, 690.
Haile, Gon., 577.
Haldeman, Gen., 300.
Half-Moon Patent, 5S5.
Point, 593.
Orphan Asylum, x. Y., 433.
Hall, James, Pali tologiat and Geologist
of tin- Fourth District, 24.
Hall. X. K., 283.
Hall ol Records X. Y., 423, 437.
Halls of Justice V V.. 426, 437.
Hame manufactory) 229.
Hamilton. Al.-xan.'l.-r. 125. 270.
College Telescope, 892.
Hammer manufactory, 228.
Hammond, .lain-/ D., 137.
Hampton, Gen. Wade, 234,310.
Harbor at Black Rock, 288.
Buffalo, 284.
in. nt X. Y., 46, 418.
Hill. Roslyn, 560.
masters, 116.
N.-w V,.rk. 418.
Harbors on the lakes, 22.
Hardenburgfa Patent, 258, 331. 600. 663.
Hardware manufactory, 216, 286, 471, 488.
Harlem Canal, 41s.
Harness manufactory, by counties, 109.
Harper Patent, 50, 224.
Harper. Col.. 316,410, 624.
Robert, 226.
Harperstield burned. 410.
Harrisoft; Charles, 349.
Harrison's l'atent. 50.
Hartford Convention. 18, 180.
Hartman, John A., 345.
INDEX OP SUBJECTS.
11
Ilartwiek Patent, 633.
ilasenclever's Patent, 341, 345, 348.
Hat manufactory, 100, 198, 247, 286, 368,
510, 707.
by counties, 109.
Hawley, Gideon, 137, 005.
Jesse, 58.
Hay, 101, 103, 241, 331, 3.32, 547, 554, 605.
product by counties, 104.
Head Quarters of Washington, Newburgh,
500.
Health Commissioner, 428.
Officer, 110, 428.
Public, 110, 427, 428.
Heathcote, Caleb, 701, 702, 703.
Height of mountains, table of, 19.
lakes and rivers, 20, 22.
Hellgate, 548, 549.
Henderson's Patent, 341, 348.
Hendrick, King, 298, 343, 671.
Hennepin, Father, 452, 455.
Henry Clay steamer burned, 70S.
Herkimer, Gen. N., 264, 343, 345, 409, 410,
461, 538.
High Bridge, 424, 707.
High Falls on Black River, 379.
Highlanders, Scotch, 316.
Highlands of the Hudson, 501, 542.
High Rock Spring, Saratoga, 592.
Highways, 39.
Historical Society N. Y., 435.
Hoe manufactory, 200, 229, 390, 537, 557,
571, 575, 590.
Hoffman, aged 118, 269.
Holland Land Co., 52, 169, 187, 210, 2S0,
288, 321, 322, 452, 468, 515, 516.
agent of, 322, 390.
co. buildings erected by, 320.
names of members, 321.
Patent, 467.
Purchase, 280, 468, 513.
Holley, Myron, 59.
lome Association, 488.
Home Missions, 146.
Homeopathic Medical Societies, 149.
Homestead exemption, 48.
Honey, product by counties, 106.
' Hoosick Patent, 556.
Hop culture, 101, 223, 230, 340, 388, 412,
414, 45S, 530, 537, 600, 603, 600, 007
Hops, product by counties, 105.
Horse mill, 373.
races, colonial. 546.
Rake manufactory, 716.
Shoe manufactory, 235, 300.
Horses, association for improving breed of,
83.
killed by Sullivan, 221.
statistics of, by counties, 107.
Horticultural Society, Brooklyn, 370.
Hosiery manufactory, 160, 561, 617.
Hospitals, 120, 161, 287, 356, 365, 368, 370,
404, 419, 420, 425, 426, 427, 432, 505,
524, 555, 561, 565, 702.
House of Industry, 433, 434.
of Refuge, 42, 404, 420, 425.
Lord, death of, 298.
Huddlestone executed as a spy, 276.
Hudson, Hendrick, 156, 437, 559, 564.
Huguenot settlements, 269, 503, 564, 661,
663, 665, 703.
Hunter Lodges, 354.
Road, 042.
grounds, 232, 636.
Huntersfield Patent, 607.
Hurley Patent, 663.
Hutchinson, Mrs. Anne, 704, 705.
Hypersthene rock, 296, 346.
Ice, 162, 180, 365, 419, 484, 569, 663, 703.
Idiotic, statistics of, by counties, 150.
Asylum for the, 483, 488.
Illiterate, statistics of, by counties, 150.
Immigration, general statistics of, 122.
Impeachment, 33.
Imports, Canadian, 118.
total, since 1700, 112, 114.
Inclined planes on rail roads, 67.
Independence, Declaration of, 244, 697.
Independent Order of Odd F'ellows, 149.
India Rubber manufactory, 419, 546, 708.
Indian antiquities, 180, 181, 188, 194, 200,
202, 203, 206, 220, 253, 260, 204, 283,
293, 327, 355, 358, 359, 360, 361, 393,
412, 414, 453, 458, 482, 493, 494, 498,
499, 513, 516, 534, 651, 559, 588, 593,
605, 616, 643, 644, 679, 704, 705.
Indian disguise worn by anti-renters, 258.
hung for murder, 198.
invasions, 105, ISO, 210, 200, 202, 264,
297, 331. 334, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346,
347, 349, 372, 408, 410, 411, 412, 414,
415, 416, 417, 401, 407, 477. 493, On:;,
531, 533, 535, 504, 590, 597, 002, 604,
607, 608, 642, 661, 662,, 064 60s, 679,
705, 708.
Indian Purchases, 46, 48, ISO, 187, 224,
233,242, 243. 25S, 201, 270, 322, 332,
389, 394, 398, 437, 478, 499, 54.",. 551,
696, 634, 635, 038, 639, 698, 700, 701,
703, 705, 707, 708.
reservations, 48, 53, 187, 280, 308,309,
311, 322, 324, 327, 353, 382, 384, 385,
389, 393, 452, 462, 409, 478, 483, 485,
680.
Pass 303
settlements, 180, 187, 210, 274, 287,
308, 322, 382, 3S9, 393, 408, 415, 452,
458, 465, 473, 476, 4S3, 493, 495, 498,
499, 557, 559, 574, 5S0, 601, 632, 633,
637, 638, 655, 678.
statistics, 151.
trade, 157, 162, 415, 452, 4S5, 682.
tradition of, 458, 477, 482, 493.
tribes on Long Island, 632, 634
Indians at Montauk, 635.
Industrial schools, 161, 370, 404.
Inebriate Asylum, ISO.
Infirmaries, 370.
Ink manufactory, 593.
Inland Steam Nav. Companies, list of, 82.
Iuman's Triangle, 375.
Inn Keepers, by counties, 152.
Insane, statistics of, by counties, 150.
statistics of, 469.
See Lunatic Asylum.
Insects in grain, 320.
Inspection of steamboats, 115.
of vessels, 42S.
Inspector, City, 427.
Insurance companies, 81, S3, 436.
obsolete, list, 85 to S9.
rates lowered by Croton, 424.
Intermitting spring, 310.
Invasions, hostile, 180, 209, 232, 234, 236,
260, 262, 264, 280, 288, 290, 297, 299,
308, 310, 311, 312, 316, 331, 334, 342,
344, 345, 346, 347, 349, 354, 355, 356,
358, 359, 365, 372, 404, 408, 410, 411,
412, 413, 414, 415, 410, 417, 452, 460,
461, 467, 477, 478, 503, 504, 513, 519,
525, 531, 554, 556, 564, 569, 574, 57S,
579, 5S0, 587, 596, 597, 599, 602, 604,
607, 608, 624, 633, 634, 639, 642, 643,
661, 662, 671, 679, 681, 682, 694.
Iron bridge, 407.
manufactory, 41, 110, 166, 220, 232, 235,
236, 238, 241, 243, 245, 246, 261, 270,
271, 273, 275, 276, 2S6, 296, 297, 300,
301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 310, 349, 352,
360, 361, 302, 363, 395, 419, 462, 404,
471, 501, 508, 510, 521, 533, 535, 549,
561, 573, 575, 577, 579, 580, 582, 617,
652, 666, 668, 681, 699.
ores, 19, 21, 25, 155, 105, 186, 21S, 232,
235, 236, 237, 241, 243, 245, 207, 270,
271, 273, 277, 296, 297, 300, 301, 802,
303, 304, 305, 307, 310, 311, 312, 337,
348, 349, 352, 355, 360, 361, 374, 376,
377, 378, 388, 392, 395, 458, 464, 470,
471, 501, 517, 521, 528, 540, 542, 543,
563, 572, 575, 577, 581, 582. 589, 600,
670, 674, 675, 6S0, 692, 693, 695, 717.
Iron sand, 297, 340, 349, 374.
Ives, L. S., 380.
Ivory Black manufactory, 368, 563.
Jail limits, Jefferson co., 352.
Jails. See County Buildings.
Japanned Cloth manufactory, 368.
Ware manufactory, 286.
Jay Ore Bed, 581.
Treaty, 519.
Jemison, Mary, the white woman. 711, 712.
Jersey City, relations with New York, 429.
Jerseyfield Patent, 341, 347, 348.
Jervis, John B., 423.
Jesuit missions, 408, 415, 477, 519.
Jews, attempt to collect, 290.
Jogues, Father, 435, 477.
Johnson Hall, 316, 318, 409.
Guy, 315, 341, 346, 409, 412.
Sir John, 300, 315, 316, 409, 410, 413,
415, 602, 605.
Johnson, Sir William, 298, 816, 317. 318,
848, 348, 409, 412, 452, 512. 592, 071,
072.
Indian children of, 315, 348.
Johnston, Bill, 860,
Joncaire, , French adv< nturer, 452.
Jones, Samuel, charity fund, 549.
Judicial Department, ','■',. 428.
districts, 34.
Julia, encounter of the -< hooner, 574.
Junction Canal Company, 21S.
Jurisdiction, is, :;:;. 34, 418.
Justices' courts, 34.
Juvenile delinquents, 42, 420.
Asylum, 433.
Kakiate Patent, 568.
Kane brothers, 412. 409.
Kaolin, 301, 675, 567.
Kast's Patent, 341, 348.
Kayaderosseras Patent, 585, 587.
Kidd, William, the pirate, 570
Kinderhook Patent, 247.
Kingsborough Patent, 317, 318.
Kingsbury Patent, 0S5.
King's College. See Columbia College.
King's District, 241, 243.
King's Ferry, 569, 699.
King's Garden. 356.
Kirkland, Rev. Samuel. 461, 464, 485, 499
Kirkwood, James P., 369.
Klock's Field, battle of, 410, 417.
Knapp, Uzal, 509.
Knitting mills, 166. 558, 590.
Kortright Patent, 202.
Kosciusko, Thaddeus, 504, 586.
Laboratories, 248, 368, 419, 464, 505, 549.
Laborers, number by counties, 152.
La Cole surprised. 234.
La Fayette, Marquis de, 27. 410. 467.
La Hontan, Baron, 288, 404.
Lakes, general sketch of, 20.
Lake George Steamboat Companies, 82.
Lake ridges, 351, 355, 361, 395. 449, 453,
512, 514. 524, 688, 693.
Lallemant, Father, 477, 479.
Lamp and Lantern manufactory,
Lampblack manufactory, 593.
Lancasterian schools. 125, 160. 246, 560,
599, 657.
Land Office, 322, 323.
Commissioners of, 46, 494.
attacked by a mob, 210, 322.
Land patents, list of, 49.
Landslides, 303, 413, 560.
Land, State, how sold, 40.
tenure and title of, 46
under water, 40, 418, 410
Lansing's Patent, 341, 343, 348.
Lantern manufactory, 286.
La Salle, visits Niagara Falls. 455
Last manufactory, 286, 705.
Lath manufactory, 289.
Law, George, 424, 684.
Law Department, New York. 427-
Library & Institute, 435.
libraries, 287, 369.
schools, 161, 275.
Laws, 29, 30.
Lawyers, number by counties, i
Lay, Amos, 580.
Lead ore, 25, 241, 243, 267, 340, 355, 374,
378, 407, 506, 52S, 573, 579. 581. 046,
660, 686, 704.
Pipe manufactory, 362, 657
Leake & Watts Asylum, 433.
Lease, law respecting lands under, 40.
tenure of, 273, 471.
lands under, Delaware Co., 258.
Indian, 462.
Ledyard Canal, 484.
Legislature, 28.
at Kingston, 662.
at Poughkeepsie, 276.
dispersed, 26.
New York City, 420.
Leisler, Jacob, 700, 703.
Le Moyne, F'ather. 479.
Lery, M. de, 460, 467.
Le Roy's Patent, 603.
Le Roy, Bayard & McEvers, 321, 468.
Lewis, Governor Morgan, 272.
L'Hommedieu, Ezra, 125.
Patent, 341, 343, 34*.
Liancourt. Duke de, 498.
Liberty poles cut down, 344, 43S.
12
IXDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Librari-s. 27. 4«. 102, 123, 128. 127. 139,
144. 145. 246, 2*7. 309. 3*3. 391.403.
432, 434, 454) 475, 488, 4-9, 505, 524.
school district, 185, 137.
License question. 147.
Lieutenant Governor, powers and duties
of. .
it manufactory, 367.
ns. 121. 122. 885, 544, 550, 631.
Life leasee, 242.
and health insurant •
Lighth..ii- -. 120. 216,271, 280, 284.297.
. 356, 358. 360. 399, 403, 419, 524,
527. " 77.634,635,636,
• 706.
Lime manufactory, l"'.'. 110. 186, 197
252, 279. 301, 805, 881, 340. 381, 383,
39!. 162,474,484,485,512,
568. 569. 570. 590. 613. 615, 649, 654,
- 666, 670, 6*3. 690, 693, 700.
rrace. 288, - -
LincMaen Purchase, 389.
Lincoln, General i
Lindsay's Patent, 341, 343. 581.
l.i! so mannfii I ry, 237, 569.
f Propt rtv. _
Liquorice manufactory. 368.
:'- Patent, 841.
. irv associations and societies, 144,
mire Fund. 46. 125, 126.
-. 47.
Lithography, 28
Lit . *4.
Nin< Partners' Tract, 2 -"2. 273.
Manor, 242. _■ 4 7 .
:.;. 242, 244. 848, 003.
Robert R, 32, - t, 147.
a Ne^k Manor. 551.
I. : -. *:
when lands are sold und'>r, 40, 48.
Lock """"*"
,679, 596.
canal, 4.". .
■ • iry, 598.
••ban . bief. 200.
1/.^ navigation, 297,
French partisan. 672.
i fjriji=, (New York city poor,)
549.
Lotbiniere, grants to. 298.
l/'i- 12 12 556.
- I'liilippe, travels in X. T., 219, 404,
•nor. 564.
Lumber, U0, 160, 105. 166,168, 170, 171.
176, 1-::. 186,188, 1-9,190, 193,
l'.<4. 1 '.<:,. 211. 214. 215. 21-. 22'i. 221.
238,248,257,2
264,265,286,2 - 16,801,
1,811,812,
7,376,87
! - '
I, 590,
620
;
■
. 518.
1.
Lj
In Asylun
Lynda, Klnni. U
a, Jane. ■
M 1) rial I. D
;
206. .
24
293, 'd:.
-
; is
691, 593. 606. •
:
693,609.
Marhin-rv manufactory. 1
411
Machinista. number by count
Machin - Patent, 48, 841 17, 41
M il's Patent, 342
Macomb, Alexander, 352, 579.
Macomb. General. 234.
Macomb's Purchase, 48, 308,375. 458, 572,
574. 581.
Magazines, military, 44.
Magdalen Female Benevolent Society, 433.
Magnetic machine. 297.
Mail routes by railroad and steamboat, 123.
early. 409.
ocean. 124.
Mail senice, general statistics, 122, 123.
Malignant fever. 428.
Malleable iron. 471.
Malt manufactory. 160. 166, 368, 618, 691.
Manganese, 26, 241, 267, 600, 704.
Manhattan Company. Ml. 424.
Manor of Pox Hall. 062.
IVm. Gilleland attempts to found. 305.
Btaten island. 564.
Wi -trh.sterco., 698, 703, 706, 707.
Fordham. 707.
Rensselaerwyck. See /?• nsselaerwyck.
Livingston. See Lii-ingston.
Cortland. See Cortland.
Manors, list of Colonial. 49.
Manual Labor Schools, 283.
Manufactures, statistics of. 109, 286, 436.
Maple sugar, 10L
Marble. 26, 41. 109, 267, 271. 273. 274. 286,
300, 301, 368, 376, 418, 577, 581. 590,
670, 671, 696,699, 700, 702, 704, 708.
cemeteries. 42s.
Marine barracks, 368.
clav. 572. 573. 5*0.
court. 35, 117. 428.
Family Asvlum, 566.
Fund, 117.
Hospital, 117, 120, 368.
railways, 286, 368, 525, 581.
Society. 434.
Markets. 2*0. 427. 706.
Marl. 186, 218, 241. 250, 252. 267, 273. 274.
279, 292. 318, 320, 3S8, 391, 394, 395,
458, 474, 540, 614, 619, 688, 690, 691,
693, 710.
Marthas Vineyard, 18, 49.
Martial law, Delaware CO., 410.
Marvin's Patent, 347.
Masons, number by counties, 153.
Massachusetts, attempt to settle on the
Hudson. 242.
claims, 242, 494.
lands, 52.
pre-emption, 18. 48.
Ten Towns, 48, 180.
Massacre, Indian, 661, 664, 672, 685, 700.
Mastodon, skeleton of, 501, 548.
Matchbox manufactory, 377.
Mayors. 39, 420.
Mayville land office sacked, 322.
Mechanics' Association, 403.
In-titute. 435.
Mechanical trades, total number of per-
sons engaged in. 153.
Medical Colleges. 12., 2-7. ."43. 430, 498.
Bodeties, 126, 149. 150,287, 48L
Medicinal extracts, 241, 248.
Mi _•-. Colonel, 039.
Melodeon manufactory, 286.
. 706.
M- mi nites. 141.
Mercantile Colleges, 139, 287.
Library. 4.;.".
Merchants, number by counties, 153.
Mi rchanta1 Exchange, 488.
leal observations. 126.
Methodist Airi. an Church, 139.
■ ngregatlonal Church, 140.
Bpiac ipa] i Out. h. 141.
in Chun b. 141.
Primitive Chun b. 1 IS,
• I bun b. ill.
rmed, 143.
M • •«!• v in. 1 11.
litan Police, 366, 420. 504.
Midge, ravages 33, 395, 512, 518,
717.
Millinery, by counties, lln.
ip, Klag ira. 48.
505.
district*, 4,'J.
bsatl 11. 43.
i. 46, 354.
stations. 419.
: 24, 473, 478, 610,
090,691.
Militia called out. 2.'.9, 269, 437.
laws. 4-X 44.
officers, 43.
Militia, services of 565.
Milk market. 101, 268, 273, 277, 501, 502,
606, 510, 511, 540, 543, 544, 550, 554,
557, 568. 570. G96.
Miller, David C, 323.
Rev. Win., 6*3.
Millers, number of, by counties, 153.
Milliners, number of, by counties, 153.
Mill Iron manufactory. 297.
Millstone manufactory, 2S6, 355, 468, 641,
600.
Millvard Tract. 398.
Mineral localities. 26. 267. 296. 352. 361,
302. 374, 378, 407, 540, 563, 572.573,
576, 577, 579, 582, 584, 600, 604, 606,
675, 698.
springs. 26, 155. 159, 163, 164, 165, 16S,
170, 173, 175, 178, 186, 188, 195, 213,
221, 229, 241, 244, 248, 257, 267,279,
282, 301, 302, 305, 312, 320, 324, 325,
332, 343, 345, 347, 349, 355, 356, 357,
359, 360, 361, 363, 375, 377, 378, 379,
382, 386, 392, 393, 394, 402, 413, 455,
456, 458, 462, 463, 470, 481, 482,484,
488, 491, 497, 503, 515, 532, 534, 537,
546. 552, 554, 557, 558, 579, 590, 591,
592, 593, 607, 620, 650, 656, 664, 679,
683. 688, 692, 696, 702, 704
Mines, 25, 570, 660.
Road, 503, 642.
Mining. Mechanical. & Chemical Cos., 80.
Minisink, battle of, 503.
massacre. 503.
Patent. 503.
Mint, 122. 509.
Minuet, Peter, 437.
Mirage, 352, 705.
Missions. 139r 142. 146, 187,195,273,274,
308, 370, 393, 404, 431, 434, 477, 519.
Mitchell's Cave. 416.
Mobs, 210. 269, 322, 438, 549, 565, 601.
Mohegans, 697, 704.
Mohawk Indians, 408.
River rifts, on, 23.
settlements. See Herkimer and Mont-
gomery cos.
Molang, a French Partisan, 686.
Molding mill, 707.
Montauk, 632, 633, 635, 638.
Montcalm, Marquis of, 298, 519, 672.
Montgomery, Richard, 276, 299.
Montour, Captain, 624.
Montour, Catharine, 610.
Montreal, expedition against, 408.
Monument to Herkimer voted. 343.
to martyrs of prison ships, talked of,
372.
to Paulding, 699.
to Pike and others, disgraceful, 359.
to shipwrecked persons, 547.
to Van Wart, 700.
to VI asbington, (corner stone,) 423.
to Williams, 298.
to Qcn, Worth, 423.
Moody, Lady Deborah. 372.
River Tract, 342,849.
Moral Ian mission, 27:;. 274.
Morgan, William, 323, 452, 495.
Hormonism, 4'.<l. 497, 690, 693.
Morris. I bief Justice, 705.
Gouverneur, 5*. 37
Honorary Creditor Tract, 321.
I., "is. 7i >2.
Ri serve, 160,821,882,494.
Robert, 321, 621.
Roger, 540, 541.
till., of. 4»4.
Morse, James 0., 210.
Morse, 8. P. H.. 274.
Mosaic code. 640.
Mounds, Indian, 200. See Indian And-
'1 1 1 Hies.
Mount, murder of, 347.
Mountain Ridge, 395, 512.
systems of the State, 19.
Mowers and Reapers, 405.
Muck, 1*0. 198, 279, 292, 320, 388, 394. 474,
618, 590, 614, 617, 618, 628, 688, 692,
683.
Miibs. number by counties, 107.
Muller, Lewis A.. 391.
Munro. Major, attack by, 687.
Colonel, 672.
Museum, 27, 432.
Mu-i il As-o« iation, 287, 489.
Mutual aid societies, 434.
Mutual Insurance companies, 83.
Myers Mine, 236.
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
13
Nail manufactory, 198, 235, 297, 300, 301,
802, 501.
Nantucket formerly in New York, 18.
Narrows, 305, 373, 503.
National societies, 434.
Comp. Emancipation Society, 140.
Natural Bridge, 074, 704.
Nautical society, 434.
Naval Depot, 868.
Hospital, 45, 368.
Lyceum, 309.
stores, 245.
Navigation, 22, 156, 272, 279, 296, 297, 418.
companies, 04, 82.
Navy Yard, 308.
Neander, Dr., library of, 403.
Necks of land, 544, 549, 550, 551, 631, 638,
703, 706.
Needle manufactory, 570.
Newburgli, discontent of troops at, 504.
Patent, 509.
New Dorlach Patent, 603.
New England Alliance, L. I., 633.
Newgate Prison, so called, 4i.
New Petersburgh Tract, 389.
Newspapers, 157, 169,178,187,198,209.218,
224, 233, 241, 251, 258, 268, 280, 297,
307,315, 321, 330, 337, 341, 352, 366,
375, 381, 389, 396, 407, 439, 451, 459,
475, 492, 502, 513, 518, 530, 540, 545,
553, 564, 568, 573, 585, 595, 602, 610,
614, 620, 632, 642, 650, 055, 061, 671,
678, 689, 697, 711, 718.
discontinued, New York City, 442.
New York, before Revolution, 431.
New York State Agricultural College, 126.
Harbor encroachment, 46, 418.
Library Society, 435.
Society, 101.
system, geological, 24.
Niagara River and Palls, 449, 450, 452, 455.
Nickel 26.
N icoll's Patent, 637.
Nitschman, Bishop David, 274.
Noah, Mordecai M., 290.
Noble, Arthur, 337, 339, 349.
Nobleboro' Patent, 342, 349.
Noble's Patent, 48.
Normal School, 125, 136, 137, 369, 429.
Northern Inland Lock Nav. Co., 60.
Notaries public, 35.
Nott, Rev. Eliphalet, 532, 598.
Noxious animals, 30.
Nurseries, 398, 402, 498, 544, 546, 694, 703.
for children, 420, 425, 420, 433, 549.
Oakum manufactory, 286.
Oats, statistics of, 101, 104.
Oblong Tract, 18, 269, 540, 703.
Observatories, 423, 464, 505.
Ocean steamers, 82.
mails, 124.
Ocher, 175, 377.
Odeltown, affair at, 234.
Officers, State, county, and town, 40.
Ogden Samuel, purchase by, 321.
Tract, 321.
Ogdensburgh taken, 574.
Ohio Basin, 284.
Oil cask manufactory, 638.
cloth manufactory, 368, 468, 556, 590,
657, 658.
manufactory, 198, 286, 293, 357, 368,
390, 402, 515, 532, 549, 556, 567, 618,
632, 637, 639, 657, 691.
Old Fort, so called, 327.
Military Tract, 235, 237, 240.
Pre-emption Line, 494.
School Baptist Church, 139.
Omnibus routes. New York City, 429.
Oneida Community, 392.
Indians, friendly, 410, 596.
Reservation, 389.
River Improvement, 62.
stone, 458.
Oothoudt's Patent, 48, 468.
Ophthalmic Hospital, 432.
Optical Instrument manufactory, 392.
Ordnance, Bummary of. 45.
Organ manufactory, 286, 468.
Oriskany, battle of, 342, 410. 412, 414, 461.
Orphan Asylums, 161, 200, 247. 275, 370,
403, 419, 425, 420, 433, 488, 51S, 524,
561.
Oswegatchie District, 575.
Overseers of Highways, 39.
Owasco Lake Improvement, 63.
Oxen, statistics by counties, 106.
Oysters. 40, 544, 549, 550, 503, 567, 632,
630, 638, 704.
Page, David P., 137.
Pad manufactory, 280, 297, 301, 385, 482,
536, 570, 657.
Paine, John, 242.
Thomas, 703.
Paint many.. 312, 308, 402, 419, 549, 555.
Painted Post, 624.
Painters, by counties, 153.
Palatinates, 242, 245, 408, 409, 412, 415, 416,
509, 001. 603, 005, 006, 667.
Palisades, 21, 25.
Palisades, (military,) 372, 373, 437.
Palmer, Edmund, tory spy, 699.
Erastus D., 487
Mine, 236.
Purchase, 585.
Paper Box manufactory, 317.
manufactory, 110, 166, 199, 200, 215,
228, 241, 243, 244, 247, 248, 274, 277,
286, 297, 317, 330, 334, 345, 346, 352,
362, 375, 377, 384, 385, 390, 402, 407,
466, 484, 485, 4S7, 504, 510, 510, 527,
538, 550, 556, 557, 558, 561, 570, 584,
689, 590, 593, 605, 600, 610, 634, 657,
666, 704.
Pardoning power, 31.
Pardons, statistics of, 36.
Parish, David, 580.
Parker, Col., 266.
Parks, 369, 422, 423.
Parsonage, Queens, 413.
Passengers, statistics of, 117, 122.
Patchin, Gen., 603.
Patent Leather manufactory, 286, 368.
Patents, Land, 46, 48, 49, 53, 258, 341, 408.
Pathological Society, New York, 431.
Patriot " War," 235, 354, 357, 360, 452, 574,
575
Patroon, title of, 159.
Paulding, John, 699.
Pauw, Michael, 564.
Peaches, quantity by counties, 107.
Pearling Mill, 593.
Pearl barley, 482, 484.
Pears, quantity by counties, 107.
Peas, statistics by counties, 105.
Peat, 232, 237, 241, 267, 337, 394, 458, 474,
505, 540, 570, 629, 071.
Peg manufactory, 317.
Pelham Manor, 703, 704.
Pell, Thomas, 700, 703, 704.
Pemaquoit, 18.
Pendergrast sentenced, 269.
Penet Square, 48, 353, 357, 360.
Penitentiaries, 156, 280, 365, 425, 475.
Peppermint, 689.
Oil manufactury, 691.
Perache's Tract, 48.
Percentage of population, 151.
Perry, Commodore, gifts to, 423.
Personal liabilities of stockholders, SO.
Pestilence, 428, 601.
Petrie's Purchase, 342.
Petroleum springs, 168, 173, 1S6.
Pharmacy, College of, 431.
Phelps and Gorham Purchase, 321, 382, 398,
494.
Philippe, Louis, 404, 498.
Philipsburgh Manor, 700, 702, 704, 708.
Philipse Patent, 540, 541.
Philosophical Instrument man'y., 286.
Physicians, by counties, 153.
Piano manufactory, 160, 228, 286, 468, 509,
685.
Pickle manufactory, 707.
Picq uet, Francis, 574.
Pictured Rocks, 380.
Pierrepont Estate, 376, 378.
Piers, 156, 280, 284, 350, 367, 419, 422, 524.
Pike, Z. M., monument to, 359.
Pilots, 115, 116.
Pine plains, 156, 312, 351, 638.
Pin manufactory, 275.
Pipe clay, 26.
Pistol manufactory, 699.
Pitcher, Lieutenant Governor, 685.
Pitt, statue of, 438.
Plains, Hempstead, 544, 547, 548.
Plane manufactory, 286.
Plan of union proposed, 162.
Planing mills, 160, 205, 220. 228, 235, 237.
239, 286, 289, 292, 2y3, 317, 347, 367,
368, 393, 399, 401, 402. 405, 406, 454,
466, 500, 514, 546, 590, 59S, 604, 610,
617, 025.
Plank roads, 39, 80, 159, 179, 235, 236, 258,
284, 311, 321, 354, 459, 515, 518, 5%,
601, 042.
Plaster mills, 110, 205, 221, 228, 229, 238,
244, 247, 271, 274, 307, 385, 808,
400, 401, 4110, 454, 468, 4s4, 559, 618,
662, 657, 682, 083.
Plate of Johnson family, 316, 400, 410.
Plattsburgh attacked, 2:14.
Plow manufactory, 244, 454, 460, 515, 699.
Plums, by counties, 107.
Pocket Book manufactory, 286.
Point an Per, 233, 237.
Police Department, 420.
Political societies, 434.
Poor, associations for relief of. 287,370.
county and town, 161, 168, 179, 186,
l'.IS, -n>. 211, 21S. 223, 2:;:;. 241, 261,
258, 208, 280, 297, 307, 314, 320, 830,
341, 352, 375, 881, 388, 390, 407, 425,
427, 434, 451, 459, 475, 492, 502, 513,
518, 530, 540, 5^0, 553, 595, 600, 614,
634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 630, 642, 649,
654, 661, 671, 078, 689, 690, 711, 718.
statistics of, 37, 38.
Superintendents of, 30, 36.
Popham, Major Win., 705.
Population, total, by counties, 150.
by towns. See Acres, dim.
comparative, 151.
of cities, 371, 404, 435, 436, 469, 599.
Porcelain manufactory, 367, 308.
Portages, 22. 23, 460, 466, 519, 528.
Portage Falls, 380, 711, 713.
Porter Road, 042.
Port of New York, 438.
Portrait gallery, 495.
Portraits in Capitol, 27.
Ports of entry, 111, 216, 399, 438, 638, 694.
Port Wardens, 116.
Postal arrangements, 122, 123.
Post office, 123, 437.
Potash, 415, 518.
Potato culture, 101, 105, 639, 682.
Potsdam sandstone quarries, 312.
Potter, Kev. Alonzo, 137, 270.
Potteries, 286, 468, 691.
Potters' Field, 420, 423, 425, 426, 428.
Pouchot, M., surrender of, 574.
Powder mills, 504, 559.
Premiums for domestic manufacture, 102.
Presbyterian Church, 141, 142.
United, 139.
Prevost Patent, 333.
Prideaux, Gen., 452.
Primitive Methodists, 142.
Printers' Library, 4:;5.
number by counties, 153.
Printing cloths, 509.
offices by counties, 110.
Print manufactory, 272, 563, 565, 570
Prison Association of New York, 42, 426,
433.
Prisoners sold as slaves, 661.
Prisons, 41, 200, 238, 425, 426, 427.
Prison ships, 371, 372.
Privateering on St. Lawrence, 355.
Prize fighting, Boston Corners, 243.
Protestant Episcopal Church, 142.
Provident and Mutual Aid Societies, 434.
Provincial Congress, 662.
Patent, 684.
Provost, Sir George, 234.
Public health, 427.
Schools. 135.
School Society of New York, 430.
Pulteney, Sir William, 321, 3S4, 404, 621,
622.
Pump manuf; ictory, 2S6, 368, 400, 405. 463,
598, 617.
Putnam, Gen. Israel, 298, 371, 450, 504,
540, 541, 672, 682, 685, 6S6.
Puts Rock, 686.
Pyroligneous Acid manufactory, 182.
Pyrotechny, 2S6.
Quackenboss, John, 685.
Quaker settlement, 366.
Springs, 591.
Quarantine, 18, 31, 116, 117, 419, 427, 428,
563, 565, 566.
Quarries. 26. 41. 155, 1 65, 107, 108, 170, 172,
173, 175, 190, 191, 192, 197, 201, 204,
205, 208, 213, 214, 215, 218, 223, 243,
245, 207, 270, 271, 279, 282, 284. 301,
305, 312. 314, 318, 320, 331, 332. 340,
341, 343. 346. 347, 349, 359, 381, 383,
385, 393, 395, 400, 407, 411, 449, 454,
14
IXDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Quarries, continued.
468, 463.4(4. 407. 470. 471. 473, 482,
483.4-4. 485, 491, 497. 512, 615, 517,
52-. _ 540,642, 666, 572 •:-
681. '-7. 500, 618, 616, 617, 660, 662,
60.-.
700. 702, 7 4. 7< .. 708,718, 714, 715.
Quarter Bales,
Quartz er\ -t lis, 840, 848, 649.
Queensborongh Patent, 5S5.
'■':. -77.
Quitrents. 48, 242, 258, 699, 701, 704.
Quogue Purchase, G38.
Race cour- », 550.
Baiting, -
Kail Roads. Canadian. 119.
Commissi t ■ .-. ' 9.
employe) -. by counties, 153.
gauge, 74.
general article on. 66.
notices of, 71. 112. 166, 159. 109, 170,
172. 173. 174. 17'.'. l-o. 1-2. 1-4. 1-',.
1-7. 189, 191, 192, 198, 194, 201,203,
.... ,208,209,214, 218,219,220,
224. 282,2 237,238, 241, 244. 245.
- - 1 248, - -. 265,268, 270, 271.
-■ -• . - 17, 810, 312,
821,324, . . i, 341, 345. 34'.
35-;. " 7,381,382,; 33,384,
7,3 18, 899, 400,
401, 402,4 8,405, 4 17, 416, 451, 454.
7. 41 -. 470, 471.
475, 480, 482, 4-3. 4-4. 488, 495, 496,
"'.. 507, 508,
>16,518, 520, 521.530,
.. .. • . ■ ,648, { 19, 550,
" • '. 'w3,568,569.57'i.
571. ' . " : ::. :
60". 612,614,617,618,620,
630. " II. 642, 650, 651,
652. J, 78,1 39, 69 I,
661. 2. 1 1,700,
701, " - 1 06, 707, 708,
711.
prqj 76 to 79.
statistics •■!'. 74. 75.
Rake manufactory, 260, 657.
■ Richard, 566.
Randalls Island, 42. 420, 425.
I i _ _ _
Bank of military officers. 43.
Bapelje, Barah, 371, 437.
. mannfai tory, 546.
Beaches on the Hudson, 542.
Bual. Oonnl
117, 524.
BecorJ Commissi
.
J: •
Pn 1 4.;.
1 u.a li.ui an.] Nova Sc :i Hi, 235,
Delinqnenl
• ry, 2-0.
rsity, 125. 126, 635.
: birth*, marriagi 9, and
100, 144.
. Manor, 1 . 165,
Beorr Id nnd silver m
Urmi.
Betv l /•'■ >trvmri.
116.
' 11.
• ion.
i iry claimi
li li.-iri i- ii - •
Rii I
mat, 11 '.
Road, 512. 693.
■
■ketch, 20.
Roads, opening of
Bobert, Louis J., grant t . 2 ■-.
Robinson. Beverly. 540, 542. 699.
Rock City, so called, 173, 192.
Rucking stones, 701, 705.
Rogers, Piatt. 300.
Robert, 298. 674. 685. 701.
Rolling mills, 199, 235, 297, 569, 571, 666,
699. 708.
Roman Catholic Church. 143.
Roofing slates, 26, 243, 267, 555, 677, 682,
684.
Rope manufactory, 228, 286, 368, 376, 464,
556, 55S, 634, 693.
Rosin Oil manufactory, 368.
Ross and Butler, 416.
R. --. Major, 316.
Rotunda. N. Y.. 423, 437.
Royal Grant. 315, 342, 343, 345, 347,348.
Rubber Toy manufactory. 272.
Rumbout's Patent, 209, 272.
Rural cemeteries. 100. 166. 200, 275, 371.
372. 373, 398, 404, 428, 549, 577, 599!
703, 704.
Rye, where most raised, 101.
statistics of, 104.
Sable Iron Co., 236.
Sackets Harbor. 525.
Saekett. Richard. 270.
Sacondaga Patent, 317.
Saddle & Harness manufactory, by cos.,
153.
Tree manufactory, 691.
Safe manufactory. 160, 368, 402, 561.
Safety fond, 89.
Sail manufactory. 2S6.
Sailors' Snug Harbor, 566.
St. Hilary. Count. 521.
-t. Lawrence Canal. 119.
St. Leger, Gen, 166, 342. 410,461, 467, 586.
St. Regis Indians, 233, 308.
Saleratns manufactory, 401.
Salisbury, Aaron, 290.
Salmon fisheries, 124, 520.
Salometer, 480.
Salt holes, so called. 4S8.
manufactory. 110, 198. 203, 399, 405,
479, 483, 487,488, 489, 512, 514. 515,
522. 532, 032, 692, 693.
marshes and meadows. 365. 372. 373,
418, 544, 546, 547, 548. 550, 563, 566,
631, 633, 635, 636, 638, 696, 706.
Springs Lands. 47.
,-]n ii. -. Sei Urine Springs.
wells, 479, 4S0, 483.
Salvage, 117.
Sandpaper manufactory, 546.
Sand plain, 584.
Sandstone terrace, 577.
Sandy Creek battle. 525.
Sandy Hook fort, 565.
light. 419.
i . W. P. S.. 368.
Saratoga Patent. 585.
i. Henry G., 59.
Sash & Blind manufactory, 110, 188, 228,
22". 211. 21-. 255. 270. 2SB, 297, 301,
,';o2. :;o-. ::-:.. 3MI. 393. l"7. 413, 154,
463. 4-4. 510, 515. 554. 575, 582, 590,
596, 603, 652, 686. 716.
Satinet manufactory. 201. 5o*.
- bank-, 99. ion, 100, 430, 040.
s.iw manufactory, 286, 506.
Sawmills, by counties, 110.
- i manufactory, 848.
Scale manufactory, 402,
ins, 2' 1.
Si haghticoke Indians, 559.
.»■ honai i" Invaded, 816,
School Comm 88, 135,137, 139.
Districts, 81, 186, I
I i.n. I. 40. 47. 186.
General Irtli le on, 135.
h
Indian, 412. 11
Lands, it.
stati-ti. -. 138. Sen Acres, <fe.
■ mmon, 3«, 135.
Schuyler, Han Sort, 342.
r • i.t . • 342.
Petei
I'inlip. 816, 410. 591,
Patent, 4b'.. 602, 603.
manufactory, I
Scriba, George, 61
Scrfba'fl Patent, 48, 619, 52L
Scythe manufactory, 274. 312, 466, 4S3, 590,
617.
Sealer of Weights and Measures, 30, 38.
Seal of Broome Co. presented, 178.
Delaware Co. adopted. 257.
Seamen's Friend Society, 146.
employed, 113.
Hospital. 120, 434.
Retreat. 500.
tax upon, 117, 120, 566.
Seamless Bag manufactory, 590, 6S3.
clothing, 271.
Seat of Government. 26. 438.
Secretary of State, 32, 125.
Secret Societies, 147.
Seigniories, French, 233, 298.
Select schools under Regents. 125.
Seminaries, 200, 453, 454, 498. 533, 602, 713.
See also Academies.
Senate, 28.
Districts, 28.
Seneca Indians, 397, 452, 493.
Lock Navigation Company, 62.
River Improvement, 61, 62.
Turnpike, 469.
Serpentine, 670, 675.
Serpent, tradition of, 493.
Servis's Patent, 466, 468.
Seventh Day Baptists, 143.
Seward, William H., 200, 510.
Sewers, New York, 425.
Shad fisheries. 124.
Shakers, 143, 166, 243, 248, 384.
Shaunandhoi Patent. 585, 587.
Shattuck, Artemas, 714.
Shawl manufactory. 508, 598, 618.
Shay, Daniel, 105, 603.
Sheep husbandry, 107, 637, 686
Shell. John Christian, 345.
Sheriff murdered, 242.
county, 35.
Shingle manufactory, 110, 2S6. 290, 291,
292. 293. 301. 33S, 454. 470. 523.520,
527. 575, 580, 590, 611, 625, 667, 694.
Shinnecock Indians. 638.
Ship building, 115, 213, 2S6, 297, 352, 356,
357. 358, 359, 367, 368, 399, 520, 525,
549. 569, 570, 632, 633, 634, 636, 639,
662. 686.
canal. 2S4, 690.
Timber Co.. 291.
Shipments. Buffalo, 285.
Shoe manufactory, 846, 373, 402, 548, 568,
570. 705.
Shovel manufactory, 705.
Showmen. 706.
Sickness. 081.
Silk manufactory, 275, 2S6, 391, 566,570,657.
SiUiman. Prof., analysis by, 324.
Silurian rocks. 155.
Silver Lake Tract. 711.
mines, so called, 257, 337, 374.
Plating. 2S0.
traces of, 528.
Ware manufactory, 110. 163, 368, 488,
I 12
Simcoes Queen's Rangers, 551.
Skanandoa, Indian chief. 409.
Skin.-. Philip. 299. 0-0.
Skinners, 698.
Slack Water Navigation Co., 614.
Blate, 26.
slab- <,-.. 267 270, 273.
sin.- rescue, 189.
Slavs. In. bans sold as. 661.
Small Pox Hospital, 425.
Smallw I. Col.. 701.
Smith. C.I.. 462.
Gcrrit, .".93.524.
Joe, 491.467.
Peter, lease of. 462,
purchase of, 389, 393.
William, II.. 034.
Smuggling, 233,357.
Sni II an. I /.iin rman's Tract. 342.
Soap manufactory, 109, 286,368, 402, 509,
698.
Socialists. 392.
Societies, Agricultural, 102. See Xew
York Stab Agriculhtrai Society.
Society for Promoting Agricultural Arts
ami Manufactures. 101. 161.
Promoting Useful Arts, 101.
Soda manufactory, 286.
Solar works. 479. 4S0.
Solitary confinement. 41.
Sons of Liberty, 423, 438.
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
15
Sons of Malta, 148.
Spanish Brown, 25.
relic, 477.
invasion, 478.
Spaulding, Solomon, 532.
Specie, 113, 122.
payment suspended, 90.
Speculations, 306.
Spenoer, Jolm C, 187, 323.
Spies, 412.
Spiritual rappings, 690.
Spoke manufactory, 277, 590, 667.
Springs, copious, 205, 277, 522, 570, 615.
Spuytenduvvil Creek, 418.
Squatters, '242, 243, 269, 290, 291, 358, 300,
389, 394.
Stage boat, 469.
licensed, 553.
rights, 469.
routes, early. 496.
Stair building, 110.
Stalactites, 164, 416, 600, 604, 606, 607.
Staley's Patent, 342, 344.
Stamp Act, 438.
Starch manufactory, 232, 237, 238, 240,
286, 297, 307, 346, 468, 518, 521, 525,
550, 581.
Stark, Gen. John, 298, 556.
State Engineer and Surveyor, 33, 54,^68, 69.
Government, 28.
Hall, 27.
House, 26.
Library, 27, 125, 126.
Prisons, 36, 41, 42, 63, 200, 238, 704.
officers, 41.
reservations for villages, 288, 704.
Roads, 322, 615, 655.
Statue of George III. and Pitt, 423, 438.
Washington, 423.
Stave manufactory, 238, 262, 286, 290. 292,
363, 487, 514, 522, 526, 618.
Steamboat Companies, 82.
mail routes, 123.
statistics of, 115.
tax, 54.
Steamboats, 115, 162, 200, 214, 247, 275, 286,
288, 307, 354, 356, 360, 368, 375, 399,
418, 429, 452, 489, 495, 526, 550, 551,
561, 573, 579, 584, 611, 615. 616, 620,
627, 628, 655, 657, 664, 673, 687, 696,
697, 699, 700, 703, 705, 708.
Steam Engine nianufactory, 286, 525. 652,
685.
Stedman, William, 452, 455.
Steele, O. N., murder of, 259.
Steel manufactory, 270, 311, 508, 510, 540,
566, 571, 701.
Sterritt Tract, 321.
Steuben, Baron, 48, 467, 484.
Stevens, Ebenezer, 549.
John C, 418.
Stewart, Alvan, 210.
Stilwellites, 140.
Stirling, Earl of, IS, 550, 633, 635, 639.
Stirling, Lord, 510, 564, 637.
Stock, oreeding of, 277.
amount of. See Acres, <fe.
Stockade, 469. See Forts.
Stone and Marble dressing, 153, 368, 663,
666.
Stone Arabia battle, 316.
Patent, 317, 408. 416.
Stone Heap Patent, 413, 603, 605.
Stone heaps, 242, 605.
Stone Ware manufactory, 286, 468.
,Stove nianufactory, 160, 2S6, 561, 699.
Strang, Daniel, execution of, 699.
Straw, paper factory, 166.
Streets, arrangement, New York, 422.
Department, 422.
inspection, 427.
Stuart, Charles B., 368.
Sturgeon fisheries, 124.
Stuy vesant pear tree, 437.
Peter G., 423.
Suburban population, 429.
Sugar Loaf Hill fortified, 299.
Sugar refineries, 419.
Sullivan. General, 219, 221, 371, 382, 410,
478, 493, 531, 536, 564, 602, 609, 614,
617.
Sunday schools, 146.
Superintendent Poor, 36.
Superintendent Public. Instruction, 125,
135.
Supervisors, 30, 39, 420.
Tryon County, 410.
Supreme Court, 34.
Surrogate, 34.
Survey Fifty, so called, 479.
Surveyor General, 33.
Surveys of Holland Land Co., 322.
Surveys of Lake Chainplain, 298.
Suspension bridges, 235, 302, 412, 453,455,
688.
Susquehanna Navigation, 619.
Swallow, steamer, wrecked, 331.
Swedenborgian Church, 139.
Swift, General John, 690.
Swine, statistics by counties, 107.
Taconic system, 24, 25.
Tailors, by counties, 153.
shops, by counties, 110.
Tallmadge, Major, 634, 638, 701.
Tammany Society, 434.
Tanneries, 110, 153, 181, 183, 188, 193, 194,
195, 198, 202, 205, 213, 219, 225, 228,
230, 238, 239, 244, 248, 257, 259, 260,
262, 263, 265, 282, 283, 286, 289, 290,
291, 292, 293, 297, 302, 304, 305, 311,
314, 316, 317, 318, 319, 330, 331, 332,
333, 334, 338, 339, 342, 343, 346, 347,
348, 350, 352, 360, 362, 363. 375, 377,
3S5, 386, 390, 391, 392, 394, 400, 402,
454, 462, 463, 465, 466, 468, 469, 470,
483, 4S4, 505, 514, 515, 516, 520, 521,
522, 523, 525, 526, 527, 529, 532, 533,
534, 535, 536, 537. 538, 541, 554, 575,
576, 584, 589, 590, 591, 598, 603, 604,
605, 606, 607, 608, 610, 611, 612, 623,
625, 627, 628, 641, 643, 644, 645, 647,
649, 651, 652, 655, 657, 661, 663, 665,
667, 668, 671, 675, 690, 691, 693, 695,
699.
Tape manufactory, 706.
Tariffs, 111.
Tarleton, Gen., 700.
Tavern sign in verse, 222.
Taxation, 48, 422.
Tax sales, 48.
Teachers' classes, 126, 138.
institutes, 137.
statistics of, by counties, 153.
Tea destroyed in New York Harbor, 438.
Teamsters, number, by counties, 153.
Telegraph companies, list of, 81.
Instrument manufactory.
Temperance Society, New York State, 147.
Ten Governors, 425.
Ten Towns on St. Lawrence, 47, 572, 574,
575, 576,577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582.
Tenure of lands, 46.
Tertiary clays, 237, 296.
Theater at Bath, 622.
Theller, E. A., 405.
Theological seminaries, 127, 200, 391, 403,
430, 431, 533, 575, 707.
Thermal springs, 26, 241, 247.
Thermometer nianufactory, 248.
Thimble manufactory, 636.
Thorburn, Grant, 549.
Thousand Islands, 577.
Thread manufactory, 593, 597.
Threshing machine, 657.
Ticonderoga, 298, 299, 305, 671, 672, 673.
Tidal estuaries, 365, 367, 372, 544, 546, 547,
563, 696, 706.
Tide mills, 371, 544, 546, 640, 696, 701, 705.
Tides, 23, 156, 419.
Tile manufactory, 160, 398, 499, 691.
Tillier, Rodolph, 375, 377, 378.
Timber stealing, 309, 311, 360, 580.
Tin nianufactory, 368, 546, 618.
Tinsmiths, by counties, 153.
Tinware manufactory, by counties, 110.
Titanium, 26.
Title, controversy about, 299, 357.
Tobacco and cigar manufactory, 110, 166,
276. 286. 368, 468, 488, 693. 699.
Tobacco culture, 101, 105, 219, 220, 221, 372,
487, 689.
Indian tradition, 482.
Tompkins, Governor, 564, 705.
Tonawanda Swamp, 450.
Tonnage, American, compared with fo-
reign, 112.
Buffalo, 285.
at different periods, 115, 116.
by counties, 113.
by districts, 112.
coasting, 115.
general article on, 115.
on great lakes, 118.
Oswego, 524.
registered and enrolled, 111, 112, 115.
Tool manuf'y, 300, .',91 , 393, 527. 590, 598.
Topographical outli.ie of State, 19.
Topping Purchase, 888.
Tories, 163, 180, 345, 346, 398, 002, 607, 636.
Tornado, 310.
Totten & Crossfield's Purchase, 47, 337,
:U2, 319.
Town Clock manufactory, 390.
halls, 239, 700, 707.
meeting days, 30.
powers of people at, 31.
officers, 30, 40.
Purchase, 638.
Townsend Fund, Jamaica, 548.
Townships patented, Delaware county,
258.
Tract societies, 145, 404, 489.
Trading posts, 452, 519, 661.
Transit Line, 321, 322.
storehouse, 322,328.
Trap rock, 501, 568.
Treasure buried, 316.
Treasurer, State, 32.
Treaties, 18, 180, 224, 257. 290, 299, 344,
382, 461, 478, 479, 661.
Treaty, Reciprocity, 524.
Trial of Zenger, 431.
Triangular Tract, 321, 326. 398.
Tribunals of Conciliation, 34.
Trinity Cemetery, 428.
Church, 434.
Triphammer manufactory, 347, 391, 393.
Trombois Mine, 236.
Trumbull. Col. John, 385.
Trustees of Academies, 126.
school districts, 39
Tryon, Governor, 26.
county, ravages in, 411.
Tub manufactory, 297, 466, 570, 590.
Tufa, 26, 186, 395, 592.
Tunnels, 68.
Turkish present to Com. Perry, 423.
Turner's Purchase, 705.
Turning, by counties, 110.
Turnpikes. 39, 182, 284, 601.
Tuscarora Indians, 410, 452, 596.
Twenty Towns on Chenango, 224
Twine manufactory. 571, 593, 597, bo4.
Type manufactory, 160, 286.
Union College, 126, 549, 598.
schools. 136. 138. 201, 214, 324, 346,
359, 401, 405, 454, 4S3, 484, 487, 498,
548, 580, 617, 618, 636, 691, 692, 712.
Unitarians, 143.
United Presbyterians, 139.
United States Courts, 33.
Deposit Fund, 125.
Universal Friend, so called, 718, 719, 720,
721.
Universalists, 143.
Universities. See Colleges.
Upholstery, 286.
Upton, Paul, letter from, 269.
Vaccination, 432.
Valuation by towns. See Acres, dx.
Van Alstyne, Eva, 411.
Van Buren, Ex-President, 247.
Van Cortlandt. Jacob, 698.
Stephen, 699.
Vander Donk. 708.
Vander Kemp, John J., 322.
Van Driessen's Patent. 342.
Van Home's Patent. 342, 343.
Van Kleek House, 275, 276.
Van Bensselaer, Killian, 156.
Patent, 603.
Robert, 316, 410, 417.
Stephen, 59, 157, 553.
Van Schaick, Col., 478.
Mvndert, 424.
Van Wart, Isaac, 700.
Varnish manufactory, 549.
Vaughan, Gen., 664.
Vaughan's Patent, 342, 343, 346, 348.
Verd Antique, 303.
Vermont controversy, 18.
militia at Pittsburgh, 234.
negotiations with the enemy, 300.
Sufferers' Tract, 224. 225.
Verplancks Point. 504, 569.
Veto power, 30, 31.
Vice manufactory, 286, 598.
Villages, officers of, 39.
Vineyards, 205, 628, 699.
Vlaie, Sacondaga, 314, 316, 318, 337.
Voters, by counties, 150.
16
INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
Vrooman's Land. 605.
Patent, 4S, 342, 343, 34S, 349, 601.
Wadsworth. James, 137. 3S2.
Walk-in-the-Water, Bteamer, 288.
Walloomsac Patent. 556, 686.
ffalloons. settlement of. 371, 437.
Walton's Patent, 52, 265, 342, 348.
Tract, 4S9.
Waiworth, Reuben II., 592.
■Wampum. 635.
Wards, date of formation, New York, 420.
Marls Island. 117. 419, 420. 427.
War of 1812-15 noticed. 45, 233, 353, 354,
355, 356, 35S. 306, 372, 373, 398, 399,
404, 437, 513. 520, 525, 555. 574, 579,
5S1. 583, 633, 639, 687, 690, 694.
Warren, Sir Peter. 315. 409, 419.
Wars, French, 801, 805, 460, 461, 4<'~. 503,
519, 533, 554, 556, 558, 5S6, 672, 685,
686.
Indian. 40S, 415. 416. 478, 493, 555, 556,
559.588,5'.'7. 500, "'.1,700.
Revolutionary. 164, ISO. 233, 242, 244.
299, 331. 334. 306. 371. 415. 416. 531,
437, 438'. 401. 407. 608, 504, 508, 519,
533, 535, 537. 538. 545. 548. 549. 550,
551. 554. 586, 587, 1 01, 004. 624, 633.
635. 636, 637. 638. 639. 64 2. 643, 646,
662, 663, 664, 668, C98, 699, 701, 702,
707, 708.
Washington College. 564.
Washington, General George, 273, 371, 467,
503. 504, 509. 536, 570, 699, 700.
inangurat 1. 438.
Wa-hington monument proposed. 423.
Water Cures, 180, 204, 220, 344, 3S5, 470,
- 408, 658.
Waterlime. 24. 26, 155, 197. 199. 204. 207,
279. 282, - 12, 805,820, 840,357, 874,
388, 390. 393, 394, 395, 454, 458, 469,
47:;. 482, 4*4. 485, 191, 497, .".12,514,
600, 613, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 666,
717.
Waterman's Society, 434.
Waterspouts, 352.
Waterworks 160. 284. 312. 362, 3G3, 369,
424. ! : . 561,697, 706.
Watidns A Flint. 219. 610, 055.
Watson's Tract, 342, 349, 375.
Wawayanda Patent, 503. 500, 5G8.
Wax, product by counties, 107.
Wayne, Anthony, 509.
Weavers, numlier by counties, 153.
Webb, General, the "coward, 461, 407, G72.
Webster, Bphralm, 479, 485, 4S9.
Weeds, noxious, 39.
Weights and measures. 38, 39, 427.
Welland Canal. 119. 520, 525.
Well, remarkable) 271.
Wells family murdered, 531.
Wells in N. Y., 41S, 424.
Welsh settlement. 466.
Wesleyan Methodists. 144.
W ' -1. rn House of Kefiige, 42, 404.
Inland Lock Navigation Co., 58, 346,
461, 466, 596.
West India Co.. 437.
West Patent, 702, 703.
W.st Point, 504.
Whalebone manufactory, 546.
Whale fisheries, 124, 247, 632,636,638,639.
Whales, drift. 124. 635.
Wharves, Now York. 422.
Wheat, statistics of. 101, 104.
Wheelbarrow manufactory, 482, 4S4, 665.
Wheeler, Silas, 629.
Whetstones, 223.
Whip manufactory. 286.
Whitehouse, Kev.'Dr.. 137.
White Lead manufactory, 286, 368, 5G3,
566, 660.
Whiting manufactory, 368.
Wilbur. Hervey B., 488.
Wilkinson. General, expedition of, 310, 354,
356, 357, 574.
Jemima, 718, 719, 720, 721.
Wilkins 1'oiut. 45.
Willet'a Patent, 345.
Willott, Colonel, 316, 411, 461, 607.
Williams College founded, 298.
Williams. David. 00.°,. 700.
Kphr.um, 298, 671.
Williamson, Charles, 384, 621, 622, G90,
692, 694.
Willis, N. P.. 652.
Will of Sir Wm. Johnson, 315.
Windmill, battle of, 575.
Windmills, 635, 636, 637, 640.
Window Shade manufactory, 368.
Wire manufactory, 699, 708.
Wolf, 580, 581.
bounty frauds, 308.
Woman's Hospital, 432.
Wooden Ware manufac, 573, 580, 581, 591.
Woodhull, General N., 371, 634.
Woodworth, Lieutenant Solomon, 345.
Woolen manufactory, 110, 166, 175, 194,
199, 200, 203, 206, 212, 216, 220. 221,
229, 244, 248, 255, 260 261, 263, 265,
270, 272, 283, 289, 291. 292, 293, 301,
332, 343, 344, 346. 356, 362, 379, 386,
390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 400, 401, 402,
400, 407, 411,412, 413, 410, 454, 463,
466, 468, 471, 4S5, 480, 487, 505, 510,
514, 522, 535, 554, 561, 569, 584, 593,
597, 610, 611, 617, 618, 636, 651, 655,
658, 662, 663, 668, 6S1, 682, 683, 685,
695, 703, 704, 713, 715.
Wool growing, 168, 178, 186, 198, 208, 218,
223, 2S0, 320, 395, 492, 498, 609, 620,
628, 688, 710.
Woolsey, Lieutenant 525.
Wooster, Ebenezer, 258.
Workhouses, 280, 398, 425, 426, 475.
Worth, General, monument to, 423.
Wreekmasters, 117, 544, 631.
Wright, Benjamin, 59, 70, 519.
Silas, 576. 685.
Wyandance, Montauk sachem, 633, 634,
638.
Wyoming massacre, 265, 410.
Yarn manufactory, 276, 346, 505, 569.
Yellow fever, 428.
Yeo, Sir James. 399, 525, 694.
Yorkshire, on Long Island, 365, 544, 545.
Young, Brigham, 495.
John, 326.
Samuel, 59, 137, 481.
Young Men's Association, 147, 161, 275,
287, 369.
Christian Association, 146.
Christian Union, 147, 287.
Young"s Patent, 342.
Zenger, Peter, trial of, 431.
Zinc ores, 26, 704.
Zinzendorf, Count, 274.
Zoological Garden, 423.
GAZETTEER
OF THE
STATE OF IEW YORK.
STATE BOUNDARIES.
The State of New York is situated between 40° 29/ 40" and
45° 0/ 42" n. latitude, and between 71° 51' and 79° 47' 25"
longitude w. of Greenwich. It is bounded on the n. by
Canada, e. by Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, s. by
the ocean, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and w. by Pennsyl-
vania and Canada.
The Northern Boundary, commencing in the middle of Lake
Ontario, n. of the mouth of Niagara River, extends eastward
through the lake, midway between the opposite shores, to its
E. extremity, thence north-easterly through the St. Lawrence
River to the 45th parallel of n. latitude, and thence easterly
in a gradually diverging line from the parallel, and terminating
upon Lake Champlain 4,200 feet n. of it.
The Eastern Boundary extends s. through Lake Champlain to its s. extremity, thence a short
distance s. e. along Poultney River, and thence in an irregular line, but in a generally southerly
direction, to Lyons Point, at the mouth of Byram River, on Long Island Sound. From this
point the line extends eastward through the Sound, very near the Connecticut shore, to the e.
extremity of Long Island, including within the limits of the State nearly all the islands in the
Sound.
The Southern Boundary extends from the e. extremity of Long Island along the ocean to the
s. w. extremity of Staten Island, thence northward through the channel between Staten Island
and New Jersey and through New York Bay and the Hudson to the 41st parallel of n. latitude,
thence north-westerly to a point upon the Delaware at latitude 41° 20/ s., thence north-westerly
along Delaware River to latitude 42° n., and thence w. along the 42d parallel to a meridian passing
through the w. extremity of Lake Ontario.
The Western Boundary, commencing upon the 42d parallel, extends N. to the middle of Lake
Erie, thence eastward to the e. extremity of the lake, and thence n. through Niagara River and
to the middle of Lake Ontario.1
1 The boundary through Lake Ontario is 175 mi.; through the
St. Lawrence, 108 mi. ; along the Canada frontier, E. of the St.
Lawrence, 62.75 mi.; through Lake Champlain, 105 mi.; along
Poultney River, 17.25 mi.; the Vt. line, 8. of that river, 54.06
mi.; the Mass. line, 50.52 mi. ; the Conn, line, to Lyons Point,
on Long Island Sound, 81.20 mi.; through the Sound, 96 mi. ;
along the ocean to the N. J. shore, 150 mi. ; through the Bay and
Hudson River, to latitude 41° n., 44 mi. ; along the N. J. line,
w. of the Hudson, 48.50 mi. ; through Delaware River, 78 mi. ;
along the Penn. line, on latitude 42°, 225.50 mi. ; on the me-
ridian to Lake Erie, 18.75 mi., and upon the meridian in Lake
Erie, 22 mi. ; through Lake Erie to Buffalo, 50 mi. ; and through
Niagara River, 34 mi.
II
18
NEW YORK GAZETTEER.
The boundaries of the State have been settled from time to time by commissioners appointed
by the several governments whose territories are contiguous. In several instances long and
angry controversies have occurred, which have extended through many years and almost led to
civil war. The boundaries are all now definitely fixed, except that of Conn., respecting which a
controversy is now pending.1
1 Canada Boundary. — By royal proclamation, issued in Oct.
1768, the line of 45° .v. was fixed as the boundary between the
provinces of Quebec ami New York, and this was confirmed in
council. August 12, 176S. The line was surveyed by Valentine
and Collins. Octol>er 20. 1774. By the treaty "of 17s3 the 46th
parallel was recognized as the ST. boundary of the State from
Lake Champlain to the St. Lawrence. By the treaty of Ghent
tli'' same line was recognized as the boundary, and provisions
were made for a re-survey. In 1818-19. Gov. Van Ness and Peter
B. Porter on the part of "the U. S., and John Ogilvie on the part
of Great Britain, ran the line with great care; and it was found
that the old line coincided with the parallel only at St. Begis,
and that from that point r. it diverged, until at Lake Cham-
plain it was 4.200 feet too far x. The deepest channel of the
Si. Lawrence was not always adopt' d. as a mutual exchange of
islands was made satisfactory to both parties. Before the N.
line was re-surveyed, in 181*, tie- l*. S. Government had com-
menced the erection of a fortress at Bouses Point, on Lake
Champlain : and this was found to be within the British terri-
tory. By the treaty of August 9, 1S42, the old line of Valentine
and Collins was restored, and the strip of territory before taken
off again came under the jurisdiction of the U. S. The com-
missioners to ruu the line under the treaty of 1842 were Albert
Smith on the part of the United States, and J. B. B. Estcourt
on the part of .Great Britain.
Vermont Boundary. — The territory of Vermont was originally
claimed by both New York and New Hampshire, and conflicting
grants were made by the two governments. Most of the actual
settlers holding title under N. II. resisted the claims of N. Y.,
and many actual collisions occurred. Jan. 15, 1777, the settlers
:-d themselves independent, and laid claim to the territory
w. to the Hudson. N. of Lansinghurgh. and along the w. shore
yf Lake Champlain. By an act of Congress passed Aug. 20, 1781,
they were required to recede from this claim. A final agree-
iit. red into between Yt. and N. Y., Oct. 7, 1790, by
which N. Y. surrendered all her claim to jurisdiction to the
rritory of Yt., and Yt. paid $30,000 to certain persons
who had been deprived of lands granted by N. Y\ The boundary
line was run by Robert Yates, Bobert B. Livingston, John Lan-
r.. Gillian C. Verplanck, Simeon De Witt, Egbert Benson,
M'i Sill, and Melancthon Smith on the part of N. Y., and
I'' henor, Stephen B. Bradley, Nathaniel Chipman, Elijah
Paine. Ira Allen, Stephen, Jacob, and Israel Smith on the part
Of Vt. The final line was established June 8, 1812.
a wMt Boundary. — The charter of Massachusetts em-
la i I the territory between 44° and 48° n. latitude " through-
"Ut ill- Uaine landl from sea to sea." Grants made under Ibis
authority conflicted with those of N. Y., and angry controversies
1. which in c"l,,ni:i| times often resulted in violence and
bloodshed. <>n the lsth "f May. 1783, an agreement was en-
tered Into between John Watts. Wm. smith, Robert B. Livings-
ad Wm. Ni'oll, commissioners on the part of N. Y., and
Wm. Brattle, Joseph Bawley, and John Hancock, on thatol
Mass.: but the Revolution soon followed, and the line was never
run. Commissioners appointed by both States in 17s:; failed
to egret ; and December -. 1785, Congress nppolnted Thomas
ii i David Rittenhouae commissioners
to run the line and fin. ill', i ad the controversy. The clali
Mass. to the land* westward were finally settled at Hartford,
- D . 16, 1786, by James Duane, Robert R. Livis
t Yates, John Baring, Melancthon smith, and i
mmlsslonon on the pari "t v v . and John Lowell,
. iiv'in. Tie 'I'liiiiH Parsons, ami Boras King, on the
part of Mom. By this agreement Mass, surrendered tin
reignty of the whole disputed t' rritory to n. Y„ and ret eived in
return ib- right of -il and pre-emptive rlghl of Indian pm>
rh»j»e w. of n meridian passing through the B2d milestone "f the
Perm, line, -in- a] on N lagai i River.
Th» ■ ' t known »< "The Boston T< n Towns,*1 lying a.
of tli ■:. previou I by Ma--., was .il n-
firmed, Nantucki t. Martha* vin. \ 1 1. and the H'lj.i. .-nt Islands,
wer»> purchased fr"m the Bar) of Sterling by the Duke of York.
and civil i--l "\>r them, andei the name
of •■ /)>ti;.< Cbwity," by the govsruoi • . until it «
by theproi Incial chart) r of 1603. •■ Pemaqnid
and it« depend) inpri»ine a considerable part of the
, was also bought from thi
rued by N. Y.. as "Clswaaifl Cbuwrs/," until 1686, when it
vhs baMfemd f" Mass. Boston Corner, a small arable tract in
the town of Mount Washington, separated by a rugged mountain
from the convenient jurisdiction of Mass. was surrendered by
thai State May 14, 1853, accepted by N. Yr. July 21, 1S53, and
the transfer was confirmed by Congress, Jan. 3, 1855. Bussell
Dorr was appointed on the part of N. Y., and John Z. Goodrich
by Massachusetts, to run and mark the line.
Connecticut Boundary. — By the charter of 1662 the territory
of Conn, extended to the " South Sea;" and by patent granted
in 1004 the territory of the Duke of York was bounded E. by
Connecticut River. Commissioners sent over in 1664 settled
upon a line 20 mi. E. of the Hudson as the boundary, fixing the
starting point on Mamaroncck River. The decision proving
grossly erroneous, the controversy was renewed, and in 1683
another commissioner was appointed to settle the matter. It
was finally agreed to allow Conn, to extend her boundaries W.
along the Sound, and N. Y. to receive a compensation in the n.;
and the line was definitely established May. 1731. By this agree-
ment a tract called the " Oblong," containing 61,440 acres, along
the N. part of the w. border of Conn., was surrendered to N. Y.
The exact line of Conn, has to the present day been a subject of
controversy, and in 1856 commissioners were appointed by each
State to effect a settlement, but without success. N. YT. owns all
the islands in the Sound to within a few rods of the Conn, shore.
New Jersey Boundary. — The original patent of New Jersey
was bounded x. by a line running directly from a point on the
Delaware, latitude 41° 40', to a point on the Hudson, latitude
41°, and E. by Hudson River. The N. line was run and marked in
1774, and the E. was claimed by N. Y*. as extending only to low-
wafer mark on the adjacent waters. N. J. claimed "full right
and lawful authority to exercise jurisdiction in and over the said
Hudson River and the said main sea," including Staten Island,
and, by an act of Nov. 2, 1806, appointed Aaron Ogden, Wm. S.
Pennington, James Parker, Lewis Condict, and Alexander C.
MeWhorter commissioners to settle her claims. The New York
Legislature, on the 3d of April, appointed Ezra L'Hommedieu,
Samuel Jones, Egbert Benson, Simeon Dc Witt, and Joseph C.
Y'ates to meet the commissioners of N. J.; but their interviews
led to no result. The question of jurisdiction was finally settled
in 1833, by an agreement between Beuj. F. Butler, Peter A. Gay,
and Henry Seymour on the part of N. Y., and Theodore Freling-
huysen, James Parker, and Lucius Q. C. Elmer on the part of
N. J. ; confirmed by N. Y. Feb. 5, by N. J. Feb. 26, and by Con-
gress June 28, 1834. The right of each State to land under water
and to fisheries extends to the center of the channel. The State
of N. Y. has sole jurisdiction over all the waters of the bay and
of the river w. of New York City to low-water mark on the
Jersey shore, except to wharves and vessels attached thereto.
This jurisdiction covers the waters of Kil Van Hull and of
Staten Island Sound to Woodbridgc Creek, as for quarantine
purposes. South of this, N. J. has exclusive jurisdiction over
lie waters of the Sound and of Baritan Bay westward of a lino
from Princes Bay Light to Manhattan Creek, subject to right
of properly in lands under water, of wharves, docks, and ves-
n I- aground or fastened t.> any wharf or dock, and the right of
Ashing t" the center of the channi i.
Civil process in each State may be executed upon the waters
of the river and bay, except <>n board of vessels aground or at-
tached to wharves in the other State, or unless the person or
property be under arrest or seizure by virtue of authority "f
tl ther State. By the late survey of N. J. the point of de-
parture Of the boundary from the Delaware is 11° 20'.
Pennsylvania Boundaries. — The original boundary line be-
tween New York ami Pennsylvania extended from the n. w.
comer of New Jersey alone the center of Delaware River to
42° R. latitude, mill Ufenoe dm- w. to bake Erie. Samuel Hol-
land mi the psil of N. Y.. and David Kittenhousc on the part
of I'enn.. ware appointed commissioners, Nov. 8, 1774, to run
tlii-. boundarj ; but tie Revolution soon after commenced, and
nothing whs done, in 1789-88 the line was run w. to the 90th
milestone, and the survej was certified Oct. 12, 1786, by James
i biiton and Simeon De \\itt. of N. Y., and Andrew Elliott, of
I', im. By authority ol the State Legislature, the N. Y. delegates
in Congress, March 1, 17M, released to the General Government
nil the lands t" whif Ii they had claim w. of a meridian extend-
ing through the w. extremity of Lake Ontario. The trian-
gular trad so surrendered was sold to Pcnn. for $151,640, and
Secured to thai State 80 mi, of lake coast and an excellent
harbor. The lino was run by the V. S. Surveyor General In
17----9.
TOPOGRAPHY.
Surface. — This State lies upon that portion of the Appalachian Mountain system where the
mountains generally assume the character of hills and finally sink to a level of the lowlands that
surround the great depression filled by Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Three distinct
mountain masses or ranges enter the State from the s. and extend across it in a general N. e. direc-
tion. The first or most easterly of these ranges — a continuation of the Blue Ridge of Va. — enters
the State from N. J. and extends n. e. through Rockland and Orange cos. to the Hudson, appears
on the e. side of that river, and forms the highlands of Putnam and Dutchess cos. A northerly
extension of the same range passes into the Green Mts. of Western Mass. and Vt. This range
culminates in the Highlands upon the Hudson. The highest peaks are 1,000 to 1,700 feet above
tide. The rocks which compose these mountains are principally primitive or igneous, and the
mountains themselves are rough, rocky, and precipitous, and unfit for cultivation. The deep
gorge formed by the Hudson in passing through this range presents some of the finest scenery in
America, and has often been compared to the celebrated valley of the Rhine.
The second series of mountains enters the State from Penn. and extends n. e. through Sullivan,
Ulster, and Greene cos., terminating and culminating in the Catskill Mts. upon the Hudson.
The highest peaks are 3,000 to 3,800 feet above tide. The Shawangunk Mts., a high and con-
tinuous ridge extending between Sullivan and Orange cos. and into the s. part of Ulster, is the
extreme e. range of this series. The Helderbergh and Hellibark Mts. are spurs extending n.
from the main range into Albany and Schoharie cos. This whole mountain system is principally
composed of the rocks of the New York system above the Medina sandstone. The summits are
generally crowned with old red sandstone and with the conglomerate of the coal measures. The
declivities are steep and rocky; and a large share of the surface is too rough for cultivation. The
highest peaks overlook the Hudson, and from their summits are obtained some of the finest views
in Eastern New York.
The third series of mountains enters the State from Penn. and extends n. e. through Broome,
Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Montgomery, and Herkimer cos. to the Mohawk, appears upon the
N. side of that river, and extends n. e., forming the whole series of highlands that occupy the n. e.
part of the State and generally known as the Adirondack Mountain region. South of the Mohawk
this mountain system assumes the form of broad, irregular hills, occupying a wide space of country.
It is broken by the deep ravines of the streams, and in many places the hills are steep and nearly
precipitous. The valley of the Mohawk breaks the continuity of the range, though the connec-
tion is easily traced at Little Falls, The Noses, and other places. North of the Mohawk the high-
lands extend n. e. in several distinct ranges, all terminating upon Lake Champlain. The cul-
minating point of the whole system, and the highest mountain in the State, is Mt. Marcy, 5,467
feet above tide. The rocks of all this region are principally of igneous origin, and the mountains
are usually wild, rugged, and rocky. A large share of the surface is entirely unfit for cultiva-
tion ; but the region is rich in minerals, and especially in an excellent variety of iron ore. West
of these ranges, series of hills forming spurs of the Alleganies enter the State from Penn. and
occupy the entire s. half of the w. part of the State. An irregular line extending through the
southerly counties forms the watershed that separates the northern and southern drainage ; and
from it the surface gradually declines northward until it finally terminates in the level of Lake
Ontario.1 The portion of the State lying s. of this watershed and occupying the greater part of
Of Heights of
1 TABLE
the Principal Summits in the State.
NAME OF MO0NT.
LOCATION.
FEET.
NAME OF MOUNT.
LOCATION.
FEET.
t< a
5,467
5,200
6,183
5,000
5,000
4,900
4,900
4,500
4,500
5,100
4,000
3,000
3,804
3,718
3,000
3,400
2.400
1,980
1,700
1,743
1,685
1,471
1,586
1,228
1,529
1,418
1,350
1,187
u u
Sullivan "
" Nipple Top
tt u
Walnut Hill
a a
tt a
it it
" White Face
u u
" Taylor
u tt
Bull Hill
u it
it tt
it k
High Peak
it tt
it it
a tt
19
20
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
the two southerly tiers of counties is entirely occupied by these hills. Along the Penn. line they
are usually abrupt and are separated by narrow ravines, but toward the n. their summits become
broader and less broken. A considerable portion of the highland region is too steep for profitable
cultivation and is best adapted to grazing. The highest summits in Allegany and Cattaraugus
cos. are 2,000 to 2,500 feet above tide.
From the summits of the watershed the highlands usually descend toward Lake Ontario in
series of terraces, the edges of which are the outcrops of the different rocks which underlie the
surface. These terraces are usually smooth, and, although inclined toward the N., the inclination
is generally so slight that they appear to be level. Between the hills of the s. and the level land
of the ». is a beautiful rolling region, the ridges gradually declining toward the N. Inthatpart
of the State s. of the most eastern mountain range the surface is generally level or broken by low
hills. In New York and Westchester cos. these hills are principally composed of primitive rocks.
The surface of Long Island is generally level or gently undulating. A ridge 150 to 200 feet high,
composed of sand, gravel, and clay, extends e. and w. across the island n. of the center.
Rivers and Lakes. — The river system of the State has two general divisions, — the first
comprising the streams tributary to the great lakes and the St. Lawrence, and the second those
which flow in a general southerly direction. The watershed which separates these two systems
extends in an irregular line eastward from Lake Erie through the southern tier of counties to near
the n.e. corner of Chemung: thence it turns N. e. to the Adirondack Mts. in Essex co., thence
s. E. to the e. extremity of Lake George, and thence nearly due e. to the e. line of the State.1
The northerly division has 5 general subdivisions. The most westerly of these comprises all
the streams flowing into Lake Erie and Niagara River and those flowing into Lake Ontario w. of
Genesee River. In Chautauque co. the streams are short and rapid, as the watershed approaches
within a few mi. of Lake Erie. Cattaraugus, Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Oak Orchard Creeks are
the most important streams in this division. Buffalo Creek is chiefly noted for forming Buffalo
Harbor at its mouth; and the Tonawanda for 12 miles from its mouth is used for canal navi-
gation. Oak Orchard and other creeks flowing into Lake Ontario descend from the interior in a
series of rapids, affording a large amount of water-power.
The second subdivision comprises the Genesee River and its tributaries. The Genesee rises
in the x. part of Penn. and flows in a generally northerly direction to Lake Ontario. Its upper
course is through a narrow valley bordered by steep, rocky hills. Upon the line of "Wyoming and
Livingston cos. it breaks through a mountain barrier in a deep gorge and forms the Portage Falls,
— one of the finest waterfalls in the State. Below this point the course of the river is through a
utiful valley 1 to 2 mi. wide and bordered by banks 50 to 150 ft. high. At Rochester it flows
over the precipitous edges of the Niagara limestone, forming the Upper Genesee Falls ; and 3 mi.
below it flows over the edge of the Medina sandstone, forming the Lower Genesee Falls. The
principal tributaries of this stream are Canaseraga, Honeoye, and Conesus Creeks from the e., and
tka and Black Creeks from the w. Honeoye, Canadice, Hemlock, and Conesus Lakes lie within
the G • Basin.
The third subdivision includes the Oswego River and its tributaries and the small streams flow-
ing into Lake Ontario between Genesee and Oswego Rivers. The basin of the Oswego includes
most of the inland lake-; which form a peculiar feature of the landscape in the interior of the State.
The principal of the«e lakes ar<- Cayuga, Seneca, Canandaigua, Skaneateles, Crooked, and Owasco, —
all occupying Ion?, narrow valleys, and extending from the level land in the center far into the
highland region of the s. The valleys which they occupy appear like immense ravines formed by
some tremendous force, which has torn the solid rocks from their original beds, from the general
level of the surrounding summits, down to the present bottoms of the lakes.2 Oneida and Onondaga
> TABL1
■\t \etghi abort ttdt of thr pair's hrlirrrn thr. principal rirfr basins of the Stain.
BIT' AT
feet.
BETWEEN"
AT
FEF.T.
657
900
427'
:.!■,:
1.1.7
1.247
Sosquehanna River and Cayuga Lake
" " Seneca Lake.
" " " Genesee Itiv..
M P.ivor and Allegany River....
Ithaca Summit...
969,
--!
1,780
1,699
1,614
536
1,120
l.li.Ml
■ " pp|«w.>' irllle
u u u Neverrink Hirer.... Wnwarsing..
Alfred Summit...
Delaware P.;' inni J'.iv .mmit .
Little Vol. Sum...
Mohawk HiTi-r aii'l Lake Ontario
" " " Black River
Lake Cbamplain and St. Lawrence...
a •• '• Oneida l,ikr- Tullv
ChateangnvSum.
The m""t remarkable passes through the mountain* are. first. [ * The ravines of these lakes, and the streams which flow down
that of the Hnda tern mountains; second, [ parallel U< th«-m. are usually bordered by steep hillsides, the
that of Wc.-i Creek, from too Bodaoo t.. Lake f'bnmpl.iin ; and, strata of which lie in parallel layers nearly level E. and w., and
third, that of the Mohiwk, through the central mountains. slightly inclined toward the 8. Upon the opposite banks the
TOPOGRAPHY.
21
Lakes occupy basins upon the level land in the n. e. part of the Oswego Basin. Mud Creek, the
most westerly branch of Oswego River, takes its rise in Ontario co., flows n. e. into Wayne, where
it unites with Canandaigua Outlet and takes the name of Clyde River; thence it flows e. to the
W. line of Cayuga co., where it empties into Seneca River. This latter stream, made up of the
outlets of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, from this point flows in a n. e. course, and receives success-
ively the outlets of Owasco, Skaneateles, Onondaga, and Oneida Lakes. From the mouth of the
last-named stream it takes the name Oswego River, and its course is nearly due n. to Lake Ontario.
The fourth subdivision includes the streams flowing into Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence E. of
the mouth of the Oswego. The principal of these are Salmon, Black, Oswegatchie, Grasse, and
Racket Rivers. These streams mostly take their rise upon the plateau of the great Northern
wilderness, and in their course to the lowlands are frequently interrupted by falls, furnishing an
abundance of water-power. The water is usually very dark, being colored with iron and the
vegetation of swamps.
The fifth subdivision includes all the streams flowing into Lakes George and Champlain. They
are mostly mountain torrents, frequently interrupted by cascades. The principal streams are the
Chazy, Saranac, and Au Sable Rivers, and Wood Creek. Deep strata of tertiary clay extend along
the shores of Lake Champlain and Wood Creek. The water of most of the streams in this region
is colored by the iron over which it flows.
The second general division of the river-system of the State includes the basins of the Allegany,
Susquehanna, Delaware, and Hudson. The Allegany Basin embraces the southerly half of Chau-
tauqua and Cattaraugus cos. and the s. w. corner of Allegany. The Allegany River enters the
State from the s. in the s. E. corner of Cattaraugus co., flows in nearly a semicircle, with its out-
ward curve toward the n., and flows out of the State in the s. w. part of the same co. It receives
several tributaries from the N. and e. These streams mostly flow in deep ravines bordered by
steep, rocky hillsides. The watershed between this basin and Lake Erie approaches within a few
miles of the lake, and is elevated 800 to 1,000 feet above it.
The Susquehanna Basin occupies about one-third of the s. border of the State. The river takes
its rise in Otsego Lake, and, flowing s. w. to the Penn. line, receives Charlotte River from the s.
and the Unadilla from the n. After a course of a few miles in Penn. it again enters the State, and
flows in a general westerly direction to near the w. border of Tioga co., whence it turns s. and
again enters Penn. Its principal tributary from the n. is Chenango River. Tioga River enters
the State from Penn. near the e. border of Steuben co., flows n., receives the Canisteo from the w.
and the Conhocton from the n. From the mouth of the latter the stream takes the name Chemuno-
River, and flows in a s. e. direction, into the Susquehanna in Penn., a few miles s. of the State
line. The upper course of these streams is generally through deep ravines bordered by steep
hillsides; but below they are bordered by wide and beautiful intervales.
The Delaware Basin occupies Delaware and Sullivan and portions of several of the adjacent cos.
The n. or principal branch of the river rises in the n.e. part of Delaware co. and flows s. w. to
near the Penn. line; thence it turns s. e. and forms the boundary of the State to the line of N. J.
Its principal branches are the Pepacton and Neversink Rivers. These streams all flow in deep,
narrow ravines bordered by steep, rocky hills.
The Basin of the Hudson occupies about two-thirds of the e. border of the State, and a large
territory extending into the interior. The remote sources of the Hudson are among the highest
peaks of the Adirondacks, more than 4,000 feet above tide. Several of the little lakes which form
reservoirs of the Upper Hudson are 2,500 to 3,000 feet above tide. The stream rapidly descends
through the narrow defiles into Warren co., where it receives from the e. the outlet of Schroon
Lake, and Sacondaga River from the w. Below the mouth of the latter the river turns eastward,
and breaks through the barrier of the Luzerne Mts. in a series of rapids and falls. At Fort Ed-
ward it again turns s. and flows with a rapid current, frequently interrupted by falls, to Troy,
160 miles from the ocean. At this place the river falls into an estuary, where its current is
affected by the tide; and from this place to its mouth it is a broad, deep, sluggish stream. About
60 miles from its mouth the Hudson breaks through the rocky barrier of The Highlands, form-
ing the most easterly of the Appalachian Mt. Ranges ; and along its lower course it is bordered on
the w. by a nearly perpendicular wall of basaltic rock 300 to 500 feet high, known as "The Pal-
isades." Above Troy the Hudson receives Hoosick River from the e. and the Mohawk from the
w. The former stream rises in Western Mass. and Vt., and the latter near the center of the State.
dissevered edges of the strata exactly correspond, showing that
the intermediate portion? have heen torn away. The force that
effected these immense changes was probably great currents of
water from the N., — the direction being determined by the cha-
racter of the boulders upon the hills, and by the peculiar nature
of the drift deposits.
22
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
At Little Falls and "The Noses" the Mohawk breaks through mountain barriers in a deep, rocky
ravine; and at Cohoes, about 1 mile from its mouth, it flows down a perpendicular precipice of 70
feet, forming an excellent water-power. Below Troy the tributaries of the Hudson are all com-
paratively small streams. South of the Highlands the river spreads out into a wide expanse known
as " Tappan Bay." A few small streams upon the extreme e. border of the State flow eastward
into the Hoosatonia ; and several small branches of Passaic River rise in the s. part of Rockland co.
Lake Erie forms a portion of the w. boundary of the State. It is 240 miles long, with an average
width of 38 miles, and it lies mostly w. of the bounds of the State. It is 334 feet above Lake On-
tario, 565 feet above tide, and has an average depth of 120 feet. The greatest depth ever obtained
by soundings is 270 feet. The harbors upon the lake are Buffalo, Silver Creek, Dunkirk, and
Barcelona,
Niagara River, forming the outlet of Lake Erie, is 34 miles long, and, on an average, more
than a mile wide.1 About 20 miles below Lake Erie the rapids commence ; and 2 miles further
below are Niagara Falls.2 For 7 miles below the falls the river has a rapid course between
perpendicular, rocky banks, 200 to 300 feet high; but below it emerges from the Highlands and
flows 7 miles to Lake Ontario in a broad, deep, and majestic current.
Lake Ontario forms a part of the x. boundary to the w. half of the State. Its greatest length is
130 miles and its greatest width 55 miles. It is 232 feet above tide, and its greatest depth is 600
feet. Its principal harbors on the American shore are Lewiston, Youngston, Port Genesee, Sodus
and Little Sodus Bays, Oswego, Sackets Harbor, and Cape Vincent. St. Lawrence River forms
the outlet of the lake and the x. boundary of the State to the e. line of St. Lawrence co. It is a
broad, deep river, flowing with a strong yet sluggish current until it passes the limits of this
State. In the upper part of its course it incloses a great number of small islands, known as
"The Thousand Islands."3
The surfaces of the great lakes are subject to variations of level, — probably due to prevailing
winds, unequal amounts of rain, and evaporation. The greatest difference known in Lake Erie is
7 feet, and in Lake Ontario 4| feet. The time of these variations is irregular; and the interval
between the extremes often extends through several years. A sudden rise and fall, of several
fr-'-r. lias been noticed upon Lake Ontario at rare intervals, produced by some unknown cause.
Navigable Waters. — The natural internal navigation of the State is very extensive.
Before the commencement of internal improvements, the rivers and lakes formed the most easy
means of communication between distant portions of the State; and along these natural channels
of commerce the early settlements were principally made.4 The most important lines of early
l TABLE
Of the heights aixire tide of the principal lakes in the State.
HAKE Or LAKE.
LOCATION.
FEET.
2,900
•J.-.M
1.9.". 6
1,826
'r 1.7 '.•!
1.77'-.
1,746
1.704
1,698
1,665
I.e.).'.
1..-.7.1
1,670
1....7
1,545
l.. U
i. _■;
1,600
1,291
1,200
1.200
POO
860
718
..To
668
117
252
93
U it
U «
" B indf ird.
« u
" K'kf -
Full. ■
Rack- • l
i( u
U it
: ■■
it c<
»
Fulton Lakes, (3. 4, and 5)..
Herkimer ,l
..
Franklin
..
Men "
Kawx
Franklin '•
Hamilton "
'.It '•
Otsego "
to a
Cro... "
Owasco "
Canandiigua " -
Seneca " -...
Madivn "
"
Cavnga "
" Ontario
8 For a more full description of Niagara Falls, see page 450.
8 The river scenery upon the St. Lawrence is unsurpassed. The
water is perfectly pure and nearly transparent. In consequence
of its being fed by the great lake reservoirs, it is never subject
to sudden rises, but steadily pursues its majestic way to the
ocean, unaffected by tho changes of the seasons or other causes.
4 The navigable waters N. of the great watershed before tho
completion of the F.ri'' Canal wore :n f.ll.nts; —
Cattaraugus Creek, about 1 mi. from its mouth.
Buffalo Orer.k; 1 table 8 mi. from Lake Krio.
Trmawanda Creek, boatable 30 mi. from its mouth.
Niagara Ifiver, navigable for vessels, of any size from BnfTalo to
S-hlii^-iT, at the head of tin- Rapids, — a distance of 22 mi.;
also from Lewis Ion to Lake Ontario, a distance of 7 mi.
(till- Hi- I, ml ' 7-i. /.. I H .at able 4 mi from its mouth,
Genesee River, to Carthage Landing, a distance of 5 mi.; and
from Rochester to Mt. Morris for bivits.
Ofu'ii/i/ h'inr was navigated with ureal difficulty by bateaux,
with a portage at Oswego Palls, oov» Fulton.
Oneida Outhi mni l.r r were navigable for bateaux, and for
many years constituted e portion of the great thoroughfare
between the e. and w.
- i • Kirrr was turntable to Cayuga Lake, and to Seneca Lake
with on,. jM.rtago at Seneca Falls; Clyde River was boatable
to Lyons.
The InUrinr Lakes, including Seneca, Cayuga, Cananditigun,
Onondaga, Owasco, Bkaneateles, Crooked, Chantauqoa, and
i, are all navigable. Steamers have plied upon each
of tlnm.
Fish Crrrk was navigable to Rome with canoes. A portage of
lest than 1 mi. Intervened between this stream and the Mo-
hawk River.
Salmon River ma navigable to Port Ontario.
Salmon Orttk ami navigable on each brunch, for small vessels,
al-nit 1 mi. from the lake.
Black Utter mu navigable for large vessels from the lake to
r. a di-t ■■in •■■ of r. mi., and for boats and small steamers
from Carthage to Lyons Falls, a distance of 43 mi.
Lake Ontario, with all its bays aud inlets, is navigable for ves-
sels of all sizes.
TOPOGRAPHY.
23
inland navigation were, first, n. from Albany, through the Hudson to Fort Edward, thence a
portage to Fort Ann, and thence by Wood Creek to Lake Champlain ; and, second, w. from Albany,
by way of the Mohawk, Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, and Oswego River, to Lake Ontario. Upon the
latter route were portages at several of the rifts of the Mohawk, from the Mohawk to Wood Creek,
and at Oswego Falls.
Tides. — The tides at New York Harbor and along the coast have been carefully observed,
under the direction of the Coast Survey. The tidal wave from the Sound, as it moves forward
in a wedge-shaped channel, becomes augmented, whilst that from Sandy Hook is slightly dimin-
ished. These two waves meet in East River, at points between Hell Gate and Throggs Neck.1
Cranberry and French Creeks were boatable about 2 mi. from
their mouths.
Indian River and Black Lake were navigable from Rossie to the
foot of the lake.
Oswegatchie River is navigable in high water for rafts from Ox
Bow to Ogdensburgh.
Racket River was formerly boatable about 18 mi. from its mouth,
but the navigation is now destroyed by dams. In the wil-
derness near the headwaters of this river are several miles
of slack water navigation.
St. Regis River is navigable for steamboats 2 mi. from its mouth.
Salmon River, navigable to Fort Covington.
St. Lawrence River is navigable for vessels of any size from the
lake to Ogdensburgh. Below that point rafts, arks, and
boats could descend, but could ascend only by towing with
horses and cattle up the principal rifts. Locks and canals
have been constructed around the Rapids by the Canadian
Government, so that the navigation for steamboats, sloops,
and schooners is now uninterrupted from Lake Ontario to
the ocean.
Wood Creek was boatable from Fort Ann to Lake Champlain.
Lake George is navigable for boats and steamers.
Lake Cfiampla.in is navigable for all kinds of vessels. Rafts were
formerly sent down to the St. Lawrence ; but vessels could
not ascend the Richlieu until after the construction of a
canal and locks around the Rapids.
Chazy River is navigable to Champlain Landing.
The navigable waters s. of the great watershed were as follows :
Allegany River, in high water, is navigable for small steamers
up to Olean.
Connewango Creek and several of its tributaries are navigable for
rafts in high water.
Susquehanna River was navigable for boats, in high water, to
Otsego Lake.
1 TIDE
The following table, prepared by A. D. Bache, Superintendent
Hudson. The time is that after the last preceding transit of the
is mean low tide.
Unadilla River was also boatable for a considerable distance.
Cltenango River and several of its tributaries were boatable in
high water.
Chemung River was boatable and navigable for rafts in high
water.
Ctmhocton River was boatable to Bath.
Tioga River and the Canisteo were also boatable a considerable
distance.
Delaware River is navigable for rafts in high water. Immense
quantities of lumber have been floated down the Delaware
and Susquehanna to the markets of Philadelphia and Balti-
more.
Hudson River is navigable for ships to Hudson, and by sloops
and steamers to Troy. Boats formerly ascended to Fort Ed-
ward, with portages around the Falls.
Rondout and Wappinger Creeks are navigable each about 2 mi.
from their mouths.
Mohawk River was boatable from Schenectady to "Fort Stan-
mix," now Rome, with several interruptions. The principal
obstructions were the '■ Six Flats Rift," 6 mi. above Sche-
nectady; "Fort Hunter Rift;" "Caughnawaga Rift," at
Canajoharie; "Ehles Rift," near Fort Plain; " Kneisherns
Rift," near the Upper Indian Castle ; and the " Little Falls,"
which was a complete bar to upward navigation and re-
quired a portage around it.
Sacondaga River is navigable for small steamers from Hadley
to Northampton, — a distance of 20 mi. In and around New
York and Long Island the bays, creeks, and inlets are nearly
all navigable in high tide.
Peconic River is navigable to Riverho^d.
Byram River is navigable to Port Chester.
Bronx River is navigable to West Farms, a distance of 3 mi.
Harlem River can be navigated by small craft from East River
to High Bridge.
TABLES.
of the Coast Survey, shows the progress of the tidal wave up the
moon across the meridian at Sandy Hook. The plane of reference
Time after last preceding transit at S. H.
Rise of highest tide above plane of reference.
Fall of lowest tide below " " '
Fall of mean low water of spring tides below
plane of reference
Height of mean low water of neap tides
above plane of reference
Mean rise and fall of tides
" " " " " spring tides
" " " " " neap tides
Mean duration, reckoning from f of rise.,
the middle of one stand ■< of fall.,
to the middle of the next, (of stand.
o
*
to
5
1
d
s
&
X3
S
s>
C«
.S~
Bs
«
•*;
v
A
■f
1
to3
H. M.
©
.Is S
H. M.
I
H. M.
a
©
K
i
53
1
E
E
to
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
7.29
8.14
9.24
10.10
11.5
13.0
13.50
15.41
16.54
17.45
7.1 ft.
6.1 ft.
5.0 ft.
4.7 ft.
4.9 ft.
5.6 ft.
6.4 ft.
6.0 ft.
4.9 ft.
6.4 ft.
1.4
2.2
0.9
0.8
0.8
1.1
1.5
1.6
0.8
1.7
0.5
0.5
0.3
0.2
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.4
0.5
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.4
4.8
4.3
3.59
3.12
2.71
3.24
3.95
3.67
2.66
2.46
5.6
5.1
4.5
3.8
3.4
4.0
4.8
4.3
3.3
3.2
4.0
3.4
2.7
2.5
2.0
2.4
3.0
2.8
1.8
1.1
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
H. M.
6.10
6.0
6.5
5.25
5.28
5.41
5.40
5.18
5.1
4.26
6.15
6.25
6.18
7.12
7.10
6.44
6.54
7.02
7.23
8.4
0.21
0.28
Tide table for Vie shores of Long Island and adjacent places in New York. Time after moon's transit andplane of reference as above.
o
a
B
i
"a
to .
s s
S3
Si
e
00
*2J
1
1
00
£
H. M.
11.20
0.39
9.2 ft.
6.1
7.3
H. M.
5.50
6.33
0.43
H. M.
8.20
1.11
2.4 ft.
1.8
1.9
H. M.
6.7
6.7
0.31
H. M.
9.38
1.7
2.3 ft.
2.9
2.5
H. M.
6.1
6.21
0.37
H. M.
11.7
0.51
9.2 ft.
5.4
7.3
H. M.
6.8
6.24
H. M.
11.13
0.31
8.9 ft.
6.4
7.7
H. M.
5.55
6.30
0.14
H. M.
11.22
0.32
8.6 ft.
6.6
7.6
H. M.
5.51
6.35
0.12
transit and time of high water. \ Diff. between greatest and least interval.
(Flood tide
(Stand
Report of Coast Survey, 1856, p. 122.
GEOLOGY.
Ocr knowledge of the geology of the State is derived from the survey made under State authority
from 1836 to 1843, and from the investigations of several eminent geologists who have examined
particular localities.1
Rocks. — The geological formations of the State include the igneous or primary rocks, and all
the strata lying between them and the coal measures of Penn. The classification adopted by the
State geologists, embracing all the rocks above the primary, is known as the " New York system,"
the rocks being identical with the Silurian and Devonian system of the English geologists. The
igneous or primary rocks, including granite, gneiss, and other varieties destitute of organic
remains, occupy the greater part of the mountainous region in the n. e. part of the State, the
Highlands upon the Hudson, and a considerable portion of the country below, including Man-
hattan Island. A portion of these rocks are imperfectly stratified, and are generally found in
broken and disrupted masses with the strata highly inclined. The remaining portions of the State
are occupied by series of stratified rocks, generally extending e. and w. and varying in thickness
from a few inches to several hundred feet. The strata overlie each other, and have a slight dip
toward the s., so that a person in traveling from the n. border of the State to the Penn. line would
successively pass over the exposed edges of the whole series. Toward the e. these strata all are
bent, and appear to be arranged around the primitive region in the same order in which they lie
elsewhere. The highest of the series of rocks found in the State forms the floor of the coal
measures ; so that it is perfectly futile to search for coal within the limits of the State. The rocks
are distinguished by their color, quality, and situation, and by the fossils which they contain.
In many instances a stratum disappears entirely, and in others strata of several hundred feet in
thickness in one place are but a few feet thick in another. In places where many strata are
wanting and two rocks usually widely separated are found in contact, the geologist is obliged to
depend entirely upon the fossils which they contain to determine their classification.2
1 In 1799. Dr. Samuel L. Mitcliill, under the auspices of the
"Society for Promoting Agriculture. .Arts, and Manufactures."
published an essay u|«>n the rock- in tie- State. While the Erie
I was in process of construction, Stephen Van Rensselaer
employed Pro! Anms Eaton to prepare an account of the rocks
along the canal route. This was published in 1824. Prof.Eaton's
work was one of great merit ; and to him we are indebted for the
first accurate knowledge ever obtained of the general system of
r^k- in the State.
On the ]5th of April. 1836, an act was passed authorizing a
Survey r,f the State. The State was divided into four
di-tre t-. t" earl) of which were appointed a geologist and an
int. A sootofdst, botanist, mineralogist, and paleontologist
w.-r.- appointed for the whole state.
Tif i ., ■ /' 'n>f included the counties of Albany, Columbia,
rare, Dutchess, Greene, KlngB, New Fork, Orange, Putnam,
iebmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady,
barie, Buffolk, Bullivan, Ulster, Washington, and West-
it r. Win. W. Mather was appointed Principal Ge..]..iri-t.
and' .'. Lang Cassels, and -Seymour, Assistants.
The Report, in I blished in I
Thi : of the counties of Clinton. Es-
I rnnklin. J -t. Lawrence, and Warren, was placed
under the charge of Dr it em scr Emmons, Principal, and Jas.
Hall and I . j r . Assistants. The Report, in LvoL,WaS
publish d in 1
Thr Third D ; the ( nintii j of Broome,
_■ i. ' i" n og Cortland, Fulton, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison,
Montg mery. Oneida go, I I _-a. and the
i under chat : i ardner Van
n, Principal, and Jas I Uststants, The
rt, in 1 toL, was publish d In 1843.
The y>mri>. !• misting of the counties "f Allegany,
irangu*,< hautanqua, Chemung, Brie, Genesee, Liris
Monroe, Niagara, On) ben, the w. half
of Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yatei oedt ijai
If nil. Principal, and .1. w. p. Mi and I: s ll r-frd. Assistants.
!■ rt was published in 1 voL in
The Mmeril atmerU wa- I to Dr. Let I
Beck. Principal, and Wm. Horton and I. D. Gale, A-i-tanta.
1 he Report, in 1 voL, was publish d in 1843,
The Zoological Department was .. Dr. J IP. Kay,
Principal, and .l.'lm W. Hill. Draftsman 7I.- Report, In 6 Tola.,
was publish, d in 1813 48: ToL I. Mammalia, with General I n-
f r- -in- ti m by Gov.J VoL II, Ornltl
IV. Reptiles and Pishes; Vol V, MoUnsca and I
The Botanical Department John Torry.
The Report, in '.' vohu, was published in l
Thr A ' Department was assigned t T>r. Ebencjter
Bnimons. The l;- ; -•.' in a vols- was published fr.m If
24
1S54. — Vol. I, Soils and Climate; Vol. II, Analysis and Results
of Experiments; Vols. Ill and IV, Fruits ; Vol. V, Insects.
The Paleontolof/ical Department was assigned to T. A. Conrad,
in 1837. He resigned in 1S43. and was succeeded by Prof. Jas.
Hall. The Report, to consist of 5 vols., is in process of publica-
tion. Two vols, are already issued ; and the third is in press.
A geological map, accompanying the Reports, is issued with
this work.
2 The following is the classification of the New York system,
with the position which the different strata occupy in the classi-
fication of English geologists. The order of the arrangement
is from below upward : —
Primitive or Igneous Rocks.
Tacnic System.
Potsdam Sandstone.
Calciferous Sandstone.
Chazy Limestone.
Bird eye Limestone.
Mack Itiver Limestone.
Trenton Limestone.
Utica Slate.
Hudson River Group. Lorraine Shale.-.
Oneida Conglomerate, Bhawangunk Grit.
Mi dins Sandstone.
Clinton Group.
Niagara Group, Coraline Limestone in the east.
| i, -I .shal,-.
Onondaga Sail Group.- Green .-hales.
I Gypsum.
Waterlime Group.
Pentamorua Limestone.
I>. Ithyris Bhaly Limestone,
Upper Pentamerua Limestone.
i h iskany Sandstone.
Cauda Gain Grit.
s. hi bai i' Grit.
Onondaga Limes!
Oorniferous Limi stone.
Marcellus Shahs.
fLudlowville Shales.
Hamilton Group. -j Encrinal Limestone.
(Moscow Shales.
Tully Limestone.
- ■ Mate.
I ' ishaqua Shales.
Portage Group. J Qardeau Flag Stones.
I Portage Sandstone
Chemung Group.
old Red sandstone.
Conglomerate of the Coal Measures.
7.
a
p
-j .
t/j
a
u
o
kJ
|E
-
5
x
— •
f-
m
-/.
>•
a:
i.
H
fl.
* \
P
g
0
'•>
M
v.
to
-r
s .
z
SB
a
,
GEOLOGY.
25
The Catskill Mts. are composed principally of Old Red Sandstone ; and the tops of some of the
higher peaks are covered with the conglomerate of the coal measures. Now Ited Sandstone is
found in a few localities along the Hudson, below the Highlands. Trap, a rock of volcanic origin,
forms the Palisades upon the Hudson ; and trap dikes are common in the primitive region of
the n. Tertiary clay, in deep strata, extends along the valleys of Lake Champlain and St. Law-
rence River. Drift, including loose deposits of boulders, gravel, sand, and clay, is found in most
parts of the State, in some places covering the rocks beneath to the depth of several hundred
feet. The character of this drift, the peculiar forms which it has assumed, and the position which
it occupies, all give evidence of some great general moving power which existed after the stratified
rocks were lifted from their original beds, and ages before the present order of things was
instituted.
Within more recent periods, considerable changes have been wrought by the action of present
streams of water and the wasting agencies of the atmosphere and frost. From these are derived
marl, alluvium, and the greater part of the soils. The thickness of the rock strata is generally
determined by its outcrop along the ravines of the streams, and by Artesian wells, which have
been sunk to a great depth in different parts of the State.1
Metallic Minerals. — The principal metals in the State are iron and lead, the former
only of which is found in sufficient quantity and purity to render its manufacture profitable. Iron
ore is found in three distinct varieties, viz., magnetic oxide or magnetite, specular oxide or red
hematite, and hydrous peroxide or limonite. Magnetic ore is widely diffused throughout the
primitive region. It is usually found in beds between the rock strata, parallel to the mountain
ranges ; and sometimes it is blended with the rock. The beds in many places are immense in
extent, and the ore is 75 to 95 per cent, pure iron.2 Specular iron ore is found in narrow beds
between the igneous and sedimentary rocks. It is principally found in St. Lawrence and Jeffer-
son cos.3 A variety of this ore, known as argillaceous iron ore or clay ironstone, is associated
with the lower strata of the Clinton group, extending from Herkimer to Monroe co. It is
found in beds 2£ feet thick and about 20 feet apart, and its general form is that of flattened grains.
Limonite is found also associated with the igneous rocks and in various other localities. It is
usually in the form of shot or bog ore, or yellow ocher. It is wrought to a considerable extent
in Richmond, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Columbia, Washington, Franklin, St. Lawrence,
Jefferson, and Lewis cos. Bog ore is probably found, to a greater or less extent, in every co. in
the State. The iron made from it is usually tough and soft.4
Lead ore is found in St. Lawrence, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Orange, Columbia, Lewis,
Jefferson, and Sullivan cos. ; and in several of them the mines have been worked to some extent.
The Rossie Mines, of St. Lawrence, are the only ones now wrought.5 Copper ore in the form of
New Red Sandstone.
Tertiary.
Diluvial or Drift.
Quaternary.
The Taconic system is claimed by some as corresponding to
the Cambrian system of Mr. Sedgwick, and by others to be
newer formations changed by heat.
1 TABLE
Showing the depths of the principal Artesian wells in the State.
County.
Albany..
Cayuga
Columbia....
Delaware.. ..
Jefferson....
Livingston .
New York-
Oneida
Onondaga. .
Orleans..
Wayne ..
Locality.
City
Ferry St
Montezuma
Hudson
Elk Brook
Watertown
York
U.S. Hotel
Bleeker St
ByManhatt'n co
Utica
Syracuse
Oak Orchard
Savannah
Little Sodus and
Clyde
Depth.
400
Product.
Fresh water.
Mineral water.
Brine.
Fresh water.
Weak brine.
Fresh water.
Weak brine and gas.
Fresh water.
Brine.
Weak brine.
and gas.
The deepest Artesian well in the U. S. is at St. Louis, Mo.,
and is 2199 feet deep. A well at Louisville, Ky., is 2086 feet
deep ; and another at Columbus, Ohio, 1900 feet deep.
2 The principal mines which have been worked in the northern
primitive region are in Warren, Essex, Clinton, St. Lawrence,
and Franklin cos. So common are particles of iron in the rocks
of this region that the iron sand upon the banks of the streams
is sufficiently pure to repay the labor of collecting for the forge.
Magnetic ores are also abundant in Orange co., and mines have
there been worked since the earliest periods. This ore has also
been found among the igneous rocks of Kockland. Westchester,
Putnam, Washington, Saratoga, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson,
and Lewis cos.
3 The principal mines in St. Lawrence and Jefferson cos. yield
this variety of ore. It is most abundant in the towns of Gouver-
neur, Kossie, and Antwerp, and is there usually associated with
crystaline sulphuret of iron, spathic iron, and quartz. The ar-
gillaceous ore supplies the furnaces in Oneida. Oswego, and Wayne
cos. It is red. and imparts a dull red color to whatever it cornea
in contact with. In the region of mines and furnaces the clothing
of the laborers, the trees, fences, and vehicles employed, are all
colored by it. It is used as a paint, under the name of '• Spanish
Brown."
4 Bog ore is deposited in swamps, the bottoms of which are
clay, hardpan, or some other strata impervious to water. It is
continually accumulating, so that it may be removed two or
three times in a century. It has various shades of color, from
yellow to a dark brown. In the primitive region it sometimes
assumes a stalactital or botryoidal form, with a fibrous texture
and a glossy black surface. A loamy variety, when used in high
furnaces, is liable to blow up. This is caused by the mass melt-
ing away below, leaving a crust above, and. as the support at last
gives away, the moisture contained in the mass is suddenly con-
verted into steam by the intense heat, and the liquid iron below
is thrown out with great force, sometimes destroying the fur-
nace.
6 A vein has recently been opened in Orange co. that promised
great richness. Lead ore is usually found in the form of sul-
phurets. or galena. It is often associated witli crystalized mine-
rals of great beauty.
26 NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
a sulphuret has been found in Washington, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence cos., but not in sufficient
quantities to render mining profitable. Zinc ore in the form of a sulphuret, or blende, is found,
associated with lead, in St. Lawrence co. Manganese, titanium, nickel, and several other metals,
have been found in small quantities, though they have never been reduced except in the labora-
tories of the chemist.1
A'onOIetallic Minerals. — The most valuable non-metallic minerals in the State are
limestone, gypsum, waterlime, pipeclay, clay and sand suitable for common and fire brick and
pottery, graphite, talc, and slate. Nearly every part of the State is well supplied with building
6tone ; and in most of the counties extensive quarries have been worked. Lime, waterlime, and
gypsum are also extensively quarried.2
Mineral Spring's are numerous, and are found in nearly every co. in the State*. The
most celebrated of these are the salt springs of Onondaga, the medicinal springs of Saratoga,
and the thermal springs of Columbia co. Sulphur and chalybeate springs are common, and many
of them have considerable notoriety for medicinal properties.3 In the w. part of the State
springs emitting nitrogen and carburetted hydrogen gas are numerous. In the limestone regions
of the State the water is generally more or less impregnated with carbonate and sulphate of
lime ; and in many places tufa is deposited in large quantities by the water. The slow dissolving
of the limestone rocks has given a cavernous structure to several localities, and in others it has
formed deep holes in the ground. The caves of Albany, Schoharie, and Jefferson cos. are doubtless
formed in this manner ; and the peculiar sink-holes and cratean lakes of Onondaga are probably
formed by the breaking of the superincumbent mass into the caverns beneath.
SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
The Seat of Government was originally fixed at New York City, and remained there until the
Revolution, with occasional adjournments of the General Assembly and Executive Department on
account of prevailing sickness. Such of the public records as related to the immediate interests
of the crown were removed, by order of Gov. Tryon, in Dec. 1775, to the armed ship Duchess of
Gordon, and remained on board till Nov. 1781, when most of them were returned to the city.4 In
June, 177G, the other public records were removed to Kingston, and, on the approach of the enemy
in Oct. 1777, they were hastily taken to Rochester, Ulster county.6 They were soon afterward taken to
Poughkeepsie, and in 1784 to New York. In 1797, commissioners were appointed to erect a build-
in:.' fir the records in Albany, and an order dated July 31, 1798, authorized their removal thither'
and the permanent location of the Beat of Government at that place.
The Slaie House was begun in 1803 and finished in 1807, at the joint expense of the city and
county 'if Albany and the State of New York. The original cost exceeded $120,000, of which
1 In many of the original patents of tin- mountainous regions
upon the llii'I- "ii. reservations Were made of all tin; gold nncl
Hirer thai (bund. To this day, how., v.r. tin-' m< -t.il-
hsre n't been found ; though it is said that traces of silver have
ben i in -• v. ml plai
* The following is ■ li-t oi 1 1 1«- most important quarries in the
State ;_
Gyp'"rn in found in Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, Wayne, Or-
Ltmt I . irried in mosl of tlic counties of tho State cx-
• Hi- Penn. line.
married in Erie, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison,
l. ' inondaga, and I Inter.
Wlaggbu b found in most "f the southern c unties, and in
u other 1 The thin bedded sandstone of the
Portage group furnishes the * tics.
Btu'l' tcellent quality hi bond in nearly every
ind gneiss are extensively
quarried in New York and m • iti hester and In the it. r„ c.,s.
of the state. The Potsdam sandstone, Black Hirer limc-
ini'l Medina sandstone, and th" Onondaga
limestone ail furnish i \ ellent building stone. Host of the
locks upon the Brie Canal are built "f the last named stone.
The shales of the Portage nnd Chemung group arc sepa-
into s-truta hy hard, compact sandstone, excellent for
building or flagging.
il:r '•■ is found and [iiimed in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess,
and Orange cos.
Roofing slate is quarried in Washington, Rensselaer, Columbia,
and Dutchess cos.
3 The principal of these springs are those of Massona, St.
Lawrence co.; Richfield, Otsego <-o.: Avon. Livingston co.;
Sharon. Schoharie co. : New Lebanon and Stockport. Columbia
co. ; Chlttenango, Madison co. : and Alabama, Genesee co.
* Six yearn" cl"-' ■ ■ i> 1 1 n> ui'iit on tdiiphonrd damaged some
of these records almost beyond remedy. The most valuable
were transcribed in I798j under the direction of commissioners
appointed by law.
» The first State Legislature, then in session, hastily adjourned
and met in .Tan. at I'oiiglikeepsio. The citizens of (Joshen
tendered the hospitalities ol tin ir village and the use of rooms,
if the Legislature chose to remove thither. In March, ITT1-, a
com orient resolution directed the Secretary of State and the
clerks of counties t" put their penis into strong and light
inclosures, t.. he ready lor instant removal in case of danger.
The Legislature held its sessions at Poughkeepsie, King-ton. or
Albany, as suited convenience, untO 1784, when it removed to
New York. Two -e.-iou- were afterward held at I'oiighkecpaia,
and three at Albany, before the final removal to the latter place
in 1797.
6 Philip Schuyler, Abraham Ten Broeck, Jeremiah Van liens-
seuv r. Daniel Hale, and Tennis T. Van Vechteu were appointed
commissioners. The edifice stood on the site of the present
Geological and Agricultural Hall, and was torn down in 1855.
SEAT OF GOVERNMENT.
27
$34,200 was paid by the city and $3,000 by the county of Albany. It continued to be used for
city, county, and State offices and courts until about 1832, when the State became the exclusive
owner and the Capitol was fitted up for legislative and other public purposes. It stands at the
head of State Street, 130 feet above the Hudson, and has in front a park of three acres inclosed bj
an iron fence. It is substantially built of stone faced with Nyack red freestone.1
Tlic State Library is a fireproof building in the rear of the State House and connected
with it by a long corridor. It is built of brick and iron and faced on its two fronts with brown
freestone. It is already nearly filled with books, manuscripts, and maps, which the State has been
collecting for many years.2
Tlie State Hall, situated upon Eagle Street, fronting the Academy Park, was finished in 1842.
It is built of cut stone, with a colonnade in front, supported by six Ionic columns, and is surmounted
by a dome.3 It contains the offices of the Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Auditor of Canal
Department, Canal Appraisers, Canal Commissioners, State Engineer and Surveyor, Division En-
gineers, Clerk of Court of Appeals, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Superintendent of Bank
Department, Attorney General, and State Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Tlie State Geological and Agricultural filall, corner of State and Lodge Sts.,
is the depository of the specimens collected during the geological survey, and also contains the
cabinet of the State Agricultural Society.4
1 It is 90 feet broad, 50 high, and was originally 115 feet long.
Tn 1S54, 15 feet were added to the w. end. The eastern front
has an Ionic portico with four columns of Berkshire marble
each 3 feet 8 inches in diameter and 33 feet high. The north
and south fronts have each a pediment of 65 feet base ; and the
doorways are decorated with columns and angular pediments
of freestone. The entrance hall is 40 by 50 feet and 16 feet
high, the ceiling of which is supported by a double row of
reeded columns, and the floor is vaulted and laid with squares
of Italian marble. Upon the north side of the hall are the
office of Adjutant General and the Assembly Library, and on
the south side the Executive Chambers. The remainder of the
first story is devoted to the Assembly Chamber with its lobbies
and po8toffice. This chamber is now 56 by 65 feet and 28 feet
liigh. The Speaker's desk is on the w. side, and the desks of the
Clerks are upon each side and iu front of it. Desks of members
are arranged in semi-circles in front. Upon the E. side is a
gallery supported by iron pillars. The ceiling is richly orna-
mented in stucco. Over the Speaker's seat is a copy by Ames
of a full length portrait of Stewart's Washington. In the
second story, over the entrance hall, is the Senate chamber, 40
Ly 50 feet and 22 feet high. The President's desk is upon the
s. side, and the desks of the Senators are arranged in a circle in
front. On the n. side are the library and cloak room of the
Senate, and on the s. the postoffice and room of the Sergeant at
Arms. Over the President's seat is a crimson canopy, and oppo-
site are the portraits of Gov. Geo. Clinton and Columbus. The
latter was presented to the Senate in 17S4 by Mrs. Farmer, a
grand-daughter of Gov. Leisler, and had been in her family
150 years. Over the Assembly lobbies is the rooin of the
Court of Appeals, and in the third story are the consultation
rooms of this court, committee rooms of both houses, and part
of the Senate Library. The courtroom of the Court of Appeals
contains portraits of Chancellors Lansing, Sandford, Jones, and
Walworth, Chief Justice Spencer, Abraham Van Vechten, and
Daniel Cady. The inner Executive Chamber has a full size
portrait of Gen. La Fayette, painted when he was in the city in
1825.
The roof of the State house is pyramidal, and from the center
rises a circular cupola 20 feet in diameter, supporting a hemi-
spherical dome upon 8 insulated Ionic columns. Upon the
dome stands a wooden statue of Themis. 11 feet high, holding
in her right hand a sword and in her left a balance.
2 The State Library was founded April 21, 1818, and for nearly
forty years was kept in the upper rooms of the Capitol. Its growth
was comparatively slow until 1844, when its supervision was
transferred from the State officers who had been ex-officio trus-
tees to the Regents of the University. Their Secretary, the late
Dr. T. Rome3rn Beck, was eminently fitted for the task of building
up an institution of this character. The library at the time of
the transfer contained about 10,000 volumes. The number
lias increased during the subsequent 15 years to about 53,000.
The present building, erected in 1853-54. is 114 feet long by 45
broad, was built at a cost of $91,900, and opened to the public
Jan. 2, 1855. The first floor is supported by stone pillars and
groined arches, and the second floor and galleries by arched
spans of iron filled with concrete. The roof, rafters, trusses,
pillars, shelves, and principal doors are of iron, and the floors
are paved with colored tile. The first story is devoted to the
law department, and the second story to the general library, in-
cluding a large number of costly presents from other Govern-
ments, a valuable series of MSS. and parchments relating to
our colonial and early State history, and an extensive collec-
tion of medals and coins. The office of the Regents of the Uni-
versity is in the library building.
She library, formerly known as the "ChancelU/rg Library"
was divided in 1849, and, with additions since made, now forms
two public libraries, called the " Libraries of the Court of Ap-
peals," one of which is located at Syracuse and the other at
Rochester. They consist chiefly of law books, and are in charge
of librarians appointed by the Regents and paid by the State.
There is also a small library, for reference, in the consultation
room of the Court of Appeals. Each of the judges of the Su-
preme Court and the Vice Chancellor of the Second District,
under the late Constitution, held libraries owned by the State,
which are for the use of the four judges of the Court of Appeals
elected by the people of the State at large, and their successors
iu office. There is also a small library for the use of the At-
torney General ; and means are annually provided for the in-
crease of each of these collections, chiefly from the income of
moneys known as the " Chancellors' Library Fund" and "In-
terest Fund," which are kept invested by the Clerk of the Court
of Appeals for this purpose.
3 Thislmildingis 138 by88 feet and 65 feet high. Theceilingsof
the basement and of the two principal stories are groined arches,
and all the rooms, excepting in the attic story, are fireproof.
The basement and attic are each 19 feet, and the two principal
stories each 22 feet, high. The building cost about $350,000.
i In 1842 the old State Hall was converted into a geological
hall, and rooms were assigned in the same building to the State
Agricultural Society. The old building was torn down, and the
present Geological and Agricultural Hall erected in its place, in
the summer of 1855. The Agricultural Booms were dedicated
Feb. 12, 1857, and the Cabinet was opened to the public Feb. 22,
1858. The present building is of brick, and is 4 stories high,
besides the basement. In the rear is a spacious wing, of the same
height as the main building. It contains a lecture room, the
spacious geological cabinet, and the rooms of the State Geological
Society. The basement is occupied by a taxidermist and a jani-
tor. The building itself is subject to the order of the Commis-
sioners of the Land Office. The Cabinet originated in the Geo-
logical Survey, and in extent and value it ranks among the first
in America. Within the past year a series of English fossils has
been given to the State by the British Government : and a valu-
able collection of shells, embracing several thousand species, has
been recently presented and arranged by Philip P. Carpenter,
an English naturalist. The Museum is designed to embrace a
complete representation of the geological formations of the State,
with their accompanying minerals and fossils, and of its entire
native flora and fauna. The birds and quadrupeds are preserved
by a skilful taxidermist, with the attitudes aud appearance of
life; and the reptiles and fishes are principally preserved in al-
cohol. Connected with this cabinet is a historical and anti-
quarian department, embracing numerous aboriginal antiquities
and specimens of modern Indian art, relics of battle fields, and
other objects of historical interest. The whole is under the
charge of a curator appointed by the Begents. The museum of
the State Agricultural Society, in a separate department of the
building, contains a large collection of obsolete and modern im-
plements of husbandry, specimens of agricultural and mechanical
products, models of fruits, samples of grains and soils, drawings
illustrating subjects connected with the useful arts ; and it is
designed to include an extensive collection of insects, made with
especial reference to showing their influence upon tlie fruit and
grain crops of the State. The entomological department is in
charge of Dr. Asa Fitch, who has been for several years employed
by the society in studying the habits of destructive insects, with
the view to ascertaining the means of preventing their ravages.
The whole of these collections are open to the public on every
weekday except holidays. The meetings of the Executive Com-
mittee of the State Ag'ricultural Society, and the winter fairs,
are held in their rooms in this building.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
The State Government consists of the Legislative, Executive, Judicial, and Administrative
Departments ; the powers and duties of the several officers being defined by the Constitution and
regulated by law.
LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
Tlie State Legislature is composed of a Senate and Assembly.
Tlie Senate consists of 32 members, chosen by single districts
every two years, the whole number being chosen at once. The
Lieut. Governor is ex officio President of the Senate, and has a cast-
ing vote in case of a tie. The Senate appoints a President pro tern.,
who presides in the absence of the Lieut. Governor, and becomes
ex officio Lieut. Governor in case of a vacancy in that office. The
Senate with the Judges of the Court of Appeals forms a court
for the trial of impeachments, and it ratifies or rejects the nomi-
nations of the Governor to a great number of offices.
The Senate elects the following officers : a clerk, sergeant-at-
arms, assistant sergeant-at-arms, doorkeeper and assistants, libra-
rian, and such other officers as may be deemed necessary.1
The Assembly consists of 128 members, elected annually by
single districts. The districts are re-apportioned once in ten
years, after the State census is taken. The Speaker, or Pre-
siding Officer of the Assembly, is elected by the members from
their number, and usually appoints all committees. All bills
upon financial matters must originate in the Assembly.
The Assembly elects the following officers : a Speaker, clerk,
sergeant-at-arms, doorkeeper and two assistants. The Speaker
appoints an assistant sergeant-at-arms, a postmaster and assist-
ant, a janitor, keeper of the Assembly chamber, and several
doorkeepers and pages.2
1 The sergeant-at-arms is also librarian. The clerk appoints
his deputies and assistants, and the President appoints a janitor,
superintendent of tl. amber, and pages. Committees
are usually appointed bj the Lieut. Qot. Tlie appointment* are
for two _\c.-,rj. About half a dozen reporters are admitted
thin the Benate chamber. Standing commit t
the Senate consist of 3 members.
SENATE DISTRICTS.
1. ' hmond, and Suffolk Counties.
2. 1st 2d, Sd, 4th, Kb, 7th. lltli, 18th, and 10th Wards of
-lvn.
3. 8th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th. 14th. 15th, 16th, 17th. and 18th
•.•I id.- towns of Kings County.
4. l«t. 2d, Sd, 4th. Mb, 8th, 7th, 8th, and 14th Wards of New
V rk.
6. 10th. 11th. 13th, and 17th Wards of Kew York.
6. Pth. 16th, 18th, and 18th Wards of New fork.
7. " . Ward* of New fork.
8. 1 i I until ■*.
9. Orange nn<\ Sullivan Counties.
and ri-t.T '
11. < lumbia and Dti( inties.
■ nM«-iarr and Washington Counties,
oty.
14. D
1. 1 toga Counties.
18. ( • i
17 Franklin and St. Lawi I .ties.
1 8. J ■
19. Oi da I
20. Herkhwat and Otasgp Q untie*.
21. Oi nty.
mty.
23. Chena-. . I. an 1 M i Hi n f'-mntles.
24. Bro. I ind Tompkioa •'•unties.
25. Cayuga and Wayne '
tmca. and Yates Coun*
27. Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties.
°S. M inty.
28
29. Genesee. Niagara, and Orleans Counties.
.';n. Ail ■•■_':my. Livingston, and Wyoming Counties,
31. Erie County.
32. Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties.
2 The clerk appoints his assistants and deputies, a librarian
and assistant, a bank clerk, and a clerk's messenger. These
officers are appointed f<>r the Bession. except pages, who are
changed In the middle of each session. Standing committees of
the Assembly consist of 6 members, except those upon Ways
and Means, the Judiciary, and Canal-. <-.i.)i ..t which has'"
members. About 20 reporters are admitted and provided with
within the bar. They usually share with members in
extra appropriations for books, and in the privilege of mailing
documents at the public expense.
ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS.
[Those Counties not enumerated in this list form but one
[■ in't. Ktilton and Hamilton form one District.]
ALBANY COUNTY.— Focu Districts.
1. 1-t Ward of Albany. Bethlehem, Coeymans, New Scotland,
Ren lelai rrille, and Westerlo,
J. 9tb and bub Wards of Albany, Bern, Ouilderland, and Knox.
... 2 I. : Id Itb, 6th, 8th, and 8th Wards of Albany.
4. 7th Ward oi All. m\ and Watcrvliet.
ALLEGANY COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Allen. Almond, Angelica, Belfast. BirdsaU. Burns, Oaneadea,
Cnterville. I ; ranger, Grove, Hume, New Hudson. Bushford,
and West Almond.
2, Alfred. Alma. Amity, Andover, Bolivar. Cl.nrksville, Cuba,
Friendship, Genesee, Independence, Scio, Ward. Weiisville,
Willing, arid Wirt.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Allegany. Ashford. Carrol ton. Elgin. FarmTsville. Franklin-
ville. freedom, Hinsdale, Humphrey, Ischua, Machias,
Olean, Portville, and Yorkshire.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
29
The sessions of the Legislature commence on the first Tuesday in January, and members can
only receive pay for 100 days. The business of each year begins de novo; but if an extra session
is called by the Governor, bills are taken up where they were left at the last previous adjourn-
ment. Each house decides upon the qualifications of its own members; and both houses must
concur in the election of U. S. Senators, Regents of the University, and Superintendent of Public
Instruction. Bills, except measures of finance, may originate in either house, and must be
2. Bucktooth, Coldspring, Connowango, Dayton, Ellicottville,
East Otto, Great Valley, Leon, Little Valley, Mansfield,
Napoli, New Albion, Otto, Perrysburgh, Persia, Randolph,
and South Valley.
CAYUGA COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Brutus, Cato, Conquest, Ira, Mentz, Montezuma, Sennett,
Sterling, Throop, Victory, and the 1st and 4th Wards of
Auburn.
2. Aurelius, Fleming, Genoa, Ledyard, Locke, Moravia, Niles,
Owasco, Scipio, Sempronius, Springport, Summer Hill,
Venice, and the 2d and 3d Wards of Auburn.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. -Two Districts.
1. Busti, Chautauqua, Clymer, Ellery, French Creek, Ilarmony,
Mina, Portland, Ripley, Sherman, Stockton, and Westfield.
2. Arkwright, Carroll, Charlotte, Cherry Creek, Ellicott, Elling-
ton, Gerry, Hanover, Kiantone, Poland, Pomfret, Sheridan,
and Villenova.
CHENANGO COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Columbus, Lincklaen, New Berlin, North Norwich, Norwich,
Otselic, Pharsalia, Pitcher, Plymouth, Sherburne, and
Smyrna.
2. Afton, Bainbridge, Coventry, German, Guilford, Greene, Mc-
Donough, Oxford, Preston, and Smithville.
COLUMBIA COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Ancram, Claverack, Clermont, Copake, Gallatin, German-
town, Greenport, Hudson City, Livingston, and Tagh-
kanick.
2. Austerlitz, Canaan, Chatham, Ghent, Hillsdale, Kinder-
hook, New Lebanon, Stockport, and Stuyvesant.
DELAWARE COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Colchester, Delhi, Franklin, Hamden, Hancock, Masonville,
Sidney, Tompkins, and Walton.
2. Andes, Bovina, Davenport, Harpersfield, Kortright, Mere-
dith, Middleton, Roxbury, and Stamford.
DUTCHESS COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Amenia, Beekman, Dover, East Fishkill, La Grange, North-
east, Pawling, Pine Plains, Stanford, Union Vale, and
Washington.
2. Clinton, Hyde Park, Milan, Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie,
City of Poughkeepsie, Red Hook, and Rhinebeck.
ERIE COUNTY.— Four Districts.
1. 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, and 13th Wards of Buffalo.
2. 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Wards of Buffalo.
3. Alden, Amherst, Chicktawauga, Clarence, Elma, Grand
Island, Hamburgh, Lancaster, Marilla, Newstead, Tona-
wanda, and West Seneca.
4. Aurora, Boston, Brandt, Colden, Collins, Concord, East
Hamburgh, Eden, Evans, Holland, North Collins, Sardinia,
and Wales.
HERKIMER COUNTY— Two Districts.
1. Fairfield, Herkimer, Little Falls, Manheim, Newport, Nor-
way, Ohio, Russia, Salisbury, and Wilmurt.
2. Columbia, Danube, Frankfort, German Flats, Litchfield,
Schuyler, Stark, Warren, and Winfield.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. Adams, Brownville, Ellisburgh, Henderson, Hounsfield, Lor-
raine, Rodman, and Worth.
2. Antwerp, Champion, Le Ray, Philadelphia, Rutland, Water-
town, and Wilna.
3. Alexandria, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Lyme, Orleans, Pamelia,
and Theresa.
KINGS COUNTY.— Seven Districts.
1. Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend, New Lots, New Utrecht, and
the 8th, 17th, and 18th Wards of Brooklyn.
2. 1st, 6th, and 12th Wards of Brooklyn.
3. 4th and 10th Wards of Brooklyn.
4. 2d, 3d, and 5th Wards of Brooklyn.
5. 9th and 11th Wards of Brooklyn.
6. 13th, 14th, and part of 19th Wards of Brooklyn.
7. 7th, 15th, 16th, and part of 19th Wards of Brooklyn.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Avon, Caledonia, Conesus, Geneseo, Groveland, Leicester,
Lims., Livonia, and York.
2. Mount Morris, North Dansville, Nunda, Ossian, Portage,
Sparti, Springwater, and West Sparta.
MADISON COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Brookfield, Do Ruyter, Eaton, Georgetown, Hamilton, Leba-
non, Madison, and Nelson.
2. Cazenovia, Fenner, Lenox, Smithfield, Stockbridgo, and
Sullivan.
MONROE COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. Brighton, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Mendon, Penfiekl, Perin-
ton, Pittsford, Rush, and Webster.
2. The City of Rochester.
3. Chili, Clarkson, Gates, Greece, Ogden, Parma, Riga, Sweden,
Union, and Wheatland.
NEW YORK CITY AND COUNTY.— Seventeen Districts.
17 districts, corresponding to Aldermanic districts.
NIAGARA COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Lockport, Pendleton, Royalton, and Wheatfield.
2. Cambria, Hartland, Lewiston, Newfane, Niagara, Porter,
Somerset, and Wilson.
ONEIDA COUNTY.— Four Districts.
1. Deerfield, City of Ctica, and Whitestown.
2. Augusta, Bridgewater, Kirkland, Marshall, New Hartford,
Paris, Sangerfield, Vernon, and Westmoreland.
3. Camden, Florence, Rome, Verona, and Vienna.
4. Amesville, Ava, Brownville, Floyd, Lee, Marcy, Remsen,
Steuben, Trenton, and Western.
ONONDAGA COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. Camillus, Clay, Elbridge, Lysander, Marcellus, Skaneateles,
Spafford, and Van Buren.
2. Cicero, Salina, and Syracuse.
3. De Witt, Fabius, Geddes, La Fayette, Manlius, Onondaga,
Otisco, Pompey, and Tully.
ONTARIO COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Farmington, Gorham, Hopewell, Manchester, Phelps, and
Seneca.
2. Bristol, Canadice, Canandaigua, Eas.t Bloomfield, Naples.
Richmond, South Bristol, Victor, and West Bloomfield.
ORANGE COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Blooming Grove, Chester. Cornwall, Monroe, Montgomery,
Newburgh, and New Windsor.
2. Crawford, Deerpark, Goshen, Greenville, namptonburgh,
Minisink, Mount Hope, Walkill, Warwick, and Waway-
anda.
OSWEGO COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. City of Oswego, Hannibal, Oswego, and Scriba.
2. Constantia, Granby, Hastings, Palermo, Schroeppel, Volney,
and West Monroe.
3. Albion, Amboy. Boyleston, Mexico, Orwell. Parish, Redfield.
Richland, Sandy Creek, New Haven, and Williainstown.
OTSEGO COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Cherry Valley, Decatur, Exeter, Maryland, Middlefield,
Otsego, Plainfield, Richfield, Roseboom, Springfield, West-
ford, and Worcester.
2. Unadilla, Burlington, Butternuts, Edmeston, Hartwiek.
Laurens, Milford, Morris, New Lisbon, Otego, Oneonta, and
Pittsfield.
QUEENS COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Flushing, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay.
2. Hempstead, Jamaica, and Newtown.
RENSSELAER COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. City of Troy.
2. Berlin, Grafton, Hoosick, Lansingburgh, Petersburgh, Pitts-
town, and Schaghticoke.
3. Brunswick, Clinton, Greenhush, Nassau, North Greenbush,
Poestenkill, Sand Lake, Schodack, and Stephentown.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. De Kalb, De Peyster, Fine, Fowler, Gouverneur, Macomb,
Morristown, Oswegntchie, Pitcairn, and Rossie,
2. Canton, Colton, Edwards, Hermon, Lisbon, Madrid, Norfolk,
Pierrepont, and Russell.
3. Brasher, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Louisville, Massena, Parish-
ville, Potsdam, and Stockholm.
SARATOGA COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Ballston, Charlton, Clifton Park. Galway, Halfmoon, Malta,
Milton, Stillwater, and Waterford.
2. Corinth, Day, Edinburgh, Greenfield, nadley. Moreau, North-
umberland, Providence, Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, and
Wilton.
30
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
passed by both, and receive the signature of the Governor, — or, if vetoed by him, the votes of two-
thirds of both houses, — to become laws. The original laws of the Legislature, bearing the signa-
tures of the presiding officer of each house and of the Governor and Secretary of State, are bound,
and preserved in the Secretary's office. All general laws are published in such newspapers in each
county as may be designated by the Board of Supervisors.
Besides the State Legislature, a limited power of enacting laws is possessed by the boards of
supervisors in the several counties, by the common councils of cities, and by citizens generally
assembled in town and school district meetings.
The Board of Supervisors meets annually at the county seat, on the week following the
general election, to canvass the votes for State and county officers ; it may hold special meetings at
any time. ■ It has power to appoint a clerk of the board, a county sealer of weights and measures,
special commissioners for laying out roads, printers for publishing the general laws, inspectors of turn-
pike and plank roads, and, in some counties, the Superintendent of the Poor, and other officers, and to
fix the salaries of the county Judge and Surrogate, and of School Commissioners, (above $500, allowed
by law,) and, in some counties, the salary of the District Attorney ; to establish the bounds of assembly
and school commissioner districts, to fix upon town meeting days,1 to make orders concerning property
<>\rned by the county, and to repair or rebuild the county buildings ; to audit and settle charges against
the county, and the accounts of town officers ; to equalize assessments and levy taxes to meet county
expenses, and for such special purposes as may be directed by law. It also has power to alter the
bounds of towns, and to erect new towns ; to change the location of the county seat and purchase sites
for the erection of new buildings; and to examine annually the securities held by loan commis-
sioners. It may pass laws for the preservation of game or fish, and for the destruction of noxious
animals, and perform such other duties as may be from time to time authorized by law.
STEUBEN* COUNTY.— Turee Districts.
1. Avoca. Bath. Bradford, Conhocton, Prattsburgh, Pulteney,
Urbana, Wayne, and Wheeler.
2. Addison, Cameron, Campbell, Caton. Corning, Erwin, Hornby,
Lindley, Rathbone, Thurston, and Woodhull.
3. Cauisti so, I'ansville, Fremont, Greenwood, Hornellsville,
H nrerd, Hartsvflle, Jasper, Tronpsburgh, West Union, and
Waylaod.
SUFFOLK COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southampton,
and Southold.
2. Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, and Smithtown.
ULSTER COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. Hurley, Kingston, and Saugerties.
2. B liner, Lloyd, Marbletown, Marlborough, New
Palls, Plattekill, Kosendale, and Shawangunk.
.'!. Denning, Bardenirnrgh, Olive, Rochester, Shandaken, Wa-
md Woodstock.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Axgyle, Cambridge. Easton, Fort Edward, Greenwich, Jack-
son. Salem, and White Creek.
2. Dresden. Fort Anu. Granville. Hampton, Hartford, Hebron,
Kingsbury, Putnam, and Whitehall.
WAYNE COUNTY.— Two Districts.
1. Butler, Galen, Huron, Lyons, Rose, Savannah, Sodus, and
Wolcott.
2. Arcadia, Macedon, Marion, Ontario, Palmyra, Walworth,
and Williamson.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.— Three Districts.
1. East Chester, Morrisania, Westchester, West Farms, and
Yonkers.
2. Greenburgh. Harrison. Mamaroneck, Mount Pleasant. New
Rochelle, North Castle, Pelliam, Poundridgc, Rye, Scars-
dale, and White Plains.
3. Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewiaboro, New Castle, North Salem,
Ossining, Somers, and Yorktown.
' TOWN MEETINGS.
d meeting! are held on the same day throughout the county: and the time may be changed once in 3 years. The town
meetb me between the 1-t day of Feb. and the 1st of May. They are at present all held on Tuesdays, as follows : —
• TIES.
Tuadnyupan which Toum
Counties.
Tuesday* upon which Turn
ueetingi arc held.
Counties.
Tuesdays upnn which
ittetingt are held
Town
Albany
ny. ...
i ittaJ .nii.-ii<
■
• kuqua
Chemung....
it'ift....
i od .....
1
2-1 in April.
2d In March.
2d in Feb.
i -in Pi b.
ft< r 1-t Mon. in Mar.
8d in P*b,
fler 1st Mon. in Feb.
1-t In Mar' b.
1-t in Man b.
1-t in Mar h.
3d in Pub.
2-1 in 1
■.M in March
1st in Man b.
1«t in Kan b.
Peb.
2d in
l«t in March.
l«t En
1-t in
Herkimer....
1 -t in March.
3d in Fell.
1-1 In \ l-ril.
8d iii Pen.
i-t in April.
i-t in lurch.
1-t after Lai Mon. in Mar.
2d in Feb.
2d in A pi il.
1st in March.
.Id In Peb,
1st after 1-t Mon. in April.
l-i in March.
1-t in April.
1st in March.
1 -t in Man h.
1st after 1ft Mon. in April.
1st in April.
1st in Mai' li.
Richmond ...
-i i ,'w rence
s hem i tadj
Schoharie ...
Beneca
Bteuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tompkins...
Ols ter
2d in Feb.
2d in .\pril.
2d in Feb.
1-t in March.
1-t in April.
::.l in Feb.
2d iii Feb.
'Jil in March.
2d in Feb.
1st in April.
1st after 1st Mon. in
1st in Feb.
1st in April.
1st in March.
1st in April.
1st in March.
1st in March.
Last in March.
Last in Feb.
Last in Feb.
Mar.
Livingston .
■Ill' TV
N"\v Sork...
Oneida
i tnondaga...
franklin
Pulton
W ashjngton
Rene- :
Wi -trhestcr
Wyoming....
Hamilton...
At these meetings n ! by ballot, a ■uuurrlaor, town
clerk. -1 iui '" exception! tinned on page 34. 3 aasess-
- 1 annually.. ar..ii.v i,. r. 1 or Sotuisesnofpoor,
(a\ UM pti n of the town, excepting Montgomery and King!
thai are not Included in the general law. > 1 or .". oom>
- of highway*, i if .'!. on- elected annually for 8 years.)
not more than 5 constables and 2 i of election fur may determine
Bach election district, a third being appointed by the pre-
siding officer of the town meetings from the two having
tie- text highest vote. The town of Manlius elects 7 con-
-. Each town at its annual meeting also elects by ayes
and noes, or otherwise, as many overseers of highway;: as there
are road .|;-trict«, and as many pound masters as tii" electors
STATE GOVERNMENT.
31
Tlie Common Council in each of the cities has jurisdiction over municipal affairs within
limits fixed by law, and observes the usual formalities of legislative bodies in its proceedings. Two
aldermen are generally elected from each ward, who, with the mayor, constitute the Common
Council ; but the organization of no two cities is in this respect exactly alike.1 The enactments
of the Common Council are usually termed "ordinances," and have the force of law. The council
usually has the appointment of a large class of minor city officers, including the keepers of parks
and public buildings, inspectors of various kinds, and in some instances the officers and members
of the police and fire departments. These appointments are usually held at the pleasure of the
appointing power.
Town Meetings may pass laws regulating roads and bridges, the height offences, the support
of the poor, the range of animals, the destruction of noxious weeds, the preservation of town pro-
perty, and for such other purposes as may be directed by special acts. Every town is a corporate
body, may sue and be sued, may hold and convey lands within its limits for purposes specified
by law, and may appropriate moneys for public objects within the town.
School Districts, at regular meetings, may pass rules concerning the support of schools,
employment of teachers, repairs, supplies, and similar affairs, which have the force of law.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
The Governor is elected once in two years.2 He is commander-
in-chief of the military and naval forces of the State, and possesses
the sole power of granting pardons and commutations of sentence
after conviction.3 He issues requisitions for the return of crimi-
nals in other States, and he is authorized to offer rewards for the
arrest of criminals within this State. He annually communicates
to the Legislature, at the commencement of each session, a state-
ment of the condition of the public departments, and such other
matters as he may deem necessary. On extraordinary occasions
he may convene the Senate or Legislature.4 AYithin ten days after
its passage by the Legislature, he may veto any act, by returning it
to the house in which it originated, with his objections; and such act
can become a law only by the concurrence of two-thirds of both houses.5
The Governor nominates, for appointment by the Senate, a large class of State and county and a
few military officers,6 and may fill vacancies occurring in these offices during the recess of the Senate.
Some other classes of officers are appointed by the Governor alone, — generally for specific terms,
but in some cases during pleasure. He may also fill vacancies occurring in elective offices, and
1 In New York, the Common Council consists of two branches, —
the Board of Aldermen, consisting of 17 members, chosen for 2
years; and the Board of Councilmen, consisting of 24 members,
chosen annually, 6 from each senatorial district. Each of these
branches elects one of its own number president; and the mayor
possesses a veto power upon their laws analogous to that of the
Governor upon those of the State Legislature.
2 To be eligible to the office of Governor a person must be a
citizen of the U. S., a resident of the State for the last 5 years
previous to election, and must have attained the age of 30 years.
The colonial governors of N.Y. were appointed by the crown.
Under the Constitution of 1777 they were elected for 3 years and
were required to be freeholders. Under the Constitution of 1822,
the governor was elected for 2 years, and, in addition to the pre-
sent qualifications, was required to be a native of the U. S. and a
freeholder.
Under the first State Constitution electors were classified, apd
only those owning freehold property worth §250 and upward
were allowed to vote for Senators and Governor. The aggregate
of the several classes at different periods has been as follows : —
Years.
1790.
1795.
1801.
1807.
1814.
1821.
1
q
oT A •
o
o
to
"3 e-.S
Si •
5 1
II
Not Freeh
but rentiv
ments wor
1
K
[g
B
19,369
23.425
14.674
138
36,338
4.838
22,598
243
52,058
5,264
28,522
63
71.159
5,800
44,330
88
87.491
5.231
59,104
20
100,490
8,985
93,035
20
Total.
57.606
64.017
85.907
121.289
151.846
202.510
3 In cases of treason and impeachment the Governor can only
suspend sentence until the next session of the Legislature, that
body alone possessing the pardoning power in such cases. Under
the Constitution of 1777, the same restriction was applied in cases
of murder.
4 He also possessed under the Constitution of 1777 the power
to prorogue the Legislature for a period not exceeding 60 days
in one year. This was once done by Gov. Tompkins, to defeat
the passage of a bank charter, but without success.
6 The first court created a council of rei ision. consisting of tho
Governor, Chancellor, and judges of the Supreme Court, who sat
with closed doors and observed the usual formalities of legis-
lative proceedings. During the continuance of this council it
rejected 144 bills, several of which became laws notwithstanding.
6 The following officers are appointed by the Governor and
Senate: 1 Superintendent of Bank Department, 1 Auditor of
Canal Department, 3 Canal Appraisers, 1 Superintendent of
Onondaga Salt Springs. 6 Commissioners of Emigration. 5 Com-
missioners of Metropolitan Police. 11 Harbor Masters, 9 Wardens
of. the Port of N. Y., 2 Special Wardens, to reside at Quarantine,
1 Harbor Master at Albany, 1 Health Officer at Quarantine. 1
Physician of Marine Hospital and not less than 4 assistants. 1
Resident Physician and 1 Health Commissioner for the city of
Neiv York, i Agent for the Onondaga Nation, 1 Attorney to
Seneca Nation, directors in certain banks of which the State
holds stock according to the amount held, as many Hellgate
pilots, as the Board of Wardens may recommend. 5 trustees of
the Idiot Asylum, 9 trustees of State Lunatic Asylum. 2 com-
missioners in each co. for loaning moneys of the United States,
as many notaries public as the law may allow or the Governor
determine, and such other officers and special commissioners as
are required from time to time by law. He appoints field
officers of regiments and generals of brigades, when such regi-
ments and brigades are not fully organized. Under the first
constitution, almost every civil and military office was filled by
the Council of Appointment, consisting of the Governor and 4
Senators, chosen annually by the Assembly. In 1S21, 8,287
S2
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
may remove, under limitations prescribed by statute, most State and county officers.1 He has a
private secretary, with a salary of $2000, a clerk and a doorkeeper.
The Lieutenant Governor is elected at the same time as the Governor, and must possess
the same qualifications. He discharges the duties of Governor when a vacancy occurs in that office.
He is President of the Senate, having the casting vote in that body, a Commissioner of the Canal
Fund and of the Land Office, a member of the Canal Board, a trustee of the Idiot Asylum and of
Union College, a Regent of the University, and a trustee of the Capitol and State Hall.
The Secretary of State2 is keeper of the State archives ;
is a Regent of the University, a Commissioner of the Land Office
and of the Canal Fund, a member of the Canal Board and of the
Board of State Canvassers, a trustee of the State Idiot Asylum,
of Union College, of the Capitol, and of the State Hall. He has
specific duties in relation to the publication and distribution of
the laws ; the issuing of patents for land, of commissions, par-
dons, and peddlers' licenses ; the filing of the declarations of
aliens, and the articles of association of companies under gene-
ral laws ; issuing notices of elections, receiving and reporting
statistics of pauperism and crime from sheriffs and county
clerks, and furnishing certified copies of laws and other docu-
ments in his office. He administers the oath of office to members of the Assembly, and other
State officers. His deputy is ex officio Clerk of the Commissioners of the Land Office.
The Comptroller3 is the auditor of the public accounts,
excepting those payable from the Canal and Bank Funds ; a Com-
missioner of the Land Office and of the Canal Fund ; a member of
the Canal Board and of the Board of State Canvassers, and a
trustee of the Idiot Asylum, of Union College, of the Capitol, and
State Hall. He has responsible duties in relation to the payment
of appropriations made by the Legislature, the collection of
taxes, and sale of lands sold for taxes, the management of funds,
supervision of fire and life insurance companies, loaning of
moneys, and other duties connected with the finances of the State.
He reports annually to the Legislature the condition of the public
funds, the receipts and expenses of the State, the condition of
insurance companies, and upon such other matters as he may from time to time be called upon by
tin- Legislature for information. He has a deputy, an accountant, and about a dozen clerks.
The Treasurer* rcoei ves all moneys paid into the treasury, and pays all warrants of the Comp-
troller. A u< lit' >r "ft ho Canal Department, Superintendent of the Bank Department, and Superintendent
of Public Instruction. He is a Commissioner of the Land Office and of the Canal Fund, a member
of the Canal 1. mnl and 'if the Board of State Canvassers, and a trustee of Union College. He has
a deputy, and two or three clerks.
The Attorney General5 is the legal prosecutor and adviser in In-half of the State. He is a
military and 0,663 nvil officers held tinder this appointment,
and most of tti-rn at will. Prom I'"-.' to 1 sl'.. tho Governor and
I In addition to molt of tin""' it now appoints,
nil judicial • -n i I Justices, Masters and Examineri In
Chanosry, Bnpi ■• Commissioners, Inspector! tor com-
DMrdal pa i nersol D la, several ■ ity officers,
an'l -| rg.
i B crew and membera of the State Legis-
lator nly. The Governor appoints, on his own
authority. ■ i for. taking acknowledgments of Deeds
in other B( masters, and certain com-
missknters >I i r- I ippointod for ipeclal pnrpo
'T: was formerly Clerk of the Oonncfl of
Appointment mil of the Council "f Revision, and from 1823 to
1- ; - Intendenl ' In colonial times he was
ated i •■ th rown; fr m 1777 to 1822, by the Council of
Appointment; anil fr..m i- by tho Legislature.
» Tlii"» office WM created in lT'.'T. in plum of that of Auditor
General, formed by the Prorii] iti..n: but it was not
permanently organised until 1812. The Comptroller "a* ap-
pointed by the Council of Ap|«ointment until 1822, whin the
■ r ww changed to tho Utjlslalum and the tenure
Of the officii flxed nt 3 y.ir-.
* Th<i nfWc- of Treasurer, under the colonial cov"rnm»nt and
parh state government, w is a Tory Important one; and
fir tn my years after 1777. the Treasurer was appointed by spe-
cial act from year to year. About the beginning of the present
century, thede&lcatioii of a Treasurer occasioned a revision of
thi' law creating tin- department : and. from his being tho prin-
cipal financial officer ol the government, the Treasurer became
th" most unimportant, ami 1 1 i -> powers wore narrowed down to
the payment of the drafts ol other officers. For many years
previous to 1822 be was appointed by the Council of Revision;
and from L822 i" 1840, by the Legislature. 'J'he accounts of the
I i ■ | orer are annually ruin pared with those of the Comptroller,
Bup i Intendenl of Hunk Department, and Auditor of the Canal
Department, by a commissioner appointed for tho purpose: and
officers thus heroine a cheek upon each other. The. Trea-
surer may be suspended for cause, by the Governor, in the recess
of the Legislature.
6 This office bai existed almost from the beginning of tho
Colonial Government, n was filled try the Council of Appoint-
ment frmn 1777 I" lvj'j. iiml by the Legislature, with a term of
8 years, from 1822 to 1840. The Attorney General originally
attended the circuits of Oyer and Terminer, as prosecutor in
criminal suits, until 1706, When the State was divided into 8
districts, to • eli "i which an assistant Attorney General was
app ilnted, except In New York, where tho head officer
officiated personally. In 1818 each co. was niado a separate
district, and a District Attorney was appointed in each. The
Attorney General still occasionally attends upon important
criminal trials ; but his time is chiefly occupied in civil suits in
which the State is a party.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
33
Commissioner of the Land Office and of the Canal Fund, a member of the Canal Board and of the
Board of State Canvassers, and a trustee of Union College, of the Capitol, and Stato Hall. He has
a deputy and a clerk.
The State Engineer' and Surveyor1 has charge of the engineering department of the
canals and such land surveys as involve the interests of the State. He reports annually the statistics
of these departments and of railroads. He is a Commissioner of the Land Office, a member of the
Canal Board and Board of State Canvassers, and a trustee of Union College and the State Hall.
He must be a practical engineer. He is assisted by a deputy and 3 clerks.
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT.
United States Courts. — The second of the U. S. Courts comprises New York, Vermont,
and Connecticut. A court is held twice a year in each State by a Justice of the Supreme Court
and the District Judge of the district in which the court sits.
The State of New York is divided into two Judicial Districts, in each of which is held a District
Court.2 The officers of this court in each district are a District Judge, Attorney, Marshal, and
Clerk. In the Southern District a term is held in each month, at New York ; and in the Northern
District one term is held each year at Albany, Utica, Auburn, and Buffalo, and one term annually
in St. Lawrence, Clinton, or Franklin co., as the Judge may direct.3 These courts have nearly
concurrent original jurisdiction in all matters in which the United States is a party; and they take
cognizance of offenses against the laws of the U. S. An appeal lies from the District to the Circuit
Court, and thence to the Supreme Court.
State Courts. — The State Courts consist of a Court for the
Trial of Impeachments, the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court
and Court of Oyer and Terminer, the County Court and Court of
Sessions, Justices' Courts, and City Courts.
The Court for the Trial of Impeachments consists
of the Senate and the Judges of the Court of Appeals. Its judg-
ments extend only to removal of officials and to disqualification for
holding office.* Parties impeached are liable to all the penalties
of the civil and criminal laws. This court is a court of record ; its
meetings are held at Albany.
The Court of Appeals,5 instituted in 1847, is composed of 8
judges, 4 of whom are elected, (one every 2 years,) and 4 of whom are
the Judges of the Supreme Court having the shortest term to serve.
The judge elected having the shortest term to serve is Chief Judge ;
and 6 judges constitute a quorum. This court has power to correct
and reverse all proceedings of the Supreme Court, or of the former
Supreme Court, and Court of Chancery. It holds 4 terms a year
at the Capital; and every 2 years one term must be held in
each Judicial District. Its clerk has an office in the State Hall,
where the records of this and former State and Colonial Courts are
preserved. The State Reporter prepares for the press and pub-
lishes the decisions of the court, copies of which are sent to each
county, and franked, under the Governor's hand, to each of the other States and Territories of the
Union.
1 This office takes the place of that of " Surveyor General,"
which existed under the colony. In the earlier years of the
State Government, numerous and responsible duties were im-
posed upon this officer, under acts for the sale and settlement
of lands, the adjustment of disputed titles, boundaries, and In-
dian claims, laying out roads, and business relating to the salt
springs, reserved village plats, and other State property. These
duties were discharged from 1784 to 1834 by Simeon De Witt,
with great integrity and success.
The Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney
General, and State Engineer are elected biennially at the same
time, — their election occurring on alternate years from those
of the election of the Governor and Lieut. Governor.
i United States JXstrict Courts. — There are two Districts within
this State. The Southern District embraces Columbia, Greene,
Ulster, Sullivan, and the counties South. The Northern Dis-
trict embraces the remainder of the State.
3 The United States has caused or ordered buildings to be
erected in part for the accommodation of these courts at New
York, Utica, Buffalo, Ogdensburgh, Canandaigua, and Pitts-
burgh. These edifices are of the most substantial kind, and
generally fireproof.
* This court has assembled but once. In 1853 it was con-
vened for the trial of impeachment of John C. Mather, Canal
Commissioner. He was acquitted.
6 Constitution, Art. VI, Sec. 2. This court takes the place
of the former " Court for the Correction of Errors," and in some
respects fills that of the old Supreme Court and Court of Chan-
eery.
3
34
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
The Supreme Court. — The State is divided into 8 Judicial Districts,1 in each of which, ex-
cept the first, 4 justices are elected. The clerks of counties are clerks of this court. It has general
jurisdiction in law and equity, and power to review the judgments of the County Courts and of
the former Court of Common Pleas. This court has three distinct branches, — General Terms,
Special Terms, and Circuits. The General Term held by three or more of the Supreme Judges,
including the presiding judge, is an appellate court for the review of cases from the courts below,
and for deciding solely upon questions of law. Special Terms are held by one Supreme Judge,
without a jury, for the decision of equity cases; and Circuit Courts are held by one Supreme
Judge, with a jury, for the trial of issues of fact. At least four general terms of this court are
held in each district every year. Every county (except Hamilton) has at least one special and two
circuit courts annually. A general term of the Supreme Court is held at the Capital in January of
each alternate year, for the purpose of arranging the terms of all the Circuit Courts and Couris of
Oyer and Terminer, of assigning the business and duties of the justices, and revising the rules of
the court
County Courts are held by the County Judge,2 assisted by two justices of the peace elected
annually for the purpose. The judge performs the duty of surrogate, except in counties where the
population exceeds 40,000, in which the Legislature may provide for the election of a separate
officer as surrogate.3 The Legislature may direct the election of local officers, not exceeding two in
any county, to discharge the duties of judge and surrogate in case of inability or vacancy in that office,
and to exercise such other powers as may be provided by law.* Judges and surrogates receive a
salary fixed by the Supervisors, and which cannot be increased during their term of office.
County Courts have jurisdiction in civil cases when the real estate, or all the defendants, or all
the parties interested are within the co., and where the action of debt assumpsit or covenant claimed
is not above $2,000, or in actions for injury to the person, or trespass upon property, where the
damage claimed does not exceed $500 ; or in replevin suits where the value claimed is not above
$1,000. These courts have equity jurisdiction for the foreclosure of mortgages, the sale of the real
fce of infants, the partition of lands, admeasurement of dower, the satisfaction of judgments
over $75, and the care and custody of lunatics and habitual drunkards. Surrogate's Courts are
held by the County Judge or Surrogate, (in counties where the latter is elected,) and have the ordi-
nary jurisdiction of Courts of Probate.
Justices' Courts are held by justices of the peace, who have jurisdiction in civil suits where
the sum claimed does not exceed $100 in value.5 They have jurisdiction in criminal cases for im-
■^ fines to the amount of $50, and of inflicting imprisonment in the county jail for a term not
exceeding 6 months.6
Tribunals of Conciliation may be established, and their powers and duties prescribed
by law ; but their judgments are not obligatory unless the parties previously agree to abide by
such decision.7
City Courts. In each of the cities and in several of the larger villages are courts of local
jurisdiction organized under special laws.8
i .V'"' York. State Judicial Districts under lite Act of May 8,
- —
W York.
2. Dutches, Kit Richmond, Rock-
'. SnfMk. i i titles.
3. Albany, Co limit. Bene* 1 eer, Schoharie, Sullivan,
and i
4. f" I ranklin, Fulton. Hamilton. Montgomery,
Saratoga, Schenectady, \Varr<-n, and W.i.-ii-
IneU.n Count
5. Ilerkinvr. JfftVrvm. Iywis, Om-ida, Onondaga, and Oswego
;ti<-*.
6. Br mnngi Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison,
Otsego, Bcbnyli r. Tioga, and Tompklni Counties.
7. Cayuga, 1. iroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne,
an 'I i
8. Allegany. Cattan»\ ranqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara,
Orleans, on 1 Wv n.lnt: f. .tint:
' From 1777 I ppointed by the Oomcfl of
Appointment: and fr"m 1822 to 18*8, by the Qoreraor and
9i mi", i iri" in each co. was styled •• Firt< Judqt :" and a fixed
■umber (subsequently • r» were called Jn
* Surrogates are el^t«l in Alkanv. Cayuga, (.'hantanqna.
Columbia. Dntch-99, Kri-. Jeflenoo, Kin.-- Hew York,
Oneida. Onondaga. Ontario, < iranee. OtaegO, Kcn«**lapr. St. I,iw-
rence, Saratoga, [Hater, Washington, Wyoming, and Ynt' -
♦ f'-'TutUutvm, Art.W. 8 iv ■ bean passed
for this purpose, as follow*: — Sfptcial J why owl Special flharo-
oate in Cavuea. Chautauqua, JeAnon, and Oswego. 1849:
Washington, 1S55. Special Judge in Oneida, Orange, St. Law-
rence, and Tioga. 1849 : Ulster. 1850 ; Chenango, 1851 : Sullivan,
1854; Essex, 1867; and Tompkins, 1858. The term for which
these officers arc elected la 8 years, except in Chenango, Tomp-
kins, and Ulster, in which it i-< 4 years.
'There are 4 Justices elected in each town except Champlain,
Kllishnrgh. Port Ann. Banorer, Harmony. Hector, Lenox. Niag-
ara, Pomfret, and Potsdam, which have each 5, and Brook-
haven, which has 8. Justices were appointed by the Council of
Appoint ni' nt from 1777 to 1*22, and by the Supervisors and
.in l - - from T-J4 to 1S27. since which they have been elected.
6 fit vuei Statute*, Art 1. Tide 4, Chap. 2, Part 3.
I Constitution, Art. VI. s-c. 23.
8 The principal City Courts are as follows: —
In Albany. — A Mayor's Court, held by the Mayor. Recorder,
and Aldermen, or the Mayor and Recorder jointly, or cither
of thrui sinely. It is practically held by the Recorder only;
a (hurt qf Special Buttons, held by tho Recorder or County
Judge, with one OT more .Justices; a Justices' Court, held
by '■'■ .'iHtices elected for the purpose. Two Police Justices
ted,
In Auburn.— Justices' and Police Courts. Three Justices of the
Peace elected.
In Brooklyn.— The City Court, held by the City Judge: Po-
lice Churls and Justices' Courts, for whose convenience
the city i" divided into 5 districts; a Court of Special Ses-
sions, held by a Justice or Police Justice.
In Buffalo.— A Superior Court, held by 8 Justices; Jus/ires'
and Police, Courts. Eight Justices of the Peace and one
Police Justice elected.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
35
The officers in each county, auxiliary to the judiciary, are as follows : —
TIic District Attorney,1 who is the official prosecutor in all criminal cases coming before
the county courts, and has general duties in relation to suits in which the county has an interest.
The Sheriff,2 who is charged with the preservation of the public peace and the execution of
the orders of the courts. He has charge of the jail and prisoners, and appoints as many deputies as
he may deem necessary. lie can hold no other office, and is ineligible to the same office for the
next 3 years after his term expires. He is required to give bonds, in default of which the office
becomes vacant.
The County Clerk, who is made the keeper of the county records. He attends the courts and
records their proceedings, records deeds and mortgages, files papers and documents required by
law to be preserved in his office, and is the medium of communication between State and town
officers. He is the clerk of the Supreme Court for his county. He appoints a deputy, who, when
duly sworn, may discharge all his duties.
Four Coroners, who are charged with the duty of inquiring into the cause of sudden deaths.
Upon being notified, it is their duty to attend at the place where a dead body is found, summon a
jury and witnesses, examine into the causes, and make a written report to the county clerk. They
also have the sole power of issuing writs against sheriffs.
A Register, performing that part of the duties of county clerks relating to the recording of
conveyances and mortgages, is elected in New York, Kings, and Westchester counties ; and each
of these appoints a deputy.
Commissioners of Deeds, to take acknowledgments of deeds and legal documents, are ap-
pointed by the Common Councils of cities in such numbers as they may decide, except in New York,
where the number is limited to 300, and in Syracuse to 12.3
Notaries Public are appointed by the Governor and Senate for a term of 2 years, and have
authority to demand and accept payment of foreign bills of exchange, and to protest the same for
nonpayment, and to exercise the customary duties of this office. Their number is limited to 400
in New York, 25 in Troy, and in other cities and towns as many as the Governor may deem proper.
Criminal Courts. Courts for the trial of criminal cases consist of the Court of Oyer and
Terminer connected with the circuit of the Supreme Court, the Court of Sessions connected with
the County Court, City Criminal Courts, and Justices' Courts.4
Courts of Oyer and Terminer consist of a Justice of the Supreme Court associated with
the County Judge and two Justices of the Sessions, (except in New York City,) the Supreme Judge
and two of the others constituting a quorum for trials. This court has original and general
jurisdiction.
Courts Of Sessions are held by the County Judge and two Justices of Sessions. They have
jurisdiction over cases in which the imprisonment in case of conviction is less than ten years.
The inferior City Courts and Justices' Courts have jurisdiction over petty criminal cases.
In Hudson. — A Mayor's Court, held by the Mayor, Recorder,
and Aldermen, or the Mayor and Recorder jointly or singly ;
a Justices' Court, held by 2 Justices. One Police Justice
elected.
In New York. — The Superior Court, consisting of a Chief
Justice and 6 Justices ; the Grurt of Common Pleas, com-
posed of 3 Justices; the Marine Court, composed of 3
Justices; the Court of Oyer and Terminer, held by a
Justice of the Supreme Court; the Court of General Ses-
sions, held by the Recorder or City Judge: the Court of
Special Sessions, held by the Recorder or City Judge with-
out a jury; Police Courts, held by Special Justices in 4
separate districts; and Justices' or District Courts, held
in 6 separate districts.
In Oswego. — A Recorder's Court, held by the Recorder, or, in
his absence, by the Mayor or any two Aldermen ; a Court
of Special Sessions, held by the Recorder. Two Justices
elected.
In Poughkeepsie. — Justices' and Police Courts.
In Rochester. — Justices' and Police Courts. Three Justices of
the Peace and 1 Police Justice elected.
In Schenectady. — Justices' and Police Courts. Four Justices
elected.
In Syracuse. — Justices' and Police Courts. Three Justices of
the Peace and 1 Police Justice elected.
In Troy. — A Mayor's Court, held by the Mayor, Recorder, and
Aldermen, or the Mayor and Recorder jointly, or either
singly. Practically it is held by the Recorder ; a Justices'
Court, held by 3 Justices elected for the purpose.
In XJtica. — A Recorder's Court, held by the Recorder: a Court
of Special Sessions, held by the Recorder and 2 Aldermen.
Four Justices and 1 Police Justice elected.
1 By an act passed April 14, 1852, the supervisors may deter-
mine whether this shall be a salaried office, and may fix the com-
pensation. In the absence of such action, the District Attorney
is paid by fees.
2 Constitution, Art. X, Sec. 1. From 1777 to 1S22 sheriffs were
appointed annually by the Governor and Council, and could not
hold the office more than 4 successive years. They have been
elected since 1822.
8 In towns the duties of the office are performed by justices of
the peace. Special commissioners for this service were appointed
in the several cos. by the Council of Appointment under the first
Constitution, and by the Governor and Senate under the Constitu-
tion of 1S21. The Governor may appoint, for a term of 4 years,
any number of persons not exceeding 5. in any city or co. of other
States and of Canada, to take acknowledgments of instruments
or conveyances to be recorded in this State. The consuls, vice-
consuls, and ministers of the U. S. in foreign countries, the
mayors of London, Liverpool, and Dublin, the provost of Edin-
burgh, and persons appointed by the Governor, not exceeding
3 in each of the cities of London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Paris, and
Marseilles, may also perform this duty, and administer oaths or
affirmations substantiating proofs to documents requiring to bo
recorded or to be produced in evidence within this State.
4 In 1S29, co. clerks were required to report to the Secretary
of State a transcript of all convictions and the sentences thereon.
The intention of this act was to establish evidence in case of tho
trial of the same person for a second offense, in which the punish-
ment for the same crimes is enhanced in severity. In 1837, the
Secretary of State was required to report a statement of all con-
victions reported under this act, and annually afterward to lay
before the Legislature a like summary. In 1839. sheriffs were
also required to report the name, occupation, age. sex, and native
country of every person convicted, and such other information
as might indicate degree of education, the effect of home influ-
ences, and such other details as might be required. Under the
administration of E. W. Leavenworth, the statistics of crime
3G
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT.
Under the head of the Administrative Department are classed the officers charged with the
general administration of the affairs of canals, of State prisons, of the salt springs, of academic and
c mmon school education, and other public interests, each of which is particularly noticed elsewhere.
It also includes a variety of other offices, the principal of which are as follows: —
The County Treasurer is charged with the duty of receiving all moneys collected by tax, or
otherwise payable into the county treasury, of paying all orders issued by the Supervisors, and of
accounting to the Comptroller of the State for such moneys as are due to the State treasury. He
is required to give bonds ; and in case of vacancy the office is filled by appointment of the Super-
visors until the January following the next general election.
.Superintendents of the Poor have charge of the county poor and of the poorhouses,
unless otherwise provided by law. The Supervisors may elect to have 1 or 3 superintendents. In
several of the counties, special laws exist with regard to this office.1
Commissioners of Excise are appointed by the County Judge and the two Associate
Justices, except in New York, where the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, the presiding Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas, and the Recorder, have the appointing power. They meet annually on
the third Tuesday of May, to grant licenses for selling liquors and keeping inns under restrictions
fixed by law. This office was created April 16, 1857. Twenty freeholders must unite in a peti-
tion for a license ; and the same person can sign but one petition. Licenses cost $30 to $250
each.
fr m the first reports to. and including, 1854 were published,
which gave the following results: —
.V. V'rk Slate Priinn received from 1798 to 1827 inclusive,
\vr~: died. 765: escaped,25; sentence expiated. 1.262;
I; removed. ."AS : natives of N. II.. 99: Vt., 114;
2: K.I.. llf>: ft.. 391; N.Y.. 2.426; N.J.. 314: Penn.,
234: IM..21: M1..75: Va..69; other States. 43: B.A..S7: W. I..
141; S.A..12; Eng.,247; Ire., 655; Scot., 79; Ger.,58; Hoi.. 22:
Fr., 49; Spain, 6; Italy, 13; Portugal, 6; Sweden, 10; Norway,
2: other European countries, 18 : Africa, 26; E. I., 8; unknown,
152: crimes against the person, 2S0; against property, with vio-
lence, 291; without violence. 4.016; forgery, and against the cur-
rency, 728. Sentence varied from 7 mo. to life, the most being
as follows: lvear, 242; 2 years. 259; 3 years, 581: 3 years 1 day,
278; 4 years. 604: 5 years, 764; 7 years, 820; 10 years. 294; 14
years, 239; life, 603.
Convictions in Courts of Record from 1830 to 1856.
Years.
T. J
Against Prep-
> rty, with
violence.
Against Prop-
1 rt\i. uitUout
vutlence.
*> 5
ill
^- 2 7}
3
6
1
YEAE8.
«3
•2 o
as
1
§■
**.
"So*"* ■»
A Q U
##51
> 4) u
h
III
> G »
Against the
Currency, and
Forgery.
5S
1
"5
1880...
237
101
502
74
144
l.o.'.O
1845...
471
177
467
54
520
1.689
243
08
464
63
94
956
1846...
384
138
471
38
440
1,471
-
- ■
79
440
60
98
966
1847...
385
132
396
24
408
1.295
362
75
462
61
153
1.113
1848...
437
120
512
33
425
1.527
■
-•IT
99
355
63
148
869
IM'.i...
.■;n7
150
645
44
404
1.540
--:
92
426
34
287
1.076
1850...
397
199
521
36
410
1.563
316
-■•
379
32
150
963
1851...
409
148
475
49
401
1,482
"
124
477
62
146
1.1 01
1852...
412
22s
4S0
48
434
1,602
296
112
472
42
164
l.OM-,
1853...
•iv;
1N5
573
52
553
1.846
!
116
479
51
186
MIS
1V.I...
432
]S0
591
75
835
2,122
■
12 •
4: -.7
274
1 ,348
1866...
397
278
586
37
644
1.S42
J $41...
l_l
460
49
427
1,616
1856...
432
248
573
49
212
1,614
i-i
17.'.
604
r.3
i
1,602
1867...
475
350
807
64
15*
1,654
MM
244
78
336
1.570
1858...
436
332
617
90
237
1,712
1844...
• •;
172
489
60
812
1.127
1
fyi the 1712 r.,nvirtwi in tos. 1682 were males and 180 females.
omberofeontfctiotM reported by sheriffs falls short of that
rk-i for the ohrioos reason thai many who are fined pay
down their penalties and never come Into the Bheriff'e hands.
v"" n i- rti ■! bj ( i-rk - fr.'in 1838 '•■ 1864 raried from 172
■■i annually. Males farm about 94 pel cent, of all oon-
| per rent, of those r
Hli-nff<. and K.i per osni. of thi -•■ Convicted In . "iirti of special
n«. The results of trinl compared with total indictments
have varied In different >. an within the following limits: —
ltati ■ of ooBiiutioni !•• Indictments 608 to 689.
•• aoqnittala " 249 to 380.
" disagreement r.finries ■ 018 to .026.
" o nvict'n* I . •' ivjto.390.
The least number of OOftvietioni reported from 1828 ' i 1866. in
proportion to population, was in 1884, whan it waf 1 t. 2.444.
greatest number was in 1 ■>!".. whan it was 1 !•• l.'lj.
Funfon*. — The irami^r of pardons granted fr^m 177* to 1854
inclusive, was 8,793; ofwhioh 100 were fr.ni Boat, 100 from fines
and imprisonment, 1,285 from jail* and local prisons, 5,747 fr..m
State prison for term of years, an I 669 from State prison far Ufa,
a whole number, 1,640 were conditioned mostly t.> baring
-fate or U.S.. 807 were restored to rights of citizens. 59 were
respited from capital offenses. The pardoning power has been
exeicised as follows i —
George Clinton 308
John .lay 180
Morgan Lewis 213
Daniel I). Tompkins 1.693
John Tavlor 223
lie Witt Clinton 2.2*9
Joseph C. Yates 291
Nathaniel Pit. her 228
Martin \an lliiren 34
BnOS T. Throop 415
Wm. L. Marcv 834
Wtn. II. Seward 377
Wm. C. Bouck 279
Silas Wright 282
John Young 268
Hamilton li-h 97
Washington Hunt 346
Horatio Seymour 456
Mvron H. Clark 630
John A. King 426
i The salary of these officers, whero there is but one in a
county, is fixed by the Supervisors; but in those counties where
there are 3 they are usually paid for the- time employed.
Albany has n..ne. Chemung.Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, frank-
lin. FulUm. Genesee. //< rlnnnr, .J'f'rson. Montgomery, Orange,
Orleans, Otsego, Putnam, Schenectady, Schuyler, Sullivan, and
Differ, have each one ; and those in italic are appointed by
Supervisors. In early times each town supported its own poor,
and where persons who had not acquired residence became
chargeable, they were sent from town to town back to the place
where they had' formerly resided. A very able report was pre-
sented to the Senate by J. V. N. Yates, Secretary of State, Feb.
9, 1824. upon the subject of the "laws for the relief and settle-
ment of the poor." in which he advised the erection of one or
more houses of employment in each co., in which paupers might
STATE GOVERNMENT.
37
State Assessors. — The object of the office is to collect the necessary statistics among the
several counties to enable the Board of Equalization to equalize the State tax among the several
counties, and fix the amount of real and personal estate upon which the State tax shall be levied.
The Assessors are appointed by the Government and Senate, and hold office for three years.
The Board of Equalization consists of the Commissioners of the Land Office, and the
State Assessors. It meets at Albany on the first Tuesday of September of each year, for the pur-
pose of equalizing the taxes, &c.
be maintained and employed at the county charge, and that
children at suitable ages should be put out to some useful trade.
An act was accordingly passed Nov. 27, 1S24, authorizing the
establishment of county poorhouses. In most of the counties
such institutions were established within a few years. They
were located upon farms, which were designed to be worked, as
far as practicable, by the inmates. The towns in Queens and
Suffolk counties have mostly town poorhouses, and in these there
are no county establishments of this kind. The county of
Albany supports its poor at the city almshouse.
In most counties a distinction is made between town and
county poor, the former including those who have gained a r> ->-
dence; and this distinction may lie made or not, at the option of
the Board of Supervisors. Temporary relief may be extended
in cases where the pauper cannot be removed, or for otb< t
causes satisfactory to the Superintendents. Towns may vote at
town meetings the sum estimated to be necessary for the guppi I I
of their own poor.
The following tables and summaries arc from the last annual
Report of the Secretary of State : —
Statistics of Poorhouses and of the Support of the Poor, for the year ending Dec. 1, 1858.
Counties.
Allegany
Broome
Cattaraugus ..
Cayuga
Chautauqua...
Chemung
Chenaugo
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton
Genesee
Greene
Hamilton
Herkimer
Jefferson
Kings
Lewis
Livingston. ...
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery..
New York
Niagara
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens
Rensselaer ....
Richmond
Rockland
St. Lawrence .
Saratoga
Schenectady ..
Schoharie
Schuyler.......
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren
Washington...
Wayne
Westchester ..
Wyoming
Yates
Total 7,208.8
u
V
sis
111
183
130
200
96
171.8
175
172
90
2044
118
200
106
154
100
162
86
134
130
65
107
"59
118
172
134
150
120
150
36i
212
267
107
60
170
196
144
125
47
130
200
113
110
126*
200
100
60
100
140
200
174
193
185
111
123
.2 8
HI
$10,000 00
8,000 00
6,500 00
20,000 00
12,000 00
13,000 00
5,000 00
3,000 00
35,000 00
6,800 00
5,000 00
15,000 00
49,091 00
4,500 00
4,639 75
8,000 00
8,000 00
10,000 00
10,000 "60
14,000 00
400,000 00
3,500 00
18.000 00
16,500 00
40,375 16
7,600 00
12,o66"66
8,100 00
16,000 00
21,200 00
25,000 00
10,113 75
4,350 00
15,350 00
10,000 00
29,o6o"66
21.000 00
11,000 00
7,200 00
6,000 00
8,000 00
5,000 00
16,000 "66
10,000 00
1,500 00
6,000 00
6,000 00
9,000 00
2,500 00
12,000 00
7,620 00
35,500 00
5,000 00
5,500 00
$1,059,339 66 $29,484 66
%
:fe
i
6,
$250 00
200 00
200 00
800 00
2,524 00
449 76
250 00
1,000 00
180 00
250 00
3,500 00
200 00
200 00
500 00
600 00
742 90
500 00
1,500 00
200 00
700 00
"35OOO
400 00
l*o6o**6o
1,380 00
700 00
1,500 00
375 00
500 00
"36606
"566 66
800 00
700 00
500 00
300 00
128 00
100 00
""306*66
275 00
"26000
750 00
500 00
500 00
100 00
755 00
325 00
1,150 00
150 00
200 00
e a
$1 02
59
1 12
83
787
894
72
89
1 09
72
90
1 00
70
1 00
42
""662
685
"i"io"
76
2 22
93
74
1 035
70
1 637
81
00
915
68
985
07
14
42
58
48
45
805
737
94
94
77
855
00
00
83
84
72
70
49
50
275
018
801
96
•S3.!1
243
1,335
160
2,778
4,106
245
109
2,738
565
250
136
1.771
1,292
44
84
112
175
97
21
4,908
1,464
37,730
126
286
2,858
1,063
3.980
8.102
2.460
2.753
1,679
865
747
63
" 555
966
1,881
384
2,931
505
403
57
144
1.535
1,175
56
350
240
99
1,280
82
2.629
1.335
1.312
170
65
$ 90.5 j 103.499
ill
S 3 *
11*3
223
"219
151
312
5,915
223
66
117
48
2,817
1,733
2,830
492
""381
8,578
"'446
206
359
113
453
417
49
1,191
61
To
66
23.205
*<§
ji.
fe «G V
£ S*53
223
1,178
271
3,725
"163
2,585
172
386
'5,915
136
56
66
17
4,656
1,015
29,881
70
4,614
110,822
3,087
7,062
3,538
2,402
1,330
510
3,330
342
36
3,986
1,642
636
2,499
'"868
297
160
1,164
870
225
296
657
148
2,047
'2.332
1,163
207.207
e Si
ill
s*5<
3^
$5,879 68
3,727 01
2,725 44
9,393 21
5,094 65
2,850 48
3,997 33
3,076 02
12.158 15
2.950 52
3,096 93
15,965 09
35.028 73
2,695 47
1.315 79
3.701 44
3.079 68
3,178 46
400 00
7,399 10
6,440 95
146.499 66
3,564 41
4,630 62
6,954 37
18,432 62
9,680 76
351,152 10
5,322 80
13,271 67
10.159 82
6,795 93
9.288 35
3,781 97
5,126 74
4.702 40
1.388 84
22,303 15
16,172 00
9.457 82
3,099 07
6,990 24
7.460 42
7,174 72
2,471 70
3,547 87
3,918 89
4,420 89
12,008 79
3,357 03
3,046 81
3,271 15
6.721 72
1,241 75
4.051 40
8,8S7 78
15,981 09
3,416 02
3,102 80
$884,119 7S
•e s
^ S si.
$2,675 41
8.250 01
6,136 14
16,968 47
5,846 58
6,513 53
1,078 19
6,362 84
"2,422" 61
2,948 62
300 00
20.474 90
2.273 45
1.489 11
922 00
2,192 46
250 00
100 00
15,219 04
11,960 67
32.110 47
561 26
4.094 01
11,781 23
28,815 88
13,330 00
139,731 54
7,552 98
31,298 65
40,384 84
7,065 80
10,755 09
4,140 10
43,199 99
3,974 70
2,590 53
2.287 75
30.754 00
3,496 42
2.417 21
13,914 38
"2*166 49
4,510 44
1,400 00
4.019 73
5,729 07
4,260 00
4.132 93
6,452 06
647 5.1
9.791 36
2,368 92
6.301 49
8.280 36
149 98
620 22
112 69
* 1 S "s »g
S £ I ftl *J
$8,555 09
11.977 02
8,861 58
26.361 68
10,941 23
9.364 01
5,075 52
9.438 86
12.158 15
5,373 13
6,045 55
16,265 09
55.503 63
4.968 92
2.804 90
4.1.23 44
5.272 14
3,428 46
500 00
22.61S 14
18,401 62
178,610 13
4.12.-) 67
8,724 63
18.735 60
47,248 50
23.010 76
490.8S3 64
12.875 78
44,570 32
50.544 66
13.861 73
20.043 44
7.922 07
48.326 73
8.677 10
3.979 37
24.590 90
46.926 00
12.954 24
5,516 28
20,943 62
7,460 42
9.331 21
6,982 14
4.947 87
7,938 62
10,14" 96
16,268 79
7,489 96
9,498 s;
3.91 B 66
16,513 08
3,610 67
10,442 89
17,168 14
16431 0"
4,036 24
3.275 49
$607,271 50 $1,491 391
During the year 1858, 38,582 were admitted, 38,400 were dis-
charged, 1,007 absconded, 849 were born, 2,584 died, and 646 were
bound out.
Supported in Poorhmtse. — Males, 6,219; Females, 7,203; total.
13,422. Foreigners, 6,503 ; Lunatics, 1.S3S; Idiots. 437 : Mutes,
36. Temporarily Relieved. — Foreigners, 58,709 ; Lunatics, 2,408 ;
Idiots, 595 ; Mutes, 52.
38
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Loan Commissioners1 are appointed in each county by the Governor and Senate, except in
Onondaga, where they are elected. They are paid £ to f- of one per cent, on all moneys loaned,
and are obliged to give bonds and report annually to the Comptroller.
School Commissioners are elected one in each Assembly District, and under certain
circumstances another may be added. They are required to examine and grant certificates to
teachers, visit schools, apportion the public moneys, and report to the Superintendent of Public
Instruction. The Board of Supervisors in the counties have the power of arranging the several
commissioner districts and of increasing the salary of the commissioners above $500. All cities,
and many villages, are under special lavrs -with regard to schools, and are more or less exempt
from the jurisdiction of County School Commissioners.2
Sealers of Weights and Measures are appointed for the State and for each county and
town. The State Superintendent has an office at Albany, and he furnishes to the several counties
and towns standard sets of weights and measures.3 The County Sealer keeps the Standards
Children under 16,— Males, 2.770; Females. 3.045. Total, 5,821.
Number of children instructed, 3,219. Average S months in
the year.
yatiritic* of Persons relieved in 1858.
United -
Ireland
Germany
1
Canada
France
Scotland
Total.
108,527
Males.
Females.
T'.tal.
45,174
59.570
104.744
42.212
50,504
92,716
12,601
16.173
2^.774
4.183
32371
7. ".."4
1.995
2.013
4.UHS
1,094
1.995
3,089
1.2' 6
1,068
2.336
134.694 , 241.221
Causes of Pauperism, as far as
ascertained.
Intemperance direct
Children of intemperate parents..
- with intemperate hus-
bands
Total intemperance
Delaucbery
Debauchery of parents..
Idleness
Ticy
Idi'TV
Lunacy
Blindness
■
pitude
Old age
Total from all causes r
Ma '■ ■ ■
ir..tv,fi
5,133
21,802
543
392
5,582
1.417
-4-1
1.206
353
1.329
I
668
1,948
48.338
Females.
9.164
3440
3.140
86, 'IT
Total.
25.833
8,273
3.140
15.444
37.246
622
1,165
375
767
4,080
9,662
904
2.321
441
872
1.533
2.739
165
518
662
1,991
10,167
_ • 1
447
12115
2,077
4,026
<,■■:■:,
i Tli- Hi >n was made by an act passed April 18,
ill- "f credit to the amount of $500,000, the
•f which «i< apportioned among the counties In propor-
to their inpposed wanut, and loaned by officers appointed
f.r: These bills wi enient denomini
and circulated ai money. They were receivable in payment of
and for some purposes were legal tender. Tliis limn was
i-tiTiL-. at l'"l lows: —
N.v Suffolk.... ■
.. 26,000 I Ister 81,000
Washington :
mono.. 11,260 VTestchi star i
: dnc on the loan "f 1786 .-it the
H10. and the whole was BnaUy called In in
March 14, 17"2. anoth) r 0 was
I among the counties, as t • ■ 1 1 • ■ ■v'. -» : —
I
K . 112250
Allanv
Clinton
C .Innit.ia...
HerUs
I 4.750
"
Snffnlk 24
Clstl r
Washington
New York :
:
Richmond.. 4.750
h. third loan ofMOO/WO was ai
Yi.rk. K ii nd, Suffolk, and
r. in proportion to the numbi r of their electors. In
of these
further sum of - ami d. U
i una.
In 1860 t!i<' office Of Lou Commlssionei far the It in* of 1702
and1- lining in their hands
were transferred to the custody of thi -lorloaning
the 0 .-• Deposit Fund.
The TJ. S. Deposit Fund originated as follows : An Act of
Congress, passed June 23, 1S36, directed the surplus in the trea-
sury on the 1st day of Jan. 1837, excepting 85,000.000, to be
deposited with the several States in proportion to their repre-
sentation. The amount thus deposited was $37,468,859.97. of
which N. Y. received $5,352,694.28. This was apportioned to
the several counties according to population, as follows : —
Albany
Allegany
Broome
Cattaraugus...
Cayuga
Chautauqua....
Chemung
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Genesee
Greene
Herkimer
Jefferson
Kings
Lewis _.
Livingston
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery...
New York
Niagara.
$147
86.
49:
61.
121.
110
42.
100.
51.
li'ii.
59,
84.
124
141
50.
30
144
74
89
l1-
23
103
92
39
70
55.
101.
69.
107.48
681.22
698.S1
504.43
113.45
447.53
991.07
337.93
057.58
298.54
491.87
105.51
,810.71
770.83
,951.74
,771.91
.217.01
.272.51
.110.77
.921.*2
.807.24
.501.02
.568.65
.051.(15
174.02
107.12
994.55
508.02
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens ,
Rensselaer....
Richmond ....
Rockland
St. Lawrence.
Saratoga
Schenectady .
Schoharie ....
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan.
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren
Wa.-hington ,
Wayne
w estchester.
Yates
$33,858.70
40.699.36
93,558.80
98,363.76
29,622.36
96,803.13
93.017.26
95,483.74
48.72S.95
130,679.06
78.910.08
39.613.81
76.534.68
102.747.79
142.079.45
119.038.36
6C4.839.06
65.206.61
190.814.86
149.928.42
100.603.77
111.000.31
56.352.39
94,142.19
124.131.32
28.433.43
61.858.89
136,053.25
s In Vtica and Schenectady the care of schools is intrusted
to "( ommissioners of Common Schools;" in Buffalo and Hudson
the Common Councils are cj- officio Commissioners of Schools;
and in Albany, Astoria, Auburn, Brooklyn. Castlcton. and
Bouthfield, (Clifton,) College Point, East Chester. Flushing,
Jamaica, Lockport, Medina, Newburgh, New York, Oswego,
Port Byron, Poughkeepsie, Pulaski. Il'ihester. Salem. Syracuse,
Troy, Waterford, Westfarms, and Whitestown, Bchools are
under a Board of Education, usually ejected, but in some of the
cities appointed by the Common Council. In most cities a
Superintendent, who is clerk oi the Board, is appointed by the
I ..I Education for the more immediate supervision of
-1 1 Is and inspection of teachers. In Buffalo the Superin-
tendent Iselei '• d.
3 a ('■■null/ Standard consists of —
1. A large balam 1 . 1 ..mpi i-mg a brass beam and scales, with
stand and lew r.
2. A small balance, villi a drawer stand for final! weights.
3. A set 1.1 large brass weights, namely. 5oib..2olb..lolb.. 51b.
4. \ set of small brass weights, avoirdupois, nannly, 41b..
21b.. lib., v.*.. 4i.y... 2ozn 1"Z... [•■/... 4oz.
6 \ brass yard measure, graduated to feet and Inches, and
the first graduated to eighths of an Inch, and also decimally; with
a graduation t" cloth mi asure '>n the other side: in a case.
I - t nf liquid measun - made of copper, namely. 1 gallon,
11. 1 quart, 1 pint, J pint, 1 gill: in a •
7. A si t "t dry measures of copper, namely, i bushel, 1 peck,
i peck. 2 quarts, 1 quart; in a case.
There are also cases to contain the large brass weights and
the ii an packing boxes included, etc. The cost of the set
I.
A T 'in Standard differs in some particulars, ns consisting
Of but "lie medium sized balance, the large weights being of
iron in place Oi brass; die yard measure being a east metallic
square rod, without dei Imai graduation, etc.; and likewise with-
out cases, in general. The cost of the set is $125.
STATE GOVERNMENT.
39
furnished by the State, and is required to have them compared with the State Standard once in 3
years. The Town Sealer is required to examine all weights and measures in use once a year.1
The Mayors of cities are administrative officers of State laws and executive officers of city
ordinances. They are elected annually, except in Albany and New York, where they hold their
offices for two years.
Tlie Supervisors of towns are administrators of the general laws relating to towns.
Tlie President and Trustees of villages have charge of every thing pertaining to the
welfare of their respective localities within the limits of the charter of incorporation.
Trustees of School Districts are the officers recognized by law to whom is intrusted
the administration of the school laws within their districts.
Turnpike Inspectors are appointed in every county in which there are turnpikes, the
acts of incorporation of which do not require the appointment of special inspectors. They are 3
to 5 in number, and must have no interest in any turnpike in the State.
Plank Road Inspectors are appointed in every county having plank roads. Their duties
are analogous to those of the inspectors of turnpikes ; and they are chiefly intended to protect
the public against the collection of tolls when plank roads are unsafe or difficult to travel from
neglect or other cause.
Commissioners of Highways have the power of directing repairs, laying out and
altering roads, discontinuing old roads, and of ordering new bridges to be built and kept in renair.2
They must annually divide the towns into road districts, and assign such inhabitants to *vork
upon them as they may deem proper ; and they must deposit an accurate description of all new
roads in the Town Clerk's office for record.
Overseers of Highways, or " Pathinasters," have charge of road districts.3
1 Tlie statute defines the State Standard of Weights and Mea-
sures to be the same as that approved by Congress June 14. 1 836,
and furnished by the U. S. to the States in 1S42. The set fur-
nished consisted of a yard, sets of Troy and avoirdupois weights,
the wine gallon and the half bushel and their subdivisions.
The unit of length and surface, from which all other measures
of extension are derived, whether linear, superficial, or solid. Is
the yard, which is divided into 3 feet of 12 inches each, except
for cloths or other articles sold by the yard, when it may bo
divided into halves, eighths, and sixteenths. The rod contains
54 yards, and the mile 1,760 yards ; the acre is 160 square rods ;
the chain for land surveying is 22 yards long and subdivided
into 100 links; the Troy pound is to the avoirdupois as 5.7 CO to
7,000, the one containing 12 and the other 16 ounces; lOOlbs.
avoirdupois form a hundredweight, and 2,0001bs. a ton. All
measures of capacity not liquid are derived from the half bushel,
the subdivisions of which are obtained by dividing repeatedly
by 2. Coal, ashes, marl, manure, corn in tho ear, fruit, and
roots, are sold by heap measure.
The Standards now in use do not vary essentially from those
established by the State Government before standards were fur-
nished by the U. S. As formerly defined, the unit of linear mea-
sure was the yard, which bore the ratio of 1,000,000 to 1,086.140,
to a pendulum beating seconds in a vacuum at the tempera-
ture of melting ice at Columbia College. A cubic foot of water
at its maximum density in vacuo was declared equal to 1000
ounces avoirdupois. The liquid gallon to contain 81bs., and the
dry gallon lOlbs., of distilled water at its greatest density and
mean pressure at sea level.
Weights of articles per bushel as fixed by Standard.
ARTICLES.
LBS.
ARTICLES.
LBS.
ARTICLES.
LBS.
56
56
44
60
62
60
58
48
48
55
32
60
60
Rye
Salt
Timothy.
2 Roads extending through several towns may be laid out by
commissioners appointed by the Supervisors; and those extend-
ing through several counties are usually laid out by special com-
missioners appointed by law. The commissioners of highways
are required to report annually, at town meeting, their receipts
and expenditures, and a statement of what improvements are
necessary, and the cost of obtaining them. These estimates are
referred to the Board of Supervisors, and assessed as other b >wn
charges. They may summon jurors and witnesses in opening
and closing roads. Roads through improved lands must be cer-
tified as necessary by the oath of twelve respectable freeholders ;
and a like certificate to the contrary is required in closing roads.
Every owner may obtain a road to his land.
New roads cannot be laid through orchards or gardens of
more than four years' growth or use. or through buildings or
yards, and Lnclosures of mills and factories, without the owner's
consent. The law requires the commissioners of highways to
orect mileboards along the line, and guideboards at the crossing
of post and such other important roads as they may deem
proper; and the defacing of these is punishable as a misde-
meanor. Every owner or occupant of lands in any town, and
every male inhabitant above the age of 21. must be assessed for
highway labor. The whole number of days' labor annually ex-
pended in the town must !»■ at least threetimes the number of
taxable inhabitants : and every male inhabitant over 21, except
ministers, paupers, idiots, and lunatics, must be assessed at
least one day. The residue is assessed upon the property of in-
dividuals and corporations. Labor may be commuted at the
rate of 62£ cts. per day ; and the moneys so paid must be ex-
pended in the district.
3 Overseers of Highways are required by law to warn out to
work all persons assessed for highway labor in their respective
districts; keep their roads in order; superintend work; receive
and apply commutation moneys: cause the noxious weeds upon
the wayside to be cut down or destroyed once before July and
once before Sept. of each year ; remove obstructions; and collect
all fines, whether for neglect of work, idleness, or putting up
of gates contrary to law. They may require additional labor, to
the amount of one-third of the first tax. All roads must be
fenced by the owners ol adjacent lands, unless liable, to be over-
flowed by streams, when the overseers of highways must erect,
and keep in repair, good swinging gates at the expense of the
hauls benefitted : and persons leaving such gates open are liable
to triple damages. All rivers where the tide ebbs and flows are
public highways, without special law. Many other streams have
been so declared by acts, and obstructions in such streams and
in highways are punished by fine, notwithstanding a plea of
title. Such obstructions may be abated as nuisances : and the
persons causing them are liable to actions for damage. Persons
owning lands upon roads 3 rods wide, or more, may plant trees
on the roadside adjacent to their line, and may prosecute for
damages to such trees. They may also construct a sidewalk,
with a railing. Trees falling into the road from inclosed lands
must be removed by the occupant within 2 days, after notice by
any person, under a fine of 50 cts. a day. Assessors and com-
missioners of highways are ex officio fence viewers in their sev-
eral towns. In case of fires in the woods of any town, it is the
duty of the supervisor, justices, and commissioners of highways
to order suchand so many inhabitants, liable to work upon the
roads, as maybe deemed necessary, and reside near, to assist in
checking the fires, under penalty of $50, and liability to prose-
cution for misdemeanor, and further fine not over $100 or im-
prisonment not more than 60 days.
Persons aggrieved at the decision of commissioners may ap
peal to referees appointed by the county judge or justices of
sessions. Kings. Queens, and Sum Ik cos. have from an early
colonial period had a road law peculiar to themselves. It differs
by fixing the number of days at twice the number of persons
assi ssed, in granting private roads for limited i» riods, in allow-
ing ruads through guldens and orchards of less than ten years'
use or growth, by allowing appeals to the county judge, and in
a few other minor details. Richmond co. has also a special law,
which requires assessments in money only, to be collected with
the general tax, and the repairs of road- to be let out at public
auction by districts from year to year and to the lowest bidder.
There are many other special laws, chiefly applicable to cities
and villages, but too numerous to mention here.
40
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER
SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL STATE, COUNTY, AND TOWN OFFICERS.
Total
A'o. in
Stale.
United States Senators
Representatives in Congress....
STATE OFFICERS.
Legislative —
State Senators.!
Members of Assembly
Executive—
Governor
Lieutenant Governor.
Secretary of State
Comptroller
Treasurer
Attorney Genera]
State Engineer and Surveyor-.
Judicial —
Judges of the Court of Appeals"
Justices of the Supreme Court
Clerk of the Court of Appeals..
State Reporter
ADMINISTRATIVE —
/Supt. of Public Instruction...
(Regents of the University'- ...
Supt. <>f Hanking Department.
31 •■■ Prisons
Canal Commissioners
Auditor of Canal Department.
Canal Appraisers
Supt. of Weights and Measures
State Assessors
O TNTY OFFICERS.
nty Judge
Surrogate i in certain counties)
- and Surrogates"
Justices of Sessions
District Attorney
Sheriff .'
Coroners
Treasurer
O-unty Clerk
Commissioners for loaning
moneys of the U. S
School Commissioners^
Superintendents of the Poor....
Commissioners of Excise-
County Sealer of Weights and
Measures.
■ Public '
Turnpike Inspectors*....
Plank Koad Inspectors .
-
Buperrisor
Town Clerk
ln«p"ct"i-« of Station/
■ Pi ice
1 •
Collector
n of the Poos*
Oomofai ways...
an Of Highway* '
Poo n d M«.< tern
Town Scaler of Weights and
Mwimti
bchocx vat rami
- *
Clerk
Collector
Librarian
33
32
12S
Tears
in
Office.
Commence-
ment of term
of Office.
33
1
1
19
1
3
3
1
3
3
Ko. in
each Co.
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
1
1
2
1 or 3
1
Fixed by
Gov.
3
3
No. in
"1. t'.trn.
1
1
3 to 18
V
1 to5
3
1
lor 2
1 or 8
road 'li*.
Indef.
1
.Vo. in
"jrh ditU
1 or a
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
Indef.
Indef.
2
2
2
March 4.
January 1.
Date of appt.
January 1.
cc
Date of appt.
January 1.
1st Tues.Aug
January 1.
Date of Appt
January 1.
Date of Appt.
Date of Elec
January 1 .
Date of Elec
Sow filed.
2d Tuea. Oct.
Legislature.
Election.
/Gov., Lt.Gov.,
\ & Atty. Gen.
Legislature.
cc
Gov. & Senate.
Election.
EC
Gov. & Senate.
cc
/Gov., Lt.Gov.,
\& Sec. of State.
Gov. & Senate.
Election.
Gov. & Senate.
Election.
cc
{Judges and )
Just, of Sess. j
Supervisors.
Gov. & Senate.
Supervisors.
Election.
cc
See note S.
Election.
Supcrv. A j. p.
Election.
Vacancies
how filled.
Governor.
Special election.
Lieut. Gov.
Pres. p. t. of Sen
Governor.
Gov.,Lt.Gov.,")
& Atty. Gen. /
Governor.
Legislature.
Governor.
Gov., Lt. Gov.. \
& Sec. of State. <
Governor.
Supervisors.
Governor.
County Judge.
Supervisors.
Judge & Justices
Supervisors.
Governor.
Supervisors.
Sped, town meet.
< Buperv. town I
j clerk, & jus. j
Governor.
Spccl. town meet.
Buperv. A -jus.
Bpecl. town meet,
cc
loin, highways.
Justices.
Buperv. & J. p.
Supervisor.
Tiu-tces.
Compensation.
$3,000 and mileage.
$3 per day and mileage.
$4,000 and house rent.
$6 per day and mileage.
$2,500.
S2.000.
$2,500.
$2,500 before 1857 ; $3,500
since.
Ditto.
$2,000.
$2,500.
None.
$5,000.
$1,600.
$2,000.
$2,500.
$2,000.
$500.
Sal. fixed by Supervisors.
Per diem.
Fees or salary.
Fees.
Per diem.
Percentage.
Fees.
Percentage.
Not less than $500.
Per diem or salary.
Per diem.
Fees.
Fees.
Per diem.
Per diem.
Fees and per diem.
Per diem.
Fees.
I
Pi c 'Horn.
Pi rcentage,
Per diem.
Fees.
Fees.
Nono.
• 4 - . nn l 4 -■ ul r Justii • * of Supreme Court.
* 4 others are 1 acts.
J one in each Assembly district i In certain counties.
/2 inspc and 1 appointed from the next high-
e«t ticket, to each election dist by the chairman of town
- there i- 1 ra b ■ 1 i — t _ if under 600 Inbabitanti :
from 600 to 800; and I I- more if ai».v.- ^m>. jn
town* at ant 600, the rapervi' ml rb-rk i
annually to designate or ri
super visors. Assessors, com] of highways, or overseers
of the poor are not filled within 16 days, the justices may ap-
point ; and, if from any cause there be less than 3, they may asso I
date Justices of neighboring towns in making appointments.
B Towni in Sullivan CO. may have 1 or 3: anil if 1. In- is chosen
annually. Oyster Bay, Oswegatchie,and Wotervliet have 5, and
Bouthold o.
* Town*, may decide upon the number. Manlius has 7.
< In Sen, ca 00. 1 In each town. > See exceptions on p. 36.
* Annual tchool meetings determine whether to elect ~\ or 3.
An, - of local Jurisdiction, not included in the
feregoine; li-t*. are harbor masters, wardens, health officers, and
oiler- connected with sanitary supervision, pilots, wreck mas-
ci-rs. superintendent of Onondaga salt springs, and officers
charged with duties relating to Indian affairs.
PRISONS.
«
For a great number of offenses criminals are sentenced to bo confined at labor for different
periods of time, and the State has provided prisons at several places for the security of these
offenders against law.1 The principal of these are the three State Prisons, an Asylum for Insane
Convicts, two Houses of Refuge, and several penitentiaries and jails.
The Auburn State Prison is located upon a lot of 10 acres near the center of the city of
Auburn. It consists of the prison proper, containing 800 cells and a large number of workshops,
all surrounded by a high and strong wall. The Sing Sing State Prison is located upon
a lot of 130 acres upon the Hudson, in the village of Sing Sing. It contains a prison for males and
another for females, the latter the only one in the State. It has an aggregate of 1,000 cells and a
great variety of workshops.2 The Clinton State Prison is situated upon a lot of 250
acres in the town of Dannemora. About 25 acres are inclosed within the walls of the prison. It
contains workshops, forges, and furnaces, and has an aggregate of 390 cells.3
The general supervision of the State Prisons is intrusted to a Board of 3 Inspectors, one of
whom is elected each year for a term of three years.4 They appoint all the officers of the several
prisons and renew them at pleasure.5 The discipline of the several prisons is rigid and uniform,
and all convicts are treated alike, irrespective of their former standing in society or of the crimes
of which they are convicted. The rules for the general conduct of prisoners are rigidly enforced.
In the administration of discipline a leading object is to secure the reform of the criminal and hia
return to society with regular and industrious habits and correct moral principles.6 All convicts
in health are required to labor in shops by day, under rigid supervision, and without exchanging
words or looks with each other or with those who may visit the prison. They observe strict
Bilence upon all occasions when not addressed by some person allowed the privilege. In passing
to and from the cells, shops, and dining rooms, they march in close single columns, with their
1 By an act of March 26, 1796, John Watts, Matthew Clarkson,
Isaac Sloatenburgh, Thomas Eddy, and John Murray, jr. were
appointed commissioners to build a State prison in New York
City. This prison, styled "Newgate" was located on a lot of 9
acres on the Hudson, at the foot of Amos St. with its principal
front on Greenwich St. It was 201 feet long, and from each
end a wing extended to the river. It had 54 rooms, each for 8
persons, and cost $208,846. It was opened Nov. 25, 1797, and
continued in use until May, 1828, when it was sold. Convicts
were employed in shoe and nail making and other work in
leather and iron, and as carpenters, tailors, weavers, spinners,
and gardeners. A second prison was ordered, in 1796, to be
built at Albany, but the act was repealed in 1797. The limited
accommodations and wretched moral influences of the New
York prison led to the ordering of another prison, in 1816, which
was located at Auburn. The south wing was completed in
1818, and in 1819 the north wing was ordered to be fitted up
with single cells. The prison was enlarged in 1824.
2 An act passed March 7, 1824, ordered a prison to be erected
at Sing Sing. Work was begun May 14, 1825, and the prison
was finished in 1829, with S00 cells, to which 200 were added in
1830. It was finally completed in 1831. The grounds here
occupy 130 acres, and include marble quarries, upon which it
was designed to employ the convicts. The State Hall at Albany
is built of magnesian marble or dolomite quarried and dressed
at this prison. The prison for females is built of rough marble
in the Ionic style of architecture. It stands on elevated ground
and is entirely distinct from the male prison in its offices and
management. Previous to its erection, in 1835-40, female con-
victs were kept by the city of New York at their prison at
Bellevue, at an annual cost to the State of $100 each.
8 Clinton Prison was built, in 1844-45, under the direction of
Ransom Cook, with the design of employing convicts in iron
mining and manufacture.
* These Inspectors must visit all the State prisons four times
a year, in company, inspect their management, discipline, and
financial affairs, keep minutes of their proceedings, and report
annually to the Legislature. They establish rules for the ob-
servance of the officers of the prisons, and may examine
witnesses. One prison is assigned to each Inspector for three
months, and he is required to spend at least one week in each
month at the prison in special charge, and to inform himself
minutely concerning its details. The Inspectors are successively
changed to other prisons. Inspectors can make no appoint-
ments of relations within the 3d degree, and they can have no
interest in contracts. Their salary is $1600. — Constitution, Art.
V, Sec 4.
B The officers of each prison consist of the following : —
1. An Agent, or Warden, who is the principal fiscal officer of
the prison. He receives a salary of $1,250 to $1,500, and is re-
quired to give a bond of $25,000.
2. A Principal Keeper, who has charge of police regulations
and discipline of the prison, and must live upon the premises.
He keeps a journal of every infraction of rules, records, punish-
ments, complaints, &c, and reports monthly to the Inspectors.
Salary, $ .
3. Keepers under the direction of the Principal are appointed,
not to exceed 1 for every 25 prisoners. Salary, $ .
4. A Clerk, who records all commitments and discharges,
keeps the accounts, and reports annually to the Secretary of
State. Salary, $1,000 at Sing Sing and $900 at the other prisons.
5. The Chaplain visits prisoners in their cells, devotes a stated
time each Sabbath to religious services, keeps the prison library,
and allows the use of books, under proper regulations, and is
expected to counsel and assist convicts in the formation of
settled resolutions for reform upon leaving the prison. Through
him they may obtain whatever is allowed of correspondence
with friends. Salary, $900.
6. A Physician and Surgeon, who has charge of the Hospital
and attends at all times when his services are required. Salary,
$700 at Sing Sing and $600 at the other prisons.
7. Instructors, of which there are 2 each at Auburn and Sing
Sing, 1 at Clinton, and 1 at the Female Prison, who give all ne-
cessary instruction to the prisoners in their several occupations.
8. A Store Keeper, who has general charge of the provisions
and clothing and other property belonging to the prison.
9. A Guard, under the command of a sergeant, who are
stationed in the prison and upon the walls to prevent escapes.
The number of privates is 20 at Auburn, 25 at Clinton, and 30
at Sing Sing. They are armed and equipped from the State
arsenals, and are held legally justified if they shoot down
prisoners attempting to escape.
10. A Matron, who has charge of the Female Prison. Assistant
matrons are appointed, not to exceed 1 for every 25 prisoners.
6 Solitary confinement without labor was tried at Auburn in
1821, but with the most unhappy results, and in 1823 the
present system was adopted upon the suggestion of Capt. Klam
Lynds and John D. Cray. Capt. Lynds deserves particular
notice from the energy and firmness with which he brought
his favorite system into successful operation and to a degree "f
perfection scarcely conceivable to one who had ii"t witnessed it.
This plan has been adopted in many prisons and has received
the name of the "Auburn System.'' The labor not required in
the domestic afjiirs of these prisons is hired upon contract to
manufacturers, who put up the requisite machinery and employ-
agents and foremen to superintend the work. Willful violation
of the rules is punished by the [ash, ball and chain, yoke,
strait jacket, shower bath, dark cell, and similar means.
41
42
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
faces turned to the side on -which their keeper walks. Their shops have narrow openings in
the walls, through which they may be seen without the possibility of knowing it. They are con-
fined at night in solitary cells ; and guards with woolen socks tread silently around their cells at
all hours of tbe night. Tbe fare is abundant, but coarse ; and all convicts are required to wear a
costume peculiar to the prison.1 •
An Asylum for Insane Convicts is located at Auburn, in the rear of the prison. It is
under the general charge of a medical superintendent.2
The HFeW York House of Refuge, situated upon Randalls Island, near New York
City, is an establishment for the reformation of juvenile offenders. It is partly a State and
partly a city institution.3 The Western House of Refuge, located upon a farm of 42£
acres in Rochester, is another juvenile establishment of a similar kind. It is entirely under State
patronage. These institutions are under rigid discipline ; and the inmates receive instruction in
the elementary branches of education during certain hours of the day, and are required to labor
during certain other hours. The New York institution was established in 182*1, and receives both
sexes. The Rochester institution was started in 1849, and receives boys only.4
The Prison Associat ion of r¥ew York was formed Dec. 6, 1844, and incorporated May 9,
1846. It has for its objects the amelioration of the condition of prisoners, whether detained for
trial or finally convicted, or as witnesses; the improvement of prison discipline and of the govern-
ment of prisons, whether for cities, counties, or States; and the support and encouragement of
reformed convicts after their discharge, by affording them the means of obtaining an honest liveli-
hood and sustaining them in their efforts at reform.5 The association is supported entirely by
private contribution. The members pay $10 annually. The payment of $25 constitutes a member
STATISTICS OF STATE PRISONS.
AVERAGE MM HER OP
a
3
w
p
i ->ncTS.
; ■:
SingSing.
5
6
146
-J
§
664
s
80
1-4-
1,3S7
1840
512
637
76
157
1.3-2
1850
661
661
84
119
1.525
1861
752
723
73
114
1,662
i
788
81
125
1,753
18
763
865
06
186
1,900
1854
747
110
199
l.'.eVI
1
:
016
111
249
2,005
IS
-
101
1,953
1857
678
976
84
278
2,016
TOTAL YEARLY EARNINGS.
$53,456.71
63,021.64
68,737.31
73.494.91
64,986.29
81,150.24
81.994.74
74,948.68
72.763.4S
69,954.08
5>
e
i?
S
*
.s
S
e
$51,652.77
$5,549.46
63,052.83
13,210.97
71,178.99
18,451.95
88,385227
17.664.10
99,380.12
29,736.20
99,082.89
37.207.77
95,345.34
41,674.04
90,904.71
82,372.19
86,440.89
38,100.76
94,940.97
26,882.58
$110,658.94
139,285.34
15s.36s.25
179,544.28
194,102.61
217,440.90
219,014.12
198,225.43
197,305.13
191,783.03
EXPENSES INCLUDING IMPROVEMENTS.
E
s
«o
s
•"1
$66,960.41
56,777.99
71,164.07
8s.546.25
86,291.73
80,516.37
72.417.S2
67.783.15
69.915.46
74,1 si 1.3:.
&5
S3
$97,221.41
81,850.28
95,828.64
79,506.82
85.414.42
12n.sl-.73
136.142.24
116.774.37
100.523.39
109.586.53
a
6
$39,900.98
50.126.47
37,698.97
37.958.13
39,825.20
49.483.14
61.uss.75
48,832.42
55,032.74
47,947.20
$204,082.80
18S.754.74
204.6S6.68
206.011.20
211,531.35
250,818.24
269.64S.S1
233,389.94
225.471.57
231.714.17
Hie surplus expenses of the State prisons are paid from the
Introduction to Natural History
• Until ' charged with crime and proved insane
••■ Lunatic A-ylum at Utica. An acl for
tl ro linn of the present asylum was passed April 13, 1855, and
tbe bnfl ! Dieted m I
• The Sew V rk Asylum is conducted by a close Corporation,
y>n"; ' jers, who serve without pay and report annu-
ally 1 i ncil of New York and to the State Legis-
latnr | the labor of its inmates, an annual
appropriation from the Marine Hospital fund, theater and circus
in the Board of Education, and grants
from tli" ' i'y and -t itc f Sew York. It can accommodate
■ •■• 1 378; of which num-
girls. Th" former are engaged
in making re i loth, wearing, 4c.; and the
■ li day 7 hours are devoted to labor,
4i to school, 1 , • : 1" swap, and 1, to recreation.
lUgtia '■/ B " /'iff for 1857.
Crat per capita
Revenue from labor
■ r in- -1
Avcrag ntion....
I
In last 12 months
Escape- nmg
In last 12 months
! • —
ii and bnildings.
Annual • l; dm I
v. io York. Rochater
$86
$96
81
•> »
$9,119
P ; 11 1
$12,000
75
75
16 mn.
24 mo.
69
14
3
1
97
9
4
0
131
1
$330,111
$110,000
$42
::■<."■->
general fund. For a fuller accouut of these institutions, see
qfJM w York, Vol. I, pp. 181-188.
The Western House of Refuge is supported by the labor of
its inmates, the product of its hum. and an annual State appro-
priation. It- managers are appointed for a term of 3 years by
the Governor and Senate, and are s" i la--sifled that 6 are ap-
pointed annually. Its rules require hall' an hour mule at labor
and an hour less at school than i- required at the New York
Asylum: and 1" hours are allowed tor sleep. In 1859, 508 boys
were received al this institution, (if these. V2S were employed
in making chains, 171 in making shoes. 37 In making brushes,
7 upon the farm. 20 in the Bewing rooms, and 23 as domestics.
tXhe Condition of prisoners ha < from a remote period enlisted
tho sympathies of the benevolent and led to associated efforts
for their relief, a society was formed in New York, soon after
the Revolution, for the relief of Imprisoned debtors. "Tho
Philadelphia Bociety for alleviating tho miseries of Public
Prisons" was formed over 80 years since by the Friends; and
the Prison Discipline s,,. i.ty of Huston is nearly 20 years older
than that of Similar objects iii New York. The Prison Associa-
tion of New Yoik for some time issued a bulletin railed tho
'■Monthly Record." The female department for somo years
maintained a Homo for the temporary residence of discharged
female prisoners until other means Of support could be fourd.
This association has for several years appointed committees for
visiting canity jails: and the farts reported show abundant
reason for rontinuing efforts for reform in their management.
The aid furnished by tiii- association to discharged convicts
during the last tl repoi ted has been as follows: —
Number of discharged persons aided with isf>4. 1S55. 1856.
money ." 230 439 282
Number supplied with rlothing 131 147 138
Number provided with situations 52 155 112
Total.,
413 741 632
MILITARY.
43
foi life; of $100, an honorary member of the Executive Committee fur life, and $500 a life patron.
A department, consisting of ladies, has in charge the interests of prisoners of their sex. The
managers of the association receive no pay for their services. They usually report to the Legisla-
ture annually; but no reports were made in 1856 and 1858. Office, 15 Center Street, New York.
MILITARY.
The Governor is Commander-in-
Chief of the land and naval forces
of the State. In time of peace the
supervision of the militia and mili-
tary establishments is intrusted to
the Adjutant General, who has
an office of record at the capital,
issues, under his seal, all military p
commissions, keeps a register of 1
the names and residences of the J
officers of militia throughout the State, issues all orders on
behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, prescribes the manner of
reporting from the several subordinate divisions, and reports the M
statistics thus obtained — through the Governor — to the Legis- fi
lature annually.1 He has the rank of brigadier general; and ^
his assistant has the rank of colonel. The militia of the State a
is composed of 8 divisions, 26 brigades, and 62 regiments, s
embracing 220 companies of infantry, 126 of artillery, 41 of
cavalry, 37 of rifles, and a total of 18,107 officers and privates.2
All able-bodied white male citizens between the ages of 18 and 45, not exempt by law, are
i OFFICERS OF THE NEW YORK STATE MILITIA.
<
E-i
an
►J
<!
Pi
H
25
W
c
© o
Z JEH
«! 3 B
K « <
a a i
Major Generals
Brigadier Generals
Adjutant General
Assistant Adjutant General....
Division Inspectors (Colonels)..
Brigade Inspectors (Majors)....
Adjutants (Lieutenants)
Inspector General
'Ms
w B *,
S P <£
E 7. w
5°
to
- -
< fa ?-
fh O >■*
63 O
ft to
> n
■*! < B
« <
H w a,
a 7. h
O WO
BO
w <i erf
o b Hi
o; w a.
Egg
B <n
3 B «S
B ta q
m < B
** B -*
g w a.
£ 7. H
5 »p
Commissary General
Assistant Commissary General..
Engineer-in-Chief
Division Engineers (Colonels)
Brigade Engineers (Majors)
Regimental Engineers (Captains)..
Judge Advocate General
Division Judge Advocates (Colonels)...
Brigade Judge Advocates (Majors)
Surgeon General
Hospital Surgeons (Colonels)....
Surgeons (Captains)
Surgeon's Mates (Lieutenants)..
Quartermaster General
Division Quartermasters (Lieut. Cols.)
Brigade Quartermasters (Captains)
Regimental Quartermasters (Lieutenants).
Paymaster General
Division Paymasters (Majors)
Brigade Paymasters (Captains')
Regimental Paymasters (Lieutenants)
I
Aids-de-Camp .
26
1
1
8
23
57
1
1
7
25
50
25
1
7
22
52
1
5
25
38
1
5
21
54
41
r f
ELD
ICERS
££
o
s
>. tn
fe J
7, B
S3.
1-1
s s
©o
Staff
Corps.
Colonels
Lieutenant Colonels.,
Majors
Captains
First Lieutenants —
Second Lieutenants
Non-Commissioned Staff
Company Non-Commissioned Officers, Mu-
sicians, and Privates
/ Sappers and Miners (attached to Engineer
\ Department)
Total
60
60
58
402
379
460
143
15,874
103
18,107
The office of the Adjutant General was- made an office of
record in 1827. previous to which commissions were issued hy
the Secretary of State, under the privy seal of the Governor.
2 In Jan., 1859, the division districts were as follows : —
1. New York and Richmond cos.
2. Kings, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, and
Westchester cos.
3. Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga,
Sullivan, Ulster, and Washington cos.
4. Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and
Warren cos.
5. Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Fulton, Hamilton,
Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, Schenectady,
and Schoharie cos.
6. Cayuga. Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga,
and Tompkins cos.
7. Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Steuben, Wayne, and
Yates cos.
8. Allegany. Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara,
Orleans, and Wyoming cos.
The estimated number of enrolled militia, at the beginning
of 1859, was 350,000. Those included in regiments were ah
follows : —
Infantry 7.490 privates, and S.094 including officers.
Artillery ....5.365 " " 5.760 " "
Cavalry 1.590 " " 1-733 " «
Rifles 1,429 " " 1,528 " -
44
NEW YOKE STATE GAZETTEER.
liable to military duty. An enrolment is made annually by the assessors.1 Militia officers are
chosen by election ;2 excepting major generals and the Commissary General, who are appointed
by the Governor and Senate. Staff officers are appointed by the commanding officer of the forces
to ■which they are attached.3 The Adjutant General, Judge Advocate General, Quartermaster
General, Paymaster General, Surgeon General, Engineer-in-Chief, and one Instructor of Artillery
and one of Cavalry to each division, are appointed by the Governor.*
Arsenals. An arsenal is provided for each division of the Militia, and an armory for each
regiment. The general custody and supervision of the military property of the State is intrusted
to the Commissary General, who has his office in New York, and reports annually through the
Governor to the Legislature.5
' The laws of the TJ. S. exempt from military service the Vice
President, the Judicial and Executive officers of the Govern-
ment of the U. S., members and officers of both Houses of Con-
press, customhouse officers and clerks, post officers and Btage
drivers in charge of mails, ferrymen on post roads, inspectors
of exports, pilots and mariners in actual sea service. The State
exempts, besides the above, persons in the army and navy and
those honorably discharged therefrom, preachers of every sect,
commissioned officers and privates of uniformed companies who
have resigned after seven years' service, and certain firemen.
All others may commute by paying 50 cts. annually, except in
King? and New York c 08. and the cities of Albany and Buffalo,
where the commutation is fixed at 75 cts.
These moneys are paid to the collectors of taxes and applied
to the military fund. — from which the officers and men of regi-
ments are paid, ban $1.25 to $4. according to rank, for every
day's military service. Persons going to, remaining at. or re-
turning from military duty are exempt from arrest upon civil
proc !■-. I'r.-vi ^:- r the act of 1846, the State Contained •"'-".
divi-i n*. 66 brigades, 272 regiments, and 1836 companies, and
numbered 141.436 officers and men. The number of enrolled
militia bad been as follows, at different periods : —
»i
:>.
_:
t
C
:*>
-
{
^
t
6
^ s
1
Total.
1805
74.429
1,700
1.S52
77.982
1-1
86.673
2.619
8,388
92.677
l-i:,
6,364
2.1.'.-
98.905
1820
112,7-X)
6,538
3,132
123
Hrtrsz
ArlilVy.
122,553
WE
r.V'-i
4.432
2.505
646
146.805
1830
■
12.-"3
5.-14
1.763
188.610
1886
168,786
n.'vis
7.317
1.174
192.083
:v>--j
7. : -',
1-::.100
1845
141.436
9,369
3,849
4.276
162.427
■Under the Constitution of 1777. nearly every military as well
as civil officer in the State receifed his appointment from the
Ooon i •• nt md mostly held during their pleasure.
Tli- I -i "f 1822 introduced the following system, now
In n—:—" Mill* -hall be chosen nr appointed, as fol-
rabalterns, and non-commissioned officers shall
be chosen by the written rotes of the members of tie ir re-
Eleld officers of regiments atai separate
by the w - of 1 1 > • ■ commissioned officers of
the it., battalions; brigadier
, by the field officers of their re-
spective brigade,; major generals, brigadii r generals, and com-
man 1, ittalions shall ap-
point • Iheir respective divi-i.,na. britra'lea.
regi' .. ns."— Qnutituiion. 1S22, Art IV,
Sec. 1: OnuUtutian, Art. M. -
T ^ments and brigades not
fnlb If the former contain less than 8 r mp
the : ! by the I ; and it" the
■ within the requirements of the law, the I
di'T n n r ds are »i«o appoint d by the Governor. Ciiut.
* Th- itasTof the Commander-in-Chief consists of the A4jn-
caatQeaertil. In< leral, Engineer-
in-Ch - . neral, Quarter-
nw lo-Camp. and Military
Secretary, who severally rank in tl rder here given. The
preod^nre and .- ind non-commissioned offi-
cers in tli« mil llowi: —
L The Crnmander-in-Chi- f. 8. First Lieutenant
2. M il. 9. Sec rid Lii utenant.
3. Brigadier Oei - Dt-M
i ' TjeL 11. 0<iart«-rmn«ter Sergeant.
•'• I itenant Colonel. 1 .' I int.
6, M int.
I 14. Corporal
In earn erade precedence Is giv, n by priority in date of elec-
tion, or appointment.
* The instructors, with the rank of colonel, are attached to
the headquarters of the division, and hold by the same tenure
as commissioned officers of the line. Instructors and division
engineers must pass an examination as to special qualification
before a board of not less than five officers, convened by the
Commander-in-Chief. Appointments to this office have hitherto
been made entirely from among the graduates of West Point.
6 The Constitution of 1777 ordained that a proper magazine
of warlike stores, proportionate to the number of inhabitants,
should be established in every county of the State; but this pro-
vision was never fully carried out. An arsenal was built at
New York at an early period, and another at Albany soon after,
the latter on the site purchased for a State prison. Under an
act of Feb. 12, 1808, entitled " An Act for the defense of the
northern and western frontiers," and by subsequent acts, arse-
nals were erected at Canandaigua, Batavia, Onondaga Hollow,
Rome, Watertown, Russell, Malone, Plattsburgh, and Elizabeth-
town.
The arsenal at Plattsburgh was burned in 1813 or '14, and the
one at Rome, which occupied the present site of St. Peter's
Church, was burned with its contents a few years since. Neither
has been rebuilt. In 1844 the State leased of the city of Buffalo
a market building on Batavia St. for an arsenal. Magazines
were also located at New York, at Albany, and on Staten Island.
In 1850 these arsenals were mostly ordered to be sold, together
with such arms and other property as had become unserviceable
for military purposes. An arsenal occupying the site of an old
powder magazine of the Dutch, between Center, Elm, Franklin,
and White Streets. New York, was authorized to be sold in 1844,
and a new one was directed to be built. The site was purchased
by the city for §30,000, and a new city armory was built, on the
corner of White and Elm Streets. In 1S08 the city of New
York conveyed to the State a tract of ground upon Fifth Ave-
nue, between Sixty-Third and Sixty-Fifth Sts., upon which a
magazine was erected. In 1S44 the Legislature authorized a
new arsenal to be erected on these premises with such moneys
as might be paid by tho U. S. for the military works upon Staten
Island. The sale 'was completed in April. 1847, for $37,284.87,
of which §33,284.87 was applicable to the arsenal. The work
was commenced, but in March, 1848. was suspended by the
Commissioners of the Land Office, to whose charge and that of
the Commissary General the wnrk had been intrusted. It was
alleged that the latter officer had expended motny.s mo.-t un-
warrantably; and subsequent observation has proved that the
structure was unfit fur this or, in fact, for anv other purpose. —
A^rmhhi !>.,.. ls.Mi. No. 141. S, mil, Doc. 1848, No. 54.
In laying out the Central Park, the pn miscs consisting of 152
building lots, valued in 1858 at 8286,000, were included in the
proposed Improvement, and an net was passed. April 15, 1857,
under which this property, which the State purchased in 1808
for $700, was conveyed back to the city for §275.000. Of thin
sum §10<i.o<><> was mad" applicable t" the erection <>f an ar-
senal at New York; (48,000 for an arsenal at Buffalo; §40,000
for an arsenal in Brooklyn; $25,000 for the improvement of the
arsenal at Albany and the erection of an armory; §17,000forthe
purchase of the U.S. arsenal at Home: §14.000* for an arsenal at
Corning, and for armories; $5,000 at Rochester, $5,000 at Troy,
|4,000 al Auburn. $4,000 at B J mouse, $4,000 at Utica, §3.000 at
Ballston Bpa, $3,000 at Dunkirk. $8,000 at Ogdensburgh, $.3.000 at
i IswegO, and $3,000 for the pun base of astono fort in Schoharie
for an armory. "The arsenal In Albany, by act of April 17, 1858,
was exchanged with the city for a site on Hudson and Eagle
Btreeta, and $6,000 toward an arsenal and armory buildings,
which were .reeled in 1868-69. During the summer of 1858,
buildings at Albany. Auburn, l'.allston Spa. Brooklyn, Corning,
Dunkirk, New York, ngdenxburgh, and Syracuse were put under
id and finished, "r far advanced, the same year. The stone
fori or , buroh at Schoharie was purchased, but no steps were
taken for the erections authorized at Troy. Rochester, Oswego,
and 1'tioa. The DOW arsenal built at MOW York in D.'.s was
i on Beventh Avenue, corner of Thirty-Fifth St., and was
nearly completed, when the roof fell, on the morning of Nov.
. greatly injuring the building.
Host ot the -trnetures erected under this act are of substantial
workmanship and elegant architectural Style, They were built
under the direction ot commissioners appointed by law. When
completed, they will be placed in charge of the Commissary
d. who also attends to the safe keeping of arms and
MILITARY.
45
The fortifications within the State are owned and supported by the United States
although several of them were built by the State of New York under an arrangement for the settle
inent of the Revolutionary debt.1
military equipments belonging to the State,
in New York.
He keeps his office
Summary of the ordnance arms in the hands of the troops and
in the arsenals of the State on the 1st day of January, 1859.
Six pounders 101
Nine pounders 3
Twelve pound howitzers 5
Twenty-four pound how-
itzers 7
Mountain howitzers 13
Flint muskets and bayo-
nets 671
Percussion muskets and
bayonets 11,975
Flint rifles 563
Percussion rifles 1,365
Flint pistols 114
Percussion pistols 2,254
1 In Feb. 1801, there was due
the United States, on account
Musquetoons 222
Carbines 340
Cavalry sabres 1,337
Artillery sabres 1,188
Artillery swords 1,344
Cartridge boxes and
plates 10,744
Cartridge box belts and
plates 10,813
Bayonet scabbard belts
and plates 9,890
Waist belts and plates... 9,258
Cap pouches 7,155
Pistol bolsters 1,553
from the State of New York to
of Revolutionary expenses, the
sum of $2,074,846. An Act of Congress, passed February 15,
1799, allowed any State to discharge its debt by payment into
the treasury before April, 1800, or by expending a like amount
within five years in the erection of fortifications. New York was
the only State that chose to extinguish itB debt by era Una
defenses upon its own soil; and a committee of Congress reported
in February, 1801, that no other States had shown any disposi-
tion to pay the balances reported against them. The amount
credited to New York was $891,129.31, and the remainder of
the indebtedness was subsequently released. — American Slate
Papers, Finance, I, 697.
Tho amount of moneys reduced to specie value received by, or
paid to, the State of New York from the beginning of the Revo-
lution to April, 1790, was as follows, in dollars : —
Received from State $1,545,889
Paid to State 822,803
A descriptive and historical notice is given of the several forti-
fications in the localities where they occur. The latest official
summary that has been published, dated in 1851, is given
below: —
United Stales Fortifications.
Forts.
Fort Schuyler
Fort Columbus
Castle Williams....
South Battery ,
Fort GibBon
Fort Wood
Fort Richmond....
Fort Tompkins....
Battery, Hudson...
Battery, Morton...
Fort Lafayette
Fort Hamilton
Fort Montgomery,
Fort Ontario
Fort Niagara
Fort Porter
Location.
Throggs Neck
Governors Island
Ellis Island
Bedloes Island
Staten Island
Reef, near Long Island..
Long Island
Rouses Point
Oswego
Mouth of Niagara River
Black Rock
"S
a
a
£
£
1833
1831
1831
1831
1845
1841
1844
1841
1847
1841
1846
1841
1846
1812
1824
1841
1839
1840
1842
!
1,250
800
80
350
-1,000
370
800
500
300
300
300
"fe.
^.
318
105
78
14
15
77
140
64
50
9
76
118
164
30
21
64
.1*
Sj
$873,013
269,467
5,096
245,689
505,808
20,081
3,508
348,573
634,752
411,497
83,013
84,027
150,000
1 &
a 5. S
$848,013
259,467
5,096
213.000
205,606
20,081
3.508
341,941
614,752
187,355
78,013
59,027
116,500
8 8, .
ill
$25,000
"i'6,000
32,689
300,202
6,632
20,000
224,142
5,000
25.000
33,500
„ i 5
$225,040
103,749
79.332
12,184
18,672
76.540
124,302
59,209
57,060
10.665
75.778
86.757
132,384
18.610
12.961
51,208
The forts on Staten Island are being rebuilt on an extensive
scale. Fort Schuyler, on Throggs Neck, has since been finished,
a site purchased for a fort at Wilkins Point, directly opposite,
and an immense fortress has been commenced on Sandy Hook,
for the more effectual defense of New York Harbor. These
works will effectually defend the approaches to New York by
water, but would not prevent an attack by land should an
enemy effect a landing upon Long Island. To guard against
this, it has been proposed to erect a line of redoubts across the
island from Wilkins Point to Fort Hamilton at such intervals
as would secure this object.
The General Government has appropriated large sums of
money during many years to the construction of a floating battery
for the defense of New York Harbor. It is building at Hoboken,
and is said to be nearly completed. It is of iron, of great strength
and thickness, with its outer deck oval, and every part proof
against cannon ball. It is to be mounted with heavy guns and
propelled by steam. No official account of its construction has
been published ; and, for obvious reasons, the details of its plan
are kept secret. It is reported that it has a capacity to accom-
modate 3000 men, with the necessary supplies of fuel and
military stores; and it is thought that of itself it might oppose
an effectual barrier against the approach of a hostile fleet in any
passage which it might be brought to defend. This mighty
engine of war was planned by the late John C. Stevens.
The other military establishments of the National Government
in New York are, —
The Military Academy at West Point.
The Navy Yard, Dry Dock, Naval Hospital, and Labo-
ratory at Brooklyn.
The Arsenal at Watervliet for the manufacture of gun car-
riages and other heavy furniture of artillery for the field
and fort.
The Arsenal of Deposit, at Rome.
Plattsburgh Barracks.
Madison Barracks, at Sackets Harbor.
Buffalo Barracks.
A few years after the last war with Great Britain, a military
road was surveyed and partly opened by the United States from
Plattsburgh to Sackets Harbor ; but this work from the first haa
been kept in repair by the towns as a common highway.
Fort Montgomery is the only work now under construction
on the northern frontier. The Canadians have the following
fortifications adjacent to New York : —
Fort Wellington, at Prescott, erected in 1812-15.
Fort Henry, at Kingston, with several Martello towers and
batteries, for the protection of the harbor and town and defense
of the north channel of the St. Lawrence. They were partly
built in the War of 1812-15, and partly in 1837-40. Fort Carl-
ton, now within the United States, commanded the south chan-
nel, and portions of the work, executed a century ago, (and since
the Revolution entirely neglected,) might still be made available
upon short notice.
Fort Massasauga, at Niagara, directly opposite the American
fort, is of modern origin.
Note.— By the Militia Regulations of this State, the device at the head of this article is borne upon buttons and other insignia
worn by military officers.
LANDS.
The absolute property of all the lands in the State is vested in the respective owners, liable only
to escheat and to the reservation of gold and silver mines in such as derive title from Colonial
patents.1
The law prohibits the leasing of agricultural lands for a longer period than twelve years.2 The care
and sale of lands belonging to the State are intrusted to the Commissioners of the Land Office.
These commissioners have also the sole right of dealing with the Indians for the sale and surrender
of reservations, excepting within the territory whereof the pre-emptive right of purchase was ceded
to Massachusetts and is now held by the Ogden Company.
Tiie Commissioners of the Land Office were created by an act of May 11, 1784,
to carry into execution the promises of bounty lands for Revolutionary services which had been
made by the Legislature in 17S0. As now formed, this Board consists of the Lieutenant Governor of
the State, Speaker of Assembly, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney General, and
State Engineer and Surveyor. The Deputy Secretary of State is ex officio Clerk of the Board, and
the meetings are held in the Secretary's office, upon the call of the Secretary of State.
When State lands are to be sold, they are first surveyed, appraised, and advertised for sale at
auction, and their minimum bid affixed. The lots that remain without a bid are liable to be taken
by the first applicant upon payment of one-fourth of the price and giving bonds for the residue.
If they remain unsold any considerable time, they are re-appraised and offered at a lower rate.3
The lands under water in the bays around Long Island are in most cases the property of the
townships, by virtue of original patents; and the privilege of fishing and taking oysters and clams
is by sonic towns held as exclusively belonging to their inhabitants.4
l The Dntcb Government sometimes granted lands in the
y without the formalities of Indian purchase; but it was
thenileol the English to fir-t extinguish the aboriginal title.
It was customary to apply to the Governor and Council for
leave to purchase. If granted, a treaty was held and an Indian
deed obtained, a warrant was issued to the Surveyor General
tor a survey, and the map and field notes were reported. The
Attorney General was then directed to prepare a draft of a
at, which Was submitted to the Governor and Council, and.
if approved, was engrossed upon parchment, recorded, sealed.
and issued. The fees incident to procuring a patent were im-
portant sources of revenue to the officers concerned. Only 1.000
acn - could be granted to one person; but this rule was evaded
great numbers of merely nominal parties; and
Doers through wlm.se bauds the papers passed were often
i. . Ij intei rted in the grants. The Colonial Government in
tlii- i Bdtogly corrupt, and stood greatly in
reform like that wrought by the Revolution. In a
few rant- 'if laud v.'i" mad'- directly by the
crown, and nor rds appear in >>ur offices. Of this class was
the Royal Grant to 8li Win. Johnson, s. of the Mohawk.
Pal ts for laud w.f.- generally very formal, and abounded In
The grants were "in Ii i and common socage," as
in the manor of East Greenwich, in the co. of Kent, and in-
ducted with the laud all "houses, m — oages, tenements, erec-
tions, an I buildings, mills, milldams, fences, inclosnres, gardens,
ir ■ 9. common of pastures, meadows,marshes,
Is, underwoods, timber, trees, rivers, rivu-
uns. water, lakes, ponds, pools, pits, brachen,
crnan minerals, (gold and silver [wholly or in part
..-. harb ts. highways, e tsements, tubing, hunt-
tog, nil fowling, and all other franchisee, prints, commodities,
and appuri ' This enumeration of rights,
more ri ■ varied was embraced to all bind patents. Colonial
lltl mi d t . the annual payment ol B
qaUr lace n uned in the patent. This
lue in in i ii. -n in wheat or
■ ithi rs were condition d to the payment ol
ly nominal article, as simply an
acknowledgment of the rap riot rights of the grantors, The
quitrvnts formed an lm| T revenue, and. after
the Revolution, bet una due to the SI tte In 1786 it was pro-
i that lands subj ats might bo released upon
ment of ■man, and 14 shillings to every shilling ol the
aiinn ii •'.' smonnts of land upon which arrears of
UUllNUlS bad tOCOJnnlat Id from time to time; and
Intervals for the regu-
until 1824, when an act was passed for the
final sale of nil tends whl b bad n ■< b i n released by commuta-
tion ot remitted bylaw. Bn b tends as then remained unre-
re allowed to b y paymi ol ol 12 60 |
' shilling sterling due. The last sale t.-.k place in March, 1826.
The srrean for quitrcnts. then ■monntii 80, weToin
1819 taken from the general fund and given in equal portions
'.o the Litrature and School Funds.
46
2 This feature was adopted to prevent the recurrence of anti-
rent difficulties. The Legislature, in 1846,. enacted n law pro-
viding that all lands previously rented for a life or lives, or for
more than 21 years, should be taxed as the personal property
of the persons receiving the rents, to an extent equal to a sum
that at legal interest would produce the annual rent. Such
taxes were made payable in the cos. where tne lands lay: aud
this unpleasant encumbrance has largely contributed to reduce
the amount of lands thus held.
3 Unappropriated lands in the counties of Clinton, Essex,
Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery. Saratoga, St. Lawrence.
Washington, and Warren may he sold by the commissioners in
quantities of not less than 160 acres, if already surveyed, at such
price as they may be found worth. If over 1.000 acres, they
may be surveyed" and sold for their value, and may not be
assessed ai a higher rate for live yi irs. Lands Bold under fore-
closure of loan mortgages are bid in by the Loan Commissioners
if liable to go for less than the sum due. They arc then sold
by auction, or otherwise, for the best interests of the Slate,
under the regulations above stated. Land under water may be
conveyed by the Commissioni rs ol the Land Office, under regu-
lations fixed by tew. Notice of application for such grants
must be advert iseil for six weeks in the co. newspaper where the
lands lie. and posted on the courthouse door. These notices
must describe the adjoining lands and give the names of their
owners. Applicants must make affidavit that they intend to
appropriate r i j ■ ■ lands applied for to commercial purposes. The
co. judge, or supervisor and town clerk, or two assessors of the
town where the land- lie, must make affidavit that the land is
not more than is net es-ary lor the purposes of commerce, and
that the persons applj Ing an believed to be bonafid* applicants
for the put i I. Applicant- must also produce an accu-
rate map of the proposed gram and the adjacent lands owned
bj them, certified by the oath of a Btirveyor ; and also a correct
description In writing With rourses and distances, and the
soundings for every 60 feel on the exterior line. The map must
Show the general cours' of the shore for a mil" each way. and
the particular coin-., at tin, point apple d for. an. 1 include all
do ks, bulkheads, or oilier Improvements, the names of owners
of land- adjoining, find the width of the I hannel Or river if less
than two miles. The deduct ion of title and proof that the lands
belong to tie- Btate must also be produced, with claim of owner-
ship by the applicant, Or by himself and those under whom he
claims. The patent U conditioned to occupation in the mode
d upon within years, aid the fees are $5.00. Grants
under the wntei Bof navigable rivers and lakes can only be made
to the owners of the land along the shores: and the com-
missioners are restriete.l in their powers so far as r> lap ■,- lo
New York City and the Hudson River R. I!.
< Around Bl iteo I land the owners of the shores possess the
right of using or ]■ a-ing the adjacent lands under water fir
planting oysters. The custom of granting lands under water
without the restrictions hero enumerated has led to serious
l DcroachmentS upon the harbor of New York, the details of
which are stated on pages 418, 419.
LANDS.
47
The public lands are greatly reduced in quantity, and belong to the several permanent funds to
which they have from time to time been granted.1
Gospel iind School L,ands. — Under an act of 1782, a lot of 400 acres was to be reserved
in each township of the Military Tract for the support of the gospel, and two lots of 200 acres for
schools.2
In each of the Twenty Towns of the Chenango Tract a lot of 250 acres (usually Lot 45) was
reserved for the gospel, and another (Lot 40) of like extent for schools ; but these lots were sold
with the lands, and the Canastota Tract, in Sullivan and Lenox, adjoining Oneida Lake, was
in 1805-08 given in lieu, and apportioned among the Twenty Towns.3
In each of the Ten Towns on the St. Lawrence a mile square (usually Lot 55) was granted for
gospel and schools, and in some towns was applied in early years to both these objects.*
Besides these grants for schools by the State, land proprietors have in some instances conveyed
certain lots for this purpose, to encourage settlement. In nearly every instance these lands have
been applied for the benefit of the original townships within which they were granted, and in
their subdivision the local school fund has been equitably divided. Other lands were subse-
quently granted, as elsewhere noticed ; and in 1822 the Constitution gave all the public lands
not specially appropriated to the school fund.5
1 The quantity now owned forms about 4J per cent, of that
held in 1823, and compares between the two periods as
follows : —
Jan. 1, 1823. Jan. 1859.
Lands belonging to the School Fund 991,659A. 9,463 A..
" " Literature Fund 17,946" 640"
" " Canal " 129,769" "
" " General " " 39,269"
" « Salt " " 209"
Total 1,139,374 " 49,581 "
2 These lots were designated by the supervisors of Onondaga
and Seneca cos., under acts passed in 1796 and 1808, as follows : —
Gospel and School Lands of the Military Tract.
"BW
Original Town-
3
ship AND ITS
Numbers.
11
1^
Present Towns sharing in Profits
of School Lot.
9
100
1. Lvsander....
Lysander and part of Granby.
2. Hannibal....
5
14
Hannibal, Cicero, parts of Os-
wego City, and Granby.
25
89
Victory, Ira, and parts of Con-
quest and Cato.
87
58
Brutus, and parts of Sennett,
Menfz, Conquest, and Cato.
6. Camillus....
72
15
Camillus, Elbridge, and Van
Buren.
14
16
Clay and Cicero.
74
18
De Witt and Manlius.
60
36
Owasco, Fleming, Auburn, and
parts of Aurelius, Sennett, and
Mentz.
9. Marcellus...
22
19
Marcellus, Skaneateles, and parts
of Spatford and Otisco.
67
30
Pompey, Lafayette, and part of
Otisco.
11. Romulus....
50
55
Romulus, Varick, Fayette, and
parts of Seneca Falls.
1
fffi
Scipio, Venice, and part of
Niles.
13. Sempronius
52
25
Sempronius, Moravia, and part
of Niles.
14. Tully
76
69
Tully, Preble, Scott, and parts of
■Spafford and Otisco.
3
36
Fabius and part of Truxton.
16. Ovid
30
23
Ovid, Lodi, and Covert.
17. Milton
24
56
Genoa and part of Lansing.
18. Locke
15
"4
34
85
Homer and Cortlandville.
20 Solon
22
41
Solon and part of Truxton.
Hector.
21. Hector
1
6
22. Ulysses
5
24
Ulysses, Enfield, Ithaca, and part
of Lansing.
29
63
Dryden.
24. Virgil
36
20
Virgil.
25. Cincinnatus
53
49
Cincinnatus, Freetown, Mara-
thon, and Willet.
78
79
Junius, Tyre, Waterloo, and part
of Seneca Falls.
27. Galen
45
73"
33
88
28. Sterling
Sterling, Butler, Wolcott, Huron,
and Rose.
8 In each of the following townships a lot of 640 acres was
reserved for schools, viz.: — Fayette, now Guilford, and part of
Oxford; Clinton, now Bainbridge, Afton, and part of Coventry;
Greene, now parts of Greene, Smithville, and Coventry: Warren,
now parts of Colesville, Sanford, and Windsor; Chenango, now
parts of Port Crane, Conklin, Colesville, and Windsor; Sidney,
now parts of Binghamton and Vestal ; Randolph, now parts
of Sanford, Windsor, and Conklin; and Hambden, now parts
of Vestal, Owego, and Nichols.
4 In Plattsburgh 640 acres was reserved for the gospel, and
460 for schools; and in Totten and Crossfield's Purchase 16 lots
of 640 acres each. The latter have been selected under the
Sackets Harbor and Saratoga R.R.Grant. In Benson Town-
ship (Hope and Lake Pleasant) 4 lots of 160 acres each were
given for schools and literature.
6 The lands of the school fund were, Jan. 1809, as follows : —
4,270 acres in Hamilton, 2,861 in Essex, 1.0S0 in Clinton, 350 in
Wayne, 105 in Schoharie, 75 in St. Lawrence, 30 in Washing-
ton, 28 in Oneida, 25 in Fulton, 16 in Montgomery, 12 in Her-
kimer, 6 in Dutchess, and 5 in Onondaga cos.
Literature Lands have been reserved as follows : — 1 mi. square
in each of the townships of Fayette, Greene, Clinton. Chenango,
Warren, Sidney, and Hamden. Townships 1, 4, 5. 8, 13. 14,
17, 19, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 41, in Totten and Crossfield's
Purchase. Lot No. 56 in each of the Ten Towns of St. Law-
rence co. A lot of 550 acres (less 50 for survey) in each of tho
28 towns of the Military Tract. These lots were appropriated
as follows : —
Military Tract— Townships 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and
20, to Union College.
Township 13, to Oxford Academy, Chap. 112, Laws of 1800.
5,
" Pompey
a
it
119,
a
1S13.
3,
" Cayuga
tt
a
71,
tt
1S14.
1,
" Onondaga
tt
a
200,
a
1814.
19,
" Cortland
U
a
10,
tt
1822.
28,
" Auburn
a
tt
2f36,
tt
1S25.
22,
« Ithaca
tt
tt
30S,
tt
1S25.
• Exchanged for No. 17 by Chap. 177, Laws of 1812.
The remainder were sold for the benefit of the Literature Funtf
Clinton Township, granted to the town of Jericho, Chap. 3,
Laws of 1822. All other townships in Broome and Che
nango cos. were sold for the benefit of the Literature Fund '
Ten Towns in St. Lawrence Co. — In Potsdam, granted to St.
Lawrence Academy, Chap. 148, 1816. In Canton, granted
to Lowville Academy, Chap. 134, Laws of ISIS. The re-
mainder, was sold, and $1,000 given to Middlebury Aca-
demy in 1823 ; $1,000 to Redhook Academy in 1824 : $2,500
to St. Lawrence Academy in 1S25; and the remainder
passed to the Literature Fund.
Totten and Crossfield's Purchase. — 10,240 acres absorbed by
S. H. & S. R. R. In Benson Township, 4 lots of 160 acres
each remain unsold. Of the unsold lands of the State in
Jan. 1859, there were 39,269 acres ; of which 19.020 are in
Clinton, 5.133 in Hamilton, 5,111 in Essex, 4.728 in Frank-
lin, 1,643 in Warren, 1.147 in Delaware, and the same in
Erie, 780 in Herkimer, 212 in Cortland, 175 in Seneca, 116
in Sullivan, and 57 in Washington cos.
Tlu Salt Springs Lands are, by Article 7, Sec. 7 of the Consti-
tution of 1846, declared as belonging inalienably to the
State, and compriso the grounds upon which salt is manu-
factured, whether by solar evaporation or artificial heat.
The Commissioners of the Land Office may sell, under au-
thority of law, certain portions for the purpose of pur-
chasing other lands, so that the amount shall not be dinii
nished. Since 1846, 114.S5 acres have been sold, fo»
$153,039.50, and 543.12 acres purchased, for $154,161.79.
48 NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
With certain, exceptions1 all property, both real and personal, is liable to taxation whether
owned by individuals or corporations. Real estate is taxed in the town where it lies, unless
adjacent to lands of the same owner or occupant in another town where he resides.
Personal property is taxed where the owner resides, and corporations in the towns where their
property lies. Stocks of corporations are taxed to the company and not to the holders. Property
may be sold for the payment of taxes, and lands upon which the taxes remain unpaid are returned
by the co. treasurers to the comptroller, and so much of each parcel is sold at stated periods, as is
necessary to pay the taxes, interest, and charges that accrue thereon.2
The pre-emptive title to the lands of the State w. of a meridian passing through the 82d mile-
stone on the Penn. line, was conveyed to Massachusetts, (except a mile strip along the Niagara,) at
a convention held at Hartford, Dec. 16, 1786. These lands amounted to about 6,000,000 acres.
Ten towns of 234,400 acres, in Broome and Tioga cos., called " The Massachusetts Ten Towns," were
also conveyed at the same time.
Large tracts of land remained in possession of the government when it became a State. These
and other portions derived from forfeitures, escheats, tax sales, Indian purchases, and foreclosure
of loan mortgages, have been sold in small parcels, as parts of large tracts, having a general name
and system of survey. Sometimes as many patents have been issued for these tracts as they had
lots, and in others many lots have been conveyed to the same person.
The largest grant ever made by the State to citizens was that of Macomb's Purchase, in Frank-
lin, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, Herkimer, and Oswego cos. It embraced 3,693,755 acres, and
was patented to Daniel McCormick and Alexander Macomb in 1791-8. The State, in accordance
with Indian treaties, has conveyed sundry tracts, the principal of which are Penet Square, (10 mi.
sq.,) in Jefferson co., and Perache's, Kirkland, and other minor tracts, in Oneida co. Others, for
like cause, have been assigned for missions and other specific objects. The Legislature has also by
acte directed the land commissioners to convey extensive tracts for the promotion of roads, rail-
roads, and canals, colleges, academies, schools, and other institutions, and to reward military or
other services to the State. Of the latter class was a grant of 16,000 acres in Oneida co. to Baron
Steuben, in 1794.
Of patents to citizens not included in either of the preceding lists, the principal are Scriba's
500,000 acres in Oswego and Oneida cos.; Adgate's, Coxe's, Machin's, Oothoudt's, Remsen's, Dean's,
and other tracts in Oneida; Vrooman's, Noble's, &c. in Herkimer; and Watkins & Flint's in Che-
mung and adjoining counties. Numerous grants of land to communities, with privileges of gov-
ernment, were made upon Long Island, and in the counties bordering upon the Hudson, which will
be specially noticed in the localities to which they refer.
Several of the cities have special laws for the sale of real estate for taxes, and such sales
are made under the direction of the fiscal officer of the corporation. All other tax sales occur at
All>any once in three years, and are duly advertised by the Comptroller and in each co. by such
newspapers as are designated by the supervisors.
1 The real estate not subject to taxation comprise? property
belontring to the State and United States; buildings and
ground-' fee pnhHe naei owned by counties, cities, villages,
and t"wn- - si sdemies, and Incorporated seminaries;
ohxtn .-••'. and the property of oorporations f"r
ref"rm of offender!; public libraries; bank stock owned by
Stat- and try literary and charitable societies; Indian reserva-
rtyof Indians living thereon; the property
of clergymen to tent of 11,600 each, and property ri"t
liable t'i sale under execution tor debt, the lr\"t minimi in-
etadM » i f owned ly hoaaehoMers) a "pinning wheel, a loom,
staves put up or in u»e. the family Hible. family pictures, and
; in value, n seal or
pew in church, t<-n tbeep with their fleeo J. and the yarn or
:. one OOW, two swine, and their nee
bod, all necessary p^rk. beef, fish. floor, and vegetables pro-
vided lit f.imilv u»<\ and foe] tor 00 days, nil necessary wearing
apparel, beds, bedsteads, and bedding fee the family, arms and
itCwmants i | law to be kept f"r service in the
militia, n-cessAry c.king irransfU, r,n« table, six chairs, table
furniture f"r six DlfBJODS, OBC rrnno and its appendages, one
pair of andirons, a shovel and tong«. tools of mechanics to the
villi.- r.f JiV a team worth (160, and land set apart f"r a private
recorded in the co. clerk's office, but such record does not ex-
empt from sale for taxes, and property generally is liable for
debts contracted in its purchase. Where a homestead is ex-
empted the privilego continues for the benefit of the widow
and family after the death <'f the head. Such of the above
articles as are movable continue exempt while the family to
whom they belong are removing from one. place of residence to
another.
' Bach parcel is held up at auction, and those persons com-
■ at the sale name the least amount of land in a
square, asually in the ir.w. corner, that they will accept,
and pay tho taxes and charges due. The sale is declared in
favor of the person naming the hast quantity, and the pur-
chaser receives aeertiflrate naming tho time when a deed will
be due. Ifnot paid, theComptrolhr may in 3 months cancel tho
certificate and give to another upon payment of the same
amount, and any person may redeem within 2 years by paying
the taxes, charges, and 10 per cent, in addition. Specific or
undivided parti of tracts of land may bo sold. Ifnot redeemed
in 2 year" the Comptroller issues a fnll deed to the purchaser.
The portion sold to pay taxes is designated by tho comptroller
and varies with cirrumstances. If a village lot, it is located so
front upon a street, and in long narrow tracts it is taken
burj'i' • DO* "ere than J acre. A hnilding and hit ; off from one end. A tax sale takes place in 1859, and triennally
WMrth (UlOO occupied as a dwelling by the owner and his family thereafter,
may be exempt by causing a description of the premises to be |
LANDS.
49
TABLES OF MANORS, COLONIAL PATENTS, PURCHASES, AND LAND GRANTS.
Manors of the Colonial Period in New York and its Dependencies.
NAMES.
PATENTEES.
DATES.
LOCATION AND REMARKS.
Capt.Ch'r Billop
May 6, 1687
.Mar. 20,1687
June 17, 1697
Sept. 6, 1694
May 21, 1667
Mar. 10,1639
June 22, 1668
April 20, 1685
May 9, 1697
Oct. 25, 1687
April 1, 1680
April 2,1675
1630-37
Oct. 5. 1693
Mar. 21, 1701
July 25, 1072
July 8, 1761
S. W. part of States Island, sometimes called "Billop Manor."
N. part of Staten Island.
N. part of Westchester Co., had 1 Rep. in Gen. Assembly.
Canceled.
Annexed to Kingston, Mar. 12, 1787.
With full power as an independent town.
Columbia co., had 1 Kep. in (Jen. Assembly.
Since annexed to Massachusetts.
S. point of 'Westchester co.
S. E. border of Westchester CO.
Putnam co.
Plum and Gull Islands.
Fully organized; represented in Gen. Assembly ; confirmed
Oct. 17, 1685, May 20, 1704.
In town of Brookhaven, Suffolk co.
Westchester co.
Prudence Island, R. I. Disallowed by R. I., and authority
resisted.
Marthas Yineyard, now a part of Massachusetts.
Cortlandt
Col. Stephanos Cortlandt
Capt. John Evans
Fox Hall
Earl of Stirling
Marthas Vineyard....
John Pell
Samuel Willes
Killian Van Rensselaer...
Col. Wm. Smith
Caleb Heathcote
Several of these existed only in name; perhaps a few other patents bore the name of Manors, upon which active settlement
was not begun under the Colonial Government.
Table of the more important Patents
Granted under the English Colonial Government, in the eastern part of New York.
Name of Patent.
Adaquatnugie Patent...,
Amherst Tracts
Anaquassacook Patent .
Argyle Patent
Arieskill Patent
Artillery Patent
Babington's Patent
Bagley's Patents
County.
Otsego
Hamilton
Washington
Balfour's Patent.
Banyar's Patent .
Batavia Patent ...
Bayard's Patent.
Becker's Patent Schoharie
Montgomery
Washington
Delaware
Schenectady
Montgomery
Ham. <t Warren.
Otsego & Scho....
Greene
Oneida & Herk..
Bedlington Patent
Beekman's Patent
Beekmantown Patent..
Belvidere Patent
Bishop's Patent
Bleecker's Patent
Blenheim Patent
Bradshaw's Patent
Bradt's Patent
Delaware
Dutchess
Clinton
Otsego & Scho
Hamilton
Montgomery .
Schoharie
Washington ..
Schenectady ..
Buffington Patent Schoharie....
Burnetsfield Patent , Herkimer ...
Cambridge Patent , ..[Washington
Campbell's Patent,.T. I Essex
" Hamilton...
Catskill Patent
Caughnawaga Patent
Clarke's Patent
Claus's Patent
Caterskill Patent
Cheesecoek's Patent
Cherry Valley Patent
Clifton Park Patent
Cobus Kill Patent
Corry's Patent
Cosby's Manor
Cosby's Patent
Coxburgh & Carolina
Coxe's Patent
Date.
May
April
May
March
N'ov.
Oct.
May
June
Feb.
March
April
April
June
Croghan's Patent
Dartmouth Patent...
Dean's Patent
De Bernier's Patent..
De Lancey's Patent..
Edrneston's Patent...
Franklin Patent..
March
May
June
March
July
April
Sept.
Nov.
May
Feb.
Dec.
July
April
July
July
April
July
Nov.
May
Sept.
Nov.
March
April
Sept.
Jan.
Nov.
June
Feb.
May
May
Jan.
June
Oct.
July
May
Nov.
Aug.
July
July
Otsego I June
Extent
in Acres.
Greene
Montgomery
Delaware
Fulton
Greene
Orange
Otsego
Saratoga
Schoharie
Mont. & Scho
Oneida & Herk...
Schenectady
Oneida
Otsego
Hamilton
Clinton
Delaware
Montgomery
Otsego.
8. 1770
6. 1774
11. 1762
\i. 1764
12, 1737
24,1764
22, 1770
17, 1737
9, 1S38
6. 1775
14. 1753
24,1736
12, 1771
19. 1754
24, 1770
25, 1703
27, 1769
6, 1769
6. 1774
22, 1729
28. 1769
18, 1762
14, 17 38
16. 1737
13. 1770
30, 1725
21, 1761
11, 1764
5. 1784
11, 1767
4, 1714
22, 1770
29, 1770
1, 1695
25, 1707
18. 1738
2.3, 1708
15, 1770
19, 1737
2,1734
9, 1738
30, 1770
30, 1770
5. 1775
29, 1770
4, 1774
11. 1769
22. 1770
12, 1737
23, 1737
21, 1770
20. 1770
20, 1770
26,000
40,000
10.000
47,450
10.000
24,000
2.00(1
4,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
4,200
50,000
6,000
27,000
30.000
Ion. i
14.000
4.300
40,000
23,000
4,000
3,870
4,000
9,400
31,500
5,000
4,000
35,500
2.000
2,000
3,000
7,050
40,000
25,000
22,000
6,000
47.000
29.000
18.000
18.036
30,000
2,000
10.000
5,426
5,000
6,000
9,000
Patentees.
Sir William Johnson and others.
Sir JerTery Amherst, (2 tracts.)
R. J. F. & W. Schermerhorn and others.
Duncan Reid and others.
James De Lancey.
Joseph Walton and others.
Charles Babington.
Timothy Bagley and others.
Henry Balfour, (Totten &. Crossfield's Pur.)
Goldsbrow Banyar and others.
Vincent Matthews and others.
Wm. & Rob. Bayard and others, (Freemasons'
Patent.)
Johannes Becker and others.
John Leake and others.
Henry Beekman.
William H. Beekman.
George Crcghan and others, (2 tracts.)
Wm. Bishop. (T. & C. Pnr.)
Rutger Bleecker and others.
John Weatherhead and others.
James Bradshaw.
Krent Bradt and others.
u a a
David Buffington.
John Joost Petrie and others, (German Flats.)
Colden, Smith, Banyar, and others.
Allen Campbell.
Duncan Campbell, (T. & C. Pur.)
Martin Garretsou Van Bergen and others.
John & Margaret Collins.
James Clarke.
Daniel Claus.
Jacob Lockerman.
Ann Bridges and others.
John Lindsey and others.
N. Hermanseand others, (Shenondehowa Pat.)
Stephen Skinner and others.
Wm. Corry and others.
Joseph Worrell and others.
Alex., Ph. & Wm. Cosby.
Daniel Coxe and others, (s. w. of Mohawk.)
" " " (e. of Susquehanna.)
Geo. Croghan and others, (s. of Mohawk.)
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer.
Elkanah Dean.
John De Bernier.
James De Lancey and others, (s. of Mohawk.)
" " " (n. of Mohawk.)
Robert Edmeston.
William Edmeston.
Walter Franklin and others.
50
XEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
XA>!B OF PATENT.
County.
Franklin Township Delaware..,
Prank's Patent Herkimer..
Prazer's Patent (Greene
un'a Pal Tit
I riswell's Patent
- Fat- ut
Glazier's Patent
Glen's Purchase
>',, 11-1. >n nigh Township
iwich Patent
Go irin's Patent
Half Hood Patent
Hanson's Patent
II mlenburgh Patent
Harper's Patent
Harrison's Patent ...
Date.
■ ick Patent
Hasenclever's Patent.,
Henderson's Patent
Herkimer's Patent
Holland Patent
Hnntersfield Patent....
Hurley Patent
Hnyk Patent
Hyde Township
toby's Patent
.T.|— vri'i 1 Patent
Jessnp's Purchase
Johnson's Patent
Judd's Patent
Kakiate Patent
ras Patent....
- Patent
Kempe's Patent
ly*8 Patent
Kinderhook Patent
Klngsborougfa Patent.
■t
■li-ld Manor"
Kl ck's Patent
Kortright Patent
ng's Patent
•r's Patent
Patent
' nt
- Patent.
ley A Livingston's Patent.
ird'« I' tent
tent
Schenectady-
Clinton
Oneida
Schoharie
Saratoga
Delaware
Essex
Washington .
Montgomery
Saratoga
Delaware & SttlL
Delaware
Montgomery
Otsego
Herkimer.,
Oneida.
Rens. & Wash
Schoharie
Ulster
Columbia
Warren
Schenectady
Herkimer & Fult
Warren
Herkimer
Rockland
Saratoga & War.
Essex
Washington
Esses
Warren
Columbia
Pulton
Washington
Montgomery .
Delaware
Herkimer
Schoharie
Delaware .
Essex
' >!-• '_r"
nerkimer
Otsego
nerk. k Mont..
Fulton & Sara..
Patent Fulton
I.u Bow's Patent Orange..
it Herkimer
'• I Montgomery ...
McCullock'i Patent Washington ...
Mcintosh's Patent Essex
McKee's Patent Delaware
tent Fulton
tent
Il'-rkirner
Matrin'« Patent Pulton
Markka • Hamilton
Matthew*'* Patent Greene
U'i Patent Washington
Mawighunk Patent Oolumbu
Pulton A Ham.
W a.-limgton....
Middl.fi.MI '■• ■ Otongo
Mi. Ml. I I ..--
Pull. 4 Orange.
Montr • ffenrr
r*a Patent- Washington
•nt Montgomery
" " Schoharie
" " Montgomery...
" " OtaegO
Mnnroe'l Patent Washington...
Nestigionc Patent SaraU g I
Nr-ttl. field Patent Otsego.
Feb.
Sept.
June
.lulv
May
July
Sept.
Aug.
June
\n-.
Nov.
Aug.
Oct.
July
April
Dec.
Oct.
March
April
Feb.
April
March
June
Nov.
Oct.
Oct.
Sept.
July
April
March
April
& pt.
April
Juue
Not.
Aug.
May
Aug.
Aug.
March
June
May
Dec.
Dec.
Feb.
June
Dec.
Feb.
Aug.
May
June
Aug.
Aug.
Oct.
Aug.
Sept.
Peb.
Nov.
Sept.
Oct
Jan.
Aug.
May
Aug.
Jan.
.\pril
a pt
April
Aug.
March
April
April
March
An -.
Juno
Sept
April
Peb.
Aug.
June
Oct.
... |
Juno
Hay
Bent
April
March
20. 1770
6, 17';:.
17. 17i'..->
3. 1736
7. 1765
0. 17ii'.l
10. 177
24. 1770
15, 1770
17. 1764
11, 1763
29, 1735
13, 1665
17, 1713
20, 1708
5, 1709
11, 1735
1». 1722
22, 1761
27. 17i0
1739
13. 1752
17. 1769
3, 1688
3, 1714
19, 1708
6, 1731
10, 1774
20, 173'
12. 1770
21, 1768
10, 1772
27. 1765
16, 1765
2.*>. 1 i'.'.'o
2, 1708
7, 1764
3,1764
7.1764
26, 1774
14. 1686
23, 1753
18, 1762
12, 1695
21, 1754
24, 1770
23. 1753
29, 1768
6, 1753
14. 1761
22, 1770
26, 1769
18, 1738
18, 1738
7, 1741
24. 173H
6, 1770
10. 1762
8, 1760
16, 1761
18, 1731
2. 17.'. I
12. 1786
8, L76fi
7, 1766
16, 1770
80, 1770
29, 177o
6, 1769
1.-.. 1701
81, I7i.l
5. 1774
24. 1786
7. 1771
1. L748
2:.. 170:;
11. 171.1
18, 17..1
24, 177ii
28, 1704
B, 1766
28, 1766
23. 1722
80, 1728
21. 17 'JO
(4 (4
1769
23. 1704
22, 1708
.'11.1770
Extent
in Acres.
30.
5,000
2.000
5,000
3.1 101 1
is. 1
3.000
4:,. 1
O.ooo
3,000
lo.
4.000
2.
22.000
4.000
12.'
21.500
18.000
6,000
2,324
20,000
10,000
6,000
40.000
10,000
94.000
11.650
2.000
2.
2,000
2.000
10.200
2.000
2,000
•j, 1.001 1
26,000
16.000
22.000
6,000
36,600
2.640
7.000
5.000
5,000
7,050
1.965
2.000
3.000
'.'.
20,000
4.000
20.
4. 1
2o.
2.000
4.000
3.000
lo.
18,000
3.000
5,928
4.i
6.000
6.000
4.200
6,000
2,000
29,000
6.000
.-..000
2,000
6.000
6.000
8,600
2.000
2,000
13"000
Patentees.
Thomas 'Wharton and others.
Coenradt Frank and others.
Hugh Frazer.
Thomas Freeman.
John Friswell.
Thomas Gage.
Beamsley Glazier.
John Glen,. jr.
Edward Tudor and others.
Robert Grant.
Donald Campbell.
Maynard & Elizabeth Guerin.
Petersen Philip Schuyler and other?.
Hendrick Hausen and others.
Johannes Hardenburgh and others.
John Harper, jr.
Edward Harrison and others.
Francis Harrison and others.
Christian John Hartwick.
Peter Hasenclever.
James Henderson aDd others.
Joost Johan Herkimer and others.
Lord Henry Holland.
Maria Yan Rensselaer and others.
Myndert Schuyler and others, (Schoharie Pat.)
Cornelius Cool and others.
Burgar Huyk.
Edward Jessup & C. Hyde.
Geo. Ingoldsby and others.
Henry Glen and others.
Ebenezer Jessup and others, (2 tracts.)
a K ii
Guy Johnson.
James Judd.
Daniel Honan and others, (Yachtaucke.)
Manning Hermanso and others, (Queensboro.)
Roger Kellet.
John Tabor Kempe.
John Kennedy.
Robert Kennedy.
John Hendrik De Bruyn and others.
Arent Stevens and others.
James Bradshaw and other6.
George Klock and others.
Lawrence Kortright.
Jacob Lansing and others.
Johannes Lawyer and others.
Robert Leake.
Francis Legge.
John Lindsley and others.
John Lindsley & Ph. Livingston.
Leonard Lispenard and others.
Philip Livingston and others.
a u a
Abraham Lott, jr., and others.
Gabrii 1 Ludlow.
John Lyne and others.
ii « it
Nathaniel McCullock, (2 tracts.)
Alexander Mcintosh.
Alexander M.Keo and others.
u a u
Norman Mrl. 1.
John Mi A. ii. .
u it
Sarah Magin and others.
William Markliam.
Vincent Matthews and others, (3 tracts.)
John MaunselL
Stephen Bayard and others.
ndi 1 Mi nzies.
'I nomas Menzies.
Godfrey Miller and others.
I'.ter Slid. II. ton.
Matthew Fine; and others.
John Montresoi and others.
David Mooney.
Lewis Morris and others.
a K ft ft
" " Jr. and others.
U a ({ a
Btaats Ixmg Morris.
Harry Munroe.
John Kopje and others.
Richard Loudon and others.
« Twenty-four miles above Schenectady.
LANDS.
51
NAME OF PATENT.
County.
Nine Partners (Great, or Lower) Dutchess
" " (Little, or Upper)
Northampton Patent
Oblong Patent
Oothoudt's Patent.,
Onl's Patent
Oriskany Patent
Otsego Patent ,
Otsquaga Patent..
Palmer's Patent..
Panton Tract
Pinefield Patent..
Preston Patent....
Prevost Patent
Fulton
W. Chester, Put.
& Dutch.
Otsego
Essex
Oneida
Otsego
Date.
Montgomery.
Richmond
Warren.
Delaware
Hamilton.
Greene ,
Provincial Patent
Queensbury Patent
Rhinebeck Patent
Rightmeyer's Patent
Roberts's Patent
Rochester Patent
Ross's Patent
Royal Grant
Rumbout's Patent
Sacondaga Patent
Sadachqueda or Saghquate Patent.,
Salem Patent
Saratoga Patent
Sawyer's Patent
Schaghticoke
Sehermerhorn's Patent
Schneider's Patent
Delaware.,
Orange
Schuyler's Patent..
Schuyler's Patent.,
Scott's Patent
Seaton's Patent
Servis's Patent
Sherriff's Patent
Skeenesboro' Patent....
Skeene's Patent
Skeene's Little Patent..
Skinner's Patent
Small's Patent
Spaight's Patent
Spornheyer's Patent....
Springfield Patent
Staley's Patents
Starnberg's Patent
Steward's Patent.
Stewart's Patent..
Stone Arabia Patent...
Stone Heap Patent
Stony Hill Tract
Stony Point Tract
Stoughton's Patent
Strasburgh Township.
Stringer's Patent
Sutherland's Patent....
Warren
Dutchess
Scho. & Greene.
Fulton
Ulster
Essex
Herkimer...-
Dutchess
Fulton & Ham..,
Oneida
Washington
Wash. & Sara....
Wash. & Sara...
Wash & Rens
Washington ,
Jan.
April
Feb.
Nov.
Sept.
May 27, 1697
April 10, 1706
Oct. 17, 1741
1 Juno 8, 1731,
J met seq.
Aug. 18, 1741
SI, 1775
18, 1705
3, 1770
30, 1709
22, 1729
March 81, 1687
Oct. 18. 1775
June 22, 1775
June 27, 1770
Aug. 15, 1765
March 10, 1768
1770
18, 1775
2,1764
20, 1762
8, 1703
6, 1754
29, 1770
25, 1703
16, 1765
Extent
I II ii'-,-' X.
Jan.
May
May
June
May
Sept.
June
April
Rensselaer
Herk. & Oneida.
Wash. & Rens
Otsego
Washington
Rensselaer
Schoharie
Greene
Oneida
Warren
Washington
Essex
Washington
Schoharie
Essex -
Schoharie..
Otsego
Herkimer.
Schoharie..
Oct.
Dec.
June
Aug.
Nov.
Oct.
July
May
Aug.
7, 1685
2, 1741
25, 1736
7,1764
4, 1684
29, 1708
23, 1761
11, 1762
23, 1764
March 24, 1762
1755
19. 1737
3, 1755
IS, 1740
29, 1737
2, 1770
18, 1767
28, 1769
18, 1775
March 31, 1765
July 30, 1771
6, 1771
15, 1770
6, 1774
6, 1767
23, 1764
4, 1741
14, 1755
30, 1769
May
June
July
July
Jan.
July
Feb.
Oct.
July
Jan.
April
Nov.
Aug.
Nov.
June
Sept.
March 19, 1759
Swallowfield Patent
Ten Eyck's Patent
Timberman's Patent
Totten & Crossfield's Purchase"..../
Turloch Patent
Upton's Patent
Van Bergen's Patent
Van Dam's Patent
Van Rensselaer Patent
Van Slyck's Patent
Vaughan's Patent
Wallace Patent
Walloomsac Patent
Walter's Patent
Walton's Patent
Clinton
Hamilton
Greene
Mont.A Fult
Mont. & Scho
Schoharie
It Oakland
Essex
Delaware
Schoharie
Washington
Essex
Westchester
Schoharie
Herkimer
Herk. Ham.Es- )
sex, Warren, j
Schoharie
Otsego
Greene
Orange
Sara. & Fult
Montgomery
Herkimer
Hamilton
Washington
Westchester
Herkimer _.
Delaware
May
May
Sept.
Oct.
'ept.
7, 1765
27, 1755
7, 1771
19, 1723
15. 1770
March 25, 1768
July 13, 174:
25, 1764
4, 1770
12, 1769
5, 1764
7. 1764
22. 1708
30, 1739
30, 1755
July
Dec.
Jan.
Sept.
Aug.
April
May
May
Feb.
March
July
21, 1752
8, 1770
11, 1767
March 23, 1709
Oct.
>ept.
April
April
June
Feb.
Aug.
4, 1774
1, 1716
24, 1770
11, 1770
15, 1739
14, 1701
12, 1768
March 15, 1770
6,000
50,000
13,000
5,000
69 0(H)
100.000
4,300
5.100
2.000
30.(100
14,000
5,000
5,000
Patentees.
5,000
26,000
23,000
8,000
2,000
2,000
93,000
28,000
6,000
25,000
61,000
10,000
2,000
10,000
43.000
11,250
43,000
12.000
2.000
42,500
3,000
25.000
4,000
25.000
3,000
9,000
40,000
5.000
2,000
2.000
17,000
34,000
3,000
3.000
2,000
24,000
2.000
12.700
15,500
18,000
2,000
37.000
2,000
2.000
3.000
7,630
3.500
3.000
18,000
20,000
35.500
3,000
28.964
2,000
8,000
6,365
12,000
5,000
12.000
20,000
Caleb Heathcote and others.
Sampson Boughton and others.
Jacob Mase and others.
Thomas Hawley and others.
Volkert Oothoudt and others.
Thomas ()rd.
Thomas Wenham and others.
Charles Read and others.
Geo. Croghan and 99 others.
Rntger Bleecker and others.
fapt. John Palmer.
Francis Panton.
John Rapalje and others.
Achilles Preston and others.
Augustine Prevost.
James Prevost.
William Cockroft and others.
Daniel Prindle and others.
Henry Beekman.
Ury Rightmeyer and others.
Benjamin Roberts.
James Ross.
Sir John Johnson.
Francis Rumbout.
Lendert Gansevoort and others.
Frederick Morris and others.
Alexander and James Turner and others.
Peter Schuyler and others.
Isaac Sawyer.
Cornelius Van Dyck and others.
Ryer Schermerhorn.
George Schneider.
Hendrick Schneider.
David Schuyler and others.
Abm. David Schuyler and others
David Schuyler and others.
John Schuyler and others.
John Morin Scott and others.
Sir Henry Seaton.
Peter Servis and others.
Charles Sherriff.
Philip Skeene and others.
Philip Skeene.
Stephen Skinner and others.
John Small.
William Spaight.
Ernst William Spornheyer and others.
John Groesbeck and others.
Rudolph Staley and others.
Jacob Starnberg and others.
Lambert Starnberg and others.
Peter Steward.
James Stewart and others.
Walter Stewart.
John Chr. Garlock and others.
John Bowen and others.
Michael Byrne and others.
Richard Bradley and others.
John Stoughton.
John Butler and others.
Samuel Stringer.
Erick Sutherland.
Nicholas Sutherland.
George Booth.
Hendrick Jacob Ten Eyck and others.
Jacob Timberman and others.
Jacob Borst and others.
Clotworthy Upton and others.
Martin Garretson Van Bergen and others.
Rip Van Dam.
Jeremiah Van Rensselaer.
Harman Van Slyck.
John Vaughan and others.
Hugh Wallace and others.
Edward Collins and others.
Robert Walters.
William Walton and others.
■ This tract, embracing 50 townships, was surveyed just be-
fore the Revolution, but small portions only were granted until
after the war. Among those who received patents for large
portions after that period were Robert G. Livingston, Isaac Nor-
ton, John G. Leake, Abijah Hammond, Frederick Rylander,
Philip Livingston, John Tharman, Jacob Watson, Alexander
Macomb, Ph. Rockafeller. 'White Matlack, Enos Mead, Zephaniah
Piatt, Goldsbrow Banyar, Peter V. B. Livingston, Joshua Mer-
sereau, Jonathan Lawrence, Thomas Franklin, Effingham Law.
rence, Stephen Crossfield, and others. Extensive tracts hav«
been repeatedly sold for taxes.
52
NE\Y YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Name of Patent.
County.
Dot?.
Extent
in Acres.
Patentees.
March 2, 1775
April 29,1703
Aug. 4, 1743
Feb. 18, 1775
April 15, 1705
March 10, ITTu
Oct. fi. 1741
Oct. 10. 1741
Aug. 29,1735
Aug. 29. 1735
Nov. 12, 1731
Feb. 18, 1775
Oct. 11. 1752
Aug. 25, 1752
2,000
4,880
3.000
3,000
38.000
2.000
4,000
14.000
2.000
2.000
3.000
20.000
14.000
John Watkins
Dr. John Bridges.
William and Stephen Bayard.
Archibald Weir and others.
John Wharton.
Henry White and others.
Peter Wlnne.
IVtcr Winno and others.
Charles Williams and others.
Anne Wilmot.
Hartman Windeeker.
Daniel Wriesberg.
Frederick Young.
Theobald Young and others.
Herkimer -.
Montgomery
u
it
cc
Essex
Otsego & Scho
c<
Wilmot Patent -
II CI
SUBDIVISION'S OF THE MASSACHUSETTS PURCHASE
Of about 6,000,000 acres of Lands ceded to Massachusetts by the State of JVew Tori: at the Hartford Convention, Dec. 16, 1786.
Tracts.
Phelps and Gorhama .
Morris Reserve
Triangular Tract
Connecticut Tract6
Cragie Tract
n Tra^t
IOT Tract
forty Thousand Acre Tract
Bterritt Tract
Church Tract
Mi rris Honorary Creditors' Tract.
IL Hand Co.'s Purchase
T<>n Towns.,
Parties.
Massachusetts to Phelps and Gorham...
" to Robert Morris
Morris to Le Roy, Bayard. & McEvers.
" Watson, Cragie, & Greenleaf.
" Andrew Cragie
" Samuel Ogden
" Gerrit Cottinger
" Wilhelm and Jan Willink
" Samuel Sterritt
" John B. Church
" Creditors
" Agents of Holland Co
Massachusetts to Settlers Nov. 7, 17S7
Date.
Nov. 21,1788
2,600,000
May 11, 1791
500.000
87,000
100,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
40,000
150.000
100,000
58,570
1792-93
3,600,000
Acres.
230.400
Counties.
Allegany, Livingston,
Monroe, Ontario,
Schuyler, Steuben,
Wayne, and Yates.
Allegany.
Monroe.
Orleans and Genesee.
Genesee.
Wyoming.
Wyoming and Allegany,
Wyoming & Livingston,
Allegany.
Allegany.
Allegany & Livingston.
Chautauqua, Cattarau-
gus, Allegany, Wyo-
ming, Erie. Genesee,
Orleans, and Niagara.
Broome and Tioga.
« Phelps and Gorham originally contracted for the whole tract at 51,000.000, payable in a kind of scrip called " Consolidated
Securities.'' then much below par. A rise to par prevented them from fulfilling the agreement.
1 In 1801, conveyed in undivided halves to the State of Conn, and Sir Wm. Pultency, the former using part of her School Fund
in the purchase. Divided by alternate lots in 1811.
•Conveyed in four tracts to the agents of the Holland Co.: viz., 1,500,000, Dec. 24, 1792. to Le Roy and Lincklaen; 1.000,000
27, 1793, to Le Roy, Lincklaen, and Boon; 800,000, July 20, 1793, to the same; and 300,000, same date, to Le Roy, Bayard,
I iarkson.
SUBDIVISION OF MACOMB'S GREAT PURCHASE
In Franklin, St. Lavircnce, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and Herkimer Counties.
Tracts.
Great Tract No. 1
-. .
« " :■..
« <( ;
a
" " 6_
Bemaind r.
ChamanH Tr ici
Black Riv.-r Tract ...
. Tr let
Brantinch.'im Tnvt.
•
BUistrargh -
[on in'i Triangle....
Watson's Tr
Patentees.
Daniel McCormick.,
Alexander Macomb.
Purchasers.
Pierre Ohassanle ft Co
f ii'n r i - .ii . ii' Email, i
l l>.w. ft Henderson-. J
Samuel Ward
Win. Inm.iii
.i mi. - Constable
' Ellis
Win. Innvin ,
ii
Date
of Patent.
May 17,179s
May 17, 1798
March 3,1795
Jan. 10, 1792
Date of Pur-
chasr.
April 12, 1793
July 16, 1795
D . 11,1792
Feb. 20, 1793
■.It'!. 22,1797
Feb. 20,1798
April — . 1700
Acres.
821.879
553,020
640,000
r 4.-,ii.o.-.o
26,250")
! 74.400 V
[1,368,400 J
210,000
2!mi.:;70
817.155
71. too
52>:;l
26,000
61,433
Pcmarks.
Twenty-seven towns, Franklin co.
Eighteen towns, St. Lawrence co.
Fifteen " " "
Antwerp and Jefferson cos.
Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and Herkimer cos.
Jefferson and Lewis cos.
ii. Oswego, and Lewis, 13 towns.
Qreig, Lewis co.
Fivo towns, Lewis co.
Lewis co.
Leyden and Lewis, Lewis co.
Lewis co.
Chcnanrjo Twenty Townships.
Tp.
Acres.
1
87487
2
8
24,624
4
24^00
6
6
7
24.186
-
9
10
ji.>.
.Inn" Ii. 1793
April 1
March 2, 1793
1. 17''3
April I
Jan. 13. 1788
Fotfntca.
Alexander Wi
William B. Smith.
Them. Ludlow, jr.
• i Livingston.
William 8. Smith.
.. u
.T-iVi"-* Tahn i
Tp.
11
A'TCS.
12
24485
13
14
26,030
15
26,836
16
18,718
17
18
22,668
19
20,760
80
Dal ■
Jan. 28,1793
April 16,1794
March 2,1793
June 1. 1793
Dec. 20.17:i2
Feb. 14, 1793
It <(
May 3, 1793
Patentees.
Leonard 11*. Cutting.
Wm. Matlock, sr.
Thos. Ludlow an. I.l. Bhlpperly.
Leonard M. Cutting.
John Taylor.
(I M
John J. Morgan.
LANDS.
53
Tail; of the Principal Tracts
Wliich have been granted in small parcels by the Slate, under the Commissioners of the Land Office.
Name op Tract.
A.dgate'8 3.000 aero Tract.
Bedlington Tract
Benson Township
Bergen's Purchase
Black Rock Village
Brant Lake Tract
Bristol Tract..
Bulwagga Hay Tract.,
Butlers Tract
Canastota Tract
Chemung Township
Chenango Township
Chenango Twenty Towns
Clinton Townsliip
Cookquago Tract
Cowasselon Tract
Crum Uorn Mountain Tract
Delaware Tract
Essex Tract
Fayette Township
Fort Ann Tract
Fort Covington Tillage
French Mountain Tract
Grand Island
Greene co. Tract
Greene Township
Gore. Old Military, and Refugee
Tract
Gores, others in great number.
Hainbden Township
Hague Tract
Iron Ore Tract
Islands in great number.
Jay Tract
Lake George Tract
Lewis (South) Tract
Lewiston Village
Long Sault Island
Luzerne Tract
Massena Township
Maul's Patent
Count' y.
Essex
Delaware
Hamilton
1 lamill on and Fulton.
Erie
Warren
Schoharie
Essex
Delaware.
Madison...
Military Tract.
{
Military Tract (Old)
Moose River Tract
Niagara River Tract
North River Head Tract.,
North West, Bay Tract....
Oswego Falls Village
Oswego Village
Ox Bow Tract
Palmer's Purchase
Paradox Tract
Perou Bay Tract ,
Refugee Tract
Reservations, Indian :
Cayuga
Oneida
Onondaga ....
St. Regis
Stockbridgo..
Ronring Brook Tract
Saddle Mountain Tract....
St. Lawrence Ten Towns.
Schroon Tract
Sidney Township
Split Rock Tract
Stedman Farm
Trembleau Tract
Tongue Mountain Tract
Wairensburgh Tract
Warren Township
Watkins and Flint's Purcl ase.
Westfield Tract
West of Road Patent
White Face Mountain Tract....
Chemung
Broome
Madison, Chenango, Oucida
Chenango
Delaware and Broome
Madison
Otsego
Broome
Essex
Chenango
Washington
Franklin
Warren
Erie
Greene
Chenango
Clinton
Tioga ,
Warren and Essex.
Essex
Essex and Clinton
Warren
Essex
Niagara
St. Lawrence
Warren
St. Lawrence
Essex I
Cayuga.Cc'rtland, Onondaga,
Oswego Schuyler, Seneca,
Tompk.us and Wi tyne.
Clinton and Franklin
Hamilton and Herkimer.,
Erie ar.d Niagara
Essex
Essex
Oswego
Oswego
Hamilton
Warren
Essax
Essex
Clinton
Cayuga and Seneca...
Oneida and Madison.
Onondaga .
Franklin..
Essex
Washington.
St. Lawrence.,
Essex ,
Broome
Essex
Niagara.
Essex
Warren
Warren
Broome
Chemung and Schuyler.
Washington
Essex
Essex and Cliuton.
No. of
7
77
3S3
13
233
254
62
4
7
91
205
144
25
79
19
248
100
33
48
117
108
68
62
234
160
93
33
421
38
173
107
140
133
52
304
"428
130
256
86
10 mi.
S,|.
each
111
162
33
17
52
22
58
174
Remarks.
West of Perou Bay.
Escheat of John G. Leake.
Named from Egbert Benson.
Part of Niagara Mile Strip.
Surveyed by Geo. Webster, 1803.
] Unappropriated lands remaining at closo of IJevolu-
/ tion.
Part of liardensburgh Pad nt.
Gospel and Schools for Chenango Twenty Towns.
/Laid out in 1788 by Jas. Clinton. J. Hathorn, and J.
| ('.inline.
49.710 acres to A. nammond and others.
Patented separately. See table preceding this.
Given to the Vermont sufferers.
Given to schools and literature.
Town of Windsor.
Unappropriated lands remaining after Revolution.
Mile Square Reservation.
Unappropriated lands remaining after Revolution.
Given to Canal Fund.
To Walter Livingston, M. West, and W. Mortis.
In quarters.
Robert Morris and Alexander Macomb.
House, out, and water lota.
Small tracts upon Military Class rights.
/ Twenty eight townships — 1,6S0,000 acres to soldiers of
( the Revolution.
/Ten townships, 640,000 acres set apart to soldiers,
\ not conveyed.
Nine townships, mostly of modern grant.
Reserved in Massachusetts cession.
\ Reserved by State in previous grants.
State, Middle, Rear, and River Lots.
Named from Paradox Lake.
131,420 acres to Canada and Nova Scotia refugees.
West, East, and Residence Tracts, Canoga Reservation,
Fish Creek, i meida, Castleton, Oneida Creek, Otsequet,
Pagan Purchase, and Wood Creek Tracts of the pur-
chases of 1798, 1802, 1815, 1824, 1S26, 1829, 1830, 1834,
1840, 1S42.
Various, including plats of Salina, Geddes, Liverpool,
Lodi, &c.
Various, including lands at Fort Covington and Ho-
gansburgh Village.
Various purchases, including E. Hill Tract of fifty,
and W. Hill Tract of forty-two lots.
Sold at auction in quarter and mile squares,, but bid
in by a small number. Cambray, De Kalli. and
Hague, each 92,720 acres: Lisbon, Louisville, and
Stockholm, each a little less, were conveyed to Alex.
Macomb, Dec. 17, 1787.
61,440 acres to Robert Harper and others.
Tables of many small g: ants, tracts, and purchases will be found in the descriptions of the counties in which such lands al-
located.
CANALS.
The Public Canals of the State are made, by the Constitution,
inalienable. They were first constructed for the purpose of facili-
tating settlement and of opening an easy means of communication
between the Atlantic and the great lakes. The canals are under
the care of several State officers, the powers and duties of whom
are as follows: —
The Canal Commissioners, three in number, are elected
one each year and hold office for three years. They have the imme-
diate supervision and management of the construction and repairs
of canals, and are ex officio members of the Canal and Contracting
Boards. They have their office in the State Hall, and report annually
to the Legislature. The canals have three general divisions, each of which is under the special
charge of a commissioner.1
The Slate Engineer and Surveyor has general charge of the engineering department
of the cinals, and is a member of the Canal and Contracting Boards. lie has an office in the State
Hall, ani reports annually to the Legislature.2
The Canal Board consists of the Commissioners of the Canal Fund, the State Engineer,
and the Canal Commissioners. It meets, during the session of the Legislature, at the office of the
Canal Department, fixes the rates of toll, appoints collectors of tolls, their assistants and weigh-
lirects extraordinary repairs; hears appeals from the Canal Appraisers, remits penalties,
and regulates the police of the canals.3
The Auditor of the Canal Department draws warrants on the Treasurer for all
canal payments, audits accounts, instructs collecting and disbursing officers, and keeps account of
canal receipts and expenditures. He is ex officio Secretary of the Commissioners of the Canal
Fund and of the Canal Board, and a member of the Contracting Board. His office, known as the
al Department," is in the State Hall at Albany.
The Canal Appraisers, three in number, are appointed one each year, and hold office for
three years. They appraise all damages arising from the canals, whether temporary or permanent
in their nature. They have an office in the State Hall.
The Contracting' Board consists of the State Engineer, the Auditor of the Canal Depart-
ment, and the Canal "Commissioners. It appoints all division, resident, and first assistant engineer.--.4
The Commissioners of the Canal Fund consist of the Lieutenant Governor, Secre-
tary <>f St . I iptroller, Treasurer, and Attorney General. The Auditor of the Canal Department
is ex • Seeretary of the Board. They have the general management of the funds and debts of
the canal.5
i t -'m embraces tln> Erie Canal as far
' lhamplain Canal and Gli as 1 alls
i roy Dam ■': mill -: Black River
I and Trni - *8 mill - ; making a total of 815 miles.
.1 from the b.
bank line of \\ ayne co., inclnd-
70 mill - : ' I 'anal. 97 miles;
' nal. 7 mil - Baldwins-
ville r Improvement, 20 miles;
■ anal,
i Ihemnng Canal and
i dor. 2 miles; Seneca River
miles.
' and DansvQle
■
i Hi ns to thi tii
. each
year i i on-
thcr rlatien relating (■• rail-
is nre
■
■ tii. tit nre the following subordinate
In :
officers —
1 by
t Board with ttw Ineer.
n il- in tlicir
inently pass over the
• ire all m i
M.-ik' iiiil rep ii i- annually
'II Ill' •■! Ill" I
I lis Division at
nd "f the Western Dii iston al Bo hi iter.
i. 12 in unmtxT. have immediate rliarge of
n sections under the supervision of resident engineers.
They are »«e isted by :
54
First Assistant Engineers, appointed by the Contracting
and
Second A ristant Ei p lintod by Resident Engineers.
The number of these assistants Is regulated by the amount of
labor in progn ss. V* relets surveyors, draftsmen, clerks, &c.
mployed as Hi" Department may r.-.| uii>-. and are ap-
ted in tii" same mannhr as Second Assistant Engineers.
No engineer "r other public officer appointed npon the canals,
<>r .i clerk, foreman, or oversver <.r laborers, is allowed to have
an interest in the boarding "i laborers, or in furnishing teams,
materials "i- any other thing i"-! n^ing to himself, for the use
public.
i - of wills "ii the Erie, 8 on the Cham-
plain, 3 "ii Hi" ■ Seneca & ( ayuga, :; on the
Chemung, l "ii the Crooked bake, :: on 1 1«< ■ Chenai 50, 6 on the
dley, 1 "ii tii" Black liiver, and 1 on the Oneida Lake
I, There are also 11 1 ollectors. Collectors may
be removed by the Canal Commissioners or t!io Auditor.
<Tiii- Board 1 A April 15, 1854, and its powers were
enlarged and defined Ma} 14,1857. 1 ntilMaj 1,1856 itapj linted
superintendents of repairs ; but since thai time all repairs are
made by contract. Repairs were formerly made by laboi
hired by the day or month, under 1 1 1 ■ - direction ■ >! superin-
tendents; bnl in 1867 the Contracting B authorized
to let the ordinary repairs npon <on tract for a t'-rm <>r years.
6 Tin' canal fund was derived from the foil wing sourci a : —
5. Auction duties, (in part.) amounting in
all to $.Vi92.039.05
" " Salt duties, am ttinginaUt 2,056,458.06
In 1835, iIp -• !• venues v I in
Hi" general fund, by a popular vote of
68,15
1S17-2-"' - j r tax, amounting in
all to 73.509.90
CANALS.
55
Reports are annually made to the Legislature by the heads of the various Canal Departments
concerning every thing pertaining to the Canal interests. These reports, embodying voluminous
details and summaries, are printed, and arc easily accessible to all.1
Loans for construction, at sundry times, secured
li\ State stocks. The avails for V.r'm and Cham-
plain Canals up to Sept. 30, 1858, amounted to S8.271.831.00
Loans for enlargement, Ac 11,828,000.00
Loans for deficiencies 10,203,844.10
Loans for enlargement and completion 10,500,000.00
Canal revenue certificates 1,512,39 1.75
Temporary loans .'. 1,700,000.00
Tolls 64,429.475.41
Tax ,1844, '45. '46. '47. 1854, '55, '56, '57, '58) 2,936,623,21
Sale of lands for benefit of canals, viz. : 102.635
acres in Cattaraugus CO.. given by the Holland
Land Co. ; 3.000 acros. by John Hornby; 1,000
acres, by Gideon Granger; Grand Island,
(17,3S1 1-5 acres,)aud 8 small islands. (502J acres.)
given by the State for benefit of canals ; and a
tract of land on Wood Creek, bought with the
rights of the Western Inland Lock N. Co 107.430.18
Interest on investment and deposits 3.157.860.60
Surplus tolls, from lateral canals 1,010.731.43
Miscellaneous 1,101.123.43
Total receipts Erie and Champlain Canals 123,043.734.84
Receipts upon all the State canals 143,607,002.91
Total payments upon the Erie and Champlain
Canals
Total payments upon all the State canals 141,627,S45.85
The total premiums upon luans amounted to $2,'J.A.7U.12
The total discount upon loans amounted to
Special loans were made for mosl of the lateral canals. \
tract"! laud from the Onondaga Salt spring- i. -ervation was
Bold fl rthe h ii1 lit of tin- i igwi go Canal Final and am rani
$160,0oo. Stock in the Western Inland Loci Navig
amounting to $92,000, was canceled for the b in lit of thi canals,
and the interests of individuals in that wort wi re cane led by
purchase. The amount appraise I was $152,718.52.
The Constitution provides Ait. \ II; that, after paying the
uses of collection, superitit.-iidi'ia-i'. and i -11:11
of $1,300,000, and after 1855, $1,700,000, shall be appli d annu-
ally, from the revenues of the canals, to a sinking fund, to pay
the canal debt. In 1857, the surplus receipts of tolls failed, for
the first time since 1846, to meet this, and i t I ■ •
to raise by direct tax the money required to pay interest on the
stock. The clause in the Constitution prohibiting th<- creation
of a debt for any public work, without imposing a direct tax
for its payment and a submission to the popular vote, was sus-
pended by an amendment adopted Feb. 14. 1854. to allow of the
raising of $9,000,000, by the issue of State stock, for the more
speedy enlargement and completion of the canals. A in. a-ure
was introduced in the Legislature of 1859, for the loan of a fur-
ther sum for this obj -et. and the submission of the question to
the decision of a popular vote.
1 SUMMARIES OF TIIE PRINCIPAL REPORTS.
Amount and value of property moved, and miles run, on all the State Canals, since 1835.
Estimated value op pro-
Miles run in each tear
perty TO AND FROM OTHER
BY ALL THE BOATS.
Cleared at
Titalnum-
.•
Black Rock, Tona-
Total value of
Cleared at New
Buffalo,
Cleared at
6i r of tens
tt
WANDA, AND OsWEOO.
property moved
York. Albany,
Black Bock,
all other offi-
in*,red on
K
on all the car
nals.
and West Troy.
and Tona-
wanda.
ces.
all the ca-
nals. '
Packets.
Freight
boats.
Products
Merchandise
1836
18.37
coming from.
going to.
$5,493,816
4.813,626
$9,723,250
6,322.751)
$67,634,343
55.809,288
1,310,807
1,171 -
825,784.147
$3,286,128
S18.650.6iU
105,050
6,55
1838
6.369.645
8.657.250
65,746,559
33,062,858
4,854,927
19.2ov 858
1,333,011
400.250
5,1-
1839
7,258,968
10,259,100
73,399,764
40,094.302
5,222,756
18,854,427
1,435,713
290.1
5.7 -
1840
7,877,358
7,057,600
66,403,892
36.398.039
6,200,829
15.204.936
1.417.646
258.S80
5,952
1841
11,889.273
11,174,400
92.202,929
56,798,447
9,607,924
16,376,503
1,521,1 '1
322.860
7,10
1842
9.215,808
7.218.900
60,016,608
32.314.908
7.541.703
12,466,736
1.236.931
354..00
6.173,200
1843
11.937.943
13,067.250
76,276,909
42,238,488
9.732.616
13.288,470
1,513,439
381,820
6,586,700
1844
15,875,558
14.845,250
90,921,152
53,142,403
9.561.146
15,822,5 I
1,816,586
427.740
7,841,750
1845
14,162,239
17.366,300
loo.C29.859
55,453.998
10,351,749
19.24s.224
L".i77.565
420.540
7,924,250
1S40
20,471.939
20.415,500
115,612,109
64,628,474
15,819,314
14815,639
2,268,662
414,340
■ j.450
1847
32.666.324
27.298.800
151,563,4 18
77,878,766
28,503,745
23.5 1
2.869.810
443,080
11,733,250
1848
23.245.353
30,553,920
140,086,157
77,477,781
19.621.700
11,544.421
2,796,230
512.300
9,633,85 I
1849
26.713,796
31,793,400
144,732,285
78,481,941
20.647.5G2
22,238 "1"
2,894,732
305.760
10,1 53.350
1850
25.539.605
41.272.491
156.397,929
74.826.999
20,991.462
31,335,526
3.076.617
343.475
10.718.100
1851
27.O07.142
63.659.440
159,881,801
80,739,899
24,543,286
31,784.847
3,582,733
206,150
11,92
1852
37,041,380
79,127,640
196.603,517
121,087.312
25.674.776
22.219.056
3.863,441
71.725
12,306,950
185 1
42.367.5114
94,230,720
207,179,570
116,185,331
28,866,951
27,629,827
4,247,852
46,650
12,327,050
1854
39.346.283
83.476.410
210,284,312
116.772.966
29,745.555
30,613,260
4.165.862
24.075
11,244.200
1855
43,555,243
79.879,680
2t 14.390.147
llo.443.863
31.403.640
24.006,992
4,022,617
2s.s75
9,671.450
1K56
38,043.813
60,064,680
218.327,062
134,131,707
22,873,866
21,749,502
4,116,082
21.175
1857
26.466.121
42,525,360
136.997.018
71.016.241
17.567,181
15.470.217
3,344,061
16,950
7.:;:4.S50|
36,182,405
27,680,400
138,568,844
57,983,123
25,039,901
20,570. :,77
3,665,192
18,725
7,886,100)
Tot.
$513,541,202
$793,670,521
$2,929,665,482
#1.559.962,083
$377,659,507
$451,519,063
59,647,996
5,746,220
191 739.630 !
Total amount per cent., and averages of different classes.
\
Classes.
Averages for periods of Seven Years.
Years.
OF EACH.
From 1836 to 1842.
From 1S43 to 1849.
From 1850 to 1 i
Tons.
Value.
Tons.
Value.
Tons.
Value.
Tons.
Value.
Tons.
Vutw.
Products of forest
Manufactures
M >rchandise
Other articles
Total
24.516.913
17,238.941
4,086,894
5,233,933
8,571,265
$207,472,053
321.768.110
167.860.314
1,594,938,801
137,726,204
41.11
28.89
6.85
8.78
14.37
7.68
28.05
5.7-.
54.41
4.70
634 022
■:i 6,004
101,610
119,108
184,992
$7,133,875
18,400,404
5,750,494
34.687,389
2.772.607
947.120
765,948
165,912
189,170
237,139
$7,200,900
36,326,16
6,825,363
61,888,015
4,876,878
1,549,378
1,098,28 '
240,790
380.654
$12,619,591
51,083,488
ni.-
9.007.96
59.647,946
$2,929,765,482
loo.oo
100.00
1,346 636
$68,744,769
2,305,289
$117,117,411
3,867,886
$193,294,91 5
56
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Tolls collected at each office on the New York State Canals, from 1825 to 1858,
both inclusive.
Offices.
1825.
1830.
1835.
1840.
1S45.
1850.
1855.
1856.
1858.
A\ . -t Tr.v
$285,595
312,654
315,042
9.312
10,227
9.382
55,51 1
46,288
78,095
$245,124
253,234
301.262
21.705
5.222
5.967
41. Si is
02,427
48.233
55.470
37,S30
10.553
19.594
101,087
6.304
25.S99
14.308
23.467
23.685
97.679
755.575
8.556
9.164
10.568
54.367
21.184
22.922
271.159
14.317
27,765
$290,280
116.973
349.517
9.473
5.015
5,349
37.159
4ii.9or,
35.162
65.378
29.740
10.172
12.357
88.130
18,180
3.132
9,556
14.015
34.901
22.145
783.906
3,737
8,806
12.030
55,364
20.412
22.241
406.813
13.399
21.669
13.079
13,765
30.272
44,610
3,238
15,827
5,658
2.312
8.033
4,934
15.542
5.231
11/290
9.235
18,664
605
$78,921
67.965
110.837
5.173
4.643
5.028
26.720
31.638
31,292
38,4 4
18.821
O.S'JS
14.994
86.204
101.171
14378
16,296
30,503
30,291
$120,652
37.181
2.-.-19
""fi'.Vit
46&02
21,060
35,349
$212,045
124.793
37,806
5357,595
153.402
64,973
(295,563
186,947
23,670
10,778
16,505
42,606
69,384
$340,667
386,916
9.544
17,653
13.389
63,5 7
55.997
119,229
Little Fails
8,772
48,142
28,8 5
85 -:
16.840
50.575
74.750
055,635
11,197
21,466
88,494
7. :.17
•8,798
82,1 11
24,229
48,388
160,129
12.314
12,139
93,809
23,018
40.1 so
176,140
241982
19,865
86,581
21,855
61.199
248,210
7.587
30,844
103.S26
17,432
5S.021
224,529
10,897
36,263
77,837
19.197
53.798
190.532
65.932
26,355
Black Rockc
10,614
21^53
52.129
23.227
54'.
321.164
,417
14,820
106,413
181,973
55.642
6S.456
703.498
7.012
7.379
8,955
71.356
44,655
1
1,671
12.295
56,583
482.635
9,085
15,371
48,959
10,527
11,766
106.213
8,065
16,201
719,683
225
37.494
132.023
8.023
17.950
5.626
2.308
15.S31
32,302
Whitehall.
•17,318
33,106
-
8,662
63,924
51,214
48,160
30,653
55.911
53,812
"138,704
3,673
46,850
51,899
310,135
Cornin_'
36,701
35,879
33,350
44,336
47.473
" 11.376
32.853
54,060
9.566
21.192
3.177
6.026
7.189
28,647
6,256
15.133
6.574
14.595
16.132
20.747
82,466
5.667
20.734
3.012
10.415
13.885
21,147
14,485
29.584
65.800
3.495
15.376
4.735
2,553
8.587
5,985
14.470
6,665
17.120
12.285
16.894
548
8,365
4,096
8,958
5.696
16.787
2.7''.:
4,573
2.721
4,510
1.029
2.482
4594
7.703
5.276
4,450
1...
- ■ -
18.6i 5
28,400
20,3S3
652
9,124
rille..-
Olean .._
.-.: •
$1,066,922
J1.54S.109
■51.775,967
$2,646,181
$3,273,899
$2,805,077
$2,748,212
$1,838,836
<> Collected at Port Byron. » At Newport. « Office abolished in 1857. <* At Saratoga, Ft. Miller, It. Edward, and Ft. Ann.
-V ' trances issued from 1833 to 1858, both inclusive, on the Several Canal*.
1848..
1861..
1-57..
"
I
S
-
7 17. ■
5
a •
g>
i
1
-
8
<t
7> Z
1
6
1
e
»5
<5c
36
153
1,247
806
1,802
1,951
1.179
1,704
'
517
1.213
1,624
930
Ml
762
17-
1,421
890
574
7- 1
si 5
■
1,101
■
2.046
122 7
U96
1,189
3 223
1,260
1,089
1,814
1,440
1.177
1,307
i.l-l
1,646
1,677
2.102
2,034
1,042
'
2,014
609
1,187
'
1 762
674
1,873
817
2,563
491
170
3,177
-• 1
1,906
900
1.7 Jo
6,106
534
:.:;lt
MS
1 330
i
£
48,740
63,726
69.078
67.255
64,796
68.296
60.133
75,990
. 7.616
69,720
i
81.629
89,936
104.478
85,048
93,842
100,1 18
104.902
98,214
80,309
80,986
CANALS.
57
00 00 00 00 00 00
Cn en en O' Cn in
r. e, > 4- eo i e
30 00 00 00 00 00 0C X X 00 OO CO
Oi4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-e:J
O CD CO -J C. CJi 4- CO 10 H- O CO
r X) X) 30 30 CO CO
co co co co co co w
CO — I C3 Ot tf- CO to
./ / / X CO CO 00 00 00
wcoiii: totoi;i;ij
- O o » *) C! c;< *- W
w
.EWe CanaZ.
Champlain Canal.
Oswego Canal,
h-1 -J to to to to re te t c te to te te to te — » <-< to ^ — » — * — » to to — » i-« i-» •-* «->
.er- r. — to co if* to oo p ~i x pa -j iz 4- eo eo c: po oo^pocn op oo -i o; to — ' :o
o en tfr-co en "co to O) -^ M be co ie en cu 4- :o bi V ~t bo :o en 4- © ^-J co'o :cr *~. te
to — t. — c: +- - v: w co m to oo » M »-* 4- oo 4- -t- co ~- io :: c: ~f -o to 00 4--J
to en to co on co c ■-, o ic ^ -" iv o / -i » w x -i m x ;: c e ^ ;; o —i e; —
en co "co co ^ en ^t co V; <i to b h "m m b h co b o- +. i_ i- m b b b c: '» *■ h
Oit-HWa'OOtO'OHOWHi^-JiaiO^lMMS-^M^Vif-'if.COI-'tOO
Cayuga <t Seneca Canal.
Chemung Canal.
c r. be g 'Owb'^'b-Mx o :.o"*.o rf^'co o^o'^j'^'co en be 'coV to
/ .: _: s. m j: — -i to co i c 4- — > e-> to te m — ' te te — * to — * c; -i ce
,. r< -r- _ er. j-t co co o as ►-» cs to to ^ oo co — i oo — » en — * — * ;: ;; ee
H e: 3fl r. c o c be ~i be ^ en bo ^ oo f-* co co fen 60 co*?-» bo ^ '+- bo
05C:cnon^Oi»-»h-*tn4*OOl-'COCDCOCOtoCOr-1tOCTiC:0^0 rf^
Crooked Lake Canal.
MhJtObO)-ltO>--1'-'i-'tOCOtOtOtOtOt-»l-->i-i>--t|--»tOi-»
& 'pp c p.pj^.oojo^-'jo co co ci^topj co oc j^o»pp
x e^te-cc co to *e~- *tc"co 'to te 'en 4- V- *— ' '— * be bo© -Jt *-~co
-x r. :j co 03 to -ei:ce-i -1 --o te -1 •- — ' -^ eo -i eo — *
■~- s 4- t. +- co en 00 po <m to p to *-» ^* 4- en en h-» 00 co to
co ^1 ba bi o — ' be — -1 4- "eo be V- *•* :— -' e: '4- en w *co ^
CHHOHCOOCtSOiOMCOiCl'J'MSCWW^tO
Chenango Canal.
te to to to co co to ro to to to to to to ^ >-• u-» ^ :
j^t en jo en eo m 4- ps ^1 o> pa ~. ec e; to en e; co eft :
~o ie x ui b to c O) b> en ^ ^ V *m bs to to '•£> o ■
m o w ^ o w h m ^ a; te o ^ -i *. o o te : ; :
COC0h-'Cj;--:IX''<l^TCn-~ItO*^ICO03'— 1 m 4*. *^ o ■
to t» en b <i ^ b b b '*• h to b b to ^ m 'a 4- •
lf»H0100COH©-ICJitOtOOTMWC'OOH(DO.
Genesee Valley Canal.
^ tO CO OO Cn"o Cn*CT;00C>CnC7"CiOCnfcfi.>t*I
o r. i-j -j *.m c o x 1: 7. 1; *- v 1; e - r. ;
C^ On CO tO O H-i CO 'CO CO h-* CO *- 10 CO --^ -I tO tO ;
i-T bn p* to "4- "~. - 1 s: - ee cc ^1 en en 4- *» as o ■
C0C0t0r-*00-^COrfr-t0Oi^J4^C0C0 0nrf-C0tO:
Oneida Lake Canal.
Mi-'tObOtpMI-'tOtOtO^-COCOrf^COtOl-'CO. •
co *» -<t —i fc. t— ' co to --i —1 cr; ^i cr- ^t co co 4— 4- : :
COin^T^4^.h-'--IOlC0*-COt0COe0t-*C5CO4i.; ;
Co Io co co co t-< J-* Lj 4> "co e,j ^ e_i jj, e_i 30 u, en . •
~* o to o to to 00 en to to toaotoooOMOO. .
Seneca River Towing
Path.
fc . co to to co to to ^
^COh-iCOp.T^CnCOCO
^co en ^j to cnb cr; b> *^> to to i-1
-1 4- t. ee ee e: v_ e< r ;; e: -^ -1
HSWOOOOOCOWOOCi*-
Oneida River Improve-
ment.
MCOOSCOCOtOtOWWtO'
-j t-> en en to en -1 ^ co co :
-i 'Co to to o co 4* en co to •
Cayuga Inlet.
fft;
en as en en en *»■ *- co ; 0 .
"to f-» co eo 'eo e» as bs ~ :
co co 00 to x co t e r. t e :
4 'ei-10»XHO;
H" "e^ 'ee cob*l "~ cc be ;
cn--ionto-^>-i,fcii-*co.
Black River Canal.
BaldswinsviUe Canal.
9
9
&4
5
A,
a
4
£
a
as
a
00
CO
00
©■<
o
a
Co
H3
>
W
o
O
f
02
53
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Tlie Erie Canal, connecting the Hudson with Lake Erie, was commenced at Rome, July 4,
1817, and was completed Oct. 26, 1825. As first constructed, it was 303 mi. long, 28 ft. wide at
the bottom, 40 ft. wide at the top, and 4 ft. deep. The locks were 90 ft. long between the gates, and
15 ft. wide. The original cost of the whole was $7,143,789. 86.1
The number of boats upon the canals at different periods has
.'.136; in 1844, 2.126; in 1847, 2.725; in 1853,
.';.4"1 : and in 1859, about 3,500. The following numbers of new
have been registered: —
1*44. T.7S
i
i
1847,1,466
IMS. 4:.7
1849, 215
1S50, 152
1851, 213
W,J. '.71
1853, 590
1854, 760
1855, 471
1856, 364
1-7.7. 329
1858, 255
Some opinion may be formed of the class of boats used from
the nunil era built. These were, in 1S57, of scows, 106; decked
lake boats, 95; bullheads, 102; and packets,
3. None of the last named were built in 1S5S; and the day for
traveling upon the canals may be considered as virtually passed.
unless steam canal boats — now being introduced into use — prove
successful competitors in speed with steam upon railroads.
The largest boat registered in 1S44 was 90 tons. In 1S49. somo
were as high as 135 tons; in 1850, 170 tons; in 1853, 250 tons;
and in 1858, 300 tons. The average tonnage of boats has been
as follows : —
1S49 76
1850 80
1851 87
is.v_> 88
1853 97
1854 105
1855 102
1856 107
1857 114
1858 109
General average 100
Structures upon the New York State Canals at the close of 1857.
l-ocks...
Wi Lb '
Aqnedn
'•'
Culverts
I
Farm Bridges..,
Tow Hi
Dam-'
e
bj
76
4
5
35
49
243
3
509
10
•S-a
39
6
4
23
27
52
75
13
140
8
II
c ^ ^
116
1
19
21
52
212
12
110
1
5
12
18
36
40
1
77
1
O'o
8
18
5
5
5
n
1
11
23
§1
Os=
Is
12
13
1
27
41
5
-7
1
14
i^
53
1
4
10
2
27
16
16
59
1
~ ; -
C - K
113
17
34
103
103
102
9
214
5
Total, i
574
23
5
84
163
455
3
1,296
51
a Doubli hy side, are counted as one. The number
upon the Erie Canal, when completed, will be two less, by dis-
ag with those now at Montezuma.
1 Farm bridges are gradually lessening in number, as the
claim; of individuals are from time to time commuted, or the
damages appraised from failure to rebuild them. The principal
increase of bridges is in cities and villages, from the opening of
new streets; and in these localities permanent iron bridges are
now generally built upon the principal thoroughfares.
« Of the 10 dams in the first coluniu, 8 are feeder dams.
1 Plans for improving the navigation of the Mohawk were
'i 1725. but nothing was d..tic (■. this end till March
:; I, 1762, when the " Western Inland Navigation Company" was
porated, with powers to Improve the channel and build
- and locks to Lake Ontario and Seneca Lake. The cost to
• -■ estimated at £39,500. This work consisted
mainly of the following: —
1-; Us, 4,762 feet Jong, of which 2,550 feet
1 ii it were 6 locks, with a t"tai
d 1. miles long, with a lock, at Wolf
Rift. I mill - long, at Rome, con-
Mohawk with Wood Creek ; and. 4th, t"ur locks upon
The work was begun
•i K'.'::. bnt the want of funds delayed the work
until inscription A from
il and locks at this place
' day and the next s large and 102
• ill "f 680 I1 -. exclusive of 0 thai
The chambers of the locks were 74
pass : bnt other fan-
i bnrdi ii of 1" or 1 1 tons. Light
t ■ - lanwix and back in 9
Idaj he trip. In
■ ut. and 18 es were cnl
innel 7 miles. In 17
work, in 17 '7. had
: •
0 boats pa-1-'1- with 1,600
• 1:1- V -t Of
ffbnfj
B1H: II I v j '■■ ■■(, II. ;o.
It -tain wi... the first idea of con-
structing a chain • •: n through the
All of the
thi'
king arou uTerneur Morris
nal from Lake Ei le to the
Hud F f i =• [dan Wat to tap
Lake l.ri". and have a continu r..m the lake to the
■ - "f locks
the river. Inl- I the outline of bis pi
the E leneral, Bimeon De ^^ it t, v.
chimerical. The next year Mr. Pe Witt, in a conversation with
James Geddes, then a land surveyor of Onondaga county, stated
the |.lan of Mr. Morris as one "l the impracticable scl
which had been advanced. Mr. Geddes, however. l""k'd at the
matter in a different light, and, after some little reflection, he
concluded that the plan, willi sunn- mndificatimis. was by far
the best that had yet 1 ested. He cunse], d with .Jesse
Hawley upon the subject; and the Latter, convinced <.f the feasi-
bility of the project, « rote a series of papers which wi re pub-
lished in the Genesee Messenger from Oct. Is' '7. to March, 1808.
These essays were Bigned " Hercules," and were the Brsl ever
printed in favor ol the Erie Canal. In 1808, Joshua Forman,
an intimai of Mr. (ieddes, then a member of the As-
Bembly, Introduced a resolution for the survey ol a canal route,
tu the end that Congress might be led t.. grant moneys for the
construction of a canal The stun of i-aiOO was grant".! f.ir
surveys under the direction of the Surveyor-General. James
Geddes was Intrusted with this service, and was directed to level
down in mi Oneida Lake to the mouth of Salmon Creek, to ascer-
tain whether a canal could be opened from < iswego Kails to Lake
i lo,and t" Burvey the I" Bl n ute Ii a canal around Niagara
Falls, II" u.-is also directed to surveys route eastward from
Lake | River, and thence to the waters Bowing
east Into Seneca Lake. He Bnished this work, and made a
ring the practicability of the last nai I route and
real superiority over the others which had been proposed.
This report a Ion, and secured tho
Influence of De w itt Cliut< n, then a member of the Senate, and
many ether prominent men. In 1810, commissioners, at tho
head of wl Witt Clinton, were appointed t" explore
i r nte thn ugh the center of the State. < n the Bth of
April, 1811. an act was passed to provide for the Improvement
of the internal navigation ol the State, and i ft" rU we e made to
obtain aid from the General Government, but without success.
The report of the commis loners stated the importance of this
'.:cuith such force and eloquence that a lftw was passed
the next year continuing the commJ and authorizing
them I tnd dl |" -it money, and take , ■,. igions Of land, fur
■ I: imi the war suspended active operations.
The pi r. continued to bi and an act was
i on the 17th of April, 1816, providing for a definite survey.
The canal was begun at Rome, July I. 1S17. and on the 22d of
October, 1819, the first boat passed firom Ptica t.. Ri m ■.
The completion of the canal was celebrated by extraordinary
CANALS.
59
The enlargement of this canal was ordered May 11, 1835, and has been going on more or less
rapidly since, except during a few years of suspension commencing under Gov. Wright's adminis-
tration. It was estimated by the State Engineer and Surveyor, in Jan., 1850, that $1,565,077.75
would complete the enlargement upon the present plan, making the total cost of that work
$23,000,000. The length of the Erie Canal when enlarged will be reduced to 349.74 mi. Its sec-
tion gives a breadth of 70 ft. at the surface of the water, 521 ft. at the bottom, and a depth of 7 ft.
civic and military ceremonies throughout the State, and espe-
cially in New York City, on the 1th of Nov. 1825. Ah the first
boat, with Governor Clinton on board, entered the canal, at
Buffalo, at 1" o" clock, (Oct. 26,) a line of cannon, previously ar-
ranged a few miles apart, passed ;i signal along to Albany, and
down the Hudson to Sandy Monk, from whence it was returned
in like manner. The signal was heard at New York, at 11.20.
The flotilla with the Governor was everywhere greeted with en-
thusiastic rejoicing. Dpon reaching New York it passed down
to Sandy Hook, and the waters of the lake were mingled with
(hose of the ocean with imposing ceremonies.
The Canal Commissioners under whom the Erie and Cham-
plain Canals were constructed were Stephen Van Rensselaer, De
Witt Clinton, Joseph Ellicott, Samuel Young, and Myron
Ilolley. Henry Seymour was appointed in place of Kllic t(. in
March, 1819, and William ( '. Bouck was added to the number in
March, 1821. The chief engineers were James Qeddes. of Onon-
daga CO., and Benjamin Wright, of Rome, neither of whom had
ever seen a canal, or enjoyed means of acquiring a practical
knowledge of engineering other than thai obtained from survey-
ing land. The precision with which their canal surveys- were
executed, under the circumstances, may be regarded as truly
wonderful. Among the assistant engineers were Peacock,
David Thomas, Nathan 8. Roberts, David S. Dates, Canvass
While, Davis Hurd. Noah Dennis. Charles T. Whippo. William
Jerome, Henry Q. Sargent, Frederick C. Mills. Isaac J.Thomas,
Henry Farnam, Alfred Barrett, John Dates, William 11. Price,
John Hopkins, and Seymour Skiff.
The Canal Board have adopted the following table of distances from place to place upon the Erie Canal. The elevations
above tide are those shown by the lockages, and do not take into account the descent given to cause a flow of water between
locks, which does not vary much from an inch to a mile. The long level is supposed to be perfectly uniform in elevation above
tide.
Stations, Distances, and Elevations above Tide on the Erie Canal.
Places.
Albany
West Troy
Junction
Cohoes
Crescent
Upper Aqueduct
Schenectady
Hoffmans Ferry
Port Jackson
Schoharie Creek
Auriesville ,
Fultonville
Yatesville
Sprakers
( lanajoharie
Fort Plain
St. Johnsville
Mindenville
East Canada Creek...
Little Falls
Mohawk
Ilion
Frankfort
Fergusons
Utica
York Mills
Whitesboro
Oriskauy
Rome
New London
Higginsville
Dunbarton
Loomis
Durhamville
Lenox
Canastota
New Boston Landing.
Canaseraga Landing .
Chittenango
Bolivar
Pools Drook
Kirkville
Manlius
Limestone Feeder
Orville Feeder
Lodi
Syracuse T".
Qeddes
Bellisle
Nine Mile Creek
Camillus
Canton
Peru
Jorda i
Cold Spring
"S.R
<2>
.§■§
0
^
^
£5 -§.5
0
352
7
7
345
0
7
345
4
11
341
3
14
338
12
26
326
4
30
322
1S8
10
40
312
6
46
306
269.5
5
51
301
2
53
299
3
56
296
295
6
62
290
3
65
2S7
3
68
2S4
301
3
71
2S1
5
76
276
309
2
78
274
4
82
270
5
87
205
360
8
95
257
3
98
254
3
101
251
403
5
106
246
4
110
242
424
3
113
239
1
114
238
3
117
235
427
8
125
227
427
6
131
221
4
135
217
1
136
216
1
137
215
3
140
212
3
143
209
2
145
207
4
149
203
1
150
202
1
151
201
1
152
200
2
1
154
155
198
197
8
158
194
1
159
193
H
161
191
4
165
187
1
166
186
400
2
168
184-
4
2
172
174
180
178
1
175
177
5
2
180
182
172
170
3
1S5
167
407
1
186
166
Places.
Wcedsport
Centerport
Port Byron
Montezuma
Pitt Lock -
Clyde
Lock Berlin
Lyons
East Arcadia
Lockville
Newark
Port (iibsou
Palmyra
Macedon
Wayneport
Knappville
Fairport
Fullam's Basin
Bushnell's Dasin
CartersvUIe
Pittsford
Lock No. 65
Drighton
Rochester
Greece (6-mile grocery) ...
Brockways ,
Spencerport
Adams Basin
Cooleys Basin
Drockport
Holley
Ilulberton
Brockville
Hindsburgh ,
Albion
Gaines Basin ,
Eagle Harbor
Knowlesville
Medina
Shelbys Basin
Middl'eport ,
Reynales Basin
Mabees
Gasport
Orangeport
Millards
Lockport
Sulphur Springs, G. Lock
Pendleton
Pickardsville
Martinsville
Tonawanda
Lower Black Rock
Black Rock
Buffalo
<* 2
g
sS
41
5
ss
e<5 «
t3 g
*; a,
4
8 qa 32
190
162
402
2
192
160
2
194
158
5
199
153
391
6
205
147
5
210
142
397
4
214
138
3
217
135
410
3
220
132
3
223
129
1
224
12S
3
227
125
5
232
120
445
4
236
116
3
239
113
2
241
111
3
244
108
462
1
245
107
3
248
104
2
250
102
1
251
101
2
253
99
3
256
96
471
3
259
93
509
7
266
86
3
269
83
2
271
81
3
274
78
3
277
75
2
279
73
5
284
68
3
287
65
1
2S8
64
1
289
63
4
293
59
2
295
57
1
296
56
3
299
53
4
303
49
3
306
46
3
309
43
4
313
39
1
314
38
1
315
37
1
316
36
2
318
34
3
321
31
565
5
326
26
2
328
24
5
: !
19
3
! i
16
4
340
12
8
::is
4
1
349
3
3
352
0
60
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER,
The number of locks Trill be 74, or 10 less than the original number.1 The banks of the enlarged
canal are protected from -washing by slope walls, consisting of stone firmly packed upon the sloping
sides. The canal will allow the passage of boats of 200 to 250 tons burden. Steam has been
introduced to some extent in propelling boats, and the success of the experiment has been so great
that probably steam power will ultimately supersede horse power.
Tlie Cliamplain Canal, extending from the Erie Canal, near Cohoes, to Lake Cham-
plain, was begun June 10, 1818, finished to Waterford Nov. 28, 1822, and completed Sep. 10, 1823,
at an original cost of $875,000, exclusive of the feeder to Glens Falls. It is 64 mi. long and has
a navigable feeder of 7 mi. to Glens Falls, with a slackwater navigation 5 mi. further upon the
Hudson.2
Tlae Clienaiisro Canal,3 connecting the Erie Canal at Utica with the Susquehanna River
at Binghamton, was authorized Feb. 23, 1833. It is 97 mi. long, exclusive of 13f mi. of feeders,
none of which are navigable.
The Black River Canal and Erie Canal Feeder extends from Rome up the
valley of the Mohawk and of Lansing Kil to Boonville, and thence it descends the valley of Black
River to a point below the High Falls. From the latter point is a river navigation 42J mi. to Car-
1 The chambers of the enlarged locks are 110 by 18 feet, and
their lift varied from •". (■• 15} feet. The canal leaves Lake Erie
at Buffalo. I'll iwa the riv. r lank to Black Hock, and conimuni-
wiih the dam at that place. At a point 10 mi. below liuf-
mawanda Creek, follows its channel 12 mi., and
cross • . ago a rock catting, to the brow of the
mountain ridge, at L kp irt, where it descends 55.83 feet by 5
combined locks. It continues thence, eastward, from 1 to 3 mi.
8. of the ridge r ad, to Rochester, crosses theGeneseeuponastone
aqueduct, in 1: - a circuitous sweep across the Irondequoitvalley,
aloiiL- the t ■ ■;. of a natural range of hills, and finally delivers the
Lake Erie i River, after supplying 153 mi.
of the Brie Canal, and affording a large amount of water-power
at various points along its course. It then rises by 2 locks.
■I- into t _ a valley by 1 lock, and then ri-
3 lock- to the long level which extends from Syracuse to Utica.
fr"m whence it descends the Mohawk valley, mostly on its s.
■ ) the Hudson. Below Schenectady, it twice crosses the
w'i{. upon stone aqueducts. It is continued down the
bank of tl n to Albany, where it terminates in a spa-
basin. At West Troy it also opens into the Hudson. The
_ ing w. ar< . I up, and 43.5 feet down, or
The canal is fed by numerous streams
aloDg its course, and by 9 reserv. .ir-. all of which, with a single
exception, are upon the middle division. They are as follows :
Reservoirs.
1 -
■
>k
1 I' ii I
Total
«^T
a
Acres in
,c e
•-
area.
^ i,g>
-^
B$ a-S
-■<
840
46
21*
134
15
10
25 1
60
50
184
25
173
18
8
1 :■
18
11
55
46
6
...
41
11,616
ft! S
20
8
3«
1
i
4
2
0
10
' '
« r.uilt in lV.T, at a cost ot 73. In Nelson, Madison
■ r.
VeT Canal.
r !•> the long level ol I anal.
i I
■ d cted with
Kock.
■
* A company (tried th
W«s | Ql fell .1 !■.
mmu-
•II. interri [the route "f
■
Tie- 1'iiilt of tl the Erie. II
tawk in ■
length, and ifthello lyler-
by another d
ftx-t long, and continues near the east bank to Fori
Here it leaves the river and crosses to the valley of Wood Creek,
and thence, partly in the bed of that stream, to Whitehall.
When this canal was first opened slackwater navigation upon
the Hudson was used 8 miles above and 3 miles below Fort
Miller, with a short canal aud 2 locks around the falls at that
place. It was fed from the Hudson by means of a high and
costly dam near Fort Edward. The use of the channel of the
Hudson is now entirely superseded by a canal along its bank,
built in 1826-27 ; and the high dam has given place to a feeder to a
point above Glens Falls, where there is a dam 770 feet long and
12 feet high. The feeder enters the canal at the summit level,
lj miles n.b. from Fort Edward. The canal communicates
with the Hudson above the State dam at Waterford by a side-
cut with 3 locks. It has 7 locks between the lake and the sum-
mit, with 54 feet total lift, and 14 locks, with a total of 134 feet,
between the Summit and the Hudson at Waterford. The locks
on this canal are being enlarged to a capacity of 15 J by 100 feet.
Stations, Distances, and Elevations upon the Champlain Canal.
Places.
Albany
West Troy
Junction
Waterford
Mechanics ville
Stillwater Village
]!!'■. ckers Tiasiu
Wilburs Basin
Van Hi ii- ii- landing..
Schuylerville
Saratoga I'.ridge
Fori Uiller
Kil
Port Edward
I lei
- Basin
Smiths Basin
Landing
Whitehall
<o
^
S-2
fA
3-J
<U
,5 i
%>
^t
^
- =
$
0
0
71
7
7
r.4
0
7
64
25
3
10 '
61
55
8
18
53
4
22
49
2
•Jl
47
2
26
46
6
31
40
3
34
37
100
2
36
35
110
3
39
32
131
3
42
29
5
47
24
140
2
■to
22
150
1
50
21
5
55
16
4
59
12
4
63
8
8
71
0
96
Glens Falls Feeder.
Blacks.
Champlain Canal....
Sandy Hill
Glens Kail-
• ii,,. | ... ,|..r.
' is- Pond...
Stilt S from
place to jib ice.
0
2
3
Total 12
* This canal is supplied by Chenango River and 6 reservoirs,
viz..- — Moiii- n Brook, Woodmans Pond, Lelands Pond, Bradleys
Itnx.k. Ilai. h- Lake, and Eaton Brook Reservoirs,— all of which
are in the - nib pari of Madison co. The
to and up the valley of Oriskany Creek t" the sun mi it level, and
down th>- valley >.i Chenango River. It ws -and
flni»hed in 1837, al a cost of (1,787,? m Dtica to the
; feet by 7 rad fin in thence ii descends
ks to the Susquehanna. Of its 114 locka,2are
ider composite. Upon the feeders are 12
farm bridges.
CANALS.
CI
thage, on the line of Jefferson co. At Boonville the canal receives a navigable feeder 12 mi. long,
which derives its water from Black River. Length of main canal 3C.G2 mi., of feeders 12.48 mi.,
and of reservoirs 12.95 mi.1
Tlie Oneida Lake Canal2 connects the Erie Canal at Higginsvillo (3| mi.) with Wood
Creek, and by slackwater, 2£ mi. on that stream, with Oneida Lake, a total distance of 6 mi., and
a descent of 56 ft.
Tlie Oswego Canal, extending from Syracuse to Oswego, was authorized Nov. 20, 1824.
A loan of $100,000 was allowed April 20, 1825; it was begun in 1826, and was completed in 1828,
at a cost of $525, 115.3 It is 38 mi. long,and includes 19 mi. of slackwater navigation in Oswego
and Seneca Rivers, with a towing path on the e. bank. Connected with this work are the Oneida
River Improvement, extending the whole length of that stream from Three River Point
to Fort Brewerton, at the outlet of Oneida Lake ; the Seneca River Improvement, ex-
tending from Mud Lock, on the Oswego Canal, to Baldwinsville, by slackwater navigation ; and
Stations, Distances, and Elevations upon the Chenango Canal.
Places.
Utiea
Road leading from New Hart-
ford to Whitesboro
Clinton
Deansville
Oriskany Falls
Solsville
Bouckville
Pecks Basin
Hamilton
Lebanon Factory
Earlpville
Sherburne
North Norwich
Plastei-ville
Norwich
Oxford
Haynes Mill
Greene
Forks
Pond Brook
Port Crane
Crockers Mills
Binghamton
"S-2
"3 a.
3
6
5
5
3
2
2
4
2
4
5
4
2
4
9
10
4
8
2
5
1
7
•i>
^5
3
9
14
19
22
24
26
30
32
36
41
45
47
51
60
70
74
82
84
89
90
97
J- 3
l?5
97
94
88
83
78
75
73
71
67
65
61
56
52
50
46
37
27
23
15
13
8
7
0
427
572
775
956
1,109
1,128
1,112
1,078
1,033
1,01S
996
958
924
881
814
1 This canal was authorized April 19, 1836, and began the next
summer. The summit level is 693 feet above the canal at Rome,
to which it descends by 70 locks. Northward the canal descends
386 feet, by 39 locks. The feeder has but one level. The State
has caused reservoirs to be formed by damming the outlet of
Woodhull, Chub, North and South Branch, and other lakes in
Herkimer co. The Eight Lakes near the source of Moose River
are available as reservoirs to supply Black River with water,
withdrawn to feed the canal southward.
Table of the principal Lakes which are used or available as
reservoirs.
Lakes.
Chub Lake
Sand "
Mud "
Woodhull Lake.
South Branch...
North " ...
Jocks Lake
Moose "
First " ,
Second "
Third "
Fourth " ,
Fifth «
Sixth " ,
Seventh" ,
Eighth "
Area in
acres.
530
1,236
518
423
403
175
166
1,979
9
53
1,609
309
Feet above
tide.
1,599
1,793
1,799
1,854
2,019
1,821
2,188
1,772
1,684
1,684
1,684
1,687
1,691
1,760
1.762
1.776
In September, 1857, the Canal Board abandoned its plans for
improving the channel of Black River by wing-dams and piers,
and ordered a dam and lock to be built at the mouth of Otter
Creek. The river has no towing path, and boats are towed by
steamers. The State has built a dam and bridge at Carthage,
and the piers of two other bridges, of which the superstructure
is built by the towns.
Stations, Distances, and Elevations upon the Slack Eiver
Canal.
Places.
Rome
Ridge Mills
Lock No. 7
Walworth's Storehouse
Westernville
Wells Brook Aqueduct
Stringers Creek
Lansing Kil
Lock No. 31
Lansing Kil Dam or Feeder
Lower Falls, Lansing Kil
tipper Falls, Lansing Kil ...
Lock No. 70
Boonville
Sugar River
Little Falls, Black River
Port Leyden
Lock No. 97
Lyons Falls
g
-a &?
3 8
*4
1 s
2 I
5^
0
0
35
2
2
33
3
5
30
1
6
29
3
9
26
2
11
24
2
13
22
1
14
21
2
16
19
1
17
18
2
19
16
2
21
14
2
23
12
2
25
10
3
28
7
1
29
6
3
32
3
1
33
2
2
35
0
427
595
643
683
783
1.130 |
1,120
892
734
Boonville Feeder.
Hawkinsville, on Feeder 3 miles from Boonville.
A. Lee's, on " 5 " " "
R. B. Miller's, on " 6 " " "
State Dam, on " 10 " " "
Head of Reservoir 12 " " "
2 This canal was completed in the fall of 1835 by a company
incorporated March 22, 1S32, as the "Oneida Lake Canal Co."
The company having to use the waters of the Erie Canal from
the long level, were required to supply an equivalent amount.
A feeder was constructed 5 miles west, drawing its waters from
Oneida Creek. It is 2 miles long, and not navigable. The
company had authority to extend its improvements 4 miles up
Wood Creek, but nothing was ever done in that direction. By
an act of May 11, 1840, the Canal Commissioners were authorized
to purchase it at a cost not exceeding $50,000, winch was done
April 12, 1841, and State stock bearing 5 per cent, interest, and
redeemable in 10 years, was issued in payment. The first cost
of the canal and feeder was $78,824.S5.
This canal forms an important link in the internal water
communication of the State, extending navigation from the
Erie Canal to Oneida Lake, and by the Oneida Outlet to the
Oswego Canal and River. Before the Erie Canal was built the
Oneida Lake route was the great thoroughfare for the transporta-
tion of goods westward.
8 The act did not originally authorize a connection with the
Erie Canal, but only a communication with Onondaga Lake.
The connection was recommended by the commissioners in 1827.
and it was authorized soon after. This canal has a fall of 123
feet by 18 locks.
The Oneida River Improvement has 2 steamboat locks, one
of 3 and one of 3i feet lift, 120 feet long and 30 wide, passing
boats drawing 4 feet of water. It also has one dam and one
draw bridge at Oak Orchard and Brewerton.
62
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER,
thence by a canal three-fourths of a mile long, with one lift and one guard lock, and by slack-
water on the Seneca River to Jacks Reef.
fay ugra and Seneca Canal connects the Erie Canal at Montezuma with Cayuga Lake at
Cayuga and with Seneca Lake at Geneva. About half of the canal is formed by slackwater
navigation upon Seneca River, and the remainder is a channel parallel to the river. As enlarged,
this canal admits the passage of large boats from the Erie Canal to the head of Cayuga and Seneca
Lakes.1
Crooked Lake Canal connects Crooked Lake at Pcnn Tan with Seneca Lake at Dresden.2
Chemung Canal and Feeder connects Seneca Lake at Watkins with Chemung River
at Elmira, with a navigable feeder from Knoxville on Chemung River to Horseheads, on the
summit level of the Chemung Canal, including slackwater navigation from the dam and guard
lock at Gibson to Knoxville.8
Tlie Genesee Valley Canal extends from Rochester up the Genesee Valley to Olean
upon the Allegany. The summit level is 978 ft. above Rochester and 86 ft. above the Allegany
River, at Olean, and from it 97 locks descend toward the n. and 9 toward the s.4
<tU, Distances, and Bn-af'ons upon the Oswego Canal.
FLACE3.
-y ICON .
Salina
Liverpool
Mud Lock
• : rin_"
New Bridge
River Point.,
Lock
k
Fulton
Braddock'e Rapid...
Tiff.iny's Landing...
lli.-h Ram
£ a.
^3
3
11
•^ B,
0
0
38
2
2
36
3
6
33
2
7
31
1
8
30
5
13
25
2
15
23
2
17
21
3
20
18
3
23
15
4
27
11
4
31
7
4
35
3
1
36
2
2
38
0
400
368
358
345
306
243
Oneida River Improvement.
Places.
Three River Point..
Oak Orchard
Il ll"V
Bn werton
S. ruca Hirer Improvement.
Miles from
place to place.
0
4
4
7
5
20
Mud Lock
BaldwinsvDle.
J
Total.
18
ii and Seneca Canal— Stations and Distances.
Puck. ;"'''■
place tn place.
Montezuma
i River
mont'i
> PalU
Chamberlain'! Mills....
Lateral Canal I
Cayuga
Total.
23
The Seneca L«ck N Oo. wu Ine rp rated April 0.
for the pi the oath I i and
• Lakes; and the Cayuga and Seneca Canal Co. was char-
I AprD 20, 1816. [ta capital was Increased in
and in 1817 a further r.i|] ut. upon the • riglna] stock
was authorised, fndndlng a llki lymonton
by the State. Ti< ming this work by the
State was approved In 1826, and the interest of tb mpany was
purchased for 133,867.18, excl -■•■■ at the amotml owned by the
State. The work was begun iu 1826, and finished in 1828," at a
cost of $214,000. The inlet to Cayuga Lake is navigable li
miles to Ithaca. The locks of this canal aro all enlarged, ex-
cepting one at Chamberlain's Dam, which will be dispensed
with so as to include the distance from Seneca Falls to Waterloo
in one level. The descent from Geneva to Montezuma is 74 feet
by 12 locks.
2 The survey of this canal was authorized by the Legislature
in 1828. The canal was ordered to be built by an act of April
11, 1829. It was begun in 1830 and finished in 1S33. It has a
descent of 2C9 feet by 27 locks. It extends water communica-
tion to the various ports upon Crooked Lake.
Crooked Lalce Canal — Stations and Distances.
Puces Miles from
■^LACES- place to place.
Dresden 0
Mallory's
Andrews and Ways 2
Penn Yan 2
Crooked Lake 1
Total..
3 This canal was authorized April 15, 1S29, and its construc-
tion was begun in that year and finished in 1S33. The total
lockages on both the canal and feeder are 516 feet by 53 locks, and
the original cost was $344,000. From Cornhig. the Blossburg &
Corning R.R. ascends into the bituminous coal region of Tioga
co., Penn., and this article forms a very important item in the.
business of the canal. It also communicates with the Erie
R. R. The Junction Canal, a privata enterprise connecting the
Chemung Canal at Elmira with tho North Branch Canal of
Penn. at Athens, 19 mi. 8., promises to become an important
tributary I" the trad.' of this mini l.y opening access to the
coal region. The diversion of Chemung River into our canals
has boon made a subject of complaint and remonstrajice by the
State of Penn. Plans have been proposed for using Mnd Lake,
(459 acres) and Little Lake. (Ton; acres.) in Tyrone, as reser-
voirs to relieve this canal from the inconvenience felt in dry
seasons from low water.
Chemung Canal and Feeder — Stations and Distances.
Feeder.
PLACE8. J1I1.ES.
Horseheads 0
Miller's basin 7
ham at bead of Feeder.. 7
Knoxville 2
PUCES. MILES
i Lake 0
Havana 4
Millport 8
ii irsi heads 7
Elmira fi
Knoxville 22
Total.
47
Total 16
* This canal was authorized by act of May 8, 1836, and was
begun the same year. The portion from the Junction to
Rochi ter and the Dansvllle side-cut, in all 52 miles, u:is
finished InlM": to Oraniol. :>.0 miles further, with the fieni ■ ■
Feeder at thai place, in 1861; to Bel&st, 2 miles, in 1863; to
Rockvule.3 mil' -. in 1864, and to Olean, 24 miles, in 1866. A
lie mile, With 2 lift locks and 2 bridges, still remains
to be finished.
Ihfl repairs of the first and second sections of this canal were
nut under contract for five years in Dec. 1855. the former for
(8,440 and the latter for fliyino j»t annum. In consequence
of heavy freshets and unexpected damages, the contractor on
the lir-i section abandoned his contract In June, ls.YT.
An net passed, ls;,7. authorized the extension of this canal
from Otean eastward acro°s Olean Creek and the bottom lands
along the H. bank of the Allegany to its entrance into Mill Grove
Pond, C.62 miles.
CANALS.
63
Besides the foregoing navigable improvements by the State, the following have been placed
under the direction of the Canal Commissioner for construction :
The Owasco Lake Improvement, ordered in 1852, and designed to make this lake a
reservoir for supplying a water power for the machinery in Auburn State Prison.1
The draining' of Cayuga Marshes, for reclaiming a large amount of land, estimated
at 40,000 acres, at the outlet of Cayuga Lake and along Seneca River. By an act of April 12,
1853, the channel of the river was ordered to be lowered, and the lands benefitted to be taxed for
the expense. Surveys have been made and the work partly accomplished under the direction of
the Canal Commissioners.2
Several companies have been incorporated for the purpose of constructing navigable canals, but,
with two or three exceptions, none of these have at present a corporate existence.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal, extending from Rondouton the Hudson to Hones-
dale, Penn., is the most important of these. It is connected with the Lackawanna coal region by a
r. r. 16 mi. long, and is one of the principal routes by which coal is brought to the market upon
the Hudson.3
Stations, Distances, and Elevations upon the Genesee Valley Canal.
Places.
Rochester
Rapids (Lock No. 1) ,
Tone's Basin
Scottsville
Canawaugus (Avon road)
Sackett's Basin
Fowlerville Road
Barclay's Mill
Piffardinm -
Spencer'-s Basin
Tracy's Basin
Cuylerville - -..
Leicester, Moscow Landing
Genesee River Dam
Mount Morris
Shaker Settlement
Brushville -
Nunda
Messenger's Hollow
Genesee Falls (Tunnel section)
Porta geville ,
Lock No. 61
Mixville Landing, Wiscoy Feeder.
Fillmore
Burrville
Caneadea Center
Oramel
Belfast
Rockvillo
Caseville
Black Creek Corners
Cuba
Ischua Feeder
Hinsdale
Olean ,
o
2
8
12
20
22
24
26
29
30
32
33
34
36
37
41
46
51
53
57
59
64
65
69
75
76
78
80
83
84
88
93
99
100
107
"S ■
107
105
99
95
87
85
83
81
78
77
75
74
73
71
70
66
61
56
54
50
48
43
42
38
32
31
29
27
24
23
19
14
8
7
0
33
507
537
557
564
589
600
796
947
1,132
1,152
1,222
1,315
1,410
1,4S5
1,399
Dansville Branch.
Places.
Shaker Settlement....
Fitzhugh's Basin
Kysorvillo
Rock Spring
Sherwoods Landing-
Steam Sawmill
McNairs Landing
Woodville
Commonsville
Dansville
Miles from
place to place.
0
Total .
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
11
1 This work was 2 years in charge of the Agent of the State
Prison and the Mayor of Auburn, but in 1855 it was placed in
the hands of the Canal Commissioners. The work, up to 1857,
was greatly injured by a Spring flood. From 1852 to 1S57 in-
clusive, $33,485 had been appropriated for this work.
2 In 1824, and several times afterward, the drainage of these
marshes was made the subject of legislative enactment, but
without other results than surveys. A concise history of this
movement is given in Senate Doc. 35. 1853. The work was
placed in 1853 under the direction of George Geddes, and up to
1858, $175,000 had been appropriated and mostly expended. —
Report Canal Commissioners, 1858, p. 110.
3 The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company was incorporated
April 23, 1823, with a capital of $1,500,000, with the right of
using $50,000 in banking until 1844. The credit of the State
was loaned for $800,000, in stock, bearing interest of 4£ or 5 per
cent. The canal was begun in July, 1825, and opened for nee in
Oct. 1828. Its length from Rondout to Port Jervis, on the Dela-
ware, is 59 miles; and from Port Jervis, up the Delaware to the
mouth of the Lakawaxen, 24 miles. It crosses the river at the
latter place, and extends 20 miles further to Honesdale. Its
highest summit between the Hudson and Delaware Rivera is 585
feet above tide. Its descent to the Delaware is 80 feet ; its rise
along the Delaware is 148 feet: and it.s rise between the Delaware
and Honesdale 187 feet. The aggregate number of hicks is 107,
and the total rise and fall is 950 feet. The railroad to the coal
mines is also owned by the Canal Company. The original cost
of the New York section of the canal was $1,424,994, and of the
Penn. section $612,123. The company own most of the beats
used upon the canal, and conduct tho mining operations at Car-
bondale. Present capital, $7,500,000. The canal was originally
constructed to afford 4 feet of depth, and to accommodate boats
of 30 tons. In Sept., 1842, a plan of enlargement was adopted,
and 5 feet of water was obtained, accommodating boats of 40 tons
each. In 1S51 a further enlargement was completed, obtaining
6 feet of water, and accommodating boats of 120 tons. The
locks are now constructed with a single gate at the upper end,
which turns down upon hinges like a door. It is found to be
very serviceable, and much quicker to operate than the double
gate.
Annual Receipts of Tolls on the Delaware and Hudson Canal
since its completion.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
$16,422,44
20,554,64
28,717,51
37,004,58
36,946.07
41,154.73
45,154.73
44,832.42
40,328.38
40,095.26
35,450.46
39.38S.19
33,894.93
30,996.53
33,525.61
1845
1846
1847
1848
1849
1850
1S51
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857.
1858
$25,880
26,068
38,971
46.54S
34,817
97.999
158.441
293,174
378,479
587.349
652,362
583.737
435.19S
.92
65
.34
54
95
15
.96
.67
.83
.52
94
86
44
64
NEW YOKE STATE GAZETTEER.
Distances on the Delaware and Hudson Canal.
Names of Places.
Eddyville
Greenkill
Hornbeck's Bridge
Head of Pond
uburgh's Basin.
he Fever's Falls
Bosendale
Lawrence's Mills
Marble Quarries
High Falls
Hasbrouck's Basin
Philip Hasbrouck's
Clove Church
Alligerville
John S. Depuy'e Basin....
Enoch Freiland's
Stony Hill Aqueduct
Port Jackson
David V. DO v's
c. P. Hornl • k*s
M on lit Bin Brook
Middleport
Rniyn's Basin
Port Uv\- m.
Port Benjamin
Heirstard's 1 ! r i ■ 1 ^e
Southwick's Brick Yard.
Terwilliger's Feeder
Kll'-nvilk-
Cutler's Basin
Broadhead'tt Brickhill
Jared i: i r. he's
l'.-nn.v- Basin ,
■ ]_-•'
Phillipspoii
Daw — summit Level
lurgh
nse in Swamp
Smith - - imp
Qumare's Brook
Wnrtsboro'
-
"!?.,
No. 1
to
4
5
6
7
8 and 9
10 and 11
12 to 19
20 and 21
22
23
24
26
2S
29 and 30
31 and 32
33
24
35 and 36
37 and 38
39 to 41
42 to 51
52 to 54
1«
Miles from
0
108
1
107
2
106
3
105
4
104
5
103
6
102
7
101
8
100
9
99
10
98
11
97
12
96
13
95
14
94
15
93
16
92
17
91
18
90
19
89
20
88
21
87
22
86
23
85
24
84
25
83
26
82
27
81
28
80
29
79
30
78
31
77
32
76
33
75
34
74
35
73
36
72
37
71
38
70
39
69
40
68
41
67
Names of Places.
Graham's Basin
Manerza Smith's
Brown Haven ,
Oak Brook Aqueduct
Indian Spring
Tunnel Hill
AVcstbrookville
Samuel Staunten's
Van Inweigen's Basin
Cuddebackville
Neversink Aqueduct
Piersonville
Solomon Van Etten's Bridge
Canal Store
Hornbeck's Culvert
Bird's Nest Hock
Stop Gate— Pine Woods
Benjamin Cuddeback's ,
Port Jervis
Stop Gate — Westfall's Basin.
Sparrow Bush Brook
Honesville
Bolton
Butler's Falls
Mongaup
Dickerson's Eddy
Stairway Brook
Vanaukin's Bridge
Fish Cabin Brook
Tucker's Aqueduct
Pond Eddy
Van Tuyl's Brook
Van Tuyl's Basin
Craigsville
Buttermilk Falls
Handsome Eddy
David Johnston's
Barrysville
Panther Brook
Beaver Brook
Stop Lock
Delaware Dam
V
§1
55 to 59
60
61
62 and 63
64
65
66
67
68
69 and 70
""h
72 and 73
G'nd L'k.
SI
§1
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
SO
81
82
83
§,3
66
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
Table of Companies ichich have been organized for Constructing Canals and Extending Navigation
in the State.
Names op Cabals.
Date of
Organization.
Capital.
Allegany I - .water Na-
Auburn < .in ii and T:. R. Oo
Auburn & Owasco Canal Co
ft Penn.
i n Co.
Bin.
Oassa i Co
Cattatunk Dock Navigation Co..
1 ' iri.il Co.,
CliitU i
tr- A- Susquehanna Na-
r Na-
mes Bay A East Hirer
I 0
Harlem Canal fo
II idem BJvet Canal Co-
Hudson River A Channel Co.....
Jefferson Connty Canal 0
Junction i
April 7, 1857
April 24, 1832
April 21,1828
April 9, 1855
March 20, 1828
April 5, 1810
April 16,1827
March 8,1816
April 20,1816
May 12,1846
Man ll 1, 1818
April
April
April
April
April
20,1825
23, 1820
24,1837
11. 1- It
16, 1827
April 4,1806
April
April
I'l. 1828
r-v\ 'i
150.000
100,000
100,000
400,000
10.000
20,000
70,000
6,000
5-000
600,000
3,600
300,000
100,000
Connections.
Auburn and Erie Canal
Auburn and Owasco Lake
Erie Canal and Black River
Brownville and Lake Ontario....
Montezuma and Seneca Lake....
Bingbamton to Btate line
Chittenango Village and Brie
Canal.
are and Susquehanna
Itivcr.
City of Brooklyn may causo to
lif constructed.
Lake and Lower Bridge at
Cliamplain.
Champlain Canal and Bishops
• '..rners.
Bast River and Manhattanville.
Bpnyten Dnyrfl Creek and Har-
lem River.
For raft navigation on upper
water.
Carthage and Sackcta Harbor....
From Brie Canal near Cham-
plain Junction to HudSOD
Kivcr.
Remarks
To improve Allegany Biver be-
low Olean.
Nothing dona
Charter renewed in 1S34; not
finished.
Act amended in 1857.
Nol I Ting done.
Not constructed.
TuiiiiproveOissudaga Creek; not
completed.
To improve Cattatuuk Creek
fi "in its mouth to N. Vf.
branch. Nothing done.
Rights purchased by the State.
Nothing done.
Assumed by the State, and used
as a navigable feeder to Erie
i anal.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Partially improved.
Nothing done.
Partly done and abandoned.
Surveyed but Dot constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
CANALS.
65
Table of Companies which have been organized for Constructing Canals and Extending Navigation
in the State, continued.
Names of Canals.
Date of
Organization.
Capital.
Connection.
Remarks.
Long Island Canal & Naviga-
tion Co.
Mohawk & Hudson Lock
Navigation Co.
Northern Inland Lock Naviga-
tion Co.
Northern Slackwater & RaU-
way Co.
May 11, 1845
AprU 15,1828
April 8, 1848
AprU 15,1828
AprU 17,1816
AprU 16,1816
AprU 19, 1823
AprU 5, 1798
March 30, 1792
May 13, 1846
March 22, 1832
Nov. 25, 1824
March 31, 1821
April 11,1825
AprU 25, 1831
May 1, 1829
AprU 8, 1808
March 26, 1831
AprU 1, 1808
May 16, 1837
AprU 30, 1S29
AprU 6, 1813
March 31, 1815
March 19, 1829
From Chemung Canal at Elmira
to State line to connect with
North Branch Canal.
To connect Bays on 8. side and
to cross Canoe Place to Peco-
nic Bay.
Completed in 1858.
Nothing done but survey.
Nothing done.
State Canal Feeder.
Nothing done.
The project failed. The State
loaned its credit for $10,000
and lost the whole sum.
Surveyed nearly on the present
line of the Hudson R. R.
Nothing done.
Work commenced but no part
completed.
Nothing done.
Finished in 1835, and purchased
by the State in 1841.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
The right granted in 1828 to
build a e. r. on the line.
Nothing done on either.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Railroad only constructed.
Locks completed but too smaU
for general use.
Never completed.
Merged in Cayuga & Seneca
Canal.
Nothing done.
Partly constructed, but never
used.
$200,000
300,000
50,000
500,000
50,000
Erie Canal and Manlius Slack-
water Navigation.
Cohoes Falls and Schenectady...
From Sharon, Conn., to tide
water to any point on the
Hudson or in the City of
New York.
Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
Hudson River and Lake Cham-
plain.
40,000
100,000
Erie Canal and Onondaga
Hollow.
Canandaigua Lake and Erie
Canal.
From Columbia, on the Dela-
ware, through Orange co., to
the Hudson.
From the St. Lawrence to Black
Lake and Canton.
Owasco Lake and Erie Canal
To construct Locks and Dams
in Peconlc River.
For building Locks at Isle an
Rapid.
Lake Ontario and Port Ontario..
Scottsville and Genesee River.
For improving navigation
between Seneca and Cayuga
Lakes.
From Seneca Lake to Chemung
River near Elmira.
From Seneca River or Canan-
daigua outlet to Great Sodus
Bay.
From river to Chenango Canal.
Wallabout Bay and TUlory St.
Brooklyn.
Wallabout Bay to Kent Avenue,
Brooklyn.
To open navigation on the Mo-
hawk, Wood Creek, Oneida,
and Oswego Rivers to Lake
Ontario.
Orange & Sussex Canal Co »
Pecouic River Lock Navigation
Co.
Rochester Canal & R. R. Co
Salmon River Harbor Canal Co..
Seneca & Susquehanna Lock
Navigation Co.
150,000
30,000
350,000
15.000
50,000
300,000
200,000
Wallabout Canal Co
Western Inland Lock Naviga-
tion Co.
May 20, 1836
April 9, 1828
AprU 18,1838
March 30, 1792
20,000
25,000
Not constructed.
Completed to Oneida Lake in
1797. The rights were after-
ward vested in the State,
and such as were avaUable
were used for the Erie Canal.
RAIL ROADS.
The first rail road in the State, and the second in the U. S., was opened from Albany to
Schenectady in 1831. Although rudely constructed, at great and much needless expense, the
advantages of this means of communication became so apparent that within 3 years rail roads,
duly chartered by law, were projected in every part of the State.1 These early grants were gene-
rally limited to 50 years, and work was required to be commenced within 3 years, the State being
allowed to become purchaser at the expiration of the charter. The charters contained the neces-
sary provisions for the taking of property by appraisements, named the commissioners for opening
subscriptions, and sometimes for locating and surveying the road, which in a few instances was
done at the expense of the State.
At an early period the aid of the General Government was solicited, in view of the utility of these
roads in the transportation of the mails, and, in case of war, of military supplies ; but, with the
exception of surveys made in two instances, no aid was obtained from this source. The State has
1 Albany, Vermont, &, Canada Rail Road, for-
merly the Albany Northern R. R. Company organized
Feb. 12, 1851. Connects Albany and Eagle Bridge. Road
opened through about the 1st of July, 1853. It was sold
under foreclosure of mortgage Oct. 16, 1856, and assumed
its present name Nov. 7, following.
Albany, Vermont, and Canada Hail Road.
Stations and Distances.
Stations.
Albany
Cemetery...
West Troy
Cohoes
Waterford
Saratoga Junction.
Schaghticoke
Pittstown
Johnsonville
liu-kirks
Eagle Bridge
Distances in" Mi
Between
From
Stations.
Albany.
0
0
4
4
2
6
3
9
2
11
1
12
10
22
1
23
3
26
5
31
2
33
From
EagURdg.
33
29
27
24
22
21
11
10
7
2
0
Albany <fc AVcst Stockbrldge Rail Road, for-
merly Oaatleton <t West Stockbridgo R. R. Company or-
ied April 19, 1830, but nothing was dune under the first
name. Present Dame assumed Mav 5, 1836. Road opened
from Orocnbueh to « 'hat ham Dec. 21, 1841, and to the State
line Bept 12, 1MJ. It was leased to the Western (Mass.)
R. R. Not. 1*. 1841, for the term of its charter; and has
since been u a part of that road, Including the
ferry at Albany. The city of Albany, at different times,
issued its bonds f r fLO0O,00O, to aid in building the road,
t)i- lessees paying the intep-.it and flu. mm annually toward
the sinking fund. It connects Albany with Springfield and
Boston.
W'Mcrn Had Road.
Stations and Distances.
Bub ••<-.
Albany
Qreenooib
Schnd.u-k
Undertook — - -■■
Chathim Center
Chatham fan Corners.
East Chatham.-
Canaan
State Line.- -••
Pittsfield, Mass.
Springfield, "
Worcester, "
Boston, "
DmAxem IN Ml
Between
From
Motions.
All/any.
0
0
1
1
7
8
8
16
a
19
4
23
6
28
5
88
6
38
11
49
63
102
54
156
44
:■■<
From
Boston.
2m
199
l'<j
1-1
1<>1
177
172
167
I'J
l.'.l
98
44
0
Atlantic &. Great Western Rail Road Co. was
formed Dec. 9, 1S58. The Hne extendi from th<- New York
A Erie R, R, at Little Vulhy to the s. line of Chautauque
county.
60
Attica <£• Hornellsvitte Rail Road. Company incorporated May
14, 1S45 : capital $750,000. Time extended April 11, 1849.
Other roads allowed to take stock April 9, 1851. Capital in-
creased and company allowed to purchase the Buffalo A
Rochester R. R., from Attica to Buffalo, and to change its
name March 3, 1851. Name changed to Buffalo & New
York City It. R., April 16, 1S51.
Black River & Utica Rail Road. Company
formed Jan. 29, 1S53. Road opened to Trenton Jan. 1, 1855,
and to Boonville Dec. 18, 1855. The city of Utica has is-
sued its bonds for $250,000, to aid in the construction of the
road. It is designed to connect Utica and Clayton.
Black River <£- Vtica Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Utica
Marcy
Floyd Road
StittsviUe
Holland Patent.-...
Trenton.-
Trenton Falls
Prospect _
Remsen
Alder Creek
Boonville
Distances in Miles.
Between
From
From.
Stations.
Utica.
Boonville.
0
0
35
6
6
29
2
8
27
2
10
25
2
12
23
4
16
19
li
17}
171
l
18$
16*
2J
21
14
7
28
7
7
35
0
Blossbnrg &. Corning Rail Road, formerly the
Coniin.' ,v Blossburg It. li.. and previously the Tioga Coal,
Iron Mining, & Manufacturing Co. R. R. Was leased for a
term of years to the Tioga (Pa.) it. R. Co. In lvi4 it was
sold for $250,000, subject to a mortgage of $245,000 and a
ten yars lease to the Tioga Co. It is operated at present
by the lessees.
Blossburg and Corning Railroad.
Stations.
Corning
Erwln Center..
Lindley Town
Blossburg
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
From
Crjrning.
41
From
Blossburg.
41
Brooklyn City Rnll Road. Company formed Dec. 16,
1 s.'.:'.. Opened as follows :
Flashing Avenue Route. Fulton St. to Throop
Avenue in July, 1854
Fulton Avenue Route. Ferry to Washington
Avenue in July. 1854
Myrtle Avenue Route. Fulton St. to Nortram
Avenue in July, 1854
Greenwood Routo. Fulton St. toGowanus Creek
it, Aug. 1854
Washington Avenue to Brooklyn Avenue in Sept. 1854
Kent Avenue to Bushwick Creek in Oct. 1854
(Jowanns Creek to 36th St. in Nov. 1854
Nortram Avenue to Division Avenue In Nov. 1854
RAIL ROADS.
67
upon several occasions loaned its credit to r. r. companies by issuing stock and retaining a lien
upon the roads, which in some cases was afterward relinquished, and in others sacrificed by sale
at nominal prices.
Throop Avenue to Division^A venue in April, 1S55
Hamilton Avenue Route, Court St. to Ferry in May, 1855
This road is used for passengers only, and
horse power is exclusively employed.
36th St. to City Line July, 1855
Bnshwick Creek to Kent St. in Oct. 1855
Kent St. to Furman St. in Dec. 1855
City Line to Yellow Hookland in July> 1856
Brooklyn &. Jamaica Rail Road. Company formed
April 25, 1832. In 1836 the road was leased to the Long
Island R. R. Co. for the term of its charter. The lessees
built a tunnel 2.550 feet long under Atlantic St., bought
access to the river, erected buildings and docks at a cost of
over $300,000, and have since maintained and operated the
road in connection with the Long Island R. R., of which it
is virtually a part.
Buffalo, Bradford, <fc Pittsburgh Rail Road
Co. was formed 1859, by the consolidation of the
Buffalo & Bradford and Buffalo & Pittsburgh R. R's.
Buffalo &New York City Rail Road, formerly Attica & Hornells-
ville R. R. Articles filed Jan. 22, 1851. 31 mi. sold to Buf-
falo, New York, & Erie R. R. Oct. 31, 1857, and name
changed to
Buffalo, New York, & Erie Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Buffalo & Corning.
Buffalo
Junction ,
Lancaster
Town Line
Alden
Darien
Attica
Alexander
Batavia
Stafford
Le Roy
Caledonia
Avon
Hamiltons
Livonia
South Livonia
Conesus
Springwater ,
Wayland
Bloods
Liberty
Wallaces
Avoca
Kanona
Bath
Savona
Campbell
Curtis
Coopers ,
Painted Post
Corning
New York
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
1
9.45
4.05
4.95
5.47
6.14
3.40
7.20
5.60
4.32
7.31
6.93
9.05
2.56
3.64
3.71
6.65
4.76
5.91
4.36
4.87
2.88
3.64
3.77
6.15
4.71
1.67
2.60
3.22
1.60
From
Buffalo.
0
1
10.45
14.5
19.45
24.92
31.06
34.46
41.66
47.26
51.58
58.89
65.S2
74.87
77.43
81.07
84.78
91.43
96.19
102.1
106.46
111.33
114.21
117. So
121.62
127.77
132.48
134.15
136.75
139.97
141.57
From
Corning.
141.57
140.57
131.12
127.07
122.12
116.65
110.51
107.11
99.91
94.31
89.99
82.68
75.75
66.7
64.14
60.5
56.79
50.14
45.38
39.47
35.11
30.24
27.36
23.72
19.95
13.8
9.09
7.42
4.82
1.6
0
432.63 I 291.06
Rochester Division.
Rochester ..
Henrietta..
Scottsville .
Rush
Avon ,
0
8.45
3.27
2.27
4.26
From
Rochester.
0
8.45
11.72
13.99
18.25
From
Avon.
18.25
9.8
6.53
4.26
0
Hornellsville Division.
Attica
Linden
Middlebury
Warsaw
Gainesville
Castile
Portage
Hunts Hollow .
Nunda
Swainville
Canaseraga
Burns
Hornellsville ...
0
6.87
4.33
5.78
6.77
2.76
3.61
4.07
2.07
7.17
4.43
4.10
8.30
From
Attica.
0
6.87
11.2
16.98
23.75
26.51
30.12
34.19
36.26
43.43
47.86
51.96
60.26
From
Hornells-
ville.
60.26
53.39
49.06
43.28
36.51
33.75
30.14
26.07
24
16.S3
12.4
8.3
0
Buffalo <£ State Line Rail Road. Company formed June 6,
1849. Road opened from Dunkirk to the State Line Jan. 1,
1852, and to Buffalo Feb. 22 following. The Company pur-
chased the North East (Penn.) R. R. under act of April 13,
1857, and now form one company from Buffalo to Erie, Penu.
It is now operated under the name of
Buffalo and Erie Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Buffalo
Hamburg
IS Mile Creek .
Evans Center..
Saw Mill
Irving
Silver Creek....
Dunkirk
Salem
Portland
Westfield
Ripley
Quiucy
State Line
Erie, Penn
Distances in Miles.
Between
From
From
Stations.
Buffalo.
Erie,Ptnn.
0
0
88
10
10
78
5
15
73
6
21
67
5
26
62
3
29
59
2
31
57
7
40
48
8
48
40
2
50
38
7
57
31
5
62
26
3
65
23
3
68
20
20
88
0
Canandaigua <£■ Corning Rail Road. Company incorporated May
11, 1845; capital $1,600,000 Time extended April 15, 1847,
and again March 24, 1849. Surveys were begun June, 1845,
and the construction in Aug. 1S50. Road opened from
Canandaigua to " Jefferson" (now Watkins) 46170% mi., Sept.
15, 1851, the New York & Erie R. R. furnishing engines, cars,
Ac, for a specific rate per mile. The road was allowed to con-
nect with the Chemung R. R. at Jefferson, and to change
name Sept. 11, 1852, to Canandaigua and Elmira R. R.
Canandaigua <b Elmira Rail Road, changed from Canandaigua
& Corning R. R. Sept. 11, 1852. Leased the Chemung R. R.
17l3(f0 mi. and 4 mi. of Erie R. R. Sold to parties in Elmira.
Penn Yan, and Providence. R. I. April 23, 1S57, and possession
given May 1. Price $35,000, subject to $500,000 due bond-
holders, and name changed to the Elmira, Canandaigua, <fc
Niagara Falls R.R. the next day.
Canandaigua ^Niagara Falls Rail Road. Companv incorporated
Dec. 10, 1850; capital $1,000,000. Road opened to Batavia,
50 mi., Jan. 1, 1853, to Niagara Falls 47 mi. July 1, 1S53, and
to Suspension Bridge 1£ mi. April 1, 1854. Sold March 22,
1857, to Jas. M. Brown and others, and name changed to
Niagara Bridge & Canandaigua R. R. Now leased and run
by New York Central R. R.
Cayuga <fc Susquehanna Rail Road, formerly
the Ithaca & Owego R. R., was chartered Jan. 28, 182S, — the
second R.R. charter granted in the State. The road was opened
in April, 1834. An inclined plane at Ithaca rose 1 foot in
4120s0 ft. and stationary steam power was used for drawing
up the ears. Above this was another inclined plane, that
rose one foot in 21 ft., on which horse power was used. The
road was subsequently sold by the Comptroller on stock
issued by the State, on which the company had failed to pay
interest. A new company was organized and the present
name assumed April 18, 1843; the road was reconstructed,
the inclined planes were done away with, and Jan. 1. 1855, it
was leased to the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western R R.
Co., and is operated by them as the Cayuga Division. This
is an important route from the coal mines of Penn., and coal
forms the principal item of business.
Delaivare, Lackawanna and Western Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Ithaca Pier..
Ithaca
Pugslevs
Willseyville
Candor
Catatunk....
Owego
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
From
Ithaca
Pier.
From,
Owego.
0
0
35
2
2
33
13
15
20
6
21
14
4
25
10
6
31
4
4
35
0
Champlain &, St. Lawrence Rail Road. Com-
pany formed Feb. 26, 1851. The Road extends from Rouses
Point to the Canada line 2i miles, and is leased to a road in
Canada of the same name, which extends to St. Johns and
La Prairie opposite Montreal.
68
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
By resolution of Assembly of Feb. 2, 1843, r. r. companies were required to report annually to
the Secretary of State; and by an act of April 11, 1849, to the State Engineer and Surveyor; a
Chcmnng Rail Road. Company formed Ma}- 14. 1845.
The road extends from Watkins, at the head of Seneca
Lake, to the New York & Erie R. R., 4 mi. N. W. of Elmim.
It was opened in Dec. 1S49: leased to the New York & Erie
R. R. Co. for ten years from Jan. 1, 1S50, for $36,000 per an-
num : and sub-let to the Canandaigua and Elmira R. R.Co.,
for the same. It is now operated by the New York k Erie
R. R. Co.
Chemung Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Jefferson (Watkins)
Havana
Groton Corners
Millport
Pine Valley
Horseheads
Junction -
Elmira
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
3.2
3.7
2
2.8
4.4
1.2
4.3
From
Watkins.
0
3.2
6.9
8.9
11.7
16.1
17.3
21.6
From
Elmira.
21.6
13.4
14.7
12.7
9.9
5.5
4.3
0
Elmira, Canandaigua <t Xiagara Falls Rail Road. Changed
from Canandaigua A Niagara Falls R. R. April 24, 1857.
The name was changed to
^Imira, Jefferson &< Canandaigua Rail
Road Co. Feb. 18, 1S59. The road is now leased and
run by the New York & Erie R. R. Co.
Elmira. Jefferson <£■ Canandaigua Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Canandaigua
Ilopewell
(iorham
Halls Comers ,
Bellona
Benton Orator
l'enn Yan
Milo Center
Hirnrf-I-
im
'.-•■am
Jefferson (Watkins)
Elmira
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
From
Canan-
daigua.
0
6.4
5.3
2.8
3.8
1.9
4
4.1
3.6
3.9
2.6
1.9
6.6
21.6
0
6.4
11.7
14.5
18.3
20.2
24.2
28.3
31.9
35.8
3S.4
4" i.3
46.9
68.5
From
Watlcins,
(Jefferson
Station.)
46.9
40.5
35.2
32.4
28.6
26.7
22.7
18.6
15
11.1
8.5
21.6
Flushing Rail Road. Company formed Feb. 24, 1852.
1 Jane '-'•'•. 1854. The road exti-uds fnni Flushing to
Hunters < r<- k,and the Co. runs a steamer to Fulton street,
few Y.rk.
FUuhing Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
N*w Y..rk«
' N Point
Penny Bridge
Wlnillold
N<-wtown
National Race Couree.
Flushing
Djst\N' f.-i iv Miles.
riftvrtn
From
From
Station*.
Xew York.
Flush ing.
0
0
12
4
4
8
1
5
7
3]
7i
4*
1
8*
31
«
10
2
2
12
0
• By steamboat between New York and Hunfrs Point.
r-Hle dhCbld Sprina Branch Rail Rnad. Company fanned
June 28, 1861, tod organ u 1 Nor. ::. 1863. n,.. r,,:,d was
to extend from Hick«villo to Cold Spring Harbor. It was
opened to Syosset, July 8, 1864. Nothing I. - ben done
beyond there. It has been leased to the Long Island R. R.
0»., and is operated by them.
Hudson & Boston Rail Road. Company allowed
to organize Feb. 22, 1855 ; the organization took place Dec.
1, 1855. The company own and operate the road from Hud-
son to Chatham Four Corners, with a leased right to West
Stockbridge.
Hudson & Boston Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Distances in Miles.
Stations.
Between
Stations.
From
Hudson.
From
Chatham
4 Corners.
0
1
3
5
3
3
2
0
1
4
9
12
15
17
17
16
13
8
5
2
0
Claverack
Ghent
Hudson River Rail Road. Company formed May
12, 1846. Opened from New York to Peckskill Sept. 29,
1849 ; to Hamburgh, Dec. 6, 1849 ; to Poughkeepsie. Dec. 31,
1S49; from Albany to Hudson, June 16, 1851; to Tivoli,
Aug. 4 ; and through, Oct. 1, 1851. The road extends from
Albany to New York, along the east bank of the river. It
has tunnels of 226, 60, 70, 358, 600, 518, 835, 124, 145, and
82 feet; in the whole S,018 feet.
Hudson River Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Chambers Street, N.Y..
31st Street
52d Street
Burnhams
Strykers Bay
Manhattan
152d Street
F'ort Washington
Tubby Hook
Spuyten Duyvil
Kiverdale
Ebnkera
Gleuwood
Hastings
Dobb's Ferry
Irvington ,
Tarry town
Scarborough
Sing Sing
Croton
Crugers
Verplancks
PeekakOl
Fort Montgomery
I. .11 ri-..n-
Cold Spring
Cornwall
Fiahkil]
Oarthage
New ll.'iini'iirgli
Milton Firry
PougbkeopMe
II Park
Staatebnrgb
Rhinebeck
Barrytown
Tivoli
Qermantown
Oak Mill
Hudson
Btockport
U k\>-
Stoyveeant
Schodiick
ton
East Albany
Troy
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
2*
1
1
li
1*
1
1*
li
*
1*
*
3i
2
21
41
H
31
31
1*
2
3*
41
21
21
31
31
21
41
4
6
4
51
51
4
4*
51
6*
5
21
2j
6*
31
7*
From
New York.
31
41
51
71
81
10
in
121
14
16*
17
21 1 J
21*
23*
261
301
32
351
38*
4" J
421
461
51
53i
561
59*
631
65*
701
741
SO*
841
90
951
991
1041
1091
11.51
120*
1224
1251
132
1861
143i
From
Albany.
149i
1431
141
140
139
137*
130
135
1331
132
1311
129i
1271
1261
123
121 J
1TJ*
1171
113
llli
108*
104*
103
101
971
921
90
S71
83*
801
77*
731
691
631
591
531
4s
44
80}
34
2S*
231
201
184
Hi
7*
0
RAIL ROADS.
03
custom that has since been continued, except during the short period in which the office of R. R.
Commissioners was in existence. This Board was created April 14, 1855, and abolished April 16,
1857. The expenses of the State Engineer and Surveyor's office chargeable to rail roads are assessed
upon the several companies in proportion to their earnings. The general act to authorize the for-
mation of R. R. companies was passed March 27, 1848. There are at present within the State 2,554 J
mi. of R. R., besides double tracks and turn outs. The rail roads give employment to about 18,000
Long Island Rail Road. Company organized June 15,
1835. Opened through in July, 1844. The road extends
from Brooklyn to Greenport; $100,000 in State stocks was
issued to aid in the construction. The company have leased
the Brooklyn & Jamaica and the Hicksville & Cold Spring
Branch K. Koads, which they operate as a part of this road.
Long Island RaU Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
South Ferry «...
Bedford „.
East New York
Cypress Avenue
Union Course
Woodhaven
Jamaica
Willow Tree
Queens (Brushville)
Hyde Park
Hempstead Branch.
Hempstead
Westbury
Hicksville
Syosset
Jerusalem
Farmingdale
Deer Park
Thompson
N. Islip (Suffolk)....
Lakeland ,
Waverly ,
Medford
Bellport
Yapbank
Manor
Riverhead
Jamesport ,
Mattituck.
Cutchogue
Hermitage
Southold
Greenport
Distances in Mi
Between
From
Stations.
Brooklyn.
0
0
24
2*
3
64
li
7
i
74
i
84
24
11
1
12
2
14
34
174
2J
20
21
24
3
23
3
26
4
4
3
29
2
31
6
37
4
41
2J
434
6*
49
4
53
2
55
2J
57*
24
60
6
66
8
74
5
79
4
83
3
86
3
89
2
91
4
95
From
Greenport.
95
924
894
88
874
864
84
83
81
77|
75
24
72
69
4
66
64
58
54
51|
46
42
40
374
35
29
21
16
12
9
6
4
0
York & Erie
Newburgh April 8,
NewDiirgh Branch of New
Rail Road. Branch allowed to
1845. Opened Jan. 8, 1850.
New York Central Rail Road. Company formed
by consolidating the several roads in operation, and some
projected roads between Albany, Troy and Buffalo, and
Niagara Falls. The act allowing the consolidation was
passed April 2, 1853, and was carried into effect the 17th
of May following. The consolidated capital amounted to
$23,085,600, and debts were assumed to the amount of
$1,947,815.72. The stock of the several companies was re-
ceived at the following rates, viz. : —
Rochester & Syracuse .130
Rochester, Lockport & Ni-
agara Falls 125
Buffalo & Rochester .140
Buffalo & Lockport 125
Albany & Schenectady 117
Syracuse & Utica Direct .....150
Schenectady & Troy 75
Utica & Schenectady 115
Mohawk Valley 155
Syracuse & Utica. 160
Each stockholder received a like amount of stock of the new
company, at par, (the Troy & Schenectady upon payment of
$25 per share,) and for the differences, certificates or premium
bonds bearing six per cent, interest, semi-annually, and pay-
able May 1, 1883. These certificates amounted to $8,892,600.
The Rochester & Lake Ontario R. R., and the Buffalo & Niagara
Falls R. R., have since been merged in this road.
Date of opening the several roads now forming the New York
Central RaU Road.
Albany & Schenectady 1831
Schenectady & Troy 1843
Utica & Schenectady 1835
Syracuse & Utica 1839
Rochester & Syracuse 1853
Auburn & Syracuse 1836
Auburn & Rochester -.1840
Tonawanda „..1836
Batavia & Attica 1843
Attica & Buffalo 1845
Rochester & Buffalo 1852
Rochester, Lockport & Nia-
gara Falls 1852
Niagara Falls & Lewiston...l854
Lockport & Tonawanda 1853
Rochester & Charlotte 1853
New York Central Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Albany & Buffalo
Albany
West Albany
Center
Schenectady
Hoffmans
Cranes Village
Amsterdam ,
Tribes Hill
Fonda
Yosts
Sprakers
Palatine Bridge
Fort Plain
Palatine Church
St. Johnsville
East Creek
Little Falls
Herkimer
I In. ii
Frankfort „
Utica
Whitesboro
Oriskany
Rome
Greens Corners
Verona
Oneida
Wampsville
Canastota
Canaseraga
Chittenango
Kirkville
Manlius
Syracuse
Warners
Canton
Jordan
WeedBport
Port Byron
Savannah
Clyde
Lyons
Newark
East Palmyra
Palmyra
Macedon
Fairport
Rochester
Coldwater
Chili
Churchville
Bergen
West Bergen.
Byron ,
Batavia
Crofts
Pembroke
Alden
Wende
Town Line
Lancaster.
Forks
Buffalo
Distances in Miles.
Troy <£- Schenectady
Branch.
Troy
Cohoes
Summit Bridge
Niskayuna
Aqueduct
Schenectady
Between
From
Stations.
Albany.
0
0
34
5
84
81
17
94
264
34
294
34
33
54
384
5
434
54
484
34
52
3
55
3
58
24
60f
3
63|
34
67
64
734
74
804
24
83
24
854
94
944
34
984
3
1014
74
109
44
1134
44
1174
44
1214
34
125
2
127
34
1304
24
1334
4
1374
24
1394
74
1474
94
157
24
1594
54
1644
44
1694
34
1724
7
1794
6
1854
74
1924
54
1984
34
2014
3*
2054
5
2104
74
2184
104
2284
64
234*
4
238}
44
243
34
2464
34
2494
34
253
74
2604
6
2664
54
2714
44
2764
24
279
li
2804
5
2854
24
2884
74
2964
From
Buffalo.
2964
293
288
2794
270
2664
2634
2574
2524
2474
2444
2414
2384
2354
2324
2294
2224
2154
2134
211
2014
1974
194J
1874
183
1784
1744
1714
1694
1654
163
159
1564
1484
1394
1364
1314
127
1234
1164
1104
1034
98
944
904
854
78
674
614
574
534
50
464
434
354
294
244
20
174
154
104
74
0
From
0
Troy.
0
34
34
24
6
54
114
6
174
31
214
From
Schenec-
tady.
214
174
154
9*
34
0
ro
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
men, and have an aggregate of 874,634,954.76 of stock paid in, and a capital of stocks and debts
amounting to §149,262,311.81, or more than one-tenth of the total valuation of the property of the
State.
Syracuse <t Rochester,
via Auburn.
Syracuse
Gunillus
M:u. illns
Halfway
Skaneateles Junction
Sennett
AuUirn
Cayuga _
Seneca Falls
Waterloo
Geneva
Oaks Corners
Phelps
Clifton Springs.
Shortsville
Canandaigna
Milk Station
Victor
Tisli'TS _
Pirtsford
Rochester
Between
Stations.
0
8i
2*
3
3*
34
54
10*
4*
34
64
4*
31
44
4*
6
6
3*
31
6*
84
From
Syracuse.
0
84
10*
131
174
20*
26J
Ot
41*
4-i
51 i
564
591
63*
68i
744
84
87*
944
102*
From
Rochester.
102*
944
92
89
854
82
76*
65*
61
57*
51*
464
43J
39
344
284
224
IS*
15
84
0
Rochester, bnckport, <£ Xi-
agara FaUs Branch.
Rochester _
Spencerport
Adams Basin
Brockpart
Holley
Murray
KnowleSTflle
Medina
Mil.ll-port
C, .-jH.rt
Lockport
Lockport Junction..
Pekin
Suspension Bridge...
Niagara Falls
0
10
24
44
4*
34
54
54
44
44
5
6
34
6*
9
1*
From
From
Rochester.
Niagara
FaUs.
0
77
10
67
124
644
17
60
21*
554
254
51*
30*
464
364
40*
404
364
45
32
50
27
56
21
594
174
664
10*
754
1*
77
0
Locl:port Junction to
Tonawanda.
Lockport Junction-
Halls Station
Tonawanda
0
64
5
From
Lockport
Junction.
0
64
114
From
Tona-
wanda.
114
5
0
Buffalo <£• LevisUm.
Buffalo
Black Bock
1 'hswan'la
La Pall-
-i Falls
Snspension Bridge
L>-»ist«>n
0
4
•■;
6
5
H
44
From
Buffalo.
0
4
104
164
214
23
274
From
Lewiston.
274
234
174
114
64
44
0
Oanandni/jun if- Xingara
Bridgt limnrh.
Canandaigna.
Qnnna Crossing
Baal BUmnfiau
HiUen Cornell
Hl-infi-M-
II ij m a Falls
■ Knafa
*oe Valley B. B. June
Canal
ionia
I.- Boy
rd
• ia
I .-' Pembroke
Rlchville
Akron
Clarence Center
Trsnsit
■ ille
Vincent
Tonawanda
0
4.2
8.8
4.6
3
."..1
• I
1.1
1.2
6.8
7.1
4.1
5.9
• J
6.6
3.4
7
3
8
3.1
Prom
i .ni ni-
daigua.
o
4.2
8
12.6
ISA
18.7
27.2
88
■I' i.i
41.2
73.3
From
r,,„.i.
vnnda.
S6.6
M.4
77.6
78
70
66.9
00.7
59.6
684
r.2.6
UJt
41.4
39.8
22.7
VP.
12.3
9.1
6.1
3.1
0
Attica Branch.
Batavia....
Alexander
Attica
Between
Stations.
From
Batavia.
0
8
11
From
Attica.
11
3
0
Cliarlotte Branch.
Rochester .
Charlotte..
0
84
From
Rochester.
From
Charlotte.
New York and Erie Rail Road. Company organ-
ized in July, 1833. The act authorizing the road was passed
April 24, 1832. The first preliminary surrey was made in
1832, by De Witt Clinton, jr., by order of the government.
In 1834 the Governor appointed Benj. TVright to survey the
route ; who, assisted by Jas. Seymour and Charles Ellett,
began the survey May 23d, and finished it the same year.
In 1835 the Co. was reorganized, and 40 mi. were put under
contract. In 1836 the Comptroller was directed to issue
$3,000,000 State stock to aid in constructing the road. In
1845 the State released its lien on the road, and authorized
the original stockholders to surrender two shares of old
stock, and receive one share of new. April 8, 1845, a branch
was allowed to be built from Chester to Newburgh, 19 mi.
The road was opened as follows : from Piermont to Goshen,
Sept. 22, 1S41 ; to Middletown, June 7, 1843 ; to Port Jervis,
Jan. 6, 1848 ; to Binghamton, Dec. 28, 1848 ; to Owego, June
1, 1849 ; to Elniira, Oct. 1849 ; to Corning, Jan. 1, 1850 ; and
to Dunkirk, May 14, 1851. The Newburgh Branch opened
Jan. 8, 1850. The road is compelled to pay a bonus of
$10,000 annually to the State of Pennsylvania for the priv-
ilege of passing a short distance in that State. Ample details
will be found in The New York & Erie R. R. Guide, the annual
and special reports of the company, and especially that of
Nov. 1853, and in the following documents of the New York
Legislature : Senate Doc. No. 12, of 1836 ; Nos. 37, 38, of
1839; Nos. 18, 58, of 1842. Assem. Docs. Nos. 27, 171 of
1838; No. 47, of 1839; No. 215, of 1840; Nos. 113, 297, of
1841 ; and No. 50, of 1842. The Patterson & Ramapo (N.
J.) R. R., 294 mi., and the Union R. R., ,% mi., the Che-
mung R. R., and the Elmira, Jefferson, & Canandaigua R. R.
are leased and operated by the this company.
New York <£• Erie Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
New York.
Pier
Piermont
Blauvcltville
Clarkstown
Spring Valley
Mons-v
15 Mil- Turnout
Jersey City
Borgen
O-niiiintown
Hackensack I!r
Boiling Spring
Passaic Bridge.
lluyl-rs
Paterson
Gravel Switch
Godwin ville
Hobokne
Allendale
BatDseyi
Bnflbmi
Bnmnpo
PloatMmrg
Psitithflclds
Greenwood
Turners
Monroe
Oxford
East Junction. N. B
W.-t " "
Distances in Miles.
? v. ■-
j; -3 3
24.00
1.00
4.48
8.73
11.30
12.60
15.07
17.90
19.85
21.55
2-i.ns
30.29
33.48
35.63
88.26
39.83
40.29
s-^
1.00
.00
2.47
4.75
6.24
9.29
11.09
11.92
16.50
19.71
21.62
23.30
25.50
27.44
31.67
33.62
35.32
41.^5
44.06
47.25
49.40
52.02
53.60
54.06
£■3
460.72
445.95
444.95
441.47
437.22
434.65
433.35
430.88
459.72
46755
454.97
453.48
460.43
44848
447.80
443.22
44o!ol
43S.10
430.42
434.22
432.28
428.05
426.10
424.40
417.87
415.66
412.47
410.32
407.70
4O0.12
405.66
RAIL ROADS.
71
New York <£• Erie Rail Road, continued.
Stations.
Chester
Goshen
Hampton
Middletown
Howells
OtisviUe
Shin Hollow
Port Jervis
McCluera Turnout
Rosa Switch
Pond Eddy
Middaughs
Shohola
Lacka waxen
Mast Hope
Narrowsburg
Nohodys
Cocheeton ,
Callicoon
Hankins
Basket
Lordville
Stockport
Hancock
Dickinsons
Hales Eddy
Deposit
Gulf Summit
Cascade Bridge
Canewacta Bridge
Susquehanna
Great Bend
Kirkwood
Binghamton
Union
Campville
Owego
Tioga
Smithboro'
Barton
Waverly
Chemung ,
Wellsburgh
Elmira
Junction Chemung Br.
Big Flats
Noyes Switch
Corning
Painted Post
Addison
Rathboneville
Cameron
Crosby ville
Canisteo
Hornellsville
Almond
Alfred ,
Tip Top Summit
Andover
Elm Valley ,
Genesee
Scio ,
Phillipsville
Belvidere ,
Friendship
Cuba Summit
Cuba
Hinsdale
Olean
Allegany
Tunungwant...-
Great Valley
Bucktooth
Little Valley
Cattaraugus
Persia Turnout
Dayton
Perrysburgh
Smiths Mills
Forestville
Sheridan
Dunkirk
Distances in Miles.
.97
4.43
4.00
3.37
3.88
4.69
6.40
6.31
3.83
5.70
1.86
2.07
5.21
3.98
6.35
6.01
3.74
4.76
5.19
6.92
3.65
6.92
5.76
4.58
5.61
2.53
4.91
7.28
4.03
2.81
1.38
8.28
5.61
8.64
8.55
6.57
6.82
5.43
4.42
2.42
6.91
4.78
5.77
7.00
4.09
5.98
1.84
5.76
1.55
9.21
5.11
7.63
8.19
4.92
4.21
4.94
4.17
3.55
4.80
2.68
6.01
3.72
4.14
3.55
4.43
4.04
4.81
6.82
5.55
3.41
7.20
5.36
3.81
6.27
7.31
6.11
3.29
2.93
6.92
3.S7
3.49
4.66
41.26
45.69
49.69
63.06
56.94
61.63
68.03
74.34
78.17
83.87
85.73
87.80
93.01
96.99
102.34
108.35
112.09
116.85
122.04
128.96
132.61
139.53
145.29
149.87
155.48
158.01
162.92
170.20
174.23
177.04
178.42
186.70
192.31
200.95
209.50
216.07
222.89
228.32
232.74
235.16
242.07
246.85
252.62
259.62
263.71
269.69
271.53
277.29
278.84
288.05
293.16
300.79
308.98
313.90
318.11
323.05
327.22
330.77
335.57
338.25
344.26
347.98
352.12
355.67
360.10
(S64.14
368.95
375.77
381.32
384.73
391.93
397.29
401.10
407.37
414.68
420.79
424.08
427.01
433.93
4.37.80
441.29
445.95
E **> ~r
65.03
69.46
63.46
66.83
70.71
76.40
81.80
88.11
91.94
97.64
99.50
101.57
106.78
110.76
116.11
122.12
125.86
130.62
135.81
142.73
146.38
153.30
159.06
163.64
169.25
171.78
176.69
183.97
188.00
190.81
192.19
200.47
206.08
214.72
228.27
229.84
236.66
242.09
246.51
248.93
255.84
260.02
266.39
873.39
277.48
283.46
285.30
291.06
292.61
301.82
306.93
314.56
322.75
327.67
331.88
336.82
340.99
344.54
349.34
352.02
358.03
361.75
365.89
269.44
373.87
377.91
382.72
389.54
395.09
398.50
405.70
411.06
414.87
421.14
428.45
434.56
437.85
440.78
447.70
451.57
455.06
459.72
J; ^
404.69
400.26
396.26
392.89
389.01
384.32
377.92
371.61
367.78
362.08
358.15
352.94
348.96
343.61
337.60
333.86
329.10
323.91
316.99
313.34
306.42
300.66
296.08
290.47
287.94
283.03
275.75
271.72
268.91
267.53
259.25
253.64
245.00
236.45
229.88
223.06
217.63
213.21
210.79
203.88
199.10
193.33
186.33
182.24
176.26
174.42
168.66
167.11
157.90
152.79
145.16
136.97
132.05
127.84
122.90
118.73
115.18
110.38
107.70
101.69
97.97
93.83
90.28
85.85
81.81
77.00
70.18
64.63
61.22
54.02
48.66
44.85
38.58
31.27
25.16
21.87
18.94
12.02
8.15
4.66
be agreed upon, in May, 1840; and to continue to Albany,
May 14, 1845. Tho road was opened to Chatham 4 Corners
Jan. 19, 1852, connecting at that place with the Albany &
West Stockbridgo R. R.
New York it Harlem Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
New Yorlc & Harlem Rail Road. Company formed
April 2, 1831. Work was commenced Feb. 24, 1832, and the
first mile opened in Oct. following. The company was
allowed to extend the road north of Harlem River, to meet
the New York & Albany R. R. at such point as might
White and Center Sts., N.Y.
26th Street
York ville
Harlem
Mott Haven
Melrose
Morrisania
Tremont
Fordham
Williams Bridge
West Mt. Vernon
Bronxville
Tuckahoe
Scars dale
Harts Corners
White Plains
Washingtons Quarters
Kensico
Unionville
Pleasantville
Chappaqua
Mount Kisco
Bedford
Whitlockville
Goldens Bridge
Purdys
Croton Falls
Brewsters.-
Dykemans
Towners
Paterson
Pawlings
South Dover
Dover Furnace
Dover Plains
Wassaic
Amenia
Sharon Station.
Millerton
Mount Riga
Boston Corners.
Copake
Hillsdale
Bains
Martindale
Philmont
Ghent
Chatham Four Corners
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
East Albany..
0
2}
2}
i
i
}
l*
i±
ii
2}
2
1
3
H
2
2
f
3
2*
2
<U
2*
2?
2
2
2
4i
2}
3
2*
3*
6
21
•H
4*
3*
3*
4}
3J
3*
5*
4
2}
SI
3*
6
%i-
From,
New York.
23
0
2}
5*
7*
H
9i
10
Hi
12*
14
16}
18}
19*
22*
24
26
28
28}
31}
34
36
40*
42*
45*
47*
49*
51*
55*
5S*
61*
63}
67*
73*
76
80*
84}
88
91*
96
99*
103
108*
112*
115
118}
122*
128*
130}
from
Chatham
4 Corners.
153}
130}
128
125*
123
122*
121*
120}
119*
118*
116}
in
112
111*
10S*
106}
104}
102}
102
99
96
94}
90*
88*
85*
83*
81*
79*
75*
72*
69*
67
63*
57*
54}
50*
46
42}
39*
34}
31*
27}
22*
18*
15}
12
8*
2A
~a
0
23
New Yorlc &• New Haven Railroad. This com-
pany was allowed to extend their road from the State
line to the Harlem R.R. near Williams Bridge. The com-
pany run their trains 15 miles on the Harlem track for
which they pay that company the net profits. The road
was opened Dec. 2S, 1848.
New York <£ New Haven Railroad.
Stations and Distances.
Stations.
Twenty-seventh St., New
York
Thirty-second St
Harlem
Williams Bridge
Mount Vernon
New Rochelle
Mamaroneck
Rye
Port Chester
Greenwich
Cos Cob
Stamford (Conn.)
Norwalk "
Bridgeport "
New Haven "
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
3
4
6
4
3
3
4
2
2
2
3
8
14
18
From
Frr/m New
New York.
Haven.
0
76
3
73
7
69
13
63
17
69
20
66
23
53
27
49
29
47
31
46
33
43
36
40
44
32
68
18
76
0
72
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Ogdcnsburgh Railroad. This company was formed
by the second mortgage bondholders of the Northern R. R.,
from which ita name was changed. The road extends from
Ogdensburgh to Rouses Point, and includes a branch to
Champlain Landing.
Ogdcnsburgh {XorUiem) Railroad.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Distances n Miles.
Stations.
Ogdensburgh.
Lisbon.
Madrid
Potsdam
Knapps
Brasher Falls & Stockholm.
Lawrence
Moira-
Brush's Mills.
Bangor
Malone _
Burke
| Chateaugay
Summit
Brandy Brook
Ellenburgh
Chazy
Centerville
Mooers.
Perrys Mills „
Champlain.
Rouses Point
Between
Stations.
0
SJ
8*
n
3
7*
5*
5*
2*
5*
6
7*
4*
7*
i
8
6*
3i
7*
4*
From Og-
dcnsburgh.
0
Si
17*
m
27*
35*
41*
47
49*
55*
61*
68*
73*
80*
88*
89*
97*
102*
106*
113*
118
From
Houses
Print.
118
109*
100*
93*
90*
82*
7**
71
68*
62*
56*
49*
44*
37*
29*
28*
20*
15*
11*
4*
0
Oswego & Syracuse Railroad. Company formed
April 29. 1839. Route surveyed during the summer of that
year. The company was fully organized March 25, 1847, and
the Road was opened in Oct. 184-8.
Oswgo <£• Syracuse Railroad.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Oswego
Minetto.- ,
Fulton
South Granby
Lam sons
Baldwinsville
Syracuse
DISTANCES IN MlLES.
Between
Stations.
0
4*
6*
4*
2*
4*
12*
From,
Oswego.
0
4*
11*
15*
18*
23
35*
From
Syracuse.
35*
31
24*
19*
17*
12*
0
I
Platteburgh & Montreal Railroad. Company
formed Feb. 25, 1850. Road commenced in Aug. 1*51, and
ned July 20, 1852. It connects with the Lake, St. Louis,
k Province Line R. R. It crosses the Ogdensburgh R. R. at
Mooers Junction.
Platlsburgh and Montreal Railroad.
Stations and Distances.
8TAT10N5.
Distances in Miles.
Plattxt.nrph
Bofinuntown
\V. -t <Vl7V
Mofe
M
Montreal (Canada)
Between
From
Fr<im
Stations.
PlaUsburgh.
Montreal.
0
0
62
5
5
57
6
10
52
5
16
47
5
20
42
42
62
0
Sackete Ilnrbor <fc Elllsbnrgh Rail Road.
Cmpanv farmed May 23, 1860. Bom "poned June 1. 1«63.
It connects with W. R, A C. V. R. R. at Pierrepont Manor.
SacktU Batter <t- Elliilmrgh Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Distances in Miles.
B>t\r*rn
Stations.
From
Ml
Harbor.
From
Pin-ri-pont
Minor.
1
»
1
4
■
0
6
9
13
18
18
Pmithville
13
9
Belleville
6
Pierrepont Manor
0
Pot sd a ni <fc Watertown Railroad. Company formed
Jan. 8, 1852. Road opened through in Jan., 1857, and ope-
rated by contractors for construction to April 1 following.
Potsdam d- Watertovm Railroad.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Watertown Junction
Watertown ,
Sanfords Corners.....
Evans Mills
Philadelphia
Antwerp
Keene
Gouverneur
Richville
De Kalb ,
Herman
Canton
Potsdam
Potsdam Junction
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
1
5
4*
7
6*
5
7
7*
4
4*
7*
10*
6*
From
Watertovm.
0
1
6
10*
17*
24
29
36
43*
47*
52
59*
70
76*
From
Potsdam.
76*
75*
70*
65*
58*
52*
47*
40*
32*
2S*
24*
17
6*
0
Rensselaer &. Saratoga Rail Road. Company
formed April 14, 1832. Fully organized in May, 1833, and
surveys commenced the same year. Opened from Waterford
to Ballston Aug 19, 1835, and to Troy in the Bpring of 1836.
The Co. leases and runs the Saratoga and Schenectady R. R.
Rensselaer <t Saratoga Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Troy Union Depot.,
Green Island
Waterford
A. Junction
Mechanic ville
Ballston
Saratoga
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
.877
3.676
1.402
6.530
13.108
6.707
From
Troy.
0
.877
4.553
5.955
12.485
25.593
32.3
From
Saratoga.
32.3
31.423
27.747
26.345
19.815
6.707
0
Rochester &, Genesee Valley Rail Road. Com-
pany formed June 7, 1851; allowed to extend their road to
Portage. Work was commenced in 1852, and the road
opened to Avon in 1854. It connects at Avon with the
Buffalo, New York & Erie R. R.
Rutland &. Washington Rail Road extends from
Rutland to Eagle Bridge, 63 mi. We have not been able to
obtain statistics of this road, as it has made no report for seve-
ral years.
Rutland dh Washington Rail Road.
Stations and Distances.
Stations.
Albany ,
Troy
Eagle Bridgo
Cambridge
Shushan
Salem
Qranvflle
North Granville
Poultncy, Vt
Castleton " ...,
Rutland " ....
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
10
23
6
6
7
18
2
6
7
11
From
Eagle
Bridge.
0
10
33
39
44
51
69
71
77
84
95
From
Rutland.
95
85
62
56
61
44
26
24
18
11
0
Saratoga &, Schenectady Rail Road. Company
formed Feb. 16, 18SL Work commenced in Sept. 1831. Road
opened to Hallst.n July 12, 1832, and to Saratoga Springs
in 1 388. TIk- road is leased and operated by the Rensselaer
A Saratoga R. R. Co.
.Saratoga d) Schenectady RaU Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Schenectady ....
Halfway House
Ballston
Saratoga
Distances in Miles.
Prhrr.n
Stations.
0
8
7*
6*
From
Schenec-
tady.
0
8
15*
22
From
Saratoga.
22
14
6*
0
RAIL ROADS.
73
Saratoga <6 Washington Rail Road. Chartered May 2, 1834.
Capital, $000,000. Company organized April 20, 1835. Tlio
work was begun and over $00,000 expended, when it was
stopped in 1836. The time was extended April 13, 1840, May
4, 1844, and April 4, 1850, and the stock Wiis increased $250,000
April 7, 1847. Company allowed to extend the road east to
Vt., March 7, 1S48. A new route was in part adopted upon
resuming work. Began laying rails April 10, 1848. Road
opened to Gansevoort Aug. 15, 1848, to Whitehall Dec. 10,
1848, and to Lake Station April 9, 1851. Sold Feb. 27, 1855,
on foreclosure of second mortgage, and name changed to
Saratoga <fc Wliiteliall Rail Road. Company formed
Juno 8, 1855. Capital $500,000. This company leases and
runs the Rutland aud Whitehall R. R. to CastletOn, Vt.
Saratoga <& Wliitelw.il Rail Road.
Stations and Distances.
Stations.
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
From
Saratoga.
From
Whitehall.
0
10.66
5.3
.8
3.32
4.5
3.91
3.91
6.6
1.88
6.62
1.85
1.75
3.28
0
10.66
15.96
16.76
20.08
24.58
28.49
32.4
39
40.88
45.62
47.47
49.22
52.5
39
28.34
23.04
22.24
18.92
14.42
10.51
6.6
0
„ 1.88
6.62
8.47
Hydeville "
10.22
Castleton "
13.5
Second Avenue Rail Road Company of the City of
Mew York was formed Jan. 19, 1853. Road to extend from
Harlem River to Peck Slip. In 1855 the company were
allowed to bridge Harlem and Bronx Rivers, to discon-
tinue the road from Chatham St. through Oliver and South
Sts., and to lay a new track on Bowery to Pearl St.
Sixth Avenue Rail Road Company of the City of New
York was formed Dec. 7, 1861. The road extends from
Chambers St. to Harlem River, and was opened from Broad-
way to Forty-Fourth St. Aug. 19, 1852.
Syracuse, Binghamton, &, New York Rail
Road. Company originally formed July 2, 1851, as the
Syracuse & Binghamton R. R. Road opened through
Oct. 23, 1854. It was sold Oct. 13, 1856, on foreclosure of
mortgage, and name changed to the Syracuse & Southern
R. R. Its present name was assumed under act of March
31, 1857. In 1858 the company were authorized to purchase
the Union R. R. to the canal at Geddes.
Syracuse, Bivghamlon, dsNew York Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Syracuse ,
Jamesville
La Fayette
Apulia
Tully
Preble ,
Little York
Homer
Cortland ,
Blodgets Mills
State Bridge
Marathon
Killawog
Lisle
Whitneys Point..
Chenango Forks.
Chenango ,
I Binghamton
Distances in Mii.es.
Between
Stations.
0
6.69
7.67
5.10
1.97
5.33
2.71
4.26
2.67
3.54
6.25
3.90
2.90
3.65
2.14
9.28
6.14
5.13
From
Syracuse.
0
6.69
14.36
19.46
21.43
26.76
29.47
33.73
36.4
39.94
46.19
50.09
52.99
56.64
68.78
68.06
74.2
79.33
From
Bingham-
ton.
79.33
72.64
64.97
59.87
57.9
52.57
49.86
45.6
42.93
39.39
33.14
29.24
26.34
22.69
20.55
11.27
5.13
0
Third Avenue Rail Road Company of the City of
New York was formed Oct. 6, 1853. The road extends from
the intersection of Park Row and Broadway through Park
Row, Chatham St., Bowery, and Third Avenue to Harlem
River. It was opened from Ann to Sixty-First St. in 1853,
and to Eighty-Sixth St. July 4. 1854.
Troy &• Bennington Rail Road. Company formed
May 15, 1851. Work commenced in June, 1851. Road opened
Aug. 1, 1852. Connects the Troy & Boston R. R. with the
Western Vt. R. R. It is leased to the Troy & Boston R. R. Co.
Troy &■ Boston Rail Road. Company formed Nov. 20,
1849. Work commenced in June, 1850. Road opened from
Troy to Hoosick Falls in Aug. 1853. Most of the remainder
to the State Line is graded. The company leases the Troy &
Bennington R. R. and 7 mi. of the Vermont Western R. R.
Troy d: Bennington Rail Road.
Stations and Distances.
Stations.
Troy
Lansingburgh
Junction
Schaghticoke
Pitts town
Johnsonville ,
Buskirks Bridge
Eagle Bridge ,
Hoosick Falls Junction
Hoosick Falls
Hoosick Corners
Petersburgh
North Adams, Mass
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
0
3
6
4
2
2
5
2
2
2
3
2
15
From
Troy.
0
3
8
12
14
16
21
23
25
27
30
32
47
From
Western Vermont Rail Road.
Stations.
North Hoosick
Walloomsac
North Bennington, Vt
Rutland "..
0
2
4
54
From
North
Hoosick.
0
2
6
60
From
Troy &. Greenbush Rail Road. Company organized
May 14. 1845 under a lease from the New York & Albany
R. R. The road had been commenced about 1842, and opera-
tions suspended. It was opened in June, 1845. It is
operated by the Hudson River R. R. Co. under a lease.
Troy &. Rutland Rail Road. Company formed March
6, 1851. The road extends from Hoosick near Eagle Bridge
to Salem. It was opened June 28, 1852, and leased to the
Rutland & Washington (Vt.) R. R., until March, 1855, when
it was placed in the bands of a receiver, and run by the
Albany Northern R. R.
Troy Union Rail Road. Company formed July 21, 1851.
Road commenced in Feb. 1853, and opened Feb. 22. 1854. It
is owned by parties representing the interests of the Troy
& Greenbush, Troy & Boston, Rensselaer & Saratoga, and
New York Central R. Roads, and is used by the above com-
panies in common.
Union Rail Road. Company formed Jan. 10. 1851, The
road extends from Patterson and Ramapo (N. J.) to the New
York & Erie R. R. at Suffems. It is operated by the latter
road under a lease.
Union Rail Road. Company formed Nov. 13, 1856. The road
extends from the 6th Ward in Syracuse to the Erie Canal in
Geddes. By an act of April 16, 1858, the Co. were authorized
to sell the road to the Syracuse, Binghamton, & N. Y. R. R. Co.
Watertown &. Rome Rail Road. Company formed
April 17, 1832. Work commenced at Rome in Nov. 1848.
Road opened to Camden in 1849, to Pierrepont Manor in May,
1851, to Watertown in Sept. 1851, to Chaumont in Nov. 1851,
and to Cape Vincent May 1, 1852.
Watertown, Rome, <£• Cape Vincent Rail Road.
Stations and Distances. (Official.)
Stations.
Cape Vincent
Three Mile Bay
Chaumont
Limerick
Brownville
Watertown
Adams Center
Adams
Pierrepont Manor.,
Mannsville
Sandy Creek
Richland
Albion
Kasuag
Williamstown
West Camden
Camden
McConnelsville
Taberg
Rome
Distances in Miles.
Between
Stations.
From
Cape Vin-
cent.
From
Rome.
0
0
97
8
8
89
3
11
86
6
17
80
4
21
76
4
25
72
10
35
62
3
38
59
5
43
54
2
45
52
5
50
47
5
55
42
6
60
37
6
66
31
3
69
28
6
74
23
5
79
18
5
84
13
2
86
11
11
97
0
Williamsport &■ Elmira Rail Road. Incorporated
by Penn. April 9, 1850, and allowed to extend the road to the
New York & Erie R. R. at Elmira. The village of Elmua was
authorized to loan its credit for $100,000 toward the con-
struction. Eight nrles of the road are in this State.
74
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Official Summary of Bail Road Statistics
Names.
Albany, Vermont & Canada.
Albany i West Stockbridge
Black River & Ctica
Blosshurg & Corning
Brooklyn City
Buffalo. New York & Erie
Buffalo & State Line
Cayuga & Susquehanna
Chemung
Eighth Avenue
Klin in. Canandaigua & Niagara Falls.
Flushing ,
Hudson & Boston ,
Hudson River
Long Island.
New York Central
New York & Erie
New York & Harlem
New York & New Haven..
Ogdensburgh ,
Oswego \ Syracuse ,
Potsdam A Watertown ,
Bensselaer & Saratoga ,
Rochester & Genesee Valley
Sackets Harbor A Ellisburgh..
Saratoga A Schenectady
Saratoga A Whitehall
Second Avenue
Sixth Avenue
use, Binghamton A New York...,
Third Avenue
Troy 4 BennJDgton
Troy A Boston.
Troy ,t Up • nl.ush
Tr.v £ Rutland
Troy Union
Watertown A Rome
Total 1 2,520.59
h
li
■«T3
3?
mount of
and float
t.
5-S
« a
5 S §>
i s
11
CTS"0
3l§
fc H <W
^ ■•§ -3
is,
32.95
3.39
$ 600,000
$ 439,004.97
$ 1,575,098.79
$ 1,625,098.79
38
34
1,000,000
1,000,000.00
1,289,933.98
1,289,933.98
34.94
1,500,000
2*0,000
804,047.99
662,500.00
715,070.60
220,000.00
14.81
1.60
250,000.00
220,000.00
20.15
19.95
1,000,000
1,000,000.00
680,000.00
142
11.33
1,500.000
2,409,593.88
2,574,532.19
68.34
18
1,300,000
1,913,000.00
1,049,000.00
1,221,378.49
34.61
3.49
1,500,000
687,000.00
473,000.00
480,402.28
17.36
2.06
380,000
380,000.00
70,000.00
70,000.00
5
800,000
800,000.00
46.84
2.90
300,000
7.80
.39
200,000
131,339.90
236,500.00
269,913.32
17.33
.50
175,000
175,000.00
3,758,466.59
144
106.50
4.000,000
8,842,000.00
9,297,003.04
95
10.08
3,000,000
1,852,715.79
639,497.67
653,263.02
555.88
311.80
24,182,400
24,182,400.00
14,402,634.69
14,402,634.69
446
282.50
10,500,000
11,000,000.00
26,438,016.55
27,170,274.41
130.75
28.84
8,000,000
5,717,100.00
5,151,287.21
5,298,927.88
62.25
63.82
3,000,000
2,980,839.33
2,163,500.00
2,194,051.07
118
17.75
4,571,900
350,000
35.91
2.21
396,340.00
197,000.00
213,414.94
75.36
2
2,000.000
633,077.15
818,500.00
998,638.47
25.22
2.01
610,000
610,000.00
140,000.00
140,000.00
18.45
1.25
800,000
555,450.10
150,000.00
180,417.13
18
1
175.000
167,485.89
278,400.00
306,810.47
21
1.57
300.000
300,000.00
86,500.00
86,500.00
40.86
3.87
500,000
500,000.00
395,000.00
400,455.94
8
8
800,000
627,200.00
350,000.00
380,000.00
4
4.38
750,000
750,000.00
1,200,130.00
81
7.09
1,201,300
1,500,000.00
1,763,4S6.80
6
6.50
1,170,000
1,170.000.00
50,000.60
90,600.00
5.38
.28
80.000
75,358.00
171,200.00
172,295.37
27.23
3.23
1,000.000
568,297.22
797,500.00
1,028,582.99
6
.04
275,000
275,000 00
17.27
2.75
325,000
30,000
249,939.50
2.14
2.14
30,000.00
680^)00.00
680,000.00
96.76
11
1,500,000
1,498,400.00
688,500.00
769,250.76
2.520.59
978.12
$79,625,600
$67,358,192.43
$71,925,162.77
$74,602,936.63
The Pittsburgh A Montreal R. R., 23.17 mi.; Champlain & St. Lawrence R. R., 2.5 mi. to Canada line; and Williamsport &
Elmira R. R.. 8 mi. to Pennsylvania line, are not included in the above table, from default in reports. The gauge of the New
York A Erie R. R. and of the connecting roads is 6 ft., the same as that of several roads in Penn. The New York Central R. R.
General Summary of Rail Road Statistics for
the year ending September 30, 1858.
Length of roads in miles 3.124.71
Length of roads laid 2.442.91
Length of roads in operation, excluding city roads 2,397.62
I 5th "f douhlo track, including sidings 970.48
Length of branches owned by company and laid 373.44
I I" track on same 6.37
I. h of equivalent single track, exclusive of city
road* 3,709.08
Rumba of engine houses and shops 183
Nuni' Inee 738
Numl-vr •■( Lnt-clasa passenger cars, rated as eight-
wheeled 1,071
Number of MOO nd-class and emigrant cars 175
Number of baggage, mail, and express cars 239
Number of freight cars 9,014
Excluding City Road*. m,i. .
JB rate of speed of ordinary passenger trains, inclu-
de 20.72
AtT.i;'1 rate ■ ■( same irhan m motion 25.53
Av- r I • •■• I of "xprees passenger trains, including
' M - 26.44
Av. rags rate of same when in motion 29.39
Average r ■ I ..f freight train., Including stoju...
Average rate of same when in motion 13.95
Torn.
Average weight in font r.f passenger trains, exclusive of
passengers and baggage 73.09
Average w. i^-lit in tons of freight trains, exclusive of
freight 129.27
Miles run by passenger train" 11..S7V74.S
Til" -arne. p\, lading city roadf 6,1 •
Number "f paasengen of all claseee carried Id cars... 43.7-
Tlie sime. excludine city roads 11,250,073
Numt»T of miles traveled by passengers, or nnmber
of passengers carried one mile, city roads not in-
cluded ." 373,159,179
Miles run by freight trains 5,417,456
Number of tons carried on freight trains 3,473,725
Total movement of freight, or number of tons carried
one mile 420,604,609
Classification of Freight.
Tons.
Products of the forest 303,236
Products of animals 734,995
Vegetable food 912>226
Other agricultural products 77.174
Manufactures 325,596
Merchandise 562.378
Other articles 556,140
Total tonnage 3,473,725
Costs.
Repairs of road bed $2,282,807.73
Cost of iron for repair 464.712.95
Repairs of bufldlngi 207,840.56
Repairs of fence* and gates 48,660.35
Taxes on real ostato 290,771.47
Other road expenses 398,329.66
Total road expenses $3,693,129.72
Repairs of engines $ 930.627.16
Repairs of cars 1,003,900.26
Repairs of tools 82.975.15
Oil, waste, Ac 112,518.64
Other costs 43.759.29
Total cost of repairs of machinery $2,173,786.69
Office expenses, stationery, &c $ 86,427.81
Agents and clerta .". 622,981.68
Labor, loading and unloading freight 449,060.96
Porters, watchmen, and switchmen attendance... 420,180.66
Wood and water station attendance 96,958.14
RAIL ROADS.
75
fur the year ending Sept. 30, 1858.
8*3
3 -lb
K 5" o
$ 2,010,634.64
2,289,933.98
1,234,514.64
496,601.28
1,038,839.97
2,975,325.66
2,772,987.09
1,183,012.71
400,000.00
833,642.87
200,000.00
308,891.38
175,000,00
11,328,989.96
2,566,270.07
30.732.517.54
34,058,632.63
7,948,116.35
5,324.527.09
4,788,791.26
761,380.11
1,587,028.08
900,550.58
653,539.64
389,170.84
480,684.15
903,890.92
1,005,403.71
855,957.22
2.837,607.66
1,378,090.74
253,931.19
1,422,188.86
294,731,43
338,688.87
732,114.72
2,159,295.04
$129,621,542.88
0/3 w
■g woo
V o
jag
~
3
$ 84,119.86
" 60,524.33
23,554.24
395,026.80
429,753.89
840,116.71
97,151.68
338,410.16
17,989.46
40,072.52
58,207.21
1,636,412.28
320,588.93
6,528,412.70
5,151,616.43
975,853.86
836,612.14
410.806.66
115.996.68
94,385.03
208,222.86
37,280.57
48,358.60
30,150.00
139,388.67
227,457.70
280,617.86
177,627.85
403,055.08
3,164.88
125,042.55
391,973.40
$20,527,951.53
i
6 1
$ 72,904.83
""28,09i.92
'"2MJ71.22
301,632.09
480,507.05
77,285.40
177.753.91
11,947.28
41,566.29
47,367.60
1,041,773.43
174,215.05
3,487,292.67
3,791,457.62
617,061.47
532,477.85
283,793.93
54,649.63
49,672.54
110,982.77
3.514.02
%
'"'95,'723.46
119.704.37
178,226.24
100,700.61
242,811.53
71,753.69
232,667.41
$12,716,305.68
8.
■8
$ 12.500.00
80,000.00
" 108,000.00
96,000.00
10,500.00
1,919,564.00
2,108.75
37,097.93
18,306.06
7,500.00
"12,64400
75,000.00
"93,6oo!6b
44,952.00
$2,517,667.08
Passenger TRANSPORTA-
TION.
Number.
196,911
171,046
53,647
9,364
7,505,859
185,876
296,194
26,253
6,768,203
15.852
226,779
37,110
1,415.339
360,130
2.124,439
793,662
720,070
953,819
71,764
92,492
71,850
151,576
43,948
7,340
93,035
4,504.645
5,612,357
107.504
7,945,462
87,432
127.285
40.977,229
Mileage.
1,864,210
5,094,681
1,121,012
103,847
'"8,192,000
17,854,082
623,885
479,841
1,483,464
413.356
56,658,109
7,380,760
136,091,023
64,931,456
17,940,971
82,908,957
2,767,920
2,131,962
1,725,177
3,662,026
703,184
68,913
2,452,281
2,753,962
1,798,203
"4,ibb,132
375,335,441
Freight Transporta-
tion, ln Tons.
Number.
34,918
226,035
13,136
73,908
143,709
290,532
85,656
4,293
1,460
50,806
160,197
89,480
765,407
816,965
122,371
64,058
150,432
42,810
21,142
59,903
27,700
8,342
62,868
73,410
56,049
123,599
3,569,082
Mileage.
698,360
7,511,341
810,660
831,679
14,360,666
19,809,225
2,674,375
175,969
8,356
880,466
18,416,865
2,236,990
142,691,178
165,895,636
7,446,561
3,715,364
13,210,357
1,375,557
699,023
1,580,757
470,900
74,692
1,871,411
5,058,890
1,482,292
"9.899,128
Acci-
dents.
14
7
33
25
6
11
1
2
423.362.032
K
117 204
and its connecting roads have a gauge of 4.71 ft., the same as New England roads generally. The Buffalo & State Line R. R. has
a gauge of 4.83 feet, like the Ohio roads ; and a few tracks near Suspension Bridge hare a gauge of 5.5 feet, like that of the
principal roads in Canada.
Conductors, Baggagemen, and brakesmen 553,122.23
Enginemen and firemen 552,985.29
Fuel and cost of labor in preparing for use 1,598,250.16
Oil and waste for engines and tenders 204,078.43
Oil and waste for cars 54,202.29
Loss and damage to goods and baggage 98,939.98
Damages for injuries to persons 135,214.26
Damages for property and for cattle killed 18,519.15
General superintendence 203,301.81
Contingencies 545,259.03
Other costs 906,669.45
Total cost of operating roads $6,636,051.33
Earnings.
From passenger business $ 9,016,747.50
From freight business, city roads excluded. 10,532,714.97
From other sources 759,591.38
Total earnings for all roads $20,309,053.85
Payments for transportation expenses $12,830,526.87
Payments for interest 4,156,997.05
Payments for dividends on stock 2,503,013,93
Amount carried to surplus fund 218,541.42
Total payment for all roads $19,709,079.27
Accidents.
Number of passengers killed 20
Number of passengers injured 142
Number of employees killed 29
Number of employees injured 24
Number of others killed. 68
Number of others injured 36
Total number killed 117
Total number injured 202
Total number killed, excluding city roads 114
Total number injured, excluding city roads 191
Cost of Construction and of Equipment.
Grading and masonry $58,355,306.85
Bridges 2.396,300.42
Superstructure, including iron 28,165,443.55
Passengerand freight stations, buildings and fix-
tures 4,777,786.65
Engine and car houses, machine shops, ma-
chinery and fixtures 1,920,498.40
Land damages, and fences 9,047,417.34
Locomotives and fixtures and snow plows 6,884,506.70
Passenger and baggage cars 2,670.501.01
Freight and other cars 5.586.736.19
Engineering and agencies 12,102,948.10
Total cost of construction and equipment 131,907,445.21
Total cost of same, excluding city roads 126,873,010.70
Excluding City Rail Roads, the following deductions per Mile.
Average cost per mile $52,916.23
Average cost single track per mile 34,206.05
Average number of miles traveled by each passenger 33.17
Average number of passengers to each train 60.72
Average distance each ton of freight is transported
in miles 120.91
Average number of tons in each freight train 77.54
Average number of trains over each track daily. ... 8.54
Average Cost per Mile of Road.
For maintaining of road way $1,511.70
For repairs of machinery 892.47
For operating road 2,415.49
Average Cost per MiU of Single Track.
For maintaining of roadway $ ^11"^^
For repairs of machinery 577.45
For operating road 1,561.42
Average amount received for passengers per mile, 1.98 cts.
Proportion of passengers killed to miles traveled, 1 to 18,657,959.
Proportion of passengers killed to passengers traveling, 1 to
562,504.
Proportion of expenses to earnings, 63 to 100.32.
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Rail Roads Projected, Abandoned, and merged in other Roads.
Names op Rail Roads.
Adirondack
Albany, Bennington 4 Rutland
Albany Northern
Albany 4 Cohoes
Albany 4 Saratoga
Albany 4 Saratoga Springs..
Albany 4 Schenectady
Albany 4 Susquehanna
Albion 4 Tonawanda
Atlantic 4 Gnat Western.
Attica 4 Allegany Valley...
Attica 4 Buffalo
Attica 4 Ilornellsville .
Attica 4 Sheldon
Auburn 4 Can:U ,
Auburn 4 Ithaca
Auburn 4 Rochester.
Auburn 4 Syracuse.. ..
Aurora 4 Buffalo
Batavia 4 Cheektaw.iga.-
Bath £ Coney Island.
Bath 4 Crooked Lake
Binghamton 4 Susquehanna...
Black River
Black River
Black River
Brewerton 4 Syracuse
Broadway R. R. Co. of Brooklyn
Brooklyn, Fort Hamilton
Buffalo International-
Buffalo, New York 4 Erie..
Buffalo 4 Allegany Valley...
Buff.ilo 4 Batavia.
Buffalo 4 Black Rock
Buffalo 4 Conhocton Talley...
Buffalo, Corning 4 New York.
Buffalo 4 Erie
Buffalo A Hinsdale
Buff-tlo 4 Lake Huron (Canada i
Buffalo 4 Lockport
Buffalo 4 New York
Buffalo 4 Now York City.....
Buffalo, Tonawanda 4 Niagara
Falli
Buffalo 4 Niagara Kall<
Date, of
Organization.
April
April
Feb.
Co. not
June
Sept.
April
1, 1S39
23. 1850
12. 1851
organ'd
28. 1852
20, 1852
19, 1847
April 2. 1861
April 17,1832
Dec. 1, 1858
Sept. 16,1852
May 3, 1836
May 14, 1845
Mav 21, 1S36
April 24,1832
21, 1836
13, 1836
May
May
May 1, 1S34
April
Aug.
March
April
April
May
Jan.
May
Aug.
May
14, 1S32
17, 1S50
24. 1831
29,1833
17. 1832
21, 1S36
27,1853
1, 1S36
11, 1858
12, 1836
Feb. 25, 1857
Sept. 1, 1857
May 21, 1853
April 18,1838
April 29,1833
June 26, 1850
March 18, 1852
April 14. l<-32
May 12, 1846
Buffalo A Pitt«bnrg
Buffalo, Pittoburg 4 St. Lou in .
Buffalo 4 Rochester
April 27,1852
Jan. 16, 1851
April 8, 1851
June 23. 1R5.3
May 8, 1884
Mi 7,1852
Ot. 11. 1863
'ft. 8,1850
Capital.
$100,000
400,000
335,000
''300,006
200,000
4,000,000
200,000
150,000
1,000,000
350,000
750,000
50.000
150.000
500.000
2.000,000
400,000
300.000
300,000
20,000
150,000
900,000
200,000
120,000
80,000
200,000
150,000
150,000
1,500,000
300,000
500,000
100,000
1,400,000
650.000
".'»i. i
600,000
350,000
Caaindaitrua Railway 4 Trana-'l , _ ,- ,C/K^
portAtionCo | a*fa »**™
Canandaigua 4 Corning M -v 11. |04f 1,000,000
250.000
110,000
750,000
1,826,000
BOVOOO
Canandaigua 4 Elmira. Bept 11
Connections.
Adirondack Iron Works and
Clear Pond
Albany, Bennington, and
Rutland
Albany and Troy, and Rutland
R. R. at Eagle Bridge.
Albany and Ccfboes
Albany and Green Island
{Albany Northern R. R. and )
Saratoga Springs /
Albany and Schenectady.
Albany and Bingbamton.
Albion and Batavia
/ Buffalo 4 New York Central \
\ R. R. and Penn. State Line/
Attica to Penn. State Line
Attica and Buffalo
Attica and Hornellsyille
Attica and Sheldon
Auburn and Canal
Auburn and Ithaca.
Auburn and Rochester.
Auburn and Syracuse
Aurora and Buffalo
Batavia and Attica 4 Buffalo R.R.
Bath and Crooked Lake
Binghamton and Penn. S. Line
/ Rome or Herkimer and River )
1 St. Lawrence /
Clayton and Carthage
Clayton and Mohawk Village....
/ Outlet of Oneida Lake and V
1 Syracuse J
Through a part of Brooklyn-....
( Buffalo and proposed inter-')
-j national bridge, opposite >
{ Squaw Island )
/Buffalo, New York 4 Eriel
\ R.R. at Corning /
/Buffalo and Attica 4 Alle-1
t gany R. B /
Buffalo and Batavia.
Buffalo and Black Rock
/ Buffalo, New York 4 Erie R. R.
\ at Corning.
Huffalo and Erie, Penn
Buffalo and Hinsdale.
Buffalo and Lockport
Buffalo and Attica.
Buffalo and Hornellsville
Tonawanda and Black Rock
Bnflslo and Niagara Falls
{Buffalo and State Line nearl
mean /
Buffalo and Rochester
Canandaltma and Watson
Canand.iigua and Elmira.
Canandaigua and Niagara Bdge.
Remarks.
Nothing done.
Merged in Albany Northern R.R.
Sold, and succeeded by Albany,
Vermont, 4 Canada R. R.
Nothing done.
Nothiug done.
Nothing done.
Changed from Mohawk 4 Hud-
son, and merged in the New
York Central R. R., May 17,
1853.
Partly graded.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Partly graded.
Consolidated as Buffalo 4 Roches-
ter, afterward as Buffalo & N.
York City R, R., at present
as Buffalo, New York, 4 Erie
Consolidated, and is now the Buf-
falo & New York City R. It.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Consolidated in New York Cen-
tral R. R.
Consolidated in New York Cen-
tral R. R.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
'Consolidation of the Buffalo.
Corning, and New York R. R.
and part of Buffalo 4 New
York City R. R.
Tartly done.
Not constructed by this organi-
zation.
Horse-power. Since nbandoned.
Now the Buffalo, New York 4
Erie R. R.
Name changed from Buffalo
Conht>cton Valley R. R,
Surveyed and located.
Nothing done.
Allowed to purchase real estate
in 1857.
Consolidated with New York Cen-
tral R. R., 1853.
Connected with Attica 4 nornells-
ville R. It., and name changed
to Buffalo 4 New York City
It. K.
Consolidation of Attica 4 Buffalo
R. R. and Buffalo 4 New York
R. R.
Not constructed.
Leased to New York Central R. R.
Co. in 1853.
Reorganized as the Buffalo, Pitta-
burg 4 St. Louis R. R.
Partly graded.
Formed by union of Tonawanda
and Attica 4 Bnffalo It. Roads.
{Connected with Chemung R. R.
to Elmira.
Formed from Canandaigna 4Corn-
ing and Chemung R. Roads.
Leased to New York 4 Erie
R. R. Co.
Leased to New York Central R. R.
Co. in 1858.
RAIL 11 0 A D S.
Rail Roads Projected, Abandoned, and merged in other Roads, continued.
77
Names op Rail Roads.
Canandaigua & Niagara Falls....
Canandaigua & Syracuse
Cassadaga & Erie
Castleton & West Stockbridge...
Catskill & Canajoharie
Catskill & Ithaca
Cbautauque County
Chemung & Ithaca
Cherry Valley & Susquehanna...
Clifton & South Clifton
Clyde & Sodus Bay
Coeyraans
Cold Spring
Cooperstown & Cherry Valley-
Corning & Blossburg
Corning & Olean
CoxsackieA Schenectady
Dansville & Rochester
Delaware
Division Avenue
Dunkirk & State Line
Dutchess
Date of
Organization.
Dec.
Nov.
May
May
April
April
July
May
May
March
Jan.
May
April
May
April
Feb.
May
March
May
March
April
March
Dutchess May
Elmira, Canandaigua & Nia-1
gara Falls J
Elmira & Williamsport
Erie & Cattaraugus
Erie & New York City
Fishhouse A Amsterdam
Fishkill Landing & State Line..
Fredonia & Van Buren
Genesee Valley
Genesee & Cattaraugus....
Genesee & Hudson River..
Geneseo
Geneseo & Pittsford
Geneva & Canandaigua....
Gilboa
Goshen & Albany
Goshen & New York.
Great Ausable
Greene
Harlem & High Bridge.,
Herkimer & Trenton
Honeoye ,
Hudson & Berkshire
Hudson & Delaware..
Ithaca & Geneva
Ithaca & Owego
Ithaca & Port Ren wick.
Jamesville
Johnstown
Jordan & Skaneateles
Kingston Turnpike & R. R....,
Lake Champlain & OgdenBburgh
Lake Ontario, Auburn & New \
York f
Lake Ontario, Auburn ft New)
York J
Lake Ontario ft Hudson River...
10. 1850
26, 1853
21. 1836
5,1834
19, 1830
21, 1828
23. 1851
16. 1837
10. 1836
8, 1853
22, 1853
21, 1836
30, 1839
15. 1837
5, 1851
5, 1853
15, 1837
22, 1832
21, 1836
1, 1853
15, 1850
28, 1832
25, 1836
Capital.
Connixtions.
Si ,000,000
1,000,000
250,000
300,000
600,000
1,500,000
50,000
200,000
500,000
350,000
150,000
75,000
2,500
150,000
850,000
500,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
500,000
600,000
1,000,000
April 24,1857
April 21,1832
May 15, 1837
Lake Ontario ft New York .
Lansingburgh & Troy
Lansingburgh & Troy
Lebanon Springs
July
April
April
May
June
May
Dec.
April
May
April
April
April
May
April
April
Aug.
May
May
April
April
April
Jan.
April
May
May
May
April
April
April
May
April
Aug.
Lewiston..,
11, 1851
26, 1832
12, 1848
21. 1836
2. 1856
15. 1837
11, 1852
11, 1848
11, 1836
21, 1828
15, 1839
12, 1842
13, 1837
17, 1828
18. 1838
25, 1853
13, 1836
21, 1836
21, 1858
19, 1830
9, 1832
28, 1828
16, 1834
21, 1836
13, 1836
6, 1837
23, 1835
20, 1832
15, 1851
9, 185G
6. 1857
20, 1852
May 19, 1836
Nov. 13, 1853
Dec. 1, 1851
May 6, 1836
75,000
200,000
750,000
250,000
""*12,666
300,000
400,000
7,000,000
15,000
150,000
100,000
150,000
1,500,000
150,000
150,000
20,000
150.000
200,000
250,000
350,000
500,000
800,000
150,000
15,000
25,000
75,000
20,000
20,000
3,000,000
1,500000
1,500,000
150,000
40,000
10,000
500,000
200,000
Canandaigua and Erie Canal
Canandaigua and Syracuse
( Cassadaga Creek and I'enn. I
\ State Line /
Castleton and West Stockbridge
Catskill and Canajoharie
Remarks.
Catskill and Ithaca
J New York & Erie R. R. and )
( Penn. State Line j
Head of Cayuga and Penn. Lino
!Utica & Syracuse R. R. and )
New York & Erie R. R f
Clifton and Vreeland Farm, \
on Lower Bay J
Clyde and Lake Ontario
Landing and Moss Hill Quarries
In Cattaraugus co
(Cooperstown and Canandai-)
1 gua & Syracuse R. R J
[Corning and Blossburg Coal
{ Region in Penn.
Corning and Olean
Coxsackie and Schenectady
Dansville and Rochester
Delhi and Deposit
Brooklyn
Dunkirk and State Line
Pou^hkeepsie and State Line
( Poughkeepsie and Mass. or 1
\ Conn, line j
Elmira and Suspension Bridge...
Elmira and Williamsport, Penn.
( Attica & Buffalo R. R. and 1
1 Genesee & Cattaraugus R.R. {
j Little Valley Creek and \
\ Penn. State Line J
Fishhouse and Amsterdam
ft'
Fredonia and Van Buren...
Avon and Mount Morri3....
(Attica and New York
I Erie R.R /
Rochester and Albany
Geneseo and Canal in York
Geneseo and Pittsford
Geneva and Canandaigua
Gilboa to Canajoharie
Albany and Goshen
Goshen to New Jersey State line
Port Kent and Ausable Forks...
and New York & 1
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done under this organi-
zation.
Partly constructed, and after-
wards abandoned.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done but survey.
Nothing done.
Nothing done. Intended for lum-
bering purposes.
Nothing done.
Changed in 1854 to Blossburg &
Corning R. R.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Surveyed. Nothing further done.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
{Formed by connection of Ca-
nandaigua & Elmira and Ca-
nandaigua & Niagara Falls
R. Roads.
Nothing done by this Corporation.
Nothing done.
Partly graded.
Nothing done.
Company never organized.
Nothing done.
Trains commenced in March 1859.
fGre
ErieR. R J
East River and High Bridge
Herkimer and Trenton
Erie Canal and Honeoye Lake.,
Hudson and Berkshire
Newburghand Delaware River.
{Ithaca and Geneva & Canan- )
daigua R. R J
Ithaca and Owego
Ithaca and Cayuga Lake
Jamesville to Erie Canal
("Johnstown and Utica & Sy-1
1 racuse R. R f
J Jordan and terminus Ska-1
{ neateles R. R /
Esopus Creek and Kingston
Ogdensburgh and L. Champlain..
f Little Sodus Bay and Clyde &
\ Sodus R. R.
The same
(Lewiston and mouth of Ni-1
\ agara River J
Lansingburgh and Troy
The same
Lebanon Springs and Chatham..
Lewiston and Niagara Falls
Nothing done.
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
Nothing
done,
done,
done,
done,
done,
done,
done,
done.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Merged in Hudson and Boston
R.R.
Graded, but nothing further done.
Not constructed.
Changed to Cayuga and Susque-
hanna R. R.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Not constructed.
Surveyed, but not constructed.
Grading commenced, but no part
completed.
(Work resumed, but no part
\ completed.
Name changed from Sackets Har-
bor & Saratoga R. R. No part
completed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Grading commenced, but no part
completed.
Leased to the New York Central
R. R. Co.
78
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Fail Roads Projected, Abandoned, arid merged in other Roads, continued.
Lockport & Batavia May 21,1836
Lockport A Niagara Falls April 24,1834$ 175,000
Lockport A Youngstown..
Madison County
Names op Rail Roads.
Date of
Organization.
Capital.
Maiden ,
Manhattan
ManheimA Salisbury.,
May 13, 1837
Nov. 2-3. 1853
April 28,1834
March 29. 1832
May 15, 1834
May 13, 1S36
Jan. 11, 1851
Mohawk A Hudson April 17, 1S20
Mayville A Portland. ,
Medina A Darien
Medina A Lake Ontario.
Mohawk Taller
May 21. 1836 350.000
April 17,1829 70,000
Mohawk A Moose Rirer.,
Mohawk A St. Lawrence R. R.
,v Navigation Co
Newark
New York City
New York A Albany
New York A Connecticut
New York A Newburgh
New York A New Rochelle
New York A Troy
New York A Western
Niagara Bridge A Canandaigua..
Niagara Falls, Buffalo A New
York
Niagara Falls A Lake Ontario
Niagara Falls A Lewistown ...
Niagara River
Northern
Northern (N.J.).
Northern Slackwater A Railwav
Co '
nsborgb
Ogdensburgh. Clayton A Rome
April 14, 1S57
May 11. 1837
May 21, 1836
May 12, 1851
April 17,1832
May 12, 1846
March 27, 1854
Feb. 18, 1852
Jan. 30, 1852
June 10, 1853
Aug. 23, 1858
June
Sept.
Sept.
July
May
4. 1--.2
3, 1852
1. 1^47
3, 1S55
14, 1S45
April 15,1858
350,000
310.000
75,000
150.000
100,000
2l.HU II HI
2,000.000
300,000
1,000,000
100,000
120,000
3,000,000
150,000
500,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
12,000,000
1,000,000
250.000
HKI.I 00
150,000
175.000
2,000,000
May 13, 1846
Orange A Sussex Canal Co April 9, 1829
Oswego. Hinghamton A New York
Orwego Northern A F-astern
Tr v
I'tira
vl
! I A- i.ui.il
Piermont W(«t .shr.rf
'.nrgh A Rrnisos Point
Pari Byron A Auburn
Botlwlefi Lockport A Niagara
Rochester A Canal Rail Rot 1.
Rooh^'ter A Lake Ontario
Rochester A Lockport
Dec.
Peb.
31. 1857
19, 1353
Aug.
Jan.
Peb.
Mar
April
Mav
May
Dec.
14, 1855
12. Is.",'!
21. 1854
1::. 1886
26, 1832
21. 1836
6. 1837
4, 1857
Rochester A Pittsburgh July 18, 1853
Rochester A Southern Her. 27
Rochester A Syracuse Aug. 1,1850
March 17,1861
April 17, 1829
Doc. 10, 1850
Mar. ), 26, 1831
May 3, 1852
May 15. 1837
2,000,000
1.538,500
2. .HIM)
400,000
;4oo,ooo
2.000,000
750.000
2' .'MM -I
-,00.0011
12,000
40,000
500.000
50000
30,000
100,000
j 10,000
l. ,000
200.000
4.2'>o.i«K)
Connections.
Lockport and Batavia. ,
Lockport and Niagara Falls.
Lockport and Youngstown...
Chittenango and Cazenovia..
( Maiden and jnnction
■< Smithbush and Esopus
( Roads
Manhattanvilleand South Ferry
Little Falls and Nicholville
)US >
Remarks.
Mayville and Portland.....
Medina and Alexander
Medina and Carlton.
Utica and Schenectady....
ilbany and Schenectady..
{
New York Central R. R. in~|
Montgomery county and >
Moose River Lakes )
Nicholville and Piseco Lake
Tienna and Lake Ontario
f Lower part of the city and \
\ Macombs Bridge J
New York and Albany
Ridgefield, Conn., and Harlem...
" Newburgh and New Jersey 1
State line )
New Rochelle and New York |
City /
New York A Harlem R. R. |
in Ghent and Troy
State Line in Rockland Co.
and Canandaigua
N iagara Bridge and Canandaigua
Suspension Bridge and Buffalo...
Niagara Falls and Youngstown..
Niagara Falls and Lewiston
Niagara Falls and Lewiston
Rouses Point and Ogdensburgh.
Piermont and Jersey City..
Port Kent and Boonville..
Ogdensburgh and Rome.,
Oswego and Syracuse
_ Oswego unilWliitehall A Rut-)
land R.R J
Oswego and Troy
i I- v.. _•.. an. I I'tira
Cooperstown and Milford
i twego and Cortland or Homer..
Pen field and Krie Canal
( Pi.-rmont and terminus of")
Nnrth.-rn II. It. (N.J.) at -
1 8tate Lino J
Plattubtirgh and Rouses Point...
Auburn and Port Byron
Rochester and Niagara Falls.,
Rochester and Lake. Ontario..
Rochester and Charlotte.
Rochester and Lockport.
Rome A Port Ontario Mav 13. 1«37 350.000
Rutland A Whitehall May 21.1836 100,000
Sackets Harbor A Saratoga. April 1". 1848 2.000,000
{Genesee Valley R. R. and!
Allegan; Valley R. R j
Bochettm and fcfendon
K - h'-st.r and Syracuse
Rom" and Port Ontario ,
whit-hall and Rutland
■ 1 1. ii bet and Saratoga...,
Sockets narbor A WatTtown.... Aug. 26,1856 110,000 Sockets Harbor and Watertown
I
Nothing done.
Merged in the New York Central
R. R.
Nothing done.
Preliminary surveys made. Noth-
ing else done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Name changed to Mohawk & St.
Lawrence R. R.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Surveyed, but not constructed.
Name changed to Albany & Sche-
nectady R. R. First R. R. in
the State.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
No part of the road completed
by this Company.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
No part constructed..
Nothing done.
Surveyed, nothing further done.
Changed from Canandaigua A
Niagara Falls R. R. Leased to
New York Central R. R.
Nothing done.
Graded and rails laid, but not used.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Since changed to Ogdensburgh
R.R.
Allowed to extend from State Line
to Piermont. Constructed.
Route explored, nothing further
done.
Name changed from Northern.
Partly graded, and abandoned.
Allowed to build a R. R. on the
lino of their route. Nothing
done.
Nothing done beyond surveys.
Nothing done.
Nothing done but surrey.
Nothing done but survey.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Superseded by extension of North-
ern R. R. to Piermont.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Consolidated In New York Cen-
tral R. R.
Completed to near the Landing
in 18.32.
Leased to New York Central R. R.
Co. on consolidation.
Nothing done under this organi-
zation.
Not constructed.
Not constructed.
Consolidated with New York Cen-
tral in 1855.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Partly graded. Name changed
to Lake Ontario and Hudson
R.R.
Surveyed, but nothing further
done.
RAIL ROADS.
79
Rail Roads Projected, Abandoned, and merged in other Roads, continued.
Names op Rail Roads.
Saliua & Port Watson
Saratoga Springs k Schuylervillo
Saratoga k Fort Edward
Saratoga k Montgomery
Saratoga & Washington
Schenectady k Catskill
Schenectady & Susquehanna
Schenectady & Troy
Schoharie & Otsego
Scottsville & Canandaigua.,
Scottsville & LeRoy
Sharon & Root..
Skaneateles .
Skaneateles k Jordan
Sodus Point & Southern .
Staten Island ,
Staten Island
Syracuse, Cortland & Bing-
hamton
Syracuse Stone ,
Syracuse k Binghamton ,
Syracuse & Southern .
Syracuse k Utiea.
Syracuse & Utica Direct
Tioga Coal, Iron Mining
Manufacturing Co ,
Tonawanda
Trenton & Sackets Harbor...,
Troy Turnpike k Rail Road..
Troy & Utica ,
Troy k West Stockbridge
Tyrone & Geneva ,
Ulster County ,
Unadilla k Schoharie..
Utica k Binghamton..
Utica k Schenectady.,
Utica & Susquehanna
Utica & Syracuse Straight Line.
Utica & Waterville
Warren County
Warsaw & LeRoy
Warwick
Washington County Central.,
Watertown k Cape Vincent..,
Watervliet & Schenectady.
Westchester County ,
West Side
Whitehall k Pittsburgh ...
Whitehall & Rutland
Williamaburgh, Brooklyn, )
Bush wick & New Lots / '
Date of
Organization.
April
April
April
May
May
May
May
May
April 25, 1832
April 12,1838
May 21, 1836
April 18,1838
27, 1829
6, 1832
17, 1832
6, 1836
2, 1834
13, 1846
13, 1846
21, 1836
May
March
March
May
Aug.
May
May
July
May
Jan.
April
May
April
Feb.
May
May
May
April
Sept.
June
April
May
May
Dec.
May
Nov.
Feb.
Dec.
April
June
19, 1836
13. 1835
8, 1852
21, 1836
2, 1851
21. 1836
13, 1836
2, 1851
Oct. 13, 1856
11. 1836
20, 1853
1841
14, 1832
15. 1837
18, 1831
10, 1853
10, 1836
16, 1837
21, 1S36
May 9, 1836
May 18, 1853
April 29, 1833
25, 1832
18, 1852
26, 1854
17, 1832
5, 1834
13, 1837
8, 1853
May 13, 1836
21, 1836
7, 1856
1854
15. 1852
26, 1833
29. 1853
Capital.
$ 375,000
100,000
200,000
150,000
600,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
500,000
300,000
100,000
200,000
50,000
25,000
350,000
250,000
300,000
500,000
75,000
1,200,000
1,201,300
1,000,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
100,000
2,500,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
600,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
1,000.000
1,000,000
300,000
250,000
100,000
100,000
200,000
50,000
500,000
500,000
6,000,000
1,000,000
100,000
Connections.
Syracuse and Port Watson
/ Saratoga Springs and Schuy- )
I lervillo J
Saratoga and Fort Edward
/ BallstOD Spa and W. branch \
X of North Kiver j
Saratoga and Vt. State Line
Schenectady and Catskill
f Schenectady and New York )
( &ErieR. R J
Schenectady and Troy
/ Catskill & Central R. R. and 1
\ Susquehanna j
Scottsville and Canaudaigua
Scottsville and LeRoy...
{
f Branch of Catskill k Cana-1
X joharieR. R J
"Skaneateles and some poiuti
on Skaneateles & Jordan
R.R ]
Skaneateles and Jordan
/ Sodus Point and Catskill ,
1 Ithaca R. R.
/From near Quarantine to]
1 opposite Amboy J
Clifton and Tottenville ,
Syracuse and Binghamton
Remarks.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done by this company.
Nothing done.
Name changed to Saratoga k
Whitehall R.R.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Consolidated with New York Cen-
tral R. R. in 1853.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Partly constructed but afterwards
abandoned.
Nothing done.
Constructed, but since abandoned.
'Changed from Skaneateles R.R.
Syracuse and Stone quarries..
Syracuse and Binghamton
Syracuse and Binghamton..
Syracuse and Utica.
Syracuse and Utica..
/ Bituminous coal region and 1
X Chemung Canal J
Rochester and Attica..
Trenton and Sackets Harbor
Troy and Bennington, Vt
Troy and Utica ;
Troy and West Stockbridge
/ Geneva and New York k \
X Erie R.R j
/Kingston and New York k{
X Erie R.R j
("Mouth of Unadilla River"}
■i and New York & Erie >
{ KR j
Utica and Binghamton
Utica and Schenectady
Utica and Susquehanna
Utica and Syracuse
Utica and Waterville
Glens Falls and Caldwell
Warsaw and LeRoy
/ Branch of New York & Erie \
X near Chester J
Pittstown and Greenwich
Watertown and Cape Vincent..
West Troy and Schenectady
Harbor River and New Rochelle.
Albany and Sufferns.
Whitehall and Plattsburgh
Whitehall and Rutland, Vt
Williamsburgh and New Lots....
Partly graded; work stopped in
1854.
Not constructed.
Not constructed.
Surveyed. Nothing further done.
Nothing done.
Opened in 1854. Name changed
to Syracuse k Southern R. R.
Successor of Syracuse k Bing-
hamton R. R. Name changed
to Syracuse, Binghamton &
New York R. R
Consolidated with New York Cen-
tral R. R. in 1853.
Not constructed,
f Sold in 1852, and name changed
< to Corning k Blossburg
(. R.R.
Consolidated with Attica k Buffalo
R. R. in 1850,
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Consolidated with New
Central R. R. in 1S53.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Not constructed.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Surveyed and
and
York
nothing
nothing
further
further
done.
Surveyed
done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Nothing done.
Surveyed, but not constructed.
Not constructed by this company.
Allowed to build Horse R. Road,
for 21 years.
CORPORATIONS.
Corporations were generally formed under special acts until the adoption of the Constitution of
1S4G, which directed that general laws should be passed for this purpose, and forbade special legis-
lation, except for municipal purposes and in cases where the purpose to be attained could not other-
wise be effected. The Legislature has power to alter and repeal the powers of any corporation
formed under the general laws. The articles of association or declaration of intention must in all
cases be filed in some office of record specified in the general acts ; and limitations of time, capital,
and location must be specified. The stockholders of the more important classes of corporations
are personally liable to an extent equal to the amount of stock owned. Under the present Con-
stitution, general acts of incorporation have been passed for a variety of purposes, all of which
belong to one of 4 general classes.1
Class I. includes those whose articles are filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
1. "An Act to provide for the Incorporation of Companies to construct Plank Roads and
Turnpikes."2
2. " An Act to authorize the formation of Companies for Mining, Mechanical, and
Chemical Purposes" was passed Feb. 8, 1848.*
3. "An Act to authorize the formation of Gas Light Companies'" was passed Feb. 16, 1848.4
1 C . Art. VIII. Raised Statutes. Previous to 1846,
general laws existed for the organization of religious societies,
(1TV4 ;) collegi s and academies. (1787 ;) public libraries, (1796;)
medi' - i manufacturing companies, (1S11;)
bank3. (l^J-> :) and agricultural societies, (1819, 1^41.)
* Several hundred of these corporations were formed and
several thousand miles of plank road built in 1848-52. It is
probable that less than 5 per cent, of these are now in use,
having mostly been abandoned and divided into road districts
as public highways. The companies were required to report,
but generally neglected to do do; and few general statistics are
preserved concerning them.
3 These companies, though quite numerous, were not required
to report ; and statistics concerning them cannot be obtained.
Many companies that filed their articles never went into
operation.
* Gas Light Companies.
A * indicates companies not in operation.
Naues of Compames.
Albany Gas Light Consumers' Co.*
Albion Gas Light Co.*
Albion Gas Light Co
Astoria Gas Co
Auburn Gaa Light Co _
Batavia Gas Light Co_
Binghamton Gas Light Co.....
Brockport Gas Light Co
Brooklyn Gas Co.*
Brooklyn Consolidated Gaa Light Co
Buffalo City Gaa Light Co-
Buffalo Gaa Light Co
Canandaigua Gaa Light Co
CaUkill <iaa Light Co
Citiz- nV Qtt Li^'ht Co.- ~
Citi*. n*' Gaa Light Co. of the City of Rochester.
Ciiiz' n»' Independent Gaa Co
■
Elmirafiu-
Ki.-hk
■ I a
Pulton '. h Ughl Oo
Gaa Light I - rinue
• a Oaa Light Co
Oa* Light Oo
i ■ '
Harl- _
1 1 • m I ■ « t - | _
H« mprtead Gaa Light Co
Ilu won fi(M Oo
Hadaon Gaa Light ' * -
Ithn. I
Jamaica Gaa Ught •'•>.
Johnstown <<»* I
Lanaingburgh <iaa Light Co
Lock; ghtOo
Lvon« Gaa Ught Oo
Manhattan Gax Light Co
Morritania Gaa Light Co
V wtmrgh Gaa Ughl Oo
New ToS Mutual Saving Gaa Light Co.*.
Ogdenabur^h liaa Co
Ogdensbargh Gaa Light Co
Ogdensburgh Gaa Light A Coke Co
Oswego Gaa Light Co
Owego Gaa Ught Co
60
Date of Organization.
Original Capital.
Present Capital.
Feb. 18, 1856
575,000
§75.000
March 13. 1856
20,000
20.000
May 13, 1858
30,000
30.000
Dec. 1, 1853
20,000
20.000
Jan. 29, 1850
20,000
50.000
June 11,1865
32,000
32.000
June 25, 1853
50,000
60,000
Jan. 17, 1859
Oct. 21, 1848
200,000
200.000
Oct. 24, 1856
500,000
500.000
March 12. 1S53
150.000
150.000
Feb. 29. 1848
150.000
750.000
Aug. 3, 1853
50.000
50.000
July 13, 1855
40.000
4H.O0O
Oct. 26, 1858
1,000.000
1,000.000
Jan. 22, 1852
60,000
50,000
June 18, 1 B59
Sept. 13. 1852
50.000
60.000
May 8,1862
60,000
60.000
July 20, 1S58
15.000
15.000
Julv 18,1*55
40.000
61,000
Juno 12,1868
12,000
12.000
Feb. 9.1 Mil
100.000
100.000
Nov. 24, 1852
75,000
75.000
Juno 17,1864
35.000
85.000
Nov. 29, 1868
100.000
40.000
Feb. 6,1866
120.000
350.000
April 18.1857
15,000
15,000
April 9,1869
Peb. 28,1868
60.000
50,000
May 22,1862
60.000
60.000
Oct. 88,1862
75.000
75,000
.liin^ 2. 1866
30.000
20.000
March IB, 1857
18.000
18,000
Feb. 28,
100.000
100.000
Maxell 17. 1861
17,000
40,000
Jan. 26, 1859
Oct 4 1
2,000,000
Oct. 28, 1862
200.000
200,000
M:.v 17,1862
60.000
70,000
Sept 90,1862
1,500.000
1,500.000
Aug. 2.1!. 1864
75.000
75.000
June 16, 1868
100.000
100.000
June 11. 1 v;,4
75.000
75,000
April 22, 1862
65,000
05.000
March 24. 1856
40,000
40.000
CORPORATIONS.
81
4. " An Act for the incorporation 0/ Benevolent, Charitable, Scientific, and Mis-
sionary Societies" was passed April 12, 1848.1
5. " An Act to provide for the incorporation and regulation of Telegraph Companies"
was passed April 12, 1848, and amended June 24, 1853.2
6. "An Act for the incorporation of Building, Mutual Loan, and Accumulating
Fund Associations" was passed April 10, 1851.3
7. " An Act to provide for the formation of Insurance Companies" was passed April
10, 1849.*
Gas Light Companies, continued.
Names op Companies.
Palmyra Gas Light Co
Peekskill Gas Light Co
Plattaburgh Gas Light Co
Poughkeepsie Gaa Light Co
Richmond County Gaa Light Co ,
Rochester Gaa Light Co
Rome Gaa Light Co
Rondout & Kingston Gas Light Co.-
Saratoga Gas Light Co
Schenectady Gas Light Co ,
Seneca Falla Gas Light Co.*
Seneca Falls & Waterloo Gaa Light Co
Sing Sing Gaa Light Co ,
Sing Sing Gas Manufacturing Co
Staten Island Gas Light Co
Syracuse Gas Light Co
Tarrytown and Irvington Union Gaa Light Co
The Consumers' Gas Light Co. of Saratoga Springs.,
Troy Gas Light Co
UticaGas Light Co
Waterford Gas Light Co
Watertown Gas Light Co
Weat Farma Gaa Light Co
West Troy Gas Light Co
Williamsburgh Gas Light Co
Yonkers Gas Light Co
Date of Organization.
Oct.
July
July
Dec.
April
May
Dec.
May
Aug.
June
July
Dec.
May
July
March
Nov.
March
Aug.
April
Nov.
Oct.
Feb.
Nov.
Jan.
July
May
29, 1856
18,1855
5, 1859
18, 1850
26, 1856
12, 1848
28, 1S50
27, 1854
4. 1853
19, 1849
17, 1856
24, 1856
3. 1854
25. 1855
14. 1856
30, 1848
4, 1859
23, 1858
6,1848
23, 1848
4, 1858
28, 1852
18, 1852
31, 1853
5, 1850
12, 1854
Original Capital.
12,500
40,000
70,000
200,000
100,000
20,000
65,000
75,000
50,000
50,000
80,000
80,000
35,000
150,000
100,000
30,000
100,000
100,000
12,000
20,000
200,000
100,000
80,000
70,000
Present Capital.
12,500
31,000
70,000
350,000
200,000
30,000
65,000
75.000
70,000
50,000
80,000
80,000
35,000
150,000
100,000
30,000
200,000
80,000
12,000
20,000
200,000
100.000
449,500
70,000
1 These companies are not required to report.
2 These companies make no report; and there is no official
knowledge concerning those now existing. Several of those
formed never went into operation, and others have been con-
solidated. The N. Y. & Erie R. R. have a telegraph for regu-
lating the trains upon that road. The N. Y. Central and some
other roads have the exclusive or preferred use of telegraph
wires along their route for like purposes.
Telegraph Companies.
A * indicates companies not in operation
Name.
Albany, Springfield & Boston Di
rect Telegraph Co
American Telegraph Co.*
Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Co.*..
Baldwinsville Electro Magnetic
Telegraph Co.*
Buffalo, Corning & New York
Telegraph Co
Central & Southern Telegraph Co.*
Eastern & Western Telegraph Co.*
Erie & Central Junction Tel. Co.*..
Erie & Central Junction Tel. Co.
Genesee Valley Turnpike Co
Long Island, Marine & Inland
Telegraph Co
Merchants' Telegraph Co.* ,
New York, Albany & Buffalo Elec
tro Magnetic Telegraph Co
New York, Albany & Buffalo Tele-
graph Co.,incorp. by special act*
New York & Canada House's Print-
ing Telegraph Co
New York & Mississippi Tel. Co.*..
New York & Mississippi Yalley
Printing Telegraph Co.*
New York & Montreal Printing
Telegraph Co.*
Date of
Organization.
May
Dec.
June
19. 1854
12. 1855
15, 1S57
Dec. 4, 1852
Jan.
Nov.
May
April
July
April
March
Sept.
25. 1856
13, 1854
30, 1855
24, 1852
19, 1853
10. 1857
24. 1858
23, 1852
May 31, 1848
Jan. 25, 1856
Capital.
Nov.
April
Feb.
Sept.
19, 1855
8, 1851
21, 1854
15, 1853
$ 35,000
200,000
300,000
400
15,000
11,250
20,000
11.250
11,250
80,000
40,000
40,000
250,000
40,000
360,000
170,000
60,000
Name.
New York & Montreal Telegraph Co.*
New York & New England Tel. Co.*..
New York &. New England Tel. Co
New York & Philadelphia Branch
Telegraph Co
New York &■ Sandy Hook Telegraph
Co
New York & Washington Printing
Telegraph Co
New York & Western Union Tele-
graph Co
New York, St. Louis & New Orleans
Junction Telegraph Co
New Y'ork State Printing Telegraph
Co.* ,
New York State Telegraph Co.*...
Otsego Telegraph Co
Syracuse, Oswego & Ogdensburgh
Telegraph Co ,
Transatlantic Telegraph Co.*
Transatlantic & Submarine Tele-
graph Co
Troy, Albany & Boston Telegraph Co.
Utica & Oxford Magnetic Telegraph
Co
West Troy, Lansingburgh,Waterford
& Cohoes Telegraph Co
Date of
Organization.
Oct.
April
July
April
Aug.
May
Dec.
Aug.
July
May
Sept.
Sept.
May.
Jan.
July
Aug.
July
23, 1852
26. 1849
3, 1852
24, 1848
13, 1852
26, 1852
22, 1852
26. 1850
15, 1850
15. 1850
30. 1851
22, 1855
19. 1857
18. 1858
25, 1857
2, 1852]
14,1855
Capital.
% 40,000
42,300
30,000
15,000
25,000
200,000
10,000
200,000
200,000
25,000
4,000
20,000
100,000
100,000
60,000
6,400
3,000
a These associations were chiefly limited to the vicinity of New
York, numbering 72 in New York co., about 40 in Kings Co.,
with a few in Queens, Richmond, and Westchester. Their ope-
rations consisted in raising money by subscription of the mem-
bers, to be loaned to that member who would allow the highest
premium,— the avowed intention being to afford to people of hum-
ble means the opportunity of securing for each a home. This
absurd fallacy found multitudes of dupes ; and in the competition
for loans the premiums paid in some instances ran as high as
one half of the amount loaned. The mode of appropriating
loans varied. It appeared in evidence before the legislative
committee of 1855 that in one instance it was as follows : — " The
names of all the shareholders who are not more than fonr weeks
in arrear are put in the end of a quill, and all put into a bottle;
the whole is then shaken, and the name which first comes ont
on reversing the bottle has the right to the appropriation."
Nearly or quite all of these associations have been abandoned,
a few only being kept together by the complexity of their inter-
ests and obligations, which are not readily adjusted. A statement
showing the operation of these associations was reported by a spe-
cial legislative committee in 1856.— Assem. Doc, 1856, JVb. 46,p. 16.
4 This act relates to Marine Insurance Companies which make
no report. A list of them will be found in the general list of
Insurance Companies, pp. 83 to 89.
6
82
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
8. " An Act for the Incorporation of Companies formed to Navigate the Ocean by
Steamships" was passed April 12, 1852.1
9. ".-In Act to authorize the formation of Companies for Ferry Purposes" was passed
April 9, 1853.3
10. " An Act for the Incorporation of Companies formed to Navigate the Waters of
L.ake George by Steamboats" was passed January 14, 1854.3
11. "An Act for the Incorporation of Companies formed to Navigate the Lakes and
Rivers" was passed April 15, 1854. Cos. report annually to the State Engineer and Surveyor.4
1 Previous to 1S52, Steamship Cos. were incorp. by special acts ; since that time they have organized under the general act.
Ocean Steam Navigation Companies.
Names of Companies.
Date of Or-
ganization.
Amazon Steamship Co
Amcr. Atlantic Steam Nav. Co....'
Amsterdam Steamship Co
Atlantic Steamship Co
Cal.. N.Y.. A BnTOp-Bteainshh, I
Cal.. N.Y.. a Eur m. Steamship Co.
Cent. .Ann r. A Cal Bti im-hipCO...
Mexican Oo an Mail A Inland Co.!
N. Y.. Halt. A Alex. Steamship Co..|
N. Y. a Boston Steamboat Co |
N. Y. a- California Steamship Co_.
N. Y. a Qalway Steamship Co....
N. Y. Harbor Steam Freight Co_.
N. Y. A- Havana Steamship Co— .1
Deo. 26. 1S53
fFeb. 23. 1839.1
\ a- May 8. 1845 J
Jan.
May
Oct.
Oct.
July
Jan.
Oct.
April
6, 1854
26. Mi
1, 1858
1, 1859
7, 1852
25, 1853
27, 1852
19, 1828
March 15, 1853
Sept. 6, 1853
March 11, 1853
Jan. 14, 1859
Capital.
t ■'.".. i
2,000,000
300,000
686.000
500,000
400,000
1,500.000
120.000
150.000
1,500.000
1.000,000
100,000
Names of Companies.
IN. Y. & Havre Steamship Co-
N. Y. & Matanzas Steamship Co....
N. Y. & New Orleans Steamship Co.
X. Y. South American Steamboat Co
N. Y. & Southern Steamship Co
N. Y. & Virginia Steamship Co
Xorth American Steam Nav. Co....
Ocean Steam Navigation Co
Ocean Steam Packet Co
Ocean Steamship Co
Parker Vein Steamship Co
Staten Island & N.J. Steam Nav. Co.
U. S. & Cent. American Transit Co.
U.S. & Liberia Steamship Co
W. India & Venezuela Steamship Co
Date of Or-
ganization.
Jan.
Jan.
Sept.
April
Sept.
April
May
May
May
April
Dec.
March
June
March
March
13, 1855
15, 1859
12, 1854
14, 1827
29, 1853
10, 1850
1, 1839
8,1846
6, 1839
7, 1819
26, 1853
17, 1853
25, 1859
13, 1S54
8, 1856
Capital.
$700,000
360,000
100,000
500.000
300,000
1,500,000
1.000,000
1,000,000
250,000
1,000,000
50,000
100,000
150,000
* The Ferry Companies are required to report annually to the Secretary of State ; but the reports are not published.
Ferry Companies formed under the General Act.
Names op Companies.
Date of Or-
ganization.
Capital.
Names of Companies.
Date of Or-
ganization.
Capital.
Brooklyn Ferrv Co
Feb. 26, 1855
Nov. 7, 1854
April 19,1853
June 29, 1859
Jan. 21, 1854
May 9, 1859
June 20, 1859
$100,000
3,000
500,000
12,000
People's Ferry Co. (N. Y. to Wil-
Piermont & Dearman Ferry Co ....
iRhinebeck A Kingston Ferry Co...
jRosevelt & Bridge St. Ferry Co.
(N. Y. to Brooklvn)
April 21,1853
Sept. 5, 1853
May 7, 1853
April 26,1853
April 25, 1855
Oct. 26, 1853
Nov. 9, 1854
$300,000
50.000
8.000
250,000
100
900.000
800.000
- A Hyde Park Ferry Co...
Flushing. College" Point A N. Y.
- m Ferry Co
Oarri- n ft West Point Ferrv Co.
island Ferry Co. (X.Y. A
Staten Island & N. Y. Ferry Co ....
iUnion Ferry Co. of Brooklyn
Navv Yard Ferrv Co
* The only Company formed under this act is the Lake George Steamboat Co., incorp. Jan. 20, 1854. It has a capital of $20,000.
* Inland Steam Navigation Companies.
Names of Companies.
American Steamboat Co
American Transportation Co.*
Archiii - Co
P.lark Rrret -• ■
Black River Steamboat Co
Btancbard Steaml I I
• ^Transportation To.
•
■
Chntanqaa Steamb it Co
at Co
amboat Co..
Flushing Steamboat Co
Fiilt. n Steamboat Co
Harbin A New York Nav. 0
Hudson River Steamboat Co
bamplain Btaai
Lake rh.itnplain Steam boa •
Lake F.ri- Transportation C
Lake Erie A Buffalo Steamboat Co.
Lake Ontario Bteafflboal Co"
Date of
Organization.
Feb.
Jan.
June
April
April
Feb.
May
Aug.
Feb.
May
April
April
April
April
April
Jnn.
April
March
3, 1858
11, 1855
1, 1859
12, 1«41
24, 1S66
25.1856
6, 1866
16, 1864
26, 1828
i. 1828
18, 1828
20, 1826
•J I. 1828
21, 1828
18, 1816
it. 1866
20, 1826
16, 1866
12, 1818
Mnv 11,1886
March 10, 1820
N v. 20, 1866
March
Jan. 3
Capital.
ivu.noo
640.000
200.000
25,000
10.000
26,000
120,000
20.000
50.000
:10,000
6,000
100.000
20,000
15.000
250.000
27.000
200,000
20,000
200,000
100.000
114.000
100,000
50.000
100.000
Names of Companies.
Lake Navigation Co
New York Transportation Co
New York A Albany Propeller Line
New York A Western Towing Co
Niagara Tails Steamboat Assoc...
Northern Transportation Co
Northern Transportation Line ....
North Tiiver Steamboat Co.*
Old Oswego Line
Oneida Lake A River Steamboat
Co.'
Ontario Steam A Canal Boat Co./...
Ontario Steamboat Co
Ontario A St. I.iwrence Steam-
boat Co.»
Orangetown Point Steamboat Co...
Ponghkeepsie Steamboat Co
St. Lawrence Steamboat Co
Seneca Lake steamboat Co.
Suffolk Steamboat Co
Bnsqnehanna Steam Navigation Co.
Troy Steamboat Co
United States Mail Steamship Co...
Western Transportation Co
Date of
Organization.
Capital.
Feb. 20, 1856
500.000
April 15, 1854
100.000
Dec. 1,1866
40.000
Sept. 21, 1857
55,000
Sept. 2, 1854
50,000
Feb. 6, 1855
300,000
April 6, 1857
50.51 Hi
March 10, 1820
600.000
May 2, 1856
300,000
April 2, 1838
10,000
1842
May 12, 1859
100,000
1848
April 16, 18.30
10.000
March 30, 1827
50,000
1842
April 6, 1S25
20.000
March 25, 1829
B.000
May 11, 1835
50,000
March 31, 1825
so.ooo
April 6,
1,500.0110
Dec. 8, 1855
800.000
' Capital reduced to «J7n.or»i Jan. 1.'.. 186 I.
» Charter expired April 11. fir't steamboat on
Lake Champl.vn was in 1H10.
■ Merged in the Ontario A St. Lawrence Steamboat Co. in IM*.
Eicln«ive individual and corporate rights for steam n. 11
'.ion npon the waters of this State h»Te been granted under
il acts, as follows: — An act was pa---l lurch 10,1797,
granting to John Fitch the sole right of steam navigation In
the waters of the State for a period of fourteen years. Having
■* Charter expired April 11. 1838.
' Charter limited to 20 years. Reincorporated April 12, 1842.
/ Verged in the Ontario A St. Lawrence Steamboat Co. in 1848.
c Merged in the American Steamboat Co. in 1858.
dote- nothing for ten years, this act was repealed in 1798. An
net was pawid March 27, 1798. granting to Robert R. Livingston
|e right of navigating by steam for twenty years, con-
■ lir i re -d to building a boat of at least 20 tons, capable of moving
four miles per hour against the current of Hudson River. This
CORPORATIONS.
83
12. "An Act for the Incorporation of Associations for Improving the Breed of"
Horses" was passed April 15, 1854.1
13. " An Act to facilitate the formation of Agricultural and Horticultural Socie-
ties'* was passed June 8, 1853, and amended April 15, 1855. 2
Class II. includes all those whose certificates are required to be filed in the Comptroller's office.
1. " An Act to provide for the Incorporation of liife and Health Insurance Com-
panies, and in relation to Agencies of such Companies," was passed June 24, 1853.s
2. " An Act to provide for the Incorporation of Fire Insurance Companies" was passed
June 25, 1853.4
1 The following companies have been formed under this act :-
Names.
Place.
When formed.
Newtown...
Newtown...
Goshen
Jamaica....
Nov. 26, 1855
May 29, 1854
July 31, 1855
July 31, 1858
Orange County Central Horse Co..
2 For Table of Agricultural Societies, see pp. 102, 103.
privilege was extended two years, March 29, 1799, to enable
Nicholas J. Rosevelt to complete experiments. By act passed
in 1798, Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fulton secured the
exclusive right of navigating by steam for a period of twenty
years ; and by an act passed April 11, 1808, an extension of five
years was granted for each new boat — the whole time, however,
not to exceed thirty years. This monopoly was contested in
the State and Federal Courts, in a suit begun in 1819, and
finally decided in the Supreme Court of the U. S. in Feb. 1824,
as repugnant to the Constitution, which authorizes Congress to
regulate commerce. So far as these acts prohibited vessels
licensed by the laws of the United States from carrying on a
coasting trade, they were void. — Johnson's Reports, IV, 148 ;
Cowan's Reports, III, 713; Wheaton's Reports, IX, 1.
3 These companies report annually to the Comptroller. A list
of them is given in the general list of Insurance Companies.
4 These companies were formerly created by special acts,
— generally for periods of 20, 21, or 30 years. Until about 1834
they wore almost invariably upon the joint stock principle. For
many years this class of investments was considered extremely
reliable, and large dividends were often paid to the stock-
holders. The great fire in New York in Dec. 1835, proved a
heavy disaster to almost all the Insurance companies then
formed, and many of them were prostrated by it. This event
soon led to the formation of Mutual Insurance Companies in
almost every county in the State : most of these companies have
since become insolvent. A graphic and truthful statement of
the operations that ruined these companies is given in the Comp-
troller's Report on Fire Insurance Cos. of 1854. A general law,
passed April 10, 1849, provided for the incorporation of these
companies, under which risks of every kind might be taken.
The frauds perpetrated under this system rendered a revision
indispensable; and in 1853 two general laws were enacted, — one
for the formation of companies for insurance of life and health,
and the other against loss by fire, or inland navigation, and
transportation. The articles of association (under the law of
1849, required to be filed in the Secretary's office) were, by
these acts, filed in the Comptroller's office, and general powers
were conferred upon the Comptroller, with the view of protecting
the public from any frauds that might be attempted, and to
secure the equal and uniform operation of the laws relating to
insurance. Annual reports are made to the Comptroller, and by
him to the Legislature, under each of these laws. Marine In-
surance companies are still filed in the Secretary's office, but
are required to make no report.
Insurance companies formed under the laws of other States
or countries cannot establish agencies in this State without
first depositing with the Comptroller a certified copy of their
charters, and of the vote or resolution creating the agency, a
statement of their condition, and proof that their capital is
equal to that required by the laws of this State, and, if a
Life Insurance company, securities to the amount of $100,000,
for the benefit of policy holders. Foreign Marine Insurance
companies are required to pay 2 per cent, upon all premiums
received by any agent ; and a bond in the penal sum of $1,000
is required of every agent of such companies for the pay-
ment of this tax. This tax was first collected in 1858, and
amounted to $3,742.55. Several companies are not required to
report their statistics to the Legislature. The aggregate reports
of Fire Insurance Companies for 1857 show the following
results : —
Capital invested $16,731,010.00
Cash premiums received _. 6,051,304.87
Gross amount of income 7,577,872.62
Losses paid , 2,898,166.11
Dividends paid 2,240,434.72
Taxes paid 243,062.79
Gross expenditures 6,855,953.88
Unpaid claims 968,683.00
The following tables comprise the companies which have
been incorporated under special acts or the general laws of the
State. Foreign companies authorized to transact business in
the State are not included in the list : —
Insurance Companies in the State on 1st day of Jan. 1858.
Name.
2Etna Fire Insurance Co. of New York."...
Adriatic Fire Insurance Co
Agricultural Mutual Insurance Co.*
Albany Insurance Co.0.
American Fire Insurance Co
Arctic Fire Insurance Co
Astor Fire Insurance Co
Astor Mutual Insurance Co
Atlantic Fire Insurance Co
Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co
Beekman Fire Insurance Co
Brevoort Fire Insurance Co
Broadway Insurance Co
Brooklyn Fire Insurance Co
Chautauqua County Mutual Insurance Co.
Citizens' Fire Insurance Co.1*
City Fire Insurance Co
Location.
New York..,
New York..,
Watertown
Albany -
New York-
New York..
New York..
New York..
Brooklyn....
New York-
New York..
New York-
New York-
Brooklyn...
Fredonia....
New York-
New York-
Date of Act, or
of filing arti-
cles of associ-
ation.
Expiration
of charter.
March
Nov.
Sept.
March
April
July
June
April
Feb.
April
March
Feb.
Oct.
April
April
April
April
31, 1S24
24, 1858
25, 1851
8, 1811
21, 1857
16, 1853
11, 1851
18, 1843
20, 1851
11, 1842
4, 1853
4, 1857
2, 1849
3, 1824
1, 1836
28, 1836
26, 1833
March
Nov.
Sept.
Feb.
April
July
June
31, 1878
24, 1888
25, 1S81
15. 1881
21, 1887
16, 1883
11, 1881
Feb.
April
March
Feb.
Oct.
April
April
April
April
20, 1881
11, 1872
4, 1883
4, 1887
2, 1879
3, 1866
1, 1876
28, 1866
26, 1863
5i>>
&3
5>0
■2c
S.
f.
S.
f.n.
M.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
M.
m.
S.
f. n.
M.
in. n.
S.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.
M.
f.
S.
f.
s.
f.
Present
capital of
stock
companies.
$200,000
150,000
125,000
200,000
250,000
150,000
150,000
200,000
150,000
200,000
102,000
150,000
210,000
<■ Reorganized Feb. 12, 1836, under act of Feb. 12, 1836.
* Removed from Evans Mills April 10, 1855.
• Reorganized Feb. 18, 1851. Capital, $100,000. Originally
Albany Fire Insurance Co. Capital, $100,000, and allowed to
take fire, marine, and life risks. Once extended. Expired
June 1, 1851.
* Changed to Citizens' Fire Insurance Co. April 5. 1849.
84
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Existing Insurance Companies, continued.
Name.
Location.
Clinton Fire Insurance Co
Columbia Fire Insurance Co
Columbian Insurance Co
Commercial Insurance Co
Commercial Fire Insurance Co-
Commonwealth Fire Insurance Co
Cintinental Fire Insurance Co
Corn Exchange Fire & Inland Nav. Ins. Co
Dividend Mutual Insurance Co
Dutchess Co. Mutual Insurance Co
Eagle F'ire Company of New York."
Bast Kiver Insurance Co.*
Empire City Insurance Co
Empire Insurance Co
Everett Fire Insurance Co
Excelsior Fire Insurance Co
Exchange Fire Insurance Co
Farmers' Fire Insurance Co
Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co
Firemen's Fund Insurance Co
Firemen's Insurance Co.e
Franklin Co. Mutual Insurance Co
Fulton Fire Insurance Ov1-..
flallatin Fire Insurance Co
Gebhard Fire Insurance Co
Glen Core Mutual Insurance Co
SI ita Mutual Insurance Co
Goodhue Fire Insurance Co...
Great Western Marine Insurance Co
Greenwich Insurance Co-
Grocers' Fir- Insurance Co
U imilton Fire Insurance Co.*
Hanover Fire Insurance Co
Harmony Fire Insurance Co
I : In Insurance Co...
■ i'l Fir. Insurance Co
B pe lire Insurance Co. (The)
II. 'ward Insurance Co./.
Humboldt Fire Insurance Co
Huntington Mutual Fire Insurance Co.?
Income Insurance Co
Indemnity Fire Insurance Co
Irving Fire Insurance Co
Jamestown Farmers' Fire Insurance Co
Jefferson Insurance Co
Kings County Fire Insurance Co
Kingston Mutual Insurance Co
Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co.-
rh cker Hre Insurance Co. of N.Y.V...
Lafarge Firo Insurance Co
I . ttc Fire Insurance Co
Laman Firo Insurance Co
[■Stum Fire Insurance Ox
-land Insurance Co
LorUUrd Fir- [nsuxanoeOo
Manhattan Life Insurance Co
Manhattan Firo Insurance Co.*.
Market Fir* Insurance Co
Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Co
Mecham - Fir- Insurance Oo
Mechanic' A Trad-rs' Firo Insurance Co.-
Mercantile Fir" Insurance Co
Mercantil- Mutual Insurance Co
Merchants' Insurant- Oo
Metropolitan Kir- Insurance Co
Monroe Co. Mutual Insurance Co
Montauk Firo Insurance To
M'-ntg'im-ry Oo. Mutual ln=ur inco Co
Mutual Ins Ob. of tfat f'ity and Co. of Albany-
Mutual Life Insurance 0o».
Nassau Fir» In»nrnnr» Oo
National Firo Insnranm (\,,i
Now Amsterdam F'iro Insurance Co
N-w World Firo lusuiauoeOo
rk Bowery Fir- Insurance Co.
Now York Kqnitat.lo Insurnnro (Y,.*
New York
New York...
New York...
Albany
New York...
New York..-
New York...
New York..
Glens Falls
Poughkeepsie
New York...
New York...
New York...
Union Springs
Cayuga co. N. Y...
New York-
New York...
Meridian
Buffalo
New York...
New York...
Malone
New York...
New York—
New Y'ork...
Glen Cove...
New York...
New York..-
New York...
New York
New York...
New York...
New York...
New York..-
New York...
New York..-
New York...
New York-.
New York...
Huntington
New York..-
New York
New York
Jamestown
New York...
New York
Kingston —
New York
New York...
New York
Brooklyn
New York
New York
Brooklyn
New York
New York
New York
New York
Troy
Brooklyn
New York
New York
New York
New York
N0W York
Rochester
Brooklyn
harie
Albany
New York
1 lyn
Now York
N'.-w York
New York
New York
New York
Date, of Act, or
of filing arti-
cles of associa-
tion.
July
March
Aug.
May
March
Feb.
April
April
April
April
Sept.
Dec.
Dec.
July
May
April
May
May
April
May
Feb.
Aug.
Aug.
March
March
Aug.
Aug.
May
Jan.
May
April
Dec.
April
Dec.
June
March
May
April
April
April
Jan.
Aug.
March
Oct.
March
March
March
May
Dec.
Dec.
April
April
Jan.
May
March
Jan.
May
May
Feb.
Dec.
April
FV1,.
Oct.
March
May
March
May
April
Oct
April
Feb.
Q :
April
April
9, 1850
9. 1853
8, 1S57
1858
14, 1850
1853
9, 1853
16, 1853
15, 1S50
12, 1836
4, 1806
24, 1833
17, 1850
22, 1851
15, 1858
25, 1853
20, 1853
28, 1853
14, 1845
1, 1858
18, 1825
12, 1836
23, 1853
11, 1857
6, 1857
29, 1857
22,1855
29. 1857
29, 1855
5,1834
16. 1850
22. 1852
1, 1852
1853
11. 1853
15, 185S
16, 1856
9, 1825
5, 1857
2,1838
17. 1858
11, 1856
9, 1852
25. 1851
4,1824
19, 1858
12, 1836
29, 1853
23, 1798
9, 1853
23. 1856
10, 1856
1, 1853
26,1833
16. 1852
17, 1850
23, 1821
26, 1853
14. 1836
5, 1857
4,1853
24, 1851
12, 1842
20, 1850
1, 1852
21. 1886
19, 1867
30, 1«36
3, 1836
12, 1842
31, 1851
9, 1838
in. lv.::
18, 1866
24,1833
28, 1828
Expiration
of charter.
July 9, 1880
March 9, 18S3
Aug. 8, 1887
March 14, 1880
1883
March 9, 1883
Feb. 16, 1883
April 15, 1880
April 12, 1876
Unlimited.
Sept.
Dec.
Dec.
July
May
April
May
May
17, 1880
22, 1881
15, 1888
25, 1883
20, 1883
28, 1883
14, 1865
1, 1888
May
Feb.
Aug.
Aug.
March
March
Aug.
Aug.
May
Jan.
May
April
Dec.
April
Dec.
June
June
May
April
12. 1876
23, 1883
11, 1887
6, 1887
29. 1877
22, 1885
29, 1887
29, 1885
5,1864
16, 1880
22. 1882
1, 1882
1883
11. 1883
15, 1S88
16, 1886
16, 1866
5, 1887
2, 1858
April 11,1886
Jan. 9, 1882
Aug. 25, 1881
March 12, 1876
March 29, 1883
May
Dec.
Dec.
April
April
Jan.
May
Jan.
May
May
Feb.
Dec.
A pril
Feb.
Oct.
9, 1883
:;. ism',
111. ISM",
1,1883
26, lsc.:',
16, 1882
17. 1880
1SC.C,
26, 1^::
14, 1876
5. lss:
4,1883
24. 1881
12. 1872
20, 1880
1, 1882
March 21, 1876
May 19, 1887
March 30, 1876
May 3, 1886
Till repealed.
Oct. 31, 1881
Feb."" 28, 1883
Oct. 13, 1886
April 24, 1863
1866
N
■sTJ
•1-3
8.
S.
S.
8.
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s.
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s.
M.
M.
8.
8.
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8.
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S.
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M.
S.
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S.
S.
S.
S.
S.
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s.
s.
s.
s.
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8.
8.
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8.
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8.
8.
8.
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8.
8.
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8.
8.
8.
M.
3.
3.
8.
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8.
8.
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3.
M.
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3.
3.
8.
3.
3.
3.
f.n.
f.n.
m.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.
£
f.
f.n.
f.
f.n.
f.n.
f.
f.n.
f.
f.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
m.
f.n.
m.
f.
f.
f.
f.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
"fin'.'
f.n.
f.n.
f.
f.n.
I.
"f."n7
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.
f.n.
I.
f.n.
f.n.
f.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
m. n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.
f.n.
f.
f.
1.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.n.
f.
f.l.
Present
capital of
stock
companies.
1 250,000
200,000
500,000
200,000
250,000
200,000
200,000
300,000
150,000
200,000
150,000
200,000
150,000
150,000
204,000
150,000
150,000
200,000
300,000
200,000
1,000,000
200,000
200,000
160.000
200,000
150,000
500,000
150,000
150.000
250,000
200,000
100.000
150,000
200,000
200.000
150.000
100,000
28i i.dOO
150.000
150,000
200,000
150,000
200,000
200.000
llL'.oOo
250,000
200,000
150.000
200,000
200,000
20o,i on
300,000
150,000
135,000
1 .Mi.noO
200,000
2oo,
2oii.
300.000
210.000
•Original capital JSOO.ooo. Special relief on account of fire
of July 19, 1*45, granted by act of May )2. 1846.
♦Organized March. 1*35. Allow-,1 to t.iko inland trrin-;
tion risks April 28, 18*0. Changed to Bad Ettver Mutual In-
surance Co. April 12. ' -
• Original capital $300,000, reduced Mav 12. 1840, bv tho Are
of July. 1846.
• Allowed to remove from WiHi.imsr.urgh April 13. 1855.
Changed from Williamsburg)! City Fire Insurant I
• Changed from Building Association Firo Insurance Co.
March 8, 1863.
/Reorganized 1836. Original capital $300,000.
I Organized March, 1840, under act March 12. 1840.
* Changed from Mutual Insurance Co. of the City of New
York. May 12, ]S46. having been twice extended. Originally
named the Mutual Insurance Co. of New York.
< It-organized June 7, 1836.
i Changed May 24, 1841, from Seventeenth Ward Fire In-
surance Co. Amended charter March, 1867.
* Reduced from $300,000 Feb. 18, 1848.
C 0 R P 0 R A T I ON S.
Existing Insurance Companies, continued.
85
Name.
New York Fire and Marine Insurance Co.°
New York Indemnity Insurance Co.*
New York Life Insurance Co."
New York Life Insurance & Trust Co
New York Mutual Insurance Co
New York & Erie Insurance Co
Niagara Fire Insurance Co
North American Insurance Co
Northern New York Mutual Insurance Co
North River Insurance Co.d
North Western Insurance Co."
Ocean Insurance Co/..-
Ocean Insurance Co..
Ontario & Livingston Co. Mutual Insurance Co....
Orango Co. Mutual Insurance Co...
Orien Mutual Insurance Co
Pacific Fire Insurance Co
Pacific Mutual Insurance Co
Park Fire Insurance Co _
People's Fire Insurance Co
Peter Cooper Fire Insurance Co
Phoenix Fire Insurance Co
Poughkeepsie Mutual Fire Insurance Co
Relief Fire Insurance Co
Republic Fire Insurance Co
Resolute Fire Insurance Co
Richmond County Mutual Insurance Co.
Rutgers Fire Insurance Co
St. Lawrence Co. Mutual Insurance Co
St. MarkB Fire Insurance Co
St. Nicholas Insurance Co
Schenectady Insurance Co.ff
Security Fire Insurance Co
Star Insurance Co
Stuyvesant Insurance Co
Suffolk County Mutual Insurance Co....,
Sun Mutual Insurance Co
Tradesmen's Fire Insurance Co
Union Mutual Insurance Co
United States Fire Insurance Co
United States Life Insurance Co
Wall St. Fire Insurance Co
Washington Insurance Co _
Waterville Protection Insurance Co
Wayne County Mutual Insurance Co
Westchester County Mutual Insurance Co
Western Farmers' Mutual Insurance Co
Williamsburgh City Fire Insurance Co
Wyoming County Slutual Insurance Co
Location.
Now York
Albany
Now York
New York
New York
Middletown
New York
New York
l'lattsburgh
New York
Oswego
New York
New York
West Bloomfield.
Goshon
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York
Brooklyn
Poughkeepsie
New York
New York
New York
Richmond
New York
Ogdensburgh
New York
New York
Schenectady
New York
Ogdensburgh
New York ,
Southold ,
New York ,
New York ,
New York ,
New York
New York ,
New York
New York
Waterville
Newark
New Rochelle....
Batavia.
Williamsburgh...
Warsaw
Date of act, or
of filing arti-
cles of associa-
tion.
April 18
July 29,
May 21,
March 9,
March,
Nov. 29
June 22
Jan. 1
Sept. 18
Feb. 6,
April 26,
Jan. 29,
April 3
March 21
March 15
Jan. 18
AprU 17
Dec. 18
Feb. 1
April 22.
March 30,
March 14,
July 30.
Dec. 17
March 22,
July 10
March 30,
Sept. 12
May 12
July 14
July 23
May 26,
Juno 20!
Nov. 30,
Jan. 7
April 30
May 22
Dec. 20
May 14
March 31
Jan. 26,
Oct. 19
Feb. 11
Feb. 3
April 1
March 14
April 23,
Dec. 13!
Nov. 25,
,1832
,1851
, 1841
, 1830
1851
, 1852
,1850
,1836
,1852
, 1822
, 1832
', 1853
, 1855
,1836
, 1837
,1859
,1851
,1854
,1853
:, 1851
, 1853
,1853
,1850
,1855
,1852
', 1857
, 1836
:, 1853
, 1836
,1853
, 1852
, 1841
,1856
, 1853
,1851
,1836
;, 1841
,1858
,1845
, 1824
, 1850
,1858
,1850
:, 1851
,1853
,1837
,1844
,1852
, 1851
Expiration
of charter.
April 18, 1862
July 29, 1881
Unlimited
Unlimited
March, 1881
Nov. 29, 1882
June 22, 1880
Sept.
Feb.
Jan.
Jan.
April
March
March
Jan.
April
Dec.
Feb.
April
March
March
July
Dec.
March
July
March
Sept.
May
July
July
May
June
Nov.
Jan.
April
May
Dec.
May
April
Jan.
Oct.
Feb.
Feb.
April
March
April
Dec.
Nov.
18. 1882
6, 1862
1, 1877
29. 1883
3, 1885
20, 1876
15, 1877
18, 1889
7, 1881
18. 1884
1, 1883
11, lssl
30, 1883
14, 1SS3
30, 1880
17, 1885
22, 1882
10, 18S7
30, 1876
12, 1883
12, 1876
14, 1883
23, 1882
26, 1891
20, 1886
30, 1883
7, 1881
30, 1876
22, 1S61
20, 1888
14, 1875
1, 1884
26, 18S0
19, 1888
11, 1880
3, 1881
1, 1883
14; 1877
23, 1864
12, 1882
25, 1881
Nature
of risks
allowed.
^2
33)3
S.
f.m.
M.
f.n.
1.
1.
M.
m. n.
M.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
S.
f.
M.
f.n.
S.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
m.
s.
f. m. n.
M.
f.
M.
f.
s.
m. n.
s.
f.n.
s.
m. n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
M.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
M.
f.
s.
f.n.
M.
f.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
M.
f.
S.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.
M.
f.
M.
f. m. n.
S.
f.n.
M.
f.m.
S.
f.
S.
1.
s.
f.n.
s.
f.n.
M.
f.n.
M.
f.n.
M.
f.
M.
f.
s.
f.
M.
f.
Present
capital of
stock
companies.
$200,000
108.800
100,000
200.000
250,000
350,000
150,000
300.000
300,000
200,000
200.000
150.000
150,000
200.000
100,000
150,000
150.000
200,000
200,000
150,000
150,000
200.000
150.000
200,000
150,000
250.000
100.000
200,000
200,000
loo.doo
o Changed from New York Fire Insurance Co. May 10, 1847,
and allowed to take marine risks.
t> Removed from Broadalbin April 15, 1857.
« Changed from Nautilus Insurance Co. April 5, 1S49, and
limited to life risks. First organized April 12, 1845, and allowed
m. n. and f. risks. Capital, $200,000.
d Reorganized July 18, 1852. Originally allowed marine risks.
» Organized Jan. 1834.
/Enjoinder.
o Changed from Schenectady County Mutual Insurance Co.
AprU 7, 1858.
Obsolete Insurance Companies in the State, Jan. 1, 1859.
Name.
iEtna Insurance Co. of Utica
Albany County Mutual Ins. Co
Allegany Mutual Insurance Co
Allegany County Mutual Ins. Co
Alliance Insurance Co
Alliance Mutual Insurance Co
American Fire Ins. Co. of New York-
American Ins. Co. of New York
American Insurance Co. of the City
of New York
American Insurance Co
American Manufacturers' Mutual
Assurance Co
American Mutual Insurance Co
American Mutual Insurance Co
Anchor Insurance Co
Atlantic Insurance Co. of New York..
Location.
Utica.
Albany ....
Angelica..
Angelica..,
New York
New York
New York
New York
New York..
Utica.
New York..,
Amsterdam
New York...
New York..
New York..,
Date of act of
incorporation
or of filing
articles.
it
March 14, 1851
May 3, 1836
April 13,1*57
April —,1857
April 30, 1839
April 10, 1843
April 18, 1825
M.
M.
M.
M.
S.
M.
S.
June 18, 1812
S.
June 12, 1856
Sept. 6, 1852
March 30, 1S32
April 23,1850
April 1, 1843
AprU 5, 1826
M.
M.
M.
S.
Feb. 27, 1824
S.
Remarks.
f.m.
f.n.
m.
f.
f.m.
Receiver appointed Jan. 1854.
Closed.
Closing business. No receiver.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $300,000, 21 years ; April 20, 1832,
$200,000, 30 years.
Successor to Marine Ins. Co., 15 years,
from May 12 ; cap. $250,000. In 1814,
marine, not exceeding $1,000,000.
Extended to May 12, 1857. Closed
in 1845.
Receiver appointed April, 1S55.
Receiver appointed Dec. 1S54.
Changed from La Fayette Ins. Co. of
the City of New York.
Cap. $500,000. Discon. in 1828; al-
lowed to close up and reorganize
new company.
86
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Obsolete Insurance Companies, continued.
Name.
Location.
Atlas Insurance Co. of New York.... j New York..
Atlas Marine Insurance Co New York..
Atlas .Mutual Insurance Co New York..
Auburn Co Auburn ....
Bowery Fire Insurance Co New York.
Broome County Mutual Ins. Co
Brooklyn Firemen's Insurance Co... 'Brooklyn...
Buffalo Firo &- Marine Insurance Co. Buffalo.
Buffalo Mutual Insurance Co | Buffalo.
Building Association Fire Ins. Co New York..
Date of act of
incorporation
or of filing
articles.
Canal Insurance Co.
Canal Ins. Co. of the City of NewYork
Cattaraugus County Mutual Ins. Co.
Cayuga County Mutual Ins. Co....
Chatham Fire Insurance Co. of the
City of New York
Chelsea Insurance Co ,
Chemung County Mutual Ins. Co.
Chenango County Mutual Ins. Co,
Cherry Valley Mutual Ins. Co
Clinton Fire Insurance Co. of the
City of New York
Clinton Insurance Co. in the City of
Albany
Clinton & Flu 1 1 Mutual Ins. Co
Columbia County Mutual Ins. Co
Columbian Fire Insurance Co. of \
the City of New York J
Columbian Insurance Co
Columbian Insurance Co
Commercial Insurance Co
Now York..
Commercial Insurance Co.,
Cortland County Mutual Ins. Co..
Croton Insurance Co
Croton Mutual Insurance Co
Dunkirk Marine Insurance Co_...
Dutchess County Insurance Co....
Eighth Ward Fire Insurance Co..
Eighth Ward Mutual Insurance Co..
Emmet Fire Insurance Co
Empire State Mutual Insurance Co..
Enterprise Insurance Co
Farmers" Fire Ins. & Loan Co
Farmers' Ins. Co. of Oneida County..
Farmers and M-rchanta' Ins. )
Co. of Western New Tori f
Farm- rs' Mutual In-tirance Co. of
Sherburne
Fifth Ward Fir^ Insurance Co. of 1
Qm «'ity .if New Y'..rk /
firemen's Insurance Co. of the i
fity of Albany /
Finno n's Insurance Co
Franklin Fire Insurance Co.
Franklin Firo Tnsnranco Co. in tho
t Raw York
Franklin tin In- ( trf [Jen fork
Franklin Marino k Fir.' Insurance
Y'.rk
Fulton Kiro Insurance Co. in the
| Nrw Y'.rk
Kiro Insurance Co
fionoral Mutual ln«urnncoCo
fJ(D<T in '111' I 1 I'
tiirarl Kir- [nanrance Co. of tho
W York
Globe Fire Insurance Co
Now York....
Ellicottville.
Aurora
New York.,
New York..
Cherry Valley..
NewYork
Albany
Kceseville..
Hudson
New York.,
New York....
Amsterdam
New York...,
April 8, 1825
April 14. 1836
April 10,1843
March 14. 1826
April 24,1833
April 10,1837
May 25, 1836
April 1, 1830
March 17, 1837
May 3, 1S52
March 14, 1S25
May 25. 1836
May 17, 1837
March 20, 183'
April
April
April
May
April
16, 1822
20. 1 S.'V.l
2, 1838
3, 1838
12, 1842
New York.,
Cortlandville....
New York
Now Y"ork
Dunkirk
Poughkcepsie...
New York
April 26,1831
May 4, 1829
May 12, 1836
May 12, 1836
May 25, 1836
March 21, 1801
June 4, 1851
April 4, 1805
April 12,1842
May
April
April
May
April
April
12, 1S36
10, 1849
10, 1843
9, 1S37
15, 1814
25, 1836
NewYork April 30,1836
New York ipril 6, 1839
Saratoga Springs Dec. 8, 1849
New York Aug. — , 1855
New York Feb. 28, 1822
Utica
Rochester
Sherburne ...
New York....
Albany ...
Brooklyn .
New York.,
June 26, 1851
Oct. 29, 1850
May 13, 1845
April 13, 1836
April 3, 1831
April 29,1833
March 13, 1818
New York kprfl
i Borings Man b
2,1819
6, 1851
Saratoga Springs April 12, 1852
Globe Insurance Co.,
Globe Insuranco Co....
QranlU Insurance Co.
\. 'w Y'.rk \|.ril
New Y.ok May
New Y.irk May
May
Now Y.rk.
New Y"..rk.
New York.
March
May
2. D-10
It. 1st' I
25, 1«41
3,1836
I. 1880
2,1837
Mar.-h is, 1M1
Greene County Mutual Tnsnranco Co
Greenwich Fire Insurance Oo New York.
in ; Ins. Co. of New fork NewYork.
Guardian Insurance 0b New York.
Hamilton Fire Insurance Co. of the
City of Now York 'New York.
Utica Juno
NewYork Oct 21,1852
OtUkSB March 30,1836
Mar, b 81, I--'
April 26, 1862
April 24,1833
April 25,1836
11
lis
s.
8.
M.
S.
8.
M.
S.
s.
M.
S.
s.
M.
M.
S.
S.
M.
M.
M.
S.
S.
M.
M.
S.
s.
"s."
s.
M.
M.
M.
S.
S.
s.
M.
g.
M.
M.
S.
s.
s.
s.
M.
B.
8.
M.
M.
B,
s.
M.
M.
ML
8.
8.
8.
8.
m.
m.
m.
f. n.
f.
f.
f. m. n.
f. n.
{'•
f. 1. m.
f. 1. n.
f. m. n.
f. m. n.
m.
f. 1. ann.
f. in. n.
f. n.
m.
f.
Remarks.
Cap. $300,000.
Cap. $350,000. Revived April 14, 1838.
Cap. $150,000.
Cap. $300,000.
Cap. $150,000. Successor to Firemen's
Insurance Co.
Cap. $100,000.
Changed March 8, 1853, to Hamilton
Fire Insurance Co.
Cap. $300,000. Revived April 21, 1S28,
cap. $150,000.
Cap. $300,000.
Closed business in 1853.
Cap. $400,000.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $300,000 ; time extended 1832-33.
Cap. $300,000.
Receiver appointed Jan. 1854.
Cap. $300,000. Revived April 5, 1839,
cap. £250,000.
Cap. $500,000.
Receiver appointed Jan. 1853.
Cap. $250,000. Extended 21 years
April 3, 1811.
Changed June 16, 1S53, to Commercial
Mutual Insurance Co.
Closed about 1852.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $200,000.
Original cap. $300,000. Changed to
Trust Fire Ins. Co. April 25, 1839
Cap. $250,000.
Receiver appointed June 1855.
Enjoined Dec. 2S, 1855; injunction re-
moved Jan. 31, 1856. Closing.
Cap. $500,000.
Receiver appointed Nov. 1854.
Changed to Rochester Insurance Co.
March 20, 1S52.
Receiver appointed.
Cap. $500,0i)(i; reduced to $200,000
April 21. 1837.
Cap. $150,000. M. risks allowed April
20,1832. To expire June, 1S61.
Cap. $150,000. Changed to Brooklyn
Firemen's Ins. Co. May 25, 1S36.
Cap. $5(1(1,000. Reduced one-half, 1828.
Continued in 1835 to '56. Reduced
by the great firo of 1835.
Cap. $500,000.
Receiver appointed June, 1S55.
Rcceivor appointed Sept. 1854.
Cap. $500,000.
Cap. $250,000.
Receiver appointed Oct. 1851.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $500,000. Company of like name
incorp. July 24, 1851, cap. $200,000.
Cap. $1,000,000. Reduced one-half
March 17. ls.'lfi.
Receiver appointed August, 1855.
Removed from Utica April, 1859. Re-
ceiver appointed Fob. 1856.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $300,000.
Cap. $500,000.
CORPORATIONS.
87
Obsolete Insurance Companies, continued.
Name.
Hamilton Marino Insurance Co..
Harmony Fire Insurance Co
Harmony Fire & Marine Ins. Co.
Henry Clay Fire Insurance Co
Herkimer County Mutual Ins. Co...
Hope Insurance Co
Householders' Mutual Insurance Co.
Howard Life Insurance Co..
Hudson Fire Insurance Co..
Hudson Insurance Co
Hudson Insurance Co. of the City of
New York
Hudson Kiver Marine & Fire Ins. Co.
Hudson River Mutual Insurance )
Co. at Waterford J
Indemnity Fire Insurance Co. of the
City of New York
Insurance Company of Firemen
International Insurance Co
Jackson Marine Ins. Co. of the City \
of New York J
Jefferson County Mutual Ins. Co
Kings County Mutual Insurance Co.
Knickerbocker Insurance Co
La Fayette Ins. Co. of the City of)
New York J
Lewis County Mutual Insurance Co.
Long Island Farmers' Ins. Co. in the
Co. of Queens
Long Island Mutual Insurance Co...
Madison Co. Mutual Ins. Co
Madison Marine Ins. Co. of the City
of New York
Marine Insurance Co. of New York..
Mechanics' Fire Ins. Co. of the City 1
of New York J
Merchants' Fire Insurance Co
Merchants' Mutual Ins. Co. of Buffalo
Merchants k Householders'Mutual 1
Ins. Co J
Merchants' Ins. Co. in the City of
Albany
Merchants' Insurance Co
Merchants' Marine Insurance Co
Merchants' Mutual Insurance Co
Metropolis Ins. Co. of the City of )
New York J
Metropolis Insurance Co
Metropolitan Insurance Co
Mohawk Insurance Co. of New York
Mohawk Valley Farmers' Ins. Co....
Mohawk Valley Insurance Co
Monroe Fire Insurance Co
Mutual Assurance Co. of New York.
Mutual Insurance Co. of Buffalo
Mutual Protection Insurance Co
Mutual Protection Ins. Co. of Roches
ter
Mutual Safety Insurance Co
National Exchange Insurance Co....
National Insurance Co
National Insurance Co
National Protection Insurance Co....
Nautilus Insurance Co
New York Central Insurance Co
New York City Insurance Co
New York City Insurance Co
New York Ccmtributionship Ins. Co."
Location.
New York-
New York..
New York.,
Now York...
Little Falls..
New York...
New York..
New York..
Now York..
New York-
New York-
Crescent....
Waterford. .
New York-
New York-
New York.
Watertown ,
Brooklyn ....
Waterford ..
New York.
Hempstead
Brooklyn ...
Cazenovia ..
New York-
New York-
New York-
New York-
Buffalo
New York.
Albany .....
Buffalo
New York-
New York-
New York-
New York....
New York...,
New York...,
Scotia
Amsterdam
Rochester....
New York....
Buffalo
New York.
Rochester
New York
New York
New York
New York
Saratoga Springs.
New York
Cherry Valley-
New York
New York
New York
Date of act of
incorporation
or of filing
articles.
April 4, 1838
Dec. 29, 1855
April 28, 1836
Jan. 20, 1821
May 25, 1841
June 29, 1852
April 6, 1838
April 4, 1811
April
Juno
8, 1825
1, 1852
Aug. 8, 1850
April
May
April
13, 1836
2, 1810
11, 1855
April 23, 1831
March 8,1836
April 15, 1S44
May 15, 1852
April 8, 1825
Feb. 27, 1837
April 29,1833
April 30, 1S36
March 23, 1836
April 8, 1825
March 16, 1802
April 7, 1819
April
Feb.
2, 1819
4, 1850
April 17,1843
April
Feb.
April
April
7, 1824
4, 1851
26, 1836
10, 1843
Jan. 29, 1S53
April
Oct.
April
June
June
March
March
29, 1839
2, 1851
3. 1824
27, 1851
6, 1851
9, 1825
23, 1798
April 18, 1843
May 25, 1841
May
April
May,
April
April
Feb.
7, 1844
17, 1838
1855
14, 1S15
9, 1838
22. 1851
Jan. 16, 1851
Nov. 13, 1852
March 22, 1825
April 5, 1824
it
II
S.
s.
M.
s.
M.
S.
s.
s.
s.
M.
M.
S.
s.
M.
M.
M.
S.
M.
S.
M.
M.
M.
M.
S.
M.
S.
S.
s.
s.
M.
M.
S.
M.
M.
S.
S.
s.
Remarks.
f. m. Cap. $250000.
f. Changed to Harmony Fire & Marine
Insurance Co. April 17, 1858.
f. m. n. Changed from Harmony Fire Insu-
rance Co. April 17, 185*.
Receiver appointed Dee. 1855.
Receiver appointed 1853.
Changed from New York Firemen's
insurance Co. Cap. $300,000.
f. (Pictures, furniture. <tc.) Repealed April 17,
1843. Changed to Merchants &
Householders' Mutual Ins. Co.
1. Discontinued issuing policies 1856 or
'57. See Comp. Rep. 1859, p. 53.
Cap. $200,000. Reduced to $150,000
April 17, 1843.
Cap. $200,000.
r. ii
f.
m.
f. m.
f. m.
{
f. I.
f. m. n.
f. m.
f. m. n.
f. m. n.
f. m. n.
f. n.
f. m.
1. m. n.
f. n.
Cap. $300,000.
Receiver appointed Aug. 1854.
Business transferred to Hudson River
Marine & Fire Insurance Co.
Cap. $500,000.
Changed from Kings County Mutuai
Ins. Co.
Cap. $400,000. Reduced to $300,000
April 24, 1840. Reduced to $200,000
and fire risks allowed.
Changed to International Ins. Co.
April 11, 1845.
Receiver appointed July, 1855.
Cap. $300,000. Changed to Anchor
Ins. Co. of the City of New York,
April 8, 1826.
Took but one insurance. Never fully
organized.
Cap. $50,000. Revived May 2, 1835.
Closed under act of Jan. 25, 1S54.
Cap. $300,000.
Cap. $250,000. Closed up under act of
June 18, 1S12, by the American Ins.
Co. of New York having become in
solvent.
Original cap. $500,000. Reduced to
$300,000 Jan. 12, 1828.
Cap. $300,000. Reduced to $250,000.
Made assignment and diss. Jan. 1852,
Changed from Householders' Mutual
Ins. Co.
Cap. $250,000.
Closed.
Cap. $400,000.
Changed to Ocean Ins. Co. of tho City
of New York April 3, 1855.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $500,000. Never organized.
Cap. $500,000.
Receiver appointed Oct. 1854.
Receiver appointed Jan. 1855.
Cap. $250,000. Revived April 17, 1826.
Renewed 1808 as Mutual Ins. Co. of
New York. Cap. $350,000. To con-
tinue till repealed. Changed to
Knickerbocker Fire Ins. Co. of New
York May 12, 1846.
Cap. $200,000.
Extended April 12, 1843.
Receiver appointed Sept. 1855.
Original cap. $100,000.
Cap. $150,000.
Receiver appointed Aug. 1S55.
April 5, 1849, changed to New York
Life Ins. Co. and limited to life risks.
Closing up. No new policies issued.
Receiver appointed Sept. 1S55.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $300,000. Similar act May 6, 1844.
o The New York Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses & Property from Loss by Fire, incorp. April 5, 1822. Changed
to above.
88
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Obsolete Insurance Companies, continued.
Name.
v ■ V rk Fire Ins. Co. of the City \
of New York J
New York Protection Insurance Co-
New York State Mutual Ins. Co...
New York Onion Mutual Ins. Co-
New York Firemen Insurance Co-
New York Guardian Insurance Co-
New York Insurance Co
New York La Fayette Ins. Co
New York Marine Insurance Co....
New York Mechanics' Life Ins. 41
Coal Co J
New York Mutual Insurance Co
New Y"ork Northern Fire Ins. Co...
New York State Marine Ins. Co
New York Union Mutual Ins. Co
Neptune Ins. Co. of the Citv of New )
York /
Neptune Bell Marine Ins. Co. of)
New Y'^rk /
Niagara County Mutual Ins. Co
North American Fire Insurance Co..
Location.
Date of act of
incorporation
or of filing
articles.
New York
Rome July 23, 1849
Newark Oct. 31, 1849
Johnstown Mav 9,1850
New York March 2, 1810
New York April 6, 1838
New York April 2.1798
New York April 14,1825
New York iApril 2,1798
New York 'Feb. 28,1822
New York March 28. 1809
May 4,1829
New York..
Johnstown-
New York..
April 8, 1825
May 9, 1850
April 11,1825
New York 'April 22,1831
Lockport ..
New York.
North American Insurance Co New York
North American Mutu;il Ins. Co Brasher F alls-
Northern New Y"rk Live Stock Ins.C" I Latteburgh ....
Northern New York Mutual Ins. Co. Pittsburgh....
Northern Protection Insurance Co... [Camden
Ocean Insurance Co New York
Co..
Oneida County Mutual Ins.
Oneida Insurance Co
Like Mutual Insurance Co...
Onondaga County Mutual Ins. Co
Ontario Insurance Co.-
Orange Fire Insurance Co
Orleans Insurance Co
Oswego County Mutual Ins. Co
Pacific Insurance Co. of New York...
Palladium Fire Insurance Co
Utica
Ctica
Cleveland
Baldwinsville.
Geneva
Newburgh .-..
Albion
Mexjco
New York
New York
Pelican Mutual Insurance Co Now York..
Phcenix Insurance Co. of New York New York..
Phoenix Fire Insurance Co New York..
People's Ins.C". of the State ofN.T. Kingston.
Poagbkecprie in-uranceCo Ponghkeepaie-.
re Insurance Co New York
Reno-. Insurance of the
City ..f New York New York
..icrCounty Mutual Ins. Co.... Lansingburgh
Reiwlvr Insurance Co Lansingburgh
Rensselaer ft Saratoga Ins. Co." Troy
Rochester Insurance Co Rochester
8aratOKaConntyMiitu.ll Fin- Ins. Oo. Saratoga Springs
Schenectady 4 Saratoga Ins.
Co..
Scbeoectady County Mutual
Balem.,
Schenectady..
:] Insurance Co -
vie County Mutual In«. 0 ■ OobleskilL..
Sea Insurance Co New fork..
I <"*. .iinty Mutual ln« (
. w ird Hn Insurance Co...
, War.] Sire In-. I
D County Mutual In« i
Steuben Farmers ft Merchants' In-
surance Co
Susquehanna Fire Insurance Co.*
Syracuse Insurance Co
Tioga County Mutual Insurance Co.
rloo-..
N<-w York..
York..
April 13,1837
April 8, 1836
April
Mav
July
Sept.
Nov.
March
April
March
March
April
March
April
June
April
April
April
13, 1826
26. 1851
8, 1851
17. 1852
14, 1851
2, 1810
28. 1836
23, 1832
8. 1853
13, 1836
21. 1826
7, 1819
1. 1850
28, 1836
14; 1815
20, 1832
April 10,1843
Feb. 20, 1807
March 29, 1823
Mav 14. 1851
April 8. 1825
April 7, 1824
March 31, 1836
April 29,1836
April 15,1852
April 15,1819
March 20, 1852
May 5, 1«34
July, 1852
May 6, 1834
May 26, 1841
April 22,1831
Dec. 3,1850
May .1, ]s::4
April 12,1839
April 29, 1889
April 9,1838
March 29, 1837
6 3
Rath Sept. 20,1851
Albany Aug. 1854
Pynvnv* .
1 '«■ go
April
April
1. 1-..:
M.
M.
S.
M.
M.
S.
M.
S.
M.
S.
M.
M.
S.
S.
"$L
S.
a.
a.
s.
M.
8.
S.
M.
"s"'
M.
M.
S.
M.
S.
8.
S.
M.
Eemarks.
f. n.
{'■
Changed May 10, 1847, to New York
Fire & Marine Ins. Co.
Made assignment Jan. 1852, and closed
up.
Receiver appointed.
Receiver appointed Julv, 1855.
Cap. $500,000. Closed by losses 1818
and reorganized. Changed to Hope
Ins. Co. Jan. 26, 1821.
Cap. $300,000.
Expired 1820. Extended to Jan. 1860.
Cap. $200,000.
Cap. $500,000.
Cap. $600,000. Changed April 15, 1823,
to Life & Fire Ins. Co.
Changed from Sun Fire Ins. Co. Cap.
$240,000.
Cap. $400,000. Revived April 25, 1831.
Cap. $300,000.
Cap. $250,000. Changed to Neptune
Bell Mutual Ins. Co. of New York,
April 22, 1831.
Changed from Neptune Ins. Co. Cap.
$250,000. Revived April, 1832.
Cap. $250,000. Changed from Phoenix
Fire Ins. Co. Allowed to take inland
navigation risks May 7, 1845.
Cap. $300,000.
Receiver appointed June, 1855.
Receiver appointed Oct. 1854.
Cap. $500,000. Extended to Jan. 1860.
Capital reduced to $350,000.
Closed.
Cap. $250,000.
Closed.
Closing up.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $400,000.
Receiver appointed March, 1S52.
Cap. $500,000.
Cap. $300,000. Reincorporated May
3, 1839. Cap. $250,000.
f. 1. m. n. Cap. $500,000.
Original cap. $250,000. Changed to
North America Fire Insurance Co.
April 8, 1836.
Receiver appointed March, 1854.
Cap. $100,000.
m. n.
f. n.
f. n.
f. n.
f. 1. 1
f.
f.
f.
f. n.
m. n.
f.
f.
f. n.
Cap. $300,000.
Reorganized Oct n. 1851. Receiver
appointed Feb. 1S55.
Cap. $50,000.
Cap. originally. $500,000. Closed up.
Changed from Fanners & Merchants'
In-uranco Co. of Western N. Y.#
Receiver appointed Jan. 1857.
Cap. $100,000. Stopped issuing poli-
ci .-.« by art May 25. 1S41.
Changi-d l>v dropping "Countv Mu-
tual" April 7, 1858. Extended 30
years.
Revived May 0. 1836.
]:■ • i v 1 ■ r appointed.
Cap. $250,000. Time for final divi-
dend extended 1840 to Juno 28, 1841.
Cap. $250,000.
Cup. 1200,000. Cbanpe,] to National
Fire Insurance Co. May 24, 184L
Receiver appointed Nov. 1856.
Changed from Cooperstown Feb. 1855.
Receiver appointed.
Cap. $100,000.
• Capital reduced from $199,880.90 to $87 ,536.45 by the great Trov fire of 1<<20. Life insurance taken away in 1831.
to close up by act of April 18, 1843. » See Comptroller's Report, 1858, p. 45.
Directed
CORPORATIONS.
89
Class III. includes those whose certificates are filed in the Banking Department.
"An Act to authorize the Itiusiness or Banking" was
passed April 18, 1838, and was modified April 12, 1851, upon
the creation of a Bank Department. Reports previously
made to the Comptroller are now made to this Department. In
1853 the articles of association previously filed in the Secre-
tary's office were transferred to this department.1
Individuals or copartners may obtain bills from the depart-
ment for circulation as individual bankers, and are liable to
the full extent of their property for the redemption of the
notes and the payment of the debts of such private banks.
The name of individual banks must now be that of their
owners ; and the privilege cannot be sold, or the bills be signed by an agent. It may, however, be
Obsolete Insurance Companies, continued.
Name.
Tompkins County Mutual Ins. Co....
Traders' Ins. Co. in the City of N. Y.
Tradesmen's Insurance Co. in the
City of New York
Triton Insurance Co
Tontine Fire Insurance Co..
Troy Insurance Co
Troy Mutual Safety Insurance Co....
Trust Fire Insurance Co
Tempest Insurance Co
Trust Fire Insurance Co .
Unadilla Mutual Insurance Co
Union Fire Insurance Co. of the City
of New York
Union Insurance Co
Union Mutual InB. Co. at Fort Plain
United Insurance Co
United Ins. Co. in the City of N. Y...
United States Insurance Co. of the 1
City of New York .J
United States Mutual Insurance Co.
United States Insurance Co
Utica Insurance Co
Utica Live Stock Insurance Co
Washington County Mutual Ins. Co
Washington Insurance Co
Washington County Insurance Co...
Washington Marine Insurance Co. 1
of the City of New York /
Washington Mutual Assurance Co
of the City of New York
Washington Mutual Insurance Co..,
Wayne County Mutual Ins. Co ,
Webster Fire Insurance Co
Western Fire Insurance Co
Western Insurance Co. of Olean
Western Insurance Co. of the village
of Buffalo
Western New York Agricultural
Live Stock Insurance Co.
Williamsburgh Fire Insurance Co....
Yates County Mutual Insurance Co..
Location.
Ithaca
New York..
New York..
New York..
New York..
Troy
Troy
New York.,
Meridian...,
New York.,
Unadilla....
New York..
New York..
Fort Plain .
New York..
New York..
New York-
West Potsdam...
Saratoga Springs
Utica
Date of act of
incorporation
or of filing
articles.
2§ !a
Utica
Granville.
New York.,
New York..
New York..
New York..
New York ,
Canandaigua.
Olean ,
Buffalo
Cleveland, Oswe-
go co
Williamsburgh..
April 25, 1840
March 9,1825
March 14, 1825
April 4, 1838
May, 1855
April 5, 1831
May 7, 1844
April 25,1830
Jan. 29, 1853
April 25,1839
May 12, 1836
April 24,1833
March 18, 1818
May 21, 1850
May 14, 1840
March 10, 179S
March 31, 1837
Nov. 8, 1850
Feb. 22, 1851
March 29, 1816
April 12,1852
AprU 22,1837
April 29,1839
AprU 24,1832
AprU 27,1833
March 30, 1802
AprU 11,1842
May 12, 1836
March, 1855
AprU 3, 1824
Jan. 22, 1853
April 7, 1817
April 15,1852
AprU 17, 1843
March 9, 1837
M.
S.
s.
s.
s.
M.
s.
s.
M.
s.
S.
s.
M.
M.
M.
S.
s.
s.
s.
M.
s.
M.
Remarks.
f. n.
f. n.
f. m. n.
f. m. n.
f. n.
f.
Cap. $250,000.
Cap. $200,000.
Cap. $250,000. Beduced to $150,000
May 26, 1841.
Receiver appointed Oct. 1856.
Cap. $200,000. Directed to close up by
act of AprU 21, 1840.
Cap. $150,000.
A committee appointed in 1855 could
not find the books or Secretary of
this Co.
Changed from Eighth Ward Fire Ins.
Co. Cap. may increase $200,000.
f. Cap. $400,000.
1. ann. Cap. $500,000. In 1837 extended to
Jan. 1, 1862.
Changed to Union Insurance Co. July
8, 1851.
m. n. Cap. $500,000.
f. 1. m. Cap. $500,000. Twice extended.
■j Cap. $1,000,000. Fire risks allowed
J™* May 5, 1840.
Receiver appointed Feb. 1855.
Receiver appointed Feb. 1859.
f. m. n. Receiver to be appointed by act of
May 26, 1841.
(insured Uve Btock.) Cap. $25,000.
Reorganized Dec. 13, 1849. Receiver
appointed Sept. 1856.
Cap. $250,000.
f. Cap. $50,000.
ICap. $300,000. Reduced to $100,000,
1833, and changed to Marine Mutual
Fire Insurance Co. Allowed to take
fire risks AprU 27 1833.
Referee appointed Sept. 1855.
f Cap. $250,000.
Receiver appointed Dec. 1855.
f. m. n. Cap. not over $400,000.
1 The first bank organized in the State was the Bank of New
York, which had existed several years previously as a private
partnership. In many of the earlier banks the State reserved
the right of subscribing stock, and of appointing directors to
represent their interest in proportion to the amount held. Bank-
ing powers could only be enjoyed by special act of the Legisla-
ture, and were commonly limited to a period of 30 years. In
1838 a general law was enacted, allowing the organization of as-
sociations for banking, upon depositing the requisite securities
with the Comptroller and filing articles of association in the
Secretary's Office. Up to the date of the general law, 106 banks
had been created,— of which 31 are stiU in existence, 36 have
reorganized, and 39 have failed, closed, or changed their names.
The Manhattan Co., created " for supplying the city of New
York with pure and wholesome water," and the New York Dry
Dock Co. possess perpetual banking powers. Other corporations
for manufacturing or commercial purposes were allowed like
privileges for limited periods, all of which have expired. In
1829 a "safety fund" was created, by requiring an annual con-
tribution of i per cent, of its capital paid in from each bank
formed or extended after that time, until each had paid 3 per
cent. This fund was placed in charge of the Comptroller, and
applied to the redemption of the bUls of insolvent banks con-
tributing to this fund, after their other means had been ex-
90
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
bequeathed. All banks, excepting those in New York, Brooklyn, Albany, and Troy, must have
an agency in New York, Albany, or Troy, for the redemption of their bills within one-fourth of
one per cent, of par.
hausted. The bank fund has long since been exhansted, the
draft upon it far exceeding the income. In 1S48, 11 insolvent
banks, that hal contributed but $S6,2S2 to this fund, had drawn
from it $2,577,927. — Comptroller's Report, 1843, p. 55.
The same law provided for the appointment of 3 Bank Com-
missioners, who were required to visit the banks thrice annually,
to ascertain their condition, take measures to secure the public
against fraud or loss, and report annually to tho Legislature.
This office was abolished April 18, 1S43, and the Comptroller
was invested with general powers relating to banks, from which
he was relieved by the creation of a special Bank Department in
1851. This department is under a superintendent appointed by
the Governor and Senate for 3 years. It has the custody of all
plates for printing bank bills ; registers, numbers, and issues to
banks such bills as their charters and securities entitle them
to; destroys tho same when withdrawn from circulation; and
destroys the plates when tho bank is closed. It appoints special
agents for examining the condition of doubtful banks, directs
prosecutions in behalf of the State, sells the securities of broken
banks to redeem their circulation, and reports the condition of
banks to the Legislature annually. Banks can only obtain bills
for circulation by depositing New York State or United States
stocks bearing interest equivalent to 6 per cent., or bonds and
mortgages of not over $5,000 each upon unincumbered improved
lands at two-fifths value, exclusive of buildings, and bearing 7 per
cent, interest. Closing banks, after culling in 90 per cent, of their
cireulation, may withdraw their stocks or mortgages, and substi-
tute cash for tho redemption of the remaining 10 per cent, of
c irculation. Stockholders of banking associations are personally
liable to an extent equal to their capital stock. Experience has
shown that under our free bank system, bonds and mortgages
have realized but about 88 per cent, on tho sum for which notes
were issued, while the aggregate securities, including stocks,
have almost always sold for more than enough to redeem the
circulation based upon them. — Report, 1859, p. 8.
Bank A'otc Engraving is now done by a company, formed in
1858 by the union of most of the establishments previously ex-
isting.
The Bank of the United States had branches for discount and
deposit at New York, Utica, and Buffalo, in this State.
Specie payment has been generally suspended three times by
the banks of New York State. In the fall of 1814 all the banks
of the Union, except those of New England, suspended until the
spring of 1S17. In May, 1837, there was a second suspension,
which continued until the spring of 1838. On the 13th of Oct.
1S57, a third suspension took place in all the banks of New
York City, with one exception, (Chemical Bank.) and this was
soon followed by the banks of the State generally ; but specie
payment was resumed in about 60 days.
The following tables, derived from returns in the Bank De-
partment, are corrected up to Jan. 1, 1859. The amount of
capital is reported for Dec. 18, 1858 :
Existing Banks in the State, Jan. 1, 1859.
Corporate Name.
Addison Bank
Albany City Bank
Albany Exchange Bank
American Kxchange Bank..
Artisans' Bank"
Atlantic Bank
Atlantic Bank of the City
of New York
Auburn City Bank
Auburn Kxchango Bank....
Ballst..n ~pi i!nnk„
Bank of Albany6.-
Bank of Albion
Bank of America'
Bank of Attica
Bank of Auburn''
Bank of Bath
Bank of Bioghamton
Bank of Oanandalgua
Bank of the Capitol
Bank ■ • I i Lake*
Bank
Bank of Central New York
Bank of Chemung
Bank of Chenango/
Bonk ofCohoea
Bank of Commerce in New
Vork
Bank of Commerce of l'ut-
mun County
Bank town
Bank oftheComm ion
Bank of Owning
Bank
Bank of Danerflle
Bank ill"
Bank of Fisl.Kill
Bank of R r< Edward
Bank of Genesee*
Location.
Addison ,
Albany
Albany
New York
New York
Brooklyn ,
New York
Auburn
Auburn
Ballston Spa,
Albany ,
Albion
New York
Buffalo
Auburn ,
ISath
Bingham ton.,
Canandaigua
Albany ,
Fainted Post,
Cazcnovia
Utica,
F.lmira
Norwich
Cuhocs
Now York
Carmel
Oooperatown
New York
Corning ,
Coxsarkl- ...,
Damnrllle
PiibkUl
Fort Kdward
B tfei in
^S-5
■ggs
I.
c.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
I.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
Dates
Of filing arti-
cles.
Dec. 12, 1838
Oct. 1, 1S38
Aug. 22, 1856
May
duly
Feb.
Jan.
Dec.
July
Dec.
April
Jan.
27, 1S53
6, 1853
16, 1856
31, 1839
15, 1854
16, 1839
30, 1852
24, 1850
2, 1850
Nov. 17, 1S52
Jan.
Feb.
Sept.
Dec.
Dec.
March
:;, iv,:;
1S47
2<i. ls:,r,
17. ls:;s
11, 1852
28, 1866
18, 1859
Feb. 15, 1839
Feb. 1, 1853
March 22, 1868
Jan. 17. I-/..
March 14, 1868
Juno 10, 1839
]'.!. IV, I
28, I860
.'',. 1851
22, 1861
Of beginning
business or of
act of incorpo-
ration.
May
April
Jan.
Sept.
July
17, 1S56
30, 1834
1, 1839
14, 1838
10, 1S56
March 10, 183C
July
July
Feb.
Dec.
Dec.
July
Dec.
March
Dec.
April
July
April
Feb.
Sept
Feb.
Sept.
Jan.
Dec.
2, 1853
25, 1853
1, 1856
10, 1S38
30, lSr.4
15, 1S39
1, 1852
1, 1S50
31, 1849
11, IV, I
29, 1852
4. 1854
1, iv,:;
1M7
21, IVin
8,1838
1, 1S53
31, 1855
Jan. 1, 1839
Jan.
F.b.
Oct.
I lee.
April,
Jan.
March
Jan.
March
Juno
Jan.
Juno
Oct,
Deo,
1853
1. iv,:;
1, 1868
12, 1839
4. 1868
10, 1889
B, 1864
1, 1860
1. 1861
i : .,
Of expiration
of charter or
privilege.
Jan.
Jan.
Sept.
July
Jan.
July
July
Jan.
Dec.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1864
1, 2500
14, 1938
1, 1956
1, 1866
2, 1953
5, 1953
1, 1956
10, 193S
1, 1904
2, 2o3'.i
1. 1953
1. 2 i
1, 1950
Jan. 1, 2000
Jan. 1, 2000
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
1. l'.HKI
15, 1889
1, 1S93
1, 1956
Jan. 1, 18S9
Jan. 1,1953
March 1. 1968
Jan. 12, 1939
1, 1900
10, 1G39
!l. l'.ir.l
31, 1S99
In year 1951
i Dec. 31, 1951
Jan.
June
Jan.
I lee.
5 'fl
500
100
500
600
500
400
200
150
100
360
100
2.0UO
160
200
150
150
120
100
100
120
5,000
150
750
117
120
100
110
120
mo
100 i
Present
capital.
$ 50,000
500,000
311,100
4,999,550
OOII.OHO
500,000
400,000
2iin,n00
20(1.(100
125,000
500.340
100,000
3, .ooo
250,000
200,000
50,000
200.000
20,000
619,600
10,000
120,000
110,200
5(1,000
150,000
8,851,760
63,012
2oii,iiiiu
T.'.o. I
7S.5II0
142,000
150,250
115,400
150,000
200.000
150.000
t3-§
"§52
•S |
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S.
s.
S.
S.
S. E.
s.
S. E.
s.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
B.
E.
B.
E.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
• Articles amend, 1 May 11.1 *57.
» Hnt incorp. April 10, 1792; cap. $40,000; allowed to reduce
two-fifths April 4. 1S20. and share* reduced from :l " to $30
April 17, 1S30; twice extended; expired Jan. 1, ls.'.a; Stat
debt to gnbecrlhe »b«-k at flrot.
• First incorp. June 2. 1812; cap. $0,000,000. and late United
Stated Bank altowi I to take flm ililln of the stock ; reduced to
■4,000,000 March 20, 1813; once extended.
<* First Incorp. March 31, 1817 ; cap. $400,000; once extended ;
expired Jan. l, 1850.
< Started at Ithaca,
/First Incorp, April 21, 1818; cap. $200,000; once extended;
expired Jan. 1. 1850.
' First incorp. April 29, 1829; cap. $100,000; expired Jan. 1,
1862.
CORPORATIONS.
Existing Banks, continued.
91
Corporate Name.
Bank of Geneva"
Bank of Havana
Hank of the Interior
Bank of Kent
Bank of Kinderhook
Bank of Lansingburgh&
Bank of Lima
Bank of Lowville
Bank of Malone
Bank of Newark
Bank of Newburgh"
Bank of Newport
Bank of New Yorkrf
Bank of North America6 ...
Bank of Norwich
Bank of Old Saratoga/.
Bank of Orange County!?....
Bank of Owego
Bank of Pawling
Bank of Port Jervis
Bank of Poughkeepsie/
Bank of the Republic
Bank of Khinebeck
Bank of Rome
Bank of Rondout
Bank of Salem
Bank of Salina
Bank of Saratoga Springs*.
Bank of Seneca Falls
Bank of Silver Creek.
Bank of Sing Sing
Bank of the State of New
York
Bank of Syracuse
Bank of Tioga
Bank of Troy*
Bank of Ulster
Bank of UticaJ
Bank of Vernon
Bank of Watertown
Bank of Waterville
Bank of Westfield
Bank of West Trov
Bank of Whitehall*
Bank of Whitestown
Bank of Yonkers
Black River Bank
Briggs Bank of Clyde
Broadway Bank
Brockport Exchange Bank..
Brooklyn Bank
Broome County Bank'
Buffalo City Bank :
Bull's Head Bank of the
City of New York
Burnet Bank
Butchers & Drovers' Bank
in the City of New York"1
Cambridge Valley Bank at
North White Creek
Canajoharie Bank
Canastota Bank
Cataract Bank
Catskill Bank™
Cayuga County Bank
Location.
■§! i
f 8?
Q-<«
Geneva
Havana
Albany
Ludingtonville...
Kinderhook
Lansingburgh....
Lima
Lowville
Malone
Newark
Newburgh
Newport
New York
New York
Norwich
Schuylerville
Goshen
Owego
Pawling
Port Jervis
Poughkeepsie
New York
Rhinebeck
Rome
Rondout
Salem
Syracuse
Saratoga Springs
Seneca Falls
Silver Creek
Sing Sing
New York
Syracuse
Owego
Troy
Ulster Village
Utica ;....
Vernon
Watertown
Waterville
Westfield
West Troy
Whitehall
Whitesboro
Yonkers
Watertown
Clyde
New York
Brockport
Brooklyn
Bingham ton
Buffalo
New York
Syracuse
New York
White Creek
Canajoharie
Canastota
Lockport.
Catskill
Auburn
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
"c.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
C.
A.
I.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
I.
C.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
Dates
Of filing arti-
cles.
Nov. 20, 1852
Juno
March
Dec.
Juno
Dec.
Aug.
April
Dec.
April
Dec.
April
Feb.
Jan.
4, 1857
15, 1856
19, 1838
22, 1855
26,1838
18, 1851
6, 1854
17, 1850
2, 1S58
21, 1852
11, 1851
21, 1S56
23, 1858
April
Feb.
Dec.
Jan.
June
4, 1849
4, 1853
31, 1S57
25, 1850
1, 1853
Of beginning
business or of
act of incor-
poration.
Oct.
May
5, 1848
17, 1853
May
11, 1852
Oct.
July
25, 1839
13, 1853
Sept.
June
Nov.
June
Dec.
Jan.
Jan.
Dec.
26, 1838
20, 1856
6, 1852
17, 1852
18, 1849
14, 1S39
26, 1839
10, 1S38
April
June
Fob.
June
June
26, 1852
14, 1859
28, 1839
26, 1854
16, 1851
Aug. 15, 1849
Dec.
Feb.
17, 1854
22, 1853
July 18, 1854
Dec. 16, 1852
June
Nov.
Feb.
Sept.
Dec.
20, 1855
30. 1855
28. 1856
16, 1858
28, 1852
Nov.
April
Juno
Feb.
Dec.
Juno
Feb.
Dec.
Aug.
April
Jan.
March
Dec.
April
July
Jan.
April
May
Sept.
March
Dec.
Feb.
June
April
Sept.
May
April
May
May,
Oct.
Aug.
May
Sept.
June
Dec.
July
Dec.
Jan.
Jan.
Oct.
April
May
Feb.
July
June
Sept.
Aug.
July,
Feb.
Dec.
March
15, 1852
4, 1851
1, 1857
27, 1856
15, 1838
1. 1855
6, 1857
18. 1838
6, 1851
1, 1854
1, 1851
28, 1858
22, 1852
10, 1851
15, 1856
1. 1856
6, 1813
21, 1836
3, 1849
1, 1853
31, 1857
1, 1851
1, 1853
16, 1832
1, 1848
10, 1853
20, 1832
1, 1852
1854
15. 1839
1, 1853
18, 1836
15, 1838
14, 1856
1, 1852
Of expiration
of charttr or
privilege.
Jan. 1, 1900
May 1,1957
Feb. 27. 1955
Jan. 2, 1839
July 1, 1955
Nov. 1,
Jan. 1,
Dec. 31,
Jan. 1,
March 25,
Jan.
Sept.
June
,_ Jan.
6, 1852 June
Jan.
Jan.
July
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Sept.
March 1,
Jan. 1
Jan.
Dec.
Jan.
Sept.
Jan.
Jan.
May
1,
31,
1,
6,
1,
1,
1,
2301
1900
1900
1951
1908
1953
1951
2056
1958
1862
1866
1899
1953
1958
1951
1899
1862
1898
1950
1862
1952
In year 2500
Dec. 31, 1953
1. 1849
1, 1839
17, 1839
1, 1838
12, 1848
1, 1852
25, 1839
10. 1854
1, 1851
21. 1855
9, 1S49
1852
24, 1832
31, 1854
1, 1853
Oct.
1854
12, 1852
Dec. 22, 1852
Sept.
April
April
Sept.
Dec.
3. 1855
3, 1855
1. 1856
20, 1858
31, 1852
March 14, 1833
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Oct.
1, 1866
15. 2:r.s
14, 1956
1, 1952
1, 1950
1, 1950
1, 1939
17, 2340
1, 2838
May 1, 1900
Feb.
Dec.
Jan.
25, 2839
31, 1953
1, 1S90
Aug. 9, 1950
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1S60
1, 1954
1, 2000
Dec. 31, 1953
Dec. 31, 1953
Jan.
April
Jan.
Sept.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1905
3, 1955
1, 2000
1, 1958
1, 1899
1, 1S63
2 °
205
"7 00
100
125
120
ioo
100
100
200
100
2,000
1,000
125
110
*
200
125
120
200
1,000
125
100
100
100
150
100
"ioo
125
2,000
100
100
440
100
600
100
100
100
200
100
150
100
"506
200
100
100
300
600
115
100
110
100
t
250
Present
capital.
$205,000
50.000
251,550
111,940
250.1100
150,000
50,000
102,450
196,800
1 011.000
:;on.ooo
50,025
2,838,975
1,000,000
125,000
1O5.S50
105.660
200,000
175,000
130,000
200,000
2,000.000
125,000
100,000
150,000
138,000
150,000
100,000
80,000
100,800
150,000
2,000.000
200,000
100,000
440,000
150.000
600.000
100,000
47,779
120,000
50,000
250,000
120,000
150,000
100,000
62,611
1,000,000
50,000
150,000
100,000
277,700
173,300
93,400
800,000
168.339
125,000
110,000
40,000
128.962
250,000
k1
J • • =
ill
hi
V. 'J.
S. K.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. B.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. B.
S. E.
S. E.
S. B.
S.
s.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S.
S.
S.
s.
S. E.
s.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
» First incorp. March 28, 1817 ; cap. $400,000 ; once extended ;
expired Jan. 1, 1853.
» First incorp. March 19, 1813; cap. $200,000 ; once extended;
expired July 1, 1855.
c First incorp. March 22, 1811.
<* First bank in State; incorp. March 22, 1791; cap. $900,000;
thrice extended; expired Jan. 1, 1S53.
« A bank of similar name filed Jan. 7, 1839 ; cap. $100,000 ;
did not organize.
/Begun as an individual bank.
9 Once extended.
* Individual bank of this title begun 1847.
* First incorp. March 22, 1811 ; cap. $500,000; allowed to open
* $105,660.
offices of discount and deposit at Waterford and Lansinburgh ,
once extended ; expired Jan. 1, 1853 ; State reserved right to
take stock.
i First incorp. June 1, 1812 ; cap. $1,000,000 ; once extended ;
allowed to open a branch at Canandaigua April 10, 1S15; State
reserved right to take stock.
* Organized in place of Safety Fund Bank of same name
whose charter expired June 13, 1S59.
I First incorp. Apr. 18, 1831 ; cap. $100,000 ; expired Jan. 1, 1855.
"•Butchers & Drovers' Bank incorp. April 8, 1S30; cap.
$300,000, increased to $500,000 ; expired Jan. 1, 1S53.
» First incorp. March 26, 1813; cap. $400,000; once extended:
expired Jan. 1, 1853.
t $110,007.
92
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER,
Existing Banks, continued.
Corporate Naue.
Central Bank of Brooklyn..
Central Bank at Cherry
Valley"
Central Bank of Troy
Central City Bank'..
Chatham Bank.
Chautauqua County Bank..
Chemical Bank
Chemung Canal Bank
Chester Bank
Chittenango Hank
Citizens1 Bank«
Citizens' Bank
City Bank of Brooklyn
Citv Bank of New York1...
Cit'v Bank
Clint, n Bank of Buffalo
Commercial Bank of Al-
bany*
Commercial Bank of Clyde.
Commercial Bank of Glens
Falls
Commercial Bank of Roch-
ester.
Commercial Bank of Sara-
t _ i >prings
Commercial Bank of Troy..
Commercial Bank of White-
hall
Continental Bank
Corn Exchange Bank
Croton River Bank
Cuba Bank
Cuyler'a Bank
Delaware Bank
Deposit Bank/.
Dover Plains Bank
East River Bank?
Elmira Bank
Essex County Bank*
Exchange Bank at Lock-
port
Fallkill Bank
Farmers' Bank of Amster-
dam
Farmers' Bank of Attica...
Farmers' Bank of Hudson..
Farmers' Bank of Lansing-
trai
rs' Bank of Saratoga
■ity
Farmers' Bank of the City
Of Irov*
Fanners' Bank of Washing-
Farmers k Citizens' Bank
of Long !-i in i.'
:- ■ Dron :-' Hank..
Farm- rs A Manufacture r.-'
lk
Faros inics' Bank
of Gc *
Farm :iici' Bank
of Bo hester
Fl nr i Itj Bant
Fori Plain Bank
nit
Frankfort I
n:a Bank
r Bank
Location.
e
HI
o<:«
Brooklyn.
Cherrv Valley.,
Troy
Syracuse
New York
Jamestown....
New York
Elmira.
East Chester .
Chittenango ..
Fulton ,
New York
Brooklyn
New York....
Oswego
Buffalo
Albany
Clyde,....
Glens Falls .
Rochester..
Saratoga Springs
Troy '.
Whitehall
New York
New York
Brewster Station
Cuba
Palmyra
Delhi
Deposit
Dover
New York
Elmira
Keeseville
Lockport
Poughkeepsie..
Amsterdam .
Attica
Hudson
Lansingburgh .
Troy
Fort Edward.
Williamshurgh.
Somers
Poughkeepsie.
Buffalo
Bode
Bochi
1 rr Plain.
f nnkfbrt..
UII....
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
Dates
Of filing arti-
cles.
Of beginning
business or of
act of incor-
poration.
April 9, 1853 Aug. 1,1853
Dec.
Feb.
May
Feb.
13, 1854
5, 1853
12, 1S52
6, 1851
Feb. 5, 1844
May
Feb.
Sept.
May
Nov.
May
Dec.
July
11, 1S46
4, 1S53
8, 1S53
3, 1851
6, 1850
26, 1852
17, 1849
3, 1856
July 3, 1S41
April 28,1853
April 8, 1839
Feb.
Jan.
Aug.
Jan.
Dec.
March
June
April
March
Nov.
Feb.
Sept.
April
18, 1856
8, 1839
5, 1849
24. 1853
21, 1852
21, lv',.;
20. 1855
9, 1853
21, 1S39
12. 1856
12. 1857
11, 1S52
22. 1854
Dec.
May
May
Feb.
April
Feb.
April
May
April
Aug.
May
Dec.
July
Nov.
Aug.
July
Nov.
14, 1854
1, 1853
12. 1852
20, 1851
18, 1831
24,1844
9,1833
1, 1846
1, 1853
20. 1853
1, 1851
14, 1850
1, 1852
1,1849
1, 1S56
1, 1847
1850
Of expiration
of charter or
privilege.
July 31, 1953
April 28, 1S53
Nov. 7, 183S
Feb.
Jan.
Aug.
Jan.
Jan.
| March
June
April
Jan.
Oct.
March
Sept.
Nov.
April
Nov. 12, 1851
June 17, 1852
1, 1856
5, 1839
15, 1849
24, 1853
1, 1S53
15, 1856
1, 1855
15, 1S53
1, 1839
1, 1856
15, 1S58
8, 1852
1, 1S53
25, 1832
Jan.
May
May
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1955
1,2353
12, 1952
1, 1899
1, 1860
1, 1899
May
Jan.
Dec.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Nov.
July
1, 2500
1, 2000
31, 1953
1, 1951
1, 1950
1, 1952
1, 2049
1, 2000
Jan. 1, 2000
Jan. 1, 1954
Nov. 7, 193S
Feb. 1, 1956
In year 2000
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
March
June
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
March
Sept.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 2500
1, 1953
1, 1950
15, 1956
1, 1900
1, 1900
1, 1939
1, 1959
1, 2000
18, 1952
1, 1953
1, 1S62
July 1, lS51Inyear 2000
April 1,1852, July 1,1952
April 26, 1S39 April 10, 1S39 April 10,1939
May 7,1856
Feb. 7, 1839 March 1, 1S39 Dec. 31, 1900
March 31, 1854
April 1, 1854
April 1, 1954
Nov. 13, 1852 Dec. 1, 1852 Jan. 1,1950
Juno 30, 1850 Jan. 1, 1850 Jan. 1, 1956
Juno 21, 1S52 Jnlv 8,1862 July 3,2000
July 16, 1839, March 16, 1839 j In year 1950
April 20, 183-1 Jan. 1,1864
Dec. 13, 1838
March
March
Jan.
Nov.
Feb.
July
April
15. ls:;:i
1. l S66
■j. L88fl
6,1847
6, 1854
2. 1 B66
29, 1854
Nov. 1,1838 Nov. 1,2000
Feb. 12, 1880 Jnn. 1, 3838
March 1, 1850 Jan. 1,1956
Jan. 1, 1*30 Jan. 1,2001
Nov. 6, 1847 1 Nov. 3, 2347
May 16, 1854 May 15,2354
Aug. 1,1*66 May 1,2000
April r.o. IV, J Jan. 1, 1899
3
5
.8
P
5-3
200
200
200
110
300
100
300
200
100
105
125
300
150
800
125
250
300
150
400
125
100
1.500
500
100
100
100
100
125
100
300
200
100
150
150
100
100
200
350
200
200
t
300
100
100
200
100
110
105
100
100
Present
capital.
S200,000
200,000
300,000
125,200
450,000
100,000
300,000
200,000
125,500
150,000
166,100
400,000
300,000
1,000,000
276,400
250,000
500,000
25,000
136,400
500,000
125,000
300,000
108,200
2,000,000
1,000,000
107,500
100,000
74,000
150,000
125,000
100,000
206,525
100,000
100,000
150.000
200,000
118.000
54,533
300,000
171,300
200,000
350,000
16S,650
200,000
111,150
300,000
150,000
125,000
300,000
150,000
150.000
106,000
Itiii.i
liMi.niiM
i^r B
tots
<% I.
I"
mm
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S.
S.
S. E.
S. E.
S.
S. E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.E.
S.
S.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.E.
S.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S. E.
8. E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
••Cherry Valley Bank tncorp. April -i. 1818; cap. $200,000;
changi 1 • ' Tit ml Bank ; on xtended ; expired Jan. 1, 1855.
' Changed from ("rouse Bank Feb. 3, 1867.
' Bi mi v -I from Ogdensbnrgh.
<Titv H.nk tecorp. Jun- 16, 1812; cap. fc2,000,000; twice ex-
t<-nd'-.l": expired Julv 1. 1862; cap. reduced one half March 24,
1820. and afterward to $720,000.
« Commercial Bank incorp. April 18,1826; cap. $300,000 ; Once
extended ; expired July 1, 1847.
• $108,200.
/An Individual bank merged in association.
8 Allowed to reduce cap. to $313,918 March 7, 1836.
>> Allowed to iii<T.-a-r cap. to ,£400.000 May 10, lS.,rt.
< Farmer*' Bank inmrp. March 31, 1*01; cap. $250,000; State
nerved right to tnko stock; twice extended; expired Jan. 1,
i Increased to $-300,000 March 9, 1854; afterward reduced.
* Removed from Batavia June 3, 1852
t $111,150.
CORPORATIONS.
93
Existing Banks, continued.
Corporate Name.
Fulton Bank, in the City of
New York0
Fulton County Bank
Genesee County Bank
Genesee River Bank
Genesee Valley Bank
Geo. AVashington Bank
Glens Falls Bank
Goshen Bank
Greenwich Bank of the City
of New York*
Grocers' Bank in the City
of New York
Hamilton Bank
Hanover Bank
Herkimer County Bank.....
Highland Bank
H. J. Miner & Co.'s Bank...
H. T. Miner's Bank.
Hudson Kiver Bankc
Huguenot Bk. of NewPaltz
Hungerford's Bank"*
Hion Bank
Importers & Traders' Bank
International Bank
Iron Bank
Irving Bank in the City of
New York
Jamestown Bank
Jefferson County Bank"
J. N. Hungerford's Bank...
J. T. Raplee's Bank
Judson Bankd
Kingston Bank
Lake Mahopac Bank
Lake Ontario Bank....
Lake Shore Bank
Leather Manufacturers' B'k
Leonardsville Bank
Lockport City BankA
Long Island Bankc
Lyons Bank*
Manhattan Company*.
Manufacturers' »Bank of
Brooklyn^
Manufacturers' Bank of
Troy
Manufacturers & Traders'
Bank
Marine Bank of Buffalo
Marine Bank, at Oswego....
Marine Bank of the City of
New York
Market Bank
Market Bank of Troy
Mechanics' Bank of Brook-
lyn
Mechanics' Bank of the City
of New York*
Mechanics' Banking Asso-
ciation1
Mechanics' Bank of Syra-
cuse
Mechanics & Farmers'
Bank of Albany™
Mechanics & Traders' Bank
in the City of New York.
Location.
New York
Gloversville
LeRoy
Mount Morris..
Geneseo
Corning
Glens Falls
Goshen
New York.
New York...
Hamilton....
New York...
Little Falls..
Newburgh...
Dunkirk
Hudson
New I'altz...
Adams
Ilion
New York
Buffalo
Plattsburgh.
New York
Jam es town
Watertown
Corning
Penn Yan
Ogdensburgh.-
Kingston.
Mahopac
Oswego
Dunkirk
New York
Leonardsville.,
Lockport
Brooklyn -
Lyons
New York
Brooklyn .
Troy
Buffalo-
Buffalo .
Oswego.
New York.,
New York.,
Troy
Brooklyn...
New York..
NewY'ork..
Syracuse.-.
Albany
New York..
8
S.S ,
.3 si
-§><-§
I'll
d<1 w
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
C.
I.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
I.
A.
I.
I.
A.
C.
I.
A.
I.
C.
A.
A.
A.
I.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
Dates
Of filing arti-
cles.
Jan.
April
Dec.
Oct.
May
15, 1844
28, 1852
19, 1838
1, 1853
6, 1851
Oct. 31, 1851
Sept. 25, 1850
May 30, 1855
Aug. 15, 1851
Feb. 19, 1853
April 2, 1851
April 23, 1855
April 25, 1853
Sept. 17, 1853
Feb. 6, 1852
Nov. 28, 1855
May 11, 1854
Of beginning
business or of
act of incor-
poration.
March 1,1844
March 23, 1852
Jan.
Oct.
May
Oct.
Nov.
1, 1839
5, 1853
10, 1851
1854
31, 1851
1, 1S51
June 4, 1855
Aug.
March
April
1, 1851
1, 1853
2, 1851
March 14, 1833
April 26,1834
Feb. 24, 1859
March 29,
1851
Oct.
Feb.
21,
9,
1853
1859
Aug.
1,
1854
March 17,
1857
April
May
June
25,
13,
16,
1856
1859
1845
April 19,1853
Aug. 12, 1852
June 26, 1856
July 15, 1850
June 25, 1856
March 23, 1853
Oct. 19, 1852
July 5, 1853
Aug. 12, 1852
Dec. 18, 1854
Aug. 1, 1838
Sept. 29,1851
Not. 4, 1852
Dec. 30, 1856
May
June
Sept.
Feb.
Dec.
June
July,
March
Feb.
Dec.
March
July
July
May
April
March
Jan.
April
Feb.
June
Dec.
April
March
April
July
Aug.
Aug.
Jan.
Aug.
Sept.
Aug.
Jan.
Aug.
Aug.
Dec.
Jan.
8, 1855
1, 1853
1, 1853
2, 1852
1. 1855
1, 1S54
1853
31. 1851
1853
31. 1853
16, 1859
15, 1858
1, 1854
18, 1836
15. 1854
12, 1857
1855
23, 1832
27, 1856
16, 1845
1843
2, 1799
6, 1853
22. 1852
1. 1856
1, 1850
20, 1856
1, 1853
30, 1852
2, 1853
10, 1852
1, 1855
1, 1838
28, 1851
1, 1852
2. 1857
Of expiration
of charter or
privilege.
Jan. 1, 1899
March 23, 1952
Jan. 1, 2000
Oct. 5, 1919
Jan. 1, 2000
Sept.
Nov.
1, 1952
1, 1951
June 7, 1954
Jan.
Jan.
April
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1950
1, 2053
2, 1951
1, 1863
1, 1864
May
July
lJuly
'Feb.
'Jan.
Jan.
10, 1955
1, 1953
1, 1953
3, 2352
1, 1955
1, 1954
Jan.
1>
1950
Jan.
1,
1900
July
Jan.
1,
1,
1904
1866
March 12,
1957
June 1, 1862
Feb. 27, 2356
July 1, 1890
Unlimited
May 1, 1903
July 1, 1952
Jan. 1, 2000
Jan. 1, 2000
Aug. 20, 2S56
Jan. 1, 1953
Aug. 30, 1951
Jan. 1, 1953
Jan.
Jan.
Aug.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1952
1, 1955
1, 1938
1, 1950
1, 1950
1, 1957
fi
OS
600
150
100
130
120
150
110
200
150
110
500
200
200
200
125
125
100
1,000
400
500
200
132
200
250
'eo'o
100
200
2,000
250
200
200
170
125
500
650
200
200
2,000
140
.550
400
B6£
1 • "V.
fe|
\*\
Present
capital.
■CV2
gJI
m
5 1.
i«
OiOl
$600,000
S. E.
150,000
S. E.
200,000
S. E.
130,000
S. E.
150,000
S. E.
50,000
112,000
S. E.
110,000
S.
200,000
S. E.
240,000
S.
110,000
S. E.
1,000,000
s.
200,000
200,000
25,000
s.
250,000
s.
125,000
S. E.
125,000
S. E.
100,000
S. E.
1,500,000
S. E.
400,000
S. E.
50,000
S. E.
500,000
S. E.
92.915
S. E.
2,000,000
S. E.
50,000
S. E.
122,000
S. E.
200,000
40,850
S. E.
325,000
S. E.
39,200
S. E.
600.000
100,000
S. E.
400,000
S. E.
48,609
S. E.
2,050,000
150,000
250,000
S. E.
495,000
S. E.
300,000
S. E.
186,000
S. E.
659,100
S.
1,000,000
s.
300,000
S.E.
300,000
d.
2,000,000
S.
316,000
s.
140,000
S.E.
350,000
S.E.
400,000
S.
a Fulton Bank incorp. April 1, 1824; cap. $500,000; increased
to $750,000 March 16, 1827 ; expired March 1, 1844.
» Greenwich Bank incorp. April 17, 1830 ; cap. $200,000 ; ex-
pired June 6, 1853.
• First incorp. March 29, 1830 ; cap. $100,000 ; increased to
$150,000 April 16, 1832; expired June 12, 1855.
<* Originally an individual bank.
• First incorp. April 17, 1816; cap. $400,000, and located at
Adams; failed; removed to TJtica Nov. 19, 1824, and cap. re-
duced to $100,000; increased to $200,000 May 19, 1836; once ex-
tended ; expired Jan. 1, 1854.
/Niagara River Bank, Buffalo, removed to Lockport, and
name changed May 13, 1859.
s First incorp. April 1, 1824 ; cap. $300,000 ; onco extended ;
expired July 1, 1845.
* Begun under the name of Palmyra Bank ; changed name
March 31, 1857.
* Chartered for supplying city with water, with perpetual
banking privileges.
i Changed from Mechanics' Bank of Wilhumsburgh, and cap.
reduced April 15, 1858.
* Mechanics' Bank first incorp. March 23, 1810 ; cap. $1,500,000 ;
reduced to $1,440,000; once extended; expired Jan 1, 1855;
State reserved right to take stock.
« Under Chap. 183. laws of 1858 ; original cap. $128,175.
"> First incorp. March 22, 1811 ; cap. $600,000 ; reduced one>
fourth April 4, 1820 ; once extended ; expired Jan. 1, 1853.
94
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Existing Banks, continued.
Corporate Name.
Medina Rank
Mercantile Hank"
Mercantile Bank of Pitts-
burgh
Merchants' Rank of Albany.
Merchants' Bank of Erie
County
Merchants' Hank in the City
of New Fork
Merchants' Rankin Rough-
k'-opsie
Merchants' Bank
Merchants1 Bank of West-
field
Merchants1 Exchange Bank
in the City of New York6
Merchants k Farmers'Rank
Merchants .t Mechanics'
Bank of Troy
Metropolitan Bank
Hiddletown Bunk
Mohawk Rank of Schenec
taily
"•I >b iwk River Rank ,
Mohawk Valley Rank.
M"iir ■*■ County Rank
Montgomery County Bank*
Mutual Bank
N assau Rank
Nassau Rank of Rrooklyn..
National Bank of Albany...
National Rank in the City
of New York'
New York County Rank of
the City of New York
New York Dry Dock Com-
pany/
New York <fc Erie Bank"...
New York Exchange Bank
in the City of New York.
fork Stat.' Rank'"
innty Hank.
. River Bank in the
City of New York'
Ocean Bank in tho City of
New York
nbnrgh Bank
i B ink
Oneida Central Bank
mty Bank
. i Valley Bank
1 Mi ID
I -utity Rank
1 >ri' ntal Bank
B mk
ik
r B mk
nty Bank/
I'arllic Bank
Bark Bank
mk of the City
of v rw York
I'errin Bank
Phmnix Bank of the 'itv
of New York* .,
d Bank
Quaasaick Bank
Hanilall Bank
Location.
Medina
New York.
Pittsburgh.
Albany
Lancaster.
New York.
Pnughkecpsie..
Syracuse..
Westfield.
New York..
Ithaca
Troy
New York ,
S. Midilletown..
Schenectady..
Fonda
Mohawk
Rochester
Johnstown....
Troy
New York
Brooklyn
Albany
New York.,
New York.
New York.,
Ruffalo
New York.
Albany
Lockport...
New York.,
New York
| Jgdensburgn.,
utica
Komo
Otica
Oneida
Bj rai use
Syracuse
New York
Imrgh.
Oswego
Fulton
Co 'pi-rRtown ..
New York
Now York
New York.,
Rochi-.-t'T..
New York
Pulaski
Newburgh
• 'ortlandTille..
5>* ?
§11
0<tn'
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
I.
Dates
Of filing arti-
cles.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
8, 1850
24, 1S56
22, 1853
Dec. 24, 1S56
Jan.
Feb.
19, 1845
21, 1851
April 24,1849
Oct. 24, 1S3S
Dec. 15, 1853
April 10, 1851
May 17, 1839
Oct. 13, 1852
Jan. 2, 1856
March 28, 1839
May 26, 1857
30, 1856
3, 1853
28, 1852
28, 1859
8, 1856
Of beginning
business or of
ad of incor-
poration.
May,
Jan.
1854
8, 1850
Jan. 1, 1856
March 21, 1853
May,
1S44
Jan. 2, 1857
July
Dec.
April,
June
Oct.
Of expiration
of charter or
privilege.
Jan. 1, 1950
Jan. 1, 1956
March 1, 1953
Jan. 1, 1957 1,500
200
100
250
2, 1845
31, 1850
1853
1, 1849
15, 1838
July
Dec.
1, 1895
31, 1950
Dec. 15, 1853
April 10, 1850
July 1, 1839
Dec.
Jan.
Oct.
Jan.
Feb.
Dec. 22, 1856
June 25, 1855
Aug. 12, 1852
April 14,1851
Oct. 26. 1850
May 7, 1856
Dec.
Jan.
July
May
Dec.
Feb.
Nov.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1852
1, 1856
1, 1839
23, 1857
31, 1856
1, 1853
1, 1852
12, 1859
16, 1S56
Jan. 2, 1857
June 1, 1855
April 12,1825
Sept. 1, 1852
April 21, 1851
Dec. 31, 1850
May 1, 1856
Tuly 1, 1842 Juno 1, 1S42
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1899
1, 2040
Jau. 1, 1954
Jan. 1, 1950
May -1, 2130
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
May
Jan.
Feb.
Nov.
1, 195:
1, 1956
1, 2839
23, 2551
1, 195i
1, 195.'
1, 1952
Jan. 16, 1956
Jan. 1, 1957
June 1, 1955
Unlimited
Jan. 1, 2000
Jan. 1, 1900
Jan. 1, 1950
Refore 2500
Jan. 1, 1S99
Dec. 22, 1849 Dec. 10, 1S49 Jan. 1.1950
April 30, lsj'.l Jan. 1. lsV.i
May 14, 1836 Jan. 1,1866
Sept. 19, 1853 Sept. 19,2000
May 10, 1853 Jan. 2, 2500
Sept. 22, 1852 Sept. 2, 1002
May 1,1854 May 1,1954
Oct. 29, 1853
May 2, 1853
Sept. 27, 1852
May 1, 1854
July
Oct.
n.t,
Dec
Oct. 8, 1850
March 12, 1856
6. ivv; July 11. ls;,:s July
3, 1854 Oct. 10,1851 Oct.
March 14, 1881 Jan.
3. 1855 1 Jan. 1, 1856 Dec.
30, ls.v: Dec.
June
.11. I^.v: Jan
Feb. 27, 1851
Dec. 27, 185o
S.'pt. 10, 1853
March 19, lS.yj
17. 1860
March 1, 1856
April 1,1861
Sept. 29, 1855
Jan.
11. 1-:,:;
1. 1 96 1
1. 1, S.V.I
31, 1955
1. 1954
1. 1050
March 1,1950
April 1, 1950
Jan. 2. 1S.-.4 Jan. 2,1954
Sept. 1. 1868 Dec. 31,1899
March 19, 1852 j Jan. 1, 1952
Aug. 1868
110
135
1,000
150
300
250
100
125
100
100
100
100
200
500
600
1,500
200
200
120
250
250
200
600
500
100
400
150
125
105
150
300
200
150
125
200
500
2,000
250
1,200
100
130
Present
capital.
$ 50,000
1,000,000
100,000
400,000
50,000
2,638,975
150,000
180,000
40,000
1,235,000
80,000
300,000
4,000,000
125,000
200,000
100,000
150,000
100,000
100,000
234,500
979,200
600,000
1,500,000
200,000
200,000
300,000
130,000
350,000
100,000
316,000
1,000,000
100,000
400,000
173.500
125,000
105,000
90,200
150,000
300.000
200,000
15H, I
114.500
2oi UK Ml
422.700
2,000,000
412.500
43,620
1,800,000
loo.OMO
300,000
60,000
« . . *-
3, w
OTOT
S. E.
S.
s.
s.
S.E.
S.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.E.
S.
s.
S. E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
s.
s.
s.
S.E.
S.
S.
S.E,
S.
S.
S.E.
S. E.
S.E.
S.
S.
s.
S.E.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
S.
S.E.
S.E.
S.
s. B.
8,
s. i:.
" Successor to Rank of Ith I
» First in- rp April J >. 1^_. rap. ?7.',0.000.
« Mohawk Bank bcorp. M irch 18, 1807 ; cap. $200,000: allowed
to reduce April 4. 1820; twice extended; expired Jan 1. 1868
<* First incorp. March 15, 1831 ; cap. $100,000 ; expired Jan. 1,
185i .
« National Rank incorp. April .», 1829; cap. $1,000,000: ex-
pir.-l Jan. 1, 1857.
/ Dock Co. with perpetual bankin.r power*.
9 Removed from Dunkirk Mar, li. 1864.
» First inrorp. M ,r, h 1 ', 1803; cap. 8460,000; once extended;
expired Jan. 1, 1851; State reserved right to take stock.
'North Itivi-r Rank incorp. March 23, 1821; cap. $500,000;
expired July 1, 1842; judgment dissolving an injunction filed
Sept. 25, 1858.
i First incorp. April 8, 1830; cap. $100,000; expired Jan. 1,
1854.
* Incnrp. June 16, 1812. cap. $1,000,000. as Now York Manu-
facturing Co.. for making wiro and cards; amended Sept. 26,
1M4. with banking privileges to extent of $150,000 besides
i.OOO in manufacturing; changed to Phoenix Rank, F'eb.
J. 1M7: oni ■" exti'tnled; expired .(an. 1, 1854; increased to
$1,000,000 April 29, 1834, and reduced May 7, 1841.
CORPORATIONS.
95
Existing Banks, continued.
Corporate Name.
Rensselaer County Bank ....
R. M. Goddard & Co.'s Bank
Rochester Bank
Rochester City Bank
Rome Exchange Bank
St. Nicholas Bank
Salt Springs Bank
Saratoga County Bank"
Schenectady Bank
Schoharie County Bank
Seneca County Bank
Seventh Ward Bank
Shoe & Leather Bank
Smith's Hank of Perry
Spraker Bank
State Bank of Troy
State of New York Bank....
Steuben County Bank
Stissing Bank6
Suffolk County Bank
Susquehanna Valley Bank..
Syracuse City Bank
Tanners' Bank
Tompkins County Bank
Tradesmen's Bank of the
City of New York0
Traders' BankofRochester1*
Troy City Bank
Ulster County Bank
Unadilla Bank
Union Bank of Albany
Union Bank of Kinder-
hook
Union Bank of the City of
New York"
Union Bank of Rochester...
Union Bank of Sullivan
County
Union Bank of Troy
Union Bank of Watertown..
UticaCity Bank
Wallkill Bank
Washington County Bank..
Watertown Bank & Loan
Company
Waverly Bank
Weedsport Bank
Westchester County Bank.
West Winfield Bank
White's Bank of Buffalo....
Williamsburgh City Bank..
Wooster Sherman's Bank...
Worthington Bank
Wyoming County Bank
Location.
Lansingburgh..
Canton
Rochester.
Rochester
Rome
New York
Syracuse
Waterford
Schenectady
Schoharie
Waterloo
New York
New York
Perry
Canajoharie
Troy
Kingston
Bath
Pine Plains
Sag Harbor
Biughamton....
Syracuse '.
Catskill
Ithaca
New York...
Rochester...
Troy
Kingston
Unadilla
Albany
Kinderhook..,
New York.,
Rochester...
Monticello
Troy
Watertown
Utica
Middletown
Union Village..
Watertown
Waverly
Weedsport
Peekskill
West Winfield...
Buffalo
Williamsburgh.,
Watertown
Cooperstown
Warsaw »
.2 w s
■eTgg
HI
A.
I.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
I.
C.
C.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
I.
A.
A.
C.
c.
C.
C.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I.
I.
Dates
0/ filing arti-
cles.
Dec. 7, 1852
March 31, 1854
Feb. 18, 1851
Nov. 25, 1852
Feb. 4, 1852
Nov. 28, 1S56
Dec. 30, 1852
May 31, 1S53
May 20, 1852
July . 9, 1853
June 8, 1858
Jan. 31, 1855
Dec. 21, 1849
Dec.
June
28, 1854
1, 1859
June 8, 1853
June 23,1853
Dec.
Jan.
21, 1852
20, 1853
March 3,1851
Jan. 20, 1851
June 14, 1852
Aug. 30, 1848
June 9, 1857
March 8,1839
Jan. 21, 1839
Aug. 20, 1855
July 12, 1854
March 10, 1854
April 9, 1853
Feb. 25, 1852
Of beginning
business or of
act of incor-
poration.
Jan.
April
April
May
Feb.
Nov.
Jan.
Dec.
April
April,
March
April
Dec.
Sept.
June
April
Sept.
March
May
April,
Jan.
Oct.
March
May
1, 1853
29, 1859
1, 1854
18, 1836
18, 1851
15, 1852
3. 1852
1. 1S55
16, 1832
1852
12, 1833
so, is:;:;
3, 1852
22, 1858
1. 1853
27, 1852
6, 1853
9, 1832
29, 1858
1844
10, 1855
26, 1849
14, 1831
14, 1836
Jan. 2, 1855
April 19, 1833
March 14, 1S31
July, 1844
July 4, 1853
June 23, 1853
Dec. 22, 1852
March 1, 1853
March
Jan.
July,
Sept.
Aug.
July
Jan.
Aug.
July
March
Feb.
April
Feb.
Dec.
Dec.
Nov.
1, 1851
1, 1851
1, 1852
1, 184S
3, 1857
1, 1839
20, 1S39
6, 1855
3, 1854
21, 1833
16, 1854
6, 1853
4, 1852
1841
1854
1851
Of expiration
of charter
privilege.
Jan. 1, 1953
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Nov.
Jan.
Dec.
Jan.
1, 1954
1, 1866
1, 1951
15, 1952
3, 1952
1, 1956
1, 1862
Jan.
1,
1863
Jan.
1,
1863
Dec.
2,
1952
June
Jan.
Sept.
Jan.
Jan.
1, 1953
1, 2000
5, 1893
1, 1862
1, 1900
Jan.
Oct.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
June
9, 1955
26, 1949
1, 1860
1, 1866
1, 1950
1, 1863
1, 1861
July 4,1953
Jan. 1, 1900
Jan. 1, 1952
Jan. 1, 1953
Jan.
Jan.
July
Jan.
Aug.
1, 1899
1, 1951
1, 1952
1, 1898
3, 1957
In year 2050
1, 2839
6, 1955
1, 1954
1, 1863
16, 2354
In year 2000
Feb. 4, 1952
Jan.
Aug.
Jan.
Jan.
Feb.
H
■•* to
200
100
400
100
500
125
100
150
"206
600
600
"ioo
250
100
150
120
"ioo
100
100
250
800
300
100
"256
125
1,000
400
110
250
100
125
125
100
100
100
100
200
100
100
200
oil
~5
fe|
s-; 1
Present
1*1
capital.
i'H a
,i *. v.
c 9.3
C S ~
§8^
Z&. 1
l«
/. •/.
$ 200.000
S.E.
200,000
S.E.
400,000
100,000
S.E.
750,000
S.
200.OI id
S.E.
160,000
S.E.
150.000
100,000
S.E.
200,000
500,000
1,500.000
S.
50.000
S.E.
100.000
S.E.
250,000
S.E.
125.000
S.
150.000
60.000
S.E.
20,000
S.
100,000
S.E.
160,250
S.E.
100,000
250,000
800,000
S.
300,000
100,000
125,550
S E.
500,000
S.
200,000
S.E.
1,500.000
S.
500,000
S.E.
150,000
S.E.
300,000
S.E.
187,900
S.E.
200.000
S.E.
125,000
S.
200,000
S.E.
100,000
S.E.
106,100
S.E.
100.000
S.E.
200,000
125,000
S.E.
200,000
S.E.
500.000
S.
50.000
S.E.
50.000
S.E.
50,000
S.E.
o First incorp. March 29, 1830 ; cap. $100,000 ; expired Jan. 1,
1857.
* Successor to Pine Plains Bank.
« Tradesmen's Bank incorp. March 29, 1823; cap. $600.000 ; re-
duced to $400,000 March 26, 1827 ; once ext. ; exp. Jan. 1, 1855.
d Formed by the consolidation of the Manufacturers' Bank
and the Eagle Bank by special act of 1S59.
« Union Bank incorp. March 8, 1811; cap. $1,S00,000; once
extended; expired Jan. 1,1853; successor to Jersey Bank, in-
corp. by State of New Jersey.
Obsolete and Closing Banks.
(Those marked with a * are redeemed by the Banking Department.)
Name.
Adams Bank
♦Agricultural Bank of)
Herkimer J
Allegany County Bank
Aqueduct Association in)
Village of Catskill j"
Location.
Ashford...,
Herkimer
Angelica..
Catskill ..
I.
A.
I.
C.
Date of charter
or beginning
of business.
Aug.
Jan.
1850
11, 1839
May 13, 1840
April 21,1818
Capital.
$ 100,000
£k is
**
§3
Par .
S. 36
Remarks.
Redemption expires June 2, 1S60.
Geo. Jones, N. Y.
( Failed June 4, 1858. Red. at
J New York State Bank, Al-
(_ bany.
/Changed to Greene County
\ Bank Feb. 5, 1819.
96
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Obsolete and Closing Banks, continued.
Name.
Location.
American Bank Mayvillo
•AstorBank New York.
Clymer
Leedsvillo ,
Atlas Bank of New York.
Anienia Bank..
Bank of America at Buffalo
Bank of Bainbridge.
Bank of Brockport
Bank of Buffalo
Bank of Carth.apro
Bank of Columbia
Bank of Commerce of Buf-
falo
Bank of the Empire State.
•Bank of Ilornellsville
Bank of Hudson
Bank of Lake Erie.,
Bank of Lodi
Bank of Lyons
Bank of the Metropolis.
Bank of Monroe
Bank of New Rocbelle .
Bank of Itbaca .
Bank of Niagara
Bank of Olean.
Bank of Orleans
Bank of the People
Bank of Plattsburgh
Bank of Rochester
Bank of Tonawanda.
Bank of the Union
•Bank of the Union in the
City of New York
Bank of the United States
in Now York
Bank of Warsaw
Bank of Washington &
Warren
Bank of Waterfall]
Bank New York.
Bank of Whitehall.
Binphamton Bank ,
Bowery Hank of the, City
of Hew York
Qamdeo B ink
Buffalo
Penn Yan..
Brockport .
Buffalo
Carthago ..
Hudson
Bnffalo
Fairport
Hornellsville..
Hudson
Buffalo .
Lodi. (Seneca co.,)
Lyons
New York
Rochester
Bolivar
Ithaca.
Buffalo
Olean
Albion
Lowville ,
Plattsburgh
Rochester ,
Wheatfield...,
Belfast
New York..
New York.,
Warsaw...,
Sandy Hill....
Waterford
Rochester ....
Whitehall
Bingliamton .
Sew York ,
Camden
Canal Bank
•Canal Bank of Lockport.
Albany ...
U kp irt.
Cattaraugus rv.tmtv Bank.
•Ontral Bank of the City
,,f s. w V.,rk
Chemical Manufarturing I
Chemung County Bank Horscheads .
Randolph...
New York..
New York .
Ch"l»ea Bank.
City Bank of Buffalo..
New York .
liuffalo
City Tni«t * Banking Co... Nr.w York ....
Clint"!; : . New York ....
P ■"■lja.1 Bank of Buf-
falo liuffalo
Commercial Bank of I
York New York....
Commercial Bank of Oe-|
Oewego
drtlaiid County Bank Trust. n
Cortland County Bank Cinnnnatus.
Crouse Bank. Syracuse
Champlain Bank..
Commercial Bank..
Ellenburgh .
Lockport..
jb .« ;s Date of charter
~ | -2 ! or beginning
•S 3 "S of business.
i. IT
A.
I.
I.
A.
I.
A.
C.
I.
C.
A.
I.
A.
C.
A.
C.
A.
C.
I.
C.
A.
C.
I.
C.
C.
A.
I.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
A.
C.
A.
A.
C.
I.
A.
C.
A.
A.
C.
c.
c.
A.
I.
A.
1.
June,
184;
June 2, 1852
June, 1847
1844
Sept. 26, 1S39
April, 1847
Nov. 13, 1839
March 14, 1831
July, 1S52
March 6, 1793
Aug. 27, 1839
June, 1S48
March 1, 1S56
March 25, 1808
Sept.
1841
Jan. 8. 1839
May 14, 1S36
March 31, 1851
April 22,1829
Jan. 1846
April 29, 1S29
April
Feb.
April
Sept.
April
Feb.
Dec.
March,
17, 1816
13, 1840
30, 1834
1852
7, 1817
19, 1824
15, 1838
1852
May 25, 1853
Aug. 13, 1838
Jan. 1, 1839
April
Jan.
July
April
Dec.
Aug.
Jan.
7, 1817
1, 1839
4, 1838
.». 1*29
26, 1838
16. 1847
27. 1848
Mav 2, 1829
April 10,1839
Jan. 23, 1840
Jan. 17, 1853
April 21,1824
Sept. 14,1855
Jan.
May
March
Fob.
April
April
May
3ept
- i '■
M,.y
Oct
Ang.
R, l~"r<
21,1836
10, 1839
10,1840
26,1834
28,1834
19, 1836
30,1839
1848
12,1862
1846
1847
Capital.
$ 200,000
100,000
150.000
200,000
160,000
100,000
100,000
300,000
100.000
200,000
100,000
300,000
200,000
400,000
100.000
200,000
'360,006
250.000
100,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
400.000
100,000
180.000
1(111,11110
100,000
300.000
112,550
300.000
200,000
100,000
800,000
400,000
1,000.000
400,000
100,000
100,000
too/wo
600,000
250,000
"160,006
*V| I.J.V
^ s s as i a
Par
S.97, S. E.75
Par
S.76, 8. E.7S
80...,
Par ,
S.76.
Par
S. S3, S. E. 97
Par
Par
S.par,S.E.81
Par
S.87, S. E.74
Par ,
Par ..
S. 68.
Par ..
Par,
Par
S. 75.
S. 75, S. E.74
Par
Par ,
40...
Par
S.84, S.E.77
Remarks.
Closing. Red. by Henry Keep
until Nov. 16, 1861.
Closing.
Failed 1S47.
Red. by Geo. Jones, N. Y., until
Sept. 14, 1861.
Failed.
Closing. Red. by H. B. Bennett
until March 26, 1863.
Failed.
Failed.
Closed. Red. until April 29, 1863,
Failed 1829. Twice extended.
Failed.
Closing. Red. until Oct. 7, 1862.
Closing. Originally individual,
Failed 1820. Allowed office of
discount at Catskill.
Closing. Red. until March 21,
1862.
Failed.
Failed.
Scarcely began business. Got
one plate engraved.
Charter expired Jan. 1, 1850.
Failed Oct. 1, 1851. Time expired
for redemp. Jan. 8, 1859.
Charter expired Jan. 1, 1850.
Removed to N. Y., and now
Mercantile Bank of New York.
Failed 1825.
Failed.
Failed. Elizur Hart receiver.
Closing. Red. until Oct. 28, 1862,
Failed 1825.
Charter expired July 1847.
Failed 1840.
Closing. Red. until June 2, 1864.
Closing.
Closed 1843.
Failed 1S25.
Failed.
Failed.
Charter expired June 13, 1S59.
Failed.
Failed. Jno. A. Stewart receiver
Closing. Red. by Edwin Rock
well until Jan. 1. 1864.
Failed July 11, 1848.
Closing. (See Rep. Comp. 1S48
p. 70.)
Failed.
Par Failed
p f Charter expired. Merged in
Par
Par
Par .
Par .
Par ,
Par
\ Chemical Bank.
Failed March 23, 1858. Rod. by
Hank Dept. until Sept. 23,
1864.
Failed in 1840.
Failed 1839. (Seo Comp. Rep.
1848, p. 75.)
Closed 1841.
Failed 1844.
Failed.
Failed.
Failed.
Closing. Red. until Dec. 2, 1859.
Changed to Central City Bank
Feb. 3, 1857.
Closing. (See Rep. Comp. 1848,
p. 75.) Red. until Nov. 16,
1861.
Closing. Red. until Aug. 25,
1861.
CORPORATIONS.
97
Obsolete and Closing Banks, continued.
Name.
Commercial Bank, Alle-\
gany County J
Clinton ('.unity Hank
♦Dairymen's Bank
Delaware & Hudson Canal 1
Co ;
Dutchess County Bank
Dutchess County Bank
Drovers' Bank of St. Law- 1
renceCounty j
Duukirk Bank
Eagle Bank
Eagle Bank of Rochester...
Eighth Avenue Bank..
♦Empire City Bank....
Erie County Bank ,
Excelsior Bank
♦Exchange Bank of Buffalo
♦Exchange Bank of Genesee
Exchange Bank of Roches
ter
Farmers' Bank of Ovid
Farmers' Bank of Hamilton
County
Farmers' Bank of Geneva.
Farmers' Bank of Malone.
Farmers' Bank of Mina....
♦Farmers' Bank of Onon- 1
daga (
Farmers' Bank of Orange |
County j
Farmers' Bank of Orleans..
Farmers' Bank of Penn
Yan
Farmers' Bank of Seneca
County
Farmers & Drovers' Bank
of Erie County
Farmers & Mechanics'
Bank of Ogdensburgh
Farmers & Mechanics'
Bank of Onondaga
Franklin Bank of Chau-
tauqua County
Franklin Bank
Franklin County Bank
Farmers' Bank of Saratoga
County
Freemen's Bank of Wash-
ington County
Genesee Central Bank
Globe Bank
Globe Bank in the City of
New York
Greene County Bank
♦Hamilton Exchange )
Bank of Greene J
Hartford Bank
H. J. Miner's Bank of Utica.
Henry Keep's Bank
♦Hollister Bank of Buffalo..
Howard Trust & Banking
Co
Hudson River Bank
♦Island City Bank
Ithaca Bank
James Bank
Kinderhook Bank
Knickerbocker Bank
Knickerbocker Bank of)
the City of New York J
Kirkland Bauk
I-a Fayette Bank
Location.
Friendship...
Plattsburgh
Newport
Now York
Poughkeepsie..
Amenia
Ogdensburgh.
Dunkirk
New York
Rochester
New York .
New York .
Buffalo....
Meridian..
Buffalo....
Batavia..
Rochester
Ovid
Arietta.
Geneva .
Malone .
Mina....
Onondaga Valley,
Warwick..
Gaines ....
Penn Yan
Romulus...
Buffalo
Ogdensburgh ,
Fayette ville....
French Creek .
New York
Malone
Crescent.
Hebron
Attica
Seneca Falls..
New York.,
Catskill....
Greene
Hartford .
Fredonia..
Watertown.
Buffalo
Troy
New York .
New York..
Ithaca
Jamesville...
Kinderhook.
Genoa
New York ...
Clinton
New York ...
** o ^
•C! J2 ~
V.I
a "^ s
i.
c
A.
C.
I.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I
I.
A.
I.
A.
I.
I.
I.
A.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
I.
C.
I.
I.
A.
I.
A.
C.
I.
I.
I.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I.
I.
C.
Date of Charter
or beginning
of business.
July,
May
Nov.
184"
18, 1S36
1, 1855
Nov. 19, 1824
April 12, 1825
Aug. 1849
Dec. 1843
July, 1851
April 5, 1839
March 27, 1852
Sept.
Jan.
Sept.
Feb.
April,
1, 1853
1, 1852
1, 1838
1851
1844
Jan. 8, 1849
Oct.
Oct.
April,
July
Oct.
May,
July,
Aug.
Oct.
Aug.
April
Oct.
Aug.
Aug.
April
Aug.
31, 1839
6, 183S
1850
18, 1839
1844
1847
1852
1842
29, 1838
20, 1839
20, 1839
1843
28, 1843
24, 1839
1847
21, 1818
1846
April 1, 1851
Oct.
Dec.
Dec.
April
Feb.
Aug.
June,
Feb.
Sept.
Feb.
1850
11, 1838
23, 1839
11, 1840
5, 1S19
1850
1849
1850
1847
1, 1850
April 16, 1839
Dee. 6, 1838
June 1, 1854
31, 1838
7, 1839
25, 1839
1848
1, 1851
1845
April 18, 1S34
Dec.
Feb.
Jan.
Sept.
Oct.
Dec.
Capital.
$200,000
100,000
600,000
150,000
100,000
200,000
100,000
500,000
100,000
100,000
"160,006
160,666
l-lTJI
ft* -c c oj 5 B
Par
Par .
Par -
Par,
Par ,
S. E. 94..,
Remarks.
Par
200,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
250,000
566,666
200,000
100,005
100,000
25,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
300,000
250,000
106,000
200,000
'566,666
S. 62, S. E. 72
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par ,
85....
Par
S.par,S.E.74
Par ,
Par,
rar ,
Par
84
Par ....
Par ....
Par
Par
Par
Par.
91.
Par ,
Par ,
Par ,
/Closing. Red. until July 22.
\ 1862.
Failed.
Failed May 1858. Red. at New
York State Bank at Albany
until Nov 6, 1SC4.
/Banking privilege expired
\ Nov. 19, 1S44.
Charter expired July 1, 1845.
Closing. Red. until Nov. 6, 1863.
/ Closed. Removed from Catta-
X raugus co.
Closed.
Failed.
Merged in the Traders' Bank of
Rochester June, 1859.
Failed Nov. 1854. Red. at Bank
Dept.
Failed. Red. at North River
Bank.
Failed.
Closing. Red. until Nov. 16, 1861.
Failed. Red. at Albany City
Bank.
Closing. Removed from Alex-
ander June 24, 1850.
Closed.
Closing. Red. until July 16, 1863.
Closed. Worthless.
Closing. Red. until Mar. 9, 1864.
Failed May 1853. Bed. at
Bank Dept. at 85 until Nov.
12,1S59.
f Closed 1843.. Worthless. (See
X Comp. Rep. 1844, p. 61.)
Failed. Worthless.
Closed 1843.
Failed 1840.
Failed 1846. Worthless.
Closed.
Closed 1841.
Closing. Red. until Aug.25, 1861
Failed 1830.
Closed 1852.
Still redeeming its own notes.
Closing. Red. until Oct. 2, 1S61.
Failed.
Failed 1826.
Redeemed at Bank Dept. at 84
until June 23, 1864.
Closing. Red. until July 14, 1S62.
Closing. Still redeems its own
notes.
Closing.
1859.
Failed.
Red. until Sept. 17.
Red. at Commercial
Bauk at Albany.
Closed 1844.
Failed Oct. 1857. Red. at Man-
hattan Co. until April 22, 1864.
Failed Oct. 1, 1S51. Wo rthless.
Closing. Red. until Nov. 16, 1861.
Failed. Red. at North River
Bank.
Closing. Red. until June 3, 1863.
Failed.
98
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Obsolete and Closing Banks, continued.
Name.
Leland Bank
Le Roy Bank of Genesee ...
Lewis County Bank
Living-ton County Bank...
Lockport Bank
Lockport Bank & Trust Co.
Lumberman's Bank
•Luther Wright's Bank
Mo In tyre Bank
Madison Co. Bank
Manhattan Exchange Bank
Manufacturers' Bank of
1 later Co
Manufacturers' Bank of)
Rochester -. j
Mechanics' Bank
inics' Bank of Buffalo
Mechanics' Bank of Wil-1
liamsburgh J
Mechanics k Farmers' Bank
I utile Bank of Schenec-
tady
M'-rchants' Bank
'.ants' Bank of Ontario
I anty
•-' Banking Oo
Merchants' Exchange Bank
of Buffalo
inte & Karmers'Bank
•Merchants k Mechanics' \
nk uf Oswego J
Middle District Bank
Millers' Bank of New York
. roe Bank of Rochester
New York Banking Co
Location.
New Lebanon...
Le Roy
Martinsburgh...
Geneseo ,
Lockport
Lockport
Wilmurt
i tewego
Adirondac
Cazenoria
New York
Saugerties...
Rochester...
Water town.
Buffalo
Williamsburgh.,
Ithaca
Schen'
Mina
Naples
New York.
Buffalo.
Carmel..
North Granville.
Poughkeepsie .
Clyde
Cuba
Now York
New York Bankof Saratoga Hadley ....
New Y'ork City Bank New York
New Y'ork Manufacturing \
;
New York City Trust k
I; inking Co
New York Security Bank...
. Bank
York State Stock!
- iritv Bank t
York Traders' Bank \
Ington Oc J
Niagara River Bank"
North American Bsnk...-
North Am- ri an 'J'ni-t
Northern Bank of
I
Northern l Bank..
Northern Canal Hank
North Kim B oiV.it.. I
•OUn mp.iny'g)
Bank f
itjr Bank
Ontario Bonk
New York..
New York..,
Hope Falls..
Durham
New York..
N( rth Granville.
Buffalo
York.,
New Y' ork.,
Madrid
Brasher Falls,
fori Ann
RTeW Y'.rk
Buffalo
-
Canandaigua .
Ontario Rank. (President
and I
Phelps.
•Ontario County Bank.
Oswego County Bank Meridian
Palmvra Bank of \Tavn" I _ ,
"?'"
Parliin Bank Bn"
Phrenlx Bank Rain1
\ Bank at Buffalo.... Boll
•Pine Plains Iiank Pine I
I.
A.
C.
C.
C.
A.
I.
A.
I.
C.
A.
I.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I.
A.
A.
I.
C.
A.
I.
A.
I.
A.
I.
I.
I.
I.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I.
I.
A.
A.
c.
A.
I.
I.
I.
A.
I.
A.
A.
July,
Jan.
April
April
April
Oct.
March,
March
Sept
March
April
Date of charter
or begin n ing
of business.
IV' -J
1. l-O.'
So. is.';:;
7. 1830
.J. ls-2Vi
31, 1838
1851
28, 1846
1847
14, 1831
1, 1839
Sept.
Jan.
Sept. 10, 1840
July 28, 1S56
1851
25, 1839
March 1,1853
Oct. 24, 183S
March 26. 1S39
Feb. 184'
March 1846
Sept. 4, 1839
Sept. 20, 1838
Oct. 1845
July
1852
March 22, 1S11
Dec. 1, 183S
Oct. . 1852
March 23, 1839
Feb. 1851
May 6, 1840
Sept. 26, 1814
Aug.
June
1848
1846
Nov. 30, 1838
Sept. 1851
March 15, 1S53
Oct. 21, 1839
Nov. 6, 1838
Capital.
> 100.000
loo. I
loi ,.1100
100.000
f, I HUH III
'360,006
166.666
300,000
200,000
"160,060
100,000
100.000
l,b'66,'666
200,000
200.000
300,000
'166,666
"260,006
150,000
Feb.
Tnly
Aug.
Dec.
1847
1847
1848
4,1839
Jan.
1,1844
Jan. 1.1-:, l
Uaron 12,1813
Dec.
Nov.
29.iv,:.
1855
Oct.
1848
Dec.
1843
Oct.
1,1847
Juno
March
l«;,n
80, 1888
9,1839
^i u •■ ^
ft* S 2 od g 3
104,000
100,000
2,000,000
loo. I
100,000
150.000
600,000
500.000
Par
100,000
6ob,'66o
1 00.000
Par
Par
Par ,
Par ,
Par
Par
Par
Par
S. E. 63.
Par ,
Par
Remarks.
S. 81, S. E. 65
Par
S.Par,S.E.94
Par
S. 42
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
Par
rar
S. E. 73..
Par
Closing. Red. until July 16, 1864,
Failed Nov. 4, 1854
Charter expired July 1. 1855.
Charter repealed May 15, 1837.
Closing. Red. until Nov. 12, 1863
Closing. Red. until Oct. 24, 1S61
Closing.
Closing. Red. until Feb. 27, 1S61
Charter expired Jan. 1, 1858.
Closed.
/ Merged in The Traders' Bank
t of Rochester June, 1859.
Closing. Red. until Sept. 23, 1861.
Failed.
/ Changed to Manufacturers'
\ Bank of Brooklyn, 1S58.
Closed 1844.
Closing. Red. until Oct. 17, 1861.
Closed.
Closed.
Failed 1840.
Closing. Red. until May 30, 1862.
("Failed March 1854. Red. at
^ Bauk Dept. at 77 until Sept.
( 28, 1860.
Failed 1829.
Failed 1S40.
Closing.
Failed.
Closing. Red. until April 1, 1862
(Merged in Phcenix Bank Feb
21, 1817. Incorp. June 15,
1812, for manufacturing
cards and wire.
Closed 1840.
Closing. Red. until Aug. 16, 1864,
Closing. Red. until July 19. 1862.
f Closing. Red. at New Y'ork
1 State Bank. Albany.
/Closing. Red. at New York
\ State Bank, Albany.
Removed to Lockport May 13,
1859, and name changed to
Lockport City Bank.
Closed 1841.
Failed.
Closing. Red. nntfl Nov. 1,1860
Closing. Red. until March 1, 1862
Closing. Red. until Oct. 13, 1S62
/Failed. Red. at Albany City
( Bank.
Closed.
Charter expired Jan. 1. IS'iC.
Allowed to establish Branch
atUticaAprillo. 1816, and this
continued until charter ex
pired as Ontario Branch Bauk
of Ctica.
Failed, E. A. Wetmorc, receiver.
Failed March, 1858. Red. at
Union Bank, Albany, until
Aug. 11. 1864.
Closing. (1854.) Red. until Sept.
5. I860.
/ Changed to Lyons Bank Ma rch
1 31, 1857.
Closed. Red. by A. D. Patcbin
until Feb. 28, 1862.
Closed.
Failed. Red. until Sept. 2. 1868.
Failed April 1858. Reorganized
as Stissing Bank.
0 Removed from Tonawanda, Sept. 24, 1857.
CORPORATIONS.
09
Savings Banks are institutions intended to receive in trust small sums of money, generally
the surplus earnings of the laboring classes, and to return the same with moderate interest at a future
time. They are banks of deposit only ; their officers serve without pay, and the money received
on deposit can be invested only in mortgages upon real estate, public stocks, or such other securities
Obsolete and Closing Banks, continued.
Name.
Powell Bank
*I»ratt Bank of Buffalo
Prattsville Bank
Putnam County Bank.
Putnam Valley Bank.
(Queen City Bank
Reciprocity Bank
Sackets Harbor Bank
St. Lawrence Bank
State Bank of New York...
Silver Lake Bank of Genesee
*State Bank at Sackets \
Harbor J
*State Bank at Saugerties..
Staten Island Bank
uffilk Bank
Sullivan County Bank
Tenth Ward Bank
Troy Exchange Bank
Union Bank at Buffalo
United States Bk. at Buffalo
Valley Bank of Boonville...
Valley Bank of Lowville...
Village Bank
*VValter Joy's Bank.
Warren County Bank..
Washington Bank in
City of New York ....
Watervliet Bank
the
Wayne County Bank
♦White Plains Bank
Western Bank of Suffolk
County
Williamsburgh Bank
Willoughby Bank
Wool Growers' Bank of the
State of New York
Yates County Bank
Location.
fe-ps
d<ii-;
Newburgh .
Buffalo
Prattsville
Farmers' Mills .
Putnam Valley.
Buffalo
Buffalo
Buffalo..
Ogdensburgh .
Buffalo
Perry
Sackets Harbor...
Saugerties
Port Richmond.
New York
Monticello
New York
Troy
Buffalo
Buffalo
Boonville
Lowville.,
Randolph.
Buffalo
Johnsburgh.
New York..
West Troy .
Palmyra.
Naples....
S. Huntington...
Williamsburgh.
Brooklyn
New York.
Penn Yan..
A.
I.
I.
A.
I.
I.
C.
C.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I.
A.
A.
I.
A.
A.
A.
A.
I.
I.
I.
I.
A.
C.
C.
I.
I.
A.
A.
A.
C.
Date of charter
or her/inning
of business.
Dec.
Oct.
27, 1838
1847
Aug. 1843
Nov. 22, 1848
May, 1849
Sept. 1853
March 6, 1857
April, 28, 1S34
Jan. 8, 1839
Oct. 15, 1839
Jan. 5, 1839
May,
April,
Oct.
July
Oct.
Dec.
Jan.
Oct.
Dec.
1852
1847
29, 1838
1, 1852
1850
1, 1838
1, 1838
10, 1839
13, 1838
Aug.
June,
Feb.
Dec.
July
May
April
June,
June,
Jan.
Nov.
Jan.
April
1851
1848
1848
1845
18, 1839
21, 1836
30. 1829
1844
1850
12, 1839
1, 1839
12, 1839
2, 1831
Capital.
$130,000
1, ,11.0110
206,606
200,000
100,000
100.000
100,000
100.000
100,000
166,066
100.0110
100.000
100,000
125,000
250,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100.000
100,000
, "'So
£25-3 I
v I* 1 O
. >■ 8 I5S
„» I. fil »
fti '-a :§ 3 S 8
Par
94...
Par
Par
Par
Par
S.32, S. E. 50
S. 31
Par
Par
S. E. 56.,
Par
Par
S. 94
S. 81
S. E. 77.
Par
Par ,
Par
Par
Par
G5, 35, & Par.
Par ,
Par
Par
Par
Par
Remarks.
Closing. Red. its own notes.
Failed Feb. 1858. Red. at Bank
Dept. at 94.
Closing. Red. until Dec. 15, 1860.
Closing. Red. by David Kent
until Oct. 1863.
Closing.
Closing. Red. until Feb. 10, 1863.
Changed from Sackets Harbor
Bank March 6, 1851. Failed.
Receiver app. Aug. 27, 1857.
Removed from Sackets Harbor
March 25, 1852. Changed to
Reciprocity Bank 1857.
Failed Dec. 3, 1841.
Failed.
("Failed Nov. 1, 1856. Red. at
■< Union Bank, Albany, until
( Nov. 11, 1862.
Closing.
Failed.
Closing.
Closing. Red. until Aug. 21, 1860.
Failed 1840.
Failed.
Failed.
Closing. Red. by E. N. Merriam,
of Ogdensbursh, until March
20, 1863.
Removed to Boonville. See
above.
Closing. Red. until June 3, 1859.
Failed 1850. Red. at Mechanics
& Farmers' Bank, Albany.
Closing. Red. until Nov. 12, 1S59.
Failed 1843.
Failed. (See Comp. Rep. 1848, p.
77.
Closed.
Closing.
Closing. Red. until June 17, 1S62
Closed.
Closed 1840.
Closed 1841.
Failed 1848. (See Comp. Rep
1849, p. 35.)
Savings Banks in the State, Jan. 1, 1859.
Name.
Albany City Savings Institution
Albany Exchange Savings Bank
Albany Savings Bank
Auburn Savings Institution
Bank for Savings in the City of New York
Bloomingdale Savings Bank
Bowery Savings Bank
Broadway Savings Institution
Brockport Savings Bank
Brooklyn Savings Bank
Buffalo Savings Bank
Central City Savings Institution
Central Savings Bank of Troy
Cohoes Savings Institution
Commercial Savings Bank of Troy
Dry Dock Savings Institution
East River Savings Institution
Elmira Savings Bank
Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank
7
Location.
Albany
Albany
Albany.. ..
Auburn....
New York.
New York.
New York.
New York.
Brockport .
Brooklyn...
Buffalo
Utisa
Troy
Cohoes
Troy
New York.
New York.
Elmira
New York.
Date of
incorporation.
March
April
March
March
March
April
May
June
July
April
May
June
April
April
April
April
29. 1850
18, 1856
24, 1820
12. 1849
26, 1819
17, 1854
1, 1834
2o. ls.il
IS, 1853
7, 1827
9, 1846
20, 1851
15, 1857
11, 1851
12, 1855
12, 1S48
April
April
17, 1854
10, 1S50
Amount
due.
depositors.
% 168,181
27.987
998,924
71,235
8.701,923
56.300
7,818.143
841.346
2.439
2,660.981
872,681
28.431
25.712
34.734
60.031
1,118,876
785,782
1.973
1.628,754
Resources.
I 168.181
27,987
1,049.804
71,415
9,259.996
57,599
8,274.445
872.967
2.511
2,816,S17
924.863
30,638
25,712
31.734
60,031
1,169.401
829,569
2,107
1,695,951
100
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
as may be approved by law. They, can be organized by special act of the Legislature, and their
charters are perpetual. The total number of savings institutions incorp. prior to 1859 was 75, of
which 57 reported their statistics in 1858. They are placed under the care of the Superintendent
of the Banking Department, who has general powers for the protection of the interests of deposi-
tors, and is required to report their condition annually to the Legislature. Most of these institu-
tions bear names closely resembling those of banks of discount and circulation, and are kept in
the same building and have the same persons as officers of both.1
Class IV includes those whose certificates are filed in the County Clerks' offices. Most of the
corporations already described are required to file their articles in the clerk's office of their respect-
ive counties, in addition to depositing them in the departments of the State Government.
•• An Act to provide for the Incorporation of Religious Societies" was passed April 6,
1784.'
" An Act authorizing the Incorporation of Rural Cemetery Associations77 was passed
April 27, 1847.
"An Act to provide for Reincorporation of Villages77 was passed Dec. 7, 1847.s
Savings Batiks, continued.
Name.
Emigrant Savings Bank of Buffalo
Krie County Savings Rank
FishkHI Savings Institute
wich Savings Bank
D (Sty Savings Institution
ition for the Savings of Merchants' Clerks..
Irving Savings Institution
Manhattan Savings Institution
Manufacturers' Savings Bank of Troy
Mariners5 Savings Institution
Mechanics & Farmers' Savings Bank of Albany...
Mechanics & Traders' Savings Institution
Monroe County Savings Institution
Mutual Savings Bank of Troy
lurgh Savings Bank
Niagara County Savings Bank
Onondaga County Savings Bank
I'oughkecpsie Savings Bank
. -avings Bank
Rome Savings Bank
Rose Hill Savings Bank
s Bank of Ctica
t i'ly Savings Bank
n's Bank for Savings
- !i_- Sa vines Bank
- ring! 1: nk of .Albany
Sixpenny Savings Hank of the City of New York
.-' nth Brooklyn Savings Institute
Bank
■ l: i;ik '.f Troy
• .in-.-s Bank
Bank
institution
1 "• ink .if Albany
• - ■ nnty Sayings itank
Hank
Wflliamsburgb Savings Hank
Tonk' • Hank
Location.
Buffalo
Buffalo
Fishkill
New York
Hudson
New York
New York
New York
Troy
New York
Albany
New York
Rochester
Troy :...
Newburgh
Lockport
Syracuse
Poughkeepsie,
Rochester
Rome
New York.
Utica
Schenectady ..
New York.
Sing Sing
Albany
New York.
Brooklyn
Southo'ld
Troy
Syracuse
Tmy
Kingston
I Ibany
Tarry town
Buffalo
Brooklyn
Yonkers.
Date of
incorporation.
April
April
Feb.
April
April
April
July
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
June
April
April
April
Jan.
March
April
Juno
April
April
April
March
April
April
April
July
July
April
April
17, 1858
10, 1S54
25, 1857
24, 1833
4, 1850
12, 1848
1, 1S51
To. lS.-n)
15, 1857
16, 1852
12. 1855
16, 1S52
8, 1S50
15, 1857
13, 1852
10, 1851
10, 1855
16, 1836
21, 1S31
30, 1S51
17. 1*54
26, 1839
29, 1834
31, 1829
9, 1854
17. 1864
4, 1853
10. 1850
7, 1858
18, 1858
30, 1849
23, 182.3
18, 1851
18, 1864
21, is:.:!
9, 1851
0. ls.M
3, 1854
Amount
due
depositors.
$ 5,490
542,641
21,497
3,528.S51
44,010
1,509,889
719.498
1,782,067
51,988
419,689
179,049
361,612
256,679
23,637
91,188
1,569
129,601
247.505
1,371,911
33,621
71,854
334.262
211,886
7,349,474
35.410
10.601
112,361
522.350
6,970
47.479
2.-.7.5s(l
634,904
62,435
15.1 ST
lu::.7:u
77.048
1.0M-..SS2
47,405
Resources.
% 4,218
549,722
21,705
3,678,180
45,206
1,529:810
736,323
1,839,785
51,088
430,141
179,049
372.417
2511.341
23,637
92,993
1,636
130.202
263,619
1,476.425
36,289
72.2S5
36S,499
227,559
7,825,443
35,711
meoi
113:548
538,0(4
7.001
47,479
2.".s,619
671,716
68,822
15.187
108.729
77,048
1,119,001
48,009
' Th<> first - Lin 1804, and
the fir-t In I k In 1819, undor the auspices of tho " So-
I for Prei ■• rism." A public meeting was
I bo plan d pproved Nov. 2a, IslU. Th"
its «• r- made July 3, 1819, and re received
the! , in sums of from $2 to j
ted by 1,627 persons,
and i lib brawn On to 1851
bad been intrusted to the cars of this Institution, — f-nnmon
:n Albany was established in I
in Troy, in 1828; in Brooklyn, In 1827 j and in Buffalo, In 1830.
",f ii,.— | originally required t i report to the
la tore; but their returns m published. Under
tin act of March 20, lva7, they US required to report to the
Superintendent of the Banking Department. Sixteen savings
banks have 1 ••• n incorp. that never organized. Only two of
ih.. wh.ib- iiumhiT < -hart'ivd have ever failed. The " Knicker-
bocker Savings Institution," of N. Y., incorp. April X, 1S51,
fail... I and went into tho bands of a receiver in 1854; and lb"
• ■nny Savings Bank of Rochester," incorp. July 13, 1854,
faibd.
- Tins art was amended, so far as it related to tho Rof. Prot.
D. Societies, March 7, 1788. Other amendments were made in
1801, 1818) and 1828. For statistics see p. 139.
* Previous to this act. villages were incorp. by special acts of
the 1 iro, and tho articles were filed in the State Depart-
ment : Imt -in.e, the filing of articles has become a mere local
affair; and it is extremely difliciilt to obtain a complete list of
the incorporated villages of the State.
AGRICULTURE.
The climate of the State is adapted to the cultivation of most of the crops and fruits of the
temperate zone. The improved lands comprise a little more than one-half of the entire area of the
State, and of these 37 per cent, is devoted to pasturage and 25 per cent, is occupied by meadow-
lands. The principal crops, in the order of relative amount, are oats, corn, wheat, buckwheat, rye,
and barley, together occupying 37 per cent, of the cultivated lands, — leaving 1 per cent, for
the minor crops and gardens. The northern cos. of the State and the highland regions along the
s. border and upon the Hudson are much better adapted to pasturage than tillage ; and the people
in these sections are almost exclusively engaged in stock and sheep raising and in dairying.
Little more grain is raised than is strictly necessary for a proper rotation of crops ; and the greater
part of the grain for home consumption is imported from other sections of the country. The low
lands that surround the great lakes and occupy the greater portion of the surface in the w. part of
the State are best adapted to grain growing. Several sections of the State are found peculiarly
adapted to particular products. The Mohawk Valley intervales have been long almost exclusively
devoted to the cultivation of broom corn. The Chemung Valley, parts of Onondaga co. and
several other sections are becoming known as tobacco raising districts. Hops are extensively
cultivated in Madison, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie cos. The Hudson Valley below the High-
lands, the n. shore of Long Island, and the s. extremity of several of the lake valleys in the cen-
tral portion of the State are well adapted to the culture of grapes. Maple sugar is largely pro-
duced in the northern cos. and in the central highland districts. Upon Long Island and in West-
chester large sections are devoted to the cultivation of vegetables for the New York market. The
people of Orange, Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess cos. are largely engaged in fur-
nishing the city of New York with milk.1
Tlie New York. State Agricultural Society was formed by a convention held at Al-
bany in Feb. 1832 ; but for several years it received no support from the State and held no regular
fairs. In 1841 the society was re-organized, and measures were adopted for raising funds and hold-
ing annual fairs. On May 5 of that year, an act was passed by the Legislature, appropriating $8,000
for the encouragement of agriculture, $700 of which was to go to the State Society, and the re-
mainder was to be divided among the co. societies in the ratio of Assembly representation. This
appropriation has been continued until the present time. The society is required annually to re-
port to the Legislature a full account of its proceedings, and such facts concerning the agricul-
tural condition of the State as may be of general interest. The volumes of Transactions are
published by the State, and are widely distributed among the farming population. The annual
fairs are held in different parts of the State, and are largely attended.2 They usually succeed in
1 Hay is most largely produced in St. Lawrence, Oneida, Che-
nango, Otsego, Chautauqua, Delaware, and Orange counties;
wheat, in Livingston, Monroe, Genesee, Niagara,Ontario, and .Jef-
ferson counties ; oats, in Onondaga, Montgomery, Oneida, Cayuga,
and Otsego; rye, in Columbia, Rensselaer, Ulster, Orange,
Albany, Saratoga, and Washington; barley, in Jefferson, Onon-
daga, Ontario, Cayuga, and Wayne; buckwheat, in Schoharie,
Montgomery, Otsego, Saratoga, and Tioga; corn, in Onondaga.
Cayuga, Monroe. Wayne, Oneida, and Ontario ; and potatoes, in
Washington, Monroe, Oneida, St. Lawrence, Rensselaer, and
■Franklin. The counties having the greatest number of cows
are St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Oneida, Orange, Chenango, Her-
kimer, and Chautauqua; and the greatest number of Bheep,
Ontario, Livingston, Steuben, Cayuga, Washington, Wyoming,
Monroe, and Genesee. The counties that produce the greatest
quantity of butter are St. Lawrence, Delaware, Chenango, Jef-
ferson, Chautauqua, Orange, and Otsego; and the greatest
amount of cheese, Herkimer. Oneida, Jeffersou, Madison, Erie,
Cattaraugus. St. Lawrence, and Otsego.
2 The earliest agricultural exhibition on record within the
present limits of the State was a cattle fair, held at New Am-
sterdam, Oct. 15. 1041. An act passed Nov.' 11, 1692, entitled
"An act for settling fairs and markets in each respective city
and co. throughout this province," remained in force until re-
pealed by the State Legislature. March 12, 1788. A special act
was passed for the fairs of Albany, Cumberland, and Tryon cos.,
March 8. 1773, but scarcely took effect before the Revolution.
Acts applying to particular towns were passed by the earlier
State Legislatures; but the custom ofholding fairs soon fell into
disuse. These fairs were more properly market days ; no pre-
miums were offered, and no inducements to competition existed
beyond the ordinary stimulus of trade. The products of farm
culture being placed side by side, their comparative excellence
was left to the decision of the purchaser, which doubtless contri-
buted to excite emulation among the producers. These fairs
were generally held semi-annually, upon fixed days, under the
direction of "Governors and Rulers," appointed in colonial
times by the Governor, and afterward by the judges of the co.
courts. The expenses were defrayed by tolls, usually 1 per
cent., upon the commodities sold, half of which was paid by the
buyer and half by the seller.
The Socio! y for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manu-
factures was instituted Feb. 2ti, 1791, and incorp. March 12.
1793. For more efficient action, it in 1801 divided the State into
as many agricultural districts as there were cos., in each of
which a secretary was appointed, to convene the members of the
society within his district, inquire into the state of agriculture
and manufactures, receive communications and arrange and
transmit them to the President of the Bociety. The transactions
of this body were printed by the Mate, and the society numbered
among its members nearly every person of eminence throughout
the State. Its charter expired in 1804; and its corporate powers
were revived and continued April 2 of that year, under the
name of the Society for the Promotion of the Useful Arts. The
affairs of the new body were managed bj a council of 9 members,
and State patronage was continued in the printing of its Trans-
actions. In 1S0S-12 liberal premiums were offered for the 1 si
cloths of household manufacture, a part of which were award, d
by the co. judge and a part by this society. The samples, up. :i
which $10,000 wer.' thus paid, ate still preserved In the library
of the Albany Institute. After being once extended, the So
for Promoting Agricultural Arts was superseded, in part, by a
Board of Agriculture, but continued as a load institution of
Albany until merged, with the "Albany Lyceum of .Natural His-
tory."'in the -All any Institute," in 1829. The latter has most
of the books, papers, and eii", ct- of its predecessors; and tracing
back through its change it is the oldest scientific society in the
State. •■ Au act to improve the agriculture of this State,"
101
102
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
awakening a great local interest in agricultural matters. The office of the society is kept at the
Agricultural Rooms, corner of State and Lodge Sts., Albany, where it has a museum and library.
County and Town Societies. — The act of 1853 allows county agricultural societies to
purchase and hold real estate to an amount not exceeding $25,000 and personal property not ex-
ceeding $1,000, for the purposes set forth in their articles of incorporation, and for no other pur-
poses. Town and other societies may hold real estate to the amount of $10,000 and personal
property to the amount of $3,000. Each county or union society must have at least one director
or manager for each town ; and each town, village, or city society must have not less than 10
directors, who are elected annually by ballot. Upon application of two-thirds of their members to
the Supreme Court of the district in which they are located, these societies may obtain an order
for the sale of a part or the whole of their property. An amendment to the act was passed April
13, 1855, by the provisions of which the number of directors was changed to 6, 2 of whom are
elected each year for a term of three years. Any person may become a life member by the pay-
ment of a sum not exceeding $10; and the officers are jointly and severally liable for all debts
due from the society contracted while they are in office, if suit be commenced within one year
passed April 7. 1819. created a board of agriculture and appro-
priated £10,000 annually for 2 years, to be distributed for the pro-
motion of agriculture and family domestic manufactures in the
several cos.,on condition that a similar sum should be subscribed
by the co. societies formed under this act. A board, formed of
th- president, or a delegate civ sen from each co. society, met
annually at Albany, elected officers, examined reports, and
.selected for publication such returns as they deemed proper,
re published by the State. Three volumes of Memoirs
were issued, nnrl the board continued in existence but little longer
than the appropriation was continued. County societies, on
the plan of the Berkshire Co. Agricultural Society, began to be
formed in 1817 : and. by the exertions of Do Witt Clinton. El-
kanah Watson, and other friends of the measure, they were
ded to most of the cos. These societies, after a brief
period, fill Into disuse; and that of Jefferson co. is the only
one of this class that can trace an unbroken descent from that
period.
The first officers of the present State Agricultural Society,
formed in 1832, were L-- Kay do Chaumont, President; E. P.
Livingston, Jacob M rris, and Robert L. Kose. T7c<! Presidents;
P. S. Van Rensselaer, Recording Secretary; Jesse Buel, Corre-
sponding Secretary ; Charles K. Webster, Treasurer; and H. W.
Delavan, John Townsend. and II. Hickox, Executive Committee.
ietieswere again instituted in many of the cos. under
th~ influence of this society; but most of them were short lived.
"Cultivator" was begun jn March, 1834, by Jesse Buel,
under the guarantee of Stephen Van Rensselaer and James
worth, as the organ of the society and medium of commu-
nication between the friends of agriculture; and it has been con-
tinued ever since, under private auspices, but entirely devoted
to tli" nit. rests ofagriculture. It has for many years been pub-
bj bother Tucker, of Albany.
Any person a citizen of the State may become a member of
the 81 ■ upon payment of Jl annually, or a life mem-
ber by payment •■( (10 at one time. Presidents of co. societies
and nnc deli gate from eai b are ex officio members. The officers
of the society are elected annually in Feb., and consist of a
President, one Vice President from each of the Judicial Districts,
a Recording and a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and an
Executive Committee, consisting of the above and 5 others
chosen for the purpose.
Premiums are awarded in money, plate, medals, books, and
diplomas ; and the society embraces within the field of its patron-
age not only stock, farm, and garden products and implements
of husbandly, but a wide range of useful and ornamental manu-
factures, particularly those which are the products of home in-
dustry. The places and times of holding the State fairs, names
of Presidents, and total receipts of the State society have been
as follows : —
1S41
1842
1843
1844
1845
W-
1^47
1S48
1849
1850
1S51
1852
1S53
1854
1S55
1S56
is."
1858
1S59
Place of
holding fair.
Syracuse
Albany
Rochester
Poughkeepsie..
Utica
Auburn
Saratoga Sp'gs
Buffalo
Syracuse
AlbanyT
Rochester
Utica
Saratoga Sp'gs
New York
Elmira
Time of
holding fair.
Watertown.,
Buffalo
Syracuse ....
Albany
Sept. 29, 30
Sept. 27, 29
Sept. 20. 22
Sept. 18, 19
Sept. 17. 19
Sept. 15, 17
Sept. 14, 10
Sept. 5, 7
Sept. 11, 13
Sept. 3, 6
Sept. 16, 19
Sept. 7, 10
Sept. 20, 23
Oct. 3, 6
Oct. 2, 5
f Sept. 30, 1
1 Oct. 3/
Oct. 6, 9
Oct. 5, 8
Oct. 4, 7
Presidents.
Joel B. Nott
Jas. S. Wadsworth
Jas. S. Wadsworth
J. B. Beekman
B. P. Johnston-
J. M. Sherwood..-.
George Vail
Lewis F. Allen
John A. King
Ezra P. Prentice...
John Dolafit-ld
Henry Wager
Lewis G. Morris.-.
William Kelly
Samuel Cheever...
Theod're S. Faxton
Alonzo S. Upham.
Wm. T. McCoun...
A. B. Cruger
Receipts.
(Free.)
il.2'.'i;.in
:;. urn
3,650.00
4.370.18
4,333.17
4,034.22
6,272.86
8,144.55
10.4C5.61
11,956.25
8,125.41
r..M( :i.:i(i
9,248.70
11,527.25
8,010.00
15.073.89
1H.M.-..M
Town and Union Agricultural Societies.
' I'T County Societies see p. 103.)
Name.
cultural Society
'ilmr.tl .-■- lety
ricultural .v Mechanical Society,
ua Farmers' A Mechanics' Onion at
Fr<-d'inn
rirnitiir.il. Horticultural, A M> -
chai
Cnr iltiiml A Hoiticultn-
lety
rricultural Kociety
: 1 1 r _- > i . Adams, A Uei tenon Agricultural
lety
Farm-r-' Hub, of I i
oovia
Farmers' A Mechanics' Am dal net .
: Agricultural Societj
Qorhao Agricultural - I
Qvuvemeur Agricultural A Mechanl
Hamilton Agricultural A llurtii-ultiinil Associa-
• t .f
EUrpersfleld Cninn Agricultural Society
Ilartland Agricultural
HarDeihrfflls Agricultural Society
/>,,/. of
organization.
Jan.
March
8, 1867
5,1850
Name.
March 10, 1858
March 14, 1859
13, 1856
May
Sept
Oct.
March
JAug.
!>• ft
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
I
April
March
4,1858
19, 1867
23, 1867
16, 1861
I
B, 1868
12, I860
:;. 1 B67
9, 1859
2, I-:.'
8L I860
Ji-flVrpini Agricultural Society. Schoharie Co
Lebanon Agricultural Society
I n Agricultural Society
it II Agricultural Society, of
Nelson Fanners A Mechanics'Ass elation
Oswego City Agricultural Society
Otsellc, Pitcher, Pharsalia, & Lincklaen Agricul-
tural Society
Ruibville Onion Agricultural Society
St. Lawrence Internationa] Agricultural .t
Hi i in, hi. id Socli ty, ' igdensburgh
Sandy Creek, Rli bland, Orwell, A; Boylston Agri-
cultural Society
rfleld A Marshal] Town Agricultural So-
ciety
Bomi ' oltural Society
Susquehanna Valley Agricultural & Horticul-
tural BOI li ty '.
Onion Agrli oltural Society, (Broome and Dela-
i
n Agricultural Society, of Palmyra
Virgil Agricultural Society
Wilson A '--ricultural Society
Winfleld Onion Agricultural Society
v. oy Agricultural Society, Genesee Falls,
1'ike, A Eagle
Date of
organization.
Feb.
Aug.
Sept.
Aug.
.hi in-
li:;. 1S1.S
19, 1856
15. lsr.C,
22, 1857
:.. IV,,-
March 19, 1S59
June
Feb.
27,1857
9. IS.',.",
June 21, 1S5G
March 20, 1859
Nov.
Jan.
10. 1857
27. 1S57
April 4, 1857
March
June
lib.
June
April
21. 1S.V.1
26, 1856
26, 1857
10. 1859
18, 1859
Dec. 6, 1855
AGRICULTURE.
in:;
of the time when due. Each society funned under these acts is obliged to report annually to the
State Society.1
An examination of the returns of the census of 1855 shows that Cattaraugus excels all other
counties in the production of millet ; Columbia in pears, rye, garden seeds, and onions ; Dutchess
in plums and quinces, and in number of swine ; Herkimer in cheese ; Jefferson in spring wheat
and barley ; Livingston in fallow lands, in winter wheat, and in wool ; Monroe in value of farms
and nurseries; Montgomery in lint ; Oneida in value of stock and amount of apples and honey;
Onondaga in acres plowed and quantity of oats, corn, tobacco, and cider ; Ontario in sheep ;
Orange in milk ; Orleans in beans ; Otsego in hops and in domestic linen ; Queens in garden seeds
and strawberries ; Rensselaer in flaxseed ; St. Lawrence in pasture and meadow lands, quantity of
peas, sugar and butter, number of horses and cows, and yards of fulled cloth, flannel and other
1 Summary of County Agricultural Societies.
(For Town and Union Societies see p. 102.)
Counties.
Albany a
Allegany.
Broome
Cattaraugus .
Cayuga
Chautauqua...
Chemung..
Chenango..
Clinton.
Columbia..
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fult. & Ham...
Genesee
Greene
Herkimer
Jeff arson
Lewis
Livingston
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery ..
Niagara
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens
Rensselaer
Richmond.
Rockland
St. Lawrence..
Saratoga
Schenectady.
Schoharie
Scliuyler ,
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk.
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren
Washington..,
Wayne
Westchester.
Wyoming
Tales ,
Date of present
organization.
Aug. 9, 1853
April 27, 1858
Jan. 28, 1855
June 21, 1856
1S36
1851
1845
March 8,1856
Oct.
July,
Oct.
June
Dec.
July
Oct.
May
Oct.
Sept.
Dec.
June
Feb.
March
Oct.
Dec.
April,
Jan.
May
Oct.
Dec.
Jan.
Nov.
Jan.
June
June
June
Oct.
March
Jan.
June
Nov.
Aug.
Jan.
Jan.
March
Aug.
1838
1841
16, 1841
2, 1856
1850
30, 1856
18, 1838
26. 1857
11, 1856
4, 1841
7, 1854
1841
30. 1855
8, 1856
19. 1856
13, 1841
2, 1858
1841
25, 1856
18, 1854
1841
17. 1856
27, 1855
22, 1856
1851
30. 1857
7, 1855
29, 1844
21, 1856
24, 1841
26, 1841
14, 1855
24, 1856
22, 1853
9, 1847
11, 1855
8, 1858
7, 1858
5, 1857
4, 1841
First President.
James W. Jolly..,
P. Ten Broeck..
II. Howland
T. B. Campbell.,
Simeon L. Rood..
Abram Perlee....
E. Livingston
W. Bewry
Samuel A. Law...
Henry Staats
Lewis V. Allen....
W. C. Watson
S. Lawrence
Elias Prindle
T. C Peters
Lewis Sherrill
A. Loomis
J.D.LeRay
E. Merriam
Aaron Barber
.I.D. Ledyard
Willard Hodges..
T.J.VanDeville.
Pomeroy Jones...
Wm.Hiidreth
T. C. Bailey..
D. H. Little
T. B. Arden
E. Lawrence...
Jos. Hastings-
May 5, 185
July 20, 1856
Jan. 13, 1855
Abrams Stevens.
II . Van Rensselaer
II. Gardner ,
First Secretary.
Joseph Warren....
D. R. Wheeler
Win. Richardson.
A. J. Wynkoop.
A. Sanford
Jas. M. Oifford.,
D. McFarland....
Geo. Kneeland...
Warren Bryant..
R. S. Hale
Harry S. House..
T. S. Persse
C. P. Turner
II. L.Day
Aaron Petrle
E. Ten Eyck
Jos. Kershner....
A. S. Sloan
D. D. T. Moore...
John Frey
B. P.Johnston.,
J. S. Bates .
Hiram Goff..
Chas. McLean....
Hugh C. Wilson.
A. G. Corll
Luther D. Eddy.,
Present place
of holding
annual fair.
Albany.
Little Valley.
Auburn
Migratory..
Horseheads..
Norwich
/Chatham 4 1
\ Corners ....J
Wash. Hollow..
Buffalo ,
Elizabethtown.
Malone ,
Johnstown
Batavia.
llion
Watertown
f Turin and
\ Lowville.
Geneseo
Morrisville
Brighton
Fonda.
Utica and Rome.
Syracuse.
Canandaigua
Albion .
Cooperstown .
Wm. C. Bouck ....
G. Denniston.
Lotan Smith ...
Henry Corgell.
Peter dispell
B. C. Butler
Henry Holmes ...
f De Witt C. 1
I VanSlyck../
Jas. C. Ferris
John Hatmaker.,
N. C. Blauvelt...
Henry G. Foote..
John A. Corey...,
Ralph Brewster.
George S. Ellas...
J. 0. Dunning..
Wm. Smythe...
C. H. Skillman ...
Asa Fitch, Jr
P. P. Bradish
L. W. Thayer
Darius A. Ogden.
Lansingburgh..
New City.
Canton.
Mechauicsville.
sj ^ g
s.. -*. ■«■»
s. g
lit
555,500
2,000
per
aim.
1,836
13,000
11,625
10,000
6,215
10,800
7,050
2,368
10,113
30,000
12,000
20,836
6,500
8,635
9,590
30,385
Fair Grounds.
■sfj a
1859
1856
5 b
sj a
1856
1858
1856
1851
1853
1854-5
1857
Bath.,
Monticello.
Owego.
6
Luzerne.
Lyons .
Warsaw....
Penn Van.
6.120
4,239
4,350
6.520
1857
1*54
lo
l',i
12
10
3i
c-g
no 3
Leased.
$2,850
Leased.
2,000
Leased.
Leased.
1,000
Leased.
1,600
Leased.
3,500
4,000
2,461
1,600
Leased.
2,500
,T 3
$5,850
1,000
6,400
6,500
2,100
1,400
1,000
4,000
15,926,95
13,160
3,350
° Societies in italics were organized under acts of 1853 and
1855. Most of them had been in existence many years under
a previous organization.
* Fairs in the town that will give most to pay expenses.
« Fairs held alternately in different parts of the county, and
generally at the place that contributes most toward expenses.
<* Fair held alternately at Jamaica, Flushing, and Hempstead.
Receipts the first 10 years, '?3;032.
104
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
domestic cloths ; Schenectady in broom corn ; Schoharie in buckwheat, and about equal with Mont-
gomery in clover; Washington in potatoes ; and Wayne in peaches and dried fruits.
In connection with the table of agricultural products, it should be remembered that these
Agricultural Products of the several Counties in the State
Counties.
Albany
Allegany
Broome
Cattaraugus...
Cayuga
« hautauqua...
Chemung
Cb'-nnngo
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
V.i i'-
Franklin
Fulton
•
Ore ii"
Hamilton
Herkimer
•n
Kings
I.' -w iJ
Livingston....
n
Monroe
Montgomery-
New 1'ork
i ,
Oni Ha
Onond •
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Putnam
Queens
I ler
Richmond
Rockland
rence
-
Schom
irio
Schuyler
St4 ubcn
Suffolk
Bulliran
Tompkins
Ulster
i
Wayne
I ■ >1
S
g
s
i
7.424
11,927]
21,721
193,729]
66,249]
63,754
4,560]
2.138J
7,972i
4,696]
9554
54,4704
23S.S12}
2,484
1,353}
3.6444
760,461
7,346
6
5,9044
:
18.086
3,845]
1.094.779
29,320]
810,363
23,9044
30
5S0.911
20,4391
97,058}
528,488
43.363]
? i I
12.596
5.1 78
8,550|
402.169]
1 1 -•: \
5,165]
18.645
80 131]
161,721
151,520]
1,472]
' • •
1.212
.a
I
.3
6,927]
56,422]
8,1214
57.278]
2T.327
78.6364
18,624
2n.2«r,.;
57.1725
587]
24.361
8,53S}
250
46.913
44.0094
69.5594
7.5004
11.154
3,175]
'245
3S.149
428,672f
7,;i.';V|Vi"
18.025
5^.777
2.620
iv07s;
"5,386"
41,8834
85,1 18
27.059
32
2,208
44.3004
63 146]
""is"
13,383]
575
6
295.41 !
8,074
6,377]
28,074}
11,379
B2.014
1294
2,687
i .i •:
"fe.
a
.5
■
54.5794
64,637|
53,685
62,546}
57,732
105.672
24,941
117.370}
48,241
65,103
5'p.7i;r^
103.8964
83.8784
98.0114
39,139}
37.5944
33.903
41.39S}
58.5244
4.274
78,254}
98.575
r.l-.;
51.802
30.1 87-J
68,263]
58.738}
44,532]
157
41.1174
124,9334
63,246]
42.4481
103,211]
34,620J
58,138
108,069}
27,756]
51.395
58.557}
7,032
1 l B28
139 WO
52,743]
16,185]
48,774}
17,996]
20,87
58 Ti-
ll.:. 16]
40,716]
38.143]
45,271]
90.491 |
58.421]
3.256,948f
495.1774
665.400
466.S704
697,6704
956.636
530,705
473,460
564.242
276.0804
543.031
3S2.7S6
416.6594
626.347
724.7474
234.946
144.617
355,855
299,809
160,9074
16.701
724,585
456.230}
11. 070
295.4 If..}
261,990
571.637
792.370
997,605
435
353.308
975.81 II 14
1,015,2274
525.9374
291,111
229.731
535,432]
903.647
66,922
199,513
558.377
15.00i;
2S.1CS
437,041
744,220
293,768
1 10,0634.
867,247
556,238
711,807
262,067]
109 B83
452.978
812,883
27-.' 5
120,347
798,821
B75.624]
204,759
406,837
LI 1,467]
27 ."15,296
Ki
186,567
2.S34
20.546
2,3734
6,331}
2,808
3.:,:,s
14,329
13.073
445.036
4,172
50.5274
230.063
24.0794
13.3574
20.1014
22,3834
1.140
72,232
277
17.5511
99.3914
4,860
11.383]
4.118
1,477
9,1664
39,1124
25
1.014
24.121
5,3404
16,002
202.301
2.777
45.557;
34,2184
22,890]
71.010
299,864
3,131]
31,600]
25.725
l:;2 77l?
44,752]
87,692
6,168
7,862
10,212
52.212;
7.. ! ,3
17. .521
1135.00:: '
10.952]
121.967
7,269]
61,404
2.777;
24,517
Kl
9,1264
28:4544
2.337
14,005
30S,3034
19.6564
23.S62
22.220
6.877
3,801
45.i'i('i,5.\
2.219
2,818
57.2504
1.11S4
6.188}
14.704
50.S10
1.7874
42
51,439]
302.084;
37 :13,
123,255]
197.231
170.755
39,2524
79.593
13,7.4311
371,7854
320.375
170
86,071
28 054
43.SS9
2,769
12,807
627
14
28,187
0. 24
6,569]
44,136
7
104,856
78,873
10,974
1,0534
6,925
65,295
L30
89
12.944]
220.105
.
L52 L34
8,663,540
s
s
cq
84,812}
39.2984
73,2144
26,183
54,0764
9.664}
69.0464
50.3044
30,651|
54.3344
28,1154
86.330
43.1244
24.5584
13,701}
13.6254
69,759
14.9134
33.9134
2,913}
42.S7.5J
5.909}
235
10,443,4
13.8304
13,S534
22,623}
141,6774
29.1514
54,767!
32,453}
18,325}
23,023}
12.003
31,605}
112,732}
10,7184
21,224]
61 82]
1,325
8.7224
12.012;
108,882]
11 B s
169,078
67,523
21,436]
89,99 ij
18,856]
65.571]
91,402]
1 l.3,i 1.5
70,676
19,214
40,658]
30.700;
20,890]
20,277]
24,007]
6
s
Cq
193,6914
189.5884
214,998
300,762
86S.543
558.5074
230.2854
354.4S0
92,567}
383.3394
240.7034
119,383
55S.308
4S3.228
105,369
83.615
155,733
437.0524
99.204
7.151
283.748
321.770
54.179
92.3084
431,4644
410:5S3
805.811
247.5164
1,180
500.505
732.2944
907.453
617.4S5A
357.4904
436,975
503.812
340,1704
no.0104
337.0S5
393,4134
43.0374
.51 873
220,503
470.440
02.270
161.1531
160,7804
387,998]
292,689]
504 7'',7 "
102,594
20,0.074
3722112
242.220;
123,817
689,678]
756 "77 ;
402,238]
234, I
174181
2.IM.0794 10.20ii.00i;
nut included in tlf abov> Tables.
OtSh nine Of farms ■ 7
stock !
" tools and implements $26,927,502
- plowed the year pn 1 krai 8 -77.471
En fallow the yi
s the j ear pi 4.,- tin
Bushels of turnips harvested 98
Foun ■ 1
Value products mark $1,138,682
Pounds of maple sugar made 4,035,815]
us of maple molasst 9 made 85,0914
Gallons of wine made
Pounds of cocoons
Value "i othi r textile fabrics
Bushels 'i i» • ts
\ aim
Bushels of can its
Bushels , 1 ( nei ries
Bushels of cranberries
\ alue of cucumbers
Bushels of currants
Bushels of fruits (not specified).,
18.181
207.;
$3 824
$18,668
478,277
8,7874
87
$9,619
5004
43,074
AGRICULTURE.
105
numbers refer to the yield of 1854, which was distinguished by a severe and prevalent drought.
From 20 to 50 per cent, should bo added to obtain the proximate results of years of ordinary pro-
duction.
of New York, as reported by the Slate Census of 1855.
Flax.
I
1
1
£
1
e<5
G
►3
=Q
fc
ts>
"fe
"fe*
"&
"fe>
*&
■&
^
^j
eo
eo
BO
"w
'c
'B
*§
^5
'-»
rC
*<
«
s
a
a
C
a
s
3
a
«l
Kl
CQ
(^
eq
ft,
^
K|
nq
375,6541
206,258
15,9891
22,8441
2 306
2,675
879
210}
7,440
234.251
6,088
3,174*
2051
2,768
128*
214.130
2,983
160.420*
9::2.'.
949£
478
35*
21,808
23,650
224,463
■1.7 17 1
300,245f
14.4921
4.496*
2,738
58f
4S8
1,770
177,17"*
1,257
251,718|
6,565
5,638*
18,385
1,106
2,640
3,300
522,751
10,862}.
282,451
7,693
4,038
4.5S4
302}
2,416
1.390
308,115
4,5241
131,291
1,360*
1,859}
130
66}
102
33,597
107,364
2,96]
270,542
4,018*
2.7631
16,636
203*
163,332
550
553,554
7,5591
385,492
14.545
6.9931
7.7O0
236*
1,014
20
76,936*
852*
259,419*
1,330*
9.527
739
1.128
54*
418
210,342
9,480
155,389
1.7261
58,269
2,173*
2,037
40
351,975
3,738
209 567 '
2,2291
670
212S1
1 477
25*
15
69,028*
259,160
5.918}
205,498
7881
557
3,104
18,507
216,593
8.247*
445,350*
15,3211
6,124
5,026
270*
2,862
50
266,195
6,0815
318,021
484,425
11,625*
12,0741
2 818
195
6*
9
64,200*
909*
1.8391
704
6*
231,217
153
26,273
377}
182 904
14,202
8.7971
7til >
223,005
118,500
1,215*
595*
100,142
2.070*
167.274
8,569*
12,007
4,130
29(5,121
5,767
116,871
1.5321
693*
10,620
14*
26
75
192,814*
3,954*
25 257
140
27,864
154*
1,616
6,000
30S,050
3,459
18
257,875
4,241
510,033
115
333,901
6,446
289,031
63,338
4,2811
12,066
760*
28,995
3,691
215,431
3,459*
308.243
243 841
16,930
12,9781
6,3981
7,042
1,030*
1.0031
1 566
54
72,198
1.451
65,782
90
8 870
132.2561
101
1 ■ ■ ,
14.255
10
242.200
5,9281
224.2781
20.9731
4.836*
102.581
735*
1,312.308
13.680
531,677
7.417*
654,551
16,028*
14.342*
1.000
56*
44,010
86,520
491,491
10.312
145,154
22,855*
3,941
1,016,929
7,746*
241,603
249
155,s01
5,0081
1,808
275 448
250
645
15 981
9,256*
3S0
322
13,010
255.997
4.461*
624,648
12.912*
7,770*
6,635
1,233*
616,054
39,220
634,262
12,735
380.14H
34.915*
8.984
57,2S7
2,644*
13,427
654,987
624,545*
13,725}
188,900
15,297*
2,404*
2,070
199*
32,751
9,1S0
397.098
8,044
123.5511
230
34S1
30
39
800
80,180*
3.1 SS*
171,867
5.471
40.185*
19,030
2S5
16
22,871
281,7814
4,534
391.9121
11,1161
4.326
37,109
749
29,206
15
425,915
8,1051
412,7031
29,935$
2,811*
98,504|
1,424}
3,122,258*
543
601.196
8,880
64 504
48
210 J
20
27,158
814*
291,135
500 559
33.444
1,574
410
49
69,016
6.406
22.282*
5,979"
166*
63
5.131
972f
300
1
25
3,346
29
672,780
19,266*
4
1,615
131,241
28
3,253
90,497
4,304
21,739
47,2231
604 023
47
719
3
197,875
1 206 '
4S7.672
15.125
515*
1S.364
200
2S9.478
11,3861
105,132
5,551}
714*
206.200
2,346
2,600
150
105.551
2.848*
190,4321
33,482*
1,656*
13,916
526*
440.754
15
222.182
3.(589*
81,106
1,710}
1,931
8,058
420*
730
30
143,229
3.212
72,544
1 640 '
573}
529.811
7,035
306
16,500
175,278
4.029
255,938
25,006*
2.686*
1,777
8,649
16,950
297,289
4,580
304,063
103,188}
142
1681
1 3S'7i
6981
24
304
176
1,000
52
27,799
73,298
4271
1,699}
92
150,5181
3.992*
2,4954
712
140*
1.200
160
169,183
4.359
111,106
4.6591
2,100*
79,932
1,706
1,138
27,090
417.757
0.172
134.5391
2961
534
2,017
78
2,735
2,524
397.7T4
5.606*
173,328
767,285
2.2701
14,210*
915*
5,075}
23,003
7
62
20
2,390
58.772*
189,103
1,002
5,8091
839.420
261,403
8,455*
5,866*
23,260
527*
737
38,432
509,626
8,893*
286.249
230
278*
5
2,202
60,137*
0 ;;.j;,l
203,932
13,326*
8,2:52*
6,630
518}
17,526
115
323.290
4.517*
57.9121
1,444
745*
245,000
1,850
1,605
6,003
143,773
3,760j
15,191,8521
705,967|
244,079
4,907,556*
87,093*
7,192,254
946,502*
13,668,830*
273,039
Value of garden seeds $40,889
Bushels of grapes 1,610*
Value of melons $4,682
Bushels of millet 6.453*
Bushels of onions 15.026*
Value of osier willow * $251
Bushels of quinces 2.035}
Value of root crops (miscellaneous) $16,703
Bushels of rutabaga 3,111
Pounds of saffron 1,798
Bushels of strawberries 371
Value of fruit and ornamental trees $142,328
Miscellaneous $611,397
Neat cattle under one year old 311.474
Neat cattle over one year, exclusive of working
oxen and cows 577,887
Number of cattle killed for beef. 22 i 3
Callous of milk sold 20,965,861
Pounds of wool 9,231,959j
Value of poultry sold $1,076,598
Value of eggs sold $1,360,678
Yards of fulled cloth made 198.203
Yards of flannel made 379 922!
Yards of linen made 105,086
Yards of cotton and mixed cloths 246,464
Yards of carpeting 213.017}
106
XEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
The State appropriations for the promotion of agriculture, in 1819, through the Board of Agri-
culture, and, since 1841, through the State and County Agricultural Societies, have been as
shown in the table commencing at the foot of this page.
Agricultural Products of the several
COCN'TIES.
Albany
Allegany
Broome
Cattaraugus..
Cayuga. ,
Chautauqua..
Chemung
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware-
Dutchess
Brie
Franklin
Fulton
Greene ,
Hamilton.
Herkimer ....
Jefferson-
Kings
Leu i-
Livingston....
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery ,
New York.....
Niagara.
Oneida.
Onondaga ....
Ontario
Orange.-
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens
laer....
Richmond....
Rocklanl
I'rence
Sarat<
Bchenei tadjr .
-
Schuyl'T
i
!l
PufMk
Bollrran
Tomj.kin- ....
DUter
'i
Washington..
Wynii
Yataa
Total
53.650
6S.998
47.380
62,486
83,553*
53.465
3W.H
4^.7013
51.459
31.618
56.148
101,571
38.503
59,659
27,342
19.622
23.761
32.359
32.940
5.610
3S,347
18.444
11.912
26.693
55,615
46.038
58,571
27.205
138.475
81,575
53.135
25.111
23.113
47.7U0
93.020
13.237*
n.'.iv.i
33,684 i
475
8.667
61,614
45,202*
12,688
89.676
52,167
87,549
113.653
6,087
40,946
38,378
- i a
49,808
20.062
68,204
17,602
86,248
29,260
2 67,876
3.436*
3.321 *
2113*
3,378"
4,165*
4142
1.670*
3.451
2,238*
1.466
3,619*
5,285*
1.S30
3^220
1,419
919
1,300
1,568
2.202*
401*
2.927*
1,290*
" 831
1,950*
3.366$
LS42*
3,544
1.460 '
3.455*
3,857*
2,458*
2,128$
1.151*
2,142*
4,665*
459
276
i>m;
22
174*
2,814*
2,499
7v_>.;
4.496*
2)076
i.6(io;
5.42(1*
414
2.398*
1,612]
I "7 .
8,126
l,061f
1.945
2,820i
6^70j
2,0 0
<3
23.247
47,332
37,544
58,489
46.178
76,890
20.899
68.391
25,555
27,676
37.671
65.181
44.126
55^439
23.567
23,677
19.922
24,785
25.239
2,456
49,820
79,249
3,204
29,748
29,383
44,924
39,545
30,502
8,323
28.238
77^832
50.228
33,962
57.602
23,412
42,172
63.79S
15,507
14,326
29,601
2.25' l
7,198
96,408
34.769
8.614
38.771
19,004
ll ,9 fl
62,483
24,216
27,348
29,664
80,847
34.140
14,282
40,410
88,182
89,048
16,784
<§
i
1,813
3,392
3.531
4,137
2,506
4.515
1,510
3.8S7
1,484
3,701
1,709
4.7 SO
6,263
3.794
2,081
1.859
1,173
1,417
2.349
'360
785
2,522
41
2.423
1,761
1,874
1.944
1,046
2,058
3,476
2.454
2,113
3.4^9
1.164
3,093
2,942
3.200
1.926
2,704
400
573
6,576
2,625
597
2.440
1,128
677
4..;:. I
2,006
4,265
2 323
1J666
4,671
1,428
2,100
1.762
5.427
2,1 7 1
747
<3
13,332
19,009
17,116
23,633
19.822
36,046
9.690
36.939
ll!284
14.500
21,668
34,484
24,5S4
29,831
8.749
10.919
10,268
10,541
12,592
S52
36,653
49,472
2,834
19;i51
10.980
24.067
17,564
16,801
719
11.708
47.794
24,S01
14,202
40.187
8,921
21,983
34,713
7,851
9,240
16,864
1,189
4,708
62,161
16.778
5,768
1S.-J13
7,676
7,136
20,284
10,883
10.775
12,954
1 4,572
17,832
6,161
18,6S9
16,769
21 '.' '7 9
16,737
7,250
138,033^
.. l m:,,I'. r,
1 1 1,697
l.o6\427
32
a
s
1,173,527
1,700,775
1,753.417
1,957,183
2,082,022
3,389,837
924.645
3,990,564
891.431*
1,347,428
2,379,257
4,026.575
l,6Sl',595
1,866.132
025.542
1,050.040
840,397
919,130
1,191,930
83,282
1,305.377
3,949.608
17,425
1,575.515
1,045,591
1,840.298
1,643.515
1,211,385
i,03S.'307'
2,912.176
2,294.287
1,22.3.097
3,285.587*
912,013
2,036,174
3,075.206
493.696
441.983*
1,291,738
24,365
266,006
4,268,809
1.408.136*
615,662
1.832.257
798.953
705.574
1.976.1 29
634.405
931.927
1,365.783
1,646,947
1,669,681
182,786
1,625,188
1,446,080
1.116.589
1,833,948
717.259*
90.203.073;
Appropriations for the Promotion of Agriculture.
CourrriES.
1M9.
-
1841.
67
-
151
143
02
1
1819. .„,.
1841.
COCNTIKB.
1819.
2 year*.
1841.
Counters.
1819.
2 years.
1841.
I 60
75
100
60
$12-2
$125
100
250
■J, „|
200
•JIIO
171
60
60
179
91
112
183
176
100
250
400
650
$143
53
117
120
194
107
950
1 28
31 Ml
126
200
400
B4
13
75
"
167
186
Fait. A Ham
Cattaraugus....
itaturoa
Cli' miini:
Herkimer
Montgomery—
AGRICULTURE.
107
By an act of April 11, 1842, Genesee receives $92 and Wyoming $87 annually ; and by another
of April 13, 1855, the co. of Schuyler was allowed to receive a proportional share from the moneya
previously belonging to Chemung, Steuben, and Tompkins cos.
Counties in
the State of New York, continued.
<^5
&
n
c
1
V
*<
1
i
1
fc
1
2
|
£
i
i5$
i
4
1
1
36.520
10.954
31
37,054
24.035
127
834 i
:,::i;
359
1,044.1 tTS
11,223
36
104,799
13,148
147
52
1,5921
40.896
5,998
7
40,894
12,251
13*
137 1
11
14
1.717.4X4
9,497
11
59,725
13,834
2*
647 1
39
146
199.333
15,405
4
103,631
29,081
5,041
395
15
3,198,361
13,047
15
90,154
21,105
62
4,742
149
1351
7.861
4,856
6
21,364
9.853
£
924
27
190
1,212.544
10,971
10
85,923
1S,092
55
105.906
8,444
36
38,351
7.86S
25
87.167
9,103
211
87,549
32,568
ii
1,999
759
313
708,679
7,410
27
41,321
12,302
1
55
43
11
61.185
9.140
5
71,315
15,870
11
5
54,119
10,829
29
73,687
42.9S6
1,072
278
1.780
2,038,392
16.983
10
65,085
24.791
2,010
139
207
93,594
6,149
43
47.054
6,504
23
143.916
6,029
3
23.958
7,535
579.079
5,829
1
16,969
10.514
1*
6
105,873
11,395
13
100,391
10.273
3,506
267
21,317
6,203
23
19,382
14,074
1
140
232
2.(570
338
1,481
510
9,068.519
9,098
10
17,706
18,227
25 i
48
10
2,819,459
17,059
20
63,401
23,327
121
6,314
122
9
2
3,964
8.353
15
115
1,S96,741
5,097
10,086
1
11
79,3461
12,502
47
112,562
19.275
70i
618
38
24
2.087.594
11,753
32
66,547
16.794
5
485
21
131,253
18,913
16
116,817
34.727
22,134
240
4
1,53S,654
8,836
3
29,661
18.834
2561
77
125
14,099
14,334
256
5
1.249
21,765
4$
12.378
47
87
71.443
78,359
3,311,114
17.398
34
50,841
31,228
14*
4681
27
860.044
17.330
8
94,202
31.539
1,165
376
201
205,921
13,660
159
132,725
26,419
3,073
599
265
80,660
9,986
74
21.377
40,684
2.705
69
146
110,298
9,640
2
91.2S5
15,692
4,031
136
100
975,461
12,398
23
36,088
21.836
2,244
450
1291
l,63s,493
14,652
17
109,937
22.308
81
621
82
3.475
1,938
1
5.804
6.997
i.
765
7,954
178
9,714
14,228
111
60
538,402
10,184
845
10
26
64,609
57
25,007
1 726
48
392
341
341
2.500
3,715
170
926
3,185
8
5
1,672,999
20,261
20
86,454
24,286
5
152,901$
11,293
2
46.018
26,003
94
72.019
4,219
4
10,759
7.727
727
312
71.016
9,682
2
45,596
18,804
134f
28
8
32,168
5,700
4
48,918
9,451
3,195
630
13.812
7,497
6
47.534
17.532
1
5.777
378
203.329
13,899
40
111.353
24,154
1,148
4
397
1,580
7,111
163
28.016
19.727
1
1.330
91
8
4.598
3,092
87
12.591
8,231
1
508
134
50.357
5,678
13
36,162
11.248
586
31
22
60,128
9,443
3
61.036
14.358
1,919
127
4
520
9,893
58
29.841
34,025
1,721
111
3
64.634
3,341
6
16.472
5,703
144
634.491
11,707
11
118.533
30.305
2*
75
103,763*.
14,928
5
104,845
29.799
7-S-
25,394
156
5
2.180
7,332
73
11,321
20,801
895
823,105
10.358
6
93.365
11.074
397
70
212
59,972
6,773
8
64,827
12,586
1,689
15
2S1
38,944,249$
579,715
2,254
3,217,024
1,069,792
1,5091
115,4101
7,6291
8,604
Appropriations for the Promotion of Agriculture, continued.
Counties.
1819.
2 yars.
1841.
Counties.
1819.
2 year*.
1841.
$400
300
500
300
400
$03
255
204
130
152
75
131
14S
Putnam
Quepns
$100
200
350
75
100
100
300
100
$38
91
18C
34
36
170
121
51
I St. Lawrence....
1 Schenectady....
Counties.
1S19.
2 years.
1841.!
Counties.
1819.
2 years.
1S41.
$200
150
150
200
100
150
150
$97
74
13S
97
47
61
114
lister
$250
100
350
250
S137
40
123
126
146
61
700
Washington....
Suffolk .
Westchester....
State Ag. Soc.
108
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
County societies usually require the payment of $1 annually from each member, or $10 for life
membership -without further payment. It is customary to restrict competition for premiums to
members of the society, and to collect of all others an entrance fee to the exhibition grounds.
Dwellings, Area, and Products.
COCXTIES.
Albany
Allegany
Broome
Cattaraugus.
Chautauque..
Chemung
ngo
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutches
K.ri"
Franklin
Fult-.n
e
Greene
Hamilton ,
Herkimer ....
Jefferson
-ton....
Uadis 'D
raery..
N.-\v Y"rk
a
Oneida
1 ■ - i
Ontario
Orleans
I
I'll t nam
•
Rirhnv'ii.l
Rockland
Bt Lawrence.
- i
-
Schuyler
a
Suffolk
Bullil
T"ni|0.
i
>'•
\
'■
M
og
Number of Dwellings.
25
88
IS
4
5
73
14
1
20
163
52
9
44
177
111
30
88
2
60
100
2
62
429
515
34
57
50
301
59
[,617
34S
59
00
120
202
182
G7
84
1
21
16
74
261
312
: 2
15
13
2
41
12
9
16
5
9
BOS
6
158
U
Total 7.:.:;.',
3.769
29
82
9
825
113
47
21
460
3SS
45
8
434
2.427
168
71
53
107
163
165
20S
8,061
18
113
95
1.760
147
29,977
299
623
762
516
474
133
131
50
47
70
1,559
122
1- '
176
343
I..,;,
31
• 13
267
57
SO
35
77
470
60
52
9,385
6.2S7
5,629
4,942
9.620
8.314
3,264
7.226
3.959
6,665
4.270
6.040
8.947
12.S34
4.170
2.545
3.S17
4.976
4.964
'273
6.332
9,534
14.901
3.195
5.787
7.68S
13.713
4.700
10,595
5;3oi
10.D02
13.175
6,591
8.162
4.119
10,516
8.837
2,270
7.071
9,719
8,018
2.775
8,427
7. '.41
2.449
I
2,634
8,924
8,042
7,089
4,280
4,861
4>71
9,028
2,624
7,243
12.044
5,181
o.j;:,
19
966
560
1.252
475
639
516
240
1,988
29
295
888
58
1.638
663
1,353
238
408
145
147
191
1,369
1.094
608
173
650
23
496
498
513
405
346
821
2S7
63
'203
'■■'ib'
3.443
n-:;
ii
435
405
254
1 ■■. •
7
7:7
287
461
124
859
3
462
13,591
8.192
6.436
7.515
10.916
9,988
4,S37
7,602
6.994
7,287
4,727
7,238
9.705
21.074
5,227
4.444
4.179
5,753
5.419
401
6,898
11,975
23.970
4.707
6,990
8,221
16,916
4.960
42.668
8.698
17.7S2
15,215
7,828
9,5S2
5,299
12.049
9,324
2.405
7,896
11.083
3.220
3,188
13,191
8,631
3,105
5,846
8,582
4,669
11,851
7.211
6,408
6,049
Ll,068
.■■■ii
7,875
s.viis
12,768
6,1 a
8,878
I?
4
3.539
5,392
3,925
5.441
4,299
6,547
1,948
5.203
3,551
3.242
3,3S8
5,458
3.7'.i7
7.257
2.715
3.247
2.2SS
3.003
3,145
404
3.447
6,992
398
3.945
3,375
4,6S0
4,S79
2,852
4S
3.96S
8.315
< ::;.-.
3,943
3.HS2
2.4.4
6.720
6,109
1,368
3.113
3.869
876
1,221
8.946
4,208
1,328
4,011
2,446
7,042
4,838
8,688
8,088
4,861
2,146
4,192
4,767
0.722
4,131
2,242
Number of Acres.
Improved.
■25 231.740 13,057,4901
242,735
280,863
i9s>3ii;
266.435}
315,795|
360.110
120,219|
347,82S|
168,932*
304.2771
194,736*
364.4004.
366,359!
340,3074.
185,443|
144,627J
133.415?
219,0124.
212.2231
16,675?
267,4141
465,222
15,871*
184,541 :.-
262,462*
277.393!
216,840*
194.457J
1,150$
207.0431
435,800!
344.52S
290,639?
30S,599!
181.948?
244.120
428,932|
94.205j
119,549
292.21 2 J
15,072*
46,481?
499,554
315,728*
93,448*
227,904^
134,331
151,9491
861,450
163,818*
I '
II i,894|
205.61 GJ
24' 1.041
111,202*.
:;:,::.!!:.,,
264,461
209,1 li I
241,664*
155..M2;
Total.
313,512*
635.132*
404,048*
699.056!
503.032!
654.255*
230,605
530,764!
570,01S*
373,532!
308.399?
802,852*
464,464*
593,651*
959,63S|
979,692
2S0.4S6*
294,744*
362,828!
783.054*
773,072
716,513
21,466
6S1,6S6*
358,840?
38S,89S?
295.022*
241J7S*
1,974*
308,153*
722,394*
459,229*
387.74S*
49S.214*
244,27;
572.173*
608.491*
108.1153*
170.753
393.215*
22,674*
97,334*
1,385,085
455,5774
125.101?
859,950*
197,335*
1 '.'7,886*
799,700*
424.0M>J
020.0,1s.;
293,317|
290,680 j
618.840?
442,543*
476,685
366,6134
291,094*
864,418?
206,6761
26.75S.1.S0!
1 Thia column li Lmiscellani reported as" Planks," "Boarda,"" Shanties,"
od valne were not given. 'Hi'- vain • ■. no far as reported, was as follows: —
-
Irani'-.
Total..
Ifumbi r.
7.172
66,762
878,967
Tt ><-il Vatue.
i 19,184,819
312^61,135
297, 1
1,830,11 9
664,89 1,967
Average Value.
$6,857.89
6,600.26
7M.H0
i i.18
2.76
MANUFACTURES.
TnE manufactures of the State are very extensive, embracing an almost endless variety of articles.
In many sections the manufacturing interests surpass those of agriculture or commerce. The lines
of internal communication through the State have greatly facilitated the spread of manufactures ;
and now flourishing establishments are found in nearly every part of the State.1 The most im-
1 Manufacturing Establishments in the several Counties, as reported by the State Census
o/1855.
Counties.
Albany
Allegany ,
Broome
Cattaraugus...
Cayuga
Chautauqua...
Chemung
Chenango -
Clinton ,
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton
Genesee
Greene ...........
i Hamilton
Ilerkimer
Jefferson
Kings
Lewis
Livingston
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery..
New York
Niagara
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego ,
Putnam
Queens _.
Rensselaer....
Richmond
Rockland
St. Lawrence.
Saratoga -
Schenectady..
Schoharie ,
Schuyler
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren
Washington..
Wayne
Westchester...
Wyoming
Yates
«l
Total 196 1,921
9
2
1
1
4
27
37
23
32
59
43
19
41
22
47
26
31
44
29
28
15
12
33
19
36
52
11
9
35
27
69
44
53
32
65
53
40
37
38
26
66
6
14
43
6
7
47
47
8
34
23
23
49
22
29
20
45
37
14
40
49
27
37
14
■a
8
I_
27
23
16
16
36
37
15
28
15
29
26
26
35
31
36
6
34
42
10
7
30
30
34
20
71
24
72
53
29
20
26
29
54
12
8
25
5
5
37
29
9
21
16
13
28
18
10
17
34
9
tr
1
24
22
52
34
15
1,467
f
g
m
n
i
i
i
2
3
1
1
9
13
11
"i
1
2
22
"i
4
"i
l
3
2
5
5
9
3
14
9
2
2
2
7
1
33
6
4
1
128 269 616
13
5
15
11
13
6
7
6
5
7
9
9
19
5
5
o
1
10
17
16
5
11
12
15
9
98
6
21
15
13
15
2
4
10
1
12
7
5
5
4
5
16
5
7
5
16
8
2
9
8
18 .
e [a
5
3
10
1
10
i'i
76
1
1
12
1
2
1
1
11
1
2
*3
1
3
2
1
10
12
5.
s.
I'I
•a .2
1 a
61
29
24
15
18
32
31
9
21
20
34
15
25
40
26
15
25
1
27
33
14
12
26
21
48
21
59
24
61
45
19
33
21
21
55
2
26'
20
2
7
26
29
7
27
15
19
36
16
13
16
20
29
6
25
29
28
30
15
9
22
7
16
4
1
10
10
7
15
4
3
10
16
4
ii
10
6
1
13
9
52
5
59
10
19
38
13
8
10
48
17
25
4
2
4
10
7
7
15
6
4
1
3
9
9
9
4
4
"i
10
15
1
13
9
12
3
37
4
21
11
8
4
5
9
9
1
1
7
Ci
23
23
27
20
30
31
17
28
19
43
23
26
39
43
16
11
9
22
27
1
18
48
5
10
29
22
54
24
8
17
42
36
40
38
26
42
39
7
24
34
2
13
36
33
5
27
15
15
42
29
16
17
28
42
5
15
25
29
30
15
114 232 111 1,397 666 388 1,476 595 124 101 1S7 138
■a •-:
a i.
H
7
13
6
10
13
11
3
10
"S
II
5
6
11
1
4
11
36
4
7
9
3
3
2
4
5
5
a
=
3
5
7
3
3
4
2
32
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
3
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
4
1
2
2
2
7
2
4
109
110
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
portant and extensive manufactories are those of iron and machinery, leather, articles of wood,
and cotton and woolen goods. Such articles as relate to the professions and fine arts, to books,
maps, and engravings, and to the heavy machinery used in ocean steamships, are principally manu-
factured in Xew York City and its suburbs. Immense quantities of brick are manufactured on
the Hudson for the Xew York and Southern markets. Lime, waterlime, and gypsum are largely
manufactured on the Hudson and through the center of the State ; and iron ware is produced in
large quantities in the iron districts of Essex, Clinton, Dutchess, Orange, and Oneida counties. De-
tails of the principal manufacturing establishments are given in the statistics of the cities or towns
in which they are located.1
1 Manufacturing Establishments in the several Counties, continued.
Counties.
Albany
:iv
Broome
Cattaraugus
_i
Chautauqua
Chemung
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia.
ind
Delaware
Dutchess..
Eri'-
Franklin
Fulton
- -0
Greene
I!:miilt'.n
Herkimer
Jefferson
Liringston
U
Hooroe
-y
V >rk
Ni igara
i
V'l
-ii
i
oond
ni
•
•lady
trie
tar
>
Bteaben
k
Sullivan
• .in.*
Ulster
n —
ngt'.n
Wajrne
Jog
Yates
12
2
15
1
"e
i
6
E
1
•-'
1
190
3 1
8 S
10
g
S3
43
183
159
169
79
184
99
110
110
21
68
224
12
151
73
85
90
46
62
23
94
101
2
95
35
75
55
43
13
41
238
81
54
21
33
218
142
2
1
91
7
138
80
13
118
84
15
238
11
14.".
140
:
95
i.s
49
85
77
1 .
«,
«Q
2!)
15
£6
4
"%
2
2
1
11
5
4
5
3
12
1
2
"i
2
2
9
17
3
22
2
8 «
S3 §
3
4
4
3
3
7
2
5
1
2
2
2
6
7
2
3
"3
1
"4
4
11
1
2
4
11
2
21
3
5
6
1
4
2
3
8
"i
"i
i'2
7
"i
3
3
4
5
1
"2
3
":':
1
7
3
1
<
<ZX
2
83
"4
3
Total - 161 100 L44 161 _ _ij 148 560 863
14
17
"2
8
7
8
3
126
8
28
10
14
9
2
10
17
"4
15
"i
12
4
9
4
6
6
9
10
17
20
15
18
25
11
17
13
8
13
24
8
134
10
6
25
9
9
3
21
25
4
15
7
22
15
15
14
4
38
19
6
12
10
38
24
2
2
13
"a
25
9
1
17
13
5
19
4
39
12
11
30
14
13
14
9
16
5
if
e s
11
10
7
5
12
6
5
18
13
Q
O
5
1
5
4
19
5
4
6
10
12
7
54
5
21
17
13
9
6
10
10
2
9
13
2
1
14
6
2
5
5
3
8
2
6
2
4
11
10
8
6
480
3 2
11
8 §
=5 a
13
5
4
1
36
1
6
5
"(5
"2
139
&
*
5
1
7
i
2
1
12
"i
5
1
"i
1
2
136
■8
S
8
.8
S 5
1^
3
2
4
1
6
2
4
6
9
5
2
0
3
5
3
3
"3
1
6
3
3
"2
13
6
4
184
8
8
§
131
315
22
25
54
40
20
30
73
49
29
8
72
164
62
34
81
38
36
80
119
221
29
34
54
158
38
1248
30
185
121
46
51
13
48
59
7
40
76
26
24
70
53
29
28
10
34
28
77
18
16
31
40
13
36
42
94
29
17
4,458
TV Returns, of manufacturing establishments fr^m many coantteean quite unsatisfactory, as an examination of the table will
show. Ii in to be hojMd that the III I ■■ ill 1- more complete in this particular.
COMMERCE.
The position of New York in the confederacy of States gives it peculiar facilities for maritime
affairs, and through its various ports a large proportion of the foreign and internal commerce of
the nation is carried on. This commerce extends to every accessible port in the world, and in
amount and variety excels that of all the other States of the Union. It is regulated by acts of
Congress ; and the revenues arising from duties upon articles imported are collected by officers ap-
pointed by the President and Senate, or subordinate to those thus appointed. These officers are
accountable to the U. S. Treasury Department.
Collection Districts. — The Federal Government has established 11 Collection Districts
within this State for the collection of these revenues. Each of these has one port of entry, in charge
of a collector, and several ports of delivery, at which one or more deputy collectors, inspectors, or
other officers reside.1 The number of officers employed in collecting these revenues in New York
City and its dependencies is nearly 800. Duties on foreign importations form much the largest
item of revenue for the support of the General Government, and those collected at the port of New
York form the largest part of the whole amount. The absolute and relative amounts of moneys
collected from this source in the United States and State of New York have been steadily increasing,
except as influenced by pecuniary embarrassments ; and now the former amount to about $60,000,000
annually.2
Collection Districts in New York.
District.
Sag Harbor
New York City...
Cuamplain
Oswegatchie. .,
Cape Vincent.,
Sackets Harbor..
, Oswego...
Genesee .
Niagara
Buffalo Creek..
Dunkirk
Date of
Establishment.
July 31,
July 31,
Mar. 2,
Mar. 2,
April 18,
Mar. 3,
Mar. 2,
Mar. 3,
Mar. 2,
Mar. 3,
July 27,
1789
1789
1793
1S11
1818
1803
1799
1805
1799
1805
1854
Principal
Office.
Sag Harbor...
New York....
Plattsbur-h .
Ogdensburgh.
Cape Vincent..
Sackets Harbor.
i tswego
Rochester
Lewiston
Buffalo....,
Dunkirk.
Subordinate Offices.
Greeuport.
Albany, Troy, Cold Spring Harbor, Port Jefferson.
Whitehall, Rouses Point, Chainplain, Perrysville, Mooers, Centerville,
Chateaugay, Burke, Trout Kiver, Westville, Tort Covington, Hogans-
burgh, Malone.
Hammond, Morristown, Lisbon, Waddington, Louisville, Massena.
Alexandria Bay, Millens Bay, Clayton, Chaumont, Three Mile Bay, Point
Peninsula.
Dexter, Henderson, Sandy Creek.
Big Sodus, Little Sodus, Texas, Port Ontario.
Carthage Landing, Kelsey Landing, Pultneyville, Charlotte.
Niagara Falls, Niagara Bridge, Youngstown, Wilson, Eighteen Mile Creek.
Oak Orchard.
Black Rock, Black Rock Dam, Tonawanda. Schlosser.
Barcelona, Irving, Cattaraugus Creek, Silver Creek.
Albany was made a port of delivery in N. Y. Dist. July 31, 1789.
Cape Vincent was made a port of delivery in Sackets Harbor
Dist. Mar. 2, 1811.
Hudson was made a port of delivery in N. Y. Dist. July 31,
1789, and a district and port of entry Feb. 26, 1795. Annexed
to N. Y. Dist. May 7, 1822.
Catskill and Kinderhook were made ports of delivery from
Feb. 26, 1795, to May 27, 1796.
New Windsor. Newburgh. Pouglikeepsie, and Esopus were made
ports of delivery July 31, 1789.
Niaqara. — Office removed from Ft. Niagara to Lewiston
Mar. 2, 1811.
l The following table exhibits the receipts for customs for the
ports of the U. S. and N. Y. for a series of years : —
Receipts into United Slates Treasury.
Years.
Total from all
sources.
From Customs.
United Stales.
New York.
1795
1800
1805
1810
1815
1820
1825
1830
1835
1840
1845
1850
1855
1857
1858
$9,419,802.79
12.451,184.14
13,689,508.14
12,144,206.53
50,961,237.60
20,8S1,493.08
26,840,858.02
24,844,116.51
35,430,087.10
25,032.193.59
29,941.853.90
47,649,388.88
65,351.374.68
68,969,212.57
70,273,869.59
$5,588,401.26
9,080,932.73
12,936,487.04
8,583.309.31
7 282 942.22
15!005!612/15
20.098,713.45
21.922.391.39
19.391,310.59
13,499.502.17
27,588.112.70
39.66S.686.42
53.025,794.21
63.875,905.05
41,789.620.96
52,717,361
3,611.588
6,958,008
5,223,696
14,640,816
5,500,516
15,702,142
15,031,003
14,508,600
7.557.441
21,318,408
24,487,010
42,510,753.79
The amount of revenue from duties varies with the amount
of tariff, and the sum thus collected becomes a very uncertain
measure of the amount of commerce. The present tariff was
adopted March 3, 1857, and admits a large class of goods free of
duty. The system of bonding, introduced in 1846, permits goods
to be stored in Government warehouses until re-exported or sold,
before the payment of duties is required. The State Govern-
ment took early measures for establishing custom houses and
regulating duties upon foreign importations. By an act of Nov.
18, 1784, Sag Harbor and New York were made ports of entry
and delivery, and officers were appointed by the Governor and
Couucil of Appointment at each. The reluctance of New York
to part with these revenues led to much delay in her ratifying
the Constitution of the U.S., by which her revenues were sur-
rendered to the General Government.
Registered ami enrolled tonnage of the port of New York and f
the United States at different periods.
GO
Registered
Tonnage.
Enrolled
Tonnage.
Total Tonnage.
United
States.
New
York.
United
States.
New
York.
United
States.
Nnr
York.
1825
1830
1835
1840
1845
1S50
1855
185S
700,788
576,475
885,821
899,765
1.095.172
1,585.711
2,535,136
2,577,769
136,384
92.301
162,874
184,542
217,089
3SS.43S
737.509
841.686
800.213
615.301
939,119
1,280,999
1,321,830
1.949.743
2.676,865
3.201.430
144.210
167,922
196.4S3
244,774
288,187
391,380
o:is.li'.-J
580,488
1,423.112
1,191,776
1.824,940
2,180,704
2.417.002
3,535,454
5.212.001
5.049.808
280.594
260i283
359,357
429.316
505.276
779,818
1.275.071
1.422.174
111
112
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Tlie Foreign Trade of Xew York from 1700, although fluctuating considerably, has
exhibited a general progressive increase. The commerce of the country -was suspended during the
Revolution ; and no statistics of its amount have been preserved during the period in which the
States formed each an independent sovereignty under the Confederation. The amount of imports
has been reported separately by States only since 1821.1
Amount of American as compared with Foreign Tonnage at
different periods in Vie District of Xew York.
Years.
Tonnage Entered.
U.S.
Foreign.
Total.
1825
259,5244.
20,6554
2S0.179}
1830
2S0,918
33.7974
314.715}
1 v :,
373.465
90.999
464.464
1840
409.458
118.136
527.594
1845
472.491}
140>.>;
613.350
1850
807,58OJ
441.756
1.249.337
1854
1.442.27 g|
477,0344
1.919.3134
1S5S
2.411,087
1.124.020
3,535,107
Years.
lONNAGE CLEAREI
).
C.S.
Foreign.
Total.
1S25
245,512
17.914}
263.430}
1S30
209.598J
33,6S64
273.285
1835
289.551*
80,0384
369.590
1840
275,8934
117,204
392.5974
1846
377.1634
140.2224
517,3854
1850
705.162
407.054
1.112.216
1866
1,0S2,799|
445,305
1.528.104}
1 —
2.152,835
1.132.568
3.285,403
Amount of Registered, Enrolled, and Licensed Tonnage in the
several Collection Districts, June 30, 1858.
Districts.
B ig Harbor ,
N> w York
Champlain
Oswegatchie ,
Cape Vincent
Sackets Harbor.
Oswego
Genesee
Niagara.
Buffalo Creek
Dnnkirk
Registered.
7,408.72
841,6S5.35
Enrolled
and
Licensed.
7.057.94
593.599.73
'888.02
11.866.60
6.129.88
1.321.22
46.420.19
3.704.31
1.272.31
73.478.80
5,382.50
Amount of Beaittered and Enrolled Tonnage of the United States
and District of New York at different periods.
Years.
■ ■ '
1847..
1- -
Registered.
U. States. N. York
717.170
I
J i •
1,2412313
■
■
1162395
169,050
Ifl | -li
2 I,! U
Enrolled and Li-
censed.
U. States. N. York
B78.438
752,460
1,086,237
1,117,035
I i '7 73 I
2,238,992
2,650,742
165.542
102.419
216,851
217.112::
337.381
445,674
693,600
Ntmberqfl ' ? Merchandise at ■ ■■■■ Tarkfor
tit, ending June 30, 1856.
1847 10,419
l-i- :
1848
61,762
71
1862 68,967
-.:.17>>
1-:,1 93,282
76,448
89,377
I /or ] -:,-.
American
VtStrli.
Fnrrign
i ":1s.
Export* of American produce....
" ign "
Crews "
;
12.1
4.171
124,002,631
17,463
l 510
Crews " "
1 Trade
of New York from
1700 to 1776
Total Value.
Years.
Total Value.
Years.
Imports.
Exports.
Imports.
Exports.
1700
$247,050
$ 87,835
1739
$ 5S0.350
$ 92,295
1701
159,550
92,735
1740
593,885
107.490
1702
149,955
39,825
1741
602,150
105,710
1703
87,810
37,355
1742
837.955
67,6S0
1704
111,470
52,700
1743
672,435
75,335
1705
139,510
36,965
1744
599,600
72,635
1706
157,940
14,245
1745
274,785
70.415
1707
149,275
71,415
1746
433,560
44,205
1708
134,495
54,235
1747
689,940
74,960
1709
172,885
61,295
1748
716,555
61,790
1710
157.375
91,015
1749
1,328,865
117,065
1711
144,280
60,965
1750
1,335,650
178,160
1712
92,620
62,330
1751
1,244,705
211.815
1713
232.350
72,140
1752
970,150
203.290
1714
223.215
149,050
1753
1,389,320
202,765
1715
273,195
106.580
1754
637,485
133,315
1716
260.865
109,855
1755
755,355
145,275
1717
220,700
122,670
1756
1,252,125
120,365
1718
314,830
135,655
1757
1,766.555
95,840
1719
281,785
97,980
1758
1,782.775
71,300
1720
181,985
84,180
1759
3,153,925
108,420
1721
253,770
78,405
1760
2,400,530
105,625
1722
287,390
100,590
1761
1,447.850
243,240
1723
265,065
139,960
1762
1,440,230
294,410
1724
315,100
105,955
1763
1,192.800
264.990
1725
353.250
124,8S0
1764
2,577,080
268,4S5
1726
424,330
191,535
1765
1,911.745
274,795
1727
337,260
158,085
1766
1,854,145
335,100
1728
408.170
105,710
1767
2.089,785
307,110
1729
323,800
79,165
1768
2,414,650
435,575
1730
321.780
43,700
1769
374,590
367,430
1731
330,580
103,7 SO
1770
2,379,955
349,410
1732
327.700
47,055
1771
3,26S,105
479,375
1733
327,085
58,130
1772
1,719,850
413,535
1734
408,790
76,535
1773
1.446.070
381,230
1735
402.025
70,775
1774
2,189,685
400,040
1736
430,000
89,720
1775
6,140
935,090
1737
629 165
84165
1776
11,590
1738
667,190
81,140
Trade c
f New Yorl
■ since the adoption r
/ Federal Constitution.
Years.
Imports.
Exports.
Years.
Imports.
Exports.
1791
$ 2.505.465
2,535.790
2,932,370
5.442.183
10,304,581
12,208,027
13,308,064
14,800,892
18,719,527
14,046,079
10,851,136
13,792,276
10,81 8,887
16,081,281
23,482,943
21,762,845
26,357,963
6,606,058
12,681,562
17,242,330
12.26fi.215
8,961,922
8.1*5.494
209.670
10,675,373
19,6 81
18.71 17.433
17,872.201
13,687,878
13,163,244
18,162,918
17,100,482
i:m.:;v"jh
22,897.134
1825
1826
1827
1828
1S29
1830
1831
1832
1833
1S34
1835
1836
1837
is:;s
181 19
1-lu
1-11
1842
1843*
1-U
1845
l-l.i
1847
1848
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
L866
1857
1888
$49,639,174
38,115,630
38,719,644
41,927,792
34,743.307
35.624,070
57.n77.417
58,214,402
55,918.440
73.1S8.594
88,191.305
118.253.416
79,301.722
68,453.200
99,882.4118
(1(1,44(1.750
75,713.426
57,875,604
31,356,540
65,079.516
70,909,085
74.251 288
84,167,862
94,625,141
92.667,869
111. 123, 524
141,646,638
132.329.300
17s.27o.999
195,427,988
164,776,511
210.1(10.454
236,493,485
178,475.736
$35,259,261
21,947,791
23.834.137
22,777.649
20,119,011
19.097.983
25.535.144
20.(1110.945
26,395,117
13.849,469
::i).345.264
28,920,688
27.338.419
23.iiii8.471
3:1.2(1.8.099
34.231.o80
83,139 88
27,676.778
10. 7112.11(14
32,861,540
3U.1 75.298
3,(1.935.413
49.844,368
53,351.167
46,968,100
52.712.789
86,007,019
87.484,456
78,206,290
122.534.040
113.731.238
119,111.500
13I.M)3,298
108,340,924
1792
1793
1794
1795
1706
17''7
IT'.s
1799
l-i, ii
lMll
l-ii2
1-u:;
1804
1 SI l.'l
1 -i.i
IMC
IHis
l-,,<i
181 1
1812
1818
1814
1816
1818
1817
IMS
1819
1820
1-21
1822
1823
1824
$23,629,246
146,628
23,421,849
:;'.n.:.7'j:;
* From Oct. 1. 1842, to June 30, 1843. The fiscal year waa
changed at this time, and now begins July 1.
C 0 M M E R C E.
113
Tho reports of commerce and navigation do not specify the amount imported and exported
in each collection district. Tho relative amount of the port as compared with the State of
New York has been as follows at different periods : —
1840
1845
1848
1855
1858
IM POUTS.
rortofN.Y. State \of N.T.
$56,845,924
68,032,207
89,815,068
152,539,783
171,473,336
$60,440,750
70,909,085
94,525,141
164,776,511
178,475,736
Exports.
Port of N. Y. State of N. Y.
$30,186,470
34,190,184
45,863,916
62,918,442
100,667,890
Importation of Dry Goods.
Entered for Con-
sumption.
$34,264,080
36,175,298
53,351,157
113,731,238
108,350,924
Tirade of New York for the Three Years ending June 30, 1858.
Imports.
Ent. for consumption
" warehousing
Free goods
Specie and bullion....
from
Total
Withdrawn
warehouse
Dry goods
General merchandise.
Exports.
Domestic produce
Foreign mdse. free ...
" " dutiable
Specie and bullion....
Total .
1856.
$150,088,112
29,568.397
17,432,112
1,126,097
$198,214,718
21,934,130
86,898,690
112,316,028
1856.
$75,026,244
1,268,914
3,691,600
22,280,991
$102,267,749
1857.
$141,430,109
62.275,673
16,036,530
6,441,855
$226,184,167
27,950,212
92,699,088
133,485,079
1S57.
$75,928,942
2,396,903
3,932,370
44,348,468
$126,606,683
1858.
$ 94,019,659
44,463.806
23,665,487
9,324,384
$171,473,336
49.376,593
67,317,736
104,155,600
1858.
$55,031,987
3,104,160
7,309,672
34,322,071
$100,667,890
Manufactures of wool.
" cotton.
" silk.
" flax.
Miscall, dry goods
Total.
Withdrawn from
Warehouse.
Manufactures of wool.
" cotton.
" silk.
" flax.
Miscell. dry goods
Total.
Entered for Ware-
house.
Manufactures of wool
" cotton
" silk.
" flax
Miscell. dry goods....
Total..
1856.
$22,671,010
13,225,284
27,788,090
7,760,145
6,575,816
$77,970,295
1S56.
$2,025,697
1,888,578
2,241,785
1,131,408
507,675
$7,890,143
1856.
52,184,687
2,006,493
2,225,515
861,657
650,113
$7,929,495
1857.
$20,261,320
15,813,299
25,192,465
6,857.1::::
6,709,004
$74,833,527
1S57.
$2,0211.179
2,492,516
2,004,190
1,100,183
6nl.(i3:>
9,127,103
1S57.
$6,0S1,505
3,780,715
4,497,447
2.228,708
1,247,126
$17,835,561
1858.
9,012,911
17,581,099
3,701.555
8,761,788
$51,092.3 5
1858.
8i,.:;. .'1.118
4,018,693
5.394.970
2.215,427
1,385,173
$19,3-3,381
185S.
$5,028,533
4.048,530
3,667,521
1,964,891
1,515,876
$16,225,351
Commerce of New York with Foreign Countries for the
ENTERED.
year ending June 30, 1858.
CLEARED.
Foreign Countries.
England
Cuba
France
Bremen
Hamburg
British North America
New Grenada
British West Indies
Porto Rico
Scotland
Brazil
China
Peru
Belgium
British East Indies
Hayti
Two Sicilies
Spain
Venezuela
Holland
Mexico
Tuscany
Philippine Islands
Russia
Buenos Byres
Central Republic
Dutch West Indies
British Guiana
Danish West Indies
Africa (except Egypt and British
Possessions)
British Honduras
Sardinia
British Possessions, Africa
Austria
Portugal
St. Domingo
Sweden and Norway
Turkey in Asia
Egypt
Uruguay
Ireland ,
French West Indies
British Australia
Canary Islands
Swedish West Indies
Chili
French North American Possessions
American.
390
634
131
14
8
44
80
153
162
15
101
37
24
25
29
111
37
50
58
14
3S
17
10
10
22
14
24
17
20
19
15
2
14
2
4
14
2
5
Tons.
441,043
227,453
136,40S
21,965
5,122
7.315
48,990
32.335
35,590
9,289
29,997
33,554
28,910
23.140
23,912
20.849
13.258
13,870
13,956
8,721
14.522
10,743
9,416
6,333
7,436
5,: 33
5,133
4,881
4,226
4,176
3,829
859
2,833
794
1,590
2,227
1,073
2,035
'"l,767
" 1,987
1,557
1,542
1,293
756
Crews.
11,313
7,626
4.542
809
125
284
2,704
1,206
1,338
226
1,064
923
696
592
646
849
412
480
511
229
441
277
242
170
237
155
193
171
152
168
141
25
110
26
44
94
31
63
63
43
45
51
54
19
Foreign.
80
40
11
86
56
279
3
118
30
24
28
6
1
3
5
8
22
26
14
11
"i
1
5
1
4
1
Tons.
130,016
11,288
3,926
58,564
52,797
43,869
819
17,321
5,715
31,231
7,811
3,464
503
4.195
2,867
1,717
6,016
5,741
2.935
7,657
"*1,315
200
2,235
261
740
181
""315
167
130
2,383
331
2,065
1,313
560
1,644
335
2,317
350
2,116
' 250
380
1,005
Crews.
5,959
445
163
1,993
2,057
1,746
27
748
227
1,469
284
109
16
193
87
70
216
231
120
214
47
8
65
10
30
13
7
6
86
14
70
49
26
56
10
80
12
64
12
68
American.
276
442
58
15
*99
86
142
73
43
58
19
3
21
18
53
5
70
31
11
24
5
26
7
37
23
36
13
12
3
If,
2
13
13
Tons.
333,165
179.940
74,938
21,856
"41,830
54.765
28.919
14,492
23,360
15,585
18,127
9,449
10,429
14,041
8,926
1,347
20,054
6,810
6,565
8,932
755
3,188
10,272
2,301
7,897
6,180
8,452
3,022
3,353
982
6,079
821
5.148
1,619
405
4,694
2,525
4,629
27,975
257
263
11.224
120
Crews.
8,732
O.i '47
2,784
998
1,139
2,727
1,091
562
629
590
528
76
459
386
392
45
655
278
165
291
24
85
333
80
314
218
326
121
119
35
204
25
154
76
13
149
72
193
717
8
12
282
6
Foreign.
116
11
9
51
42
400
3
99
9
23
4
1
3
12
5
6
24
Tons.
146.347
6.040
2.743
39,759
47,257
80,215
853
15,549
1,557
31,492
1,079
369
4,195
6,406
1,167
2,077
6,962
413
11,525
1,06S
1,715
636
425
116
Crews.
247
360
987
1.369
1,137
1,021
467
382
3,868
905
4,762
2,051
346
813
0.435
227
122
1,542
1,878
2,S06
34
744
67
1,250
51
14
192
198
50
77
256
19
353
49
72
23
25
9
10
32
48
44
18
17
15
138
45
133
83
12
46
114
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER,
Statistics of American and Foreign Trade.
.- &
EXPORTS.
Tonnage
Cleared.
Amrr
Foreign
A Hi' rican
Fon ton
-
Produce.
Pro
Vi ssels.
Vessels.
1S21
? :.v ■ ■ ■"■
$ 5,264,313
$ 158.174
$ 10.720
1825
2 1.558
14, 97.703
255,87 8
19.851
1830
13.61 v.7>
6,079,705
229.341
30.574
1835
21,707,867
8,1 37,397
589,855
343.078
1840
22,676,609
n..r,--7.4;i
618,202
343.114
1845
25,929,901
10,245,394
926,280
414,688
41,602,800
11,20
1.411 S67
737.539
1865
! •
17,3] .:
1,861,682
1.140.197
1868
89,039.790
19.301.134
2.152.835
1,132,568
Value of Articles Imported for the yor ending June 30, 1858.
Articles.
Dutyfree.
Articles from B. A., duty free.
Produce U. S. brought back...
Bullion. gold
silver
Coffee
Coin, gold.
•• silver
Dye stuffs
I
Ground madder
Guano
Painting and statuary
a and linen
. and plants
SilkJ. raw or reeled.
Tin. blocks.
PlgB.
.; duty free
I'ai/ing duty ad valorem.
..."
Cotton, piece goods, plain
hosiery
" thread, twist, and yarn...
" manufactured, not speci-
fied
" bleached or dj'ed
rs and flowers
I or unbleached...
manufactured, not speci-
fied.
CnrTants
Raisin*
nndranaod
1. liters'
plat.'
v . : •
imitation
Goat's hair. Angora, and
Hat* an 1 1 w
Ibtn;
rubber, m t manufiv tur- 1
bar
Cutlery
! run
•• nil r...vl
•• rod
•■ iheel
-. cast, and G.rman....
Inn and ~t- i, otbef manofao-
turn
us
Laces, ry
ctt'in
Uad
dressed
Leather, sole and upper
r.th' r manuf i' tur-
Liquorice paste
Hoi '--' ■
•1 instruments
i 'pi n in
Paper, writing.
Printed DO -ii
Values.
Nem Tori:.
$ 624,060
1,024,992
269.S33
271,027
6.730.168
6.414.700
8,096,651
689,533
559,635
940.077
477,087
242.64-8
389,519
696,399
276,030
1,293,921
463.1167
327.207
1.173.075
XJ. States.
ii 1.754.255
1,244,692
2.286.099
408.879
18,341,0S1
6.777.295
9.279,969
7,299.540
887,486
3.243J74
643.642
525,376
504,634
971.126
392,440
1,300,065
470,023
594.258
3.843,320
Value of Articles Imported, continued.
$33,072,680 $80,319,255
521.774
430,948
1,625,833
751,429
399,425
8,383,552
549,894
4,308,238
511,276
272,469
762.568
247.510
870,336
388,241
454,344
332,503
332,097
488,741
21
567.061
467,379
1,165,761
281,963
•:
677 I B
J
546,590
I I
870,723
!
437.26S
■
1,414,168
23V402
772,925
741.077
2,120,868
1,080.671
966.017
12,391.713
654.452
5,598,571
953,436
342,869
1,441,471
321,935
876,156
397.:; L0
626,744
329.241
385.945
M.-.611
1,1S2,837
467,379
r,..;is,913
1,489,054
382,610
739,949
2,087,676
426^99
046,073
1.147.773
725,338
070,188
2^98,709
105.430
1 ,072,243
1,44
1.2.V.7 II
177,005
4.11'' : '
-
-
456J450
Articles.
Baw hides and skins
Salt
S>ilk, hosier}-
piece goods
" and worsted piece goods
" raw
" manufactured, not specified.
Soda, ash
" carb
Spices, cassia
" nutmegs
" black pepper
Spirits, brandy
;' from grain
Sugars, brown
Tea and coffee from places not
free by treaty
Tin plates
Tobacco, cigars
" unmanufactured
Porcelain, earthen, and stone
ware
■\Yiue, sherry and St. Lucien
" white, not enumerated
" champagne
Wool, blankets
" carpeting
<! hosiery
" piece goods
" worsted
" shawls
" manufact'd, not specified ..
Vnenumerated articles.
At 4 per cent
At 15 per cent
At 24 per cent
Values.
New York. U. States.
Total ad valorem..
Total imports $170,280,887
5,629,029
282.644
341.528
15,304.255
1,183,788
240.501
2.032,614
515,700
267,097
323.041
235,168
269,486
1,410,426
706,945
13,514,09S
442910
3,042,152
2,040,898
1,078,666
1,755,011
286,954
237,710
679,421
976,018
1,195,004
1,378,660
6.719.713
9,192,641
1,742,396
494,915
908,789
1,046,668
836,423
$137,208,207
9.884.358
1,124.920
417,168
16.121.395
1.249,385
242,130
3.207,043
1.211.305
373,599
356.614
378,257
631,723
2,232,452
1.158,517
23,317,435
484,520
3,842,968
4,123,208
1,255,831
3,215.236
343,100
285,125
860,942
1.574,716
1,542.600
1,S37,561
7,626,830
10,7S0,379
2,002,653
663,373
1,367,425
2,314.065
1,465,074
$202,293,875
$282,613,150
Value of U. S. products exported during tlie year ending June
30, 1858.
Articles.
Ashes, pot and pearl
Beef.
Boards, planks, and scantling
Butter
Carriages and rail road cars, &c ...
Cheese
Cloverseed
Copper and bra.*s manufactures
Cotton
Drugs and medicines
Gold and silver coin
" " " bullion
Hams and bacon
Hides
Household furniture
Indian corn
Indian meal
Iron castings
" manufactures
Lard
Le ither
Manufactured tobacco
" cotton (white)
" " other
" wood
nil. spermaceti
•■ whale
Whalebone
Pork
EUce
Bosin and turpentine
Skins and fun
Spirits from grain
" molasses
" of turpentine
Staves and heading
(brown)
Tallow
Tobacco i leaf)
Wheal
■ Hour
Total of exports $83,403.564 $203,758,279
Values.
iv. r.
$ 527.867
1,312,957
751,334
236,928
526.k::i
561.451
232.764
1,705,426
8,368.500
452.929
14,917,585
12,456,256
1,485,958
393.1 5S
331,281
1,331,570
234,945
814,986
1.922.734
1.172.950
303,579
1.11 : 8,428
473,838
1,358,779
413,806
1,046.453
412.999
1.105,223
]. 169.707
664.969
1.219.553
SLi2.9S0
243,118
387,084
9 (4,242
231,879
258,226
1,482,070
5. 151. I'M
7,017,790
U.S.
$ 554.744
2.0S1.856
3,428.530
541.S63
777i921
731,910
332.250
1,985.223
131,386,661
681.278
19,474^40
22.933,206
1,957,423
xta.7:.:;
932.499
8,269,039
877,692
464.415
4,059.528
3,809.601
606.589
2,400,115
1,598.136
1,800,285
2,234.678
1,097,503
'597.107
1,105,223
2,852.942
1.S70.578
1.164.210
1,002.378
470,722
1.267,691
1,089,282
1,975.852
375.062
824.970
17,009.767
9,061.504
19,328,884
COMMERCE.
116
Tonnage. — The size of registered American vessels engaged in foreign trade has been steadily
increasing, and has more than doubled within twenty years. Steam vessels were first enrolled in
1823 and first registered in 1830. They now form 12 to 15 per cent, of the total amount of tonnage.1
Steamboats applying for registry, enrolment, or license must bo inspected under the direc-
tion of a Board of Supervising Inspectors. The United States is divided into 9 Supervising Dis-
tricts, the 2d of which includes the seaboard and the 9th the lakes of New York. Steamboats are
required to be well guarded against fire, to have suitable pumps worked by hand and by steam,
at least two boats, and large steamers more, in proportion to their tonnage, (except upon rivers,) one
life preserver to every passenger, and a certain number of floats, and fire buckets and axes. Their
boilers, engines, and hull must be examined and approved by inspectors appointed by the Col-
lector, the Supervising Inspector for the district, and the Judge of the U. S. District Court ; and
every requirement of the law must be found complied with. Pilots and engineers on steamers
must be examined and licensed by the Inspectors. The present steamboat law was passed Aug.
30, 1852.2
The Coasting Trade of the United States is entirely restricted to American vessels, and
the share belonging to New York is very great ; but from the want of official returns it cannot be
definitely ascertained. Unless carrying distilled spirits or foreign goods, these vessels are not re-
quired to report their entrance and clearance ; and, as they oftener leave than arrive with these
articles, the number of clearances reported is disproportionately high.3
1 Average tonnage of vessels at different periods arriving at New
York.
Yes.
American.
Foreign.
Yrs.
American.
Foreign.
1835
1840
1845
245
280
319
193
253
267
1850
1855
1858
ill
527
530
338
223
452
Vessels built in Neio York for 1858.
Districts.
Sag Harbor
New York
Oswegatchie
Cape Vincent
Oswego
Niagara
Buffalo Creek....
Dunkirk
Class
%•
■8
8
"53 £
s a
a ©
go
g
8 ^
,gl &
.§>
©
&2
© s
s
^3,©
K|
41
2
3S
35
K g
2
4
7
2
22
84
1
26
3
141
1
3
6
2
2
10
3
3
i
10
4
14
39
1
1
2
Tonnage.
536.58
6,093.75
26.74
468.78
1,990.79
601.05
7,215.77
252.26
Amount of registered
and enrolled steam tonnage of XT. S. at
different periods.
Years.
Registered.
Enrolled.
Total.
1S25
1830
1835
1840
1845
1850
1855
1858
23.061
63,053
122.474
319.527
481.005
655.240
651,363
23,061
1,419
340
4.155
6,492
44,942
115.045
78,027
64.472
122.814
202.339
525,947
770,947
970,890
Vessels built in the XT. S. at different per iods.
to
3
Classes of Vessels.
-©■ to
1 s
K S
.ft, CM
©
8 J
is
Jo
8
Tonnage.
SjJ
05
§
S53
3a
1,315
1815
136
226
681
274
154,624.39
1820
21
60
301
152
524
47,784.01
1825
56
197
538
168
35
994
114,997.25
1830
25
56
403
116
37
637
5S.094.24
1835
25
50
301
100
30
507
46,238.52
1840
97
109
378
224
64
872
118,309.23
1845
124
87
322
342
163
1.038
146.018.02
1850
247
117
547
290
159
1.860
272.218.54
1855
381
126
605
609
253
2,03 1
583,450.04
1858
122
46
431
400
226
1,225
242,286.69
2 Statistics of Steamers for 1858.
No. of steamers in-
spected and ap-
proved
Tonnage of steamers
inspected
Pilots originally li-
censed within the
year
Pilots whose licenses
were renewed
Engineers and assist-
ants originally li-
censed within the
year
Engineers and assist-
ants whose licenses
were renewed
Lives lost from acci-
dents during the
year
Second
Dist.
N.Y.
Ninth District.
Total.
U.S.
s
o
i
124
47
8
8
839
79,065
3S,314
5,465
3,565
325,262
21
40
364
104
87
21
13
1,540
90
35
435
302
87
18
13
1,809
2
26
5
126
8 Statistics of the Coasting Trade of the Port of New York.
Years.
En
Vessels.
1849
1,855
1S50
1,928
1S51
1,768
1852
1,766
1S53
1,733
1854
1,880
1855
1.966
1856
1,609
Tons.
424,976
4S'.i.:;'.i.-,|
455,542
497.840
507.531
543,452
614,045
539,401
Cleared.
Vessels.
3.994
4.719
4.803
4.680
4,789
4,779
4,563
4,696
Tons.
S95.5S9
1,020,070
1,214,942
1,173,762
1,310,697
1,499,969
1,378,888
1,482,310
Tonnage of Vessels engaged in the Coasting Trade, June 30, 1S5S-
District. Tonnage.
Sag Harbor 7,057.94
New York 580,487.32
Cham plain S.ss.o2
Oswegatchie 11,866.60
Cape Vincent..
Sackets Harbor..
Oswego
Genesee
Niagara
Buffalo Creek
Dunkirk
1.312.16
1,321.22
46,420.19
3,704.31
1,272.31
73.478.80
5,383.50
Total in N. Y 733,192.62
Total in U. S 2,361,595.72
116
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
The affairs of commerce relating to police, sanitary, and municipal regulations are governed by
the laws of the State, and their care is intrusted to officers appointed under its authority. These
officers are divided into several classes, each of which has charge of a particular department.
1. The Board of Commissioners of Pilots consists of 5 persons, — 3 elected for 2
years by the Chamber of Commerce, and 2 for a like term by the presidents and vice-presidents
of the marine insurance companies of N. Y., composing or representing the Board of Underwriters
in that city. This Board appoints a secretary, has an office, meets once a month or oftener, and
licenses, for such term as it may think proper, as many pilots as may be deemed necessary for the
port of New York.1
2. The Board of Health of New York is composed of the Mayor and Common
Council of the city.2
3. The Commissioners of Health are composed of the President of the Board of
Aldermen, the Health Officer, the Resident Physician, the Health Commissioner, and the City
Inspector.
4. The Health Officer, appointed by the Governor and Senate, is required to board every
vessel subject to quarantine or visitation, upon its arrival, to ascertain whether infectious diseases
are present, and to obtain, in such case, the facts necessary to determine the period that such
vessel must be detained.3
5. The Resident Physician for the city and county of New York is appointed by the
Governor and Senate. He is required to visit all sick persons reported to the Board of Health,
or to the Mayor and Commissioners of Health, and to perform such other professional duties as
the Board may require.
6. The Health Commissioner, appointed in like manner, is required to assist the
Resident Physician.4
7. The Quarantine Hospital is located in the town of Castleton, in Richmond co. ; and
Is detained on account of infectious diseases are anchored in the adjacent waters, or, in
sickly seasons, in the lower bay.5
8. Harbor blasters are appointed by the Governor and Senate, for the purpose of assign-
ing piers and other stations for landing and receiving cargoes.6
9. The Port Wardens of the Port of JVew York, are appointed by the Governor
and Senate, for the purpose of inspecting vessels and the stowage of cargoes and of estimating all
They consist of a Board of 9 members, one of whom must reside in Brook-
damages to the same.
'id Tmnage of the V. S. engaged in the Coasting Trade for
different periods.
Teart.
Tonnage.
]"• vrt.
Tonnage.
Tears.
Tonnage.
1- ..
■
516.978.18
1885
1846
792.30L20
1,176,69446
1,190,898.27
1850
L85fi
1858
1.730,410.84
2,401,108.00
2.:;'il..v.'5.72
In • if small vessels under 20 tons
ng trade, 189.21 tons at ?:>■,' II:irl>or and
Tl 2 rt.
1 T! thtu granted may express different degrees of
I > different uranchesof duty, and may
t- r rokedat] i lata must sustain a satisfactory
rumination and bo found of good charactei and temperate
Ive bonds for the faithful discharge of
rd Ii.im power to regulate pilotage; and the
iw. The masters oi ressels of under
i by a citizen of the I'..-, and licensed In the
mploy a pilot unless they prefer. If
r of a Teasel of from 15u t . ..•■ t ns. owned und
pfj iting nil 'd, he
M.iin a license from the Commissioners of Pilots for men
purpose. All : I foreign vessels and ressels dram a
rt, and all onder register by way of
Dudy Book, an required -. .r. II tl
•ley must pay the i the pil t ti r-t offering his
serri I do pi Ivfleges in
this. i Hots most
have served an ir*. and until they attain
irs must have sen deputy
dned repcat<il exam;: ire the Board of
ns In the presence of »t least 2 (Jellgate i il^ts.
Tie- first act regulating I . rk was passed
in 17H1 ; and since that peri"d this service has b en COnd
■in. I r roles anl p n iltiea establish''! by the Colony or Mate of
York. All special laws .
mdy Hook w.-re repealed in 1846. lie- present law was
oiiict<xl in 1853 and amended in 1864-67. The pilot! 1 'lunging
upon steamboats are licensed by inspectors appointed under the
Treasury Department of the U. S. Those employed in conduct-
ing vessels by way of Sandy Hook are licensed by the Board of
Commissioners of Pilots; and those by way of Hellgate, by the
Governor and Senate, upon recommendation of the Board of
Wardens.
2 Boards of Health are by law created in every city, incor-
porated village, and town, nnder an act of 1850; but the greater
nnmber of these have never acted officially. In towns the
Supervisor and Justices of the Peace are a Board of Health, and
may appoint a physician as health officer. — Ecviscd Statutes, 5th
Edition, II, p. 63.
3 The Health ( ifficer resides at quarantine, has general direc-
tion of tie- location of ve-si Is ih -tai ned, their purification, and
the ilisehaige of their cargoes, and other duties connected with
the health of vessels in quarantine. He is paid by fees, and re-
to the Mayor ,,r Commissioners of Health.
♦This officer receives all moneys applied to tho Marine Hos-
I it .ii. and pays all demands against the same that shall have
been approved by a majority of the Commissioners of Health,
lb- reports his accounts monthly to the Board of Health, gives a
bond of $20,000 for the faithful discharge of his duties, and re-
lary of $3,500, to be paid by the Commissioners of
Kmigratioii. The Hoard of Health may from time to time ap-
point as many visiting, hospital, and consulting physicians as
may I"- deemed proper, and may also fix their duties and com-
'ion.
<• Tie- Hospital buildings, destroyed Sept. 1-2, 1858, (see page
have been temporarily rebuilt.
The removal of quarantine to some place less dangerous to
the public health has been fully shown to be necessary ; but the
final disposition of the important question as to whither, is not
settled. The only available place for the construction of build-
ing! seem to be upon some of the shoals in the lower bay. Old
Orchard Shoal, on which the water is from 1 to 3 fathoms deep
at mean l"« ti.],-. has been proposed for this purpose The East
Bank and Pry Potior Shoals have about tho same depth, but
are more exposed to the open sea.
• There are '.) Harbor Masters in New York. 2 in Brooklyn,
and 1 in Albnny. They enforco the regulations of the city
authorities relative to clearing docks and preventing nuisances
or obstructions. They arc paid by fees and report the amount
| thereof annually to the Governor.
COMMERCE.
117
lyn, and 3 must be nautical men. They choose one of their number President, appoint a Secretary,
use a seal, and keep an office. Tbey are exclusive surveyors of vessels damaged or wre<-k<-d, or
arriving in distress, and, when called upon, judge of the fitness of vessels to depart upon voyages.
They are also, upon application, required to estimate the value or measurement of vessels v\li r,
the same is in dispute or libeled; and they may examine goods in warehouses that have bi'en
damaged on shipboard. The Board, or some member thereof, must attend all sales of vessels or
their cargoes condemned and in a damaged state ; and such sales by auction must be made under
the direction and by order of the Wardens, and are exempt from auction duties.1
The Commissioners of Health are authorized to collect of the masters of every vessel entering
the port of New York a certain tax, for the benefit of the Health Office.2
The Board of Commissioners of" Emigration, consisting of the Mayors of New
York and Brooklyn, the Presidents of the German Society and Irish Emigrant Society, and G Com-
missioners appointed by the Governor and Senate, have charge of the interests of immigrants
when they first arrive at New York.3
The Marine Court of the City of IVew York, has jurisdiction in civil cases arising
between persons engaged in maritime affairs, where the sum in dispute does not exceed $500.*
Canadian Trade. — The revenues collected on the Canada frontier, in some periods, have
fallen short of the cost of collecting them. The Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 admits the greater part
of articles the produce of the U. S. and B. A. into each country respectively free of duty.5
1 The Wardens are paid by fees and percentages upon sales.
Special Wardens are appointed to reside at quarantine. They
report to the Board of Wardens of N. Y., and have jurisdiction
as wardens over vessels detained in quarantine. The Board
of Port Wardens reports annually to the Comptroller a state-
ment of its receipts and expenses, with an affidavit of each
member and of the Secretary that they have not received
directly or indirectly any moneys except their legal fees.
2 Under an act passed in March, 1801, the amount of this tax
was fixed at $1.50 for every cabin and 75 cts. for every steerage
passenger, mate, and mariner. In 1813 the tax was fixed at
$1.50 for every captain and cabin passenger; $1.00 for every
steerage passenger and mariner of foreign vessels ; and 25 cts.
for master, mate, and sailor of every coasting vessel. The
moneys thus paid, after supporting the Marine Hospital at Quar-
antine and contingencies and yielding $8,000 annually to the
Society for the Reform of Juvenile Delinquents, was invested by
the Comptroller as the "Marine Fund." In 1831 the Board of
Trustees of the Seamen's Fund and Retreat was created, under
whose direction the present establishment known as the ''Sea-
men's Retreat," on Staten Island, more particularly described
on page 566, has since been managed. Of the 44,932 admitted
up to Jan. 1, 1859, 80 per cent, were discharged cured, 8| per
cent, were relieved, 3 per cent, were discharged by request, and
4f per cent. died.
8 The master of every vessel bringing passengers from foreign
countries must give a bond of $300, conditioned that such per-
sons shall not become chargeable for support within 5 years.
They may commute this bond by paying $2 upon each passenger,
of which sum 4- is set apart for the counties other than N.Y.
toward the support of emigrants in the several counties. For
every lunatic, idiot, deaf and dumb, blind, maimed, or infirm
person, and every widow with children, or person over 60 years
of age, and liable to become a public charge, a bond of $500 is
required.
The Commissioners of Emigration have a large establish-
ment on Wards Island for the support of the sick, infirm,
and destitute, and have leased Castle Garden as a general land-
ing place. Emigrants may here purchase tickets for any part
of the Union, and procure such articles as they may stand in
need of, without encountering the horde of faithless agents and
mercenary runners that formerly proved the scourge of immigra-
tion and the disgrace of the city. The Marine Hospital at
Quarantine was placed under these Commissioners in 1847. See
pages 116, 427, 565.
4 These actions may be for compensation for the performance,
or damages for the violation, of a contract for services on board
a vessel during a voyage performed in whole or in part, or in-
tended to be performed, by the vessel ; or for assault and battery,
false imprisonment, or other injury committed on board a ves-
sel upon the high seas, and not coming within the jurisdiction
of the U. S. District Courts. The Marine Court is held daily,
except on Sundays and holidays; and its Justices, three in num-
ber, are elected for a term of 4 years, and enter upon their
duties on the second Tuesday of May after their election. Their
Clerk is appointed by the Supervisors, and their salary is fixed
by the Common Council and cannot be increased during their
term of office.
The State Government, before the adoption of the Federal
Constitution, had instituted a court of Admiralty: but in 1789
it surrendered these powers to the General Government, and
they have since been exercised by the District Court of the I 6
Suits for salvage, and other questions arising in the sale of
wrecked property, are decided in this court.
The Governor appoints 15 Wreck Masters in Suffolk, 12 in
Queens. 3 in Kings, 2 in Richmond, and 2 in Westchester cos.
These officers have, with coroners and sheriffs, the enstody of
wrecks and property cast ashore by the sea. Such property
belongs to the owners, and may be recovered by paying reason-
able salvage and in due course of law.
& Imports from Canada duty free for the year ending June 30,
1858.
District. Value.
Champlain $1,499,819
Oswegatchie 934.708
Cape Vincent 1.210.351
Sackets Harbor 2,892
Oswego 1,859.798
Genesee 263.574
Niagara 786,070
Buffalo Creek 1.336,820
New York 624,060
Total in New York 7,918,092
Total in United States 14,752,255
Statistics of the several Collection Districts upon the Canada Frontier for different periods.
Collection District.
Champlain
Oswegatchie
Cape Vincent....
Sackets Harbor,
Oswego
Genesee
Niagara
Buffalo
1830 to 1848
, (19 years.)
1848 to 1S51, (3 years.)
1851 to 1854, (3 years.)
Gross
Expenses of
Gross
Expenses of
Gross
Expi uses of
Revenue.
Collection.
Revenue.
Collection.
Revenue.
CiUrrtmn.
$192,877.80
$130,938.86
$133,326.68
$22,965.22
$297,601.76
$32,267.44
63,201.74
116.874.47
42,842.41
16.002.22
98,754.11
21.HH.SO
21.649.98
78,437.26
22,410.78
14.222.58
84,577.74
22,935.62
13.983.04
106.492.84
16.603 54
27,000.95
21.204.23
22.164.23
206,759.84
157,519.67
273.173.92
38.210.43
389,711.03
48,211.98
133,019.97
80,954.47
45.324.06
13.368.47
29.430.52
■JI.M'.iU'S
53.527.07
117.943.82
44,076.44
21.277.69
74,641.59
25,618.04
150.437.60
197,653.80
14S.740.03
49.601.19
263,222.58
4:i,473.89
118
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER,
As the only avenue to the sea which Canada possesses is closed by ice during about five months
in the year, the foreign trade of that country in winter must seek other avenues ; and, from the
acknowledged superiority of Xew York as a commercial point, a large part of the trade is through
that port. Over half the vessels that arrive in Quebec come in ballast ; while none leave port
without cargoes of timber or other commodities of the country. This renders the outward freights
disproportionately high ; and, although vessels may load in the upper lakes and pass without tran-
shipment down the St. Lawrence, the difference of ocean freights makes it cheaper to send by the
canals to New York.
The number of vessels and amount of tonnage employed upon the great lakes have been
rapidly increasing for the last 10 years. In the several collection districts of this State, the
ratio of increase has been much greater in ports where railroads terminate.1
1 Arrivals and Tonnage of the several Districts bordering upon Canada during a series of
nine years.
District.
Champlain
ie
Cape Vincent
Sackets Ilarbor..
Oswego
-e
^.i
Bnfialo Creek....
Dunkirk
L850.
1S51.
1852.
1S53.
1
a£
...:
6?
&9
69
I
OQ
&9
£
340
1
69
69
i
69
1
689
107.957
630
S9.842
22,538
563
31,836
585
380
196.H1. 5
536
250.492
798
341.188
1.001
701,560
482
281
156,351
318
208.186
197
95,548
959
451,587
1,034
279
153.169
230
166.748
218
145,169
139
87,758
77
1,657
195.793
1,599
216,444
1,731
234.625
2.243
274.307
593
215
40.077
232
46,924
264
38.903
295
53.660
285
981
173,286
624
220,528
691
213.613
696
219.241
584
722
108,337
654
96.290
759
106,464
1,037
149,356
792
1854.
57,721
273.272
471,577
54,670
65,213
51.571
236,051
137.0S8
District.
Champlain
Oswegatchie
Cape Vin'-'-nt....
Sackets Harbor
_'o
Genesee
Niagara.
Buffalo Creek...
Dunkirk
1S55.
■§
397
500
1.278
'209
1.517
OM-,
536
816
2
I
25,129
249,909
557,840
125.496
166,641
85.063
209,646
152,540
476
] v,.;.
852
636
1,240
193
1,866
338
563
1,002
54.367
320.834
749,787
135,442
314.657
109,881
166.893
166,020
1S57.
JS
1,053
644
1,128
174
1.815
363
671
837
3
74.710
320,505
661,025
128,685
263.007
116,411
23-.019
118,377
300
1S58.
,3
1,100
398
1,018
110
1,543
208
616
1,153
6
78.256
170.667
555.408
80417
193.691
57.330
254,195
448,786
1.180
Commerce of Canada with the United Sales since 1850, as shown
by the Canadian Official Reports.
Value of Exports from
Value of Imports into
Canada.
Canada.
In 1
14,051,1m
$0,594,860.49
« If
4^071,644.66
8.365.705.25
" 1- .
■ i. IZi 75
8,467,603.27
« 1-
10,725,465.15
11,782,147.40
" 1
10,4
16,638,007.04
« 1-
20,825,432.44
" 1866
20,21 -
22,704,509.05
" 1
13.206,436.10
20,224,650.97
Commerce of United States with Canada for a series of years, as
shown by the U. S. Official Reports.
Years.
Exports.
Imports.
Foreign.
Domestic.
Total.
1852
1853
1- i
1865
1858
$3,853,919
6,736,555
0,1 B2.716
1 1 .'."19.378
6,81 1,652
4,82
4,012,708
$6,655,097
7,404,087
15,204,144
16,806,642
22,714 607
10,036,113
10,688,050
$10,509,016
13,146,642
24.506,860
27.KOii.o20
20,020,340
24,262.482
23,651,727
$6,110,299
7.550.7 1 8
8,027,560
15.136.734
21.310,421
22,124,296
15,806.519
Arrivals ami Clearances for the several Collection Districts for 1858.
District.
mmi:i::: OS \ ESSELS.
TONNAGE.
i i urn.
CLEARED.
Entered.
Cleared.
s
f
1
g
6i3
106
382
1"!
721
2
S
.5>
1
k
S
1
1
623
188
110
410
81
128
680
1
177
248
679
1,188
177
!--
473
5
477
248
579
1,128
176
450
3
44.590
110,640
.172
117
60.3' .7
3,207
101,817
80
33.666
51.018
Iok.436
44.590
l: il. 727
854,043
75.191
& 1.999
8,602
77.440
375.43J
117
33.666
51.018
198,436
132.055
52,826
152.318
77.449
1.000
138,824
64,128
162,378
70.353
1.100
The above indicates but a part of tb" commerce of these di»- I
tricts. It is probable that the amount of coasting trade which is |
not entered npon the custom house books is much larger in
each district than that here given.
COMMERCE.
119
The canals and rail roads of Canada terminating upon our frontiers are intimately connected
with the commercial prosperity of this State ; and a notice of their extent and capacity is necessary
to a fulj understanding of our commercial possibilities.1
Custom Houses have been erected by the General Government at New York, Plattsburgh,
Oswego, and Buffalo; and a site has been purchased at Ogdensburgh. These edifices are built of
stun i', fireproof, and are generally fine specimens of architecture. Efforts have been made to
secure the erection of similar buildings at Rochester, Sackets Harbor, Albany, Brooklyn, and
Sag Harbor, but so far without success.2
1. The WeUand Canal extends from Port Colborne, on Lake
Erie, to Port Dalhousie, on Lake Ontario. It has a feeder branch
to Dunne villa, on Grand River, and another from the feeder to
Port Maitland. It passes sloops, schooners, and propellers of a
capacity of 400 tons. In 1856 its tolls amounted to $261,568.13;
in 1857 to $2:12,437.38; and in 1S58 to $207,771.52.
Tlie Rideau Canal was built as a military work by the Home
Government and transferred some years since to the Province.
It extends from Kingston to Ottawa, most of the way along the
channel of rivers. Its total length is 126 miles. It rises from
Kingston to the summit 165 feet by 13 locks, and descends to
the Ottawa 292 feet by 34 locks. Its total cost was §3,860,000.
The Galoppe, Point Iroquois, Rapid Plat, Farrans Point, Corn-
wall, Be.auharnois, and Lachine Canals extend around the rapids
on the St. Lawrence. Steamers usually pass down the rapids, but
must return by the canals and pay toll both ways. Sail vessels
pass both up and down by canal. These canals afford naviga-
tion down to Montreal, to which point ships mme up from the
sea. The total fall by river without locks is 204j feet to Monti al
and 13 j feet thence to tide water at Three Rivers. The rapids
of the St. Lawrence have been surveyed with the design of
deepening them to afford a channel 200 feet wide and 10 feet
deep, but nothing further has been done. These surveys make
Lake Erie 534J feet above tide.
Chambly Canal extends from the foot of navigation on Lake
Champlain to Chambly Basin, and with a lock at St. Ours, upon
Richlieu River, completes the line of navigation from the lake
to the St. Lawrence. A ship canal has recently been proposed
between these important navigable waters.
The amount of tonnage on these canals, in which this State
is interested, is very large; and in the Welland Canal more than
half the duties are paid by American vessels.
Statistics of the Business of the Canadian Canals for two years.
Welland Canal.
St. Lawrence Canai.
Chamelt Canal.
1856.
1857.
1856.
1857.
1856.
1857.
276,919
699,637
31,334
52,100
34.710
116.582
200,373
341.225
245,256
655,816
67,476
29.128
137,574
163,217
280.546
245,256
131,430
503,106
5,274
33,888
6,380
15,612
213
306
134,382
459.270
4,493
30,366
9,328
3,765
17
30
107,878
21,788
96,868
16,741
725
112,634
21.053
107,925
18.272
156
" " " down
•' " " down
'• " " down
" " fines
£ s. d.
59.408 10 7
0,1 OS 3 11
88 7 6
440 1 3
1,967 4 4
£ s. d.
52.239 16 5
5.919 9 7
82 3 2
155 0 0
1.504 5 7
£ s. d.
16,813 13 5
1,978 6 5
6S8 16 4
910 7 10
1,042 10 0
£ s. d.
13.741 10 3
1.898 8 11
579 10 4
203 10 4
1,503 19 10
£ s. d.
2,467 9 9
432 16 1
0 18 4
£ s. d.
2.577 6 8
443 19 10
10 11 0
60 10 4
28 5 0
Statistics of the Canadian Canals.
Canals.
Welland
Feeder
Broad Creek
Branch
Rideau
Galoppe
Point Iroquois
Rapid i'lat
Farrans
Point
Cornwall
Beauharnois...
Lachine
("Chambly
\ St. Ours (lock)
SJ.S
28 |
21
H
1264.
2
3
4
m
Hi
8,8
*-s^
1 330 1
457
8
6
m
4
48
82|
44*
74
5
Size of Locks.
3J *S
>>^
sJ
150
200
150
200
134
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
120
200
20!
45
26i
45
33
45
45
45
45
45
45
45
24
45
Width of
Canal.
• 45
35
45
50
50
50
50
100
80
80
36
f
( 81
171
85
75
90
90
90
90
90
150
120
120
60
It has been proposed to build a ship canal from Lake Huron
to Lake Ontario at Toronto, by way of Lake Simcoe. 80 mi. A
cutting to allow Lake Simcoe to pass southward would not ex-
ceed 175 ft. in depth: and in the 8 mi. surveyed the principal
obstacles would not average over 40 ft. It has been estimated
that the cost for a canal 120 ft. wide at bottom, and 130 ft. at
surface, 12 ft. deep, with 64 double locks 5') ft. wide, and 250 ft-
lung, would be $20,051,000, and that it could be constructed in
5 years.
Great Western Railway of Canada, from Suspension Bridge to
Windsor, 229 mi., and thence by ferry to Detroit, was opened
Jan. 27, 1854. Branches extend from Hamilton to Toronto, 38
mi.; from Harrisburgb *o Quel ph. 23f mi.; from Preston to
Berlin, 104 mi. ; and from Kamoka, near London, to Port Sar-
nia, 60 mi.
Buffalo & Lake Huron Railway extends from Fort Erie, op-
posite Buffalo, to Goderich Harbor, on Lake Huron, 165 mi.
Brie <£• Ontario Railway extends from Chippewa to Niagara,
17 miles.
Welland Railway, from Fort Dalhousie to Port Colborne, 27
mi_ is on the eve of completion.
Grand Trinik Railway of Canada extends from Portland, Me.,
and Quebec to Richmond, and thence to Montreal, Toronto, and
Port Sarnia, at the foot of Lake Huron. More than 700 mi. of
this road are finished. A branch extends from Belleville to
Peterborough, 50 mi., and others are proposed.
Ontario, Simcoe de Huron Railway extends from Toronto to
Collingwood, on Georgian Bay, 95 mi.
Coburg dk Peterborough Railway is 28j mi. long, with privi-
lege of extending to Marmora Iron Works.
Ottawa <£• Prescott Railway extends from Prescott to Ottawa
City. 54 mi.
Montreal £■ New York R. R. extends from Montreal to La-
chine. 8 mi., and thence by ferry, 2 mi., always open, to Caugh-
nawaga, the terminus of a road leading to Plattsburgh, 52 mi.
This line is now united with the Champlain <£ St. Lawrence R.
R., from St. Lambert, opposite Montreal, to Rouses Point. 44
mi.; and the consolidated company is known as the Montreal it-
Champlain Rail Road Co.
2 Cwtom Houses of New York.
Place.
Total appro-
priation.
Cost
Of site.
Total.
New York
$1,068,743
C|;i,<MH)
118,000
131,100
290.000
$270,000
5.000
8.1 tOO
12,000
40.000
$1,105,313.57
86,443.73
Plattsburgh
Oswego
121,092.89
191,680.08
Buffalo
Total New York...
Total U. States
Sl.7u7.743
$335,000
$1,504,530.27
$24,104,799
$3,3S8,S27
$10,529,951.72
120
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Marine Hospitals. — Since 1778, every American seaman has been taxed 20 cents per
month for a Hospital Fund : and in return he is entitled in case of sickness to assistance and support
from the revenues thus collected. This fund is in charge of the IT. S. Government, and is entirely
independent of the various State and private hospital funds of New York City.1
L<is;lit Houses. — The United States Government has erected 02 light houses, lighted beacons,
and floating lights within the State of New York, for the benefit of navigation. Of these, 3 are
upon the seacoast, 15 upon Long Island Sound, 4 within the Harbor of New York, 10 upon Hudson
River, 3 upon Lake Champlain, 14 upon Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River, and 7 upon Lake
Erie. The Government has also erected buoys, spindles, beacons, and other signals to indicate
channels or to point out dangerous localities.3
The site for the New York Custom Hon?.- was purchased Jan. |
9, 1833. the building was completed Feb. 22, 1*42 : it is used for
a custom house only. The site f r the Plattsburgh Custom
House was purchased Nov. 22, I860, the building was completed
May 10. 1S5S: it is used for a custom house, post office, and
courthouse. The site for the Ogdensburgh Custom House was
purchased Jan. 20, 1867, the building has not been commenced:
it is nS-igned to be \i — 1 f r a custom house, post office, and
courthouse. The site for the Oswego Custom House was pur-
chased Dec. 15, 1S54. the building was completed Sept. 1, 1858:
it is used fir a custom house and post office. The site for the
Buffalo Custom II use was purchased Jan. 26, 1855, the building
was completed July 12, 1S5S: it is used for a custom house, post
office, and courthouse.
The Custom Souse in New York occupied before the present
one was finished was erected in 1816. at a cost of $928,312.96.
In ls50 the only custom house building in the State belonging
to the United States was at New York City. On the 19th of
Feb. 1*57. the Federal Government purchased a site for stores
at Atlantic docks, Brooklyn, for $100,000; but as yet no use has
been made of it
1 The Federal Government has built 34 marine hospitals.
none of which are in this State. Those entitled to aid are
supported in this State in private families or local hospitals.
The number of seamen relieved and supported in the several
1 collection districts in the year ending June 30
follows : —
1858, was as
Collection Dis-
trict.
**>
s
"8
•«:
3
<5
Total ex-
penditures.
Hospital
money col-
lected.
Oswegatchie
Cape Vincent...
Sackets Harbor
824
10
86
4
76
924
12
98
3
86
*2
"i
3
$ 19.19
22,485.94
403.81
15.15
$ 289.63
42.576.78
412.60
544.93
253.50
60.70
975.42
9S.00
92.19
2.320.50
269.S8
142.15
3,632.21
183.86
3,770.92
Buffalo Creek-
Total New York
Total U. States..
1.000
1,123
$30,653.23
$47,894.13
10,703
9.444
381
$358,020.53
$161,161.82
Light Houses.
Name.
Location.
{E.pcint of S.Branch. 1
U f
I i-)i-rs Island Sound...
{8. side main en-1
trance Sound /
v.p"jrii l-lan'l
w. end I'lniii Island.
■ uk
North Dumpling
Little Gulls Island....
Gardner! Island
I'lnm Island
Cedar Island Entranc - _ Harbor..
at s. ride of Bonthold
Stratford PL Teasel- > ,"' " »
'■l Shoals . )
Oldfl-I'l Petal Brookbaven
r. of Huntington Bay...
■ . I ! \
wich Point ..
Bands Point t of Cow Bay
Throggs Neck SJLaide of Fort Schuyler
rPonqtn _-•!•■ Point)
Great V
I B • I
ind Inlet..
; H
«3
53
Swash Chum 1
Prinr»« Bnv
I .mpkins
Robbin« !!•• f
Btoqj Point
Point
i'. .
I]
Boodont
Sangerti-i .
near
1 ll ' ttion
vs
ofT Tompklnsrfl]
f w. I
- )'
• W. Ride
m. side
' en-
creek w.
I of river
V. of
20
12
13
6
12
10
18
10
13
17
lo
12
12
16
10
20
15
M
16
1.',
13
20
I I
10
10
10
1
Flashing .
Fixed
Rev< Iving
Fixed
S
6
White .
Red....
Brown .
Wliite.
Red
raw col..
" White
Ri rolvtag
!
Iving
2 Fix. 1 ..
inc..
i
It rick.. .
fellow.
whit-' red.
White.
w
IB*
•w
l-s
•§> ■
io
g
so
s
-3
*
■« -c
5 u
s*
8
I.
w
,2
"B
85
160
Ex
—
tx
6
1795
1857
1
25
70
1848
1S55
6
56
74
1806
1857
3
27
29
1-;.:,
6
34
63
i- :
1856
4
31
34
1839
1855
6
30
110
1857
3
32
40
1837
1855
34
67
1823
1856
4
56
13S
1798
1*57
3
:i
^s
1 867
5
.1
62
1868
4
42
.' 1
1 348
1866
4
41
58
1856
4
61
GO
1826
1855
6
150
160
1857
1
150
166
1868
1
59
1866
8
2
33
1828
1867
3
46
89
1 855
4
51
66
1839
is;,;,
4
150
22
1826
1855
6
32
38
1868
6
32
38
1839
1854
6
32
38
1838
1854
6
37
42
1835
1854
6
Remarks.
( Fresnellens;
[ 2 min.
flash
Fog bell. Machine.
i I -' 30 sec.
Light on keeper's
house.
(2 reflector lights.
\ Fog bell.
Fog belL Machine.
I Lash 30 sec.
Fog Bell. Machine 7
per min.
First light house
built in 1826.
Fog bell.
On keeper's house.
COMMERCE.
121
Lifeboat Stations have also been established by the General Government upon the sea-
coast and great lakes. On the shores of Long Island and the adjacent islands arc 30 lifeboat sta-
tions, the first of which were established about 1850. Each of these consists of a house, containing
a lifeboat, boat wagon, life cars, mortar for throwing lines, and every fixture that could be a -< <l in
affording aid to vessels in distress. The houses are furnished with stoves for warming them when
necessary, and with fuel and matches for kindling a fire on short notice. They are each inl rusted
to a local agent, and arc under the general care of a superintendent appointed by the Secretary of
the Treasury. Their location is indicated on the map.
Coast Survey. — A survey of the coast, with soundings of its adjacent waters, was ordered
by the General Government about 50 years since; but many years were necessarily employed in
making preliminary arrangements. Active surveys were begun about 1832, and during the
last 15 years they have been prosecuted with great effect. The triangulations of this survey
are conducted with great precision, and extend up all rivers navigable from the sea as far as
tide flows.
Name.
Catskill Reach ...
Pry mes Hook
Four Mile Point.
Coxeackie
Stuyvesant
New Baltimore
Five Hook Island..
Coeymans Bar
Schodack Channel.
Cow Island
Van Wies Point
Split Rock
Cumberland Head.,
Point au Roche
Ogdensburgh
Cross Over Island .
Sunken Rock.
Rock Island...
Tibbetts Point..
Galloo Island...
Horse Island....
Stony Point....
Salmon River.,
Oswego
Big Sodus Bay .
Genesee
Genesee Beacon.
Niagara Fort
Cattaraugus
Dunkirk
Dunkirk Beacon
Barcelona
Light Houses, continued.
Black Rock Beacon...
Horse Shoe Reef.
Buffalo
Location.
fllalf way Athens')
< and Catskill, e. of >
I river J
2 mi. N. Hudson, E. side
w. side. Half way
Athens and Cox-
sackie
(w. side. n. end of 1
\ Cow Island J
E.side
E. side on island
Calvers Plat Island
x. end Poplar Island....
w. side Mulls Plat
E. side near Castleton..
f E. of dike below Al
\ bany. w. side
*!:}
Near Essex....
Near Plattsburgh
w. of Lake Champlain .
Mouth of Oswegatchie.
Above Oak Point..
In front of Alexan-
dria Bay
Near Mullet Creek ...
/ Entrance of St.Law-
\ rence
w. side island
Near Sackets Harbor ...
On Stony Point
N. side entrance harbor..
w. pier harbor
w. of Sodus Harbor
w. of entrance to river..
End of w. pier
Outlet of Niagara River.
f Near head Niagara "1
\ River /
Entrance Niagara River
s. pier. Harbor
' w. pier. Cattaraugus )
Creek J
Harbor
Pier w. side harbor
Portland or Barcelona..
5 -8
51
Fixed
Revolving,
Fixed
Revolving
Fixed
Flashing .
Fixed
Flashing..
Fixed
"fe.
White.
White .
32
32
20
32
32
20
"20
15
32
36
5>B
38
38
35
38
38
21
25
25
25
21
15
100
55
30
59
42
39
49
59
64
81
28
1854
1851
1854
1829
1829
1S54
1857
1857
1857
1854
1854
1S38
1837
1S57
1S34
1847
1847
1S47
1827
1820
1831
1837
1838
1837
1S25
1822
1822
1813
1853
1856
182S
1S47
1837
1837
1S29
"§>
1854
1S54
1854
1856
1855
1S55
1855
1855
1855
1857
1857
1857
1855
1855
1858
1S55
1855
1857
1857
1857
1854
1857
Remarks.
6
6
6 On keeper's house.
Building. (185S.)
Light on keeper's
house.
Light on keeper's
house.
Light on keeper's
house.
Rebuilt 1854.
Shoal N. w.
Light on
dwelling.
Light on
dwelling.
Light on
dwelling.
1 mi.
keeper's
keeper's
keeper's
Lake coast light.
Lake coast and har-
bor light.
Frame. Harbor light.
On mess house. Fort
Niagara.
Lake coast light.
Rebuilt 1*57.
Lake coast light.
Harbor light on ) i.-r.
Lighted with natural
gas. No harbor at
this place.
Besides the above, there are nine State lights established in 1856 in the marshy "Narrows" at the head of Lake Champlain.
Big Sodus Beacon was destroyed in a gale in 1857.
A flashing light has been authorized at Crown Point.
122
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
There are lifeboats on Lake Ontario at Tibbetts Point, Sandy Creek, Salmon River, Oswego,
Sodus, Genesee River, and Niagara River, which were supplied by the U. S. Government in the
summer of 1854. Several have also been placed on Lake Erie. None of those on the lakes have
been provided with houses, except such as have been erected by the persons having them in
charge.
Immigration into the U. S. for many years past has been very great; but the proportion
landing in New York "has been less than the relative amount of trade. Other routes in some
respects afford superior facilities for immigration. The large number of ships arriving in Canada
without cargoes favors immigration to a great extent; and hundreds of thousands of immigrants
have crossed into this State from Canada without their names ever appearing on the U. S. Govern-
ment records. These immigrants have consisted chiefly of Irish and Germans ; though there has
also been a large number of English, Scotch, and Norwegians. The greater part of the immi-
grants either locate in the cities or immediately pass on to the wild lands of the "West. The En-
glish and Scotch usually prefer to settle in Canada.1
Assay Office. — By an act of 1853, the Secretary of the Treasury was directed to establish an
assay office at Now York, for the special accommodation of the business of the city. At this
place the owners of gold or silver bullion, or of foreign coin, may deposit the same, have its value
rained, and certificates issued payable in coin of the same metal as that deposited, either at
the office of the assistant treasurer in New York, or at the Mint in Philadelphia. The metal
asE I may, at the option of the owner, be cast into bars, ingots, or discs, of pure metal, or of
standard fineness, and stamped with a device designating its weight and fineness. This office is
under the general direction of the Director of the Mint, in subordination to the Secretary of the
Treasurv. The Assay Office is located on Wall St., adjacent to the Custom House, and is fitted up
with every appliance for carrying on its operations upon a very extensive scale. Its lofty chimney,
emitting dense, orange colored fumes of nitric acid, forms a conspicuous object in the district.
About 50 men are employed upon the premises. Its officers are a superintendent, treasurer, as-
Bayer, melter, and refiner, with their assistants and clerks. The site of the Assay Office was
bought Aug. 19, 1853, for $553,000, and the premises were fitted up and completed Oct. 9, 1854,
at a total cost of $761,493.G2.2
The .Mail Service of the State of New York forms about 5 per cent, of the whole U. S. in
miles, and 7 per cent, in cost, while the receipts from postage in this State amount to 22 per cent.
1 Passengers arriving by Sea at New York since 1820.
i
h
£>
eo
q
c
a
=-.-
a .
°<-A
%i
■fe g
*« C
"fel
3^34
t
|
—
1 830
1374*
! 1840
M,.M,'.
1840
213,736
i-ji
1 881
10,737
1-11
I860
184,882
i-.-j
4 lie
1842
74,014
1851
294,445
1844
1853
204,818
1845
76,614
1864
" 1
"
1 B 16
"
1847
I860
162,108
1 - -
! 1848
160,994
1857
203,500
1829
I :1 14>i tlr ■•'■ returns were made ap to8ept.80; l>ut since
ii \' ir. The Dumber tx '
icluded in the above, waa8t
Tli- t til nui. r* who arrived in the U.S. from
183 ~. <>f which number Zfi28f36 arrived
in Bew V'rk.
'T !imi>iit of ii ' * . . ■ «■ V>rk hai l.cn r
edly - [machinery >■■ th-exist-
Ing Assay office cold be made »t a rn'-l -i«e.
Amounts Assayed at tht I'. S Anay Qfflot in N u> Y"rk.
Fine
■rt.
TV
■
Volut.
vut
fi-
•
1 •
|0,7
1867
123317.00
1868 to June 30
Zl.708,691.04
171.
• .1
..21,013
$73,800,024.74
1802,071.79
Total Pieces. Total Value.
1854 822 $2,888,059.18
1855 6,182 20,441,813.63
1S5G 4.799 19,402,839.52
1857 2.780 9,458,721.00
1858 to June 30 7,946 21,970,052.83
Total 22,509 $74,162,096.16
Amounts Deposited.
Silver.
From Oct. 10 to Dec. 31. 1854 $9.200,*93.69 $76,807jOO
Prom Jan. 1 to Dec. 81, 1855 26,687,701.24 350.150.08
From .Tun. 1 to p.-c. 31. !-'■ 17.S03.692.40 474.101.38
From Jan. 1 to Pec. 31, 1^57 18.097.365.40 1.397.702.99
Total $72,749,052.73 $2,298,331.45
72,740,662.78
Total gold and silver $75,047,974.18
Proportion Of the above pnvablc in fine bars. $47,817,597.00
coin 27,230,37718
T-tal $75,047,974.18
Amounts transmitted to the Mint for Coining.
r,v,«. Silver.
Friii", t. ; 1.1854 $5,142,262.60 $41,417.89
Pi in Jan. I to Dec. 31, 1855 7,722,47647 71.587.34
Prom Jan. 1 to Dec 31, 1866 6,797,652.33 412,416.06
Frmjan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1857 9,3 7,928.89 1,842,768.71
1 $27,970,260.29 $2,368,190.00
Cost of transportation from the Assay Office to the Mint and
return : —
"ii gold, :i perfcLOOO $27,834.11
On nlver, $3 per $1,000 7.1ul.9tj
Total $31,936.15
COMMERCE.
123
of the whole sum collected, and exceed by over $300,000 per annum the expenses of the establish-
ment within its borders. The total expenses in the U. S. overrun the receipts by about $3,500,000
annually.1
There were four Distributing Post Offices in New York, dan. 1, 1859, located respectively at
New York, Albany, Troy, and Buffalo. The Troy post office was dij-continued as a distributing
office July 1, 1859.
i Rtst Office Summary for the year ending June 30, 1858.
Length of routes in miles
Transportation in coaches, miles
" " cost
" in steamboats, miles
" " cost
" by railroad, miles
" " cost
" mode not specified, miles
«; " " cost...
Total cost of transportation
Total number of miles by coaches
" " steamboats ....
" " railroads
" " modes not spe-
cified
" " every method.
Number of mail routes
" contractors
" route agents
" express agents
" local agents
" mail messengers
New
York
Stale.
13078
4,961
$109,490
108
$7,298
2,894
$333,163
5,055
$68,100
$518,060
2,430,792
108,944
3,961,795
1,468,312
7,969,843
S2S
702
55
11
2
315
United
Stales.
260,603
53.700
$1,909,844
17,043
$1,233,916
24,431
$2,828,301
165,429
$1,823,357
$7,795,418
19,555,734
4.569.610
25,763.452
28,876.695
78.765.491
8,296
7,044
440
28
43
1,464
Exchange Offices under the postal arrangement vjith Canada.
In tiik United States.
Black Rock
Buffalo
Cape Vincent...
Fort Covington.
Lewiston
Mooers
Morristown
In Canada.
Wllti I Ion.
Toronto, Hamilton, London, and
Queeneton, (by through
bags,) Port Erie, and Porta
Denver, Slmcoe, Rowan, Btn>
v. ill. Vienna, and .Stanley,
Montreal.
Kingston.
Dundee.
Queenston.
Hemingford.
Brockville.
Ogdensburgh i Prescott.
Oswego ,
Plattsburgh.
Rochester
Rouses Point
Sackets Harbor.
Kingston. By steamer in sum-
mer.
Montreal, St. Johns.
Coburg. By steamer in sum-
mer.
St. Johns.
Kingston. By steamer in sum-
mer.
Suspension Bridge and Canada;
Route agents.
Montreal; by through bag.
St. Johns.
Niagara.
From New York City to every port and country with which
the U. S. has postal arrangements.
Suspension Bridge..
Troy
Whitehall..
Youugstown.
Mail Routes in New York by Railroad and Steamboat.
Termini.
Bt Railroad. (June 30, 1858.)
New York to Dunkirk
New York to Albany
New York to Chatham Four Corners
Brooklyn to Greenport
Sufferns to Piermont
Newburgh to Chester
Hudson to West Stockbridge, Mass
Albany to Buffalo
Albany to Troy
Albany to Eagle Bridge
Troy to North Bennington, Vt
Troy to Schenectady
Troy to Saratoga Springs
Eagle Bridge to Rutland, Vt
Saratoga Springs to Castleton, Vt
Plattsburgh to Canada Line
Rouses Point to Ogdensburgh
Watertown to North Potsdam
Sackets Harbor to Pierrepont Manor
Schenectady to Ballston
TJtica to Boonville
Rome to Cape Vincent
Syracuse to Rochester
Syracuse to Oswego ,
Syracuse to Binghamton
Canandaigua to Elmira
Canandaigua to Niagara Falls
Rochester to Niagara Falls
Rochester to Avon
Batavia to Attica
Buffalo to Lockport !
Buffalo to Lewiston
Buffalo to Hornellsville
Buffalo to State Line
Corning to Batavia
Owego to Ithaca
Bv Steamboat. (Sept. 30, 1858.)
New York to Manhasset ,
Albany to New Baltimore
Whitehall to Plattsburgh
Ithaca to Cayuga .•
Distances.
Nn. of
trips per
week.
19
Annual pay.
Total annual
cost.
Number of
Haute.
460
$92,000
$117,378
1.026
144
19
32,400
44.612
1,002
1304,
6
5,593
8,865
1,003
98
18
8.225
11,147
1,007
18
6
772
870
1.026
19
6
814
891
1,032
35
6
1,750
1.770
1,064
298
25
51.600
62,442
1.073
7
13
1,050
1.050
1,074
33
12
2,829
3,946
1,075
32i
12
3,250
4,329
1.0S2
22
12
1,650
1,725
1.083
32.81
12
3,281
3,942
1,084
62J
12
6,250
7.244
1,091
54
12
5,400
6.567
1,099
23
6
986
1,163
1,122
119
12
9.700
11.252
1.123
76
6
3,800
5,505
1,146
18^
6
792
1,117
1,153
16
6
800
950
1.164
35
12
2.625
2,886
1,200
97
18
8.329
10,975
1,210
104
12
20,800
23,099
1,228
354
12
3,043
3.463
1.229
80
6
3,429
4,952
1.230
6Si
12
5,137*
6,524
1,269
97
18
6,100
8,094
1,270
75
12
11,400
14,230
1.275
18
6
772
1,030
1,278
11
6
550
650
1.300
22
12
1,100
1,100
1.312
29
12
1,450
1,560
1.313
91
12
6.825
7,657
1,314
69
19
13,800
17,741
1.315
100
6
4,286
7,533
1,369
33
12
1,415
2,313
1,375
18
5
300
1.004
15
95
40
6
11 (for 7
485
1,076
4 800
1.108
months)
6
1,713
1,375
124
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
The Fisheries in New York, although considerable in amount, are quite subordinate to
other branches of industry. The -whale fisheries, formerly of great importance, are now chiefly
limited to Sag Harbor, Greenport, and Cold Spring Harbor.1 The shores and bays of Long Island
Bupport great numbers of fishermen, and the product of their labor chiefly finds a market in New
York City.2 The Hudson yields shad, sturgeon, and other fish in great quantities ;3 and there are
extensive fisheries upon the great lakes, especially near the e. end of Lake Ontario and in the
waters of Chaumont Bay.4 The waters of Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence formerly
abounded in salmon; but, from the building of dams and mills, or other causes, the tributaries of
these waters now afford but very small supplies. Trout and other fish highly prized for food
abound in the clear mountain streams of Northern New York. Hundreds of millions of "bony
fish" are taken annually around Long Island for manure; and the manufacture of oil from sharks,
porpoises, and other fish has been at various times carried on with encouraging success. Numerous
special laws have been passed for the preservation of fish in certain waters and at particular sea-
sons ; but this is now made one of the subjects within the legislative jurisdiction of Boards of
Supervisors.
United States Ocean Mail Lines connecting with New York, Sept. 30, 1858.
RoCTES.
N. Y. via Southampton, England, to Bremenhaven, Germany,
X. Y. to AspinwaU, New Grenada, direct
X. Y. mi Havana t ■ New Orleans
N. V. to Liverpool, England
N. Y. 1 England, to Havre. France
11
3,700
13
2.000
24
2.000
24
3,100
20
3,270
13
Annual
Pay.
$60,000
| 290,000
3S5,000
Postages
Remarks.
Act of June 14. 1S58.
/Contract under Acts of 1S47
( and 1851.
Contract Act 1847. Now under
Act of Juno 14. 1858.
Act of June 14. 1858.
Comparative Receipts and Expenses of the Post Office in New York and all the Offices in the
United Slates for the year ending July 30, 1858.
New
Tor!.:
United
States.
New
York.
United
States.
S2S5.207.46
90.244.30
2,87465
1 . - L98
1.458,711.39
(882,12255
593.407.19
28,146.95
5,692,366.63
7,196,043,72
$316,267.39
311.893.98
628J.61.37
525.950.00
1,164,111.37
$2,349,260.49
1.1H4.183.53
3,453,444.02
7,344,619.44
10,798,063.46
- Id
1 The right to drift whales was often made a suhject of special
by th<- Indiana of L'.ng Island: anil the
ire "f whale* in open boats from the Bhore has continued
■iient to the present time. Scarcely a year
Ing taken alone the shore of the
: The whale fisheries from Hudson, roughkeepsie, and
iltogi ther. i <u the ""ill of
• re employed in the whale fisheries
i. an. I 2.i::i'..27 tons at
I total of whaling vessels in the U.S. at
51 : ids.
*1i v v.. on tiic East River, at the
-.tin- block. The rarer kind- are
I in the ^ Market. A record kept in 1866
onun ad 20 families, aa flrand in
these markets, the majority of them heing marine fi-h from tho
waters adjoining Long It-land and the New England coast. A
few came from the South, and many from the interior lakes and
rivers.
> It in estimated that $100,000 worth of shad are taken annu-
ally l.i-i. .v.- tin- Highland--. They are canghl Insein aearlyas
far np as Alhaiiy. Al.mit -Ji.OOO worth of sturgeon are sold
annually at the Albany market.
* As many as lo.uon II. Is. have heen taken at Chaumont Bay
in one gea on, although sometimes no more are tak.-n than
enough t" Bupply the local want. The fish are chiefly Lake her-
ind whitefisb. The amount of tonnage invested in this
State in the i d fisheries is quite unimportant, and amounted
in June, 1868, to 1•'••l,■,.■_, tons at Greenport, and 159.34 tons at
I els under 20 tons.
COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.
In 1754 King's College was incorporated in N. Y. City by patent, and libe-
rally endowed by a lottery and grants of land. At the commencement
of the Revolution it was the only incorporated educational institution in
the colony. In 1784 its name was changed to Columbia College; and
in connection with it an extensive scheme of education was devised, in
[which the college was to be the center of the system, and subordinate
jUjj] branches were to be established in different parts of the State, — the
whole to be under the control of a board denominated "Regents of the
University." This board was to consist of the principal State officers,
two persons from each co., and one chosen by each religious denomi-
nation. The number of the Regents was afterward increased by add-
ing 33 others, 20 of whom resided in N. Y. City. This whole scheme
was found to be impracticable; and by act of April 13, 1787, it was superseded by a system which
has continued without essential change to the present time.' By this act the Governor, Lieut.-Gov-
ernor, and 19 persons therein named were constituted
Regeilts of the University, and required to visit and inspect all colleges and academies,
and report their condition, annually. They might appoint presidents of colleges and principals
of academies for one year, in case of vacancy, and incorporate new colleges and academies, pro-
viding the revenue of the latter should not exceed the value of 4,000 bushels of wheat annually. In
1842 the Secretary of State, and in 1854 the Superintendent of Public Instruction, were made ex
officio members of the Board of Regents. Vacancies are filled by the Legislature in the same manner
that U. S. Senators are appointed; and Regents hold their office during life, unless they resign or
forfeit their place by removal from the State, by accepting the office of trustee in an incorporated
college or academy, or by accepting a civil office the duties of which are incompatible with their
duties as Regents:2 but the members maybe removed by concurrent resolution of the Senate and
Assembly.3 They receive no pay. Under a special act of 1791, the Regents appoint the faculty
of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the City of N. Y. and confer degrees upon its gradu-
ates.4 They confer the honorary degree of M.D. upon four persons annually, upon recommenda-
tion of the State Medical Society, and may grant any honorary degree. They have exercised
this right by conferring the degree of LL.D. upon 12 persons since their first organization.5
In 1821 they were authorized to incorporate Lancasterian and select schools.6 In 1844 the Regents
were made trustees of the State Library, and, with the Superintendent of Schools, were charged
with the supervision of the State Normal School. In 1845 they were made trustees of the State
Cabinet of Natural History, and in 1856 were intrusted with what remained of the publication of
the colonial history. Their secretary and the Secretary of State are commissioners to superintend
the completion of the publication of the natural history of the State.
The Regents annually apportion $40,000 of the income of the Literature Fund7 among academies,
in proportion to the number of students pursuing the classics or the higher English branches;
1 The authorship of this system has been generally ascribed to
Alexander Hamilton, then in the Assembly. The original drafts
of the act, still preserved, and the legislative journals of that
period, show that Ezra l'Hommedieu, then in the Senate, was
prominently concerned in its passage, if not the original mover.
The bill was introduced in the Senate upon a petition from Clin-
ton Academy, in Suffolk co.
2 What these offices are does not appear to have been settled.
On several occasions an appointment to the bench of the Supreme
Court has created a vacancy. Non-attendance at the meetings
of the Board during one year has also been construed to vacate
the seat of a Regent.
3 This power has never been exercised by the Legislature.
* A similar power existed with regard to the Western College
of Physicians and Surgeons at Fairfield, during its existence.
* The honorary degree of M. D. had been conferred upon 120
persons previous to 1859. Resolutions were passed, Oct. 14, 1851,
for conferring the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of
Literature ; but none have been granted.
6 This right has been exercised four times, viz.: —
Select School at Henrietta. Monroe co., July 2, 1827.
Lewiston High School Academy, Niagara CO., April 16, 1S28.
Fabius Select School, Onondaga co., Feb. 27, 1841.
Hunter Classical School, Greene CO., June 23, 1851.
Lancasterian schools were incorporated by special acts, as
follows : —
Albany, Lancaster School Soc., May 26, 1812.
Catskill, Lancaster School Soc, March 14, 1817. Repealed April
20, 1830.
Hudson, Lancaster Soc, April 15, 1817.
Schenectady, Lancaster School Soc, Nov. 12, 1816.
Poughkeepsie, Lancaster School Soc.
f This fund originated with certain tracts of land reserved for
literature, and was largely increased by four lotteries, granted
April 3, 1801, by which $100,000 were to be raised for the joint
benefit of academies and common schools, but chiefly for the
latter. In 1816, the avails of the Crumhorn Mountain Tract,
amounting to $10,416, were given from the general fund to aca-
demies and common schools; and in 1S19 the arrears of quit-
rents, amounting to $53,3S0, were also thus equally divided. In
1827, $150,000 was given to this fund bv the Legislature; and on
the 17th of April, 1838, the sum of $28,000 was set apart annually,
from the incomo of the U. S. Deposit Fund, for distribution
among academies. The sum previously applied for this purpose
was $12,000 annually; and since lS34a small part of the income,
aside from this, has been applied, from time to time, to the pur-
chase of apparatus.
This fund was managed by the Regents until, by act of Jan.
25, 1832, it was transferred to the Comptroller for investment, —
the Legislature appropriating the proceeds annually, and the
Regents designating the scale of apportionment.
The principal of the fund amounted, Sept. 30, 1853, to $269,952
.12, aside from the U. S. Deposit Fund, and was invested chiefly
in stocks and Comptroller's bonds.
126
126
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
designate such academies as shall receive aid in establishing classes for instructing teachers of
common schools; conduct exchanges of books and documents with other States and countries;
maintain a system of meteorological observations at certain academies; and make full reports
annually to the Legislature upon the condition of the colleges and academies of the State, the State
Library, and the Cabinet of Natural History.
The officers of the Regents are, a chancellor, vice-chancellor, and secretary. They appoint a
librarian and assistants to the State Library, and a curator to the State Cabinet. Sis members
form a quorum for the transaction of business. Their annual meeting is held on the first Thurs-
day of January, in the Senate chamber, and is adjourned for short periods during the session of the
Legislature. Most colleges report annually to the Regents, but are not uniformly subject to visita-
tion, nor do they share in the income of the Literature Fund. They have generally been assisted
by grants of land or money from the State.
Colleges and Academies are entrusted to boards of trustees, who possess the usual
powers of corporations, and usually fill all vacancies occurring in their number.1 They appoint
professors and instructors, and remove them at pleasure, unless employed by special agreement.
All degrees in colleges, whether honorary or in due course of study, are conferred by the trustees.
By an act passed April 12, 1853, the Regents were required to establish general rules under
which colleges, universities, and academies might claim incorporation, subject to such limitations
and restrictions as might be prescribed by law, or which, by the Regents, might be deeirued proper;
and institutions thus formed should possess, in addition to the powers thus vested in them, the
general powers of a corporation, under the Revised Statutes of this State. The trustees of academies
l c,, q, --. .. c liege, X. Y. Agricultural College, People's College,
University .if Buffalo, and University of the City of N. Y., are
. 1 _\ sb in holders, who elect trustees, or officers analogous,
o-rms. The principal State officers are ex officio trus-
tees of Union College ; and the Mayor and Recorder of cities
are, in some cases, trustees of medical colleges. The principal
facts concerning colleges and professional schools may he classed
as follows : —
Literary and Medical Colleges.
Namb.
Location.
Date of Charter.
Mow Incor-
porated.
Alfred
New York
Eimira
Lima
Clinton
Geneva
LeRoy
Ilamilton
McGrawville
Ovid
ITavana
Fordham
Canton
Troy
Schenectady
Albany
New York
iter
Bnfi.ilo
'.V
New York
V. w York
Xew York
I ork
Buffalo
New York
Mar. 28, 1857
Oct. 81. 1754
April 13, 1S55
Feb. 27,1849
May 26,1812
April 5,1824
April 3, 1857
Mar. 26,1846
April 17, 1851
April 15, 1853
April 12, 1853
April 10, 1840
April 3, 1856
April 12, 1855
Feb. 25,1795
April 17,1851
April 18, 1881
May B, 1846
Hay 11,1848
Feb. 16,1839
April 25, 1831
Mnr. 10.
AprU 8, 1836
Mir. 27. 1867
1- 1
May 11, 1846
Feb. 1, 1837
Law
Patent
Law
Law
Regents
Regents
Law
Law
Law
Law
Law
Law
Law
Regents
Regents
Law
Law
Law
Law
Law
Law
I! eg. lit".
Trusts, of
G.Ooll.
Law.
Law
Law
Law.
d College Assoc.
N. Y. State Agric'l College
St. Lawrence l_niw.
Union '
f's. v....
College of Pharmacy • i
l and
Snrj
d Inst, of Genu i
Mt ; :' -.nM.-dic*ir«ll..«
New York ' '
Univ.i.f Baf&do, V
University of I
York, Med. D-p.'....
Remarks.
Seventh-day Bap., 33 trustees.
Prot. E., 24 trustees. Formerly King's College.
Changed from Elmira Collegiate Institute.
Meth. E., 2S to 30 trustees, elected for 5 years by
classes.
N. S. Presb., 24 trustees. Changed from Hamilton
Oneida Academy.
Prot. E., 24 trustees. Originally Medical Dep. con-
nected. Changed from Geneva College, April 10,
1852.
N. S. Presb., 24 trustees. Changed from Ingham
Collegiate Institute.
Bap.. 27 trustees. Theological Depart, connected.
Located on a farm. Students not excluded on ac-
count of sex or color.
10 trustees. In course of erection. See Ovid.
24 trustees. In coarse of erection. Capital, $250,000.
R. C, 9 trustees. Thi ological Depart, connected.
Universali-t. ■-'."> trusters. Theological Department
Connected. In course of organization.
Methodist E., 64 trustees. Charter conditioned to
$100,000, which Is obtained. Organized.
15 trustees, besides those ex officio. Changed from
Schenectady Academy.
Law Department only organized.
.".- trii-it.-.^. Medical I>. (urine lit connected.
Hap.. 20 trusters. Theological Depart, connected.
] Department only organized.
For education of druggists. Does not report.
Mayor and Recorder ex officio trustees.
Hi dical Dep. onlyoneorganized. Full univ. charter.
• Trustees elected for fi ynm. Student* and teacher" expected
to lat^.r from 10 to 20 hours each week. Located on « t >rm of
-
* Mnyor and Recorder of Albany '* qfido famines.. I'.'iilding
erected for Lancastcrian school, and leased by tho city nt a
nominal rent.
« A collec* of similar name. tnOOtp. March 2S, 1*27, did not
organize. See RtgtnW Report, 1858, p. 168.
<* Capital limited to $100,000. Proprietors elect council of 16
f.r 4 years, besides which each department elects one to the
council to bold at their pleasure.
• The council of the University of tho City of New York con.
-i^r-i ..f 82 shareholders elected for 4 years, besides the Mayor of
New York and 4 of the Common Council designated for the
purpose.
COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.
127
possessing a capital stock may be elected by the proprietors for such terms as shall be fixed. The
capital stock of an academy may not exceed $50,000, and that of a medical college funned under
the general law cannot be less than $50,000, nor more than £200,000. All such charters, except-
ing those containing provisional conditions, are perpetual.
Theological Seminaries in the State of New York."
Name.
General Theological Seminary of P. E. Church
Uartwiek Seminary (Theological Department)
Martin Luther College (Theological Department)
Rochester Theological Seminary
St. Joseph's Theological Seminary
St. Lawrence University (Theological Dep.)
Theological Department Madison University
Theological Seminary of Auburn
Theological Seminary of Associate Reformed Church.
Union Theological Seminary
Location.
New York
Hartwick
Buffalo
Rochester
Fordhaui
Canton
Hamilton
Auburn
Newburgh
New York
Denomination.
P. E.
Lutheran
Lutheran
Baptist
R. C.
Universalist
Baptist
N. S. Presb.
A. R. Presb.
N. S. Presb.
Date of Entab-
Ittitinent.
1817
1816
Nov.
4, 1850
1846
1858
1820
April 14, 1820
1836
1S36
v,
II
68
5
36
24
30
11
106
M
4: in
52
50
262
143
211
£3
ll.OH.'i
1,250
5,500
7,500
6
3,200
18,000
° Mostly upon authority of the American Almanac of 1859.
Several of these possess liberal endowments, and defray the per-
sonal expenses of the students attending them. Tuition fees
are, it is believed, in no cases required from those receiving in-
struction. All the above are now in operation.
The following institutions have been projected, but have not been established, or have ceased
to exist : —
Name.
Date of Incorp.
Remarlcs.
Applications were made for a college in 1795, but refused.
Provisions of charter not complied with.
Never organized.
Never organized.
Applications made Feb. 15, 1S02. Refused.
( After a few courses of lectures, these institutions were
( abandoned.
Conditions not complied with.
(Courses of lectures were held until 1840, the Regents con-
( ferring the degrees.
Applications refused Feb. 20, 1845.
Conditions not complied with.
Applications refused in 1779, 1804, and 1811.
Discontinued in 1S14.
Discontinued in a short time.
Never organized.
Closed in a short time.
Application refused, Feb. 16, 1824.
Never organized.
Conditions not complied with.
Never organized.
Feb. 26,1826
Jan. 29, 1852
March 4, 1830
Central Medical College and Syracuse Medical }
Clinton College, Fairfield
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Wes-\
Medical Department of Columbia College
N. Y. College of Dental Surgery, Syracuse
Richmond College, Richmond co
St. Paul's College, College Point, Flushing, L. I.
1849
Mar. 25, 1816
June 12, 1S12
April 10, 1822
1793
April 13, 1852
April 18, 1838
May 9, 1840
April 8,1836
Jan. 27,1827
April 17, 1851
Besides these, several institutions bearing the name of col-
leges have been established, but of which no general statistics
have been obtained. Among them are the " Martin Luther Col-
lege," at Buffalo, the '; College of St. Francis Xavier," (R. C.,) in
New York ; " Franciscan College and Convent," inaugurated Oct.
4, 1858, at Allegany, Cattaraugus co. ; the " De Yeaux College for
Orphan and Destitute Children," incorporated April 15. 1853,
and located at Suspension Bridge, Niagara CO.: and the "St.
Peter's College," (R. C.,) in course of organization, at Troy.
Most of these are unincorporated, none of them possess the right
of granting degrees, and they generally partake more of tho
character of academies than of colleges.
Tabular Summary of Colleges as reported Jan. 1859, for tlie year previous.
Name.
Albany Medical College
College of Physicians and Surgeons, N.Y
Columbia College
Genesee College
Hamilton College
Hobart Free College
Madison University
Medical Institute Geneva College
Medical Department of University of N. Y....
Medical Department of University of Buffalo.
Metropolitan Medical College
New York Central College
New York Medical College
St. John's College
Troy University
Union College
University of City of New York
University of Rochester
m
* Is
•2 si
83
9 ■
J Si.
ts s»
©•£
s »
c <»
a, -2
ijS
<£S
5*
41
si
9
121
56
9
173
50
12
153
25
6
96
15
9
134
27
7
92
20
9
119
23
7
31
8
7
347
128
9
38
9
6
18
10
9
16
4
12
99
37
27
49
6
4
53
16
297
89
16
125
16
8
149
22
.23 2
90,000
114,336
24.500
125.000
35,000
18.700
16,049
70,000
14,000
30.000
50,000
74,200
100.001)
70,993
200.000
38,201
1!
11
, 1
ft*
u to
'e ° •
1-8
g'i
$
$
$605
635
6,515
44,150
5.250
1.464
8.019
Free.
4.595
2,402
7,285
199
1,735
84
1,497
4,000
335
10.177
12,151
12.207
11,150
5,360
10,835
X
S"3
$1,120
1,325
160
3,840
132
1.110
la
123
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER
Statistics of Academies from the Regents' Report of 1859.
Names.
Academy at Little Falls
Academy of Dutchess Co
Albany Academy
Albany Female Academy
Albion Academy
Alfred Academy _
Amenia Seminary -
Ames Academy
Am-terdam Female Seminary.
Argyle Academy
Auburn Academy
Augusta Academy
Aurora Academy
Ball Seminary
Bingham ton Academy
] i ite Institute
Brookt my
Brookl] h. Inst..
!'. in de Academy
Cambridge Washington Academy...
Canajoharie Academy _.
Canandaigua Academy
Canton Academy
Gary Collegiate Seminary
Cayuga Academy
Chaxnplain Academy
Cherry Valley Academy
r Academy
Cincinnatus Academy
Clarence Academy
Clarerack Academy «fc II. K. Inst...
Clinton Grammar School
Clinton Libera] Institute
Cortland Academy
Cortlandville Academy
Dansville Seminary
Deaf and Dumb Institution _.
Delaware Academy -.
Delaware Literary Institute
lie Rnyter Institute
Dundee Academy
East Bloomfield Academy
Ellington Academy _
Erasmus Hall Academy
F.iirfieid Academy
Falley Seminary
Farmers' Hall Academy
my
nary and Female
1
Frank1 ' lemy
Franklin il'ritt-burgh) Academy..
my
Oalway Aeadi my....
• • i minary
rrirv
Oi nil ii and Wyoming -
• hool
. Inat.
1
nary....
Oramn
Grammar ."rh-l
Grammir School N. V
f; ram ill Academy
Oreenv my
Qroton Academy
Hamii*
Hamiltoo Female Seminary
I k Bemtnary
Holley Academy
Il-jdson Academy
Ithaca Academy
Jamestown Academy
Jefferson County Institute
Johnstown Academy
my
Jordan Academy
•S ^
rs
a s>
"8
3
■E ^
t.
=C §
•*- .*
■"5;
Wi
e.3
s
33
S "«»
■&
^ *§
-I
3
= e
64
131
92
4
181
110
10
242
116
13
200
136
8
224
133
13
476
355
7
168
125
2
80
67
4
45
35
5
99
71
3
135
95
1
41
18
2
226
101
2
113
33
3
182
101
7
351
148
2
95
71
19
507
240
10
159
82
3
172
69
4
1S6
98
6
145
87
2
129
59
5
210
106
6
107
87
3
148
76
9
210
64
3
90
29
3
133
98
2
111
47
14
433
367
4
127
70
7
67
22
6
394
344
4
234
161
3
306
io
225
186
9
261
205
3
139
64
4
230
106
3
60
53
3
210
113
3
103
52
10
389
308
11
383
191
1
56
41
3
168
105
7
2r4
167
3
287
1!.-,
4
170
148
4
281
171
3
'
91
9
■
99
4
235
148
11
T
7
210
104
5
218
168
13
••-'I
2
46
4
127
7
60
6
340
156
7
90
71
1
43
23
6
106
...
77
• -
1
26
2
93
8
180
'7
6
117
2
88
88
4
100
2
6
216
3
185
120
4
I6b
1 20
3
119
8
216
153
2
158
I2S
11
c S ~
$178.52
213.44
225.58
263.89
258.57
688.84
234.79
130.21
64.03
137.77
170.75
34.93
195.98
62.09
194.54
287.68
131.94
461.81
159.11
133.89
190.18
168.81
114.48
203.74
168.81
147.47
124.18
56.26
1*4.34
91.20
712.12
133.89
42.69
667.40
312.40
593.76
360.91
397.78
124.18
2n">.f.'.-|
100.90
219.26
97.02
597.64
:.7".e_
79.56
203.74
82454
■_-] :v\
287.18
17658
192.10
283.30
96049
201.80
89.26
238 67
11642
802.70
137.77
180 16
213.44
170.76
194.04
100.90
419.12
244.49
230.90
20658
242.52
Total "Values.
S»|
$10,200
11.000
90.000
33.347
7,100
17.266
18.500
2.440
9.000
3,100
8.214
2,4-87
2.900
3,810
6.500
30.000
3,000
69,754
55.000
4.250
5,580
12.500
3,500
15,140
10.000
5.504
13.000
2.950
3:i*3
5.000
35.330
2,600
30.300
5.000
2.800
3,043
26,000
21.000
8,800
2.350
5,000
3,650
9,500
20,200
17.800
8,850
2,150
24.000
10,000
4,500
3.125
8^800
27,600
8,681
11^200
10,000
4.500
17497
B300
2.900
2.5no
6550
8,776
8,613
7,800
3.200
12,600
4.400
11.050
3.000
I
3,800
"&
£
$361
310
1.631
1.02s
606
680
1,596
275
400
242
332
368
610
197
400
1,022
170
367
360
650
260
690
440
546
3,027
342
223
370
174
182
173
200
1,775
1.000
711
164
1.183
1.053
426
•-■:
558
228
2,604
1.044
C55
581
205
152
1.2M
2.111
211
'"2IO
Sftl
708
I 1 1
240
1 60
482
550
'"25b
233
261
441
B28
4M
1 579
243
177
4::7
283
1446
240
441
200
I
$584
681
2.917
2.415
350
1.375
1,267
200
405
150
500
2S9
400
4S5
438
377
155
1,875
1,742
566
244
1,345
327
600
879
552
762
284
206
151
846
175
475
1,000
500
170
630
395
542
178
478
160
497
1.280
1,062
223
202
456
U6
4. '.7
762
168
162
2.310
: !
616
4;,:.
385
168
222
250
45
160
625
473
868
202
228
200
900
740
1,566
2*2
366
350
$1,295
3,116
5,717
6,662
2,139
12,124
10,302
742
674
1.330
1,478
260
1.501
507
1.612
3,204
700
30,453
5.970
1,700
1.284
3,139
1,094
4,078
1,622
1.440
4*768
1.180
1,232
836
13.214
6,059
1.553
3.973
1.752
574
2.286
4.144
1,101
2.308
713
971
2.196
14,307
4,632
649
1,049
3.159
1,767
2J280
2.177
1 198
3.417
1,398
4,603
1,905
3,699
6,4 'i
1.101
1.215
2,681
2.449
5.990
813
1.40:1
448
816
1,502
771
4,906
1.813
1,761
7' -
8^828
1.317
2,136
5,447
I
$1,195
2,928
10,062
7,508
2,138
10,9S9
10,301
712
760
1,319
1,477
260
1,412
514
1.611
3,244
700
30.313
6,078
1,695
1,406
3,189
1,094
4,078
1,665
1,440
4,768
1.196
1,066
776
11,385
6,165
1,553
4.208
1.819
720
8.250
3.975
991
2.440
713
964
1,858
13.024
4,632
641
1,017
4.359
I B
2.646
2459
1,198
3.339
1.475
4.(44
1,886
3.923
4440
702
1.217.
2,681
2.134
4,157
(Vio
1.404
47:1
7 if
1,830
1,341
4,862
1 7 1
1,751
705
8,181
1.:,17
2,136
1.529
6,447
1,584
1
a
444
339
946
1,082
439
737
1,711
305
381
173
249
181
653
178
409
474
126
335
195
391
192
813
293
012
2.345
263
144
250
155
213
281
175
1.257
1,129
668
67
838
1.032
280
201
596
188
2,435
953
436
739
112
208
285
1.196
1.741
189
98
216
2,044
520
1.200
389
228
101
433
1.148
199
866
892
831
427
1.050
221
164
447
308
1,637
193
405
191
COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.
129
Statistics of Academies from the Rcycnts' Report of 1859, continued.
Names.
Kceseville Academy
Kimlerhook Academy
Kingsboro' Academy
Kingston Academy
Liberty Normal Institute
Lockport Union School
Lowville Academy _ ,
Lyons Union School
Macedon Academy
Manlius Academy
Marion Collegiate Institute
Mayville Academy
Medina Academy
Mexico Academy
Middlebury Academy
Monroe Academy
Montgomery Academy ,
Monticello Academy
Moravia Institute ,
Mount Morris Union Free School.
Mount Pleasant Academy
Munro Collegiate Institute
New Paltz Academy
New York Conference Seminary....
New York Free Academy ,
North Granville Female Seminary
North Hebron Institute
North Salem Academy
Norwich Academy
Nunda Literary Institute
Ogdensburgh Academy
Oneida Conference Seminary
Onondaga Academy
Ontario Female Seminary
Oswego High School
Ovid Academy
Owego Academy ,
Oxford Academy
Packer Collegiate Institute
Palmyra Classical Union School...
Peekskill Academy
Perry Academy
Peterboro' Academy
Phelps Union Classical School ,
Phipps Union Seminary ,
Plattsburgh Academy
Pompey Academy
Poughkeepsie Female Academy...
Prospect Academy
Pulaski Academy
Randolph Academy
Red Creek Union Academy
Rensselaerville Academy
Richburgh Academy
Rochester Female Academy
Rogersville Union Seminary
Rome Academy
Rural Seminary
Rushford Academy
Rutgers Female Institute
Sag Harbor Institute
St. Lawrence Academy
Saugerties Academy
Sauquoit Academy ,
Schenectady Union School
Schoharie Academy
Schuylerville Academy
Seneca Falls Academy
Sodus Academy
Spencertown Academy
Springville Academy
S. S. Seward Institute
Starkey Seminary
Susquehanna Seminary
Troy Academy
Troy Female Seminary
Trumansburgh Academy
Unadilla Academy
Union Hall Academy
Union Literary Society
Union "Village Academy ,
4
4
3
5
2
9
4
4
4
2
5
2
5
4
5
4
2
7
2
4
7
3
2
11
25
13
"i
5
5
3
8
3
13
3
8
4
6
24
5
3
5
1
5
10
4
2
8
1
3
4
5
2
3
4
4
3
3
2
18
2
5
3
3
5
3
3
4
4
5
2
6
5
7
5
21
2
2
9
6
4
•5 ^
■2 £>
T3~
1
5 o>
%>J
**•§
c s
5S *9
<]
o s
E
378
246
106
67
66
209
114
115
9
491
181
267
176
128
68
240
179
99
25
158
74
78
49
171
164
223
159
229
142
152
75
77
28
153
60
122
53
98
70
82
59
134
95
61
33
460
226
613
567
114
132
60
32
311
222
309
241
161
116
351
258
128
110
121
80
273
196
249
109
300
165
673
375
282
134
101
50
127
49
42
14
408
91
217
176
215
160
43
39
119
98
87
24
170
61
184
87
250
158
91
30
86
51
122
62
96
76
233
110
122
77
201
141
278
156
320
61
293
125
179
50
115
87
206
143
112
91
169
123
193
98
129
72
78
62
166
86
157
101
161
112
232
192
45
28
319
212
158
34
80
21
220
143
209
173
215
140
s
2 5k
S g 3
1461.81
130.00
219.26
17.40
351.21
279.42
131.94
347.33
48.51
141.65
95.08
318.22
308.52
275.54
145.53
50.45
116.42
102.84
135.83
114.48
182.40
62.09
438.53
1,100.70
256.14
""32.98'
430.77
467.64
225.58
500.62
"211.50
155.23
350.91
211.50
318.22
727.75
225.58
97.02
85.38
27.17
176.58
310.46
310.46
75.67
190.18
38.81
118.36
168.81
291.56
58.21
93.14
120.30
147.47
213.44
149.41
273.60
302.70
118.36
236.73
97.02
168.81
260.51
176.58
238.67
168.81
131.94
102.84
166.87
195.98
217.32
364.79
54.32
411.36
65.97
40.75
277.48
335.69
271.66
Total Values.
K
c
II
$3,600
4,000
3.700
15,000
1,250
13,000
7.500
15,000
5,055
3,000
11,500
3,750
6,200
14,000
5,500
5.465
6,000
4,350
2,200
17,000
21.500
7,900
20,000
117.324
19,000
2.400
3.000
8,400
2,900
11,000
26,000
12,700
20,000
11,000
15,500
5,000
9,350
121,765
12,000
17.000
16.750
4,528
5,200
10.200
5,500
5,400
15,963
2,900
9,028
6.420
9.650
2,610
3,200
6,000
7,850
10.500
4,100
5.963
27,500
2,400
10,000
5,000
2,500
41.000
4.000
2.850
3,000
3,300
2,750
3,500
10,000
10,350
37,000
7,575
12,100
4.300
3.550
15,400
10,500
4,581
S
^
$227
600
417
567
185
259
860
745
207
410
248
194
350
630
930
158
200
251
362
222
1,467
869
486
350
9,296
228
40
536
400
174
501
2,327
516
931
2.500
350
601
953
1,338
674
645
567
207
315
471
229
351
578
312
301
388
175
203
172
186
160
420
647
283
2,314
210
784
152
192
4.000
351
211
496
184
192
200
262
853
158
240
1,374
163
256
634
731
305
I
$200
524
555
400
164
500
627
403
736
200
592
205
235
826
499
150
300
170
361
193
300
719
553
250
8,988
375
137
250
899
184
579
2,694
306
924
500
600
180
790
1,595
250
446
210
174
201
212
474
150
760
325
175
278
175
155
185
170
174
350
237
837
3,138
187
493
185
186
200
161
4(10
600
283
210
410
150
558
457
275
903
150
151
369
481
187
$2,328
1,294
570
3,176
701
4.459
2,170
1,757
2,482
978
1,546
889
1,839
2.001
2,015
1,369
811
2.359
830
710
7,033
1,639
981
19,939
59,783
13,372
110
487
2,123
1.902
4.686
4.321
4,855
3,784
2,373
2,131
30,574
2,438
2,387
1,225
334
1,996
3,674
1,948
502
4.497
294
2.557
1,263
1.560
375
927
2.224
939
2,060
1.081
1,531
10.397
1,546
2.484
1,117
712
19.278
1,305
1.073
1.879
919
993
1,002
4.045
1.220
2.376
2,486
8.743
756
630
3.686
2,778
1,938
$2,328
1,294
567
3,058
683
4,522
2,046
1,807
2,471
812
2,50.3
910
1,967
2,083
1.976
1,368
806
2.443
830
710
6,650
1.256
'980
20,473
50,671
10.034
110
440
2,114
1.703
4,449
4,502
4,854
3,625
2,344
2,149
24,47-;
2,385
2.185
1,735
319
2.053
3,673
1,948
513
4,597
317
2,514
1,263
1,559
435
855
2.224
939
2,131
1,081
1,531
12.272
1.521
1,925
1,347
743
19.532
1,337
1,094
1,863
1.106
971
951
2.108
1.483
2.479
2.409
8.270
1,051
629
3,532
2,414
1,941
»3
<i
231
580
285
520
189
144
1,119
986
177
417
196
186
349
527
852
141
480
216
366
315
1.376
722
447
350
6,528
358
112
262
500
171
1.248
1,946
635
895
470
402
1,285
1,128
1.094
609
347
184
504
405
146
366
634
376
293
320
200
223
132
171
120
506
678
162
3,032
206
936
180
92
2,904
331
215
293
133
240
160
129
1.268
138
244
1,065
200
266
667
604
373
130
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Sfafistk-s of Academies from the Regents' Report of 1859, continued.
Nastes.
TTtica Academy
Utica Female Academy
Vernon Academy
Wallkill Academy
"Walton Academy
Walworth Academy
Warsaw Union School
Warwick Institute
Washington Academy
Washington Co. Seminary & C. I...
Waterloo Union School
Waverly Institute
'•■ • r academy
Weetfield Academy
West Winficld Academy
Whitehall Academy
Whitestown Seminary
Wilson Collegiate Institute
Windsor Academy
Yates Academy
Yates Polytechnic Institute
Total
s *•
"a
£ so
"2
1 50
1 .
OS
'§•§
3 fj
fe
, k.
svS
•<
u
fe*
«T9
o 5
1
-c: "i
fc
a -3
fe;-H
A
11
S-l
7
188
159
11
179
69
5
162
96
3
198
110
6
131
73
3
84
•35
3
150
137
3
112
62
4
124
63
16
777
512
9
608
27
5
176
43
3
92
47
3
250
113
9
357
165
3
387
77
9
400
286
4
232
138
2
59
36
2
157
43
/
251
109
949
35.009
20j812
r
$308.52
133.89
180.28
213.44
141.05
67.91
265.83
91.20
122.24
993.98
52.39
83.44
91.20
219.26
293.50
149.31
554.95
267.77
69.85
83.44
211.50
Total Values.
vf
§1
$7,000
23.000
4.000
6.510
3.429
8.440
4.800
5.300
5.000
14.100
6.500
7,354
4.300
4,300
10.000
3,5G0
12.500
2.685
3.780
2.750
10,000
$2,009 076
So
e
h
"feo
$313
1S9
464
340
409
200
279
150
271
646
435
165
166
540
778
260
1,305
785
488
480
242
5 a
3 "-2
$760
257
583
190
473
789
461
150
700
947
475
178
168
300
925
503
1.236
546
190
519
358
$3,947
3.861
891
2,811
1.899'
998
1.396
1.382
1.109
9,192
3,090
1,391
743
1.216
3,142
1,058
3,635
1,210
506
795
3.182
$111,438 $101,693 $595,125 $582,135 93,959
-«
c
•3
$3,944
3,728
S90
2,811
1,685
855
1,396
1,320
1,103
9,191
3.372
1,580
738
1.161
3^42
1.040
3,612
1,209
578
840
3,182
8
IS
169
127
530
423
222
130
231
104
366
549
789
166
112
510
600
220
1,193
790
589
332
296
Academies incorporated since the organization of a State Government in 1777.
Name.
Location.
Jncorp. by
Legislature.
Incorp. by
Regents.
Remarks.
Academy of the Sacred Heart-
Academic Department of Union
School
April 11, 1849
Jan. 11, 1855
April 22, 1855
Feb. 8, 1849
Mar. 4, 1813
Jan. 29, 1828
April 16, 1828
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Sold, fall of 1858.
Not organized.
Extinct.
Extinct.
F.xtinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Packur Inst.
Not organized.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Diss, by act Apr. 21, 1846.
Albany Pearl Street Academy.
Feb. 16,1821
April 9. 1828
April 23, 1836
May 1, 1837
May 6, 1834
Feb. 27, 1841
Feb. 5, 1839
Jan. 31, 1843
Mar. 29. 1836
Feb. 5, 18.39
Feb. 16, 1S41
Feb. 1, 1S56
May 4. 1841
Feb. 13. 1844
Feb. 14. lsift
Feb. 11, 1M0
Feb. 28, 1842
Jan. 29, 1839
Feb. 27, 1841
April 11. 1843
Mar. 21. lso8
Feb. 5, 1839
Alexander Classical School.-...
Amsterdam K'-male Seminary..
April 22. 1837
Mar. 29,1839'
May 12,1836
Auburn Female Seminar;."
April 18, 1838
April 80, 1S33
April 30, 1836
lull ftemraarr*
Batavia, Onesee co
Mar. 5. 1838
April 8, 1S26
Mar. 8,1838
Mar. 29, 1841
Bennrllle Acad, i Fcm. Sem...
Feb. 28,1842
AuK. 23. 1S42
April 1, 1811
April 16, 1828
Feb. 16, 1842
April 17, 1847
April 7, 1854
Jan. 14,1847
Jan. 10, 1850
Oct. 14,1851
April 8,182
Brock purl Collegiate institute.
1 ivn OoU. k Polytoch. Ins.
B ■ I. Inst tor 1 rang
klyn Pen 1 my
April 23, 1829
May 8,1846
April 30, 1839
Bruwufille F--m.il" Batnlnary...
Bnflalo Ft male B< miliary
Buffalo Literary A Sci. Acad'..
April 23, 1831
April 17, 1.S27
The. Institution hnd be-
« Jan. 20, 1863 and July 'Jl. li
come extinct under Its first rhart-r.
» Incorp. as the " Aurora Manual Labor Seminary.'
changed April 16, 1833.
Name
• Named from L. Chandler Ball, principal founder of tho In-
stitution.
d Incorp. as the " Buffalo High School Association." Nanie
changed.
COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.
131
Academics incorporated since 1777, continued.
Name.
Location.
Incorp. by
Legislature.
Incorp. by
Regents.
Hi marks.
Cambridge Washington Acad...
Mar. 30. 1815
Feb. 26, 1828
Mar. 4. 1795
Jan. 23, 1840
Oct. 'Jo. is;,:;
May 16. 1846
Ma'r. 12, 1804
Mar. 23, 1801
Aug. 23, 1842
Jan. 15, 1857
July 9, 1857
Feb. 8, 1796
Feb. 27, 1844
April 21. 1857
Oct. 12. 18fi4
Mar. 17, 1835
Feb. 5, 1839
June 14, 1854
Feb. 26, 1839
Nov. 17, 1787
Feb. 27, 1S26
Mar. 29, 1836
Feb. 15. 1842
Feb. 23, 1849
Extinct.
Not organized.
Provisional charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Not organized.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional Charter.
Provisional Charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional Charter.
Merged in Genesee Coll.
Merged in Geneva Coll.
Canajoharie, Montgomery co
April 13, 1S26
April 24, 1837
Catskill, Greene co
Mar. 24, 1S20
April 25, 1831
Claverack Acad. & Hud. R. Ins.
April 26, 1834
Collegiate Inst. City of N. Y...
Mar. 28, 1S17
April 29, 1834
Apiii' 7, 1S48
July 10, 1851
May 2, 1837
Mar. 13, 1797
June 14, 1854
Feb. 2, 1819
Cooperstown Female Academy
Cooperstowu Seminary and Fe-
April 15, 1822
April 18, 182S
Jan. 31, 1S43
Feb. 5, 1839
Jan. 14, 1858
April 13. 1842
Feb. 2, 1820
Jan. 29, 1839
Jan. 30, 1838
Dec. 3, 1847
Mar. 22, 1855
Feb. 1, 1792
Jan. 23, 1840
May 5, 1837
Delaware Literary Institute
April 23, 1835
Mar. 30, 1836
Eastern Coll. Inst. City of N.Y.
Elmira Collegiate Seminary....
Erasmus Hail
May 9, 1835
May 1, 1837
April 9, 1S38
May 7, 1844
Feb. 11. 1S53
Mar. 31.1840
Oct. 20, 1S53
Nov. 17. 1787
Mar. 6. 1S38
Mar. 15, 1S03
Feb. 5, 1S39
Jan. 21, 1791
Feb. 5, 1839
April 21, 1857
Oct. 11, 1S45
Oct. 20. 1853
April 28, 1831
Feb. 23. 1824
Feb. 23, 1830
Feb. 8, 1849
Jan. 26, 1830
Jan. 29, 1S39
Oct. 11, 1845
Feb. 1, 1856
Jan. 8, 1857
Mar. 9, 1836
Mar. 27,1845
Feb. 7, 1829
Mar. 29, 1S13
Feb. 4, 1847
May 4. 1S41
Jan. 12, 1S42
Jan. 11, 1855
Feb. 19,1829
Fairfield, Herkimer co
May 1, 1S34
May 24,1836
May 4, 1S37
July 9, 1S51
Mav 11. 1S35
April 16, 1827
May 13. 1845
April 21, 1831
Fern. Acad, of the Sacred Heart
Flushing Institute
Fort Phun Seminary and Fe-
Nov. 25,1824
April 14, 1827
May 26, 1S36
Genesee Conference Seminary...
Genesee Manual Labor Sem"...
April 13, 1832
May 11, 1S35
Genesee Wesleyan Seminary*...
Genesee & Wyoming Seminary
April 30, 1S33
Mar. 10, 1827
Gilbertsville Acad. & Coll. Inst.
Gloversville Union Seminary...
Gouverneur Wesleyan Sem/....
Geneva, Ontario co
April 15, 1853
Gouverneur, St. Lawrence co
April 5,1828
"Incorp. as "Fulton Female Seminarv ;" name changed to
"Fulton Academy," April 11.1842; to the " Falley Seminary
of the Black River Conference," April 11, 1849 ; and to the name
given above, March 5, 1857.
1 Charter made perpetual June 23. 1S51.
' See act of March 27, 1834. d See act of March. 1836.
« Incorp. as the " Livingston County High School." Name
changed May 13, 1846.
/Incorp. as the " Gouverneur High School." Name changed
April 24, 1840.
132
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Academies incorporated since 1777, continued.
Name.
Location.
Incorp. by
Legislature.
Incorp. by
Regents.
Remarks.
Grammar School Coluni. Coll."
Grammar School Madison Uni.
Grammar School University
of Citv of New York"
April 17, 1838
June 17, 1853
April 17, 1838
A prill 6, 1830
Feb. 27.1841
Feb. 27,1816
Jan. 29.1839
Feb. 14, 1S51
Feb. 23,1824
Jan. 17,1856
Jan. 29, 1793
Extinct.
Sold in 1S59.
Merg. in Ham. Coll., 1812.
Extinct.
Now a private institution.
Provisional charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Ingham Univ.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Public Schools.
Now a private institution.
Merged in Ing. Coll. Inst.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Private School.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Changed to Munro Coll.
Inst.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Kxtinct.
Extinct.
Gram. School of N. Y. Ceu. Coll.
Gn?enbush & Schodack Acad...
Hamilton Female Seminary....
Hamilton Oneida Academy ,,
Harlem Lit. & Sci. Academy...
Hartwick Seminary
McGrawville, Cortland co.
Mar. 31, 1828
April 25, 1S31
East Greenbush, Rensselaer co...
May 6, 1S37
Jan. 24, 1S29
Aug.
Oct.
Jan.
Jan.
Feb.
Jan.
Mar.
Feb.
Mar.
13, 1816
12, 1854
14, 1858
29. 1839
11. 1840
23, 1840
28, 1850
14, 1850
3, 1807
Hedding Literarv Institute
Herkimer County Academy
Highland Grove Gymnasium...
Unhurt Hall Institute
May 2, 1S36
Fishkill. Dutchess co
April 11, 1831
Mar. 16, 1839
April 24, 1834
Hudson River Agricult. Som...
Ingham Collegiate Institute*-.
Hubbards Corners. Madison co...
May 6, 1837
April 6, 1S52
Mar. 24, 1S23
April 16, 1836
Nov. 27,1824
May 25, 1S36
Jan. 28, 1853
Feb. 5, 1S.39
Jan. 22,1833
Jan. 30, 1S38
Jan. 27,1794
Oct. 26, 1850
Jan. 12. 1842
Feb. 5, 1839
Feb. 19. 1828
Feb. 5, 1839
Feb. 3, 1795
Feb. 15, 1S42
Jan. 22, 1S46
Feb. 8, 1796
Mar. 17, 1854
Feb. 16. 1S41
April 16, 1S28
Sept. 20, 1849
Jefferson County Institute*
Jamestown, Chautauqua co _.
April 1,1850
May 4, 1«35
April 3,1824
Kingshorough Academy
Knoxville Academy
La Fayette High School
May 9. 1837
April 23, 1S36
Lewiston High School Acad....
Literary <fc Sci. Inst, of York...
Little Falls, The Academy at...
I/>ckport Academy
•
April 10, 1849
Mar. 27, 1839
Oct.
Oct.
Mar.
Jan.
Jan.
17, 1844
26. 1850
21, 1808
.30. 1845
21.'. Too
Lockport, Niagara co
May 26,1841
Ma'r. 18, 1S50
Lockport Union School
Mar. 29, 1837
April 11, 1842
April 13, 1835
Mar. 15, 1849
Mar. 27, 1839
April 24, 1834
AprillO, 1850
April 'jo. 1836
April 13, 1826
Mansion Square Female Sem...
M i-' D Oollegi lie ln-titntc
1 Die Academy
Feb. 6, is.39
April IV 1861
Feb. 5, 18.39
Feb. 26, 1828
Jan. 26, 1819
Feb. 16, 1841
Jan. 21, 1791
April 1,1862
Jan. 23. 1S40
Feb. 16,1841
Marion, YTayne co.
my/.
April 25. 1- In
ih Academy
M. nnt Pl"*mnt Academy
^1 unt Pleawint Female Pern...
M "imt Pleasant, Westchester co..
Mount Pleasant, Westchester ca.
Mar. 24, 1
April 3. 1S27
May 10.18.36
July 2,1827
Feb. 7,1848
April 23, 18.39
Feb. 13,1844
Mar. .3, 1806
April 29, 1836.
Oct. 11, 1845.
Najeau Academy
New Berlin Ai-ademy
New Palti Academy
May n.1835
April 12, 1833.
April 13,1828
Mar. 15. 1*22
May 2, 1834
(ferwtown Female Academy
v. w York Conference Ban
N'.w York Fr<y Academy
Oct.
Oct.
26, 1850
31,1849
May 7, 1847
• See act of above date.
» Changed to the Ingham Tniversity. April 3, 1"<57.
• Kntitled to share In Literature Fund, by act of April 17
1828.
* Incorporated as the " Rlack River Literary and Theological
Institute." Name changed May 12. 1840.
• Again incorp. by statute May 7, 1840.
/Incorp. as the "Rensselaer Oswego Academy." Name
changed May 14, 1845.
COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES.
133
Academies incorporated since 1777, continued.
Name.
Xrtv York Inst. Deaf & Dumb*
Ninth Granville Female Seiu...
Ninth Hebron Institute
North Salem Academy
Norwich Academy
Norwich Union Seminary
Nunda Literary Institute
< tgdensburgh Academy'
Olean Academy
Oneida Conference Seminary0..
Oneida Inst, of Sci. & Industry
Oneida Seminary
Onondaga Academy
Ontario Female Seminary
Ontario High School
Orleans Academy
Oswegatchie Academy
Oswego Academy
Otsego Academy
Ovid Academy
Owego Academy
Oxford Academy
Oyster Bay Academy
Packer Collegiate Institute
Palmyra Academy
Palmyra High School
Palmyra Classical Union School
Peekskill Academy
Pembroke & Darien Class. Sch.
Penfield Seminary
Perry Academy
Perry Center Institute
Peterboro Academy
Phipps Union Seminary
Piermont Academy
Plattsburgh Academy
Pompey Academy
Poughkeepsie Collegiate School
Poughkeepsie Female Academy
Poughkeepsie Female Seminary
Prattsville Academy
Preble High School
Princetown Academy
Prospect Academy
Pulaski Academy
Randolph Acad. Association
Red Creek Academy
Redhook Academy
Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst....
Rensselaerville Academy
Rhinebeck Academy
Richburgh Academy
Richmondville Union Seminary
& Female Collegiate Inst
Ridgebury Academy
Riga Academy
Rochester Collegiate Institute..
Rochester Female Academy
Rochester High School
Rochester Inst. General Educ
Rochester iDst. Practical Educ.
Rockland County Female Inst.
Rogersville Union Seminary....
Rome Academy
Rome Academy
Royalton Center Academy
Rural Academy
Rushford Academy
Rutger's Female Institute^
Rye Academy
Sag Harbor institute
St. Lawrence Academy
St. Paul's College, The Propri-
etors of.
Sand Lake Academy
Saratoga Acad. & Sci. Inst
Saugerties Academy
Sauquoit Academy
Schaghticoke Seminary
Schenectady Academy
Schenectady Lyceum & Acad/..
Schenectady Young Ladies' Sem
Schoharie Academy
Location.
New York City
Granville, Washington co
I Id in in. Washington co
North Salem, Westchester CO....
Norwich, Chenango co,
Norwich, Chenango co
Nunda, Livingston co
Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence co...
Olean, Cattaraugus co
Cazenovia, Madison co ,
Whitesboro', Oneida co
Oneida, Madison co
Onondaga, Onondaga co".
Canandaigua, Ontario co
Victor, Ontario co
Orleans, Jefferson co
Ogdensburgh, St. Lawrence co
West Oswego, Oswego co
Cherry Valley, Otsego co
Ovid, Seneca co
Owego, Tioga co
Oxford, Chenango co
Oyster Bay. QueenB co
Brooklyn, Kings co
Palmyra, Wayne co ,
Palmyra, Wayne co
Palmyra, Wayne co
Peekskill, Westchester co
Pembroke, Darien, Genesee co..
Penfield, Monroe co
Perry, Wyoming co
Perry Center, Wyoming co
Peterboro, Madison co
Albion, Orleans co
Piermont, Rockland co
Plattsburgh, Clinton co
Pompey, Onondaga co
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess co ,
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess co
Poughkeepsie, Dutchess co
Prattsville, Greene co
Preble, Cortland co
Princetown, Schenectady co....
Prospect, Oneida co
Pulaski, Oswego co
Randolph, Cattaraugus co ,
Red Creek, Wayne co
Redhook, Dutchess co
Troy, Rensselaer co
Rensselaerville. Albany co
Rhinebeck, Dutchess co
Richburgh, Allegany co
Richmondville, Schoharie co...
Minisink, Orange co
Riga, Monroe co
Rochester, Monroe co
Rochester, Monroe co ,
Rochester, Monroe co
Rochester, Monroe co
Rochester, Monroe co
Orangetown, Rockland co
Rogersville, Steuben co
Rome, Oneida co
Rome. Oneida co
Royalton, Niagara co
Montgomery, Orange co
Rushford, Allegany co
New York City
Rye, Westchester co
Sag Harbor, Suffolk co
Potsdam, St. Lawrence co
Flushing. Queens co
Sand Lake, Rensselaer co
Saratoga Springs
Saugerties, Ulster co
Sauquoit, Oneida co
Schaghticoke, Rensselaer co.
Schenectady, Schenectady co....
Schenectady, Schenectady co....
Schenectady. Schenectady co....
Schoharie, Schoharie co
hicorp. by
LiyisUUure.
April 15, 1817
Mar. 16, l'837
Aprii 20, 1835
April 6, is25
April U. 1825
April 6, 1830
April 26,1833
April 25, 1833
Apriil3,lS26
Mar. 19, 1853
April U. 18-12
Mar. 28, 1829
April 7, 1S57
April 16, 1838
April 6, 1838
April 21, 1828
May" 28,' 1836
May 10, 1836
Mar. 19,1834
Aiiril 24J 1834
June 4, 1853
Mar. 27, 1839
April 23, 1823
May 8, 1837
April 30, 1S39
April 21, 1837
Mar. 15, 1827
April 19, 1828
April 14, 1832
April 28, 1835
Jan. 28, 1848
April 9,1839
April 10, 1S38
April 13, 1826
May 9, 1840
April 28,' 1835
May '4,1S36
Mar. 21, 1837
Mar. 22, 1837
April 28, 1837
Incorp. by
Jiegenlt.
Feb.
10,
1854
Mar.
17,
w,i
Feb.
19,
1790
Feb.
14,
1843
Jan. 30, 1845
Feb. 5, 1839
April 11, 1853
Jan. 29, 1828
Mar. 24, 1829
July 9, 1857
April 10, 1813
Jan. 29, 1828
Feb. 5, 1851
Feb. 8, 1796
Jan. 26, 1830
April 16, 1828
Jan. 27, 1794
Mar. 15, 1803
Jan. 11, 1855
July 2, 1833
Feb. 5, 1839
Oct.
April
Jan.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Feb.
Feb.
8, 1S57
7, 1854
31, 1843
23, 1853
11, 1840
15, 1842
4, 1829
11, 1S11
9, 1839
28, 1837
Jan. 31,1850
Oct. 20, 1853
Jan. 24, 1851
Jan.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Jan.
Feb.
24, 1851
5, 1846
23, 1S29
5, 1846
30, 1845
23, 1841
April 12, 1850
Feb. 10, 1854
Feb. 11, 1840
May 11,1846
Feb. 26,1839
Feb. 5, 1839
April 19, 1831
Oct. 12, 1855
Jan. 28, 1S53
Mar. 15,1849
April' 1,' 1852
Mar. 4, 1852
Jan. 23, 1S40
Jan. 20,1848
Mar. 25, 1816
Feb. 19, 1S46
April
April
7, 1854
6, 1849
Jan. 29, 1793
Feb. 5, 1839
Feb. 5, 1839
Feb. 5, 1839
Remarks.
Extinct.
Merged in Public Schools.
Extinct.
Provisional Charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional Charter.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Not organized.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Became private inst. 1S55.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Rochester Col-
legiate Institute.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional charter.
Extinct.
Not organized.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Union Coll. 1795
Extinct.
« Entitled to a share of the Literature Fund by act of April
15, 1830.
* Merged in the Public School System of Ogdensburgh by
act of April 13, 1857.
' Incorp. as the " Seminary of the Genesee Conference ;" name
changed to " Seminary of Genesee and Oneida Conference"
March 24, 1829, and to the present name May 8, 1S35.
d Charter amended March 16. 1S58.
« Revived by act of April 17. 1818. See also act of April 25, 1831.
/Allowed to educate females by act of March 28, 1839.
134
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Acade?nies incorporated since 1777, continued.
Name.
Location.
Incorp. by
Legislature.
Incorp. by
Regents.
Remarks.
tilic & Military Academy
Jan. 23,1840
Jan. 9, 1829
Feb. 5, 1S39
Feb. 11,1840
Jan. 23, 1840
Jan. 11, 1S55
Dec. 3, 1S47
Jan. 26,1830
Feb. 4, 1848
Feb. 25,1848
Jan. 29, 1S28
Jan. 29,1839
Feb. 25, 1848
Mar. 31,1831
April 7, 1S54
Feb. 5, 1S39
April 8, 1858
Feb. 5, 1S39
Jan. 30,1838
July 6, 1S54
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Public Schools.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Provisional charter.
Merged in Public Schools.
Extinct.
Not organized.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Merged in Union School.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
Extinct.
April 17, 1826
April 27, 1837
April 5,1839
Seward Female Seminary of
April 14, 1S29
Southold, Suffolk co
April 21, 1S37
May 13. 1845
Mar. 19, 1827
May 7, 1847
S. S. Seward Institute
Spencertown, Columbia co
April 17, 1826
Troy Episcopal Institute
April 5, 1828
April 28, 1835
May 5, 1834
April 13, 1839
May 6, 1837
Stone Arabia. Montgomery co
April 30, 1839
April 1, 1S52
•Mar. 31. 1795
Jan. 11, 1S55
Feb. 29,1792
Jan. 5, 1830
Jan. 23, 1S40
Mar. 14, 1814
Feb. 5, 1839
Feb. 5, 1839
Union Village, Washington co
April 13, 1826
May 26, 1853
April 28, 1837
April 18, 1838
May 21, 1S36
May 4, 1839
May 26, 1841
Wallabont Select Gram. School
of the 7;b Ward in the City
Feb. 13, 1S42
Feb. 10,1854
April 19, 1843
Jan. 27,1854
Jan. 11, 1S55
Mar. 17, 1854
Feb. 15, 1791
Mar. 25, 1811
July 6, 1854
Feb. 6, 1839
Mar. 19, 1819
Aug. 23, 1842
Oct. 11, 1855
Jan. 21,1858
Fob. 6, 1839
Mar. 22, 1855
Jan. 30, 1840
Feb. 14,1851
Warn' rville Union Seminary
Washington County Seminary
A Collegiate Institute
May 12,1841
April 28, 1834
Waterfbrd Female Academy....
April 11, 1842
Wnvirlv, Tioga co
May 2, 1835
\\ . itfleld Academy
April 18, 1838
May 5, 1837
■ a] School..
April 18, 1839
April 20, 1839
. Ill v
Oct. 27,1848
Jan. 26, 1830
Mar. 23. 1S13
Mar. 27, 1845
Feb. 19, 1846
White I'l iiriB Academy
White Plains, Westchester co
April 19, 1828
May 10,1837
Bty Academy A Fe-
Mar. 15, 1849
Aug. 23, 1842
Jan. 25, 1830
Aprilll, 1853
April 17, 1828
Yates Polyto hnic Tn«tttnt^
Cbitfc o ing ■. Uadison on
• Cha- I Feb. 19,1841. Merged in Block River Literary and Religious Institute.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Ample provisions have been made by the State for the establish-
ment and support of public schools throughout its borders. To
this end the whole inhabited portions of the State have been divided
into convenient districts, in each of which a school is taught some
portion of the year and is open to all and within the reach of all.
These schools are supported in part by money derived from the
State, in part by a rate bill collected from parents of children
attending school, and in part by a tax upon the property of the
district.1
School Districts are formed and altered by school com-
missioners. These districts are so formed as to best accommodate
all the inhabitants of the various localities and at the same time
secure efficiency in school organizations. Each district has a schoolhouse and a library. Its
monetary affairs are arranged, and its officers elected, at annual meetings of all the taxable in-
habitants. Its officers are trustees, a clerk, a collector, and a librarian.2
School Commissioners are elected in each of the Assembly districts of the State outside
of the cities, and have the general supervision of schools. They examine and license teachers,
visit the schools, and in every possible way endeavor to advance the general interests of education.
They report annually to the State department of education.
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is the administrative officer
of the school department. He has an office in the State Hall at Albany, and has a deputy and
the necessary number of clerks. He hears and decides appeals from the school officers and Com-
missioners, and has the general supervision of the common schools, Indian schools, the Institution
for the Deaf and Dumb, and all similar institutions in the State. He is ex officio a member of the
Board of Regents of the University, is chairman of the Executive Committee of the Normal
School, and a trustee of' the State Asylum for Idiots. He also apportions the school fund among
the several counties and districts as the law directs.
The school fund of the State, derived from a variety of sources, in 1859 yielded a revenue of
$264,500.3 This sum, and the amount derived from the f mill tax, is divided among the schools
as follows : — One-third is divided among the districts in proportion to the number of teachers
employed, and the remaining two-thirds are distributed to the several counties in proportion to
their population, and thence distributed to the districts in proportion to the number of children
between the ages of 4 and 21.
District libraries were established in 1838 ; and from that period to 1851, with few inter-
missions, the sum of $55,000 was annually appropriated for the purchase of books.4 These
1 In 1859 the amount divided by the State among the several
districts was $1,316,607.18. Of this sum $1,052,107.18 was de-
rived from the i mill State tax, and $264,500 from the interest of
the common school fund.
A record is kept of the attendance of each pupil, and the
amount due for teachers' wages above that received from the
State is assessed in proportion to this attendance. Cost of
fuel, repairs, and the amount of rate bills abated to indigent
parents are met by a tax upon the property of the district.
2 District Meetings decide upon questions of building and re-
pairing schoolhouses, furnishing them, providing fuel and facili-
ties for teaching, within the limits of the law. The annual
meetings for the election of officers are held on the second Tuesday
of Oct. throughout the State. The Board of Trustees, consisting
of 1 or 3 at the option of the district, constitute the executive
officers of the district. The Trustees engage teachers, properly
furnish the schoolhouse, provide fuel, and execute the wishes of
the district as expressed in the district meetings. They have
also the care of the district library. The Clerk preserves the
records of the district and calls district meetings.
3 The school fund was chiefly derived from the following
sources : —
1799, Seven-eighths of four lotteries of $100,000, aggre-
gate $ 87.500
1801, One-half of lotteries of $100,000, aggregate 50.000
1805, Proceeds of 500,000 acres of land sold.
" Stock subscribed in Merchants' Lank, and in-
creased in 1807 and '08.
1816, One-half of the proceeds of the Crumhorn Moun-
tain Tract of 6,944£ acres, amounting to 5,208
1819, One-half of the arrears of quitrents $26,690
" An exchange of securities between general and
common school fund, by which the school fund
sained 161,641
" Proceeds of escheated lands in M ilitary Tract given.
1822, By the Constitution, all public lands, amounting to
991,659 acres, were given to the school fund.
1S27, Dalance of loan of 1786, amounting to 33.610
" Bank stock owned by the State 100.000
" Canal « " " " 150,000
1S38, From the revenue of the United States deposit
fund, annually 110.000
An additional sum from the same fund for libraries 55,000
The sum of $25,000 from the revenue of the United States
deposit fund is annually added to the capital of the common
school fund; and the capital of this fund is declared by theCou-
stitution to be inviolate.
In directing the sale of the public lands, the State reserved
certain lots in the 10 Towns of St. Lawrence co. and in the Che-
nango 20 Townships, for gospel and school purposes. The pro-
ceeds from the sales of these lands have formed a local fund for
the benefit of the towns in which they lie. Many other towns
have small funds, derived from fines and penalties, applicable to
schqols. See p. 47.
4 The following directions are given in the selection of books : —
•• 1. No works written professedly to uphold or attack any
sect or creed in our country claiming to be a religious one shall
be tolerated in the school librailes.
"2. Standard works on other topics shall not be excluded
135
136
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
libraries, free to every person in the district, generally comprise books on scientific and literary
subjects and affording means of information which would otherwise be unattainable.
The State Normal School was established in 1844, for the instruction and practice of
■ teachers of common schools in the science of education and the art of teaching. It is supported
by an annual appropriation from the literature fund, and is under the immediate charge of an
executive committee appointed by the Regents of the University. Each county in the State is
entitled to send twice as many pupils to the school as it sends members to the Assembly. The
pupils receive tuition and the use of textbooks free, and also receive a small amount of mileage.
The school is located at the corner of Howard and Lodge Streets, Albany.1
The law makes provision for the establishment of Union Free Schools wherever the
inhabitants may desire it, and for the formation of Colored Schools in districts where the
presence of colored children is offensive to a majority of the people of the district.2
Previous to the Revolution no general system of education was established. All the schools '
that had been founded were of a private character or the result of special legislation. The
necessity and importance of common schools had not been recognized, and education was princi-
pally confined to the wealthier classes. At the first meeting of the State Legislature, in 1787,
Gov. Clinton called the attention of that body to the subject of education, and a law was passed
providing for the appointment of the Regents of the University. In 1789 an act was passed appro-
priating certain portions of the public lands for gospel and school purposes. In 1793 the Regents
in their report recommended the establishment of a general system of common schools ; and in
1795 Gov. Clinton in his message to the Legislature strongly urged the same.3 On the 9th of
April of that year a law was passed "for the purpose of encouraging and maintaining schools in
the several cities and towns in this State, in which the children of the inhabitants of the State
shall be instructed in the English language, or be taught English grammar, arithmetic, mathe-
matics, and such other branches of knowledge as are most useful and necessary to complete a good
English Mucation." By this act the sum of £20,000, or S50,000, was annually appropriated for
5 years for the support of these schools.*
The beneficial result of this system, imperfect as it was, became at once apparent; and from time
to time measures were taken to increase the funds and to improve the system.5 The successive
Governors nearly all strongly recommended the passage of new laws for the encouragement and
support of schools ;6 but nothing definite was accomplished until 1811, when 5 commissioners were
because they incidentally and indirectly betray the religious
opinions of their authors.
Works, avowedly on other topics, which abound in direct
and unreserved attacks on. or defense of. the character of any
- ct, or those which hold up any religious body tocon-
lecration by singling out or bringing together only
th- darker parts of it-* historj oi character, shall be excluded
from Libraries. In the selection of books for u dis-
trict library, information, and not mere amusement, is to be
>- the primary Suitable provision should,
rer. be made for the Intellectual wants of the young, by
furnishing them with books which, without being merely
Juvenile in t ).>ir character, may be level to their comprehension
and sufficiently entertaining to excite and gratify a taste for
r<-n'i! u which are not read." — Code
, <~ i- ie l>. ' . . -
i M tnd females at 16 years of age;
and ipired to sign a pledge that
ha intends to bi I The number of graduates up
to ti - the tbirt' ■ •. and tho
nnnib- r of pupils at that th Hie school lor several
year- r the head of State Street, now
k ■ ii n." in 1848 the present building
was ■ The ■ p rlmental school
.t by the grade mbers j mewhal over 100
s. Thev ] i "i appointed by the
Executive Oonun
. let the Dnl d I 1 law a largo numl>er of schools
■i established in different parti of the State. Tbesi
■ f the
district, and the rate bill system la dU irded.
lished In all tb I the larger ^ ill*
the State by >-i cases thi I
irtnc nt*. furnishing
Instruction from the primary to a full acadetn
entirely free and within the reai b of all, they aflbi
cbi'. i tunitj to
K thorough English • i mk among
the best public •■ fa I- In thi •■■■ thus far
i superior to those in whii h the rate i ill system is retained.
* I- his message Governor Clinton uses the following lan-
ruag>-. — "While It is evl ral establishment
and libera] endowment of academies are highly to be c nn-
mended and are attended with the most beneficial consequences,
yet it cannot be denied that they are principally confined to the
children of the opulent, and that a great portion of the commu-
nity is excluded from their immediate advantages. The esta-
blishment of common schools throughout tho State is happily
calculated to remedy this inconvenience, and will therefore en-
gage your early and decided consideration."
4 The principal features of the system inaugurated by this act
were as follows : —
1. The public money was to be appropriated to the several
counties in the proportion of their representation in the Legis-
lature, and to the towns in proportion to the number of taxable
inhabitants in each.
2. The Boards of Supervisors were required to raise by tax
one-half as much as they received from the State.
3. Each town was to elect not less than ,'i nor more than 7
commissioners, to take general charge of the school-, to examine
barbers, and to Ibr public moneys in the several dis-
t ri< t-.
4. The people in each district were authorized to elect 2 or
more trusto i, to employ teachers, and to attend to the special
Interests ol the school.
5. The public money was to be divided among the various
districts In proportion to the number of days' instruction given
in each.
6. Annual reports were to be made from the districts, towns,
and counties.
The returns of 1798 -bow a total of 1,352 schools organized
and 69,660 children taught.
& An acl b a pas* '1 En L799 authorizing the raising of $100,000
by 4 i ~ .:■< I of which was appropriated for the support
ils. In 1 sill $100,000 more was rai-i, I by lottery
for school purposes, of which sum J.'io.uoo was devoted to com-
mon schools. In 1800a bill appropriating $50,000 to the SUD-
niiion schools passed the Assembly, but was defeat) d
in the Senate.
• Gov. Jay, in ISOO, Gov. Geo. Clinton, In 1802, Gov. Lewis, in
L8M and "06, and Gov. Tompkins, in several successive years,
urged noon the Legislature the necessity of revising the school
laws and of making more liberal appropriations for the support
v.ois. Several bills wen- introduced into the Legislature;
but they were all defeated in either the Senate or assembly. In
the mean time the school moneys gradually Increased, and wero
funded by the Comptroller, laying the foundation of the preseut
large school fund.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
137
appointed to report a complete system for the organization and establishment of common schools.
The commissioners made a report, accompanied by a draft of a bill, Feb. 14, 1812. The report was
accepted by the Legislature, and the bill became a law.1 Under this act, Gideon Haw-ley was ap-
pointed Superintendent, and continued in office from 1813 to 1821. Tbe great success which this
system met with, and the firm hold which it speedily attained, is mainly due to the administrative
abilities and indefatigable exertions of Mr. Hawley. Several important changes were made in the
law daring his administration, all of which tended greatly to improve the schools. In 1821 tbe
office of State Superintendent was abolished, and the superintendence of schools was made an ap-
pendage to the department of Secretary of State. Every successive year the Governor and Secre-
tary of State urged upon the Legislature the necessity of systematizing the schools and of
correcting obvious defects in the existing laws.2 In 1835 a law was passed providing for the esta-
blishment of teachers' departments in 8 academies, 1 in each of the Senatorial Districts of the State.3
In 1838 the District Library system was established by law ;4 and in 1841 the office of Deputy Su-
perintendent was created.5 In 1843 the Board of Town Inspectors and School Commissioners was
abolished and the office of Town Superintendent was substituted. May 7, 1844, an act was passed
for the establishment of a State Normal School; and the school was opened at Albany on the 18th
of Dec. following.6
On the 13th of Nov. 1847, the Legislature abolished the office of County Superintendent, — al-
though the act was strongly resisted by many of the best friends of education in the State.' During
the same session Teachers' Institutes, which had existed for several years as voluntary associa-
tions, were legally established.8
On the 26th of March, 1849, an act was passed establishing free schools throughout the State.
By the conditions of this act the rate bill system was abolished, and the whole expense of the
schools beyond the State appropriation was made a tax upon the property of the district. This act
was submitted to a vote of the people and was sustained by a majority of 3 to 1. In consequence
of the inequality of the laws in regard to taxes, it was found that the Free School system did not
work well in practice. Remonstrances poured in upon the next Legislature from all parts of the
1 These commissioners, appointed by Gov. Tompkins, were i
Jedediah Peck, John Murray, jr., Samuel Kussel, .Roger Skin-
ner, aud Samuel Macomb. The principal features of this bill
were, —
1. $50,000 was annually to be divided among the counties of
the State.
2. The Boards of Supervisors were obliged to raise an equal
Bum, to be distributed among the towns and districts.
3. Three commissioners were to be appointed in each town to
superintend the schools and examine teachers.
4. Three trustees were to be elected in each district to engage
teachers and otherwise provide for the local necessities of the
school.
5. The whole system was to be placed under the charge of a
State Superintendent.
4 In 1S12 the office of School Commissioner was created, and
from 3 to 6 school inspectors were annually elected in each
town, with the same powers and duties as school commission-
ers. Bills were introduced from time to time to place the whole
system again under the charge of a distinctive officer, to pro-
vide for more efficient supervision of schools, to secure more
competent teachers, and to establish a seminary for the instruc-
tion of teachers ; but they all failed of receiving the necessary
support. In 1S2S the number of inspectors was reduced to 3.
The laws that were passed corrected the most obvious abuses ;
but no great step was taken in advance until 1838.
3 Erasmus Hall Academy in Kings co., Montgomery Aca-
demy, Orange co., Kinderhook, St. Lawrence, Fairfield, Oxford,
Canandaigua, and Middlebury Academies, were the institutions
in which this department was established.
i On the 13th of April of this year, the foundations of the
District School Library were laid by "an act authorizing the
taxable inhabitants of the several school districts to impose a
tax not exceeding $20 for the first year and $10 for each suc-
ceeding year, for the purchase of a district library, consisting
of sucli books as they shall in their district meeting direct."
This bill was ably advocated in the Senate by Col. Young, of Sa-
ratoga, and the Hon. Levi Beardsley, of Otsego; and its friends
were indebted for its success to the untiring exertions and ex-
tensive influence of .lames Wadsworth, of Geneseo. By act ot
July 9, 1S51, the law was modified, giving to supervisors of
towns a discretionary power of levying a tax for library pur-
poses.
In 1S38 an act was passed requiring $55,000 of the school
moneys to be distributed among the school districts and ex-
pended by the trustees in the purchase of suitable books for
district libraries, and the residue for the payment of the wages
of duly qualified teachers. An equal amount was also required
to be raised by taxation on the several counties and towns and
applied to the same purposes.
The first definite proposition to establish district libraries
was made by A. C. Flagg. in his report of 1*30.
6 In 1839, John C. Spencer, Superintendent of Schools, recom-
mended a plan of county supervision, which •• was urged upon
the department and the Legislature; and under the strong re$
commendation of the Superintendent, backed by the exertions
of several of the most eminent friends of popular education, —
among whom may be enumerated the Hon.JabezD. Hammond,
who as early as 1835 had given to the public the details of a
plan essentially similar; the Lev. Dr. Whitehouse, of Koch-
ester ; Francis Dwight, Esq., editor of the District School Jour-
nal, then of Geneva ; Professor Potter, of Union College; and
James Wadsworth, Esq., of Geneseo, — this project became, in
1841, by the nearly unanimous action of the Legislature, incor-
porated with our system of common schools." — Handall's Com-
■)iw7i School System, p. 44.
6 The establishment of a Normal School for the professional
education of teachers was strongly advocated by several super-
intendents, and had been a favorite measure of many distin-
guished friends of the cause for many years. The bill for the
establishment of the Normal School was introduced March 22,
1844, by Hon. Calvin T. Hurlburd, of St. Lawrence. The bill,
as passed, appropriated $9,000 for the first year, and $10,000 per
year for five years, for the support of the school, under the di-
rection of the State Superintendent and Regents of the Uni-
versity. The Superintendent of Schools, (Samuel Young,) Rev.
Alouzo Potter, Rev. W. H. Campbell, Hon. Gideon Hawley, and
Francis Dwight, Esq., were appointed an executive committee
to attend to the interests of the school. The committee pro-
ceeded to organize the school by the appointment of David P.
Page, Principal; Frederick I. llsley, Teacher of Music; and
J. R. Howard, Teacher of Drawing. Only 29 pupils were in at-
tendance the first day ; but the number speedily increased to
100, and since that time the school has been an uninterrupted
success.
1 This office had become very unpopular in some sections of
the State, in consequence of appointments having been fre-
quently made by the Board of Supervisors upon political con-
siderations merely, without the least regard to the qualifica-
tions of the appointees. Under the supervision of the County
Superintendents the schools had progressed more rapidly than
ever before, in the same period ; and after the abolishment of
that office they steadily retrograded for several years.
s The first Teachers' Institute in the State was held at Ithaca,
Tompkins co., April 4, 1843, under the direction of James S.
Deuman, County Superintendent. Immediately afterward, in-
stitutes were held in other counties ; aud in a few years they
became a fixed institution. In 1847 they were recognized by
the Legislature, and appropriations were made for their sup-
port.
138
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
State ; and in 1850 the law was again submitted to a vote of the people and again sustained, — though
by a decreased majority. In April, 1851, the Free School Act was repealed and the rate bill system
was reinstated.1
During the session of 1853 a law was passed allowing Union Free Schools to be established
under certain conditions.2 On the 30th of March, 1854, the office of Superintendent of Public In-
struction was created, — thus substantially restoring the original system of general supervision.3
On the 13th of April, 1855, a law was passed allowing the Regents of the University to designate
certain academies in the several counties in which a teachers' class might be taught free, the State
allowing $10 for each pupil so taught, to a number not exceeding 20 in each academy.
1 At the time of the repeal of the Free School act a provision
was made for raising $80 '.oOO annually by a St.it.' tax. which
in many of the rural districts practically made free Bchools.
Thi- t:ix was afterward made a } mill tax upon all the property
of the State, producing a Bum somewhat larger in the aggregate,
and one increasini: with the wealth and wants of the State.
* The law for the creation of Onion free Schools was a recog-
nition of the free Bchool principle and an important step iu the
progress of education.
3 AVhile the School Department was a subordinate branch of
the Department of State, it was impossible to give to it that
character and efficiency necessary to the best interests and wel-
fare of the schools. Since the change, every department of edu-
cation lias felt a new impulse and has been constantly improv-
ing. The administration of the schools has been much more
perfect, the reports have been more regular and reliable, and
the standard of teaching has materially advanced.
School Statistics from the Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for 1859.°
Albany
Allegru
Broome
Cattaraugus....
oqua...
Chemung.-
Chenango
Clint-n
Columbia..
Cortland...
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Franklin
Fulton
Greene
Hamilton
Herkimer
JefTerson
I
1 -t-n
D
mery ..
Haw York.
i
On> i'li
Onondaga.
Oswego..
Putnam
-
-
Richn.
Rockland
-■ i
-
Bchohai
Schuyi-
St. ill- n
Suffolk
n
Tompkins.
•i
Washington...
Wayne
iiig
Y.it' -i
T • d.
"5
■b
>•*
{■1 '
170
169
243
252
259
262
211
214
221
253
255
255
248
247
278
307
318
114
116
127
274
277
286
182
182
189
187
188
199
1-2
1*2
183
332
337
337
213
217
247
326
327
497
1- i
187
1-2
156
157
156
110
111
113
146
151
151
163
164
172
28
33
29
103
199
203
373
375
398
47
47
355
176
178
179
193
196
207
238
239
254
244
244
336
120
126
129
95
95
1,1 so
171
168
197
"
' ■
458
- -
.
3i9
2 14
224
l-l
IT 1
201
134
1 2
143
208
297
344
320
80
•
«H
1
78
111
210
273
24
38
■
11
43
41 i
482
. "
248
68
88
2ol
IIS
112
112
117
148
Ml
169
169
183
210
881
130
139
123
241
21 r>
219
2.'. 2
148
211
10]
180
107
106
110
11308
11.617
it. j-'.
Wo. nf chil-
dren between
4 ami 21.
39..->f.9
16411
13.510
16,121
19.438
19,935
10.641
14.747
18.327
16,503
9.254
15.696
21.446
50.773
11.400
11.299
10.551
10,644
11.689
1.046
14.136
25.757
50.772
1(1.358
14,055
1 5,654
34.370
12,033
200, i
18,051
88,455
32.478
15.875
-.1 661
10.514
27,248
i- 027
6,489
17,058
28,372
8,188
1 S.I 45
7,281
1J.OJ1
7.1os
10464
26,717
i i,1 'J
12,280
10,874
7^12
17,062
12,072
No. of vol-
umes in dis-
trict library.
27.018
20,196
17.314
20.S59
45.109
33,260
11.571
31.941
18.203
21,719
18.588
28.075
33.915
45.445
17,393
11.868
12.308
17,842
21.051
1,454
24.676
41.536
37,529
15,628
28,040
30.445
36,518
18,048
4.000
23.764
54588
44,978
27.2 is
82,929
16,082
31,841
::." i
0,064
.
7,025
18,002
16347
82,010
23.999
17 B72
21,088
81.803
26,114
12,170
Apportionment
of State moneys
for 1859.
S34.755.46
18.443.07
15,680.38
17.569.93
21,647.28
22.937.75
10,727.63
18.622.61
16.448.91
17.196.20
11.586.07
19.703.21
22.672.83
49,449.52
12.252.48
11.126.1S
9.236.79
12.312.75
12.793.84
1.515.11
15.765.92
28,164.96
68,798.02
11.580.04
15.664.48
1\ 430.01
84,972.62
11.649.24
207.332.95
18,106.71
41.891.72
88,281.16
17,891.78
21 .431 10
11,302.71
28,152.08
21,99448
5.31 9.2S
15 251.77
28,062.5 1
6,617.81
'11.17
88,17
10,62440
739450
14,506.61
7,91257
0,968.68
26,67258
15428.09
12 004.20
11.737.21
18,272.69
24,240.87
8.832 68
18,62658
19,3ol.57
26,008.02
18,02449
'7>. 1448,118 $1316,607.18 $8,277,256.14 $3,792,948.79
Total receipts.
$122,068.91
28.818.51
24,123.23
27,601.80
48.535.41
4o,785.66
19.119.92
29.341.34
23,529.05
34,767.79
17,255.54
28,757.16
46,222.93
138.417.98
19,337.32
15.637.73
14.102.19
23,487.48
22.016.69
2,105.87
27.365.25
49,185.46
246461.75
17.348.67
26,652.77
81,594.17
112.104.41
23.430.67
951.178.40
37,950.86
72.376.15
80.114.54
86443.60
53,077.70
10,239.66
72.476.06
32.171.15
9,103.17
42.506.25
14,029.12
16.S71.53
12.295.09
5s.331.45
34.626.32
17,979.08
21.S44.73
13,528.71
24.109.69
42,912.11
88,765.60
19.23S.5S
19.627.49
24,286.06
48,768.04
12.953.77
31.9i-3.60
8733848
84,64840
21,76650
1938050
Total expenses.
$124,673.71
32.258.36
27,529.65
33,362.17
59.294.50
45.440.26
20,558.93
32.506.47
26,198.33
36.898.14
20,937.05
33.603.46
61,889.61
197.465.83
21,271.35
20,802.87
18/713.68
2S,726.57
27.027.94
2.364.82
33,533.20
58.063.32
230,877.31
19.408.54
34.072.68
34.847.48
107.4so.57
23.430.67
951.178.40
37.95O.S0
72.376.15
80.114.54
36,443.60
5:'..o77.70
19.239.56
72.476.06
32.171.15
9.103.17
42.506.25
14,029.12
16,871.53
12,295.09
68,33146
84,62652
17.970.08
21.H44.73
13,528.71
24.1
42,912.11
88,71 i ■ ■ I
19.238.58
19,62749
24,285.01
48,763.04
14,063.80
86,0i 6.24
46,094.11
05,166.04
27,744.76
10.417.96
• The above Table embraces returns from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1, 1858, except the last column, which is for the year 1857.
CHURCHES.
139
The office of School Commissioner was created by law April 12, 1850, and by the same act the
office of Town Superintendent was abolished. This substantially reinstated the office of County
Superintendent, the abolishment of which in 1847 was so disastrous to the interests of education.1
On the 15th of March, 185G, an act was passed directing that the school laws should be digested and
codified.2 By act of April 12, 1858, the school year was changed so as to commence Oct. 1, and
the annual district school meetings were directed to be held on the second Tuesday of October.
Mercantile Colleges, especially adapted to instruction in opening, conducting, and closing
business accounts of every kind, and an elucidation of the laws and customs that have been esta-
blished concerning them, have within a few years been opened in most of our cities. They de-
pend entirely upon individual enterprise for support, and instruction is usually given by oral illus-
trations, lectures, and examples.3
CHURCHES.
The various church organizations in the State are independent of each other and are supported
entirely by private contributions. The aggregate amount of church property in the State, and the
amount annually raised for religious purposes, is immense. The following is a list of the different
denominations, arranged in alphabetical order : —
The African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) Church was formed in 1820. The
State of New York forms one conference, having in 1852 1,928 members.
The American Swedenborgian Association was formed in 1857, and has its
office in New York City. A Printing and Publishing Society of this denomination, formed in 1850,
collected in the year ending in 1858 $3,108.25. It owns the stereotype plates of all the theological
writings of Swedenborg.
The Anti Mission or Old School Baptist, in 1855, had in the State 18 churches and
1,101 members.
The Associate Presbyterian Church, in 1855, had 26 churches and 3,926 members,
and The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 38 churches and 5,634 mem-
bers. These two denominations united in May, 1858, under the name of The United Pres-
byterians.
The Baptist Church has in the United States 565 associations, 11,600 churches, 7,141
ordained ministers, 1,025 licentiates, and 923,198 members. Of these 43 associations, 812 churches,
738 ordained ministers, 90 licentiates, and 84,266 members are in New York. Its general Benevo-
lent Associations are the "American Baptist Missionary Union," "American Baptist Publication
Society," "American Baptist Historical Society," "American Baptist Home Mission Society,"
" American and Foreign Bible Society," "American Baptist Foreign Mission Society," "Southern
Baptist Convention," 1845, and " Southern Baptist Publication Society," 1847. It has in this State
2 colleges and 2 theological seminaries, and has 5 periodicals devoted to its interests.4
1 The School Commissioners have generally succeeded in
awakening a new interest in their respective districts by per-
sonally visiting the schools and teachers, by encouraging the
formation of teachers' associations and institutes, and by re-
quiring a higher standard of qualification on the part of teachers.
The schools under their supervision are steadily improving.
8 The expense of this codification of the school laws was de-
frayed from the library fund.
3 These institutions are almost indispensable in every mer-
cantile community. They afford instruction upon every depart-
ment of business accounts, and incidentally upon methods of
conducting business generally. Courses of lectures are usually
given, in which are unfolded the laws relating to all business
matters, and a vast amount of information is given relating to
all departments of commercial transactions. The most exten-
sive of these colleges are those of Bryant & Stratton, 7 in num-
ber, of which 3 are in this State, — 1 at Buffalo, 1 at Albany, and
1 at New York, — Eastman's Colleges, at Rochester and Oswego,
and Bassett's College, at Syracuse. There are various other
Institutions of the kind in the State, of good local repute, and
of great value to the villages and towns in which they are es-
tablished.
4 The Missionary Union was formed in 1S14; its receipts for
1857-58 were $97,808.77. It has 19 missions, 80 missionaries,
and over 300 churches. The headquarters of the Society are at
Boston. The Baptist Publication Society was formed in 1^24,
and has its depository at Philadelphia. It supports 53 colpor-
teurs, and its receipts for 1857-58 were $60,585.12. The Amer~
ican Baptist Home Missionary Society was formed in 1832. and
has its office in New York. It employs 99 missionaries and
supplies about 250 stations. Its receipts for 1S57-58 were
$52,093.33. The American and Foreign Bible Society, firmed in
1838. has its office at New York. Its receipts for 1S57-5S were
$57,049.98. Madison University, at Hamilton, and the University
of Rochester are Baptist institutions; and attached to each is a
theological seminary. The papers published by this denomi-
nation are, — The New York Examiner, New York Chronicle,
American Baptist, (newspapers.) and the Home Mission Record,
and Mothers' Journal, (magazines,) all published in New York
City
140
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
The Christian Connexion1 divide the State into the New York Eastern, New York
Central, New York "Western, Northern, Black River, and Tioga Christian Conferences, each having
distinct boundaries. They have in the U. S. and Canada over 1,500 ministers and 335 commu-
nicants. The census reports 85 churches in this State and 9,825 persons usually attending them.
The Congregational Churches of the Union number about 2,900, with 2,400 ministers
and 240,000 members. Of these, 425 churches, 400 ministers, and 25,000 members are claimed
within the State of New York.2
The Congregational Methodists3 were first composed of seceders from the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in 1820. They have 3 churches in the State.
The Disciples Of Christ have in the Union over 1,700 churches, 1,100 ministers, and
130,000 members.* In New York they reported, in 1855, 28 churches and 2,015 members. The
New York State Convention embraces, besides the State, parts of Connecticut and Vermont.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church embraces 35 synods in the U. S., of which 25 are
connected with a general synod. It numbers 1,083 ministers and 1,920 congregations,5 and has of
general societies the Parent Educational, Home Missionary, Foreign Missionary, Church Extension,
Lutheran Historical, and Lutheran Publication, for the purposes indicated by their respective titles.
It has within this State a Theological Seminary and Academy at Hartwick, Otsego county, and
Martin Luther College, with a theological department, at Buffalo.
The Free If ill Baptist Church in the U. S. has 28 yearly and 129 quarterly meetings,
1189 churches, 957 ordained and 104 licensed preachers, and 55,209 communicants.6 This State
comprises 5 whole yearly meetings and parts of 2 others. As no attention is paid to State lines
The Fifty-First Annual Report of the Baptist Missionary
C n'. i iiii n of the State of New York (Oct. 1858) gives the fol-
lowing statistics of this denomination in New York. The dates
of organization are from the Baptist Almanac : —
Associations.
Black River
Br i •me & Tioga.
Bnfialc
Canisteo River
augus
Cnynga
Chi mnng River
Chenango
Cortland
t
Dill lll-99
k Champlain....
Franklin
... r
II m ny
Hud- n I!iv.-r North..
Had - >nth...
i
l.ni'i fnrton
i k River
Honme
i ork
rn
i
lo
■ a
laerrille
Mown
sti
kWrettC*
I'ni'.n
v. :,-liington Uni .ti ...
Yates
■8
a
1808
1823
1815
1835
1835
1800
1842
1832
1827
18.54
1 s:;4
1847
1834
1811
[811
1828
l-.M
1809
1812
1 827
1T'<1
1824
1822
1M4
1796
1799
1821
1M7
1- 14
1842
s
s
"8 85
■§■§
■Si
o=3
32
35
25
19
21
21
10
9
23
18
19
17
20
17
29
21
19
18
15
11
20
19
19
13
14
7
17
12
17
16
15
13
20
IB
29
21
41
57
11
10
10
8
IS
18
10
9
24
19
86
33
11
12
23
28
•Jl
17
19
u
11
9
ie
13
17
16
12
11
23
25
16
is
U
1n
19
•Jl
■-■•i
16
16
23
1-
18
13
17
12
8
6
s
2.958
2,755
2,512
381
1.534
2,108
1.856
2,571
2,188
992
1.73S
1.344
1.079
1.702
l.'.lllS
1,485
l.scs
■I 985
9.013
646
693
2^290
731
8,068
5,632
1,66 I
2,1 1 I
1.866
l.Ml
1,061
1,670
1,372
1,797
1,189
2.149
2,11 -
2,282
1,728
1J286
804
■ Otherwise named "Unitarian Raptl«t..< " They orlgfi
between 17f,o nnl 1801, in secessions from Baptists, Meth
and Presbyterians. Bach church i- independent In government ;
and full statistics are nr't nrre.-itile.
s Thr General i ' " of Vino Vnrlt inelndea th.. Oneida,
Black Kiv.r, Ksscx, St. LMRenoe, Weston New York. Long
Island, New York & Brooklyn, Ontario, Susquehanna, Albany,
and Puritan of Wyoming & Allegany Associations. The Ameri-
can Congregational Union has for one of its objects the aid of
feeble churches. In the year ending in 1S58 it expended
$6,154.05 for this purpose.
3 Otherwise known as "StSweUUeS."
* Sometimes known as "Carupbellites," from Rev. Alexander
Campbell, the founder.— Fox d-Hnyl's Quad. Reg,, 1852, p. 253.
6 From tho Lutheran Almanac, 1859. The synods embraced
in New York are as follows : —
Synods.
New York Ministerian.,
Hartwick Synod
Franekean Synod
Synod of Buffalo
When
formed.
17S5
1830
1838
1839
Ministers.
59
25
24
16
Congre-
gations.
55
33
30
16
Of these the last two are not connected with the General
Synod.
These synods havo no definite boundaries, but overlap each
other, and in some instances extend into neighboring States.
The Kirchtiches Informatorium and Ilistorische Zeitblatt, of
Buffalo, and I)er Lutherischo Ilerold, of New York, are the
official organs <>f this denomination.
0 The Free Will Baptist Register for 1859 gives the following
statistics. To those extending partly into neighboring States
a *t;ir is prefixed; and those entirely out of the State are in
Italies.
ANNT7AL
IN08.
QlAItTKnt.T
Ml KTI.NGS.
8
1
43
38
37
34
16
17
40
11
43
30
29
22
7
13
36
-* >-
g o
-: .-
■^
7
3
8
10
3
3
2
h
el
2,170
1,666
1,262
246
488
826
2,163
Holland I'nr-
Cattaraugus, Catta-'
raugus Center,
Chautauqua. Krio., ■
♦French Creek,
and Genesee
'Rochester, Monroe,"
Union, Wayne, >
'.-'ii-.|M.'h:mna...
•New York and
Pi fin. _
'•Owego, Oibson,]
■ Bpafford, *Wal- -
'Yates and Steuben,!
♦Potter Co.Jlrad- 1
ford and Tinga, f
rMcDonouirh. Che-)
Whitestown, Os-1
WOgO, Renssc- 1
laer, ♦Otsego, f
Lake George J
Central N. Y
C II U K C II E S.
141
in these divisions, the exact numbers in the State cannot be determined from the reports. Its
general institutions are 3 mission societies, an anti-slavery society, a biblical school and insti-
tution at New Hampton, N. II., and a seminary in this Slate
The Friends or Quakers have, since 1827, been divided into 2 distinct branches, known
as " Hieksite" and " Orthodox." The Hicksites have a general meeting for the United States and
Canada, which is divided into G yearly, 33 quarterly, and 138 monthly meetings in the U. S., and
2 half-yearly and G monthly meetings in Canada. This State is embraced within the New York
and the Genesee yearly meetings, the former of which extends into New Jersey and the latter into
Canada. There are of the New York yearly meeting in this State 7 quarterly and 31 monthly
meetings ; of the Genesee yearly meeting 2 quarterly and 8 monthly meetings.
The Orthodox Friends divide the United States and Canada into 8 yearly, 1 half-yearly, G5
quarterly, and 222 monthly meetings. The New York yearly meeting comprises 1 half-yearly,
15 quarterly, and 43 monthly meetings, of which 9 entire and a part of 1 other quarterly and
28 monthly meetings are within the State, the remainder being in adjoining States and Canada.1
The German Methodists2 originated in the year 1800, and number about 20,000. They
have in New York about 15 churches and 3,000 members.
The Mennonites have in the Union 300 churches and 36,280 members: of these, 6
churches and 442 members were reported in Western N. Y. in 1855.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States was divided in 1844 into the
Church North and the Church South, forming two independent organizations, differing only upon
the question of slavery. The Church North embraces 49 annual conferences, 5,3G5 traveling, 769
superannuated, and 7,169 local preachers, and 820,514 members and probationers. The
total number of preachers in both divisions is 20,644, and of members 1,476,291. This State
embraces 5 entire and parts of 4 other conferences, which are subdivided into districts and cir-
cuits, each with definite boundaries. The Sunday School Union of the M. E. Church North re-
ports 11,229 schools, 120,421 officers and teachers, 639,120 scholars, and 2,054,253 volumes in S. S.
libraries. Its Tract Society has auxiliaries in each conference, and distributes large quantities of
tracts and a small paper called " The Good News." Its Missionary Society supports 44 foreign mis-
sionaries and 76 helpers, and 302 missionaries and 214 helpers among the Indians and foreign
populations. Its " Book Concern" carries on an amount of publication equaled by that of few
private firms in the country, including books, papers, and magazines. This denomination has
within the State 1 college and 10 seminaries, in connection with annual conferences.3
The Methodist Protestant Church was formed Nov. 1830. It divides the Union
into conferences, stations, and circuits. The census reports as belonging to this denomination in
this State, in 1855, 46 churches and 1,605 members.
The Presbyterian Church existed as one body until 1837, when it was divided into
"Old School" and " New School," which form two distinct organizations, with similar professions
of faith but different views of discipline. The Old School General Assembly of the U. S. report
33 synods, 159 presbyteries, 2,468 ministers, 3,324 churches, and 259,335 communicants. During
T^" missionary societies under the charge of this society are
the Free Will Baptist Foreign Mission Society, which supports
3 missionaries and their families at Arissa, India, the Free
Will Baptist Home Mission Society, and the Free Will Baptist
Female Missionary Society. The Whitestown Seminary, occu-
pying the premises erected for the Oneida Institute, formerly a
manual labor school, is under the auspices of this denomination.
l The names of quarterly meetings within the State, with the
number of monthly meetings in each, according to Foulke's
Friends' Almanac for 1858, are, in the New York yearly meet-
ing, Westbury, 6, Purchase, 3, Nine Partners, 3, Stanford, 4,
Easton, 5, Saratoga. 5, Duanesburgh, 5 ; in the Genesee yearly
meeting, Farmington, 5, Scipio, 3.
The quarterly meetings within the yearly meeting, according
to Wooifs Book of Meetings, 1858, are as follows, with the date
of establishment and number of monthly meetings in each: —
Westbury, (1676.) 2; Purchase, (prior to 1746,) 3; Nine Part-
ners. (1783.) 3; Stanford, (1800,) 3; Ferrisburgh, (partly in Ver-
mont, 1809.) 1; in New York, 2; in Vermont, Farmington,
(1810,) 5; Butternuts, (1812, under the name of Duanesburgh,
changed in 1838,) 3; Saratoga, (1793, in 1795 changed to Easton,
in 1815 divided into Saratoga and Easton, and in 1835 the latter
was discontinued,) 3; Scipio, (1825.) 2; Le Ray, (1S30.) 3. The
first meeting within New York was established at Oyster Bay,
by Richard Smith and others who were banished from Boston
in 1656. The persecutions of that colony drove others to Rhode
Island and Long Island, and meetings were established at Oys-
ter Bay, Gravesend, Jamaica, Hempstead, Flushing, and other
places, at an early period.
* Correctly known as Evangelical Association, or Albrights.
3 The following is a summary of the Conferences in New
York. Those marked with a star are partly in other States.
Preachers.
Members in Society.
Conference.
s
rf
S>
s
s
£
8 "3
6«,
*§
3
§
1
1
e
g
Is"
$3
New York
207
110
147
165
168
38
14
34
50
30
161
102
142
177
159
26.666
9.511
16.380
22,990
16.972
4,477
1,133
2,134
3,382
3.128
31.143
10.644
18,514
26,372
20,100
15.245
3,883
108
11.532
3,542
1810
1829
1833
1836
*Erie
1836
1848
167
150
26
33
206
139
20.306
16,861
2,607
2.257
22,913
19.118
6.445
4.693
East Genesee
*New York East
1849
142
45
176
22,236
3.029
25,268
27.2S9
1852 93
11
134
11,652
2.4S5
14,137
3.225
The districts within the State of New York forming the above
Conferences are : —
New York— Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Prattsville, Monticello,
N. Y
sion.
German Mission, Rochester, and German Mis-
142
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
the year ending May, 1858, $2,544,692 was raised for various religious and benevolent objects. Its
general objects of promotion and extension are conducted by Boards ; and it has various funds for
special objects. The State of New York embraces the greater part of 3 synods.1
Tlie ^Veiv School Presbyterian General Assembly of the United States reports 26
synods, 120 presbyteries, 1,612 ministers, 1,687 churches, and 143,510 communicants. During
the year ending May, 1858, $273,965.90 was raised for domestic and foreign missions, education,
and publication. It has several committees for the promotion of its general objects, and has in this
State 2 theological seminaries and several periodicals.2
The Primitive Methodists have 2 churches and about 500 members in this State. They
have in the Union over 1,200 members.
The Protestant Episcopal Church embraces in the Union 31 dioceses and 4 mis-
sions, 1,995 parishes, 39 bishops, 1,979 clergymen, and 127,953 communicants. Total contribu-
tions for missionary and charitable purposes, $1,265,642.96. Its general institutions are the "Gene-
ral Theological Seminary," New York, the " Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society," the
" General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union and Church Book Society," the " Protestant
Episcopal Historical Society," the "Western Church Extension Society," and the "Prot. E. So-
ciety for the Promotion of Evangelical Knowledge."
The Diocese of Xew York3 embraces all e. of the e. lines of Broome, Chenango, Madi-
son, Oneida, Lewis, and Jefferson cos., and comprises 275 parishes, 321 clergymen, and 22,411
communicants
C, n-.-.v — Buffalo. Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, and Olean.
Oneida — Oneida, Chenango, Cortland. Auburn, and Cazenovia.
Troy — Troy, Albany, Saratoga, Plattsburgh, and 3 in \t.
Black Bir-r — Rome. Syracuse, Oswego, Adams, Watertown,
Ogdensburgh, and Potsdam.
£We— Ifredonla. The remainder in Ohio and Penn.
Eisi i, Geneva, Rochester, West Rochester, Bath, Corn-
ing. Elmira, and Lima.
— New York, (E. district,) Long Island, and 2
in Conn.
It', rating — Biughamton and Owego, in part; the remainder in
Penn.
The offices of the several Missionary Societies and of the Book
rn are at 200 Mulberry St.. N. Y. The periodicals issued
fr"m that establishment are the Christian Advocate and Jour-
nal, a weekly newspaper : the Quarterly Review, the National
Magazine, and the Ladies' Repository, octavo magazines: and
the .-unlay School Advocate, The Good News, and the Mission-
ary Advocate, small Dewspapers. The Northern Christian Ad-
vocate, at Auburn, is also an official publication of this denom-
ination. Cnder the auspices of this Church are the Genesee
College, at Lima, Livingston CO.; the Amenia Seminary,
>.; Ashland Collegiate Institute, Greene co.; Char-
lotte Boarding Academy, Schoharie co.; Falley Seminary, Ful-
ton, 0 : Gen' - - W.-].yan Seminary, Lima, Livingston
rneur Wealeyan Seminary, St. Lawrence co.; Jones-
villi- Acad my, Saratoga co.; New York Conference Seminary,
Cbarlotterflle, Schoharie CO.; Oneida Conference Seminary,
I ' i i.; and the Susquehanna Seminary, Binir-
hamton, Broome co. Bcniib- these, a large number of institu-
tions, Including Bereral Of the incorporated academies, are
owned and patronised mainly bj members of this denomination.
1 The names of proebj teriea and stai I Uct of churches of tins
branch in the State are reported in the Old School Presbyter! in
Almanac for 1(60 as follows: —
—:
'09.
s
£
O
Buffalo.
New York....
Pmbyterta.
I tidondcrry, Tr.>y. Al-
. M. Iia-.i k
"
Bod
North
l-l ind,
■ Y"rk
2d, Canl
Connecticut,
1
•9
V
u
=
g
00
04
60
62
!•'.
■
-
:.;•■
5/)28
17.495
7V Board of P m ■■■':■ M> a ru has 610 missionaries and
990 churches and missionary - ' foi the year
rnding March 1.1- - arc located in
Philadelphia and Louisville.
The B"ot<I of Education is dtfidod into ministerial education
and education in schools, academies, colleges, and parochial
schools. Under the auspices of this denomination are 22 col-
leges, 60 academies, and 100 parochial schools. The receipts for
1S57 were $56,492.06. Its office is at Philadelphia.
The Board of Foreign Missions has 69 ministers, 30 male and
90 female assistant missionaries, and 23 native teachers. The
receipts for 1S57 were $223,977.79. Its office is at the corner of
Center and Reade Sts.. N. Y.
The Board of Publication issues tracts, books, newspapers,
and other periodicals in great numbers. Its receipts for 1S57
were $126,960.28. Its office is at Philadelphia.
- The following summary of the New School Presbyterian
Church in New York is from the American Presbyterian Al-
manac for 1S59, and other authentic sources: —
.2
Stxods.
<5
lsu:;
Albany
Utica
1829
1812
Onondaga —
Susqueh'nna
lSfia
1853
1821
N. Y. &N.J.
1788
Presbyteries.
Champlain. Troy, Albany,
Columbia, Catskill
St. Lawrence. Watertown,
Oswego, Utica
Onondaga
Otsego, Chenango, Dela-
ware
(Jen Bee, Ontario, Roch-
ester, Niagara, Buffalo,
Angelica
Hudson. North River,
Lung Island. New York
3d, New York 4th,
Brooklyn, and 4 others
not in the State
84
65
109
80
42
125
70
72
93
70
51
108
226 155
8,257
7,106
9,723
7.709
3,989
12,371
24,905
The various societies under the careof this denomination are
in charge of the Pn sbyterian Publication Committee, Foreign
Mission Committee, Permanent Committee on Education, and
Church Kxtensi in Committee. Young men preparing for tho
ministry are educated at the Union Theological Seminary, of
New fork City, and Auburn Theological Seminary, of Cayuga
co. Tin- newspapers of the denomination are tho Evangelist, of
New York, and the Genesee Evangelist, of Rochester.
3 Its Institutions arc tin- •• Society for the Promotion of Re-
ligion and i.-ai ning," the "Corporation for the Relief of Widows
and Children oi Clergymen.'' the "Prot. E. Tract Society,'' tho
•New Y^rk Bible and Common Prayer Bonk Society," tho
" New Y..rU Prot. E.City Mission Society," tho " Prot. E. Chris-
tian Mission Society for Seamen in the City and Port of New
York," the "Prot B. Brotherhood of New York," the "Northern
Missionary Convocation," the "Bible and Common Prayer Hook
iv of Albany ami its Vicinity," the "Brotherhood of St.
Barnabas," (Troy,) "Columbia College," "Trinity School,"
fN, Y..'St. Luke's Hospital." (N. Y..)"St. Luke's Homo for
Indigent Christian Females," the "Church Charity Founda-
tion. " (Brooklyn,) and the " Pastoral Aid Society."
CHURCHES.
143
The Diocese of Western New York.1 embraces the remainder of the State, comprising
149 parishes, 129 clergymen, and 10,551 communicants.
The Reformed Methodists originated in 1814, in Vt. Their church government is
Congregational. They report in the State 8 churches and about 500 members.
The Reformed Presbyterians, or Covenanters, is derived from the church of the
same name in Scotland. In 1855 it numbered in the State 15 churches and 2,274 members.
The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the State belongs to the General
Synod of the lief. Prot. Dutch of N. A. It is subdivided into the particular Synods of New York
and Albany, the former embracing 1G and the latter 14 classes, of which 29 are entirely within the
State and 1 partly in New Jersey. In 1855 it reported 364 churches, 348 ministers, 130,120 per-
sons attending congregations, and 38,927 communicants. Of these, 200 churches, 259 ministers,
21,027 families, 97,553 total of congregations, and 31,208 communicants, were in this State.
The Roman Catholic Church divides the Union into 7 Provinces, 43 Dioceses, and 3
Vicarates Apostolic. The Province of New York comprises the New England States, New York
and New Jersey, and the dioceses of New York, Portland, Burlington, Boston, Hartford, Brook-
lyn, Albany, Buffalo, and Newark. Four of these are within this State. There are 3 theological
seminaries, 1 preparatory seminary, 2 colleges, and a large number of benevolent and educational
institutions belonging to this denomination within the State, and 9 periodicals devoted to its
interests.2
The Seventh Day Baptists have in the United States 67 churches, 70 ordained ministers,
and 7,250 members. Of these 36 churches are in New York. In 1835 the denomination was
divided into associations, of which the Eastern, Central, and Western are embraced wholly or in
part in this State. De Ruyter Institute and the Alfred Academy are under the patronage of this
denomination.
Shakers, or the "United Society of Believers," otherwise called the "Millennial Church,"
numbers in the Union 18 communities and about 6,000 members. They live in "families," and
in New York they are principally located at New Lebanon, Watervliet, and Groveland.
The Unitarians number in the Union 293 clergyman and 250 societies, mostly in Massa-
chusetts. They have within this State 10 societies. Their only periodical within the State is the
"Christian Inquirer," a weekly newspaper in New York City, published under the auspices of
the "Unitarian A#sociation of the State of New York."3
The ITniversalists United States Convention is composed of clerical and lay delegates from
each State and Territorial Convention, and meets on the third Tuesday of Sept. annually.4 The
denomination has a Historical Society, composed of all preachers and laymen in good standing
who sign the constitution. It also has a General Reform Association, that meets in Boston on the
1 Its institutions are Hobart Free College, at Geneva ; and De
Veaux College, at Suspension Bridge. There are besides several
incorporated and private academies supported by members of
this denomination. — Church Almanac for 1859, pp. 32, 47.
a The following statistics are upon the authority of the Catholic
Almanacs of 1859.
General Statistics for 1858.
"S7=
S^a
»K
S^
•2 1
69
9
30
89
35
""i
49
4
12
" "i
l
l
2
27
Cicq
.0 0
<3^
S=5
34
2
"V
113
5
50
84
84
13
13
2
1
10
9
102
30
98
114
2
" otherwise em-
Ecclesiastical institutions...
14
2
9
14
Literary institutions for
Literary institutions for
Charitable institutions
Hospitals and infirmaries...
House of the Good Shepherd
Parochial and other schools
Religious institutions
380,940
26
100,000
The Diocese of New York, formed in 1808, comprises Dela-
ware, Dutchess, New York, Orange, Putnam, Richmond, Rock-
land, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties. The Diocese
of Brooklyn, formed in 1853, comprises Kings, Queens, and Suf-
folk counties. The Diocese of Albany, formed in 1847, comprises
the remainder of the State E. of the west lines of Cayuga,
Tompkins, and Tioga counties. The Diocese of Buffalo, formed
in 1847, comprises the counties w. of the west lines of Ca-
yuga, Tompkins, and Tioga.
The distinctive schools under the patronage of this denomi-
nation are the St. John's College, at Fordham. Westchester co. ;
College of St. Francis Xavier, New York City ; St. Joseph's
Theological Seminary, Fordham; Ecclesiastical Seminary. Buf-
falo ; Franciscan Convent, Allegany ; and Preparatory Seminary
of Our Lady of the Angels, Niagara.
The Catholic papers in the State are The New York Freeman's
Journal and Catholic Register, The New York Tablet, The Pilot,
(N. Y. and Boston,) Katholische Kirchen Zeitung, weekly, of
N. Y.; The Buffalo Sentinel, weekly; Catholic Institute Maga-
zine, Newburgh; Brownson's Quarterly Review, N.Y. ; Ameri-
can Catholic Almanac and Clergy List ; and the Six Cent Catho-
lic Almanac and Laity's Directory, of N. Y.
8 Year Book of the Unitarian Cong. C!i urcTies, 1857 .
4 The New York State Convention embraces the Central, Nia-
gara, Cayuga, Buffalo, Mohawk River, Ontario, Genesee, Black
Kiver, St. Lawrence, Otsego, Allegany, Steuben, Chautauqua,
Chenango, Hudson River, and New York Associations, and con-
tains 220 societies, 194 church edifices, and employs 107 preachers.
It has a State Educational Society, with £10,000 subscribed,
and $25,000 invested for the Theological School in Canton ;
and has in charge the Clinton Liberal Institute. The Uni-
versalist Paper and Book Establishment has assets amount-
ing to $13,796, and unredeemed stock to the amount of $4,169.
The profits of the concern are applied to the purchase of the
shares, which will thus become the property of the State Con-
vention. It has a relief fund for aged and disabled preachers.
The Young Men's Christian Union, formed Jan. 1856, and the
144
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
last Tuesday in May. This denomination has organizations in 32 States and Territories, in 19 of
•which State Conventions are held. It has 4 educational, 9 missionary, 1 tract, and 4 Sunday
school associations, 1 relief fund, and 1 book and newspaper establishment, — all of which are of a
State character. It has 85 associations, 1,334 churches or societies, 913 church edifices, 655
preachers, 18 periodicals, and 9 institutions of learning.
The Wesleyan Methodists.1 This denomination in the United States was formed by
seceders from the M. E. Church, May, 1843.
Besides these, there are churches in the State known as Bethels, Evangelical, German Evangelical
Reformed, Jewish, Calvinistic Methodists, German Methodists, Moravians, French Evangelical
Presbyterian, Protestant Community of Inspiration, Second Advent, True Dutch, Free, and Union,
numbering in the aggregate a large number of church edifices and communicants.2
RELIGIOUS, LITERARY, AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
Societies of a religious, humane, and benevolent character began to be formed in considerable
numbers about 1822-25. The objects of these societies enlisted the co-operation of members of the
different religious denominations and of other philanthropic persons, and annual meetings were
held in New York for the several objects.
The time of meeting has been usually in the second week in May, and the appointments were
so made that the same persons could attend several of them in succession. These societies have
become numerous, and "Anniversary week" thus becomes a season of interest to thousands. The
assembling of so large a number of persons from distant sections of the Union has led reformers
nf overv degree to appoint the anniversary meetings of their societies at the same time and place ;
and there is scarcely a society for the promotion of religion, morality, charity, or civil and social
reform that is not thus annually brought to public notice, its operations exhibited, and its
claims urged.
The societies exclusively under the control of a single denomination are noticed under the reli-
gious sects.
The principal societies of a general character are as follows: —
Tlie American Bible Society, formed by a convention of 60 persons, mostly clergy-
men, May s, 1809, has for its object the publication and distribution of the Bible and parts
X. T , ( - - lety aro connected with this denom-
ination. It* periodical* an- tin- Christian Ambassador, at
Auburn Mid Sew York, and a monthly periodical by the female
rtment of the Clinton Liberal Institute.
> The ML E. Church in England and Canada is thns known.
The church of this name in the U. S. differs from the others in
rejecting the classification of the ministry as bishops, elders,
and deacons. Tlnir official orjran is the True Wesleyan.
2 The following table shows tin' p'lieial statistic if churches
in the several counties: —
Church Statistics.
OOOTBD
Albany
Allegany
■ laqnn
Chemung
•Cbenaivco. ...
■ n
Columbia —
Cortland
ire
Ihitchese
Erie
Prankln
s c
ill
aa
100
33
111
46
86
:,i
92
166
61
36
121,000
66,196
CO DUTIES.
Pulton
Hamilton ...
Herkimer
Jeften
Kintr*
Lewti
I,iTinfr«t<i|i ...
Madi*>n
M"nr>«-
Mont.
■ "rk ....
Ninfrara.
Oneida
Onondaga-....
88
61
Tl
6
86
13}
149
64
M
'•i
141
962
74
201
142
ill
§11
$ 96.350
lM.rwtn
168,325
1.400
173,600
846,786
2,840.700
66,846
263.260
141^00
12,092,750
886,980
663.610
COUKTIES.
Ontario
Orange..
Orleans
■•
Putnam
Qneeni
Reuaaelaer...
Richmond
Kockland
St. 1,-iwrence.
Saratoga
Bchenectady.
Schoharie
Schuyler-
>>
*l
^«f
fi:
= *!
11
84
3 J £
$283.7:;<i
112
443>v,
61
228.600
84
2:U,715
117
231,952
80
85.000
73
492.135
114
746,640
L"»
285.100
41
136,300
117
263.485
103
313,975
26
173.710
86
129,830
60
99,125
Counties.
Seneca.
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren
Washington.
Wayne
Westchester.,
Wyoming
Yntes
Total
*>.
4S
105
112
46
45
88
100
33
95
so
II-
74
4S
*v cj w
$144,333
161,488
278,260
fio.i
106,700
183.690
409,350
57,250
287,120
272,000
B68,260
1f,;..:ii-,r,
133,650
5,077 31,480,144
RELIGIOUS, LITERARY, AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 14V
thereof without note or comment.1 Auxiliary to the American Bible Society are numerous county
and local societies, through which the greater part of the funds are raised.2
The American Tract Society was instituted in 1S25, by the several evangelical de-
nominations, for the purpose of disseminating tracts and books upon moral and religious subjects.3
Several of the religious denominations have tract societies of their own.
The American Hoard of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was formed
in 1809, for the purpose of supporting missions in foreign lands. Its central office is in Boston;
but it has auxiliary societies throughout this State. It is chiefly supported by the Congregational
and New School Presbyterian societies.4
1 The first society within the State for the gratuitous distribu-
tion of the Scriptures was the N. Y. Bible and Common l'rayer
Book Society, formed in 1809. A large number of co. societies
was formed within the next five years. The present society,
formed in 1816, has gradually increased in wealth and influence,
until its operations have extended to almost every section of
the globe. It has a Bible house in New York, — one of the most
extensive publishing houses in the world. Its books are gra-
tuitously distributed, or sold at cost; and the total number of
volumes issued up to May, 1858, was 12.804,014. These are
produced in great varieties of style and in upward of forty
different languages. The society has also published the Bible in
English with raised characters for the blind.
The Baptist and Protestant Episcopal denominations have
separate societies for publishing the Scriptures, although many
members belonging to both of these co-operate with the Ameri-
can Bible Society.
2 The following table gives the names of these societies, the
date of their organization, and the amount of their donations
and remittances up *o May, 1858: —
Name.
Albany Co
Allegany Co
Amity Female
Ausalile Valley
Brooklyn City
Broome Co
Buffalo City
Caledonia '.
Caledonia Female
Carlton
Cattaraugus Co
Cayuga Co
Chautauqua Co
Chemung Co
Chenango Co
Clinton Co
Cold Spring
Columbia Co
Cortland Co
Delaware Co
Dutchess Co. Female
Dutchess Co
Erie Co
Essex Co
Floyd and Western Welsh
Franklin Co
Fulton & Hamilton Co....
Geneva
Genesee Co
Genoa
Greene Co
Greene
Herkimer Co
Hudson Female
Jasper
Jefferson Co
Lewis Co
Lewis Co. Welsh
Livingston Co
Long Island
Madison Co
Montgomery Co
Monroe Co
Newburgh
New York Female
New York Calvinistic
Welsh
New York Marine
New York
Niagara Co
North Brooklyn
North Seneca.
Nyack Ref. D. Ch. Female
Oneida Co
Onondaga Co
Date.
May, 1816
April, 1825
Sept. 1816
Dec. 1845
Feb. 1849
Fell. 1817
Nov. 1847
.April. 1818
May, 1817
Jan. 1855
Aug. 1829
June, 181"
April, 1820
July, 1S28
Nov. 1826
April, 1821
Aug. 1838
Oct. 1817
Aug. 1S16
July, 1816
Oct. 1817
Oct. 1839
April, 1848
Jan. 1817
April, 1854
June, 1821
Dec. 1816
April, 1846
July. 1818
April, 1825
Sept. 1816
Mar. 1855
May, 1817
Oct. 1816
Aug. 1855
Jan. 1817
April, 1828
May, 1850
May, 1824
Sept. 1817
Oct. 1816
Dec. 1816
Oct. 1821
Sept. 1818
June, 1816
Sept.
Feb.
Mar.
May,
May,
July,
May,
Jan.
April,
1844
1817
1829
1830
1816
1852
1842
1817
1832
Donations.
$19,621.00
1.526.49
329.15
370.04
5,683.76
1,960.01
2.339.91
3.366.72
1,673.97
127.06
3,738.99
1,397.13
2,949.35
5,538.99
718.56
101.01
10,835.30
4,320.90
1,450.75
4,754.87
15,930.45
698.06
909.14
50.30
381.95
21.182.49
1,117.86
3,169.47
972.15
6,477.23
25.00
3,268.27
1,970.50
3,936.37
544.51
341.66
6,542.59
20,786.70
5,701.51
390.00
22,828.47
3.784.74
102,926.12
546.23
42,091.43
2.457.41
1.726.16
582.19
74.80
15,226.06
7,594.00
Remit-
tances for
Bibles.
$16,385.20
3,326.92
130.85
804.05
10,054.75
5,171.46
5,329.05
111.28
232.50
91.53
1,879.62
7,807.61
7,547.60
3,404.26
6,634.34
4,291.26
324.39
6.131.77
5,830.78
5,341.42
3,985.20
5,355.39
4,163.76
4,244.35
81.70
3,385.60
11,237.37
2,280.75
6,950.40
1,072.20
5.746.56
175.00
4,699.15
805.32
87.00
12.274.47
2,997.44
147.65
5,482.53
30.785.72
6,814.87
1,345.11
19,282.30
3,768.00
17,369.47
72.86
6.043.89
264,911.73
5,401.51
1,726.20
'767.73
7.20
20,521.48
12.805.50
Name.
Ontario Co
Orange Co
Orleans Co
Oswego Co
Otsego Co
Peekskill Female
Poughkeepsle Fem. Union
Putnam Co
Bemsen Steuben Welsh
and Vicinity
Rensselaer Co
Rockland Co
Sandy Hill and Fort Ed-
ward
Saratoga Co
Schenectady Co
Schoharie Co
Schuyler Co
Seneca Associate Ref.
South Seneca
South Steuben
Steuben Co
St. Lawrence Co
Sullivan Co
Tioga Co
Tompkins Co
Ulster Co
Utica Welsh and Vic
Warren Co
Washington Co
Watervliet
Wavne County
Welsh B. S. of Nelson
Welsh B. S. of Rome
Welsh B. S. of Holland
Patent
Westchester Co
Wj-oming Co
Yates Co
Dale.
Mar.
1817
June
1816
July,
1830
Mar.
1826
June
1816
Feb.
1817
Sept.
1850
.May,
1S28
Jan.
1817
June
1816
July,
1816
Nov.
1848
Jnly,
1816
May,
1823
Jan.
1817
Feb.
1S56
May,
1846
Feb.
1846
June,
1848
Feb.
1817
April
,1820
Aug.
1826
June
1823
May,
1828
Nov.
1816
Jan.
1817
Sept.
1821
Mar.
1817
Jan.
1849
April
1847
Sept.
1856
Mar.
1S55
May,
1855
Aug.
1827
Feb.
1850
Dec.
1827
Donations.
$ 8.40rO5
24.141 22
3.230.82
2.4ns. 15
3.116.79
713.59
1,080.81
1 'J' i.i ii i
3,893.68
35,452.61
1,985.72
164.64
12,779.61
2,741.56
3,934.40
358.50
319.71
1,735.67
1,267.85
2.085.3*
2.115.40
2,388.90
4.272.81
4.044.04
11,145.91
4.479.71
194.44
19.092.11
3.720.58
3,731.43
12.00
22S.08
1S4.4S
19,614.17
2,310.82
4,372.10
Remit-
Bibles.
$ 4.870.93
6,426.71
4,058.68
7,286.94
7,573.77
166.76
316.16
2,141.06
22.289.21
2,289.64
243.93
7,277.96
4.454.40
3.9S2.19
513.23
16.08
1,077.02
1.264.36
5,201.34
14,193.70
3.156.16
5,373.82
6.249.34
2,191.24
2,450.12
2,300.38
7.4.58.51
2,117.34
4,775.31
53.35
132.73
77.40
6.977.71
4,634.73
3,468.60
3 This society has a large property vested in a publishing
house and grounds, corner of Nassau and Spruce Streets, New
York, and in the stock, machinery, and materials used in the
manufacture of books and tracts. Its fiscal affairs are managed
by a finance committee. It has 31 auxiliaries in the State of
New York. The receipts up to May, 1858, were $5,856,711.05,--
about three-fifths of which were derived from sales, and the re-
mainder from donations. Previous to May, 1858, this society
had circulated 13,098,013 volumes, 188,971,408 publications,
4,753,741,573 pages; including 149.761 volumes (9,831 sets) of
the Evangelical Family Library, 94,026 volumes (2,089 sets) of
the Christian Library, 4S.638 volumes (1,990 sets) of the Reli
gious or Pastor's Library, 319.323 volumes (4.557 sets) of tin
Youth's Library, and 160,921 volumes (20.044 sets) of the Youth's
Scripture Biography. The society publishes an Almanac, the
American Messenger, (in English and German,) and Child's
Paper, in large editions ; and issues books and tracts in the Eng-
lish, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Welsh,
Dutch, Danish, Swedish, and Hungarian languages. It operates
through branch and auxiliary societies, general agents and su-
perintendents, and paid and volunteer colporteurs. The Ameri-
can Tract Society of Boston, which formerly co-operated with
this, is now a distinct organization.
Societies of kindred character were formed in the State pre
vious to this, — the more important of which was the New York
Religious Tract Society, formed in 1812, with auxiliaries in vari-
ous parts of the country.
4 This society has established 27 missions, 121 stations, and
101 out stations in Africa, Greece, Western and Southern Asia,
China, Sandwich Islands, Micronesia, and among the North
American Indian Tribes. It employs 373 missionaries and as-
sistants, and 524 native pastors and assistants, has 8 printing
presses, and up to 1858 had issued 1.0SO,481.0S3 pages of tracts
and relisrious books. These missions numbered 318 churches,
and 27,740 members; and the educational department embraced
10
146
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Tlie American Home Missionary Society was formed May 12, 1826, for the pur-
pose of supporting the ministry in feeble and destitute Presb. and Cong, churches in the U. S.1
The American Sunday School Union was formed in 1824, for the purpose of en-
couraging the establishment of Sunday schools and of supplying them with books. Its central
office is at Philadelphia. The New York Sunday School Union, auxiliary to this, was established
in 1816, and has numerous local subordinate societies in different parts of the State.2
The American Seamen's Friend Society was formed in 1828, and endeavors to
carry out the intentions expressed in its title by distributing Bibles and tracts, supporting the
ministry, and otherwise promoting the moral welfare of seamen.3
The American Bethel Society was instituted in 1836, for the purpose of opening
chapels for boatmen and mariners, distributing tracts, and extending other means for their moral
improvement. It established a magazine named the "Bethel Flag;" and has auxiliaries in many
places on the lakes, rivers, and canals.
The American and Foreign Christian Union was formed in 1849, for the special
object of counteracting the influence of the Romish and other churches opposed to the class usually
denominated " evangelical."*
The Central American Education Society was formed for the purpose of
assisting young men preparing for the ministry. In 1858 the society aided 111 students.
The American Colonization Society was formed at Washington, Jan. 1817, for
the colonization of free colored persons in Africa. The HTew York State Colonization
Society was formed at Albany, April 9, 1829, and has had numerous auxiliaries in the State.5
The National Compensating Emancipation Society, formed in 1857, has for
its object the purchasing of slaves for the purpose of giving them freedom.
The American Anti Slavery Society was organized Dec. 4, 1833.6
The American missionary Association was formed Sept. 1846, as a Home and
Foreign Missionary Society. Business office in N. Y. City. Receipts for first 12 years of its exist-
ence, (421,001.98. Present and monthly income, §3,000 to §5,000. It has a slaves' Bible Fund,
and labors for the extinction of slavery. The association publish The American Missionary (paper)
and American Missionary Magazine, both •monthly.
Young Men's Christian Associations have been formed in most of the cities and
6 seminaries, 17 other boarding schools, 619 free schools, (of
whli b 312 were supported by the Hawaiian Government.) and
17,020 pupils. The receipts in the year ending July 31, 1858,
wi re (334,01848, the principal part of which was derived from
donations.— Forly-Xinth Report A. B. C. F. St., 1858.
1 This society was formed by the union of two societies pre-
ffously formed by the Presbyterian and Reformed Protestant
. Churches, it is supported by the Congregarionalista and
1 Preshyti I lans, anil to some extent by the Reformed
Pi • ■ • Dutch, Lutheran, and German Reformed Churches.
In 1868, 1,012 persons were connected with this society or its
agenri es nnd auxiliaries, "f which 133 are within this State.
Tli- iiitm' • regatkiii- an. 1 Mati'ins fully or statedly sup-
plied Sabbathschi it I ilars, 66,600; contributions to
ipts in 12 months were
•476.071 7; u to the same time were $190,785.70.
166,082; to) J years of labor,
additions to churches, 160,276.
There is a central sod ■ western agency in this Btate, — tho
office of the former of whirl, i< .,t Dtlca and of the latter at
i. The niinilnr of missionaries aided within the year was
188. Total i- mtrlbul
a Tliio moTsmenl was supported by moat of the evangelical
dsoomin kttoni : i ul sen ral oi them bare since • itablished sun-
day school organisations among themselves. The American
had. in 1- 2,600,000 in
1 more In organising Sunday schools. Its
r the last 1 il had formed
L624 new schools, with 67,787 pupil 4 teachers. lbs
New V rk Sunday 8ch 1 Union had, In 1868,210 schools, re-
iki in libraries,
in 1 1 Iributions. Sunday schools in some form
an- luppoi ' linaUou, and ar<>
By for BIW I Teachers'
innuaUy. Its third report,
madeOct. 1868, gave a total In tl Statool ■■1-. 22,263
hers, and 212312 pu|
•This society has 16 - 1 • t i- >n« In various parts of the world,
and grants aid to various Bethel operations not connected with
it. The receipts for lbs year ending inls;,s were |
snd the total expenses in the seamen's cause ai-mt tl1-1
2.2.'" mariners had been I - II ime In New
York, an 1 the whole Bomber received into that institution fr m
its establishment Wai -
* The association has 61 home laborers; and its receipts in the
year ending in 1858 were $76,603.22. Its expenses in the same
time were $79,604.33. It has agents, and supports chapels in
several foreign countries.
6 The slave trade was abolished in ISO", and after Jan. 1,
1808, the cargoes of captured slaves were to be sold for the bene-
fit of the State where they might land. 15y an act of March
3, 1819, the General Government appropriated $100,000 for the
restoration of a largo number of Africans to their native coun-
try. By the co-operation of the Government with this Society
a purchase was made in Dee. 1^21. in the neighborhood of Capo
Mniitscrado, on the w. coast of Africa, from which has grown
the present Republic of Liberia, under the special patronage of
this society. Formal possession was taken April 2S, 1S22.
Several of the subordinate State societies have been merged
In anti-slavery and other more radical societies for the termi-
nation of Blavery. in the year ending in 1858 the receipts of
the New V.nk Colonization society were $15,624.62.
o The expenses of the society for tho year ending in 1858 were
£17,052, Including those of the Anti slavery Standard, its prin-
clpal organ. Receipts. $15,200 from tho paper and donations,
and (17,356 bj .in ciliai li -.
A N.w York State Atiti Slavery Society, with numerous aux-
iliaries, was formed about 1834-36, and its friends soon organ-
themselves into a political party. The highest State vote
of this partv was in 1844, when it amounted, on the Governor's
ticket, to 16,136. Blavery existed under the Dutch, and was
continued through the i;n •■li-h period of our colonial history.
An act was passed Man b 81, 1o17. declaring that every child
born of a slave in this State after July 4, 17119. should be Ire- at
the age nf 2S if a male, or at 25 if a female. Every child horn
aft-r tie- passage ,,f the act was to become free at the age of 21,
and measures were ordered for the education of children held
in service. The Importation of slaves was prohibited. The first
emancipation under this law, therefore, took effect July 5, is_7,
as the law fixed the period as after instead of Upon the 4th of
Jolv. as was perhaps Intended. The 5th of July has sometimes
been celebrated as their anniversary of independence; and hence
SJ ISOS the Slang expression of " Fourth of July one day arte,)-."
I : I. i n In fin- tl,,. ah .ve date remained slaves till their death,
nnd the census of 1855 reported one such as living in the Slate.
The number of slaves in New York at different periods has
been as follows: —
....21...21 I 1S10 15.017 I 1820 10,046 11840 4
1800 20,013 I 1814 11,480 | 1830 75 | 1850 —
RELIGIOUS, LITERARY, AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 117
large villages in the United States and British Provinces. They form a general confederation,
the State of New York forming the fourth district. These associations embrace within (heir
objects a library, reading room, lectures and prayer meetings.1
The Young' Men's Christian Union of New York is supported by the Unitarian and
Universalist denominations principally.
Young Men's Associations for mutual improvement have been formed in various pints
of the State and under various names. The plan of organization is essentially alike; and it
usually includes a library, reading room, cabinet, lecture course, and debating club. Most of
these associations have been organized by special acts, and their affairs are managed by executive
committees chosen annually by the members. They can hold a limited amount of property for
the special objects of their organization.2
In most of the large villages, associations have been formed for the support of lectures at stated
intervals in the winter months. They are generally of a temporary character, are re-organized
every season or are attached to academies or other existing institutions.
The I¥ew York State Temperance Society was formed April 2, 1829. Its objects
were to suppress intemperance and limit the traffic in intoxicating liquors. It received the support
of a large number of the best and most philanthropic citizens, and its influence spread rapidly
throughout the State.3 Since the formation of the first society, efforts to suppress intemperance
have been made upon an extended scale, and the strong arm of the law has been invoked to pro-
hibit the traffic in alcoholic liquors.
Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. " The Ancient and Honorable Fra-
ternity of Free and Accepted Masons" of the State of New York is under the government of a
Grand Lodge, composed of its Grand Officers and the representatives (the Master and Wardens)
of every lodge in the jurisdiction. As at present constituted, the Grand Lodge dates from 1785,
when Chancellor Robert R. Livingston was elected Grand Master, and continued in office till 1801. *
In 1859 there are 430 chartered lodges in the State, (numbered to 474,) with about 33,000 mem-
bers, numbering among them a very respectable class in all the walks of life. There is at least
one lodge in every county in the State, (except Hamilton ;) 93*of the lodges are in the city of New
York ; and a lodge is located in every considerable town and village. The annual receipts of the
1 Tn July, 1858, associations of this kind were in active ope-
ration in Albany, Albion, Black Rock, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Cats-
kill. Flushing;, Hudson, Jamestown, New York, Oswego, Pough-
keepsie, Rondout, Saratoga Springs. Stapleton, Troy, TJtica, and
Waterford. Those in italics belonged to the confederation.
2 The first organization of this kind in the State was the Al-
bany Young Men's Association, formed Dec. 1.3, 1833, and in-
corp. March 12, 1835. The following is a list of these associa-
tions in the State formed under special acts: —
Name and Location.
Albany, Albany co..
Buffalo, Erie co
" " (German)
F.lmira, Chemung co....
Fulton, Oswego co
Geneva, Ontario co
Tort Byron, Cayuga co.
Backets Harbor, Jeffer-
son co
Saratoga Springs, Sara-
toga co
Franklin Institute,")
Syracuse, Ononda- V
giira )
Schenectady, Schenec-
tady co
Troy, Rensselaer co
Utica, Oneida co
Watertown. Jefferson co.
Date of
incorporation.
March 12. 1835
March 3, 1843
May 12, 1846
April 11,1842
May 13, 1846
April 17, 1839
April 10,1844
March 2,1843
May 14, 1840
Dec. 1849
March 9, 1839
April 10, 1835
March 25, 1837
April 17, 1841
Remarks.
Fully organized. Li-
brary 7,000 vols.
Library in 1855, 7,500
vols.
Library in 1855, 1,800
vols.
Closed.
f Library in 1859,
\ about 3,000 vols.
Fully organized.
Closed.
Burned out in 1849.
3 The fourth report of the State Society, in 1S38, gave 1,538
societies and 231,074 members. Its principal organ, the Temper-
ance Recorder, was begun March 6, 1832, at Albany, and issued
many years. It also published almanacs, tracts, and circulars
to a large extent. The American Society for the Promotion of
Temperance, formed in 1827, was in 1836 succeeded by the
'• American Temperance Union." The latter, in the year ending
in 1858. received $1,987.20. Its principal organ is the Journal
of the American Temperance Union, at New York. Both this
and the State Society are still in operation. About 1841-45 the
" Washingtonian" temperance movement, originating among
reformed inebriates, spread over the State, and several thousand
independent societies were formed under it, — most of which, how-
ever, died out with the enthusiasm under which they were
created. The secret orders of " Rechabites" and " Sons of
Temperance" originated in New York, about 1S42, and subse-
quently those of ''Cadets of Temperance," "Daughters of Tem-
perance," "Good Samaritans," "Daughters of Samaria,"
'• Knights Templar," "Social Circles," and other associations of
a similar class were formed for the avowed purpose of pro-
moting temperance reform. Numerous lodges or encampments
were formed, and these societies at one time embraced largo
numbers of members. Several of them have been given up en-
tirely ; and it is believed none of them are increasing. They
required a form of initiation and pledge of secrecy, had fixed
dues payable at regular intervals, provided money to assist the
sick and bury the dead, and gave certificates of membership,
which, with passwords and other tokens of recognition, might
enable a person to claim assistance among strangers belonging
to the order.
The License question was submitted to the popular vote May
5, 1846, with the result of 111.884 for, and 177,683 against, license.
The operation of the law was deemed by many to be unequal ;
and its effect upon the temperance cause was unquestionably
adverse. In 1847 the majorities for license were large in most
of the towns. The " Maine Law," or prohibition movement,
began in 1851, and was urged by its friends with great force
during several sessions of the Legislature. A prohibitory law
Was passed, but was declared unconstitutional by the Court of
Appeals. The present law regulating the sale of intoxicating
liquors, passed April 16, 1857, provides a Board of Excise Com-
missioners in each county for granting licenses and prosecuting
violations of the law.
* At the close of his term there were 94 lodges in the State,
of which tho oldest was St. John's, No. 1. (yet in active exist-
ence.) established in the city of New York in 1757. Gen. Jacob
Morton was Grand Master from 1801 to 1806, De Witt Clinton
from 1S06 to 1820, and Daniel D. Tompkins from 1S20 to 1822,
when the Grand Lodge became divided. In 1826, at the com-
mencement of the Anti-Masonic excitement, (see Genesee co.,)
there were about 360 lodges in the State, (numbered to 507,)
with about 22,000 members. In 1836 the number of lodges had
been reduced below 75, with a corresponding membership, — say
4,000.
148
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Grand Lodge are about $16,000 ; and during the year ending in June, 1859, the amount expended
for charitable relief by the Grand Lodge and its immediate agents -was about $3,000 ; and probably
three times more than that sum 'was expended for the same purposes by lodges and individual
Masons. There is in the Hall and Asylum Fund, raised for charitable and educational purposes,
about §25,000, controlled by trustees chosen by the Grand Lodge, (it not being incorporated;) and
this sum is constantly being increased from various sources, — a portion of it arising from the
stated revenues of the Grand Lodge. The fraternity are now all united in one body, under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge and its subordinates, and are in a sound and flourishing condition.
The office of the Grand Secretary and place of business of the fraternity is in Odd Fellows Hall,
corner of Grand and Center Sts., New York. The Grand Lodge is in correspondence and direct
communication with all the Grand Lodges and Masonic fraternity throughout the world.1
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. This order was introduced into the United
States from Manchester, England ; and the first regular lodge was opened at Baltimore, in 1819.
The Grand Lodge of the U. S. includes 42 subordinate Grand Lodges in the States and Territories,
Canada, and the Sandwich Islands. There are 2 Grand Lodges and 623 subordinate lodges in
this State.2
Sons Of Malta. This order embraced in this State, on the 1st of July, 1859, the Grand
Lodge of the State and 8 subordinate lodges, with an aggregate membership of 12,680.
MEDICAL SOCIETIES.
The formation of County Medical Societies was authorized by an act passed April 4, 1806.
They were empowered to grant licenses to practice medicine in the State and to collect of the
members a sum not exceeding S3 annually. Delegates sent from each co. society, in number
equal to the representation of the co. in Assembly, were to constitute a State Medical Society,
which had the power of granting diplomas to practice medicine and to decide upon cases appealed
from the co. societies. Although local societies were formed under this act in most of the counties
then existing, several of them have ceased to exist ; and there are at present but about 40 county
societies that are represented by delegates. The State Society was formed Feb. 5, 1807, and is
1 The stated festivals of the fraternity are on the 24th of June
and 27th of December, usually styled St. John's days. The offi-
cers of the Grand Lodge and of the subordinates are elected
annually ; and the time and place for the " Annual Communica-
tion" of the Grand Lodge id on the first Tuesday of June, in
the city of New York.
The elective Grand Officers of the Fraternity are Grand Master,
Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand
Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and 5 Grand Chap,
lains.
2 Statistics of tJie Odd Fellows for the year ending Jan. 30, 1858.
Lodges, or Subordinate
encampment*
Number of initln'
" " r<jr<:tiona....
"
" " memberi —
■ " " re-
lieved
widows and fami-
lies relieved
Amount paid for taU t I i
member?
Amount pni'l f r r
•rkknrad families.
Amount paid for educa-
tion of orphans
Amount paid for burying
the dead
Amount of annual re-
ceipt*
L0DOE8.
*1
5 3
16J64S
1.71.:
1,789
176,71 I
2-1151
$2*4.992.91
66.'
11.2S4.06
67,364.70
LSSMBoJOa
Grand Liyljc
Northern
\ i:-rA\
■1
5 jS
493
. > 1
61
89
11.:-.-.
130
148
27
118
8,475
716
1,346
113
393
$11,263.80
$29,663.62
... 185.18
6,645.17
207.29
888.ee
2,260.00
5,091.17
44.756.78
69,981.18
623
1,138
78
200
20,258
2,060
506
$40,927.42
9,730.35
595.98
7,341.1
1 14,737 .9ti
Encampments.
■8 E-3
~ K -2
111
651
2,755
79
220
22,319
902
93
$28,171.10
3,111.60
10.00
5.377.24
110,156.54
In
71
56
2
8
979
22
$211.00
10.00
40.84
2.019.92
3" .
•£££
Bj(
13
60
4
487
32
1
$363.00
3.00
90.00
2,426.75
II
84
116
2
12
1,466
54
1
$574.00
3,00
10.00
90.84
4,446.67
MEDICAL SOCIETIES.
149
now composed of delegates from co. societies, 1 delegate from each medical college, 5 from the
New York Academy of Medicine, honorary members by virtue of office or by election, and per-
manent members elected after 4 years' service as delegates. The annual meetings of the society
are held on the first Tuesday of February. The State Society has maintained a regular organization
from the beginning; and since 1848 its proceedings have been reported annually to the Legisla-
ture and published with their documents.1
Homeopathic Medical Societies may be organized in the several counties under an act of April
13, 1857 ; and such have been formed in Kings, Livingston, New York, Oneida, and perhaps other
counties.2
County Medical Societies.
Countt.
Albany
Allegany
Broome ,
Cattaraugus
Cayuga
Chautauqua
Chemung ,
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton and Hamilton
Genesee
Greene
Herkimer
Jefferson
Kings
Lewis
Livingston
Madison ,
Monroe
Montgomery
New York
Niagara
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens
Rensselaer
Richmond
Rockland
St. Lawrence
Saratoga
Schenectady
Schoharie
Schuyler
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Watren
Washington
Wayne
Westchester
Wyoming
Yates
Date of
Organization.
July 29, 1806
Nov. 6, 1823
Aug.
1836
5, 1806
June, 1806
Aug. 10, 1808
1806
1806
1815
Oct.
1809
Aug. 5, 1806
Dec. 17, 1806
March 2, 1822
May
July
May
July
July
July
July
July
July
29, 1821
27, 1806
9, 1S21
3, 1806
1, 1806
1806
1, 1806
1, 1806
17, 1821
1, 1S06
July 18, 1806
May
Oct.
18, 1S50
14, 1807
Oct. 1857
Dec. 29, 1857
July 22, 1806
July 1, 1806
May 8, 1797
March 4,1823
First President.
Wm. McClelland.
Chester Lusk
Lemuel Hudson
Tracy Robinson..
Wm. Wilson
Lewis S. Owen ,
Joshua H. Brett
Samuel Bard
Josiah Trowbridge..
Records lost.
Westel Willoughby, jr
John Durkee
Cornelius Low
Records burned
Charles Little
Israel Farrell
Alexander Kelsey ,
Alexander Sheldon....
Nicholas Romayne
Amos G.Hull
John H. Frisbie
Jonathan Sweezey
Benjamin Coe
Joseph White
Benjamin Woodward.
John Demarest
Joseph W. Smith
S. B.Wells
Nelson Winton
David Conkliu
First Secretary.
Charles D. Townsend.
Ammi Doubleday
Asa R. Howell.
Geo. Mowrey ...
Wm. Bav
Geo. W. Bradford..
Adam J. Doll
Van Kleek
Andrew Proudfit
Archibald Macdonald...
Joshua Lee
Andrew Farrell
Hugh Henderson
Andrew Vanderze
Organization abandoned.
Cyrus Wells
Elijah Pratt
Frederick F. Backus
Stephen Reynolds
Edward Miller
David Hasbrouck
Walter Colton
Nathaniel Elmer
Luther Cowen
Caleb Richardson
Ira M.Wells
Charles Whipple
W.Noble
C. C. Van Dyck
Thomas Shannon
D Moses Blachely
Wm. Livingston
Watson Smith...
John Hatmaker,
First No.
Members.
9
7
17
11
8
20
10
9
13
9
9
20
20
8
106
29
11
22
7
14
20
11
5
10
7
23
12
Present
No. of
Members.
45
20
15
40
27
22
40
35
95
65
32
46
94
20
450
90
62
50
36
37
11
14
7
2S
41
25
1 The first act regulating the practice of physic and surgery
in New York was passed June 10, 1760. It was amended in
1792 and 1797, and under the latter the judges of State courts
and courts of Common Pleas and Masters in Chancery were,
upon proof of two years' study of medicine, authorized to license
persons to practice as physicians. By the act of 1806, medical
societies might be formed in each co. by securing five or more
members; and where there were less than five physicians in a
co. they might unite with the society of a neighboring co»
The restrictions upon practice without a diploma were finally
abolished in 1844 ; and the law now makes no distinction between
the different classes of practitioners. Those assuming to act as
physicians become responsible for their practice, and, if not
licensed by a county or the State Society or regularly graduated
at a medical school, can collect pay according to the time em-
ployed, but they cannot collect the specific fees, implying pro-
fessional skill, which are recognized by the established usages
of the profession.
2 The number of homeopathic practitioners in the State is
about 600. of whom 150 are in New York and Brooklyn. The
Central, Bond St.. and Northern Homeopathic Dispensaries in
New York, the Homeopathic Dispensary of Brooklyn, the
Hahnemann Academy of Medicine of New York, and the Homeo-
pathic Medical Society of Northern N. Y.. are sustained by this
class of physicians, and the North American Homeopathic
Journal, (quarterly.) the Homeopathic Review, (mo,) and the
Homeopathic, (semi-mo..) all published at New York, are de-
voted to their interests.
150
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Population, Classified by Color, Political Relation, Nativity, &c., according to the State
Census of 1855.
Consnxs.
'a
§■
Albany
Allegany
Broome
Cattaraugus
Cayuga
Chautauque.,
Chemung
Chenango
Clintoo
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton
Genesee.
Greene
Hamilton
Herkimer ....
Jefferson
Kings
Lewis
Livingston...
Madison.
Montgomery.
Hew Vork....
Niagara
Oneida.
Onondaga ....
Ontario
< Grange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
un
Qneens
Rensselaer ...
Richmond....
Roi kl.ind
?t. Lawrence
-
••rtady.
Schoharie
Bchnykc
Beneca.
Btanben
Suffolk
Sullivan
TioRa.
Tiimpkin"
(Rater
•i
log ....
Tate*
Total
103.681
42.910
36.650
39.530
63.571
63,580
27,288
89,916
42.4v>
44.341
24,676
89,749
60.635
13-2.331
23.284
31.532
31.137
2.543
: ijt
65.420
216.355
26,229
37.943
43,687
96.324
80,808
629.810
48.282
1"7.749
86.575
42.672
60,868
28.435
69,398
49,735
13.934
46.266
79,234
21.3VP
19.511
74.^77
1 :-■
33,519
18,777
25,358
41,066
26,962
81,616
67,936
:.!•■.. 1
Color.
102.842
42,729
86,135
39.401
53.171
53.271
26,825
39.701
42,351
43,137
24.547
39.555
58,806
131.473
28,403
25.460
23,124
30,948
30,325
2.539
38,394
65.223
211,875
25,186
87,734
43.362
95.835
30.407
618.064
47.SSU
107.134
S"-..i >73
42,088
58.720
28,325
69,030
49.518
13,805
43.216
78.340
20,799
19.11] i
74,875
48,737
19,261
18,7( i
26,190
62,567
39.018
! : .
81,267
66.510
4;. iv.
4>-..:.i.->
:■ "
19,716
II
s:...
181
615
129
390
109
463
214
131
1.J..4
28
194
1,829
858
136
17
160
86
812
4
172
197
4,480
43
209
325
4S9
401
11,S40
402
615
502
584
2,148
110
368
217
129
3.050
'894
590
497
102
642
311
456
76
1. -
408
L888
110
280
249
!.;:■
246
1,928
29
I
Political
Relations.
Nativities.
18,616
9.884
vjv
V37
11,526
11.912
5,859
9.700
6,374
9.412
5.902
9,065
12.498
21,743
5.652
4,462
5,066
6,477
6,952
599
8,578
14,200
32.627
5,284
8,136
9,974
17,272
r..;.Mi
s-.v:
8,257
20.946
16,933
9,147
11,301
5.704
14,609
12,177
3,037
8,187
14,933
3,795
3.580
13,984
10,377
3.790
7,376
4,377
5,395
14.151
7,939
6,727
6,181
7,456
18,197
l. IV,
l'.j.i.-,
1 1,246
7,064
1,474
20,282
2,032
2.ii.".i',
2,645
4,863
4,795
1.191
'977
8.404
3.800
'704
1,532
6,861
37,274
2.994
3,739
1,559
4,107
1,522
16S
3,955
5.377
65,536
2,751
4.329
3^32
22,837
2,688
232,678
10,327
18^72
73,549
4,757
7,955
3,813
7,372
1.640
1,215
8,618
14921
5,078
3.457
9,915
5,748
2,943
874
587
2,153
3.605
3,083
3,606
■.•:••
1,160
9,487
1,643
4,822
4,767
16,741
!
'.'12
64.705
32,826
27.874
28,918
40,720
37,965
19,983
32,402
25,222
36,500
19,989
33.575
48^073
66,945
19.057
14583
19,632
20,339
27,338
1,998
30,283
50.103
94,122
17.5*3
26,141
34,060
53.939
25^62
262,156
27,753
68,302
57,589
30,666
45,339
19,841
50,731
42,205
11,62S
33.092
51,667
14,094
13,512
47,991
87,423
14.596
31,195
15,379
19,253
48.737
34.983
21,508
•Jn.TM,
26,687
63.136
1 1,682
82,297
86,077
62,036
22 t 18
I6.HS2
-j:j,:;.1
IS
Is
fi
70.407
39,150
32,921
34.629
46,033
46,444
24,075
37,728
29.279
39,141
23,139
36,072
50.724
77,620
23,799
19,258
20,811
24,920
28,755
2,225
32,607
56,471
115.245
19.669
31,1S5
39,336
63,048
26,714
303,721
33.205
76,868
65,126
35,639
49,718
23.363
66,895
46.674
12,228
34,800
57.447
15;441
15,030
59,667
41.305
15,217
3-2.117
17.648
22,498
86,807
28,186
25,028
29,638
64,786
17.122
87,482
39,380
57,401
1-..;:
2,528,444
33,247
3,153
3,225
4.066
6,s.-,4
6.797
2,S76
1,747
13.021
5,107
1,380
3,564
9.707
54.257
4,684
6.622
2,448
6,427
2,261
310
5,S03
8,630
100,206
5.470
6,549
4,351
33,276
3,880
322.469
14,717
30.354
20,949
6,803
10.761
4.966
12,024
2.770
1,694
11,135
21,445
5,8S2
4,436
15,016
7,927
4,303
1,294
966
2.71.3
2.196
4.211
6,128
1,597
1,849
18,162
2,479
6,791
7,108
23,182
6,060
1,408
917,708
o
1-3
S P
a
«.
"e
u
•Si
is
>a
■**
s
•2
-■3
3
«1
s
3
IM S
"S>
O
3.231
18
25
46
46
536
IS
11
20
46
611
18
5
32
35
496
21
16
31
26
890
17
14
39
45
749
14
11
21
3S
675
8
5
11
11
273
17
19
34
46
4,449
20
18
18
28
1,069
20
11
34
28
245
i
13
25
34
2S3
18
6
29
25
1,567
19
15
43
17
2.315
35
32
66
43
1,154
7
10
15
21
1,323
15
15
17
20
531
12
10
20
20
436
16
9
30
35
516
11
8
27
27
53
—
—
1
4
608
21
26
37
36
991
41
28
62
66
8.924
45
44
16
27
722
8
7
21
36
376
13
9
14
13
848
27
18
43
41
2,105
27
30
56
30
625
26
14
14
21
25,858
411
316
655
52
976
11
14
25
24
3,062
48
42
517
56
2,150
24
28
22
40
570
21
10
26
32
1,241
18
14
42
36
736
13
4
10
11
1,778
33
24
41
62
569
24
18
54
60
425
5
2
5
13
1,588
21
9
46
8
3,0S0
19
13
42
32
245
3
12
12
2
980
7
2
7
16
2.272
26
23
39
51
1,271
18
13
35
43
269
7
8
8
16
601
9
9
7
19
219
4
4
10
24
365
5
8
19
is
870
21
7
28
29
681
12
6
26
13
655
8
7
11
20
436
11
13
16
13
271
6
5
28
43
2.997
26
21
23
28
348
9
1
10
12
1,030
22
12
44
44
c,.-,s
21
15
22
36
3,130
14
20
56
41
266
17
11
21
30
281
9
16
18
23
96.4*9
1,422
1,136
2,742;
1,812
Percentages of (lie Several Classes to the Total Population.
White malf* 49.23
f.-mali-*
Colored males - 041
females
Total males
•• females: 50.18
Pimilo 60.08
Harried
Widowed 1 "2
"VVi I rwi 2.75
Native roian ML90
Naturalized voters 3.91
Aliens 18.54
i hraen of land 10.41
i iv. r 21 y<-ars who cannot read and
write 2.78
Ages nnder 6, malm 6.85
" females. 6.74
Aged 5 and under 10, mal»s 5.73
females 5.04
Aged 10 and under 15, males _ 5.46
" females 6.35
Aged 15 and under 20, males 4.91
« " females 5.45
Aged 20 and under 30, males 9.43
" " females 10.44
Aged 30 and under 40, males 7.28
" " females 6.78
Aged 40 and under 50, males 4.79
" " females 4.39
Aged 50 and under 60, males 2.91
" " females 2.76
Aged GO and under 70, mules 1.55
" " femnlos 1.56
Aged over 70, males 0.84
" females 0.85
POPULATION. 151
Summary of Population at different periods in the several Counties, as now organized.
Counties. 1790. 1800. 1810. 1814. 1820. 1825. 1830. 1835. 1840. 1845. 1850. 1856.
Albany
Allegany
Br ra
Cattaraugus..
Cayuga
Chautauqua..
Chemung
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton
Genesee
Greeno
Hamilton
Herkimer
Jeflerson
Kings
Lewis
Livingston. ...
Madison
Monroe
Montgomery.,
New York
Niagara
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego,
Putnam
Queens
Rensselaer
Richmond
Rockland
St. Lawrence
Saratoga
Schenectady.,
Schoharie
Schuyler
Seneca
Steuben
Suffolk
Sullivan
Tioga
Tompkins
Ulster
Warren
Washington...
Wayne
Westchester...
Wyoming
Yates
Total 340,120
1,702
8,932
16,014
22,428
3,835
6,001
17.077
5,698
2,073
16,440
1,703
16,297
1,080
20,497
24,003
13,717
25,155
45
2,730
10,817
2,981
1.84S
6.500
1,036
3,916
27,732
35,::22
982
2.745
10,228
36,334
37,909
578
4.157
443
6,931
7,028
12,584
2,827
16,332
262
4,495
5.740
1,362
2.448
8,036
1,192
18,261
13,015
33,131
60,489
1,891
20,839
6.434
1,075
8,466
22,809
2o,3o,x
34S
21,636
9,836
16.893
30,442
4.563
6,353
454
24,483
8,888
9,808
266
4,057
1,788
19,464
3,222
2,034
927
21,633
4,825
30,982
1,410
27,347
1,702
588,603
34,661
1,443
6,481
458
29,843
2.381
2,852
21.714
8.802
32.390
8,879
20.303
41,190
4.007
9,477
2.719
15.04S
3,060
19,536
465
24.742
15,140
8,303
6,433
10,526
25.141
4,683
23,007
96,373
1,465
30,634
25,495
22.088
34,347
1,164
3,889
38,802
10,293
19.330
36,309
5,347
7,758
7,885
33,147
10.205
18.945
3,609
11,306
6,036
21.113
6,108
5,860
5,153
26,576
7,565
36,724
6,575
30,272
2,736
4,867
33.885
2.207
7.423
537
33,009
4.2.7.1
8,115
24,221
7,764
33.979
10.803
21,290
43,707
6,201
9,949
2,568
14,491
9.435
20,210
550
23.725
18,564
7,665
6,848
13,181
26.276
11.178
22,705
95,519
1.276
45.627
30,020
22,812
34,908
1,524
5.382
41,58'
9,353
19,269
36,833
5,502
7,817
8,252
31,139
11.203
19,323
5,552
13,935
8,983
21,308
6.233
5,188
9,816
26,428
7,838
36,359
11.220
26.367
5,411
5,434
38,116
6.520
11,100
4,090
38,897
12,508
4,272
31,215
12,070
38.330
16,507
26.587
40.015
10.834
13,811
4,439
15.723
18,578
22,990
1.251
31,017
32,952
11.187
9,227
21,006
32,208
27,288
21.846
123,706
7.322
50,997
41,407
35,292
41.213
5,349
12,364
44,850
11.208
21.519
40.153
6.135
8,837
16,037
36,052
13,081
23.154
10.411
17,773
18,068
24.2
8.900
7,966
22,167
30.934
9.453
38,831
20,309
32,038
16.149
18,025
42,821
13.184
13,898
6.043
42,713
20.0,39
8,011
34.215
14,480
37.970
20.271
29,506
40.098
24.310
15,993
7.978
17,006
20.708
26.229
1,296
33,040
41.650
14,679
11,669
26,731
35,646
39.10S
22,600
166,086
14,069
57,847
48.435
37,422
41.732
14.460
17.S75
47,898
11.866
20,331
44,065
5,932
8,016
27,595
36,295
12,876
25,926
13.773
20,169
20,282
23,695
10,373
9,988
27.951
32.015
10,906
39.280
26,761
33.131
22,307
15,313
53,520
20,288
17.579
16,724
47,948
34.071
11,502
37,238
19,344
39,907
23.791
33,024
50,920
35,719
10.2-7
11,312
20,451
26,008
20.525
1,325
35.870
48.493
20,535
15,23,9
27,729
39,038
■10.8.-,:,
23.204
197,112
18,482
71,326
58.973
40.2S8
45,306
17,732
27,119
51,372
12.628
22,460
49.424
7,082
9,388
36,354
38,679
12,347
27,902
13.754
21,044
28.012
26,780
12,364
13,425
31,333
36,550
11,796
42,635
33.643
30,456
29,047
19,009
59.762
27,295
2O.190
24,986
49.202
44,869
14.439
40,702
20.742
40,740
24.168
31.102
50,704
57,594
20,099
12.5ol
21,597
29,145
30.173
1,054
36,201
53,088
32,057
16,093
35.6S3
41.741
5B.085
25.108
268,089
26.490
77.518
60.908
40,870
45,096
22.803
38,245
50,428
11.550
25,130
55,515
7,691
9,696
42,047
38,012
16,230
28,508
15,163
22,627
34.961
28.274
13,755
16.534
32.345
39,960
12,034
39,326
37.7S8
38,789
32,771
19,796
961,888 1,035,910 1,372,812 1,614,458 1.913,131 j 2,174,517 2,428.921 2,604,495 \ 3,097.394 3,466,212
OS 503,
77,208
30.254
81,402
22,338
25,808
28.872
30.10,0
50.3,38
49.o,r,3
47.971;
40,51s
15,483
17.7 12
40.785
39.000
28,157
31,278
43,252
41.070
24.607
25.081
;;,, 396
36,990
52.398
55,124
02.405
78.035
23,634
25,102
16,518
18.002
18,049
is. 570
28.705
28,845
30,446
31,957
1,907
1,882
37.477
37.424
60,984
64,999
47,613
78.691
17,830
20.218
42.498
3S.389
40,008
40.987
64,902
70. 800
35,818
24.643
312.710
371.223
31.132
34.551
85,310
84,776
67,911
70.175
43.501
42.592
50.739
52,227
25.127
25.845
43,619
48.441
49.028
50,509
12.S25
13,258
30,324
31,849
00.250
0,2.3,3s
10.90,5
13,073
11.975
13,741
56.706
62.354
40,553
41.477
17.387
16.630
32,358
32,488
16,388
17.327
24.874
24.972
40,651
40,203
32.409
34,579
15,029
18.727
20.527
22,450
32.296
32,204
45.822
48.907
13,422
14.908
41,080
40.554
42,057
42,515
48,086
47.394
34,245
30,691
20,444
20,777
03.270
37.808
30.660
38.95D
55,458
50,493
21.737
40,311
40.047
43 073
25.140
39 831
68,992
100.003,
3,1.148
25.1 OJ
20.171
28,4 -
33.120
2.188
38.244
68,153
138,882
24,564
40.875
43.072
87,650
31,992
515.547
42.276
90.500,
85.800
43,929
57,145
28,501
62,198
48,638
14,138
36,833
73,363
15,061
16,962
68,617
45.040
20,054
33,548
18.519
25,441
58,388
36,922
25.088
24,880
32,094
59,384
17,199
44,750
44.953
5S.203
31,981
20,590
103,681
12.0.0
86,1 50
30.5311
53,571
63,380
27.2-8
39.915
42,482
44,341
21575
39.749
0,0.0,35
132 331
28,589
25.807
23 284
: 1,532
31.137
2.543
38.566
0,5.420
216,855
25.229
37.943
43,687
'.',,324
30,808
629,810
48,282
107.749
80,575
42.672
60.868
28.435
69,398
49,735
13.934
46,266
79.234
21,389
19,511
74.977
49,379
10.572
33.519
ls.777
25,358
59,099
41.006
29.487
26,962]
31,516
67,936
19,669
44.405
46,760
80,678
32,148
19,812
Abstract from the Census of the Indians residing on Reservations in 1855.
Reservations.
Wliere located.
&3
,u
*3
5
378
604
73
176
207
71
312
166
i
£
138
228
21
57
87
32
106
66
735
BO
*©
0
i
5
6
2
1
2
1
2
2
21
to
S"-"
g^
61
242
200
52
73
132
54
153
91
997
i1!
~ 2
100
200
80
50
34
464
s
§
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
e
e
*«*
"&
117
56
31
38
40
63
350
VI
5 5-s
1,714
3.032i
354$
2,063i
1,425*
2,515
3,092
1
■a
s
a
s »
Osj
3
1
S
J
Cattaraugus «*..
Cattaraugus co
376
575
88
173
200
89
290
150
389
729
43
141
161
16
261
349
203
389
20
49
95
14
144
180
96
197
18
42
108
6
97
109
673
9
91
"44
"92
236
526
1,054
36
142
142
32
409
464
Cattaraugus, Erie, & Chau-
Onondaga co
St. Regis"
Total"*
Suffolk co
Genesee, Erie, and Niagara
1,947
1.987
13.S67J
2,089
1,094
2,805
0 The total number reported was. from neglect of the mar-
Aal, too small. In May, 1855, 1,388 were returned as entitled
to share in annuities.
6 The returns of civil condition are too indefinite to be re-
lied on.
• The larger part of this village is in Canada.
<* In the returns of the last State census 235 Indians (102 males
and 133 females) not residing on reservations were enumerated
and reported with the population of the towns in which they
live. These, added to the numbers in the above table, make
2.049 males and 2,120 females, or a total of 4,169 Indians re-
siding in the State in 1S55.
152
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Persons engaged in the various Professions, Trades, and Occupations
COUXTLES.
Albany
Allegany ,
Broome.. ,
Cattaraugus..
Cayuga
Chautauqua..
Chemung
Chenango
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware
Dutchess
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton
Qenesee
Greene
Hamilton
Herkimer
Jefferson
Kings
Lewis
Living-ton. ...
Hadison
2 imcry.
New York
ra.
Oneida
Onondaga......
Ontario
Orange
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam
Queens
Rensselaer. ...
Richmond
Rockland
8t Lawrence.
f:.-ir:it"ga
Schenectady..
Bchoharie
Schnyler
i
Steuben
3uff..|k
Sullivan
I
Tompk
Ulster
\* irr-n
w
Ilk'
'
5G1
242
196
160
2S9
290
156
206
IV,
221
135
183
292
764
159
109
111
195
132
10
240
356
735
84
224
243
618
165
2,611
230
570
451
268
340
153
303
332
92
189
404
80
133
319
208
132
I'M
113
126
149
1- I
13g
172
79
237
102
117
«
1
S3
M'9
218
177
163
335
o.,S
126
200
182
252
159
I-::
351
1,050
105
97
117
150
153
3
249
379
1.816
102
236
259
878
168
6.745
'235
726
560
243
299
157
338
2S1
133
2S5
555
86
178
32.1
Ivi
149
161
89
1&3
264
231
L27
1 16
160
270
68
2 •
I
11
121
214
59
33
44
107
115
44
52
30
49
27
38
147
227
19
26
24
37
43
1
41
95
466
29
76
73
Is:;
27
2,606
50
221
107
48
69
23
97
66
9
37
112
34
20
62
39
37
39
16
26
66
27
24
25
63
31
16
4.'.
65
182
45
33
S
"I
e
1,202
465
422
326
647
691
413
:;:,:;
206
490
272
377
703
2,023
223
212
297
382
234
14
404
763
2.!':;:,
218
427
4S4
1,381
352
7.204
441
1.4-7
1,132
410
667
269
768
580
230
679
947
386
26'.l
700
508
212
379
218
289
632
602
305
318
387
r,!ts
I'S
a:.:,
51 i
i. • ■
824
■JlJ
K..'.i* 2i><>4 •;......, t- 1.7:11
l!
1,148
Hi7
137
79
23S
202
140
62
127
204
77
64
209
1,085
72
60
61
98
82
2
156
213
4,708
54
145
136
668
103
13,897
272
683
551
163
29S
111
308
129
37
198
624
134
59
267
185
137
60
37
89
155
117
49
91
97
267
27
171
192
:;..'i
75
7:;
:;i>.:;.v.i
8>
5
87
80
67
64
89
104
38
86
47
67
56
72
88
107
31
37
24
61
58
1
52
116
313
35
76
86
141
37
393
61
174
133
103
102
54
112
93
25
53
98
31
32
110
79
26
42
33
42
Kil
80
35
43
52
68
39
87
88
188
64
•n
1,810
||
1 = .
S 80 «£
.= £ -
244
105
70
57
137
166
69
104
71
113
60
67
155
289
54
42
44
144
63
1
78
144
265
46
106
129
277
67
757
77
258
216
112
198
75
101
154
18
104
151
19
41
109
86
42
79
41
74
147
82
45
62
107
171
26
121
128
204
98
72
7,186
204
52
87
52
148
121
50
103
30
33
46
48
90
311
32
27
43
53
36
53
144
533
59
102
101
519
34
1,018
125
1S4
394
101
78
83
698
88
19
21
126
16
20
157
69
8
81
36
114
68
48
14
60
62
288
54
61
168
78
89
69
t g
5 .
^3
767
24
92
28
186
176
108
61
58
158
48
58
252
385
28
30
36
64
66
2
86
134
1,734
44
119
144
418
111
7,436
87
483
265
82
298
118
147
167
36
132
480
8
41
98
87
94
41
27
72
64
213
32
35
S2
ir,4
14
119
140
822
60
82
1i-..;i:ki
5,728
7,364
5,851
6,855
8,223
9,249
2,848
7,457
3,925
5,260
4,835
7,448
5,591
10,182
3,782
4,410
2,899
6,507
4,190
511
6,321
7,000
476
4,975
4.774
7^19
7,957
3,131
193
5,505
11,880
9.079
6,333
5,455
4,067
8,667
9,985
1,957
3,598
5,824
574
1.323
11.427
5.960
2,234
5.372
3.411!)
3.033
9^006
8,942
3.616
4.145
5,088
5,708
2.USS
7. ','nl
7,494
4,239
6,828
2,794
321.930
498
49
34
36
98
50
57
32
30
49
12
16
30
370
17
4
11
18
26
51
53
1,199
5
46
9
265
106
4,079
104
190
139
53
78
41
110
16
7
67
208
54
12
56
63
41
8
22
47
37
4
10
27
22
92
10
60
66
142
22
15
s
s
fc|
122
66
25
39
49
85
26
48
32
60
26
39
52
108
21
15
21
35
34
33
89
226
27
55
51
93
50
709
63
131
102
34
85
19
53
78
4
46
15
59
56
31
42
17
31
43
26
43
20
35
96
18
32
43
97
32
14
9,056 3,755
8
4,216
892
477
643
1,362
1,200
652
442
2,005
2,021
250
571
2,608
5,367
918
254
1,156
1,057
587
49
855
1,045
7,044
564
2,167
1,338
4,901
1,722
19.748
2.592
4,487
3,168
1,259
2,695
1,618
1,976
642
539
2,316
3.477
728
423
1.349
1/293
2,912
1,613
174
608
629
1,179
1,455
692
502
3.451
520
1,268
1.172
4,151
320
491
115,800
Xnfiri/ics "f the Population of New York.
The f U iwil IWI the nativities of the population of the, State, as reported by the census of 1855: —
When born.
Fork
it
Vermont
N-w Hampshire.
■■ Island
Now Jersey
Pamsylrania ....
Number.
•
2,222.321
64.077
1 • 18
1 x ■ ••
it .11
11,737
.168
31.472
.■••:
ll'/c /•. linrn.
Ohio
Michigan
Illinois
ii-in
Indiana
Other States
n Countries
At sea and unknown.
Number.
6,268
3,113
1.255
1,168
806
13,124
183
922.019
17.749
Per cent.
26
.151
.098
,086
,033
.017
::7S
,005
685
,512
PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS.
in the several Counties, as reported by the State Census of 1855.
153
fee
1
*>
s
S
h
c
C
£
s
ft, 3
&s
J
.§
8
e
3
B £
£
"8
s
i
1
a
1
b
1
■3
k
6
S
*
1
S
85
.8
s
SI
137
1,070
8
•s
B
s
2
9
B
i
212
338
468
634
88
183
399
174
178
103
136
64
354
162
92
490
62
28
82
184
59
64
39
85
23
46
45
11
156
71
171
43
20
24
46
28
133
200
56
50
65
68
26
134
45
22
185
110
136
31
82
9
33
22
54
137
34
37
27
74
11
69
29
4
112
55
99
27
17
14
73
151
192
176
96
99
132
114
73
77
73
17
428
45
158
31
39
98
67
90
108
226
62
111
88
125
41
145
55
12
309
72
239
36
50
50
46
52
128
93
45
68
71
52
22
66
36
8
203
44
100
14
23
20
54
19
68
164
40
63
46
77
17
43
2
156
53
124
4
23
24
36
71
86
170
34
32
28
44
18
67
39
7
105
35
86
115
16
11
65
80
105
216
71
77
98
83
43
65
39
15
271
24
155
47
35
148
20
8
57
99
51
42
36
49
8
12
33
4
117
34
116
9
21
8
41
6
61
200
37
67
26
70
14
3
30
2
118
97
205
20
12
17
76
171
205
385
124
67
166
103
42
104
53
8
288
54
201
72
59
185
196
176
6S7
714
141
131
438
218
210
118
146
180
1,063
187
313
100
157
58
44
17
56
112
33
31
24
34
10
1
22
3
g48
34
76
99
14
3
12
7
35
88
22
19
20
29
8
28
16
3
57
14
72
1
14
26
25
2
75
112
22
36
49
32
3
...
22
4
99
193
71
44
16
11
33
13
128
149
74
27
73
75
19
45
55
22
124
31
108
5
14
8
29
19
54
156
53
62
36
47
6
3
26
46
141
60
115
36
15
55
3
6
1
1
1
1
3
43
10
13
1
33
52
99
123
53
61
52
62
20
23
51
32
152
111
125
23
26
47
68
84
173
329
139
153
104
125
28
56
86
27
414
109
210
40
50
39
354
556
1,628
2,649
37
411
1,150
336
676
102
163
543
2,481
122
290
147
340
69
11
3
54
74
25
32
37
42
...
28
11
88
8
89
9
12
5
64
56
97
137
86
44
67
73
15
16
60
13
150
18
128
20
16
10
43
61
105
175
60
84
97
88
22
13
67
15
301
41
189
38
32
79
140
401
565
394
234
183
358
197
109
248
109
70
858
88
281
149
100
43
44
15
78
162
60
44
42
47
14
23
35
61
139
24
99
39
14
28
1,112
1,714
3,634
6,001
130
1,585
3,400
1,252
1,901
523
884
1,755
12,609
228
1,268
160
897
589
41
41
250
165
75
58
99
75
17
32
50
67
207
20
113
27
39
12
147
22ft
412
480
116
190
290
200
115
136
117
97
988
146
334
118
103
121
118
122
365
342
142
123
275
131
68
146
126
92
4SS
42
250
76
53
53
49
56
137
164
101
51
95
102
23
67
55
6
183
5
108
40
32
11
59
87
239
308
92
99
109
89
37
225
64
42
357
47
191
118
61
77
32
9
76
99
66
59
61
60
21
12
32
12
104
20
94
9
19
5
74
92
231
241
171
84
125
113
38
14
65
25
281
75
246
87
33
24
52
32
94
197
68
100
82
89
26
1
78
7
263
38
172
23
23
17
13
84
34
68
26
18
25
12
1
12
9
18
54
2
44
21
12
36
76
174
187
45
25
105
49
17
12
40
16
157
2
125
2
78
86
99
301
330
529
77
10S
226
121
46
424
90
55
512
98
232
210
70
18
35
7
137
217
12
3
81
17
35
2
9
IS
79
11
36
8
20
2
12
V?,
62
67
14
18
40
23
7
87
25
9
88
5
36
25
11
86
40
120
245
79
91
82
61
23
87
67
10
216
54
243
17
39
19
54
105
89
218
45
68
90
101
37
62
30
19
150
29
141
28
21
74
30
189
63
120
8
52
51
37
11
96
15
4
216
12
56
16
7
12
39
13
81
138
61
53
33
68
10
2
32
2
147
28
159
9
18
12
18
12
48
69
42
39
33
46
10
2
26
107
32
95
21
3
12
33
97
67
107
58
54
55
49
6
14
26
18
124
16
1 1
17
19
47
51
80
154
230
79
65
74
75
27
97
55
11
152
58
117
32
28
9
24
5
95
268
41
61
75
48
23
28
24
8
234
7
133
8
27
17
15
1
55
102
24
33
15
36
7
13
17
4
91
120
82
42
13
3
16
25
60
88
40
28
31
49
10
64
23
5
106
33
94
4
19
2
123
46
78
128
81
57
85
61
15
43
38
8
148
26
124
17
7
17
56
27
186
315
102
73
95
76
30
3
47
96
326
163
154
133
35
24
12
6
33
59
15
16
20
32
4
29
15
10
52
90
52
11
6
62
36
97
202
49
99
86
76
16
30
61
34
214
36
148
62
31
23
43
44
161
186
67
103
83
116
14
39
85
21
257
45
203
17
49
7
127
113
525
631
54
102
304
114
62
121
58
314
437
30
303
108
87
241
36
14
72
147
55
42
53
69
13
28
56
9
127
34
114
4
20
8
21
9
41
82
45
37
35
39
13
8
32
5
126
20
95
6
8
9
4,542
6,309
13.781
20,664
3,917
5.S02
10,081
6.010
4.339
4,006
3,895
4,076
29,236
3,416
9,959
2,825
3.160
3.141
The total number of persons reported in 1855 as engaged in pursuits other than the foregoing ivas
as follows : — ■
Actors 325
Agents 2.340
Agt'i. Implement Makers 386
Apothecaries and Drug-
gists 1,438
Apprentices 1,421
Architects 261
Artificial Flower Makers 237
Artists and Designers 751
Auctioneers 220
Authors 58
Ax Makers 2X3
Bakers 5,136
Bankers 432
Bank Officers 539
Barbers 2,142
Barkeepers
Basket Makers
Bell Founders
Bellhangers and Lock-
smiths
Bellows Makers
Billiard Makers
Bill Posters
Bird Cage Makers
Blacking Makers
Block Makers
Boarding House Keepers
Boat Builders
Boatmen and Watermen.
Boiler Makers
Bookbinders
9S7
783
659
24
5
7
7
32
391
1,680
693
9,136
708
2,121
Booksellers and Station-
ers 514
Bottlers 14
Box Makers 379
Brass Workers 756
Brewers and Distillers 1.176
Brickmakers 1,627
Bridge and Dock Builders 142
Britannia Ware Makers.. 13
Brokers 1,233
Broom Makers 183
Brushmakers 622
Builders 1,081
Butchers 6,308
Button Makers 61
Cadets 201
Calico Printers 28
Calkers 659
Card Makers 47
Carpet Makers and Deal-
ers 330
Carters and Draymen 7,350
Carvers and Gilders 1,125
Case Makers 32
Cattle Dealers 13
Cement Makers 264
Chandlers and Soap
Makers 622
Charcoal Burners and
Dealers 556
Chemists 1S3
Chimney Sweeps 12
154
NEW YORK STATE GAZETTEER.
Professions and Occupations, concluded :■
Chronometer Makers 4
Civil Engineers 249
Civil Officer- 1.427
Clock Makers and Re-
pairers 164
Clothiers 1.0S4
Cloth Manufacturers not
specified 123
Coal Dealers 138
Coffee. Spice, and Mus-
tard Makers 25
Collect, rs -2Z2
Comb Makers 229
Confectioners LOSS
Contractors 699
Cooks 1.424
Coopers 7.539
Coppersmiths 409
Cork Cutters 45
Cotton Manufacturers.... 75
Custom House Officers... 346
Cutlers 249
Dairymen and Milk
Dealers 1,050
Dealers nut otherwise
specified 1,668
Dentists
Dock Keepers 54
Drivers. Coachmen, Ac... 3.253
Drover- 862
Dvers and Bleachers 470
Editors
Elactrolyplsts 11
Embroiderers 21S
Enamelers 3
Engineers 3.1S0
- 761
Envelope Makers 29
Expr 4'-2
1 • ry imperatives 2.477
Farriers 150
Feat . r- 8
Ferrymen 6
File' 35S
Fir- Engine Makers 6
Firem-n 416
Fi-h Dealers 165
Fishermen 965
Fishing Tackle Makers— 14
Flax Dressers and Work-
ers 66
Fortune Tellers and As-
tr> logists 4
Forwarders 274
Frame Makers 164
Fringe. Tassel, and Gimp
Makers 155
Fruit Dealers
Farnaeemen
Furri. rs 227
7
Gardener*, and 1 . 0.260
Gas > nire
Makers 627
Gas M 132
Gas Meter Makers
- 499
.•ists and Min<-ralo-
pi-t- 6
i
Gla-'- "
Glaj>!> Btainers
r-
Gin- "
Gold>
820
Grate Makers and
ters 98
Grindstone and Millstone
Makers 23
Gunsmiths 496
Gutta Percha Manulac-
rurers 3
Hair Cloth Makers., 17
Hair Workers 89
Hame Makers 69
Hardware Dealers 426
Hat and Cap Makers 2,928
Hemp Dressers 11
Bone Dealers 102
11 — Makers 6
Hosiers 2S
Hunters 59
Ice Dealers 152
Importers 409
India Rubber Manufac-
turers 73
Ink Makers 61
Inspectors 295
Instrument Makers 172
Insurance Officers 319
Intelligence Officers 3
Inventors anil Patentees 30
Iron Mongers -. 44
Iron Workers 990
Ivory Black Makers 17
Ivory Workers 5
Japanners 73
Jewelers 2,055
Junk-hop Keepers 321
Keepers and Wardens of
Prisons. Ac 284
1. Makers 61
Lampblack Makers 6
Lamplighters 18
Lamp Makers _. 51
Lapidaries 17
Last Makers 98
Lath Makers 11
Laundresses 3,557
Lecturers 35
Librarians 5
Lighthouse Keepers 30
Li Burners 129
Linguists 10
Liihi>ljraphers 176
Livery Stable Keepers.... 741
Looking Glass Makers... 53
Lumbermen and Dealers 2,933
Mall Agents and Carriers 231
Manufacturers (not spe-
cified) 1,448
Map Makers - 11
Marble Dealers 66
Market Men and Women 295
Mat and Rug Makers 83
Match Makers 223
Matrons of Asylums.Ac. 37
Mechanics m>t other-
wise specified) 3.837
Midn iv-s _. 47
Military Equipment Ma-
ker- A
Millwrights 1.2<.-'
Mineral Water Makers... 117
Miners 41. ">
Model Makers 8
Modelers 1
It. --• rs 260
Moulders 3,114
M< old Makers --. 12
Mtllric il In-lr. Manufac 180
den 87
1.177
Mn-i Teachen 621
Makers 433
Naturalists 10
Needle Makers 1
New-boys 197
Nurserymen 240
Nurses 968
Oculists 17
Oilcloth Makers 133
Oil Makers 124
Opticians 63
Organ Builders 81
Ostlers 948
Overseers and Superin-
tendents 475
Oyster Men and Dealers.. 458
Packers 112
Paint and Color Makers.. 21
Paper Dealers 20
Paper Hangers 196
Paper Makers 914
Paper Stainers 87
Patent Leather Makers... 10
Patent Medicine Makers. 59
Pattern Makers 427
Pavers 341
Pawnbrokers 20
Pearl Workers 4
Peddlers 4,131
Pen Makers 61
Pencil Makers 49
Perfumers 35
Photographers and Da-
guerreotypists 3S9
Piano Makers 1,076
Pickle and Preserve Ma-
kers 11
Pilots 387
Pin Makers 5
Pipe Makers 26
Plaster Figure Makers... 41
Plate Printers 31
Platers 269
Plumbers 95S
Pocket Book Makers 212
Policemen 1,513
Polishers and Burnishers 578
Porcelain Makers 12
Porters.- 3,916
Portfolio Makers 6
Portrait Painters 37
Postmasters 184
Pot and Pearl Ash Ma-
kers 36
Potters 287
Powder Makers 27
Produce Dealers 526
Professors 188
Publishers. 160
Pump Makers 40
Pursers 10
I'yrnteclinists 22
Quarrymen 1,081
Ragpickers 250
i Strop Makers 5
Reed Makers 16
l:. -finer* and Assayers... 91
Reporters 59
Restaurant Keepers 288
Riggers 4f9
Roofers and Slaters 175
Rope and Cord Makers... 668
Runners 150
Safe Makers _. 88
PaJlmakers 563
Sailors and Mariners 9,720
Saleratus Makers 16
- Li -nun 723
BalooD Keepers 871
Salt Makers 602
Sandpaper Makers 3
Sash and Blind Makers.. 1,004
Saw Filers 45
Saw Makers 228
Sawyers 3,724
Scale Makers 69
Scavengers 41
Screw Slakers 8
Sculptors 86
Sealing Wax Makers 1
Servants 58,441
Sextons 147
Shingle Makers 217
Ship Carpenters, Mast
and Spar Makers 3,632
Shift and Collar Makers 434
Shoe Peg Makers 7
Shot Makers 9
Showmen 15
Silk Workers 81
Soldiers and Military
Officers .'. 709
Speculators 487
Spinners 463
Spring Makers 26
Stage Proprietoi-s 174
Starch Makers 40
Stave Makers 20
Steel Makers 9
Stereotypers 47
Stevedores 2S0
Stewards 281
Storekeepers 1,120
Stove Makers 160
Straw Workers 131
Students 4.184
Sugar Refiners 144
Surgeons 48
Surgical Instr. Makers... 38
Surveyors 382
Telegraph Operators 258
Tobacconists 3,744
Tool Makers 404
Toy and Fancy Dealers
and Makers 164
Traders 115
Trimmers 308
Turners 909
Turpentine Makers 5
Type Cutters 21
Type Founders 155
Umbrella Makers 374
Undertakers.., 213
Upholsterers 1.106
Varnish Makers 267
Victualers 57
Vinegar Makers 25
Watchmakers and Re-
pairers 813
Watchmen 412
Wax Bleachers 2
Whalebone Workers 122
Whip Makers 51
White Lead Makers 46
Whitewashers 262
Window Shade Makers... 31
Mine and Liquor Dealers 749
M in- Drawers 15
Wire Workers 91
Wood Cutters 240
Wood Dealers 75
Wooden Mare Makers.... 41
Wool Carders nnd Comb-
ers 282
Wool Dealers 49
Woolen and Worsted
Workers 147
ALBANY COUNTY.
Tins was an original county; formed Nov. 1, 1G83, and confirmed
Oct. 1, 1691.1
Tryon and Charlotte (now Montgomery and Washington) counties
were taken off in 1772, Columbia in 1786, Rensselaer and Saratoga in
1791, a part of Schoharie in 1795, a part of Greene in 1800, and Sche-
nectady in 1809. The Manor of llonsselaerwyck was erected into a dis-
trict March 24, 1772, and subdivided into east and west districts soon
after the Revolution. The county lies on the west bank of Hudson
River, about 150 miles from its mouth, and contains an area of 544
square miles. Its surface is undulating and hilly, and it has a general
inclination toward the southeast. A narrow intervale extends along
the course of the river, bounded by a series of steep bluffs from 100 to 180 feet high, from the sum-
mits of which an undulating and slightly ascending plateau stretches westward to the foot of the
Helderbergh2 Hills, where it reaches an elevation of about 400 feet above tide. This range of hills
rises from 400 to 800 feet above the plateau, and 800 to 1200 feet above tide. Their declivities are
very steep, and sometimes precipitous, on the east, but more gradually sloping upon the west.
Several other ranges of hills, inferior to them in height, extend in a general northerly and southerly
direction through portions of the county. The highest point is the summit of thellelderberghs, in
the northeast corner of the town of Bern, and is 1200 feet above tide. All these ranges of high-
lands may be considered as outlying spurs of the Catskills, which, in turn, are but a northerly
continuation of the Allegany Mountains, and a part of the great Appalachian system.
The geological formations of this county belong to the Upper Silurian system, and comprise
nearly all the rocks of the "New York System," from the Utica slate to the corniferous limestone.
Above the rocks, in the eastern part of the county, are thick deposits of drift, consisting of sand,
gravel, and clay ; and along the river intervales are rich alluvial deposits. The lowest rock,
cropping out on the Hudson, Normans Kil, and Mohawk, is the Utica slate. Next above is the
graywacke and shales of the Hudson River group, appearing in the valleys of all the streams
that flow into the Hudson, and apparently underlying the entire eastern part of the county. This
stone is quarried for building stone and flagging.3 The red rocks that form the base of the
Helderberghs evidently belong to the Medina sandstone series, though they have sometimes been
confounded with the red shales of the Onondaga salt group. Next above, forming the first terrace
of the mountains, is the water-lime group, from 50 to 200 feet in thickness, furnishing both water
and quick-lime. Next in order is the pentamerus limestone, 50 feet in thickness, consisting of
impure gray and black limestone mixed with slate and shale. Overlying this is the Catskill lime-
stone, from 50 to 180 feet in thickness, consisting of thick, compact masses of limestone alternating
with thin layers of shale. It is used for building stone and lime. The Oriskany sandstone is
next developed, in a strata only 2 feet in thickness, followed by the cauda-galli grit, from 50 to
60 feet in thickness. This last has a fine grit, and resembles black or gray slates, but is easily
disintegrated, and crumbles upon exposure to the air. Next in order come the Onondaga and
corniferous limestones, the latter crowning the summits of the mountains. These rocks furnish
both a superior quality of lime and an excellent building stone. The surface of the eastern
part of the county is covered with immense beds of clay, gravel, and sand. The highlands west
of Albany City are covered 40 feet deep with sand, which rests upon a bed of clay estimated to be
100 feet deep. In this drift are found small beds of bog ore and numerous chalybeate and sul-
phuretted springs. In the limestone regions are numerous caves, sink holes, and subterranean
water courses, forming a peculiar and interesting feature of the county.
The principal streams are, — the Hudson River, which forms the eastern boundary ; the Mohawk,
which forms a part of the northern boundary ; the Patroon Creek, Normans Kil, Vlomans, Coey-
1 The county by these acta embraced " the Manor of Rens-
Belaerwyck, Schenectady, and all the villages, neighborhoods,
and Christian plantations on the east side of Hudson's River, from
Roeloffe Jansen's Creek ; and on the west side, from Sawyer's
Creek to the outermost end of Saraghtoga." The Manor of Liv-
ingston was annexed to Dutchess co. May 27, 1717, and by sub-
sequent statutes the county of Albany was also made to com-
prise every thing within the colony of New York north and west
of present limits, and at one time the whole of Vermont.
2 Signifying " Clear Mountain," from the fine prospect from
their summit.
* Several of the intermediate series of rocks, including the
gray sandstone, Clinton, Niagara Falls, aud Onondaga salt groups,
are not found in the county.
155
156
ALBANY COUNTY.
mans, Haanakrois, andCatskill Creeks, and their branches. Nearly all the streams that flow Into
the Hudson have worn deep gulleys in the sand and clay. Many of these gorges are 100 feet deep,
and extend from one-fourth of a mile to one mile from the river. The streams farther west gene-
rally flow through narrow, rocky ravines bordered by steep banks. These streams are mostly
very rapid, and subject to extremes of flood and drouth. There are several small lakes among the
hills, but none of special importance.
The soil upon the intervales is a deep, rich alluvial loam. In Watervliet, Albany, and the
eastern parts of Guilderland and Bethlehem, it consists of almost pure sand, with strips of clay
along the banks of the streams. A belt of land lying between the sandy region and the foot
of the Ilelderberghs is principally a clayey and gravelly loam, and very productive. Upon the
Helderberghs the soil consists of alternate layers of clay, slate, and gravel, generally with a sub-
soil of tenacious clay called " hard-pan." Patches in this region are also stony, and much of it
is wet and cold, and only moderately productive. Pitch pine, oak, and chestnut are the principal
kinds of timber that grow upon the sandy region. In the most barren parts these trees are
mere dwarfs, and the region has much the appearance of a desert. In the southeast corner of
the county is a limited amount of red cedar. West of the sandy tract are found the usual trees
of this northern climate, including both the deciduous and evergreen.1
In the farming districts the people are principally engaged in raising spring grains, dairying,
the raising of stock, and in gardening for the markets of Troy and Albany. The people of Albany,
West Troy, and Cohoes are principally engaged in manufactures and commerce.
The city of Albany is the county seat and State capital. The county buildings are commodious,
and the county institutions are well organized. The City Hall2 at Albany, erected at the joint
expense of the city and county, contains the principal city and county offices. The Albany County
Penitentiary8 is a fine building in the western part of the city. Persons convicted of certain
crimes, and sentenced to short terms of imprisonment, are confined here ; and prisoners are re-
ceived from Dutchess, Columbia, Rensselaer, Washington, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties.
The county has no poor-house, but contracts with the city for the support of its paupers.
Albany is 145 miles above New York, upon the Hudson. The tide rises about one foot in the
river.* In low water, navigation is obstructed, except for vessels of light draught, by the " over-
slaugh," or bar, near Castleton, and at other points ; and considerable sums have been expended in
attempting to deepen the channel, by dredging, and building a long stone dike below Albany.5
The most important works of internal improvement in the county are, — the Erie Canal,6 the New
York Central, and the Albany, Vermont, and Canada Railroads, all terminating in the city of
Albany. Connected with these lines, and terminating at Greenbush, directly opposite Albany, are
the Hudson River, Albany and West Stockbridge,7 Harlem, and Troy and Greenbush Railroads.
A company has been chartered to build a r. r. from Albany in a s. w. direction to Binghamton,
and the work upon it is now in progress. A pier has been built in the river in front of Albany,
for the benefit of navigation.8
Hendriok Hudson is supposed to have ascended the river as far as Albany in 1G09. During the
next three or four years, several Dutch traders commenced a traffic with the Indians, and small
trading houses were built at Manhattan and Albany. In after years these stations were fortified, the
one to protoc f from invasion by sea, and the other against incursions from the French settlements
in Canada. The principal military work at Albany (built in 1623) was known as Fort Orange.
The station at Albany remained a mere trading post until 1G.'!0, when agricultural improvements
began. The Dutch West India Co. was formed in 1621, for promoting settlement in " New Nether-
lands," as the I'utrh possessions in America wcro then called. In 1629, this company granted to
Killian Van Rensselaer, one of the commissioners, (a pearl merchant of Amsterdam,) a charter
conferring upon him privileges similar to those enjoyed by the feudal barons of Europe. His
i a iti'l agricultural survey of Albany oo. was made,
In 1 -. the Oo, I i was
toe fir-t enterprise of the kind in the stat-.— .l/.m. Ikl. Ag., i. 367.
» «.•■■ page l"'.
* Thi* penitentiary was bnOI in 1846 10, and opened An
prfa nen in April, 1848, It ••< 1 under the din
of A Hi"." I'il-i"iry. in 1848, and Dtwd under hii
direction and thai of 1m* ion, Looii l> Pilabury. it I, ■
cells, an,! the ayt rage number in confinement has been 220. Tie-
convicts are principally employed in the manufacture ol
seat chairs un'l saddlery hardware. During the fir-t B yean the
total receipts were $110,082, end the total expenditm
* The tide rises lure G b. 34 m. behind time of the in, d'i
southing. * SrnaU Doc 40, 1857, p. 171.
8 The Erie Canal terminates in a basin at Albany, and com-
riui iiiiat- s willi the End-on at West Troy. It crosses the Mohawk
River, above Col k Falls, upon a stone aqueduct. A company
hao been incorp. for building a ship-canal from Albany to New
Baltimore, a point below tin bars which obstruct navigation.
' L< a- d by the Western (Mass.) It. It. Co.
8 The pier is built across a curve in the west shore, and opens
Into the river at both ends. It is divided for the accommodation
of the rail r« ad f' Tries, and is lj miles long. It was formerly Closed
by locks. The basin inclosed within the pier affords a secure
harbor, during winter, for river vessels and canal boats, which
otherwi'"- would be exposed to destruction from ice. The pier
is owned by an incorporated company.
ALBANY COUNTY.
157
agents1 made large purchases of land lying on both sides of the Hudson, near Albany,2 in 1030-37,
at which last date the manor embraced a territory 24 mi. n. and s. and 48 mi. e. and w., including
nearly all of the present counties of Albany and llenssclaer.3 By the terms of the grant the
charter would be forfeited unless the lands were settled in 7 years by at least 50 persons over 15
years of a^e. A ship load of emigrants was forwarded in 1030, and others in each of several suc-
ceeding years. The emigrants were furnished with stock, seeds, and farming implements, and
the land was leased at an annual rent, payable in grain, beeves, and wampum, or a share of the
products.4 The proprietor received the title of Patroon, and in him was vested authority in
civil and military affairs subordinate only to the West India Co. and the States General. He had
his forts, soldiers, cannon, and courts of justice; and, although the laws allowed an appeal from
the decisions of the local courts, he required every person who settled within his jurisdiction to
pledge himself never to exercise this right. Altercations soon arose between the agents of the
patroon and the officers of the garrison at Fort Orange, in regard to the land immediately around
the fort; and the controversy was not settled until after the English conquest.5 The settlement
formed under Van Rensselaer gradually acquired importance as a trading post, and a considerable
hamlet was built under the guns of Fort Orange.6 Mills were built on several of the streams, and
a church was erected. By the surrender of the colony to the English, in 1004, the personal rights
of the colonists were secured, and a new charter was granted to the patroon, restricting his civil
power, but confirming the relations existing between landlord and tenant.7 The feudal tenure was
finally abolished in 1787.8
The leasehold tenures, from an early period, excited discontent among the tenants.9 The late
patroon, by his indulgence, had secured their regard ; and when he died, in 1839, the course that
would be pursued by his successor became a matter of solicitude. A committee of respectable
men, appointed by the tenants to wait upon him and confer upon subjects of mutual interest, were
treated with marked coldness and disdain, which quickly led to the organization of armed resist-
ance to the enforcement of civil processes in the collection of rent. In Dec. 1839, the excitement
was so great in the w. part of the county, that the Governor issued a proclamation, and sent an
armed force to assist the civil officers. The people finally dispersed, and no collision ensued. For
many years the anti-rent question greatly excited the public mind in all sections of the State
where the leasehold tenure prevailed.10 Within a few years, much of the land has been conveyed in
fee to the lessees ; and probably in a few years the whole question will be amicably arranged in
this manner.11 There are 17 newspapers and periodicals now published in the county.12
1 Janson Krol and Derick Cornelissen Duyster, commissary
and under commissary at Fort Orange.
2 The tract first purchased, w. of the Hudson, extended from
Beeren (Bear) Island — called hy the Indians " Passapenock" —
up to Sneackx Island, and "of a breadth of two days' jour-
ney."
8 On the 1st of Oct. 1630, a copartnership was formed between
Van Rensselaer on the one part, and Saml. Godyn, Johannes de
Laet, Saml. Bloemmaert, Adam Bissels, and Toussaint Moussart
on the other, by which the latter were constituted co-directors
of Rensselaerwyck, and were bound to do homage and fealty to
the lord of the manor.
4 The patroon reserved the right to trade with the Indians.
For several years this trade was carried on by the settlers, who
received goods from the patroon's store, and sent the peltries
which they received to be sold by him in Holland. This busi-
ness afterwards fell into the hands of local traders.
6 So active did this controversy become, that at ono time Oov.
Stnyvesant sent an armed force to Albany to support the rights
of the company against the proprietor.
6 This place soon became the seat for holding all great councils
with the Indian tribes. Among the curious tilings mentioned
in the annals of the "old colonie" is the fact that, during an almost
unprecedented freshet in the spring of 1646, a whale 40 feet long
came up the river and stranded on an island near the mouth
of the Mohawk. Four others stranded the same season, 40
Dutch mi. above New Amsterdam.
1 For a concise view of the changes made by this charter, see
Barnard's Hist. Sketch of Rensselaerwyck, p. 107.
8 The manorial title has descended as follows : —
Killian Van Rensselaer, first Patroon, died in 1647, at Amster-
dam, leaving the property with his two sons.
Johannes and Jeremiah. Each of these had a son named
Killian, the former of whom died without issue in 1687,
leaving the title with
Killian, son of Jeremiah. Dongan's patent was confirmed to
the two cousins Nov. 5, 1685, and all other claimants
released to the survivor, in 1695 ; to whom also Queen
Anne's patent of confirmation was granted May 20,
1704. He willed the property to his son,
Jeremiah, and to the male heirs of his body ; but, dying without
issue, the title passed to his younger brother,
Stephen, who had a son (sole heir under the will above men-
tioned,) named
Stephen, who died in 1769, leaving the title with
Stephen, the late patroon, who was born in 1764, and died
in 1839. The entail ended with this person, who, in his
will, gave the w. part of the manor to his son, Stephen,
the present proprietor, and the E. part to his son,
William P., of New York.
9 The " Quarter Sales," as they were technically called, in
which the landlord claimed a part of the purchase money at
each transfer of a lease, was particularly obnoxious. In 1850
the Quarter Sales were declared unconstitutional by the Su-
preme Court.
10 This movement led to the adoption of Art. 1, Sec. 14, in the
constitution of 1846, prohibiting the lease of agricultural landa
for a longer period than 12 years.
H The relative amount of the land held by lease and in fee in
the county is now nearly as follows: — In Watervliet, nearly all
held in fee; in Guilderland, three-fourths; in Bethlehem, Coey-
mans, and New Scotland, two-thirds ; in Knox, Rensselaervilfe,
and Westerlo, half; and in Bern, one-third, — the remainder
being held by lease.
12 The following list is imperfect, but is supposed to include
all the more important newspapers ever published in the Co.
We are indebted to Joel Munsell, printer, for assistance, and the
use of his immense collection of specimen numbers, in the prepa-
ration of this class of statistics.
The Albany Gazette was first issued in Nov. 1771, by Alex, and
James Robertson, who joined the loyalists in N. Y. in
1776.
The New York Gazetteer or Northern Intelligencer, iu 1782. by
Solomon Balantine and Charles R. Webster. In 1784
the name was changed to
The Albany Gazette, and in 1788 a semi-weekly edition was
issued. In March, 1817, united with the Albany Daily
Advertiser, and took the name of
Tlte Albany Gazette and Daily Advertiser, continued until 1845.
The Albany Journal, or Montgomery, Washington, and ''<lum-
bia Intelligencer, seini-w. in winter and w. in summer
was started in Jan. 1788, by Chas. K. A Geo. Webster,
and published in connection witli the Gtazette.
The Albany Daily Advertiser, Sept. 1815, by Theodore Dwight
158
ALBANY COUNTY.
In 1S17 W. L. Stone united it with the Albany
Gazette.
The Albany Register was published bv John Barber from 17SS
till ISO's and by S. Southwick till 1817.
The Federal Herald, by Claxton A Babcock, brought from
Lansingb'gh in Feb. 1788, and again returned thither.
The Albany Centinel, semi-w., 1796. In Nov. 1806 chauged to
The Republican Crisis. Backus A Whiting and Isaac Mitchell
were successively publishers.
The Albany Chronicle was commenced in 1797 by .Tohn McDo-
nald. Joseph Foy and Henry C. Southwick were after-
ward its editors. It was discontinued in 1799.
The Guardian, 1S07. Van Benthuysen & Wood, 2 years.
The Balance^ and New York State Journal, semi-w., 1808-11,
Croswell & Frary ; removed from Hudson.
The Albany Republican was started in April. 1812. by Samuel
K. Brown. — Romaine succeeded the next year, and after
several years it was merged in the Saratoga Patriot.
The Stranger. 1813-14, 8vo. John Cook, pub.
The Albany Argus was established as a semi-w„ tri-w., and w.,
Jan. 1, 1S13, by Jesse Buel ; and d., semi-w., and w.
editions were issued in Oct. 1825. Edwin Croswell was
many years its publisher. Feb. 15, 1856, merged in
The Atlas and Argus, da., semi-w., and w. Conistock & Cassidy,
pub.
The Albany Atlas, da., semi-w., and w.. was started in 1841 by
Vance A Wendell : in 1>>56 it was united with the Argus.
The Christian Visitant, 4'o. was begun June 3, 1815, by S.
Southwick, and continued 2 years.
The Fried. Svo. mo., was begun iu'lSlo by D. A S. A. Abbey.
1 vol. published.
». pub. by — Carter; removed to N.Y. in 1S18.
The Plough Boy was started 1819, by Solomon Southwick,
under the nam d-- plume of Henry Homespun.
The Albany Micre,?r,,p.; i-2o. by Chas. Galpin, continued till 1842.
The National Democrat, published at Albany and N.Y., was
St urted In 1 823 by Wm. McDonald, and continued 1 year.
The Religious Monitor, mo. was commenced in May, 1824. by
suncey Webster. It is now published in Philadelphia.
The 1 " ■■• and Miscellaneous Album, was started
in 1826 by E. B. Child. Its name was changed to
7"V Asm rican Masonic Record, and was pub. by E. B. Child for
4 or 5 yrs.
The American Masonic Register was pub. 5 y. by L. G. Hoffman.
National Obsi ner, w. and semi-w., was started in 1S26 by
Geo. Galpin, and continued 4 years: S. Southwick, ed.
The AH' nm Telegraph and Christian Register was started in
1826, and in 1827
The Albany Christian Register, L. G. Hoffman, pub,, and J. K.
Boyd, ed.. May 19, 1827.
The Albany Daily Chronicle was started April 22, 1S26, and
published a short time by Galpin & Cole.
The Comet was begun Aug. 4, 1827. D. McGlashan, ed.
The Standard was published in 1827 by Matthew Cole.
of the Times was started Oct. 13, 1*>27, and discontinued
- - 1 • 28. D. McGlashan, pub.. S. Do W. Bloodgood. ed.
The Antidote was pub. in 1827. Webster A Wood, pub., S.
Southwick, ed
7"'.. Morning Chronicle, da., and The Albany Chronicle, semi-w.,
publisher! in 1S2S by Beach. Denio, A Richard.
The Afft wn> published in 1828 by Galpin A Sturtevant
The • literary Writer was started Dec. 27,
l'-J- by .las. McGlashan'; Bloodgood A Van Schaick. eds.
The .i -mi-mo., was started Jan. 30, 1828, by Arthur
Sherman.
The t " . rrn was published in 1428 by J. Mnnsell.
The- Albany Kv«iiln« Jmtrnnl was commenced
i. it was published by B. D. Packard i C .
Tliiirifw \\ \ w. an. i a M-mi-w. Journal ji i ■ •
n.,w Issued from Ibis oftVe by Weed, Dawson A Co.
a • ■' Working Men's Advocate, da., was
I by McPheraon A McKercher. The fol-
lowing year it appeared as
The Daii i Pr'tmnn't Advocate, ami Former*. Meehnntr*. and
Whrlting Men'l < ' tmmpinn, and wiw pub. 1 or 2 vrs.
The .1 Trte.l in April. 1880, by .1. DnuVy. W. B.
HoCulloch, mil I
The Ttmf- Irr, in.... WW published in 1881 by the Stat.'
T.-nv.
/ V'""''"'''''. 8»o. f'"mmpnfnrl in 1883 by the Alb.
If ml. M. Wiloon. wl.. "l toL pub.
fr-m Boi bester In 1831.
B. J. Roberts A 1 • ubllshers,
American 7emperane t. m.. wn» started in Jan. 1834.
The SWneorm, in May, 1836. Xli-- .'j..| rol. was
mgsd to
The Sill: ir.rm ana " deroted In part to sugar
beet culture. It- tinned in It I
The Amrrti-an Quarterly Hemp hfagatint was commence. 1 I I
2 vols, published.
The A" i. ./ nuntcript, Hi., tha first peDnv paper in Albanv, was
I Oct. 12
Tht Albany /.' t vet and TJfr,"my *|rtffflffr| mffit mm pubfashtM]
In 1838 by Qso. Trumbull.
The Albany Whig was commeneed in 1884, by J. P. Van SWiaiek
A Co„ as the weekly of The Daily Advertiser. It was
soon merged in The Albany Gazette, a »emi-w. paper
issued from the same office.
The Common School Assistant, mo., was published in 1836 by J.
Orville Taylor.
The Associate Presbyterian Magazine, 8vo, mo., Rev. P. Bul-
lions, ed. Pub. from 1838 to 1842.
South wick's Family Ai wspaper was published in 1S3S.
The .leffersonian was published by Horace Greeley during the
campaign of 1838.
Tile Cultivator, mo., was commenced in March, 1S39. by
Jesse Buel. It was afterward published by W. Gay lord
and L. Tucker, and now by L. Tucker & Son.
The Tomahawk and Scalping Knife was published a short time.
The Albany Patriot was started in 1840 by Jas. C. Jackson,
and continued 4 years.
Tht Unionist, da., was published by J. Munsell. and
The Rough Hewer by Theo. M. Burt, during the campaign of
1840.
Tht District School Journal, mo., was established at Geneva in
1840, Francis Dwight, ed. Removed to Albany in 1841,
and continued by the State School Dep. until 1S52.
The Examiner was published in 1S41 by G. Galpin.
The American Magazine, Svo, mo., started in 1S41 by J. S. A B.
Wood. 3 vols. pub.
The Irishman was published seven weeks in 1842 by H.
O'Kane, J. Munsell, printer.
The Nero Fork State Mechanic was started in 1842 by J.
Munsell, and continued eighteen months.
The Northern Star and Freeman's Advocate was started in
1842 by J. G. Stewart and Charles S. Morton.
The Sunday Tickler was published in 1842 by C. W. Taylor.
The Albany Switch was commenced in 1S42 by H. J. Hastings.
In 1^55 Edward Leslie became its editor.
The Youth's Temperance. Enterprise, mo., started Xov. 13, 1S42, by
J. Stanley Smith, ed. and pub., and continued 3 years.
The American Citizen, da. and w., was started in 1S43 by Stone
& Henley, and ed. by J. S. Smith.
Tlie Albany Knickerbocker, da. and w., was com-
menced in 1843 by II. J. Hastings, and is still continued.
The Albany Daily Patriot was published in 1843 by C. T. Torry
Tlie Subterranean was started Mar. 23, 1S43, by Jas. Duffey.
The Albanian, da., was published in 1844.
The Albany Religious Spectator was started in 1S44 by J. Mun-
sell and E. H. Pease. The next year it passed into the
hands of B. F. Romaine, who continued it until 1857.
The Birney Advocate, semi-mo., was pub. during the campaign
of 1844 by E. W. Goodwin.
The Anti-Renter was started by Thos. A. Devyr Aug. 16, 1845.
The Albany Freeholder was started April 9, 1S45, by Thos.
A. Devyr, and continued until 1854.
The American Quarterly Journal of Agriculture and Science,
8vo, was commenced Jan. 1845, by E. Emmons and A.
T. Prime. Jan. 1S46 it was pub. monthly by E. Emmons
and A. Osborne. It was sold to Ch. Bement in 184S,
and discontinued in Dec. of the same year.
The Gavel, mo., published in 1845 from Munsell's press.
The Scourge was published in 1S45 by Woodward & Packard.
The Vesper Bell, da., a few numbers pub. by Abbott A Crosby.
Tlie Albany Herald, da. and tri-w., was commenced in 184(5 by
A. B. Van Olinda. and in Dec. it took the name of
The Morning Telegraph, and in March. 1847, of
The Statesman, edited by W. M. Watson.
The, Balance was published in 1846.
The Mechanics' Advocate. is.4ii. ,T. Tanner, pub., continued 1 yr.
The Mechanics' Journal, 1846, Munsell A McFarlan, pub., was
issued 1 year.
The Horticulturist, and Journal of Rural Art and Rural
Taste, was commenced In July, 1846: A. J. Downing,
ed., L. Tucker, pub. The 8th vol. was removed to
Rochester. In 1855 it was pub. at Philadelphia by R.
P. Smith : John 3. Smith, ed. In Jan. 1858 removed to
N.Y.: Saxton, pub.. J. .1. Smith, ed.
The Mechanics' Mirror, Svo, was published in 1846 from Mun-
hoITs pre--.
The Son of temperance and RechabUe, Svo, mo., was pub. in
Aug. 1846 by J. Stanley Smith A Co.
The Albany Oastigator was Issued in is47 by M. J. Smith.
The American Ltterary Magazine, mo., started July. 1^47. T.
Dwi hi Sprs ue, pub. ; removed to Hartford, June, 1848.
Thr Christian Palladium^ J, Hasten, ed., was brought from Fulton
In 1847 or '48, and re move, i to Irrington. N.J.,Oct.l855.
The Busy lier, E. Andrew-, ed., was pub. from IMs to 1850.
Odd rWow* Litiraru Magazine, was pub. in 1848. W. K.
Cole, ed.
The Telegraph ami Temperance Journal, mo., was commenced
in 1848 by 8. Myers, and continued 4 years.
The DaHyArtttan was pub. a Bhort time in 1849 by Tanner A Stow.
The Albany DaHy Messenger was pub. 1848 by 1'.. V. Romaine.
The Ami ro-nn Christian Messenger was commenced by Jasper
Hazen Jan. 17. 1841.
Transactions tff N. T. State Institute of Civil Engineers, 4to, with
plates, was pub. Feb. 1849. Two nos. issued.
Tht Christian Herald and Messenger was issued Feb. 10, 1849,
by 3. Hazen, and afterward removed to Irvington, N.J.
it was in part successor to theCb. Messenger, pub. at
Newburyport. Mass.. many years, and is the oldest re-
ligions newspaper In the country.
The Courier anil Journal was started Feb. 10, 1849,
and is now published by J. T. Ila7.cn.
The Albany Dutchman and The Albany Sunday Dutchman
ALBANY COUNTY.
159
ALBANY CITY1— was incorporated by patent July 22,
1686,'2 having previously enjoyed divers rights and privi-
leges, under the names of " Beverwick," " William Stadt,"
and Albany. The Dutch styled it "New Orange." Tho
part of the city north of Patroon and Quackenboss Streets,
known as the " Colonic," was incorp. March 31, 1791 ; and
again, March 30, 1801. It was made a village April 9,
1804; and was erected as a town April 11, 1808. The
town was divided, and merged in Albany and Watervliet,
Feb. 25, 1815. The city lies upon the w. bank of the
Hudson Iliver, a little n. of the center of the county;
and embraces a strip of land about one mile wide, extending
13£ miles in a n. w. direction to the n. boundary of the
county. A narrow intervale of low land lies along the
course of the river, bounded by steep banks from 150 to 250 feet high, where a barren
region commences, rising toward the w., and broken by numerous sand hills and ridges.
The banks which form the declivities of this tract are separated into several distinct ridges
by the deep gulleys worn in the clay by the streams which flow through them. The soil,
except near the river, is a light sand, not adapted to cultivation without the aid of costly
artificial means. A mineral spring was obtained on Ferry St. in 1827, while boring for
water.3 Albany is situated near the head of navigation upon the Hudson, and at the eastern
terminus of the Erie Canal.4 The several railroads before mentioned render it a place of con-
siderable commercial importance.5 It is the largest barley market in the U. S., and immense
were started in 1849 by Griffin & Farnsworth, and sub-
sequently removed to N.Y.
The Temperance Courier was commenced Feb. 10, 1849, by J. T.
Hazen, and subsequently pub. by J. Hazen & Son.
The Washingtonian and Eechabite was issued in 1849 by J.
T. Hazen, and in 1855 united with The Courier.
Florence Oneida Telegraph was printed at Albany in 1849.
The Albany Morning Express was started in 1850 by Stone &
Henley. In 1854 it passed into the hands of Munsell
& Co., and in 1856 its title was changed to
THe Daily Statesman, now published by J.B. Swain & Co.
The Albany State Register, da., semi-w., and w., was started in
1850 by Fuller & Seward. S. H. Ilammond and C. D.
Brigham were afterward eds., and in 1856 it was re-
moved to N.Y.
The Albany Daily Times commenced Feb. 16, 1S50. Five nos.
were issued.
Th". New York Reformer. John Abbott, ed., Munsell, pr., was
pub. 10 mos.
The State Military Gazette, C. G. Stone, pub., was
commenced in 1858, and was soon after removed to N.Y.
The Half-Dollar Monthly was pub. in 1850 by B. F. Romaine.
Tlie Journal of the N.Y. State Agricultural
Society, mo., was started in May, 1850.
The Daily Albany Eagle was started Sept. 1, 1851, by John
Sharts, and continued 4 months.
The American Mechanic was started Jan. 4, 1851, by J. M.
Patterson.
The Carson League, published by J. T. Hazen & T. L. Carson,
was removed from Syracuse in March, 1851.
The Albantj Mirror and Literary Cabinet was published in
1851 by J. H. Canoll and W. M. Colburn.
The Cithern was started Oct. 11, 1851, Warner & Rooker, pub.
The Northern Light, mo., conducted by Dix, Hawley, Dean, Beck,
Olcott, and Delavan, and subsequently by A. B. Street,
was started in 1851, and continued about 3 yrs.
Deutsche Freie Blaetter, tri-w., was started in 1852.
Henry Bender and Augustus Miggael, present pub.
The Family Intelligencer was commenced by Jasper
Hazen. Sept. 11, 1852, now pub. by J. T. Hazen.
The New Yorlt Teacher, mo., the organ of the N.Y.
State Teachers' Association, was started in 1852, and is
now conducted by James Cruikshank.
The Evening Transcript, da. and w., commenced Jan. 31, 1853, by
Cuyler & Henry, was last published by Snyder & Ells."
The Country Gentleman, started by J. J. Thomas and
L. & L. H. Tucker in 1853, is now pub. by L. Tucker & Son.
The Prohibitionist, mo., ed. by A. McCoy, the organ of the N.Y.
State Temperance Society, was started in 1S54, and in
1857 united with the Jour, of the Am. Temp. Union.
The Family Dental Journal, mo., was pub. in 1854 by D. C. Kstes.
The State Police Tribune was started July 21, 1855, by S. H. H.
Parsons and R. M. Griffin. Removed to New York.
The Albany Morning Times was started in 1856, and
is published by Barnes & Godfrey.
The Albany Evening Union, edited by J. McFarlan, and subse-
quently by John New, begun 1856, and ended 1857.
The Albany Vblksblatt was published in 1856 by Geo. nerb.
The Albany Morning Express was started in 1S56
by Stone & Henley, and edited by J. C. Cuyler.
The Albanian, semi-mo., boys' paper, commenced June, 1857.
The Hour and the Man, da. and w., Geo. W. Clarke, pub., John
Thomas, ed., commenced Aug. 1858.
The Mercantile Horn, w., was pub. gratis Oct. 1858.
The Voice of the People. Republican campaign of 1S58.
The Albany Evening Standard, da.,
begun
Dec. 1858. R. M. Griffin & Co., pub.
The Independent Press, da., started Dec. 1S58, was pub. a few mo.
Astronomical Notices was started at Ann Arbor. Mich.,
in 185S. Since the 7th no. it has been pub. at Albany.
Prof. Brunow, ed.
Tlie American Magazine, mo., by J. S. & B. Wood, was pub. 1J yr.
The Gavel, mo., was published by John Tanner 2 years.
The Albany Literary Gazette was published by John B. Germain.
The Rural Folio was started at Rensselaerrille in Jan. 182S, by
C. G. & A. Palmer, and continued 2 years. An Anti-
Rent paper has also been published.
The Zodiac, mo., was published about 1S36 by Gen. De Coudrey
Holstein.
The "West Troy Advocate was commenced at West
Troy in Oct. 1837, by Wm. Hollands, and is now pub-
lished by his widow and son.
"Watervliet Daily Democrat was started at West Troy
Jan. 20, 1859. Allen Corey, ed.
The Cohoes Advertiser was started at Cohoes in 1845 by Winants
& Agnes. In 1849 its name was changed to
The Cohoes Cataract. J. H. Masten. publisher.
1 The name Albany was derived from the Scotch title of the
Duke of York, to whom the province was granted.
2 The charter conveyed municipal jurisdiction over the terri-
tory bounded E. by the low water mark on the Hudson ; s. by a
line drawn from the southernmost end of the pasture at the N.
end of Martin Gerritsen's island, and running back due N. w. 16
miles into the woods to a certain creek called Sandkil ; N. by a
line parallel to the former, about 1 mile distant; and w. by a
straight line drawn from the western extremities of the N. and
S. lines. This charter embraced the right of certain public
buildings and fields, the ferry, all waste land within their
boundaries, the right of fishing in the Hudson within the county,
and of purchasing of the Indians 500 acres of meadow land at
" Schaatcogue" on tho N., and 1,000 acres at " Tionnonderoge"
(Fort Hunter) on the w., in the Mohawk country, on which to
plant colonies as barriers against hostile incursions. The quit-
rent was fixed at one beaver skin, payable at Albany on the
25th of March annually forever.
8 This boring was commenced to obtain water for a brewery.
At a depth of 480 feet, sparkling water, of a saline taste and im-
pregnated with carburetted hydrogen gas, was obtained. The
boring was continued to a depth of 617 feet without any change
in the character of the products. A few rods distant a second
well was bored, with similar results. One of the wells was
ruined by placing a pump in the other. 4 See page 156.
6 Besides the river, canal, and railroads, there are 5 plank
roads and 2 turnpikes terminating in the city.
160 ALBANY COUNTY.
quantities of this grain are here manufactured into malt and beer.1 Albany, Troy, and "West Troy
are the largest lumber markets in the State. " The Lumber District" in Albany is along the canal,
above the little basin, where extensive wharves and slips have been built for transferring lumber
from canal boats to vessels and barges upon the river.2 The manufactures of the city are varied
and extensive.3 Among those that may be considered specially important are the stove-founderies
and breweries. The city is amply supplied with water from works erected at public expense.4 The
water is obtained from several creeks w. and n. of the city. The main reservoir (Rensselaer Lake,)
is 5 miles w. of the City Hall, and is elevated 262 feet above the river. It covers 39 acres, and its
capacity is 180,000,000 gallons. A brick conduit conveys the water to Bleeker Reservoir, on Pa-
troon St., whence it is distributed through the portion of the city w. of Pearl St. This reservoir
has a capacity of 30,000,000 gallons. The lower portion of the city is supplied from Tivoli Reser-
voir, on Patroon Creek, covering 20 acres, and has a capacity of 30,000,000 gallons. These works
are under a Board of "Water Commissioners, and the rents are charged to property owners and col-
lected with the taxes.5 Pop. 57,333.
The State buildings at Albany, including the Capitol, State Hall, State Library, Geological and
Agricultural Hall, Normal School, and State Arsenal and Armory, have already been described
under the head of State Institutions.6 Besides these, there are several buildings and institutions
worthy of a particular notice.
The City Hall is situated on Eagle St., fronting the e. end of Washington Avenue. It is an
elegant structure, faced with Sing-Sing marble, and surmounted by a gilded dome, — the only
one in the U. S. It was built at the joint expense of the city and county, and it contains most of
the city and county offices.7 The jail is in Maiden Lane, near the City Hall.
The Albany Exchange, a massive granite building, is situated on Broadway, at the foot of State
St. It was erected in 1839 by a joint-stock company, and contains the post-office, the general
offices of the New York Central R. R. Co., and a variety of other offices.
The Public Schools8 have hardly kept pace with the progress of other institutions of the city, or
with the public schools of other cities in the State. Until within the last few years, the whole
public school interest was under the charge of a Board of Commissioners, appointed by the Regents
of the University. The people, having no power over school matters, took but little interest in
them, and the schools languished in every department. There was a great deficiency in school-
houses, in the number of teachers employed, and in the general supervision of schools. This
system has been changed of late, and a series of improvements have commenced which bid fair to
soon place the schools of Albany on a par with those of her sister cities. In 1857, there were 13
school districts, employing 53 teachers, 16 males and 37 females. The number of children between
4 and 21 was 18,359, of whom 6729, or 37 per cent., were in attendance some portion of the year.9
There are 70 private schools, reporting 3827 pupils.
The Albany Academy, (for boys,) fronting on Eagle St., opposite the State Hall, is a flourishing
institution. It was chartered by the regents, March 4, 1813: the corner-stone of the present
building was laid July 29, 1815, and it was opened for students Sept. 1, 1817. Dr. T. Romeyn
Beck was its principal for 31 years; and under him the school obtained a deservedly high reputa-
tion. The building is an imposing structure, of red Nyack freestone, in the Italian style, fronting
on a park <>f :; acres. ,0
1 T: receipt* of barley at tide water exceeded 2,000,000
l.n -> j • ]-.
* In 1-' ived at Albany by canal, principally
from thi :il feet of boards and scantling, 11,048,700
f limber. ■ " i shingles, and I 7,600 I .;i- of il i
* Tb<- 'b tli" following aggregate of the
manufacturing • itabliabmenta in the city i 4 ag. lmpl< meal foes. ;
BboJ shops; B bookbinderics; 10 breweries;
P brick yard- ; IT carries • foe, ; 1 r-,r win. I foe; ;,
distil! I flour mill"-. 18 harness, ibopi;
• leri -.11 m. i. bine ifa ipa; i J mall boost - :
1 •'■ printing offlose; SaaA iring and planing mills; 2
type and itereotype fonnderiea; 13 store mannfac; and 4 piano
lea. There are about 50 nimimlasliin merchanta; 60 dealers
in Boar and grain; and 50 lumber dealers.
4 In 1700 ih' i was empowered i" construct water
U 7 ---inn miles. Tbe receipts fnr the year ending Oct.31,lR57,
were 176,660. The revenues arc sufficient to pay the interest on
the debl for construction and the cost of maintenance, and leave
:i considerable balanco to form a sinking fund for the final
liquidation of the debt.
« Bee pages 27, 44, 136.
T This building is 109 feet front by SO feet deep. In front it
has a pr.".. | porch, supported by "6 Ionic columns. In the
• ■ i.i. r ..| tli.- hall, in the second story, is a statue of Hamilton,
1 ■•• He wes j and In the common council room are portraits of the
first 1.", (b.vernors of tie- Slate.
8 A Lancaster ian S. 1 1 Bociety was incorp. May 26, 1812, a
SCl 1 having been maintained for some time previous. The
members ><r the common council were ex-officio members of the
BOdety, and those giving $25 Mere entitled to a scholarship. In
1H7, the society erected the bnilding now occupied by the Al-
bert nothing »«> dona. Aftarward the enterprise was bany Medical College, for the uso of the school, which continued
completed by s priTate company, who obtained their supply of to be occupied until 1834, when the school was superseded bv
water from Mainland I Ivil. >". of the city. This supply not being the public school system of the suite. Wm. Tweed Dale was
sufficient, an act was passed in lfc.Vi f..r the r<>n>tru< lion of pub-
b water* rka, Thi rote in the city stood, "for water,"
-No water," 0; "Brandy and water, strong," 1. The works of
th<* old company were purchased and the jr. sent works built.
4 The original cost oi construction was (860,000; and the total
coet up to Jan. 1, 1S68, $1,018,496. The main pipes measure
principal of the school for 23 years.
* The total expenses of the schools for 1857 were $44,310 10.
Total receipts, the same. No. of volumes in Dist. Libraries, 9286.
10 The late Henry W. Delavan bequeathed $2000 to this insti-
tution, the income of which is devoted to the education of indi-
gl nt youth.
NEW YORK STATE CAPITOL
ALBANY
ALBANY COUNTY.
161
The Albany Female Academy, on N. Pearl St., was established in 1814, and incorp. in 1821, and
the present building was completed May 12, 1834. The institution has uniformly borne a high re-
putation. The building is in Grecian style, with an Ionic portico.1
The Albany Female Seminary, situated on Division St., was incorp. April 9, 1828. It is under
the charge of the Moth, denomination.
The Albany Institute, a society for the promotion of science and art, was incorp. Feb. 27, 1829
by the union of Society of Arts and the Albany Lyceum of Natural History.2 It has three depart-
ments, devoted to — 1st, Physical Sciences and the Arts; 2d, Natural History; and 3d, History
and Gen. Literature. During the winter months it holds semi-monthly meetings. It has a valu-
able library, and an extensive cabinet of minerals and of specimens of natural history.3
The Young Men's Association was formed in 1833, and incorp. March 12, 1835. It supports a
lecture course during the winter, and has a library of above 7000 vols., and a reading room supplied
with 70 papers and 15 other periodicals. It is the oldest institution of the kind in the U. S., and
has about 1000 members.
A Catholic Young Men's Association has sustained a course of lectures for several winters.
The Albany Industrial School, erected by the city in 1857, for vagrant children, is not completed.
It is located in the rear of the Penitentiary, and, with those buildings, presents a fine architectural
appearance.
The Dudley Observatory, on an eminence in the N. border of the city, was founded through the
munificence of Mrs. Blandina Dudley and other liberal patrons of science. It was incorp. April
2, 1852, and its management intrusted to 15 trustees. The building is admirably arranged, and
furnished with instruments, several of which are the largest and most delicate ever constructed.
It was dedicated Aug. 28, 1856, and placed under the charge of a scientific council, to be employed
by the coast survey in the determination of longitudes, and other purposes connected with that
great national enterprise. It has a special library of about 1000 volumes.*
The Albany Medical College, located upon Eagle St., was incorp. Feb. 16, 1839. Two courses of
lectures are held annually ; and the institution has secured a deservedly high reputation in the
medical profession. It has an extensive medical museum, and a choice library of 5000 vols.
The Law School of the University of Albany was instituted under the university charter of April
17, 1851. Two courses of lectures are annually held in rooms attached to the medical college
building. This school has obtained an excellent reputation.
The Albany Almshouse, consisting of a poor house,5 insane asylum,6 and a fever hospital,7 is
located upon a farm of 116 acres, 1£ miles s. w. of the city, and is entirely owned and managed by
the city authorities. These departments are supplied with commodious and appropriate buildings.
The Industrial School building is located upon the same farm.
The Albany City Hospital, located on Eagle St., was incorp. April 11, 1849. It was founded by
private subscription, and the present building8 was opened for the reception of patients Aug. 8, 1854.9
The Albany Orphan Asylum, on Washington St., at the junction of the Western Turnpike, was
incorp. March 30, 1831, at which time it had been in practical operation for nearly two years. It
was commenced as a private enterprise, and the present building was erected by subscription and
the product of several ladies' fairs. It is now supported by funds received from the State, the
interest on its endowment, and the proceeds of an annual fair.
The St. Vincent Orphan Asylum was incorp. in 1849. The female department, situated on N.
Pearl St., is under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy. The male department, 2 mi. w. of the capitol,
is under the care of the Christian Brothers.
The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1640. Rev. Johannes Megapolenses was settled
as pastor in 1642, under the patronage of the patroon. A regularly organized Lutheran church
existed in 1680, but the date of its formation is unknown. It was reorganized Aug. 26, 1784,
1 The Albany Library, kept in this building, was incorp. Feb.
14, 1792. It contains about 5,000 vols.
2 Prof. Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution, read his first
scientific papers before this association, and performed his first
original experiments while a pupil at the Albany Academy. The
Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures,
■was established in 1791, incor. 1793, and expired in 1804, by
limitation of charter. Revived as the Society for the Promotion
of Useful Arts : incor. 1804. These were State Institutions, and
became local on the establishment of the Board of Agriculture,
In 1819, and continued a city institution until its union with the
Albany Lyceum of Natural History in 1829.
• The library and cabinet are kept in the Albany Acad, building.
* The building is in the form of a cross, 86 by 70 fret. Among
the instruments is a calculating engine, made by C. Scheutz, a
Swede, and purchased by John F. Rathbonc. It is the only on»
in existence. A large class of calculations is performed by its
use, and the results are impressed upon leaden plates, ready to
electrotype and print. This institution has been involved in an
unhappy controversy between the trustees and council, which
has embarrassed its plans; but it is now in active operation
under cheeriug auspices.
6 The city contracts to support county paupers at $1.25 per
week each. A school connected with this institution is kept
throughout the year.
6 Built at an expense of $12,000, and with accommodations for
80 inmates.
' Cost $5000.
8 This building was erected by the city for a jail.
» The whole cost of the institution has been about $50,000.
11
162 ALBANY COUNTY.
The first Prot. E. Church (St. Peter's) was erected in 1715, on a site granted by the governor of the
colony. It stood in the center of State St., opposite Barrack (now Chapel) St., and was demolished
in 1802, and the present edifice built by Philip Hooker. The communion plate of this church was
presented to the Onondagas by Queen Anne. The most imposing and costly church edifices in
the city are the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, corner of Eagle and Lydius Sts.,
and St. Joseph's (R. C.) Church. There are now (1858) 48 churches in the city.1
At an early period Albany acquired much importance from being the principal center of the
Indian trade, and afterward the place where the great military expeditions against Canada were
fitted out.2 Its importance as a military station led to its being fortified at an early period; and,
although it was often threatened with invasion, no hostile army ever reached it.3 It became the
permanent seat of the State government in 1797. For 30 years after the Revolution, Albany was
the seat of the entire trade of the western part of the State, the produce being brought in by sleighs
in winter. The first great impulse to its commercial prosperity was given by the successful trip
of the Clermont,4 the first steamboat of Fulton, in 1807, and the improvements in steam navigation
which immediately followed. The steamboats now upon the Hudson River are among the very
largest that navigate any inland waters.5 The completion of the Erie Canal, in 1825, and
of the various lines of railroads since that time, have each essentially added to the growth and
prosperity of the city.6 Business is principally centered upon Broadway, State, S. Pearl, and
Washington Sts. The Dutch language and customs, which continued until long after the English
conquest, have almost entirely disappeared. Very few families retain any characteristics of their
origin, although many occupy the same lots that were conveyed to their ancestors two centuries ago.
The peculiar Dutch architecture has now nearly disappeared, and within the limits of the city there
are not more than a dozen houses with the sharp gables fronting even with the street, the tile roof,
and antiquated appearance, so common but a few years ago. The city has been visited by several
disastrous fires,7 and the lower part has often been inundated by water.8
BER\° — was formed from Rensselaerville, March 17, 1795. Knox was taken off in 1822. It
lies near the center of the western border of the county. The Helderbergh Mts., 1200 feet above
tide, form the eastern border. Grippy and Irish Hills, two broad mountains, with steep declivities
and rolling summits, 900 to 1000 feet above tide, occupy the center. The s. and w. parts are hilly,
and the k. rolling. The principal streams are the Foxen Kil and the Switz Kil. These streams
flow k. w. through narrow valleys bordered by steep hill sides. Werners and Thompsons Lakes, in
the w. e., are small sheets of water. In the lime rock, in the n. e. part, are numerous small caves
and sink holes.10 There are several sulphur springs in town. The soil is a sandy and gravelly
loam interspersed with clay. ISeriiville (Bern p. o.) contains 50 houses;11 E. Bern12 (p. v.)
15; S. Bern (p. v.) 15; and Ileitis* i lie (p. v.) 12. Peoria is a small village on the line of
Knox. Settlement was begun about 1750 by a few German families. In 1777, a company of 85
militia were raised in this town, of which the captain and G3 men joined the British, and the
remainder the Americans at Saratoga. Bernville, then called "Beaver Dam," was fortified during
the war, and sentinels were posted at night to prevent surprise by the Indians.13 The place at one
l Of thi e (here are v tfeth. v... 7 Bap., .r. Prot E., -r, Presb., 5
R. C. 8 Ref. ProtD, '■', Jewish Syn.,8 Evang, Luth, 2 Wes.
Meth .. I I ■• Hi--. '.' r. Amo., Evang. Prot. Ger., Asso. Prcsb.,
and Onlv.
: On the i '•!> "f June, 1764, the Oxst Congress of Hip colonies
Mufnii'l'-'l at Albany, to devise a genera] plan oi anion end
the French and Indian hostilities,
then mendng. This I eon Isted of delegates
fr..m V H . M im . i: 1.. Oonn . v V . ivtin., and M.I. The "plan
of union" drawn np by Dr. Franklin was adopted, bnl it was
afterward rejected bj the British government as being too demo-
cratic, and bj the colonies as giving to., min-h |».«it to (licking.
» Ti ■' was trafll i.y the Dutch, In 1614) on the island
which it I.' i ailed Castle Island. In 1617 a
Ibrtwaaballt at the month of the Normans Kil; and in 1628
another ■ Dear the 1 1 unboal landing, In 1 1 ■ • -
». part "f tli" rity. nn<l named Fori Orange, in honor of the
reigning prince of Holland. .\ quadrangular Curt, called "Fort
Vr • :• ■ - | imiit i.ii the high ground, dow State
,-t., between Bt Peter*! Church and the Geological Ball, with
6 As a contrast to the "Clormont." it may be stated that the
"Isaac Newton," of the People's Line of Steamers, is 404 feet
long. 75 wiili'. .'tin! IT deep, and lias sleeping accommodations for
more than 700 passengers.
«Tho sloop "Experiment." of 80 tons, Capt. Stewart Dean,
sailed in the fall of 17S5 from Albany to China. This was the
nd vessel from the U.S. to Canton. She was absent 18
months, and returned with a cargo of teas, nankeens, damask
Bilks, and 13 sets of China ware, to order, for family gifts.
» A lire in 1707 burned OH dwellings, and rendered 150 fami-
lies houseless. Aug. 17, 1848. a most destructive fire broke out,
which destroyed a considerable portion of the commercial part of
the city Imrdering upon the river,and also many boats in the basin.
8 Dpon the breaking up of the ice in the river, Feb. 9, 1857,
the water completely submerged the lower part of the city, and
rami' up m high that it covered Broadway in front of the Ex-
change. The damage to property was immense.
0 Named from the native place of Jacob Weidman, first settlor
and mill owner.
10 In one of these caves, during the war, a notorious tory and
lines of palisades extending down Bteul>en nn.l Hudson Sts. to npy named Balisbnry was concealed for some time, but was at
the river. These fortifications were demolished a -"ii after the
ntion, and the Onl] ! « li> ir exi-tinn. now re-
maining i* the curved outlines which they have given to the
itrei ts in ti Ider parti of the city.
« The Clermont was 100 feet long. IS fit wide, and 7 feet
deep. The first voyage to Albany wa« accomplished in 28 hours
and 45 minutes. This boat was afterwords enlarged, and her
name changed to the " North River."
la-t air. stnl. The place Is still known as "Tory's Hole." —
Simms's Srhoharie, p. 525.
11 In 1825 an extensive ax factory was erected here; but it
was soon after removed to Cohoes.
12 Formerly called " Philadelphia," and still locally known as
"rhilla."
13 The family of Johannes Deitz, consisting of 8 persons, were
murdered by the Indians. — Simms's Schoharit, p. 499.
ALBANY COUNTY.
'Jo
time became a rendezvous for tories.1 The Ref. Prot. D. Church of Beaver Dam was formed in
Jan. 17G3. The first settled pastor was Johannes Schuyler, in 17G7.2
BETHLEHEM— was formed from Watervliet, March 12, 1793. New Scotland was taken off
in 1832. It lies on the bank of the Hudson, e. of the center of the county, and includes the islands
w. of the main channel of the river. Its surface consists of a rolling upland, ending upon the river
in steep bluffs 100 to 150 feet high. Near the center of the town are a few sand ridges and rocky
knolls. The principal streams are Coeymans Creek, Vlamans Kil and Normans Kil. The declivi-
ties of the upland are broken by numerous deep gullcys worn by streams flowing into the Hudson.
There are two small caves, several sulphur springs, and quarries of coarse brown sandstone, in
town. The soil is sand and clay.3 GroesbecR is a suburb of Albany. Pop. 1,232. flien-
WOOd, a small village near the mouth of Normans Kil, contains an extensive mill, and a manu-
factory of silver and Britannia ware. Upper Hollow, Adanisville, Normanskill,
(p. o.,) Bethlehem Center, (p. o.,) Beckers Corners, Cedar Hill, (p. o.,) and S.
Bethlehem are hamlets. Callanans Corners, in the n. w. corner, is a p. o. On the
hills overlooking the Hudson below Albany are several fine country seats. The first settlement was
made upon Castle Island,* in 1614, and a fort erected the same year. As this island was liable to
overflow, in 1617 another fort was built at the mouth of Normans Kil.5 Agricultural improvements
commenced in 1630, by tenants under Van Rensselaer. Mills were built on the Normans Kil and
Beaver Kil at a very early period. A part of the house known as "Whitehall," near the Delaware
Road, was built by Gen. Bradstreet, and during the Revolution is said to have been a secret rendez-
vous for tories. Cherry Hill, just out of Albany, on the river road, was the residence of Gen. Solo-
mon Van Rensselaer. A Ref. Prot. D. church was formed in colonial times, and in 1794 S. Van
Rensselaer gave the society 100 acres of land, known as the parsonage farm.6
COEYMANS— (Quee'mans) was formed from Watervliet, March 18, 1791. A part of Westerlo
was taken off in 1815. It was named from the patentee. It is the s. e. corner town in the county,
and includes the adjacent islands in the Hudson. Its surface consists of an upland, 200 to 400 feet
above the river, broken by ridges and hills rising 100 to 400 feet higher. The principal streams
are the Coeymans7 and Haanakrois Creeks. In the former, at Coeymans village, are two falls at
which the stream descends, in the aggregate, 75 feet. Lawsons Lake is a small sheet of water in
the n. w. part of the town. A stratum of marble or limestone extends through the town 3 or 4 mi.
from the river. In the n. e. part are two caves, the largest extending 40 rods into a perpendicular
ledge. Feuri-Spruyt Kil, a small stream in the n. part, disappears, and flows for half a mi. in a
subterranean passage, coming to the surface again in New Scotland. At the place where the Stream
disappears it falls perpendicularly into a deep cavity, forming a considerable water power. Another
brook, in the w. part, flows in a similar manner under ground for 40 or 50 rods. There are several
mineral springs in town, impregnated with sulphate of magnesia. In the e. the soil is sand mixed
with clay, and in the w. it is gravel and clay. The fossil remains of an elephant were found on
the farm of Mr. Shears, 4 mi. w. of the river. Large quantities of hay are sent annually from this
town to the New York market. Coeymans Landing1, (Coeymans p.o.,) on the Hudson, is a
village of considerable trade. Pop. 650. Coeymans Hollow, (p.o.,) Stephensville,
and Indian Fields (p.o.) are small villages in the valley of the Haanakrois. Keefers
Corners is a p.o. Barent Peterse Coeymans, an emigrant from Utrecht in 1636, settled under
the patroon as miller, and leased the mills upon the Patroon Creek and Normans Kil. In 1673
he bought the territory included in this town of the Catskill Indians, and a patent was granted
him April 17, 1673, by Gov. Lovelace. Van Rensselaer had previously bought the same lands
of the Mohawks; and a conflict of titles ensued. The matter was finally settled in 1706, by Coey-
mans agreeing to receive title under the patroon and pay a small annual quit rent.8 Settlement
commenced early in the last century.9 The first mills were erected by the patentee at Coeymans
1 Cornelius Schermerhorn kept a tory rendezvous, and at one
time an absconding paymaster from Burgoyne's army is said to
have been murdered at his house.
2 A parsonage farm was given to this church by S. Van Rens-
selaer, midway between Bernville and Peoria, and a church was
erected upon it. In 1835 the society was divided, and a new
edifice was erected at each of the villages, the farm being held
in common by both societies. The census reports 13 churches
in town ; 4 M. E., 3 Christian, 3 Ref. Prot. D., and one, each, Bap.,
Evang. Luth., and Friends.
8 The proximity of this town to Albany has afforded an ex-
cellent market for produce, and much of the land has been de-
voted to the production of milk, butter, and culinary vegetables.
* In 1668 Martin Gerritsen Van Bergen had a lease of this
island, and on some old maps, it is called Martin Gerritsen's
Island.
6 A map dated 1630 gives the name of "Godyns Kil" to this
stream. The Indian name was Ta-wal-sou-tha. The present
name is derived from Albert Andriessen Bradt de Xoorman, the
lessee of the falls at an early period, and one of the first s tilers.
6 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 R. P. D., 2 M. E., 1 Presb.
' The Indian name of this creek is said fo have been O-nis-ke-
thau. and of the flats at Coeymans Hollow Ach-que-tuck.
8 This arrangement was confirmed by patent from Queeu
Anne, Aug. 6, 1714.
9 Andreas and Lendert Whitbeck were early settlers near
Ach-que-tuck; Daniel Traver and Balthus Keefer near Reefers
Corners; aud John and Thos. Witbeck near Indian Fields.
164
ALBANY COUNTY.
Fall?. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was built in 1797, 1 mi. west of Coeymans Landing. This
church was organized March 5, 1793, Rev. Jacob Sickles first pastor.1
GlILDERL AXD- was formed from Watervliet, Feb. 26, 1803. It lies near the center of the
northern border of the county. Its surface is greatly diversified. In the w. rises the precipitous
wall of the Helderberghs to a height of 800 feet above the general level of the valleys. The central
jiiirt is undulating, and the eastern is occupied by numerous sand ridges. The Normans Kil with
its branches, the Bozen Kil,2 Black Creek, Wildehause Kil, and Hunger Kil, are the principal
streams. The lower course of the Normans Kil in this town is through a narrow ravine, with
steep clayey banks. The soil is light and sandy in the e., and gravelly loam mixed with clay in
the w. A mineral spring is found upon the farm ofWm. McGowan. Hamiltonville, (Guilder-
land p.o.,) formerly known as the "Glass House,"3 is situated on the old turnpike, 8 mi. w.
of Albany. Guilderland Center, (p.v.,) locally known as "Bangall," contains 18 houses.
Dunnsville,* (p.o.,) Knowersville,5 (p.o.,) and Frenchs Mills,6 on the Normans
Kil, are small villages. During the Revolution, a portion of the inhabitants sided with the British ;
and the feuds which grew up between families and neighborhoods have not yet entirely subsided.7
The Ev. Luth. church (St. John's) was organized Oct. 13, 1787. Heinrich Moeller was the first
pastor.8
R\OX — named from John Knox, the Reformer — was formed from Bern, Feb. 28, 1822. It is
the n. W. corner town of the county. Its surface consists of a high plateau region broken by a few
small hills. Its eastern part constitutes a portion of the Helderbergh region ; but the declivities are
so gradual that they only serve to give to the town a moderate inclination towards the n. and w.
The Bozen Kil, forming a part of the e. boundary, with its tributaries, and the Beaver Dam Creek,
are the principal streams. There are two caves, supposed to be of considerable extent, about 1£
mi. N. of Knoxville. The soil is principally gravel and clay, with hard pan underneath. Knox-
ville9 (Knox p.o.) contains 23 bouses. W. Township, (p-o.,) E. Township, and
Peoria, on the line of Bern, are small villages. This town was settled by Germans before
the Revolution. During the war the people became divided in politics, and after the defeat of
Burgoyne many of the tory families went to Canada.10 Saml. Abbot and Andrew Brown, from
Conn., settled in town in 1789 ; and soon after 20 to 30 families came in from the same State.
The first church was a Ref. Prot. D.u
IVEW SCOTLAND- was formed from Bethlehem, April 25, 1832. It is the central town
of the county. The eastern and central parts are high and rolling, with occasional isolated hills
and ridges ; and the western border is occupied by the Helderbergh Mountains. The principal
streams are Normans Kil, Vlamans Creek, and Coeymans Creek, (or Oniskcthau Kil,) and several
<.f their tributaries. Upon the side of Bennett Hill, in the s. w. part, is a strong sulphur spring.
\ ir Clarksville are two caves, extending respectively i and £ mi. under ground. Streams flow
through each of them. The outlet of Lawsons Lake, in the s. w. part, about 1 mi. from the lake,
falls into a deep cavity and flows i mi. in a subterranean passage, and in its course it receives a
considerable tributary.11 At the northern foot of Copeland Hill, near the same locality, are remark-
ftble '-ink holes, •"> to 8 feet in diameter, and extending down through the soil and lime rock to a
depth of 10 to 20 feet. A subterranean stream connects the bottoms of these cavities.13 The soil
is a gravelly* loam niixc«l with clay. Clarksville (p. v.) is situated at the foot of the Holder-
berghs, on Coeymans Creek, and contains 211 inhabitants. IV ew Salem (p. v.) contains 27
booses; and \ew Scotland (p. v.) 15. Unionville, (Union Church p.o.,) Feuribush,
i I u lion, a small ri nmbcr of Indiana l>e|onging to
ill.. Oneida tribo lived In thli town. They removed, but re-
turned for a short litn» in ISIS. An -irrt. of £10 wan audited in
f m hnihHng sto ks and a whipping i
l Tli- HUM nporta 0 churche* in t"«n; .'; M. 1... It. P.O.,
K. (\, and Onion.
* From " Boo*," angry, because of its rapid descent and severe
••ta.
» A glana factory wan ere<-ted here in 1702: and In I'M (In-
state loaned the proprietors £■ in without
interest and S at 5 per rent. In 1790 IDS project " I
of establishing here a manufacturing town, an'! Ih" ground wan
laid out into streets and lots, unl-r the nam" of Hamilton. To
encourage the project, the company and workmen were exempted
from taxation (brfi yearn. The work* were discontinued in 1816
for want of toAr—mmmltt Annah, Tol. III. p. 167.
4 Named from Christopher Dunn, original owner; locally
known an " Hardacrabble."
6 An inn wan kept here doring the Revolution by Jacob Akor.
Tt waa the neat of a factory in 1800.
6 Named from Abel French, who built a factory bore in 1800;
A clothing works was erected here in 1795, by Peter K. BroecR.
" The news of Burgoynefa surrender was celebrated by the
whlga by burning a hollow chestnut tree on a hill. A barrel of
tax bad previously been turned down the hollow trunk and
branch
8 A K. P. D. church was formed Dec. 14, 170."?. The census
reports, besides tlioso already mentioned, 3 churches; 2 Presb.
and 1 M. K.
9 Knoxville was formerly known as"TJnion Strect,"and is still
locally called "The Btreet."
10 Capt. .larob Van Aernden was an active leader of the, whigs
of this section during the war.
11 The census reporta 6 churches ; 3 M. E., R. P. D., Luth., and
Dap.
" This cavity has been explored, and in it are found beautiful
stalactites, and thousands of hats clinging to the roof.
13 This paaaagc baa been explored, and is found to contain
several rooms of considerable size. Some years ago a notorious
| thief uBod this cavity as a depository for stolen goods, and for a
ALBANY COUNTY.
1G5
and Oiiisketb.au (locally known as "Tarrytown") arc hamlets. Teunis Slingerland, from
Holland, was the first settler on the Oniskethau flats, lie purchased 9874 acres, and built a dwelling
near the center of the tract, and erected the first mills.1 The first church (Kef. Prot. D.) was
organized at New Salem about 1786. 2
REUJSSEL.AERVIL.L-E — named from the Van Rensselaer family — was formed from Water-
vliet, March 8, 1790. Bern was taken off in 1795, and a part of Wcstcrlo in 1815. It is the B. w.
corner town of the county. Its surface is mostly upland, broken by parallel ridges extending n.
and s. and rising 400 to GOO feet above the valleys. The principal streams are Catskill Creek and
its tributaries, Scrub, Fox, Ten Mile, and Eight Mile Creeks, and Willow Brook. The valleys
of these streams are narrow, and are bordered by steep hill sides, and the streams arc rapid,
and subject to sudden and destructive freshets. Upon Ten Mile Creek, near Rensselaerville, is a
fall of 100 feet; and upon Willow Brook is another of 40 feet. Bog iron has been found in the e.
part. There is a sulphur spring 2£ miles n. e. of Preston Hollow. The soil is clay and gravel,
underlaid by hard pan. Rensselaerville3 (p. v.) contains an academy.* Pop. 561. Will-
iamsburgli, on the w. border of the town, contains 18 houses ; Preston Hollow5 (p. v.)
40; and Medusa6 (p. v.) 30; Potters Hollow7 and Cooksburg8 are post-offices.9
The town was mostly settled by emigrants from New England soon after the Revolution. Michael
Brandt, a German from Schoharie, lived in town during the war.10 Daniel Shay, the leader of the
revolt known as Shay's Rebellion, moved to this town in 1795. Maj. John Edmonds, a Revo-
lutionary officer, was also a settler in this town. The first church (Presb.) was formed in Nov.
1793, and the edifice erected in 1796.11 Rev. Samuel Fuller was the first pastor.
WATERVLIET- was formed March 7, 1788, and included the w. district of the manor
of Rensselaerwyck.12 Rensselaerville was taken off in 1790, Coeymans in 1791, Bethlehem in
1792, Guilderland in 1803, and Niskayuna in 1809.13 It lies at the junction of the Hudson and
Mohawk, in the n.e. corner of the county. Its surface is mostly an upland, 200 to 300 feet above
the river. The declivities of this upland are broken by numerous gulleys worn by the small
streams. A fine intervale, nearly half a mile in width, extends along the Hudson. At Cohoes, on
the Mohawk, the river flows over a rocky declivity 78 feet in height, of which 40 feet is perpen-
dicular.14 The banks, both above and below the falls, are high and precipitous. The Erie Canal
rises, by a series of 18 locks, from the Hudson, through the village of Cohoes, to the most northerly
angle of the town 3 mi. above, and 188 feet above tide. At this point it crosses the river into Sara-
toga co., in a stone aqueduct, 11372feet long, 26 feet high, and resting upon 26 piers. The soil is a
deep, rich alluvial upon the river intervale, and a light, sandy loam upon the upland. Sulphur
and chalybeate springs, and bog iron ore, are found in town. The quarries of graywacke furnish
an excellent flagging and building stone. This is the most populous town in the State. West
Troy, (p.v.,) incorp. April 30, 1836, is a commercial and manufacturing village opposite the city
of Troy. Pop. 8306. It is especially noted for the extent of its lumber trade, and for being the seat15
long time eluded the vigilance of those who were searching for
him. At length he was tracked to his hiding place, and the
existence of the cavity was made known.
1 Among the other first settlers were Daniel Pangburn and
Wm. Van Walter, at Stoney Hill ; Ebenezer Wands, John Watt,
Geo. Swan, and Wm. Kirkland, Scotch emigrants, near New
Scotland ; and Geo. Reed, John Patterson, Saml. Ramsey and
sons, James McMullin, David Allen, Wm. McCulloch, and
Brandt in otherparts of the town.
2 There are in town 8 churches ; 4 Ref. Prot. D., 3 M. E., Presb.
The Friends organized a meeting in 1812.
» Samuel Jenkins, the first settler, located here February 22,
1788. * Opened Jan. 17, 1847.
6 Named from the family of first settlers, who came in soon
after the Revolution.
6 Formerly called " Halls Mills," or " Halls Hollow."
I Named from Saml. Potter, who, with his sons and brothers,
were first settlers.
8 Named from Thomas B. Cook, who purchased land here in
anticipation of business from the Catskill and Canajoharie R. R.,
which was completed to this place from the Hudson. The road
was run two years, when the rails were taken up.
9 Upon the farm of Ezra Lester, in a place known as Willow
Glen, formerly stood a village, known as " Peckham Hollow"
consisting of 2 stores, 2 smith's shops, and 14 houses. For a
time it was a rival of Rensselaerville ; but now not a vestige
of it remains.
10 At the time of the Indian incursion into Bern, Mr. B. had
gone to Catskill Landing, leaving his family alone. On their
return, the savages passed close by with their scalps, prisoners,
and plunder, but offered no molestation.
II A Bap. church was formed at Rensselaerville in 1797 ; Rev.
Truman Beman was the first pastor. A Bap. church was
formed at Preston Hollow in 1800; a Friends meeting at Potters
Hollow in 1808 ; and Trinity Church (P. E.) was organized in
1816. There are besides, in town, 2 M. E. churches.
12 The manor was divided into the East and West Districts,
March 5, 1779, the river being the separating bounds. This
district, as defined by act of March 24, 1772, embraced all
that part of the manor north of an E. and w. line from Beeren
Island north to Cumberland co., except the city of Albany.
13 It includes the former village of " Gibbrmsville," (incorp.
April 23, 1823,) and places known as " Washington" and "Fort
Sch uyler."
14 The cascade is in full view from the R. E. bridge, a few rods
below Cohoes. The Champlain Canal crosses the Mohawk a
short distance below, in a pond formed by a dam 1650 feet long
and 7 feet high, and unites with the Erie Canal 2 mi. s. of this
point.
16 The arsenal grounds occupy about 100 acres, located be-
tween the Troy and Albany turnpike and the Erie Canal, the
latter furnishing water-power for the machinery of the arsenal.
The grounds are inclosed by a high wall, excepting the part be-
tween the river and the turnpike. This is the principal govern-
ment manufactory of gun carriages, machines, equipments,
ammunition, and military supplies for the troops and forts of
the United States. The" building of this establishment was
begun in 1814. under Col. Geo. Bomford. of the Ordnance de-
partment, and it was for many years under the charge of Maj.
Jas. Dalliba. The Watcrvliet Arsenal now consists of more
than thirty buildings, of brick and stone, mostly large shops
and storehouses, — the former of which will accommodate, in
case of need, more than 500 workmen. The stores deposited
here exceed $1,500,000 in value. A company of soldiers of the
166
ALBANY COUNTY.
of an extensive U. S. arsenal. It has a bank, printing office, 8 churches,1 and extensive manu-
factures of woolen goods, bells, butts and hinges, castings, carriages, and malt. The annual
aggregate value of manufactured products is about sl,000,000.2 Green Island (p. v.)
was incorp. Oct. 14, 1853. Pop. 1,:J24. It contains 2 churches,3 a car factory, brass, malleable
iron, and 2 iron founderies and R. R. machine shops. It is also the seat of considerable lumber
trade.4 Cohoes, (p. v.,) incorp. under general act, is a manufacturing village upon the
Mohawk.6 Pop. 6106. A dam is here erected across the Mohawk,6 and the water is con-
ducted by canals to convenient places for factories. The whole fall is 103 feet, and the water
is used 5 times from canals of ditferent levels. The annual aggregate of manufactured products
is nearly $2,000,000.' The village contains a savings bank, 6 churches,8 and a large number
of stores, shops, &c. Boarlit9 (p. v.) contains 15 houses. The Ref. Prot. D. church of this place
was organized April 14. 17S4. by Rev. E. Westerlo. Lishas Kil, IVewtonville,10 and
Ireland Corners" arc hamlets and p. offices. JLoudonville is a hamlet, 1\ miles from
Albany. Tivoli Hollow, on Patroon Creek, adjoining Albany, has extensive manufactures
of ag. implements, bolts, and hollowware. IVorth Albany lies on the river, north of the city,
and contains 4» houses. It includes a portion of the "Lumber District" and several manu-
factories. Speneerville, or IVest Albany, is the name applied to the recent establishments
of the N. Y. C. R. R., 3} mi. x. w. of the city, including the cattle and wood yards and car and
engine houses of the company. The Shaker Settlement,12 in the w. part of the town,
consists of about 300 persons, living in 4 distinct families, in a manner peculiar to that people.
Tonn House Corners is a populous neighborhood near the center of the town, where town
business has usually been transacted. Watervliet Center (p. o.) is a hamlet. The Albany
Rural Cemetery13 was incorp. April 20, 1841, and the site selected. April 20, 1844. The premises
were dedicated and consecrated Oct. 7 of the same year. Haver (Dutch for '"Oat") and Van Schaicks
Inlands, in the Hudson above Green Island, are separated from each other and the mainland by the
" Sprouts" of the Mohawk. Upon the approach of Burgoyne, in the summer of 1777, Gen. Schuyler
retired to these islands and threw up fortifications to check the advance of the enemy expected
fn mi both the n. and w. Upon the retreat of St. Leger from the siege of Fort Stanwix, no further
fan >uble was apprehended from the direction of the Mohawk Valley ; and Gen. Gates, upon assuming
the command of the northern army, advanced into Saratoga County. The traces of the fortifica-
tions are still visible.
TVESTERLO14 — was formed from Coeymans and Rensselaerville, March 16, 1815. It lies
upon the center of the southern border of the county. Its surface is broken and hilly, with a
general southerly inclination. The highest point in the northerly part of the town is 800 feet
above tide. The hills are very steep and irregular, and the valleys are mere narrow ravines. The
streams are Haanakrois, Basic, Wolf, Fly, and Eight Mile Creeks and their branches. These are
all rapid streams, and arc liable to severe freshets. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, inter-
Ordnance department forma the guard of the arsenal, and the
men ipkryed in the shops, dost of the employees are
citizen mechanics. A large number of trophy cannon are de-
I op 'ii the pren
i Bap. org. 1^-T; Ref Pi I !>.. 1844; V. K.. 'Trim'
and St. Bridget's, 1861,) and -J M. B.
■ The Tillage >■> bulll on laud formerly bcld by 1 1 1 • - Bli
family. It «.n pun baaed by a oompanj of Troy capitalist! and
laid out ft" a Tillage, and ha.t mostly crown up lince tbi
plettou of ' * Presb. and U. B.
« It i« situated upon an Island In the Hudson directly op-
•rhlcb it!- nrb.
'1' • ■:]■ March 28, 1828, with a capital
■'. afterward In bulll
the dam, > mala, for the i leasing
til- m it. r i
• This 'Ism in half a mlln long, anil ths canal 2 miles l"n«.
1 The fc'll"wjng manufactories were reported here in tho census
of 181
r. knitting milK Tain* of • $647,100
2cott..n I 818,
lax sod edge tool factory 'Jl"
lories 46,
1 Teneering ftctory
2 mill- 28.000
1 machine shop and f"undcry 31.200
1 tol hctory -<
1 shoddy mm..- -1 840
1 wheel factory 9.000
l straw paper fitctory 0.000
1 bobbin shop fi.000
llier'- are now a run-iderable number of manufactories not in-
1 in the above list.
« M. K., Bef. Prot. D., rresb., V. E., (St. John's,) Bap., and R.
C(81 Bernard.)
» The Dutch for •• 1" •ml." in reference to the bend in the Mo-
hawk: sometimes called "Groeebeck Corners," from Wm. G.
Groeebeck. Oi f the earliest settlements in the county was
m ido in this ii' igliborhood.
i" Named from J. M. Newton.
11 Named from B. II. Ireland, Innkeeper.
'- Tbis community wm formed tn 1 7 7< ">. by Ann Lee and her
followers, by whom She in regarded as the spiritual mother of
ml. H ii ll Id. st of the kind in the U. S.. and now
..wn>- J.'.lo ai i. -. including about 300 acres of alluvia] land on
the Mohawk at the mouth of the Schoharie Creek and on
Bbaker Island, whlcb an annually fertilized by the floods of the
Mohaw k. and chiefly devoted to the raising of broom corn. The
whole number of buildings in the settlement is about ISO,
al ■ I W lii' li are "I Stone or brick. They have a commodious
church, (built in 1S4S,) 3 offices. 1 schoolhouse, 8 dwellings,
hie for 60 to 100 persons each.) 2 grist mills, 3 saw mills.
•''. mai Inn'- shops, for turning, sawing, ic. and numerous other
and storehouses. Their pursuits are agriculture, horti-
culture, the manufacture of brooms and medicines, and such
mechanical trades as their own wants require. The females are.
employ, d in h"U-i h. Id work, dressmaking, spinning, weaving,
braiding whiplashes and bonnets, and in making small salable
articles. Tiny keep 40 to 50 horses, 80 cows, 16 yoke of oxen,
600 sheep, and young stock in proportion. " Mother Ann" (as
tleir founder is affectionately named; was buried in the cemetery
Di ii the ■ uurch family.
1 TbiS cemetery is located upon ths hills west of the Troy
and Albnny Bond. 4 miles from the city. The grounds are taste-
fully laid out, and contain many elegant monuments.
14 Named in honor of Kcv. Eilardus Westerlo, of Albany.
ALBANY COUNTY.
1G7
spersed with clay and underlaid by hardpan. There arc several fine quarries of flagging stone in
town. Chesterville1 (Westerlo p. o.) contains 19G inhabitants. Morniaiisvllle,' (p. o.,)
South Westerlo, (p. o.,) Lambs Corners, and Van Leuveus Corners,3 are ham-
lets. Settlement commenced before the Revolution.* A Bap. church was organized, about 1800,
at Chesterville ; Iloswell Beckwith was the first pastor.5
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, ScIujoIs, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures of Albany County.
Names op Towns.
Albany ,
Hern
Bethlehem
Coeymans
Guilderland ,
Knox
New Scotland...
Rensselaerville.,
Watervliet
Westerlo
Total
Acres of Land.
•0
■e
S
h
£
g
a,
4
£
2,958
1,5301
31,171
8,115*
26,8043
6,616i
22,563
10,066
32,590
9,701 \
21,136
5,115i
19,012
8,114
31,5011
6,603
25,897i
8,193$
29,101
6.721
242,735
70,777*
Valuation of 1858.
19,486,071
385,387
1,842,115
1.017,475
719,950
255,250
1,083,215
627,750
4,921,325
592,966
If
Si
a
2
1,477,850
S'V.75
186,650
202,273
79,039
67,885
110.400
170.825
831,100
97,544
25,963,922
471,962
2,028,765
1,219,748
79V98'.)
323.135
1,193,615
798,575
5,752.425
690,510
30,931,504 8,310,141 3&,241,616
Population.
'■i
s
i
SCH
*«>
£
8
s
A
|
5
<>0
o
*
■&
0
>
1
4
4
.0
1
i
13
27,661
29,672
6,386
8,536
2,767
1,578
1,628
575
574
475
21
2,646
2,505
795
981
476
15
1,486
1,477
560
554
343
15
1,587
1,601
492
564
411
12
939
949
352
344
312
12
1,680
1,647
612
613
263
15
1,507
1,581
584
582
466
18
10,246
10,643
2,734
2,736
1,525
29
1,327
1,321
501
499
440
19
169
50,057
53,024
13,591
15,983
7,478
2>
I
21,500
1,300
1,806
1,134
1,288
730
1.337
1,126
8,407
931
39,559
Names of Towns.
Albany
Bern
Bethlehem
Coeymans
Guilderland
Knox
New Scotland..
Rensselaerville.
Watervliet
Westerlo
Total
Live Stock.
•p ^
J5 ;
1,224
1,172
1,155
790
1,416
790
749
962
1,724
972
297
1.518
927
931
1,180
959
682
1,463
884
1,074
S
6
540
772
,629
699
,691
032
960
,632
,912
459
I
144
6,686
1,722
1,767
2,824
5.245
1,914
[2.003
1.034
3,715
800
2.002
3,593
1.943
3,835
1.189
2,563
2.502
3,306
2,242
10,954 9,915 13,332 37,054, 24,035j 193,991
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Chain.
4
i
3,714
5.870i
39,910
25.836
50,273^
5,620
30.577
5,539
16,059
10,592
9,484
99.8421
123.(145
42,5831
150,411
83,686}
60,387 I
71,780}
101,313
65,497
80S,031
4251
5.3111
8,927 i
6.0161
7,9521
3.0361
5 73<4
4,421
5,228
7,522
V.
15.235
18,875
94.585
9.104
46,929
10.530i
13,768
13,448
143.023
10,157
■*
786
22,016
16.239
19.977
38.004
18,092
20,256
37,176
17,273
44,432
Daiby Products.
7.125
152,166
124,210
93,252
165,555
90,530
100,050
171,440
124.751
144,448
54,5791 375,6541 234,251 1,173,527 36,520 17,9604.
fe
4,699
100
410
1,285
2,666
472
11,535
6,563
8.790
2.7061
1.555
1.106
2,95H
2,9251
2,479
874}
1,618
1.744
1 Named in honor of Rev. John Chester, former pastor of 2d
Presb. Ch. of Albany.
2 Named from Daniel Dorman, former inn and store keeper.
* Named from Isaac Van Leaven. First called " Saelcets
Cbrners," from Jas. Sacket, and afterward " Pre&trms Corners"
from an innkeeper named Preston.
4 Anions the early settlers were Nicholas Stoddard, Philip
Meyer, and Lodowyck Ilaynes. Apollus Moore, afterward first
judge of the county, taught school in 1788. Robt. O. K. Bemet
taught a school in 1790. Grant & Eadie kept a store and made
potash at Cheaterville in 1798. Lobdell & Baker built the first
mill, about 1795.
5 The Ref. Prot. D. Ch. was formed about the same time.
Emanuel Church. (P. E.,) at S. Westerlo. was formed in 1854.
There are also 1 Christian and 2 M. E. churches, and a socioty
of Friends, in town.
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
This county was formed from Genesee, April 7, 1806. A portion
of Steuben co. was annexed March 11, 1808. Portions were set off
to Genesee in 1811, and to Wyoming and Livingston in 1846. It lies
upon the s. line of the State, w. of the center; is centrally distant 220
mi. from Albany, and contains 1,033 sq. mi. The surface is mostly
an upland, separated into ridges and broken by the deep valleys of the
streams. A large portion of the co. is rough and mountainous.
The highest summits, in the s. part, are 500 to 800 feet above the
valleys and 2,000 to 2,500 feet above tide. The declivities are
usually too steep for profitable cultivation. Toward the n. the co.
gradually loses its mountainous character and spreads out into a
hilly region. The Genesee River flows in a n. e. direction through
near the center of the co., forming a deep valley bordered by abrupt hillsides. The main ridges
— parallel to the river and about 10 mi. distant from it — form watersheds, dividing the waters
flowing n. from those flowing s. The streams E. of the e. ridge are tributaries of the Susque-
hanna, and those w. of the w. ridge of the Allegany. Narrow valleys break the continuity of
these ridges, and in numerous instances streams flowing in opposite directions take their rise
within a few rods of each other. The principal tributaries of the Genesee are Wigwam, Angelica,
Philip.*, Yandemark, Dike, Chenunda, and Cryders Creeks on the e., and Fords, Knight, Van
Camj>:i-. White, Black, Caneadea, and Six Town Creeks on the w. The streams flowing e. from
the e. border of the co. are Canaseraga and Sugar Creeks, Canisteo River, Karr Valley, McIIenry
Valley, and Whitney Valley Creeks ; and the streams flowing w. from the w. border are Oil,
Wolf, Dodges, Deer, and Little Genesee Creeks.
The rocks of the co. belong to the shales and sandstones of the Portage and Chemung groups, —
the former appearing in the deep valleys in the y. part, and the latter covering the tops of the s.
hills. At various localities the sandstone furnishes an excellent building material ; and in Rush-
ford it is quarried for grindstones. The shales in the s. w. part are highly charged with bitu-
minous matter; and many of the springs have a strong bituminous taste and smell. From a
spring in Cuba petroleum, or rock oil, issues in considerable quantities. Iron pyrites are found to
some extent associated with the shale. Drift deposits are found in some portions of the co.,
thongh not in large quantities. The soil upon the uplands is generally a heavy clay, de-
rived from the disintegration of the shales, and in most sections largely mixed with undecom-
posed fragments of the rocks. In the valleys the soil is mostly a gravelly loam and alluvium. From
the nature of its surface and geological formation, the coi is best adapted to grazing; and, although
wheat and the spring grains are successfully produced, stock and wool growing and dairying
form the principal branches of agricultural pursuit. The manufacture of lumber has formed the
leading interest fox B long series of years, and facilitated the occupation and cultivation of the
lands B primitive pine forests have disappeared the pursuits of the people have become
ni"r>- and more exclusively agricultural. A considerable portion of the s. part of the co. is yet
ired with forests, and lumbering is still pursued to some extent.
Th<- county seat is 1 tcated at the village of Angelica.1 The courthouse is an old, dilapidated
brick building, built in 1819, and now entirely inadequate to the comfortable accommodations
of the ■■ torts. The jail is a wood structure, erected in 1849. It has no facilities for the proper
classification of prisoners, and no means of ventilation.2 The clerk's office is in a separate
building, contiguous to the courthouse. The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 180 acres in
Angelica, 2 mi. B. oi the eourthouse. It is a stone building, affording ample accommodations for
l P.y the act crating Uie COOntj i' 'irts were
directed to be held al ! n the 2d of Juno, 1807. Ity nn
act of March 11. Ikhs, th« count; leal mat permanently located
at Ang Ilea, and a conrthonie and jail nn rathorfied to be
I. u n ■ I • r IIh- direction "f >!■ ■■"■* Carpenter, John (iibfOO,
ami Wrn digging. The Jail waa bnflt toon after; i"it the court*
continued to be bald in , m« until 1819, when the
I urthouM ".is erected. Th" old j.iil continued to bo
•c-upi'-'l until 1849, whin it was superseded by tbo present
168
1 structure. An act was passed, April 2, 1858, providing for the,
immediate removal of the county scat s. to the line of the
N. Y. A Krie K. EL; but the execution of the law has been ar-
pst.d -■ i t i ■ 1 restrained 1 » v legal proceedings now pending in the
State oonrte The first co. officers were Philip Church, First
Jutlr/f ; Jacob S. Holt, Ormnty Clerk ; John Gibson, Sheriff; and
Luke Qodtpead, Surrogate.
8 The jail has an average number of 6 inmates, supported at
a weekly cost of $'2.75 each.
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
169
the inmates, but is destitute of means of ventilation. The average number of inmates is 57,
supported at a weekly cost of $1.03 each. The farm yields a revenue of $1,000.'
The Genesee Valley Canal extends s. from the n. boundary of the co. along Genesee Kiver to
Belfast, thence up the valley of Black Creek to New Hudson, and thence across to the valley
of Oil Creek, and down the valley of that stream to the w. bounds of the co. The N. Y. & Erie
B. B. extends from Steuben co. up Whitney Valley Creek ; thence across to Dyke Creek, and
down the valley of that stream to Geneseo Biver; thence down the Genesee to Belvidere ;
thence up Van Campens Creek to Friendship Village; thence across to the valley of Oil Creek,
and down that stream to the w. bounds of the co. It passes through Almond, Alfred, Andover,
Wellsville, Scio, Amity, Friendship, and Cuba. The Buffalo & N. Y. City B. B. extends through
Burns and Grove, in the N. e. corner of the co.
Four weekly newspapers are now published in the co.2
The two western tiers of towns in this co. were included in the Holland Land Purchase, and the
remaining part belonged to the Morris Beserve. John B. Church became the owner of 100,000
acres of this tract. His son, Judge Philip Church, subsecpuently became the proprietor of one-
half, or 50,000 acres, and the pioneer settler of the tract at Angelica, in 1804. A few settlers had
previously located at different points in the valley of the Genesee ; and the settlement of the co.
may be said to have commenced with the century. The roughness of the surface, and the superior
richness of the lands further n., had a tendency to retard the development of this co.; and for
many years comparatively little progress was made. The construction of the Genesee Valley
Canal and of the Erie B. B. gave an impulse to improvement and afforded an opportunity to
convey the rich products of the extensive pine forests to a profitable market. Agricultural im-
provements have slowly followed the retreat of the forests ; and now nearly one-half of the co. is
under improvement to some extent.
ALFRED — was formed from Angelica, March 11, 1808. A part of Angelica was annexed in
1816. Almond and Independence were taken off in 1821, a part of West Almond in 1833, and a
part of Ward in 1856. It lies upon the e. border of the co., a little s. of the center. The surface
consists of deep, irregular hills separated by narrow valleys. The highest summits are 500 to 800
feet above the streams. Whitney Valley Creek flows to the n. e., and Dyke Creek to the s. The
soil upon the hills is a clayey or shaly loam, and in the valleys a gravelly loam. Alfred
Center (p. v.) contains a church, the Alfred Academy and University,8 and 177 inhabit-
ants ; Bakers Bridge, (Alfred p. o.,) in the n. e. corner, contains a church, flouring
mill, and 134 inhabitants. It is a station upon the Erie Bail Boad. Tip Top Sum-
mit is also a rail road station. The first settlement was made near Alfred Center, in May,
1 In the report of the Senate committee of 1S57, this institution
is reported as poorly kept. Lunatics were confined for weeks
together without attendance and without having their cells
cleaned ; and it was a custom of the keeper to flog the inmates
with a raw hide.
2 The Angelica Republican was started in Oct. 1820, by Frank-
lin Cowdery, and was continued 2 years. In 1827 it was
revived as
The AUegany Republican, published by Samuel P. Hull. In
1832 it was changed to
The Angelica Republican and Farmers and Mechanics' Press,
issued by B. F. Sniead. During the same year it was
again changed to
The Allegany Republican and Internal Improvement Advocate,
and published by Peter Cherry. In 1836 it was issued as
TheAngelica Republican and AUegany Whig. It soon after passed
into the hands of Wm. Pitt Angell, who changed it to
The Angelica Reporter and Allegany Republican. It soon passed
into the hands of Samuel C. Wilson, and was issued for
several years as
The Angelica Reporter. In 1841 it was published by Ilorace E.
Purdy and Chas. Horton; and in 1844 Mr. Horton be-
came sole proprietor. Iu 1856 he purchased The Advo-
cate and Whig, and published the combined paper as
The Angelica Reporter and Angelica Advo-
cate and Whig, under which name it is still
issued.
The Republican JEgis and Attrgany Democrat was published at
Angelica in 1830.
The Allegany Gazette was issued at Angelica in 1840.
The Allegany Co. Advocate was started at Angelica in J*n. 1842,
by Erastus S. Palmer. It was successively issued by
Ellroy & Churchill, Peter S. Norris. and Wm. II. .fe C. M.
Beecher. In 1852 it was united with The Cuba Whig
and issued as
The Advocate and Whig. In 1856 the Beechers sold to Charles
Horton. who united the paper with The Reporter.
The Republican Era was started at Angelica in 1844 and issued
a short time.
The Republican Era was started at the village of Oramel in
1846 by Horace E. Purdy. Its publication was con-
tinued by different persons until 1857.
The Cuba Advocate was commenced at Cuba, Oct. 29, 1838, by
Isaac C. Sheldon, and was continued several years.
The Political Investigator (mo.) was published at Angelica a
short time iu 1848.
The American Banner was commenced at Cuba in Feb. 1855, by
Hatch & Pratt. In July, 1857, the name of the paper
was changed to
The Southern Tier, and its publication continued by C.
Pratt, M. B. Champlin, editor.
The Almond Herald was commenced at Almond in 1853 by R.
Denton, who published it 1 year, when it was suspended.
In about 6 months it was resuscitated by Melvin Hyde
and Isaac Busby, and appeared under the name of
The Allegany Sentinel. Subsequently it passed into the hands
of Pruner & Spencer, by whom the paper was published
until 1856.
The Genesee "Valley Free Press was commenced at
Belfast in Jan. 18*53. by A. N. Cole. In March follow-
ing, the paper was removed to Wellsville, where the
publication is continued by Mr. Cole.
The Rural Budget was commenced at Wellsville in Oct.
1856, by Richard O. Shant, by whom the publication in-
continued.
8 The academic part of this institution was incorp. in 1842. and
the university in 1857. The erection of the university building
has been commenced. It is under the charge of the Seventh
Day Baptists. The building occupied by the female department
was burned Feb. 14, 1858.
ITU
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
1807, by Clark Crandall, from Rensselaer co.1 The first church (Seventh Day Bap.) was formed
in lM'i. There are now 2 churches in town ; both Seventh Day Bap.
A Li LUX — was formed from Angelica, Jan. 31, 1823. A part of Birdsall was taken off in
1829. It is an interior town, situated north of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly
upland, divided into ridges by the valleys of the streams. The highest summits are 500 to 700
feet above the valleys. The principal streams are Wignam, Plum, and Baker Creeks. The soil
upon the uplands is clay underlaid by hardpan, and in the valleys a gravelly loam and alluvium.
Allen, (p. o.,) in the e. part, and Allen Center (p. o.) are hamlets. There are no stores,
taverns, doctors, or lawyers in the town. A few small settlements were made about the com-
mencement of the century, but the principal settlements were made subsequent to 1820. 2 The
first religious services were conducted bv Rev. Robert Hunter, (Presb.,) in 1821; and the first
church (Presb.) was formed in 1&30.3
ALMA — was formed from Willing, Nov. 23, 1854. It is the central town on the s. border
of the co. The surface is broken and mountainous. Honeoye Creek and its branches, flowing
in deep, narrow ravines, form the drainage. The greater part of the surface is yet covered
with forests. The soil upon the uplands is a clayey and sandy loam, and in the valleys a gravelly
loam and alluvium. Lumbering is the principal pursuit; and large quantities of pine lumber are
annually manufactured. Alma, (p. v.,) in the w. part of the town, contains a steam sawmill
and 15 houses. The first settlement was made in 1833, by Warren Huff, from Quebec, Canada.4
The first religious services were performed by Rev. Reuben Kent, in 1838 ; and the first and only
religious association (M. E.) in town was formed in 1850. There is no church edifice in town.
AL3IOX"D — was formed from Alfred, March 16, 1821. A part of Birdsall was taken off in
1829, and a part of West Almond in 1833. It lies upon the e. border of the co., a little n. of the
center. Its surface is mostly an upland, separated into several distinct ridges by the deep valleys
of Canisteo River and the Karr Valley, Mcllenry Valley, and Whitney Valley Creeks. The
highest summits are 500 to 800 ft. above the valleys. The soil is a gravelly and clay loam. Quar-
ries of good building stone, and sulphur springs, are found in various localities. Almond,
(p. v.,) near the e. line, contains 2 churches, 2 flouring mills, several manufactories, and about
1,000 inhabitants. Center Almond, in Karr Valley, and Xortli Almond are p. offices.
The first settlement was made at Karr Valley, by Rev. Andrew Gray, Wm. Gray, Jos. Rathbun,
and Vandemark, all from Penn., in the spring of 1796.5 The first religious meetyng was
held at Karr Valley, by Rev. Andrew Gray, (Presb.,) in his own house, May 1, 1797; and the
first church was formed, the same year, by Mr. Gray.6
AMITY — was formed from Angelica and Scio, Feb. 22, 1830. A part of Ward was taken
off in 1856. It is an interior town, lying a little s. of the center of the co. The surface is hilly
and broken, the summits rising 500 to 800 feet above the valleys. Genesee River flows n. w.
through the w. part and receives as tributaries Van Campens and Philips Creeks. The valleys
of these streams are narrow and are bordered by steep hillsides. The soil is principally a clayey
and sand; Loam. Philipsville, (p. v.,) on the Genesee, was incorp. Feb. 21, 1853. It con-
tain- '■'> churches, 2 sawmills, a flouring mill, and about I.UUO inhabitants. It is a station upon the
rail road. Relviderc, (p. v.,) on the Genesee, at the mouth of Van Campens Creek, in the
N. w. corner of the town, contains 3 sawmills and 1^1 inhabitants. It is also a rail road station.
The first settlement was mad'- in 1*04, near Bclvidere, by John T. Hyde.7 The first religious
l Kathan Green, from Madli i I at Bakern Hri.i^.- in
1- 1. Tlie first child born was Rebecca Btfllman, in 1808; the
fimt marriage, that of Lake Maxson and Buaan Green ; and the
first death, thai of Chai II Clark, who accidentally ahol bim-
M'lf. taught the I , in 1816; John 1
kept tli- fir- 1 inn. in 1818; and B. 8. Davis boOt the first saw-
mill, in 1821, and the fir-t gristmill, In 1824.
* The first school was taunhl neat the a, line, in 1830. The
fir-«t inn was kept by Mr*. Armstrong, neat the I. Una In 1827.
Tli- first sawmill was erected by Aaher Ulnar, on Wigwam
* The census reports. 3 churches; Cong-, Hap., and U. K.
* Tli'' first child innnfM Bmellne, daughter of Az-r Hurl-
but, Bei '. 1. 1880; and the fir"t death, thai of John Bagley. in
1838. The fir^t school was taught byClarinda Kent, in 1839.
asm Hurlbut kept the flr?t inn. in 1837, Bam 1 J. Peel the first
store, in 1S44; and John W. Post erected the first sawmill, in
1843.
& M..j. Hoses Van r.,mp^n.<~<pt. Henn McHenry, Walter, Jos.,
and Beml Karr, BOas Perry, Stephen Major, Benj. Van Campcn,
Matthew McHenry, Jos. Coleman, and Geo. Lockhart, all from
Lucerne CO., Penn., settled in the town in 1797. The first child
l».rn was Wm. Mi Henry, in 1799; the first marriage, that of
Poter Putnam and Polly Waters, in 1804 ; and the first death,
that of Matthew McHenry, in 1801. The first school was taught
nt Karr Valley, by Jos. A. Rathbun, in Dec. 1S02. Benj. Van
Campen kept the first inn. at Karr Valley, in 1806; and Phinoas
Stevens liuilt the first sawmill, in 1-SOtj, at Almond Village, and
Asa Clark the first gristmill, in 1818.
6 Tho census reports 3 churches ; Presb., Bap., and Wes.
Meth.
: Barry Davis, from Hampshire CO., Mass., settled near Philips-
ville in 1806. The first child born was Hannah Hyde, Nov. 4,
1804; the first marriage, that of Loaniml Asthley and Kacbel
Baker, in 1807; and the first death, that of Harvey Manning, in
l-oi,. Polly Baker taught the first school, in 1810; Ebcnezer
Hyde kept "the first inn, at Bclvidere, in 1809; Alvin B. Parker
the first store, at Philipsville, In 1830; and Philip Church built
the first sawmill, on Genesee River, in 1806, and the first grist-
mill, in 1808.
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
171
meeting was held at the house of Samuel Van Campen, by Rev. Robert Hubbard, (Prcsb.,) in
1814; and the first church (Bap.) was formed by Rev. Jonathan Post, in LUG.1
ANDOVEK was formed from Independence, Jan. 28, 1824. A part of Independence was
taken off in 1824, and a part of Wellsville in 1855. It lies upon the e. border of the co., s. of the
center. The surface is very hilly and still retains some of the original pine forests. Dyke Creek
flows s. w., receiving several small tributaries. The soil is chiefly a heavy loam resting on hard-
pan. The primitive forests had a large proportion of pine ; and the manufacture of pine lumber
for many years a leading pursuit — is still carried on to some extent. AlBtlovcr, (p. v.,) near
the center of the town, contains 4 churches, a grist and saw mill, and 374 inhabitants. It is a R. R.
station. Shoemakers Corners (Elm Valley p. o.) is a hamlet on the w. line of the town.
The first settlement was made in the spring of 1795, by Nathaniel Dyke, from Tioga Point,
Penn., — originally from Conn.2 The first religious meeting was held at the house of Mr. Dyke,
by Rev. Silas Hubbard, in 1808; and the first church (Cong.) was formed by Rev. Robert Hub-
bard, July 4, 1824.J
ANGELICA4— was' formed from Leicester, (Livingston co.,) Feb. 25, 1805. Alfred and Cane-
adea were taken off in 1808, Allen and Scio in 1823, a part of Amity in 1830, and a part of West
Almond in 1833 ; and a part was annexed to Alfred in 1816. It lies a little n. of the center of the
co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. Genesee River flows
across the s. w. corner, and its tributary, Knights Creek, through the center. The soil is a clayey
loam upon the uplands, and a gravelly loam in the valleys. Angelica, (p. v.,) on Knights
Creek, a little n. of the center of the town, was incorp. May 2, 1835. Besides the co. buildings, it
contains the Angelica Academy, 5 churches, 1 bank, 2 newspaper offices, and several mills and
manufactories. Pop. 846. The first settlement was made on the site of the village, in 1802, by
Philip Church.5 The first church (Presb.) was formed by Rev. Robt. Hubbard, in 181 1.6
BELFAST— was formed from Caneadea, March 24, 1824, as " Orrinsbvrgh." Its name was
changed April 21, 1825. A part of Caneadea was annexed in 1831. It lies a little n. w. of the
center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, separated into distinct ridges. Genesee River flows
across the n. e. corner. Black and White Creeks, the other principal streams, flow through narrow,
irregular valleys bordered by abrupt hillsides. The highest summits are 600 to 800 feet above
the streams. The soil is a clayey loam upon the hills, and a gravelly loam in the valleys.
Belfast, (p. v.,) on the Genesee, near the mouth of Black Creek, contains 3 churches, the
Genesee Valley Seminary,7 and several mills. Pop. 801. At this place considerable commerce
is carried on by means of the Genesee Valley Canal. Rocfeville,8 (p.o.,) in the w. part, and
Transit Bridge, (p.o.,) in the e., are hamlets. The first settlement was made on Genesee
River, in 1803, by Benjamin, Elisha, Calvin, and David Chamberlin, brothers, from Penn.9 Rev.
Ephraim Sanford (Bap.) held the first religious meeting, at the house of Nath'l Reynolds, in
1806, and formed the first church, in 1807-08.?°
BIRD-SALE11 — was formed from Allen and Almond, May 4, 1829. It is an interior town,
lying n. E. of the center of the co. Its surface is principally a hilly upland, separated into several
distinct ridges. The declivities are usually very abrupt, and the highest summits are 500 to 800
feet above the valleys. Black Creek and its branches form the principal drainage. The soil is
1 The census reports 4 churches ; Bap., Cong., M. E., and Univ.
2 Mr. Dyke was educated at Yale College, served as an officer
during the Revolutionary War, was attached to the staff of Gen.
Warren at Boston, and subsequently to that of Gen. Washing-
ton. Stephen Cole settled on lot adjoining Dyke, in 1796, and
Benj. Brookings and John T. Hyde, from Vt., near the same
place, soon after. The first child born was Daniel Cole, Feb. 18,
1797; the first marriage, that of Isaac Dyke and Pamelia Gib-
son, in 1802; and the first death, that of Zeriah, daughter of
James Dyke, Jan. 21, 1798. Robert Reed taught the first school,
in 1820 ; Luther Strong built the first saw and grist mill, in
1819, and kept the first inn, in 1820; and Asa S. Allen kept the
first store, in 1823.
8 The census reports 4 churches; Bap., Cong., M. E., and R. C.
* Named from Angelica, wife of John B. Church and eldest
daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler.
* Mr. Church was son of John B. Church and grandson of Gen.
Schuyler. Evert Van Wickle, John Gibson, and John Lewis
settled in the town in 1802, and John Ayers in 1803. The first
child born was Catharine S. Mullender; the first marriage, that
ot Sylvanus Russel and Esther Van Wickle, in 1805 ; and the first
death, that of Ira Stephens, Sept. 20, 1803. Widow S. Smith taught
the first school, in 1804-05; Philip Church built the first saw and
grist mill, in 1802-03, and kept the first store, in 1803; and Jos.
Taylor kept the first inn, in 1804. Hyde de Neuville — an exile
during the Government of the Empire, and minister to the U. S.
upon the restoration of the French monarchy from 1S16 to 1822
— resided at Angelica in 1807-08. Victor Dupont, also a distin-
guished French exile, was an early settler at Angelica.
6 The census reports 6 churches; Presb, Prot E., Bap., M. E.,
Ref. Prot. D., and R. C.
1 This institution was chartered in 1856 and opened Dec. 2,
1857. It will accommodate 300 students, and is under the charge
of the M. E. Church.
8 Named from a grindstone quarry in the vicinity. This
quarry is not now worked.
» Jedediah Nobles, from Elmira, settled on the river, and Bery,
Littleton, from the same place, on Wigwam Creek, in 1805. The
first child born was Moses V. Chamberlin ; and the first mar-
riage, that of John Sanford and Mary Collar, in 1806. Elijah
Reynolds taught the first school, in 1807; Jos. S. Raymond kept
the first inn, near the village, in 1821, and Sam"! King the first
store, in 1S24. David Sanford erected the first saw and grist
mill, on the river, near the village, in 1809.
1° There are 5 churches in town ; Bap., Cong., M. E., Univ.,
and R. C.
u Named from Judge John Birdsall, Circuit Judge of the Eighth
Judicial District in 1828-29.
172 ALLEGANY COUNTY.
a clay loam underlaid by hardpan. Birdsall, (p. o.,) in the n. w. part, and Birdsa.ll Cen-
ter, (p.o.,) are hamlets. The first settlement -was made by Josiah "Whitman, on Lot 24, in 1816.
The first religious meeting -was held at the house of Wm. Day, in 1823,1 by Rev. Robert Hub-
bard; and the first church (M. E.) was formed by Rev. Eleazur Day, in 1825.2
BOLIVAR — was formed from Friendship, Feb. 15, 1825 ; and a part of "Wirt was taken off in
1838. It lies upon the s. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is a broken, moun-
tainous upland, in some parts too steep for profitable cultivation. The streams are Little Genesee,
Iloneoye, and Horse Creeks. The soil upon the hills is a reddish clay loam, and in the valleys a
gravelly loam. Bolivar, (p. v.,) x. of the center, contains a church, flouring mill, and 157
inhabitants, Iloneoye Corners (S. Bolivar p. o.) is a hamlet near the s. border. Timothy
Cowles, from Otsego co., settled in the w. part of the town in 1819.3 The first religious services
were held by Austin Cowles, (M. E.,) in 1820; and the first church (M. E.) was organized in 1828.*
Bl'RXS — was formed from Ossian, (Livingston co.,) March 17, 1826. It lies upon the E.
border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is very hilly and broken, the highest summits
being 400 to 700 feet above the valleys. The principal streams are Canaseraga, South Valley,
and Slader Creeks. Canaseraga,5 (p. v.,) in the Sf. part, contains 2 churches, the Canaseraga
Academy,' several mills, and about 200 inhabitants. It is a station on the B. & N. Y. City R. R.
Burns, (p. v..) on the e. line of the town, contains 1 church and 20 dwellings. It is also a R. R.
station. IVIiitneys Crossing is a p. o. in the w. part. The first settlement was made at
Whitney Valley, in 1805, by Moses and Jeremiah Gregory, John Gaddis, and Samuel Rodman,7
The first religious meeting (M. E.) was held at the house of Moses Gregory, by Robert Parker, in
1806 ; and the first church (Bap.) was formed at Whitney Valley, by Rev. Jesse Braman, in 1817.8
CA\EADEA — was formed from Angelica, March 11, lMJS. Friendship was taken off in
1815, Rushford in 1816, " Orrinsburgh" (now Belfast) in 1824, and a part of Belfast in 1831. It
is an interior town, lying n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is divided into two ridges
bv Genesee River, which flows in a northerly direction through the center. The soil upon
the highlands is a gravelly and clayey loam, and in the valleys a gravelly loam and alluvium.
Upon Caneadea Creek is a valuable stone quarry. Oramel, (p. v.,) upon the Genesee, in the
s. part, was incorp. June 9, 1856. It is an important canal village, and contains 2 churches,
several mills, and 733 inhabitants. Caneadea, (p. v.,) at the mouth of Caneadea Creek, con-
tains 1 church, 3 mills, and about 400 inhabitants. Ilougllton Creeli is a p. o. in the N.
part. The first settlement was made about the commencement of the century, by a Mr. Schoon-
over, from Penn.9 The first religious meeting (Bap.) was held by Elder Ephraim Sanford, in his
own house, at Oramel Village, in 1804. 10
(i:\TERVILLE-was formed from Pike, ("Wyoming co.,) Jan. 15, 1819. It is the x. w.
corner town of the co. Its surface is a moderately hilly upland. Six Town Creek and its branches
f'.rm the principal drainage. The soil is a heavy clay loam. Centerville (p. v.) contains 2
churches and about 150 inhabitants. The first settlements were made by Jos. Maxson, of R. I.,
in April, IsOS, and by Jarm-- Ward, in the fall of the Mime year.11 The first religious meeting
' James Mathews, from \..T.. settled on Section 21. near the
center, in 1818. Previous to this, Vance, Wm. P. Bchaanck,
Jeremiah Van Wormer, and Vm. Day, from (
. in town. The first child horn WM Jain
Mathews, March 7, 1820; and * 1 • •• Aral in., r r i.«t;.-. thai of Sam*]
Van WicMe nnd II irri- 1 Freeman, in 1821. Hannah Scott
taught thi in Whitman kepi the t'i r-t
urn. u 1830, and Jo* pfa ft W< li h the flrsl store. In i --'-. The
first sawmill was erected on Bla> I ■■ Hull and D atid
Peterson, la 185
' Then sr- •"• . hurrhr* in |..wn; M If \\ B If) .. :in.| K. 0.
* i briatopher Tylei LaaOon let In
, in the w. part of the town,— all iron The first
Penn., at De Witts Valley, mid Saml Boylan, at Whitney Val-
ley, in 1806. The first child hum was Lewis W. Carroll, Aug. 1,
1 ■ 7 . the tir-t marriage, that of John Gregory and Betsey Doty;
and the flrsl deaths, those of .leremiah Gregory, who was killed
by the fall of a tree, April 4, 1812, and his twin-brother, killed
in the same manner. .Sept. 17 of the same year. The first school
was taught at Canaseraga, by Wm. Crooks, in 1810. S. De Witt
Brown kept the In -I inn. at "Dt Wittt VaUey" (now Burns Vil-
ind I jaac N. Town the first store, at Canaseraga,
in 182V I ».-» ii i . • 1 m hull erected the first gristmill, in 1810, and
David MeCar.lv the first sawmill, in 1813.
* There arc 5 churches in town ; Bap., F. W. Bap., Prcsb.,
Pi it. i:.. and M. B.
birth was thai of Almond W. Cowles, In 1820; the first mar- 'Kphraim Banford, jr., Zephanlah Ilnff, David Sanford, and
that of Daniel K ■ u .• h i fill b -. In 1826; Nehemlah Bean settled In 1803, and Ezra Sanfbrd and others
and the fir<t death, tl did of Luther Anstin, in 1823. soon after. The first children born were Moses V. Chamberlain
The fi- Ugbttrj \> 21. Unllis nml lM--\ Sanford, hoth in 1808. The first school was taiv.-ht.
B. Newton kept the first inn, in 1831, and Newton k fowh-n the
fir-t store, in 183 sawmill was bnill by Asa and
£2, and
the flrsl gristmill by Asa Cowlea, al the Tillage, In 1824.
4 Tie i ensns repoVl 'II. and Bap.
* Formerly called '•"' •'<••/."
• Tins institution was formed in 1S56, and is in charge of the
Bap. denomination.
I Wm. Carroll and Wm. Hopkins wttMat South Valley. Klijah
and Darnel Ahhott, Elias Van Scoter, and Thus. Quick, all from
mar the center, by Asa Harris, in 1811. The first inn was kept
by Widow Bradley, from Penn., at the center, in 1810; and the
i place, by Hunt, In 1812. John Hoyt
I the fir-t sawmill, at the month of Caneadea Creek, in
1816. and David Hitchcock put the first carding machine in
operation, in 1810, on Caneadea ('reek.
"The census report- 2 churches; Cong, and M. K.
'• Calvin P. Perry, from Berkshire cc Ma"., settled near Mr.
M .\-n in 1800. Ahraham and David Jolatt, brothers, were the
next settlers in the order of time ; and next were Zaccheus, Thos.,
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
173
(Bap.) was held by Rev. John Griffith.
Rev. Silas Hubbard.1
The first church (Fresh.) was funned in July, 1824, by
CEARKSVIEEE — was formed from Cuba, May 11, 1835. It lies upon the w. border of the
co. s. of the center. Its surface is a mountainous upland, divided into several 'steep ridges by
the narrow valleys of the streams. The highest summits are 700 to 1,000 ft. above the canal at
Cuba. Dodges Creek and its branches form the principal drainage. The soil is principally a
heavy clay loam. Considerable pine lumber is still made in town. C'lnrksvillc Corners,
(West Clarksville p. o.,) near the center, contains a church, sawmill, and 12 dwellings. The first
settlement was made a little s. of the center, in 1822, by John and Horatio Slayton, from War-
saw, Wyoming co.2 The first religious meeting (M. E.) was held at the house of Nelson Iloyt,
in 1828, by Rev. Mr. Cole, from Friendship; and the first church (Bap.) was organized by Rev.
Holden E. Prosser, in 1842, and is still the only church in town.
CUBA — was formed from Friendship, Feb. 4, 1822. Genesee was taken off in 1830, and
Clarksville in 1835. It lies upon the w. border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface is a broken
and mountainous upland, divided into irregular ridges by steep and narrow valleys. Oil Creek
and its branches form the principal drainage. The canal and r. r. both extend through the narrow
valleys of this town.3 The highest summits are 600 to 800 ft. above the level of the canal. The
soil is a clayey and gravelly loam.4 Cuba, (p. v.,) on Oil Creek, incorp. Nov. 11, 1850, contains 5
churches, a newspaper office, and several mills and manufactories. Pop. 816. North Cuba, (Sey-
mour p. o.,) in the n. part, contains 20 houses. Cuba Summit is a r. r. station. Settlement was
commenced in 1817, by Salmon Abbott, — Freer, and — Hall, from Conn.5 The first religious meet-
ing was held by Rev. Robt. Hubbard, in 1818 ; and the first church (Bap.) wa3 formed in 1824.6
FRIENDSHIP — was formed from Caneadea, March 24, 1815. Cuba was taken off in
1822, Bolivar in 1825, and a part of Wirt in 1838. It is an interior town, lying a little s. w.
of the center of the co. Its surface is broken by high, mountainous ridges, the summits of which
are 600 to 800 feet above the valleys. It is drained by Van Campens Creek and its branches.
The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Friendship, (p. v.,) near the Center, contains 4 churches,
the Friendship Academy, 2 flouring mills, 25 sawmills, and about 800 inhabitants ; Nile, (p. v.,)
in the s. part of the town, contains a church, 3 mills, and 40 dwellings. The first settlement was
made in Nov. 1806, by Richard Frair, from Kingston, Ulster co.T The first religious service was
held in a barn, by Samuel Vary, in July, 1810; and the first church (Presb.) was formed by
Rev. Robert Hubbard, in the spring of 1813.8
GENESEE — was formed from Cuba, April 16, 1830. It is the s. w. corner town in the co.
Its surface is very broken and mountainous; and the highest summits are 1,000 to 1,400 feet above
the valleys.9 The streams are Little Genesee, Dodges, Deer, Windfall, and Oswaya Creeks, — all
flowing through narrow, mountainous ravines. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam. A con-
siderable portion of the surface is still covered with pine, and lumbering is extensively carried on.
Little Genesee, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part of the town, contains a church, sawmill, and 30
and Strong Warner, Perkins B. Woodward, from Ashford, Conn.,
settled a little N. of the center, Sargent Morrell, from Vt., in the
a. part of the town, in 1S10, and Benj. Blanchard, from Vt., on
Lot 25, in 1811. The first birth and the first death in town was
that of a child of Calvin P. Perry, in June, 1809 ; and the first mar-
riage, that of Wo, Foy and Ruth Morrill, in 1811. Perkins B.
Woodward taught the first school, in the winter of 1813-14; Benj.
and Mark Blanchard and Eber Hotehkiss erected the first saw-
mill, on Six Mile Creek, in 1813, and Russell Higgina and Pack-
ard Bruce the first gristmill, in 1817, on the same stream. ■
Thatcher kept the first inn, at the center, in 1810, and Sparrow
Smith the first store, at the same place, in 1820.
1 The census reports 4 churches ; 2 Presb., Cong., and M- E.
* James McDougal, from Steuben co., settled a little E. of the
center, and Jabez Survey near the same place, in 1827. The
first child born was Jos. P. Slayton, in 1826 ; the first marriage,
that of Van Rensselaer Delivan and Harriet Palmer, in 1827;
and the first death, that of Mrs. Sally Olds, in 1831. The first
school was taught by Maria McDougal, E. of the center, in 1S27.
Daniel S. Carpenter kept the first inn, near the center, in 1828 ;
and Samuel King erected the first sawmill, on Dodge Creek, in
1832.
8 The r. r. crosses the Genesee Valley Canal in this town, near
the reservoir built to feed the summit level of the canal. The
reservoir — built, at a cost of $150,000, by the erection of a dam
across Oil Creek — is 60 ft. high. It raises a pond that covers an
area of 500 acres, and finds an outlet near its head, so that no
water runs over the dam. Its capacity when full is estimated
to be equal to 200 mi. of canal.
* The celebrated Oil Spring, in the W. Dart of this town, is
situated upon the Indian Oil Spring Reservation. It is a dirty
pool, 20 ft. in diameter, and has no outlet. The water is mixed
with bitumen, which collects upon the surface. There are
several quarries of good building stone in town.
5 John Bennett, Andrew Hawley,and Stephen Cole came abont
the same time. The first death was that of Andrew Hull. The
first school was taught by David Row. in 1822. Stephen Cole
kept the first inn, near the center, in 1814, and King & Graves
the first store, in 1821 or '22. The first sawmill was built by
Wm. Dovner, ou Oil Creek, in 1815 ; and the first gristmill, by
Cady & Baldwin, on the same stream, in 1S22.
6 The census reports 5 churches ; Bap., Presb., Prot. E., M. E.,
and R. C.
1 John Harrison and Simon and Zebulon Gates settled in Jnne,
1807. The first birth was that of Sherman Haskins, in a sugar
camp, in March, 1808; the first marriage, that of Jas. Sanford
and Sally Harrison, in Dec. 1809; and the first death, that of
Hattie Frair, in Dec. 1806. The first school was taught by Pela-
tiah Morgan, in the winter of 1810-11. Simon Gates opened the
first inn, in May, 1808, and Stephen Smith the first store, in the
spring of 1818. Sylvanus Meriman and Aaron Axtell built the
first gristmill, in 1810; and Ebenezer Steenrod the first sawmill,
in 1815, and a mill for wool carding and cloth dressing, in 1816.
8 The census reports 5 churches ; Bap., Seventh Day Bap.,
Cong., M. E., and Univ.
9 Upon a high summit near the Renter is a locality known
as " Rock City." It consists of a tract of 40 acres covered with
conglomerate, composed of milkwhite pebbles broken into
regular layers, forming alleys and streeta.
174 ALLEGANY COUNTY.
dwellings; and Ceres, (p-v.,) on the s. line, a church and 12 dwellings. The first settlement
was made on Genesee Creek, on Lot 3, in the e. part of the town, in 1823, by Jabez Burdick, from
Rensselaer co.1 The first religious services (Seventh Day Bap.) were held by Rev. John Green,
in 1826 : and the first church (Seventh Day Bap.) was organized, in 1827, by Rev. Henry P. Green.2
GR4XGER- was formed from Grove, as " West Grove," April 18, 1838. Its name was
changed March 6, 1839. It is the central town upon the n. border of the co. It is a hilly upland,
divided into several distinct ridges. Genesee River, forming a portion of the w. boundary, is
bordered by abrupt hillsides 600 to 800 feet high. The soil is a clayey loam upon the hills, and a
gravelly loam in the valleys. Short Tract is a p. o. in the s. part of the town, Granger a
p. o. in the N., and Grove a p. o. in the e. The first settlement was made near Short Tract, in
Feb. 1S16, by Reuben "Wilcox, Isaac Smith, and Rufus Trumbull, from Vt., and Elias Smith, from
Otsego co.3 The first rolidmis meeting was held at the house of Elias Smith, in 1818, by Rev.
Mr. Hill, (M. E.:) and the first church (M. E.) was organized about 1830.4
GROVE— was formed from Nunda, (Livingston co.,) March 8, 1827, as "Church Tract." Its
name was changed in 1828, and Granger was taken off in 1838. It lies upon the n. border of the
co., near the N. B. corner. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided into several distinct ridges. A
valley in the B. part is known as Chautauqua Valley. Branches of Black and Canaseraga Creeks
form the drainage. The soil upon the hills is a clay loam underlaid by hardpan, and in the
valleys a gravelly loam. Swainsville is a p. o. on the r. r., in the e. part of the town, and
Chautauqua Valley a. p. o. on the r. r., in the n. e. part. Grove Center is a hamlet.
John "White, from Herkimer co., made the first settlement, in May, 1818, in the n. w. part.5 The
first religious meeting (M. E.) was held at the house of Mr. "White, by Rev. Cyrus Story, in 1820;
and the first church (M. E.) was formed in the "White Settlement, in 1821..6
IILMIE — was formed from Pike, ("Wyoming co.,) Feb. 20, 1822. It lies upon the n. border
of the CO., w. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland. Genesee River flows through the s. E.
corner and forms a portion of the e. boundary. It is bordered by abrupt hills rising to a height
of 400 to 700 feet. The other principal streams are Six Town and Cold Creeks. The soil is a
gravelly and clayey loam. Cold Creeli, (Hume p. o.,) near the center of the town, contains 2
churches, a saw and grist mill, and about 300 inhabitants ; Fillmore, (p. v.,) a canal village at
the month of Cold Creek, contains a church, a saw and grist mill, and 372 inhabitants. Wis-
coy. on Wiscoy Creek, and Mill's Mills, in the n. part, are p. offices. Mixville, at the
mouth of Wiscoy Creek, contains a church, saw and grist mill, and 200 inhabitants. An immense
water-power at this place is but little used. The first settlement was made at Mill's Mills, in 1807,
by Roger Mills, from Montgomery co.7 The census reports 5 churches in town.8
I\I>EPE\DEIVCE— was formed from Alfred, March 16, 1821. Andover was taken off in
1824, and a part of "Willing in 1851. It is the s. E. corner town in the co. The surface is a moun-
tainona upland, broken by deep, narrow valleys. The highest summits are 800 to 1,200 ft. above
the valleys. The streams are Cryder and Chcnunda Creeks. The soil is principally a gravelly
loam with sections of sand. "Wliitosville, (p.v.,)s.E.of the center, contains 2 churches and several
mills and manufacturing establishments. Pop. 220. Spriusr Mills, (p. v.,) in the s. e. corner,
contain- several mills ami 14 dwellings; ©r©©HB Corners, (Independence p. o.,) in the N. part,
contains a chureh and 1<) dwelling*. The first settlement was made in 1798, by John Cryder, who
built a house, a sawmill, and made other improvements, and soon alter abandoned them .and left
the country. The fir.-t permanent settlement was made by Samuel S. "White, from Madison co.,
1 Rnawr-ll Ptmetcr. fmm RenaVtaer co„ sottb-d in l^il. and 1810. Elias Smith kepi the first inn, in 1S10, and the first store,
I .• 1 Crandc II m, I Jo* ph Wells, from It. 1.. in 1820,011 Win*
f r- tn k. i.. and John
I in tli- w. par' in 1827. Th- lir-1 child I". in was
rd w. Bnnlk k, in 1*'2«'.; the fir«t marriage, that .,f Joseph
Albnanii d the wne year; and the first death,
in 1820. Isaac Van Noatrand erected the first gristmill, in 1831,
and the first sawmill, in 1828.
* Tin' n-iisiis p|i ,rt« '1 churches; M. E. and Wes. Meth,
6 In III" same year Ali'X. Bailey, from Vt.. Settled near Mr.
White, The first child born was Laura Hail.. v. Dec. 25,1820;
that of Arvilla lliirdick. in 1824. The (ir-t 'c),,,r,| was t&Ught and the first marriage, that of Elijah White and l.ncy liana, ill
by Henri P Oi the month of Windfall Creek, in the
winter of 1 I wis P. Coon kept the first inn, In 1842. a(
'. \ iby. and AlUrt Langworthy the first «toro. In 1881.
The first sawmin was buill • ' srmatiCrab>
\., UqooT lironse ha« .v.-r been granted in the
l,nvn ; and it is rlaini<-d that ii" Inhabitant has ever been sent to
a prison "r ■ poorhooaa.
i Tin- census reportaf churches; all porr-nth Pay Hap.
1 Th- fir-t l.irth was That of a child of Elias Smith, in March,
1817: and the first death, thai of Olive l.in«\ in 1H7. The first
school was taught in the Smith Batllemenl, by Miss Williams, in
1822. The firsl school was taught by Emily Page, in 1826.
Henry Andrews kept the first inn, in 18:28, in the tt.w. corner,
Mini Thayer A Smith the first store, nt or near the snme place, in
1825. John S. Culver erected the first sawmill, in the N. part.
• There are 4 churches in town; .'! M. B. and Bap.
7 The fust school was taught in the barn of Roger Mills, jr., in
the fiimmcr of 1812. by ('an 'line- Russell, from Montgomery co.
Mill- kept ih" firsl inn, at Mills MUto, in 1816, and Ellaha
Mills tin' tii-t •■i.i". nt tin- same place, in 1809. Roger Mills
en Cted th" first sawmill, In 1807, and the first gristmill, in 1808.
• Cong., Bap.. F. W. Bap., M. B., and Wes. Meth.
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
175
in the spring of 1819, at Whitesville.1 The first religious meeting was held at the houne of Sara'l
S. White, by Rev. Daniel Babcock, (Seventh Day Bap.,) Jan. 1, 1820.'2
NEW HUDSON— was formed from Rushford, April 10, 1825, as "Havjht." Its name was
changed April 4, 1837. It lies upon the w. border of the co., a little n. of the center. The surface
is a hilly upland, broken by valleys extending n. e. and s. w. The principal streams are Black,
Oil and Rush Creeks. The soil is a gravelly or clayey loam. McGrawvllle, (New Hudson
p. o.,) on the n. line, contains a church, 2 sawmills, and 20 dwellings; Hew Hudson Cor-
ners, (Black Creek p. o.,) in the s. part, contains 2 churches and 30 dwellings. North Val-
ley is a hamlet near McGrawville. The first settlement was made on Lot 49, in the s. part, by
Spencer Lyon, from Waterbury, Vt., in 1820.3 The first religious meeting was held by Rev.
James Eastwood, (M. E.,) at his own house, in 1821. The first church (Presb.) was funned with 6
members, by Rev. Robert Hubbard, June 4, 1822.*
RUSHFORD — was formed from Caneadea, March 8, 1816. New Hudson was taken off in
1825. It lies upon the w. border of the co., N. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided
into two distinct districts by Caneadea Creek, which flows e. through near the center. The
valleys of several smaller streams, tributaries of the Caneadea, divide the highlands into narrow
ridges. The soil is a shaly loam underlaid by hardpan. Quarries of building stone, several
sulphur springs, and a brown mineral paint resembling ocher are found in town. A woolen
factory upon Caneadea Creek manufactures about 12,000 yds. of cloth annually ; and a pineapple
cheese factory turns out 70,000 lbs. of cheese annually. Rushford, (p. v.,) at the center of the
town, contains 4 churches, the Rushford Academy, and several manufacturing establishments.
Pop. 654. East Rushford (p. v.) contains several mills and 40 dwellings. The first settle-
ment was made on Lot 30, in 1808, by Enos Gary, from Vt.5 The first religious meeting was held
by Rev. Mr. Sanford, (Bap.,) in 1813; and the first church (Bap.) was formed in 1815, by Rev.
Nathan Peck, a missionary from Boston.6
SCIO — was formed from Angelica, Jan. 31, 1823. A part of Amity was taken off in 1830, a
part of Willing in 1851, and a part of Wellsville in 1855. It is an interior town, lying s. e. of
the center of the county. Its surface is a mountainous upland, the highest summits being 700
to 1,000 ft. above the valleys. The streams are Genesee River and Knights and Vandemarks
Creeks. The soil is principally a sandy loam. Scio, (p. v.,) on Genesee River, contains a church,
several mills, and 496 inhabitants. The first settlement was made at the mouth of Knights
Creek, in 1805, by Joseph Knight and his son Silas, from Oneida co.7 The census reports 5
churches.8
WARD — was formed from Alfred and Amity, Nov. 21, 1856. It is an interior town, lying s.e.
of the center of the co. The surface is a hilly upland, the highest summits being 500 to 800 feet
above the valleys. The streams are Philips and Vandemarks Creeks. The soil is a clayey loam
upon the hills, and a gravelly loam in the valleys. Philips Creek, (p. v.,) in the n. part,
contains 2 churches and 16 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1817, by Abraham Wald-
ruff, from Ontario co.9 The first church (M. E.) was organized at an early period. There are now
2 churches ; M. E. and Univ.
WELLSVILLE— was formed from Scio, Andover, and Willing, Nov. 22, 1855. It is an
1 In the spring of the same year John Teatcr, from Dutchess
CO., David Wilson and Stephen Boyce, from Mass., settled in or
near Whitesville. The first child born was Dugald C. White,
Oct. 23, 1819; the first marriage, that of Daniel Remington and
Eliza Eaton, Jan. 1, 1824; and the first death, that of Sam'l W.
Goodridge, Jan. 27, 1822. The first school was taught at Whites-
ville, by Deborah Covel, in the summer of 1822. Sam'l S. White
kept the first inn, in 1827, at Whitesville, and Josiah W.Green
the first i^tore, at Greens Corners, in 1822. Nath'l Covel erected
a sawmill on Cryders Creek, in 1822; and Jas. Maxwell the first
gristmill, at Spring Mills, in 1820.
2 The census reports 5 churches; Bap., Seventh Day Bap.,
Presb., M. E., and Univ.
8 James Eastwood, John C. McKeen, and Jas. Davidson, from
N. II., settled in the 8. part in 1821. The first birth was that of
Mary McKeen, in June, 1821 ; the first marriage, that of Earl
Gould and Catharine Eastwood, in June, 1822. The first school
was taught by Mrs. Graham McKeen, in the summer of 1821. Wm.
Andrews kept the first inn, near Black Creek Corners, in 1826,
and Nelson McCall the first store, near the same place, in 1830.
The first sawmill was erected by James Davidson, on Black
Creek, in 1829.
* The census reports 4 churches; 2 Cong, and 2 M. E.
6 Chas. Suiff, Abel Belknap, Amos Rose, and Joshua Wilson,
from New England, were settlers in the town in 1809-10; Levi
Benjamin, from Windsor, Vt.. settled on Lot 30, near Rushford
Village, in 1813. Bethiah Belknap, born in the spring of 1810,
and Sam'l Gordon, June 12, 1810, were the first births in town ;
Wm. Rawson and Lawrence Swift were the first married, in
1811. Plina Bannister taught the first school, near the center,
in the winter of 1813-14. Levi Benjamin kept the first inn, a little
N. of Rushford Village, in 1813, and Jas. McCall the first store,
at the same place, in 1814. The first sawmill was built by Mat-
thew P. Cady, on Caneadea Creek, in 1815; and the first grist-
mill, by Jas. McCall, on the same stream, in 1818.
6 The census reports 4 churches ; Bap., Cong., M. E., and Univ.
7 Silas Bellamy and Silas Palmer settled in 1809,— the former
at Scio Village and the latter in the N. part of the town. Polly,
daughter of Silas Knight, was the first child born, in 1806, and
the first one that died, in 1808; the first marriage was that of
Silas Bellamy and Betsey Knight, in 1809. The first school was
taught by Lucy Moore, near the village, in 1816. Alfred John-
son kept the first inn, in 1821. The first sawmill was erected in
1822, and the first gristmill in 1S23, by Benj. Palmer.
8 2 R. C, Cong., Bap., and M. E.
9 Daniel Hart and Hezekiah Ward settled in the N. part, in
1817-18. Geo. Waldruff kept the first inn, at Philips Creek Vil-
lage, and Waldruff & Cartwright the first store.
176
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
interior town, lying s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is very broken and mountainous,
the highest summits being 800 to 1,200 feet above the valleys. The declivities are too steep for
profitable cultivation. The streams are Genesee River and Dyke and Chenunda Creeks, all flow-
ing in narrow and deep valleys winding among the almost precipitous mountains. The soil is
mostly a sandy loam. Considerable pine lumber is still manufactured in town. Wellsville,
(p. v.,) on Genesee River, was incorp. Oct. 12, 1857; it contains 4 churches, 2 weekly newspaper
oflices, 2 flouring and 3 saw mills. Pop. 1,286. The first settlements were made in the valley of the
Genesee, about the commencement of the century.1 There are 4 churches in town.2
WEST AL.3IOAD— was formed from Angelica, Almond, and Alfred, April 15, 1833. It is
an interior town, lying a little n. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a broken and elevated
upland. The streams are Angelica, Black, Philips, and Karr Valley Creeks, — all flowing in
narrow ravines bordered by steep hillsides. The soil is principally a clay loam underlaid by
hardpan. West Almond (p-v.) contains a church and 15 houses. The first settlement was
made at the center, in 1816, by Daniel Atherton.3 The first religious meeting was held by Rev.
Robert Hubbard, (Presb.,) at the house of Daniel Dean, in 1823; and the first and only church
(Bap.) was formed in 182-4.
WILaLIXG — was formed from Independence and Scio, Nov. 19, 1851. Alma was taken off in
1854, and a part of Wellsville in 1855. It lies upon the s. border of the co., E. of the center. Its
surface is a broken and mountainous region, the highest summits being 800 to 1,200 ft. above the
valleys. The streams are Genesee River, Cryder, Chenunda, and Fords Creeks, all flowing in
narrow valleys bordered by steep mountain declivities. The soil is a clay and sandy loam. A
considerable part of the surface is still covered with forests, and lumbering is extensively carried
on. Bcanville, (Shongo p. o.,) on Genesee River, in the s. part of the town, contains a church
and 61 inhabitants ; and Halls Port, (p. v.,) in the n. e. corner, a sawmill and 64 inhabitants.
Elijah Robinson, from Brookfield, Madison co., settled on the Genesee, adjoining the State line,
in 1825. He built a sawmill, made other improvements for four or five years, when he became
deranged, and left the town.* The first religious meeting (Prot. Meth.) was held at the house
of Daniel Baker, by Rev. Seneca Fish, in 1834.5
WIRT — was formed from Bolivar and Friendship, April 12, 1838. It is an interior town,
lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a wild, mountainous upland, divided into three
general ridges extending n. and s. The streams are headwaters of Van Campens, Little Genesee,
and Dodges Creeks. Ricllbursr li . (p. v.,) in the s. w. part of the town, contains 2 churches, the
Richburgh Academy,6 2 steam gristmills, 2 sawmills, and 50 dwellings. Wirt is a p. o., near the
center of the town. The first settlement was made in the n. part of the town, in 1812, by Benj.
Crabtrce and Levi Abbott, from Amsterdam, Montgomery co.7 The first religious meeting (Bap.)
was held at the house of Benj. Crabtrce, in 1816, by Rev. Jonathan Post. The first church
(Bap.) was organized in 1826.8
' The find child imrn was Rachel Dyke, in 1805; and the first
.rink, in IS07. The first school was taught,
neat the r. Una, by Ithamer Brookings, in 1S14. Nathl l>\kr
built the fin>t grint and saw mill, in 1MJ3, on Dyko Creek, near
the ft, Una.
1 1 • rag .. M. r.. Bap., and R.O,
• Jaaon Blxbj r, and Daniel Hooker settled on the
road leading from almond t> A md .John AIIYkI. frnm
H i ' line, all pi 1818. The first child born
wa» .T<Tn>hv daughter of Daniel Atherton, In the full "f 1M7;
an I the fir'-t di nh. thai of Jaaon Blxhv, In th.- spring nf 1818.
Th" fir«t ' t, in the i Jasper white, In
1*1 v Daniel Ath- rton kepi the firvt inn, in 1M7. al the cent r,
and Samuel M. Kddy the ' une place, in 1882.
The first pAwmill was erected by Enoch Hawks, on Angelica
•
« Th« fir>t death was that of a rhiM <.f Anitin Bfltler, In lv':7.
Th- first school was taught near Bcanville, in 1830, by Betsey
Lovell. Allen Gifford kept the first inn. in ISriS.at Beanvillc.and
.1.1". I!. Wood the first Htnre. at the same place, in 18.39. Elijah
linlrinson erected the first sawmill, near the Penn. line, on the
Genesee.
& There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Univ.
"This institution has lately been incorp. with the common
school system.
i Axel Buckley, from Unadiua, Otsego co.. settled in 1S14. and
Daniel Willard, from Mass.. in 1816. Mr. W. is the oldest settler
DOw living In town. The first child horn was Ilrnj. Crabtrce, jr.,
in 1 si.". ; and the first marriage, that Of Ilyra Axdell and Lucy
Crabtrce. in 1814. The ln-t BChooI was taught, in the N. part of
the t.iwn. by Sophia Hitchcock, in \^'20. Alvan Richardson erected
the fir^t sawmill, in l>-24. and the first gristmill, in 1S25, on Gene-
s' •• Creek, mar Richburgh. Mr. Richardson also kept the first
Inn. In 1 ■"-■l.aiiil frauds L. Lproy the first store, in the same year.
* Than an I Churches in town; Bap., F. W. Bap., Seventh Day
Bap., and M. E.
ALLEGANY COUNTY.
177
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Allegany County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Alfred
Allen
Alma
Almond
Amity ,
Andover
Angelica
Belfast
Birdsall
Bolivar
Burns
Caneadea.
Centervillo
Clarksville
Cuba
Friendship
Genesee
Granger
Grove
Humo
Independence-
New Hudson...
Rushford
Scio
Wardi
Wellsville"
West Almond.
Willing
Wirt
17,733
11.1254
925i
25,249
11,2104
10,4434
9,417*
9,425*
7,324
4,2(13*
8,7604
6,415
14,488
4,836
13,3024
11,167
3,7334
8,685
6,431*
12,956£
11,9124
11,282
13,9434.
7,223
11,404
3,910*
12,5264
Total 11270,035
11,000
11,5144
22,174
8,051
23,032
13,045
18,0364
13,250*
16,754
17,736
7,5264
11.7844
7,583
17,454
8,911
9,958
15,842
7,380
11,069
10,3884
9,252
9,0034
8,278
24,1894
10,572
7,767
9,937
341,5494
Valuation of 1858.
3
327,639
221,612
102,584
400,866
364,341
308,243
377,891
369,660
160,307
179,210
274,883
33'.),026
316,350
174.725
594.310
420.245
168,730
215.011
223,750
354,906
223,046
269,290
433,850
304,658
163,370
272,835
289,577
135,331
280,750
8,267,596
II-
75,899
9,048
1,000
70,283
10,700
10,100
46,730
19,000
5,037
14,100
44.817
10,150
29,1S0
110,895
78,050
9,975
12,655
850
29,200
76,605
9,250
86,400
3,850
3,875
24.000
24,848
750
10,925
4113.538
231,260
103,584
471,149
375,041
318,343
424,621
388,660
165,344
193,310
31 H.TIIO
349,776
345,530
174,725
705,205
498,295
178,705
227,666
224,600
384,106
299,651
278,540
520,250
308,508
167,245
296,835
314,425
136,081
291,675
828,872
Population.
508
587
797
9,096,468 21,372 20,225
848
508
169
959
1,316
868
903
1,053
380
482
521
1,163
675
360
996
938
446
588
523
1.024
551
700
990
1,527
464
540
727
3
343
191
73
348
506
339
307
414
155
189
201
474
255
158
388
357
169
250
212
425
224
275
391
620
185
218
291
7,958
S
*.
372
203
74
384
522
340
330
414
156
195
211
493
254
164
421
386
175
265
285
428
227
274
404
639
194
225
299
8.334
328
173
37
323
384
285
254
206
126
155
166
272
242
140
330
331
154
196
185
295
218
246
372
415
94
203
285
S'IIim.L.S.
9
8
3
11
8
7
8
10
6
6
7
14
12
6
13
10
7
7
9
15
7
14
8
13
7
8
7
11
6,4S3 259 16,381
527
417
212
729
840
630
662
754
329
364
412
991
506
266
886
695
391
502
441
755
475
628
410
699
619
361
446
657
807
Names of Towns.
Alfred
Allen
Alma
Almond
Amity
Andover
Angelica
Belfast
Birdsall
Bolivar
Burns
Caneadea ,
Center ville
Clarksville
Cuba
Friendship
Genesee
Granger
Grove
Hume
Independence.
New Hudson..
Rushford.
Scio
Ward'
Wellsvillen
West Almond.
Willing
Wirt
Total
Live Stock.
hi
574
436
63
695
406
355
365
484
281
167
400
312
563
163
546
490
183
391
287
765
432
509
641
345
395
153
457
10,858
e»"3
£8.5
III
Sob
1,388
1,152
248
1,947
1,179
1,268
996
1,006
943
488
883
925
1,273
664
1,290
1,033
501
934
723
1,416
1,384
1,233
1,191
696
1,222
488
1,181
27,652
S
6
1,131
630
997
69S
777
612
716
435
287
478
544
1.449
335
941
734
293
536
449
934
705
1,043
1,667
641
661
267
709
18,569
11,183
7,716
165
8,236
3,697
3.190
4,219
3,220
1,581
1,499
3,077
1,484
4,392
2,518
7.001
3,547
2.207
3.716
2,067
5,414
3,047
3.417
2,685
2,213
3.177
828
6,65'
102,153
E
J3_
598
387
141
919
516
483
427
51
320
216
423
450
485
226
625
562
241
432
466
730
457
610
565
384
414
25lj
604
12,449
Bush, op Grain.
790
1.147
184
9.293
3,547
57
2.833
3,5874
851
114
8,522
7,737
741
1,275
750
3,323
387
3.427
1.213
13,352
201
481
504
672
1,962
3584
2,470
69,799
■§
47,934*
42,22(3
4,9794
55,003
47,486
45,44S*
27,281
25,6564
34,5264
27,9474
29.1234
32,998*
43,735
24.037
58,5454
43,417
16,685
44.889
31.2334
48,660*
28,403*
38,5224
31.2614
28,761
47,7684
9,099*
64,582
990.213
Agricultural Products
1
*6> •
"$■
Daisy Products
■31
unds
of
ttcr.
<a
■ss
■Sg,
3 s>§
3 o
= a,
O 3
° -S
3,552
ttlft,
10,3024
eq^
0< O
81,224
176,260
23,694
3,024
7,352
5,691
63.540
10,170
1904
2,049
175
7,960
340
3,0884
7,2994
22,144
106,930
4,699
2,439
7,825
11,609
57,895
15,750
1,6234
12.063
3,751
81,430
13.570
2,025
6,350
3,780
43,510
1,835!
1,9434
5,2714
6,837
58,565
14.964!
1,919
5,648
2,527
48,168
1,270
1,032
6,611
1,452
35,484
1.237
1,295
3,953
4,643
44,420
20,125
1,4584
5,833
7,260
50,901
3,7974
12,005
14,6S3
103,337
221,075
1,123
4,354
1,480
29,466
s:,o
2,8514
8.481
11,833
105.360
42.840
1,937
6,320
9.009
77.200
10.825
1,0064
6,065
1,342
33,715
3.950
1,823
6.755
4,761
50,001
4.410
1,256
4.201
2,253
49.325
2,525
2,5S0*
11,540
15,721
86,334
12,265
9254
11,9174
7,315
63.505
52,070
2,5734
7.791
7,150
81,530
93,305
3,426*
12,269
16,866
96,435
317,955
1,439*
8,165
4,684
38,400
2,650
2,4214
8,134
4,480
65,350
11,368
496*
3,450
816
29,301
410
2,290
10,226
202,231
15,315
72,799
6.885
53,538*
211,271
1,662,085
1,043,603
•■=■«
3.1
2,633
710
100
1,033
1,698s
1,654
1,146
1,081
214
1,139*
518*
468
1,653
1,036
2,062
2,342
647
599
7624
655
1,0514
1.245
594
643
1.180
957
2,8854
30.7084
" Formed since 1855.
12
BROOME COUNTY.
Tnis county was formed from Tioga, March 28, 1806.1 Owego and
Berkshire were annexed to Tioga co. March 21, 1822. It is situated
near the center of the s. border of the State, centrally distant 110 mi.
from Albany, and contains 706 sq. mi. Its surface is greatly diver-
sified, consisting of rolling and hilly uplands, broad river intervales,
and the narrow valleys of small streams. The hills extend from the
Penn. line northerly through the co. They are divided into 3
general ranges by the valleys of the Susquehanna and Chenango
Rivers. The first range lying e. of the Susquehanna forms the E.
border of the co. Its highest summits are 400 to 700 feet above the
Delaware and 1,400 to 1,700 feet above tide. The declivities of the
hills are usually steep, and the summits spread out into a broad
and hilly upland. This ridge is divided by the deep ravines of a large number of small streams;
and in several places it rises into peaks. The second ridge lies in the great bend of the Susque-
hanna, and is bounded by the valleys of that river and the Chenango. The highest summits are
: ■" • ■ "' ■> : <: above the Susquehanna and l,200to 1,400 feet above tide. The hills are generally
bounded by gradual slopes, and the summits are broad, rolling uplands. The southern portion of
this ridge is high above the valleys ; but toward the n. the hilly character subsides into that of
a fine rolling region. The third ridge lies w. of Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers. Its summits
are a little less in elevation than those of the second ridge ; and the general characteristics of the
two regions are nearly the same. The wide valley of the Susquehanna divides it into two distinct
parts, the southern of which is more hilly than the northern. The hills in the central and western
parts of the co. are rounded and arable to their summits. The narrow valleys that break the
continuity of the ridges are usually bordered by gradually sloping hillsides.
The rocks of this co. all belong to the Chemung and Catskill groups. The former — consisting of
slaty sandstone and shales — occupy all the n. and w. portions of the co. ; and the latter — consisting
of gray and red sandstone, red shale, and slate — crown all the summits in the s. and w. portions.
Drift — c insisting of sand, gravel, clay, and hardpan — covers a large share of the more level parts
of the co., the rocks only cropping out upon the declivities and summits of the hills. The valleys
throughout the co. appear to have been excavated by the action of water, showing that a force
immensely greater than any now in existence must once have swept over this portion of country.
Weak brine springs were early found, extending for several mi. along the valley of Halfway
Brook, in the s. part of this co.2 Several excavations have been made for coal, but without suc-
. as all tlie coal measures arc above the highest strata of rocks found in the co.
The principal rivers are the Susquehanna,3 Delaware, Chenango, Tioughnioga,* and Otselic.
The Susquehanna enters tl o. from the n., and flows in almost a due s. direction through Coles-
villc ami Windsor to the Croat Bond in the State of Penn., whence, turning n\, it again enters the co.
in <'onklin, flows thrmi^li that town in a n. w. direction, and thence westerly to the w. border of the
co. In the upper coune of thifl river the valley is narrow and bordered by high and steep declivi-
ties : but further W. it expands into broad intervales bordered by gradually sloping hillsides. The
whole valley is celebrated f.,r its beauty. The majestic river, with its strong current of clear,
sparkling water, the deep, rieli intervales, and the beautiful slopes crowned with forests, all to-
gether form a landscape rarely equalled for beauty and quiet repose. The Delaware forms a small
portion of the z. boundary. It flows through a deep, rocky valley bordered by steep and often
l Named from John Broome, of N. Y.. then Lieut. 8oT. of the
Plate. For the compliment I.I. Gov, BfOOfM prOQCDted the CO,
with a handsomely executed silver foal, appropriately designed
by himself, emblematical of the nnme.
4 A few jean Mh<"o, a boring was commenced in Lisle, on the
■ite of an old deer lick, and wan continued to a depth of more
than 400 feet, withont any practical result. The. theory of the
operators was, that the salt came from the game source as the
178
Onondaga brine, and that, to obtain water of the name amount
of sadness, all that was necessary would be to bore to the geo-
graphical level of those wells. Sulphur springs have been
observed in Nanticoke, 14 mi. from ltinghamton, and at Bellona.
* Called by the Indians Ga-wa-no-wa-na-nch, at the Great
Island.
* Indian name, O-nan'no-giis'ka, Shagbark hickory.
BROOME COUNTY.
179
precipitous hills. Chenango River enters the co. from the n. and flows in a general southerly direc-
tion until it enters the Susquehanna at Binghamton. A broad intervale extends along the lower
part of this river, but farther n. the high ridges shut close in on either side, confining the valley to
very narrow limits. The Tioughnioga enters the co. from Cortland and flows s. e. until it unites
with the Chenango at Chenango Forks. The valley of this river is very narrow, and is bordered
by high and steep hillsides. Otselic River, also from the jr., flows through a similar narrow
valley and unites with the Tioughnioga at Whitneys Point. The other principal streams are
Oquaga Creek, a tributary of the Delaware, Okkanum, Little Snake, Little and Big Choconut, and
Nanticoke Creeks, tributaries of the Susquehanna, and Castle Creek, tributary of the Chenango.
The soil along the river intervales is generally very fertile, consisting of deep, sandy and gravelly
loam mixed with disintegrated slate and vegetable mold. The narrow valleys of the smaller
streams are also fertile. The soil upon the n. and w. hills consists principally of gravelly loam
intermixed with clay and disintegrated shale, and is well adapted to grazing. The declivities of
the s. and e. hills are similar to the last in character, but their summits are generally covered with
clay and hardpan. The large proportion of upland and the unevenness of the surface render this
eo. best adapted to pasturage. While all branches of agriculture are pursued, fruit raising, and stock
and wool growing, in connection with the products of the dairy, form the leading interests. A
limited amount of manufacturing is carried on at Binghamton and several other places.
The co. seat is located at Binghamton, at the junction of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers.1
The courthouse, situated at the head of Chenango St., fronting Court St., is a fine stone and brick
edifice, with a Grecian portico in the Ionic style. It contains the usual co. offices, and in many
respects is a model building.2 The jail is on Hawley St., at a little distance from the court-
house.3 A fireproof co. clerk's office is situated adjacent to the courthouse. The co. poorhouse is
located upon a farm of 130 acres 3 mi. n. of Binghamton. The average number of inmates is
45, kept at a weekly cost of $1 08 each, exclusive of the products of the farm, which are estimated
at $800 per annum. The children are sent to the district school, and when of proper age are bound
out. No religious instruction is afforded. The sexes are kept in separate buildings, and the general
arrangement of the institution is such as to secure the health and comfort of the inmates.
The principal works of internal improvement are the Chenango Canal, connecting the Susque-
hanna River at Binghamton with the Erie Canal at Utica; the N. Y. & Erie R. R., and the
Syracuse, Binghamton, & N. Y. R. R.4 These various routes furnish all necessary facilities for
traveling and commercial purposes, and bring the agricultural lands of the co. into close proximity to
the great Eastern markets.5 Several plank roads have been built ; but they are now mostly abandoned.
There are 6 newspapers published in the co.6
1 Binghamton (then "Chenango Point") was a half-shire of
Tioga co. previous to the erection of Broome co. The co. was
divided into 2 jury districts in 1801, and a courthouse was built
in 1802. Previously the courts had been held a part of the time
at the house of J. Whitney, in Binghamton. A courthouse
was built in 1826, which was superseded by a new and elegant
brick edifice in 1857. The first co. officers were John Patterson,
First Judge; James Stoddard, Amos Patterson, Daniel Hudson,
Geo. Harper, and Mason Wattles, Associate Judges; Ashbel
Wells, Co. Clerk ; and Wm. Woodruff, Sheriff. The first court
was held on the 2d Tuesday of May, 1806.
2 This building was erected in 1857, at a cost of $32,000. It
is 96 feet long by 58 wide. The front is ornamented by a portico
supported by 4 Ionic pillars 6 feet in diameter and 36 feet high.
The basement is built of stone and the upper stories of brick.
The rooms are all large, convenient, and well ventilated.
8 The portion of the jail containing the cells was built in 1858,
at a cost of $15,000. In its construction due provisions were
made for the safety, health, and classification of prisoners.
* The Albany & Susquehanna R. R., now in process of con-
struction, extends from Binghamton N. E. through the co. to
Albany. This road will probably be completed in a few years.
6 The Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western R. R. connects with
the N. Y. and Erie R. R. at Great Bend Station, just s. of the
line of this co., thus forming a direct communication with the
coal mines of e. Penn. Large quantities of this coal are sent
over the Erie and the S. B. & N. Y. R. R., supplying the salt
works at Syracuse and the markets in the w. part of the State ;
and a considerable amount is shipped on the canal at Bingham-
ton.
6 Tfie American Constellation was pub. at Union Village (then
in Tioga co.) in 1800.
The Broome Co. Patriot was commenced at Binghamton in 1812,
by Chauncey Morgan. In 1815 it was changed to
Tfie Phoenix, and was published by Morgan & Robinson. In
1819 it was discontinued.
The Republican Herald was commenced in 1818, and successively
published by Morgan & Howard, Abraham Burrell, and
Dorephus Abbey, until 1822.
The Broome Republican was established at Bing-
hamton in 18^2, by Maj. Augustus Morgan. It was
published by Morgan until 1824, by Morgan & C;v oil
until 1828, by Evans & Canoll until 1835, by Canoll &
Cooke until 1839, when it passed into the hands of
Davis & Cooke. It was continued by T. Cooke until
1848, and by E. R. Colston until 1849. Usui sequent ly
became the property of Wm. Stuart, and is now pub-
lished daily and weekly.
Tlie Evening Express, d., was issued from the Republican office
in 1848.
The Daily Iris was started in 1849, by Wm. Stuart and E. T.
Evans. It was soon after changed to
Tlie Binghamton Daily Republican, and is still
published by Win. Stuart.
The Broome Co. Courier was started in 1831, by J. R. Orton, and
was continued by him until 1*37. It then successively
passed into the hands of Sheldon & Marble; I. C. Shel-
don; E. P. Marble; E. P. & J. W. Marble; and Marble
& Johnson. In 1843 it was changed to
The Binghamton Courier and Broome Co. Democrat, and was
published by J. & C. Orton. In 1846 it passed into the
hands of N. S. Davis. In 1849 it passed into the hands
of J. K. Dickinson and was changed to
The Binghamton Democrat. It is now published
by Adams & Lawyer.
The Iris, semi-mo., was started in July, 1839, by C. P. Cooke.
In July, 1841, it was purchased by Edwin T. Evans, and
by him it was enlarged, and published weekly until 1*53,
when it was merged in the Binghamton Republican.
The Binghamton Standard was started in .Nov. 1853,
by J. Van Valkenburg, and is still published.
The Binghamton Mercury, semi-mo., was issued a short time by
Chester Dehart.
The Susquc/ianna Journal, started in Oct. 1853, by W. II. Pearue,
was merged in the Broome Republican in 1855.
Tlie Broome Co. American was started in May, 1S55, by Kansom
Bostwick.
The Union News was established at Union in 1851, by
180
BROOME COUNTY.
By a treaty held at Fort Ilerkiraer, June 28, 1785, between the Governor and Commissioners
of Indian Affairs in behalf of the State, and the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, the latter for $11,500 ceded
all their lauds, bounded n. by an e. and w. line from the Chenango to the Unadilla, 10 mi. above the
mouth of the latter, e. by the Line of Property,1 s. by Penn., and w. by the Chenango and Susquehanna.
At the Hartford Convention, in 1786,a tract of 230,400 acres, between the Chenango and Tioughnioga
on the e. and Owego River on the w., was ceded to Massachusetts.2 This tract was afterward known
as the " Boston Ten Towns," and was sold by Mass. (Nov. 7, 1787) to 60 persons for £1500.s It is
embraced in Broome, Tioga, and Cortland cos. The Indian title to this tract was extinguished in
1787, and the remaining Indian titles within the co. were extinguished by the treaty of Fort Stan-
wix in 1788. The s. and e. parts of the co. were granted to Hooper, Wilson, Bingham, Cox, and
others, several of whom resided in Philadelphia.4
The first settlements in the co. were made in the valleys of the Susquehanna and Chenango, in
1785. The settlers were people who had traversed the region in the Revolution; and they located
while the country was still threatened with Indian hostilities, and before Phelps and Gorham had
opened the fertile lands of "Western N. Y. to immigration. The early settlement was retarded by a
remarkable ice freshet in 1787-88, which destroyed most of the property of the settlers upon the
river intervales. Scarcely less calamitous to life and property was the scarcity that followed in
1789. Oquaga, on the e. branch of the Susquehanna, was a noted rendezvous of tories and Indians
(hiring the Revolution.5 Most of the invasions into the Schoharie and Mohawk settlements, as well
as those upon the frontiers of Ulster and Orange cos., were by way of the Tioga and Susquehanna
Rivers from Niagara; and this war path, with its sufferings and cruelties, has been often described
in the narratives of returned captives.
mXGIIAMTO]V — was formed from Chenango, Dec. 3, 1855. It lies at the junction of the
Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, and extends s. to the s. line of the co. The surface is hilly in
the s., but the n. part embraces the wide and beautiful intervales extending along the two rivers at
and near their junction. The hills are 300 to 400 feet above the river, and are generally arable to
their summits. The soil in the valleys is a deep, rich, alluvial and gravelly loam, and upon the
hills it is a fine quality of slaty loam. IS ins, ha in ton6 (p. v.) was incorp. April 2, 1813. By a
subsequent charter, passed May 3, 1834, its limits were enlarged and its territory was divided into 5
wards. It is beautifully situated on the n. bank of the Susquehanna at its junction with the
Chenango. It contains the State Inebriate Asylum,7 the Binghamton Academy, and the Susque-
hanna Seminary,8 3 female seminaries,9 a commercial college,10 2 water cures,11 9 churches,12 5
paper offices, and several manufactories. The village is an important station upon the Erie
It. II.. and is connected with Syracuse by the S. B. & N. Y. R. R. It is also the s. w. terminus of
the I ' enango Canal and of the Albany & Susquehanna R. R. It is the center of a large trade,
A. P. Qoinlan. It was subsequently Bold to Cephas
I! t tnd Kbeneaer M. Bette, and Lb Mill published.
Thf Ilrnomr County Gazette was commenced at
Whitneys Point, m July, 1868, by G. A. Dodgo, its
, obliaher.
' T1 ii agreed upon at Fort Ptanwix in 1708, and was
mm di the next year. It forms the c.
I this ro.
* Ti ;- "f tl>H trart ware to 1"' t)i" v. line of the tract
gran' I and !:■ I ••- r t Letttce Hooper, and it was to
cw try to im hide 1 1 ■ > • above quantity
of land. I pon survfy it was (band to overlap t > i •- Military
i nrrr-n. whirh was allowed, and an equivalent
was i- ■ Dder tbe latter in Junius, Seneca
- i, 23.
» The partition f a tart of this trart hy lot was legalized
March 3, IT1"'1, in an art raiting tie- names of the «0 nw« i \b i.
— /,nr< r.f .V. }*.. F-l. hi . ; . 7'., Map No. 148, State
Etyiinrrr nnd Start*)
4 \ tr.vt of 1000 i ' b rides of the Susquehanna was
■old to Jacob an I John Spring a, Dana, and Daniel
Stow, David Hotohkiaa, and Joaepb B Other tracts w. re
eoldtoWm. Allison. James ' Ltnl I . Isaac Melcber, AlBjah Ham-
mond, an I lli" islands in the Susquehanna wore bought
by Jns. Clinton, at 4 shillings pet acre.
* This place is sometime* mud written On-oh-ogh-wa-ge and
OgB-qna ga. There is here a hill or mountain on both tWeaot
the rivrr. gently sloping from abeaotlful rale of 8or 4 mi. in
length and a mi. to a mi. and a half « Ida, When first S'ttl««l, it
bore erldenoe of having long 1 I by tbe Indiana, Apple
trees of great age wen band (trowing, and traces of fattfcanont
'•<!■■■ upposed tohavo been erected by Ocn.CTinton. Mission-
ary labors were directed to this locality about tho middle of the
last century, and in 1763 tbe lief. Gideon liawlcy was sent hither
from Mass. — Doc. Hist., III. 1031 ; Will-in ann's Binghamton. p.M2.
8 Binghamton was originally called " Chenango Paint." Its
present name was Riven in honor of William Bingham, the
original purchaser of a large tract of land lying on both sides of
tho Susquehanna, and including the site of the village. lie made
liberal donations of land to the village.
'The New York Mat'' Inebriate Asylum was incorp. in 1S54
for tho term of 60 years. It Is designed for the medical treat-
ment and restraint of Inebriates, it owes its origin mainly to
the persevering efforts of Dr. .1. Edward Turner. Every person
donating $10 Is deemed a subscriber and stockholder. The build-
ing i* locati d r. of th<' village, on a beautiful site, 240 feet above
the water. It Is 386 feet long by S2 feet broad, built of stone
and brick in the Tudor castellated style of architecture. Tho
citizens donated a firm of 250 acres, upon which tho buildings
are en . ted.
• Thin Institution Is under the charge of the M. E. denomina-
tion, and Is designed for a large boarding school. Tho building
is a 4 story brick edifice, pleasantly located N. w. of tho villugo
up ii an eminence overlooking the valley.
9 River Hide Seminary, established in'l848 by Miss B. S. In-
galls ; Miss Barton's Seminary, established in 1857; and llarmony
Entreat Seminary, established in 1857 by Misses March.
10 Lowell & Warner's Commercial College.
11 Binghamton Water Cure, established in 1855 by 0. V.
Thayer; and the Mi. Prospect Water Cure, under the super-
vision of J. D. North.
» 2 M. E„ and 1, each, Bap., Presb., Cong., Prot. E., Univ., K.
C, and Af. Metli.
11 There was transhipped from the Del., Lackawanna & Western
It. K.cars to the Chenango canal boats, in 1857, 51,700 gross tons
of coal, and from these boats to the cars 25,895 tons of Clinton
(Oneida co.; iron ore.
BROOME COUNTY.
181
and is an important point for the transhipment of coal.18 Pop. 8,818. Hawleyton (p. o.) is
a hamlet in the s. part, near the Penn. line. The first settlement was made in 1787, by emigrants
mostly from New England.1 The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Howe,
(Bap.,) in 1788. Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson is a resident of this town.
BARKER2 — was formed from Lisle, April 18, 1831. A part of Greene was annexed April 28,
1840. It lies upon Tioughnioga River, n. w. of the center of the co. The surface consists of a
high, broken plateau divided into two distinct parts by the valley of the river. The declivities of
the hills are in some places very steep ; but their summits spread out into a broken region
generally covered with timber and adapted to pasturage. The highest point, in the n. w. part
of the town, is about 1400 feet above tide. The river valley is very narrow, but the limited amount
of intervale is excellent land. Halfway Brook flows through a narrow valley in the e. part
of the town. In this valley brine springs have been found ; and here also the unsuccessful boring
for salt was made.3 The soil in the valley is a rich alluvium and gravelly loam, and that upon the
hills is a clayey loam mixed with disintegrated slate and shale. Chenango Forks (p. v.) is
situated mostly in this town, at the fork of Chenango and Tioughnioga Rivers. It is a station
on the S. B. & N. Y. R. R. Pop. 50G,— in Barker 287, in Chenango 127, and in Greene (Chenango
co) 92. Barker is a p.o. in the central part of the town. The first settlement was made in
1791, by John Barker, from Branford, Conn.4 There are 3 churches in town.5
CHEBfAIGO- was formed Feb. 10, 1791. Windsor was taken off in 1807, Conklin in
1824, and Binghamton and Port Crane in 1855. A part of Union was annexed Feb. 26, 1808, and
a part of Maine, Nov. 27, 1856. It lies upon the w. bank of Chenango River, a little w. of the
center of the co. Its surface consists of the river intervale and several high ridges extending in a
N. and s. direction and separated by the narrow valleys of small streams. The declivities of the
hills are steep, and their summits are 300 to 600 feet above the valleys. Castle and Kattel
Creeks, tributaries of Chenango River, are the principal streams. The former was named from
the location of an Indian castle near its mouth, and the latter from a family of early settlers. The
soil upon the n. hills is a gravelly loam mixed with disintegrated slate and underlaid by hard-
pan, but farther s. it becomes a deeper and richer gravelly loam. It is productive, but, from its
moist character, it is largely devoted to grazing. Stock growing and dairying form the leading
branches of agricultural interest. Castle Creek (p. v.) is on the creek of the same name, in
the w. part of the town. Pop. 185. Glen Castle, (p. o.,) on a branch of the same stream, is
in the central part. Chenango, (p. o.,) on Chenango River, is a station on the S. B. & N. Y.
R. R. Kattel vi lie is a hamlet on Kattel Creek. The first settlement was made in 1787, by
Thos. Gallop.6 There are 4 churches in town.7
COUESVILXE8 — was formed from Windsor, April 2, 1821. It lies upon the Susquehanna,
E. of the center of the co. Its surface consists principally of a high and broken upland divided
into 2 parts by the deep valley of the river. The summits of these uplands are 400 to 700 feet
above the valley, and considerable portions are still covered with forests. The soil upon the
river bottoms is a deep, fertile, gravelly loam, and upon the summits of the hills it consists of clay
and slate. It is generally much better adapted to pasturage than tillage. Ilarpersville, (p. v.,)
on Susquehanna River, contains 3 churches and has a pop. of 230. Center Village,9 (p. v.,)
on the Susquehanna, has a pop. of 147. IVewOhio, (p.o.,) in the n. part of the town, Osborne
Hollow, (p.o.,) in the w. part, West Colesville, (p.o.,) in the s. w. part, Colesville,
(p. o.,) s. of the center, Ouquaga, (p. o.,) and Nineveh, (p. o.,) on the Susquehanna,
are hamlets. Valonia Springs and Unitaria are p. offices. The first settlement10
1 Among the early settlers were Capt. Joseph Leonard, Col. Wm.
Rose, the two brothers Whitney, Lyon, Jesse Thayer, Peter
and Thos. Ingersoll, Saml. Harding, Capt. John Sawtell,
Butler, and Solomon Moore. The first birth was that of Amasa
Leonard, Sept. 23, 1788; the first marriage, that of Ezekiel
Crocker and Polly Benton; and the first death, that of Mrs.
Blnnt. in 1787. Lewis Keeler opened the first inn, and Delano &
Monroe the first store. Ezekiel Crocker erected the fir6t grist-
mill, in 1794. The first school was taught by Col. Wm. Rose, in
1794. For details of early history see Wilkinson's Annals of
Binghamton.
2 Named from John Barker, the first settler.
* See p. 178.
* Simeon Rogers, John Allen, Asa Beach, and Sol. Rose, from
Conn., settled in town in 1792. The first marriage was
that of Simeon Rogers and a daughter of John Barker, in 1792;
the first birth, that of Chauncey, a son of Simeon Rogers, in
1793; and the first death, that of Thos. Gallop, the same year.
Simeon Rogers opened the first inn, in 1795, kept the first store,
and built the first mill. The first school was taught by Thos.
Cartwright, in 1795.
6 2 M. E. and Cong.
6 Stephen Palmer and Jared Page were among the earliest
settlers. The first birth was that of Sally Smith, in 1791.
' 3 M. E. and 1 Bap.
8 Named from Nathaniel Cole, one of the first settlers.
9 At this place is a tannery, which turns out 50,000 sides of
leather per annum.
10 Lemuel and Nuth'I Badger and Casper Spring settled in the
town in 1786; Nathaniel and Vena Cole, Daniel Picket, Jed.
182
BROOME COUNTY.
was made in 1785, by John Lamphere, from "Watertown, Conn. The first religious services -were
conducted by Rev. Joseph Badger, in 1793. There are 10 churches in town.1
COXKXIX5 — was formed from Chenango, March 29, 1824. A part of Windsor was taken off
in 1831, and a part -was annexed from "Windsor in 1851. It lies upon the Susquehanna, s.
i>f the .-enter of the co. Its surface consists of the fine broad intervale of the river and high, broken
uplands which rise upon each side. The summits of the hills are 400 to 600 feet above the valley.
The declivities upon the w. side of the river are very steep, but upon the e. they are generally more
gradual. Little Snake Creek flows in an easterly direction through the s. w. part. Its valley
is narrow and is bordered by steep hills. The soil upon the summits of the hills is a hard
clayey and gravelly loam largely intermixed with fragments of slate. In the valley the soil is a
deep, rich alluvium and gravelly loam. Iiirkivood (p. v.) is situated on the e. bank of the
Susquehanna, in the s. part of the town. It is a station on the Erie R. R., and contains 25 houses.
Conklin Center and Corbettsville are p. offices, and Millburn and Conklin are
hamlets. At Millburn are extensive pyroligneous acid works. The settlement of the town was
commenced in 1788, at the mouth of Snake Creek, by Jonathan Bennett, Ralph Lathrop, and
Waples IIanco.s The first religious services were conducted by Revs. David Dunham and John
Leach, Methodist missionaries. There are 4 churches in town ; M. E., Presb., Bap., and Christian.
I,ISI,E4 — was formed from Union, April 7, 1801. Nanticoke, Barker, and Triangle were taken
off in 1831. The line of Berkshire was altered in 1812, and a part was annexed to Union in 1827.
It is the tt. w. corner town of the co. The surface is mostly a hilly and broken upland, divided by
the valley of Tioughnioga River into 2 unequal parts. The summits of the hills are 400 to 700 feet
above the river, and their declivities are generally steep. Dudley or Yorkshire Creek flows easterly
through near the center of the town, its narrow valley breaking the continuity of the w. ridge.
The soil alung the valley is a rich, gravelly loam, but upon the hills it consists of clay and a slaty
gravel underlaid by hardpan. The declivities of the hills are usually too steep for easy culti-
vation, and the soil upon the summits is a moist clay loam, better adapted to grazing than grain
wing. I, isle (p. v.) is situated on the w. bank of the Tioughnioga. It is a station on the S. B.
& N. Y. R. R., and contains about 30 houses. The old Catskill & Ithaca Turnpike, built in
1796, crossed the river at this point. Yorkshire, (Center Lisle p.o.,) near the center of the
town, contains about 30 houses. Killawog, (p-o.,) in the n. part, on the Tioughnioga, is a
tion on the S. B. & N. Y. R. R. The first settlement was made in 1791, by emigrants from
X. E.5 The first religious services were conducted in 1795, by Rev. Seth Williston. There are 5
churches in town.6
II A IX E — was formed from Union, March 27, 1848. A part of Chenango was taken off in
>6. It is the central town upon the w. border of the co. Its surface consists of ranges of hills
divide. 1 by numerous narrow valleys, the principal of which extends in a N. and s. direction.
Til"-.' hills are 400 to 000 feet above the valley of Chenango River. The principal streams are
Nanticoke, Bradley, and Crocker Creeks. The soil is a gravelly loam largely intermixed with tho
underlying slate. Maine, (p. v.,) situated on Nanticoke Creek, w. of the center, contains 3
church Pi p. 'J'J". East .Maine is a p. o. Tho first settlement was made in May, 1797, by
niel [Toward, Alfred and Russell Grates, and Winthrop Roc.7 There are 4 churches in town; 2
M. J'.., Hap., and Cong.
Xl\TI(Ohi;'-w.H firmed from Lisle, April 18, 1831. It lies upon the w. border of
he C"., H. 'if the center. Its surface consists of an upland broken by a few narrow ravines.
dE I'-kln«"n. Wiltni't. I).ini<-I Trnf.-.t,
and Tit ai Hamilton, In 1796; John Rnggli cTyTell, In
ind Bli Oaporne and 1 •• i - r Warn, In 1800. Tbeflrsl birth
■ •>i. thai of
.Inlin Lamphere, the . nnl tli" lir«t marriage, thai of
HrnJ ■ v'r". Mm Lamphere. la Bird kfpt
tin- first Inn, In 1794, and Batamau 8. Dickii in the first store,
i i • Brat school was tenght bj Jot BnanaL
i » M. V... i Bap. SUn P I I P
: Named from Judge John Oboklin, "n« of the early aet-
•
* Anion* the early settler* wr-re Qerret SnfdaVer. Pavid
Bound, Daniel Chapman. Petal "'M*. Asa R<»»l. Nathaniel
E , nir- -. John Bell, Bilai l'..*k»r. Joel Lama
Abraham Sneden, David and Joseph I Abraham MMI<t,
Park, Nod < irr. an The first birth
thai of William Went*. Feb. 18, 1796; the first marriage,
that rr and Sally Toaster, in 1 «".'',: and the fir-t death,
thai of Silas Bowkcr. Tho first gristmill wan built at " Fitcha
Creek," in 1790. The first school was taught by George Lane, in
4 (famed from Lisle, in France.
6 The Orel settlers were Jostah Patterson, Elienezer Tracy,
Edward Edwards, Darid Manning, EUphaJet Parsons, arid
w hittlespy Qleason, The first birth was that of Henry Patter
*"n. in 1798; the first marriage, that of Botomon Owen and
Sylria r...,k : and the first death, that of Wright Dudley. Tho
tirMt L-ri-trni|] was lmilt in 1KOO, by Jacob Hill. The first stora
WSJ k. pt liy Moses Adams, and the first tavern by O. Wheaton
in 1799.
• 2 Bap., Cong., Tresb., and M. E.
f Benjamin Norton settled in the town in 1798. The first birth
was that of Cynthia, daughter of Winthrop Roe, in July. 1797.
The first school was taught by !'•• t-i-y Ward, in 1K02. Daniel
Howard built the first gristmill, in 1810; .Tared Ketchum kept the
first itoi-.'.in 1825, and i Hivr Whitcomh the first tavern, in 1829.
8 Tliis name is derived from the Indian name of IVauticoke
Crook.
BROOME COUNTY.
183
The summits of the highest hills are 100 to 300 feet above the river and 1,200 to 1,400 feet above tide.
The town is drained principally by the two branches of Nanticoke Creek, which flow s. through
the central portions of the town. The soil upon the hills is a slaty loam underlaid by hardpan.
The settlements are principally confined to the valleys. Lambs Corners, in the central part
of the town, contains about 12 houses. Nanticoke Spring's, in the s. part, and <«len
Aubrey, are p. offices. The first settlement was made on Nanticoke Creek, in 1793, by Philip
Counsclman and John Beachtle, from Luzerne co., Penn.,1 and Stoddard, from Conn. There
are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
PORT CRANE2 — was formed from Chenango, Dec. 3, 1855. It lies upon the e. bank of
Chenango River, extending from the central portions of the co. n. to the borders of Chenango. Its
surface consists principally of a high and rolling upland region. The valley of the Chenango is
very narrow, and the hills rise steeply to an elevation of 500 to 700 feet above the river. Page
Brook flows in a southerly direction through the center of the town, dividing the uplands into 2
distinct ridges. The soil upon the hills is a clay and slaty loam underlaid by hardpan, and in the
valleys it consists of a fine, rich gravelly loam and alluvium. Port Crane, (p-v.,) on
the Chenango Canal, in the s. part of the town, has a pop. of 193. Doraville, (p. o.,) in the n.
part, is a hamlet. Settlement was commenced in 1788, by Elisha Pease.3 The first religious ser-
vices were conducted by Rev. John Camp, in 1798. There is a M. E. church in town.
SASFORD — was formed from "Windsor, April 2, 1821. It is the s. e. town of the co., bor-
dering upon Delaware River. Its surface is principally occupied by the high, mountainous range
that extends between Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. The summits of the hills are 600 to 900
feet above the valley, and the declivities are usually very steep.* The deep, narrow valley of
Oquaga Creek, flowing s. through the center of the town, separates the highlands into 2 parts.
This valley and that of Delaware River are both bounded by nearly precipitous mountain declivi-
ties. In its course the creek has numerous falls, furnishing an abundance of water power. The
soil in the valleys is a fertile, gravelly loam, but upon the hills it is a cold, clayey loam underlaid
by hardpan. Considerable portions of the central and s. parts of the town are still unsettled.
Lumber and leather are largely manufactured. Deposit (p. v.) is situated partly in this town
and partly in Tompkins, (Delaware co.) The dep6t, several hotels, and about half of the dwellings
are in this town. Pop. 1249, — 65G in Sandford, 593 in Tompkins.5 Sanford, in the central
part of the town, BT. Sanford, in the n. part, and Gulf Summit, in the s., are p. offices.
Settlement commenced in 1787, by Wm. McClure, from N. H., Whitaker, and Capt. Nathan
Dean.6 There are 3 churches in town ; Bap., M. E., and R. C.
TRIAJVGEE7 — was formed from Lisle, April 18, 1831. It is situated in the extreme n. part
of the co., bordering upon both Cortland and Chenango. Its surface consists of a hilly and rolling
upland divided into ridges by the valleys of Otselic River and Halfway Brook. The summits of
the hills are 300 to 500 feet above the valleys. The soil is generally a gravelly loam, better
adapted to grazing than to tillage. Whitneys Point,8 (p. v.,) situated at the junction of
Otselic and Tioughnioga Rivers, contains 3 churches and has a pop. of 205. Upper Eisle, (p. v.,)
on the Otselic, in the n. part of the town, contains 2 churches and 35 houses ; and Triangle,
(p. v.,) on Halfway Brook, in the s. e. part, 3 churches and 175 inhabitants. The first settlement
was made at Whitneys Point, in 1791, by Gen. John Patterson, from Berkshire co., Mass.9 The
first religious services were conducted by Deacon Josiah Lee, in 1792 ; and the first sermon waa
preached by Rev. Seth Williston, in 1795. There are 9 churches in town.10
1 The first birth was that of Betsey Stoddard, in 1794, and the
first death, that of Miss Bird, sister of Mrs. Stoddard.
s Named from Jason Crane, one of the engineers on the
Chenango Canal.
8 Jared Page and Yining were among the first settlers.
The first birth was that of Chester Pease, in 1793; the first
marriage, that of Gardner Wilson and Polly Rugg, in 1800 : and
the first death, that of Mrs. Pease, in 1789. Elisha Pease erected
the first sawmill, in 1797, and Thomas Cooper kept the first
store, in 1813. The first school was taught by Ozias Masch, in
1800.
* The highest point between the two rivers, by the State
Road Survey, is 1688 feet above tide.
6 See page 265.
• Among the first settlers were Daniel Bace, Noah Carpenter,
Nathan Austin, Simeon Alexander, Rnssel Farnham, S. P.Green,
Anthony West, Joseph Page, John Pinney, J. P. Appleton, Silas
Seward, Capt. Parker, Isaac Denton, and Dexter May. The first
marriage was that of Conrad Edict and Elizabeth Whitaker, in
April, 1787: the first birth, that of Phebe Edict, in 1788; and
the first death, that of Stephen Whitaker, Oct. 23, 1793. Capt.
Dean built the first sawmill, in 1791, the first gristmill, in 1792,
opened the first store, in 1794, and kept the first inn. The first
school was taught by Hugh Compton, in 1793.
1 This name was applied to the tract s. of the Military Tract
and "Twenty Towns" and between the Chenango and Tiough-
nioga Rivers. It was bought by Col.Wm. Smith, at 3 shillings
3 pence per acre. The Chenango Triangle embraces Smithville
and part of Greene in Chenango co., and Triangle and part of
Barker in Broome.
8 Named from Thos. Whitney.
9 In 1792. David Seymour and family settled at Whitneys
Point; and between 1794 and 1797, Timothy Shepherd, Asa
Rodgers, Benj. and Hendrick J. Smith, and John Landers, set-
tled at Upper Lisle. The first death was that of Mrs. Hannah
Lee, in 1791. The first school was taught by Martha Seymour,
in 1193.
10 4 Bap., 2 M. E., 2 Cong., and 1 Univ.
184 BROOME COUNTY.
■DUOS — was formed Feb. 16, 1791. A part of Norwich and Oxford (Chenango co.) were taken off
in 1793, a part of Greene (Chenango co.) in 1798, Tioga (Tioga co.) in 1800, Lisle in 1801, a partof Che-
nango in 180;% Vestal in 1823, and Maine in 1848. A part was annexed from Tioga, (Tiogaco.,) April
2, 1810,andapart from Lisle, April 11, 1827. Itlies upon the n. shore of the Susquehanna, s. w.of the
center of the co. The surface consists of the Susquehanna intervale and the hilly region n. of it.
The highlands are nearly centrally divided by the deep valley of Nanticoke Creek. The soil in
the valley consists of a mixed clayey, sandy, and gravelly loam and alluvium, and is very pro-
ductive. The hills have a rich soil of slaty and gravelly loam, and are cultivated to their summits.
I ni o ii. (p. v..) situated near the Susquehanna, in the s. part of the town, is a station on the N.Y.&E.
R. R. The Union News is published at this place. Pop. 520. Union Center, (p. v.,) on
Nanticoke Creek, partly in this town and partly in Maine, contains 2 churches and about 40 houses.
Hooper, (p. o.,) in the s. part of the town, is a station on the Erie R. R. The first settlement
■was made in 1785, by Joseph Draper, Nehemiah Crawford, Bryant Stoddard, Nathan Howard,
Jabesh "Winchop, Caleb Mcrriman, and Winthrop Roe.1 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was
organized in 1789, at Union Tillage, and Rev. John Manley was the first settled preacher. There
are 4 churches in town.2
VESTAL. — was formed from Union, Jan. 22, 1823. It lies upon the s. bank of the Susque-
hanna, and is the s. w. corner town of the co. The surface consists of the river intervale and the
hilly region immediately s. of it. The soil upon the hills is a fine quality of slaty loam, and in the
valley it is a deep, rich, gravelly loam and alluvium. It is adapted to both grain raising and
grazing. Vestal, (p. v.,) near the mouth of Big Choconut Creek, contains 1 church and
about 4"> dwellings, Vestal Center, (p. v.,) on the same stream, 1 church and about 20 houses,
and Tracy Creek, (p. o.,) in the w. part, 1 church and about 10 houses. Settlement was com-
menced in 1785, by emigrants from New England.3 The M. E. church at Yestal was the first
religious organization in town.*
TVI\DSOR5 — was formed from Chenango, March 27, 1807. Colesville and Sanford were
taken off in 1821, and a part of Conklin in 1851. A part of Conklin was annexed April 18, 1831.
It lies upon the s. border of the co., s. e. of the center. Its surface is principally occupied by 2
high ridges separated by the valley of the Susquehanna. Upon the E. side of the valley the hills
attain an elevation of 400 to 800 feet above the river, and culminate in several sharp ridges ; on
the w. the hills are less elevated, though the highest summits attain an elevation of 400 to 800 feet
\e the valley.6 The declivities of these hills are generally quite abrupt. Oquaga Hill, in the
n. e. part of the town, is one of the highest peaks, and it has some historical notoriety. (See
p. 180.) The valley of the river is generally narrow. The soil is a deep, rich, gravelly
loam in the valleys, and a slaty loam underlaid by clay and hardpan upon the hills. Considerable
portions of the e. and s. parts of the town are yet uncultivated. Windsor, (p. v.,) situated on
the Susrjueharma, near the center of the town, contains 3 churches and Windsor Academy. Pop.
33^. Stlllson Hollow (West "Windsor p.o.) contains about 20 houses. Randolph Cen-
ter (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settlement was made on the Susquehanna, at the mouth of Doo-
little Creek, in 17^0, by John Doolittle, from Conn.8 The first church (Cong.) was organized Aug.
15, 1793, by Rev. Mr. Judd. There are 5 churches in town.9
' AtnMit th« «\srly settWi wrr" .To«hna ann* John M.rserean.
I. N<-h«miAh Rpaulding, Walter Sal. in. C.ipt. Wm.
Until:. MOM* ( hambars, baklel and Oliver Crocker, Jeremiah
ar.4 I • n, A boer Rockwell, and Medad
r. Th" flr«t di
Fi<k. Jnno IX, IT*?. Jumt it<«« nn'l .Tub*.!, Win. hop built th"
* Th- census reports 8 I hurcb.es; Bup., M. E., and Ref. Meth.
8 Named from Windsor, Conn.
' The niila I ilio Susquehanna in this town is about 910
feet shore tide.
tiled frr.m its being the center of Randolph's Patent.
■ David Amaphad and Cyrus llotchkiss, John Gurnsey and
fimt prlntmilL in 1T&1. ftn>l tb- . -i taTern, Swift, settled in town In 178". The first birth was that of
tli'- same year. The fir»t school » by Plavel Babin,
In lT^T. Th'-!ir«» birth was that ben, July 4, 1790.
J i Pnsb, and 2 M I
* Samuel and Dan
David Do 'little. l'*r. 27, 1786; the first marriage, that of Capt.
Andrew English and Mis-. Rachel Moore; and the first death,
ib.it "f Mrs. Ashley, the Interpreter at the Oquaga Mission, in
Joaiah NOW opened (lie first inn ami stnie. in 178*.
Wm. < p. were the first set- and Nathan Lsne built the first gristmill, in 171)7. The first
tl-r-. .•'ami Coe kepi the fir«t inn. in 1701, and K. Winchel built -hi was taught bv Stephen s-vmour, in 1789.
tbefll 11, in 1786. The first school was taught by John * g M. B, ami 1 . a' h V. \V. liap.. Hap., and l'resb
lloutcb, in :
BROOME COUNTY.
185
Acres of Land, Valuation, Papulation, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Broome County.
Names of Towns.
Barker
Bingham ton".
Chenango
ColesviUe
Conklin
Lisle
Blaine
Nanticoke ,
Port Crane"...
Sanford
Triangle
Union
Vestal
Windsor
C Total
Acres of Land.
1
tj
e
1
d
1
s
13,155
9,299
29,486
21,040*
27,023*
20,102
16,041f
19,513
13,493
10,963
13,879*
17,001*
6,020
8,424
14,350*
40,509*
16,830
8,575
14,107
6,061
12,026
13,919
22,367*
29,801
198,839$
205,208|
Valuation op 1858.
ri
0
"55"
fc)
§&
§
fc£
ft?
ft, ft.
305,712
13,410
1,829,290
605,009
326,075
20,100
536,559
30.806
508,901
22,150
373,229
18,260
317,916
22,620
119,895
1,750
198,867
1,600
478,626
3,640
342,724
30,150
534,699
33,386
345,156
14,151
492,960
30,0S5
6,710,609
847,717
<3
g
319,122
2,434,899
846,176
567,365
531,051
391,4S9
340,536
121,645
200,467
482,266
372,874
568,085
359,307
523,045
Population.
8>
V
I
3
0
5
a
*
1
639
1
685
<5
250
6,626
6,502
1,943
1,613
1,522
705
1,340
1,199
465
925
890
253
1,008
971
393
426
393
152
1,604
1,456
555
912
872
340
1,259
1.204
477
997
970
378
1.337
18,686
1,300
519
6.436
17,964
s
I
'5-
257
2,305
044
4s::
376
406
160
559
374
498
370
530
6.962
234
1,352
650
408
3H2
355
129
434
283
383
363
480
S-'cHOiiLS.
14
12
21
17
13
)■■',
7
20
9
12
17
19
22
5.348 212 12,483
2,870
470
1^284
1.032
744
784
277 J
1.1 f"
862
090
1,046
872
930
Names of Towns.
Barker
Bingham ton",
Chenango
ColesviUe
Conklin
Lisle
Maine
Nanticoke
Port Crane"...
Sanford
Triangle
Union
Vestal
Windsor
Total....
Lira Stock.
284
1,230
740
524
460
396
173
344
503
448
369
527
5,998
toe
X379
2,659
2,738
1,722
1,442
1,521
642
1,630
1,868
1,264
953
2,610
20,428
1,326
2.705
2,207
1,233
1,212
1,131
570
1,067
1,745
1,260
644
2,016
17,116
2,910
7,116
6,185
4,526
3,148
3,091
629
2,366
1,858
2,240
1,700
5,125
40.894
to
741
2,192
1,342
1,194
588
742
286
673
922
1,322
908
1,2411
12,151
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Grain.
1,553*
6,084*
3,138
5,182
704
969
927
2,424
543
4,540
2,344*
4,064}
c
I
39,504
133,403}
39,549$
78,212
54.705
52,616*
18,202*
36,299
36,800!
77,248*
41,806
159,116*
32,473*1 767,463|
7,844
7.730*
5,205
4,162
3,774*
1,713
4,937*
3,871*
2,632
7,941
53,685
S
IS
i o
cqft.
9,822
25,207
20,225}
11.293
10,763
14,557
4,433
11,998
10,552
18,568
10,197
12,805
160,420*
■*
28,023
28,248
17,474
21,640
9.926
4,955
7,765
22,286
23,029
9,899
32,064
224,403
Dairy Products.
ft, E}
47,727
212,788
201,059
153.514
119,700
111.265
66,000
238.350
208.177
1452251
57,562
192,024
1,753,417
£"S>5
5,070
1,220
7.105
1,105
5,575
2,100
2,470
1,216
5.207
2,985
810
6,027
40,896
1,390
5,232
4,435*
1,422
1,947
1,584
495
3,189*
1,084*
551
3,056
2,865
27,251
• Formed since 1855.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
Tins county was formed from Genesee, March 11, 1808. It lies
upon the Perm, line, near the s. w. corner of the State. It is 260
mi. from Albany, and contains 1,334 sq. mi. The surface is a hilly
upland, forming the n. spurs of the Alleghany Mts. The upland is
separated by deep valleys into distinct ridges, having a general N.
and s. direction. The valleys deepen toward the s., and the hills
rise abruptly to a height of 800 to 1,300 feet above them and 2,500
to 3,000 feet above tide. Nearly the whole co. is very broken ; and
many of the hills, though arable to their summits, are too steep for
profitable cultivation. Toward the N. border the extreme moun-
tainous character is somewhat modified, and the summits of the
hills spread out into high, rolling uplands. Allegany River enters
the s.e. corner of the co. from Ponn., flows in a n.w. direction to near the center, thence s. w. to
the s. border. It receives Four Mile, Trout, Tunegawant, Red House, Tunessassa, and Split Rock
Creeks from the s., and Oswaya, Dodges, Haskill, Ischua, Five Mile, Mill, Wrights, Little Valley,
Cold Spring, and Bone Run Creeks from the n. Cattaraugus Creek, forming the N. boundary,
receives Buttermilk and South Middle Branch Creeks. Connewango Creek, draining the w. border,
flows into Chautauqua co. Upon all these streams are numerous falls, furnishing an abundance
of water-power.
The rocks of this co. mostly belong to the shales and sandstones of the Portage and Chemung
groups. The firmer are exposed along Cattaraugus Creek, and the latter in the valleys in the
central and s. parts of the co. The summits of the southern hills are covered with Catskill con-
glomerate. These rocks afford a good building stone in a few localities, but generally they are
too easily acted upon by the elements to be very valuable. Drift deposits are found to some extent,
scattered over the co. ; and beds of clay, alluvium, and muck are found in limited quantities in
the valleys.1 The only lime in the co. is derived from small, isolated beds of marl and tufa.
Springs of sulphur, weak brine, petroleum, and carburetted hydrogen are found in different
localities. The "Oil Spring" of Freedom, yielding petroleum, is a place of considerable note. A
very small amount of bog iron ore has been discovered in the swamps, but not in sufficient quanti-
ties to be profitably worked. The soil in the valleys is a yellowish loam, composed chiefly of dis-
integrated sandstone and shale; upon the uplands it is clay alternating with sand and gravel and
underlaid by hardpan. The whole region is best adapted to grazing. For many years lumhering
baa been extensively carried on, and it still is a leading branch of business in the s. part of the co.
The pine lands now remaining are exceedingly valuable1 : and the revenue derived from them forms
no inconsiderable portion of the wealth of the co. Stock and wool growing and dairying form the
leading purBuite in the other parts of the CO.
roty seal is located at Ellicottville.3 Tin' courthouse is a brick edifice, situated near
the center of the Tillage, upon ample grounds donated by the Holland Land Company. The clerk's
office is a fireproof brick building, adjacenl to the courthouse. The jail is a stone building, amply
provided For the accommodation and classification of prisoners. The poorhouse is located upon a
farm of 200 scree in Marinas, 16 mi. n.b. of Ellicottville. The average number of inmates is 35,
■apported Si ■ weekly C -i.l" each. The farm yields a revenue of about $1,000.3
The N. Y. a Erie It. I', enters the co. from the b., and extends along Oil Spring and Ischua
Creeks t" Olean, then.- Ulegany River to the mouth of Little Valley Creek, thence up the
vallev of thai creek about 9 mi., and thence in a n.w. direction to the w. border of the co. It
passes through the towns of Hinsdale, Olean, Allegany, Carrolton, Great Valley, Bucktooth, Little
Valley, Mansfield, New Albion, Persia, Dayton, and Perrysburgh.4 The Genesee Valley Canal
1 The superficial depn»it* find tHorlum of th» !«. mvl & D r-
tinns of the co. arecwntially different. Th" hill-id." and valleys
of the 1 randwfUi hernia k, and those nf the 8. with
1 I'pon tli<> organization of (be c ■.. in ■ William*,
Isaac Su'lurl-md. and A«»Il«n«iin*»r»a| ; loners
to lot let] f 1. IlifT.lt-
Tflla, then a wildenM**, and erected a largo ir..n»
ite the spot. Dp to 1817 the co. was meri.-f-l ii
1 h- first co. courts wo 1 n, Jnly 8,1817. The first
co. officers wore Timothy II. Poftar, F>r4 Judge ; James I: rook 9,
180
[ Ashl-cl Freeman, and Francis Green, County Judges ; Sands
I Houghton. County Cirri-; Israel Curtiss, Sheriff: and Jeremy
ter, Surrogate. The first courthouse and jnil was erected
I at Elllcottvillr. in 1S17-18. It was binned in 1829, and the
nl buildings were scon after erected.
-1 'I in* establishment is represented by the Senate Committee
t a* being in bad repair and Indifferently kept. The food
supplied was plain and wholesome; hilt the house was old and
Ited, and little attention was paid to cleanliness.
4 Uerera] railroads have been surveyed through the Co., and upon
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
187
extends through Hinsdale and Olcan, uniting •with Allegany River at the latter place. An exten-
sion of this canal 7 mi. up the Allegany to the Penn. line is in process of construction.
Five weekly newspapers are now published in the co.1
This CO. was included in the territory ceded hy the Six Nations to the Holland Land Co. in 1797.
Three reservations made within the limits of the co. are held hy the Indians at the present day.
The Oil Spring Reservation, containing 1 sq. mi., is partly in Ischua, Cattaraugus co., and partly
in Cuba, Allegany co. The Allegany Reservation, containing 42 sq. mi., extends from the Penn.
line 25 mi. n.e. along Allegany River. The tract is, on an average, about 2 mi. wide, and em-
braces nearly all of the river intervale, — the finest agricultural region in the co. It embraces por-
tions of Allegany, Carrolton, Great Valley, Bucktooth, Cold Spring, and South Valley. A small
portion of the Cattaraugus Reservation lies in the n. part of Perrysburgh.2 The Philadelphia
Quakers established a mission on the Allegany Reservation, in what is now South Valley, as early
as 1798. The first permanent settlement was made at Olean, by Maj. Adam Hoops and his bro-
ther Robert, from Albany, in 1804. For many years a large share of AVestern emigration was by
way of the Allegany River and Pittsburgh ; and, being at the head of boat navigation upon the
river, Olean speedily became a place of importance. Upon the completion of the Erie Canal travel
was diverted from this route and improvements advanced very slowly. The completion of the
N. Y. & Erie R. R. gave a new impulse to enterprise and industry ; and the co. is now rapidly pro-
gressing in all the elements of wealth and civilization.
AIiL«EGASfY — was formed from Great Valley, as "Burton," April 18, 1831. Its name was
changed March 28, 1851. Humphrey was taken off in 1836. It lies upon the s. border of the co.,
E. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep valley of Allegany River, which
extends e. and w. through the center. The declivities of the hills are steep, and their highest
summits are 700 to 900 feet above the valleys. The streams are Four Mile, Five Mile, and Mill
Creeks, tributaries of the Allegany. About nine-tenths of the town is still covered with forests.
The soil is a shaly and sandy loam on the hills, and a clayey and gravelly loam in the valleys.
some of them considerable labor has been expended. The Erie
&N.Y. City R.R. extends w. from the N. Y. & Erie R.R. at
Bucktooth to Erie, Penn. A large portion of this road is graded.
The Buffalo & Pittsburgh and the Attica & Allegany Railroads,
both to terminate at Olean, have been surveyed ; but work upon
them has been indefinitely postponed.
1 The Allegany Mercury, the first paper in the Co., was started
at '• Hamilton" now Olean, in 1818, by Benj. F. Sinead.
In 1819 Franklin Cowdery became interested in its pub-
lication, and the name was changed to
The Hamilton Recorder. It was continued but a few years.
The Western Courier was started at Ellicottville in 1826 by
Richard Hill. In 1827 it was changed to
The Cattaraugus Gazette, and was continued about 2 years.
The Lodi Pioneer was started at '-Lodi," now Gowanda, in 1827
by Lewis B. Edwards. At the end of 3 years it was
changed to
The Lodi Freeman and Messenger, and issued by G. N. Starr.
In 1833 it passed into the hands of Eliakim llough, and
was changed to
The Cattaraugus Freeman, under which name it was continued
until 1844, when it was changed to
The People's Advocate and Lodi Banner. In Oct. 1S50, it passed
into the hands of Henry M. Morgan, and its name was
changed to
The Cattaraugus Chronicle. It was soon after changed to
The Independent Chronicle, under which name it was published
4 years. In 1854 John M. Henry became interested in
its publication, and it was changed to
The Gmvanda Chronicle, and was continued until the office was
burned, April 30, 1856.
The Ellicottville Republican was commenced in May, 1S33, by
Delos E. Sill. In 1834 it passed into the hands of R. H.
Shaukland. and was changed to
The Cattaraugus Republican. In 1855 it became
the property of Fred. A. Stanton, by whom it is still
published.
The Allegany Mercury was started at Olean in 1835 by G. W.
Cutler. In 1836 it was chauged to
The Olean Advocate, and was issued by Rufus W. Griswold for
about 1 year. In 1837 Carlos Woodcock had charge of
it; and inl838itpassedintothehandsof Dudley Bryan
and was changed to
The Olean Times. It was afterward published by A. M. Badger
until 1841.
The Hinsdale Democrat was started at the village of Hinsdale
in 1836 by Joseph T. Lyman. It soon passed into the
hands of Edward Hughs & Co., and was continued 2
years.
The People's Gazette was started at Hinsdale in 1840 by Geo. C.
Smith. In 1842 it was removed to Geneseo, Livingston
co.
The Cattaraugus Whig was started at Ellicottville in July, 1840,
by Delos E. Sill. It was continued by him until 1854,
when its name was changed to
The Cattaraugus Freeman, under which title it is
still issued by Sill & Beecher.
The Randolph Herald was started at Randolph in March, 1842.
It was successively issued by Wm. Mason, Lorenzo and
Julius Marsh, and Fletcher & Russell until 1*45, when
it passed into the hands of J. J. Strong, who continued
it 2 years. Strong then joined the Mormons, and re-
moved the establishment to Nauvoo, 111.
The Freeman and Messenger was started at Hinsdale in 1S43 by
L. E. Smith. Its name was soon changed to
The Expositor, and it was issued by Edwin and Allen C. Fuller
until 1846.
Tlie Gowanda Whig was started at Gowanda in Nov. 1850, by
James T. Henry. In the following Feb. it was removed
to Ellicottville, and its name changed to
The Whig and Union ; soon after it appeared as
Tlie l"i> ion, under which title it is now published by R. H.
Shankland.
The Gowanda Phoenix rose from the ashes of the great fire of
April, 1856, and was issued 1 year by Louis S. Morgan,
when it was removed to Bradford, Penn.
The Cattaraugus Sachem was started at Randolph in June, 1851,
and was continued about 1 year, when the press was re-
moved to Olean.
The Randolph Whig was started at Randolph in July, 1S52, by
C. K. Judson and Benj. F. Morris. In 1857 its name
was changed to
The Randolph Reporter, and it was issued by Morris until July
5, 1858, when it was removed to Gowanda and changed
to
The Gowanda Reporter. It is now published by N.
W. Henry and Frank Stebbins.
The Olean Journal was started at Olean in 1853 by Chas. Aid-
rich. In June, 1856, it passed into the hands of James
T. Henry, who changed its name to
The Olean Advertiser, under which title he still issues
it.
The Neosophic Gem, mo., was started at Randolph in 1S4S by A.
M. Shattuck, and was continued 4 years.
2 The Indian titles to these lands have been questioned; but
both the State and U. S. courts have decided them to be original,
absolute, and exclusive. By an act of Feb. 19, 1S57, the Legis-
lature formally renounced all right upon the part of the State
to tax these lands. The Indians are mostly engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, in which they have made considerable progress
188 CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
Lumbering is extensively pursued. Allegany, (p-v.,) upon Allegany River, e. of the center,
contains a tannery, door and blind factory, 3 churches, and 70 houses. It is a station on the N. Y.
& E. R. R. The Franciscan College is located near the village.1 Five Mile Run is a p. o.
The first settler was Ebenezer Reed, from Conn., who located near the mouth of Nine Mile Creek
in 1820.2 The first religious services (Bap.) were held at the house of James Strong, by Elder
Benj. Cole, in 1823. The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1829.3
ASIIFORD— was formed from Ellicottvillc, Feb. 16, 1824. It is centrally located on the N.
border of the co. The surface is hilly, with ridges extending generally in a n. and s. direction.
The highest points in the s. part are 300 feet above the valleys. Cattaraugus Creek, forming the
n. boundary, and Buttermilk Creek, are the principal streams. The soil is a slaty loam intermixed
with gravel and clay. Maple sugar is largely manufactured. Ashford, (p. v.,) in the s.w. part
of the town, contains a grist and saw mill, 2 churches, and 30 dwellings; East Askford (p.o.)
contains 2 churches and 11 dwellings. The first settlers were Henry Frank and his two sons An-
drew and Jacob II., from Herkimer co., who located on Lot 56, in 1816.* The first church (F. W.
Bap.) was organized in 1821, by Elder Richard M. Cary. There are now 6 churches in town.5
BICKTOOTII- was formed from Little Valley, Nov. 19, 1854. It lies upon the s. border
of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is mostly a broken and mountainous upland, the highest
summits being 800 to 1,000 feet above the valleys. Allegany River flows w. and s.w. through the
n. part. The other principal streams are Red House, Little Valley, and Bucktooth Creeks, and
Sawmill Run. The soil is a clay and sandy loam. A large share of the town is yet covered with
forests; and lumbering forms the leading pursuit.6 Rucktooth is a p.o. in the n. part. A
few settlements were made previous to 1812; but they were abandoned during the war. The first
permanent settler was James Rosenbury, who located in town in 1816.7 The only church (M. E.)
was formed about 1830.
CARROLTOV- was formed from Great Valley, March 9, 1842. Part of Allegany Reservation
was annexed in 1847. It is the central town upon the s. border of the co. Ball Hill, in the s. e. part,
is 800 feet above the valley. The Allegany flows n. w. through the n. part, receiving as tributaries
Tunegawant and Windfall Creeks. The soil is a clay and shaly loam upon the uplands, and a
gravelly loam in the valleys. Lumbering is the leading pursuit. Limestone,9 (p. o.,) in the
s. part, and Tuna, (p. o.,) in the n., are hamlets. Charles Foster, Horace Howe, and Marcus
Leonard located upon Lots 28 and 29 in 1814.10 The first religious meeting (Bap.) was held by
Rev. Aaron Kellogg, at his own house, in 1831 ; and the first church (M. E.) was organized in 1843.
The census reports 2 churches; M. E. and R. C.
COLD SPRIXG— was formed from Napoli, March 20, 1837. Parts of South Valley were
taken off in 1847 and '48. It is an interior town, near the s. w. corner of the co. The surface
is a hilly and broken upland, the highest summits being 400 to 500 feet above the valleys. The
Allegany flows s. w. through the n. e. corner, and receives from the tt. Cold Spring Creek, which flows
through the <'»'nter. The soil is a clay and slaty loam upon the uplands, and a sandy and gravelly
loam in the valleys. A sulphur spring is found in the n. e. part. There is no village, p. o., or
olmrch edifice in town. Lumboring is extensively carried on. The first settlements were made by
Chas. Crook, with his 3 sons Chas., jr., Ira, and Nathan, from Vt., on Lot 32, and Joshua Basson,
' Thi« in«iiinti ■!) i« under tin- control of the Franciscan (R. C.)
Association. The huildingi .ir. ,,.,« in process of erection.
! to the OMOciAtion, for tbo Institute,
200 ten - i f land and j
1 Among the other tiers were Andrew L. Allen. Hiram
of | ..i -■ ' ! • n, Amos B. and David Orton,
who ■ lh tlr-t child t-rn
Nathan Ri the nn.t murriup'. thai of Wtn.
I!. Poj at ■ end tli" fir«t persons who died
were chil urn "f It i ■ I.' n ird Cronkhite
t.m.'lit the fir-t school, in ■ house of James Strong's, in the
Winter of 1825-2 I |l the fir-t inn. in 1820;
Aaron Wheeler, the first store In It I; md Reuben Lamberton
1 th" fir«t sawmill, "ii Five Mils Creek, t t ■
* The r .iirrhe*: llap. Cong., M. K.. »r»'I R.G.
* Among the other i - iml.
Flace. fJriffin and David Wyley, Arm*, ffcwi.t. TVimn*. and Crock in 1828. the first birth" waa that of Merit Zalnff, In June,
" r, Augustus Van Slyke, Calvin Wood- 1820; the first marriage, that of ftmwnnnd Kmeline Fuller,
ruff, Mara na Brooka, Jacob and Micha i n ogbsl tder. John in 1 •*'.:••: nn.l the first death, that of Enoch Puller, in 1828. The
& 2 Bap, V. W. rtnp., Cong.. 11 K., nnd Wes. Meth.
•This town contains nn arcaof 47,f>20 acres, of which less than
l,fKK) acres were under cultivation in 1855.
' Amrmp the other early settlers were James Green, Adam
Johnson, and John BoutelL Tin- first birth was that of a child
of David Hathaway, in ivtt; and the first marriage, that of An-
drew MMIh and Sally Badly. Leister Crnnger taught tlio first
school, in 1884; Adam Johnson kept the first inn, in 1832, and
John Boardman tin ■ lii>t store, in 1^34. The first sawmill was
built by the Indiana In iM.'i, on Sawmill Run.
I Nn mid from <>. C.'irrolton, one of the original proprietors.
I Dpon tin' lint* mar Limestone are the remains of nn ancient
Ibrtiflcation. It i* in the shape of a figure 8, the remains of tho
ditch and earthworks being plainly visible.
ttjohn mid Wm. Moore, Klin* stone, Peter Zcluff, He-
occk, Ki.-ir Kurr. Aiirmi Kellogg, and Wm. Smith settled on Tuna
Quarkenl'ii«h and hi- - ■ Peter, all from Herkimer and Mont
Komarycoe-aod nil ofwbosn located In town in 1818. The flr«t
birth «*« that "f Bis it- tli. d uighb r of Jacob II. Frank, In the
fall of 1M7: and the fir«t death, that of Phoebe, a <-)ii|d of An-
Prank, Aug. 80, 1818. DanL Thomas and Norman IJ. Car-
ter taught the first schools, in 1822-23.
ttr-t m I I was taught by Milton Northrop, at Limestone, in the
winter of 1830-31. Kliaa Stone kept the first inn, near the
month of Timi Creek, in 1828, and ('has. Lewis the first store,
in Wi2. The first sawmill was built by Marcus Leonard, in
1826.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
189
from Mass., on Lot 22, in 1820.1 The first religious meeting (Cong.) was held in 1823, by Rev.
Wm. J. Wilcox.
COIVIVEWANCiO — was formed from Little Valley, Jan. 20, 1823. Randolph was taken off
in 182G, and Leon in 1832. It lies upon the w. border of the co., s. of the center. The surface in
the s. w. and w. parts is level and swampy, the Connewango Swamp being 30 to 50 feet below the
bed of Allegany River at its nearest point. The remaining parts are hilly. It is drained s. by
Connewango, Little Connewango, and Clear Creeks, and other small streams. The soil on the
uplands is clay and gravel, and on the flats a gravelly loam. Rudledge, (Connewango p. o.,)
in the n. w. part, on Connewango Creek, contains a church and 17 dwellings. Clear Creek
(p. v.) is on the line of Chautauqua co. Axville is a hamlet. Settlement was commenced in 1810,
by Eliph. Follet, near Rutledge.2 The first church (Presb.) was organized at Rutledgc, in 1816.'
DAYTON — was formed from Perrysburgh, Feb. 7, 1835. It lies upon the w. border of the
CO., N. of the center. Its surface is generally a rolling and hilly upland. The highest elevations
in the n. part are about 300 feet above the r. r. at Dayton Station. It is drained s. by two branches
of Connewango Creek and other small streams. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam. Lumber-
ing is an important branch of industry. Dayton, (p. v.,) on the N. Y. & E. R. R., in the n. e.
corner of the town, contains 13 dwellings; and West Dayton, (Cottage p. o.,) in the n. w.
corner, a church, 2 sawmills, and 14 dwellings. Sociality is a hamlet, in the s. e. part. The
first settlement was made by Silas Nash and Simeon Bunce, from Otsego co., in 1810.4 The first
religious meeting (Bap.) was held at the house of Joshua Webb, in 1810, by Rev. Elnathan Finch;
and the first church (Bap.) was organized in March, 1818, at the house of Mr. Webb.5
EAST OTTO— was formed from Otto, Nov. 30, 1854. It lies upon the n. border of the co.,
w. of the center. The surface is hilly and broken; Mt. Tug, the highest summit, being 300 feet
above the valleys. Cattaraugus Creek forms the n. boundary ; and South Middle Branch flows w.
through the town, s. of the center. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam, favorable for both grain
and grass. Otto Corners, (East Otto p. o.,) a little s. w. from the center, contains 3 churches
and 17 dwellings. The first settlements were made by Joseph Bates, on Lot 20, and Horace Wells,
near Otto Corners, about 1816.6 The first religious meetings were held at the house of Tyler M.
Beach, in 1821. The first preaching (M. E.) was at the same house, by Rev. Ira Brownson, in 1822. 7
EL.EICOTTVIL.EE8— was formed from "Ischua," now Franklinville, April 13, 1820. Ash-
ford was taken off in 1824. It is an interior town, lying a little n. e. of the center of the co. The
surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep and narrow ravines of the streams. The principal
stream is Great Valley Creek, flowing s. through near the center. The soil upon the hills is a clay
loam, and in the valleys a gravelly loam. Ellicottvilie, (p. v.,) on the creek, in the s. w. part
of the town, was incorp. April 1, 1837. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 4 churches, 3 news-
paper offices, and an iron foundery. Pop. 695. Plato and Ash Park, are p. offices. The
first settlements were made in 1815, by David Waldo, from Oneida co., and Orin Pitcher, from
Mass.9 The first religious meeting was held at the house of Wm. Vinton, by Rev. John Spencer,
in 1818. The first church (Presb.) was formed Sept. 10, 1822.10
1 Eastman Prescott and his father settled in the s. part, and
Isaac Morrill in the N. w. part, in 1821. The first birth was that
of Martha, daughter of Charles Crook, jr., in the spring of 1824;
and the first death, thatof Miss Jones, in the fall of 1821. Miss
E. Sanford taught the first school, in the summer of 1831. Phi-
lenus Hall kept the first inn and the first store, in 1822. Chas.
Crook and Joshua Basson erected the first sawmill, in 1820, on
Gold Spring Creek.
4 Sampson Crooker, from Cairo, Greene co., settled near Rut-
ledge in 1818 ; and Calvin Treat, H. Camp, Wm. Holbrook, and
John Darling about the same time. The first school was taught
by Olive Cheeney, in tha summer of 1819. Eliphalet Follef kept
the first inn, in 1817, near Rutledge, and II. Camp and Wm.
Holbrook the first store, in 1822, at Olds Corners. The first
Bawmill was erected by Sampson Crooker, on Mill Creek, in 1819,
and the first gristmill by Calvin Treat, near the center of the
town, in 1821. Mrs. Crooker, wife of Sampson Crooker, killed a
wildcat at her hen roost with a pair of tongs, in the winter of
1819.
* The census reports 3 churches ; Presb., Bap., and M. E.
* Joshua Webb, from Madison co., settled on Lot 56, Leman n.
Pitcher, on Lot 58, in the s.W. part; Ralph Johnson, Heman and
Anson Merrill, and Timothy M. Shaw in the N. E. part.— all in
1815. The first child born was Amos Nash, in June, 1811 ; the
first marriage, that of Benj. Parsell and Mary Redfield, in March,
1818; and the first death, that of De Witt, son of Silas Nash, in
fob. 1812. Caleb Webb kept the first inn, in 1827, at West
Dayton, and Wm. II. Leland, the first store in 1S33, in the S. E.
part of the town. Silas Nash erected the first sawmill, in 1817,
at West Dayton.
6 The census reports 3 churches ; Bap., F. W. Bap., and M. E.
6 Soon after, Moses T. and Tyler M. Beach, Justice Bartholo-
mew, Abraham Gibbs, and Saml. Tuttle settled in the town.
The first children born wore Arzan and Brittaina, — twins, — son
and daughter of Justice Bartholomew; the first marriage was
that of Moses N. Leland and Brittaina Wells, in 1823: and the
first death of an adult, that of Mrs. John Darling, in Dec. 1S24.
Hezekiah Scovel kept the first inn, near Otto Corners, in 1823,
and Vine Plumb the first store, near the same place, in 1824.
Moses T. Beach built the first sawmill, in 1823, and the first
gristmill, in 1824, on South Middle Branch, in the E. part of the
town.
7 The census reports 3 churches ; M. E., Cone., and Bap.
8 Named from Joseph Ellicott, agent of the Holland Land Co.
9 Grove Hurlbut built the first house, in 1S15, on Lot 57, and
settled in March, 1816. Rickartson Burlinghame and Ephraim
Fitch settled in 1816. The first child born was Orlando F. Pit-
cher, in June, 1816. The first school was taught by Eunice
Carpenter, at the house of Orin Pitcher, in the summer of 1817.
Baker Leonard kept the first inn, in 1817, and the first store, in
1818. Orin Pitcher erected the first sawmill, in 1821, on Great
Valley Creek.
10 The census reports 4 churches; Presb., Prot. E., M. E., and
R.C.
190 C A T T A R A U G U S C 0 U N T Y.
FARMER8VHJLE— was formed from "Ischua," now Franklinville, March 29, 1821. It
lies on the e. border of the co., n. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, forming the water-
shed between the streams flowing n. w. into Lake Erie and those flowing e. into Genesee River
and s. into Allegany River. The highest point, near the center, is 800 to 900 feet above the r. r.
at Olean. Mud Lake, in the n. part, covering an area of about 30 acres, discharges its waters n. ;
and Ischua Creek flows s. through the w. part. On the uplands the soil is chiefly a vegetable
mold resting on clay, shale, and slate; in the valleys, a gravelly loam. Farmers ville, (p. v.,)
near the center, contains 2 churches and 17 dwellings. Fairview is a p. o. The first settle-
ment was made by Peter and Cornelius Ten Broeck and Richard Tozer, — all from Otsego co., — on
Lots 4 and 36, in 1817. ' The first religious meeting was held by Rev. Eliab Going, (Bap.,) at the
barn of Levi Peet, in 1821. The census reports 2 churches; Bap. and M. E.
FRAXKXIXTILL.E— was formed from Olean, June 16, 1812, as "Hebe." Its name was
changed to " Ischua," April 17, 1816; and to Franklinville, March 3, 1824. A part of Perrys-
burgh was taken off in 1814, Ellicottville, Freedom, and Yorkshire in 1820, Farmersville in 1821,
and Lyndon in 1829. It is an interior town, lying n.e. of the center of the co. Its surface is un-
dulating and hilly. It is drained s. by Ischua and Great Valley Creeks and several other small
streams. The soil is clay and gravelly loam. Franklinville, (p. v.,) on Ischua Creek, in the
n.e. corner of the town, contains 2 churches, 2 sawmills, and 370 inhabitants; Cadiz (p. v.) a
church and several mills. Pop. 165. The first settlement was made at the village of Franklin-
ville, by Joseph McClure, originally from Vt, in March, 1806. 2 The first church (Bap.) was
formed in 1823. There are 3 churches in town ; Bap., Presb., and M. E.
FREEDOM- was formed from " Ischua," now Franklinville, April 13, 1820. A part of
Yorkshire was taken off in 1844. It is the n. e. oorner town of the co. The surface is a rolling
or moderately hilly upland. Clear Creek and the s. branch of Cattaraugus Creek are the principal
streams. Beaver Lake, in the s. part, Fish Lake, in the e., and Scum and Laws Lakes, in the
center, are small ponds. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Several quarries of good build-
ing stone are found in different parts of the town. Sandusky, (p. v.,) on Clear Creek, in the n.
part, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, and 2 sawmills. Pop. 175. Elton, (p. v.,) near the s. w.
corner, contains a church and 14 dwellings. Freedom is a p. o. The first settlements were
made in 1811, by Warren Stanley, Ezekiel Reynolds, from N. II., and Earl Lawyer, Rufus Met-
calf, and Enoch Ilowlett, from Vt.3 The first religious meeting was held at the house of Rufus
Metcalf, in April, 1813, by Elder P. Root, The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1820.4
GREAT VALLEY- was formed from Olean, April 15, 1818. "Burton," now Allegany,
was taken off in 1831, and Carrolton in 1842. Part of Allegany Reservation was taken off in
It is an interior town, lying a little s. of the center of the co. Its surface is a mountainous
and hilly upland. The highest summit, near the s. w. corner, is 1,300 feet above the river. The
declivities are generally very abrupt, and many of them arc too steep for cultivation. Allegany
Riv«T flows through the B. w. corner, and receives as tributary Great Valley Creek. The soil upon
the highlands is a hard clay mixed with disintegrated slate and shale ; and in the valleys a gravelly
loam. Lumbering i>- the Leading pursuit, Live-sixths of the surface being still covered with forests.5
«.i«;il Vallej Station, (Killhu.-k p. <>.,) at the mouth of Qreat Valley Creek, in the s. part,
contain- 18 dwellings ; and I'elli (Great Valley p. o.) 11. Settlement was commenced at the
1 \, v: I'. • rod M, from OUegO CO.. WCttled on I, - I-ll. and nmv. d in with tlicir families ill the spring of IS! 2.
3fi and •"•. in 1817. Til- Brat child born was Addison, son "f The first child born was Rufus Mi-tenlf, jr., Dec. 24, 1812; and
Richnrd T< ■ r. in 1M7: the fir-t marriage, thai .f Peter Ten the first death of an adnlt was that of Peter Davis, Dec. 17, 1816.
lb, that of M i bn Daggart and Sally McKee, and Sylvester Davis and Miss
:ir-t Inn wss kept In 1817, Daggart, were all married at the Kametimc. in 1S17. Tin- first
r, and tli" fir«t «t"! .. in "1 1 was taught In 1816, by Jemima Clark. Enoch Ilowlett
■mil. in 1824, on the kept the first Inn and the first store, in 1824. He also erected
• • Hud l«ke. the first sawmill, in 1821, on Clear Creek. Dr. Ellbu Cruttenden
* Mr. McClnre wim nn sent and rorrryoT "f ihn !!• Hand Land erected the first gristmill, on the same stream, In 1822.
bis l"t in ]•"'■ H- •• i- ■ li 'dine man in tin-
f..r many years, fill-d th<- principal town •<'■
with tli" rank ■ : r In "><■ War ..f
1812, and i I therein bly of 1814-16. lli«
4 Tli«- census reports 6 churches; 2 Bap., F. W. l!ap., Calv.
Mith.. and I'niv.
• On Ixit 19, about 1 mi. e. of the center of the town. iB a place
known Bl the " Breathing Well." Ahont IS.'.O, Nicholas Flint
r ill-id nettled in th" t^wn In IWfl, Th"« M'.rri« and attempted to dig a well; hut, after reaching a depth of 2.s fi>ct
•id in lk"T. nnd Timothy Batter, Jeremiah linr- and obtaining do water, be abandoned the undertaking, but
■n nft«r. — nil in thr valley >.f stoned np tbe well, hoping that water might come. Noticing a
! ■ ek. Th- fir-t 'lull born In the town and co. was I enrrent of air proceeding from the well, be Inserted a pump fog
Hiram w.. 'i' rid Vcdon I John McClnre In it. and covered It np, except the end of the log. A current
t thn first school. In 1*09 : Joeepfa M niif k»-pt th" fir«t of air !• continually blowing either into or out of the well ; nnd
Inn. In 1808, nnd Thos. Morris the flr*t Mor-. in 1816, at or m ir
Franklinville Village. BenryOonr id built the first gristmill, in
rod sawmill, in 1800, n't f'sdir..
* These settlers made improvements and put np log houses in
n whistle placed at the end of the log has been heard half a mi.
Th" rurri'nt is sometimes steady in one direction for a whole
day. and sometimes it changes every hour.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
191
mouth of Great Valley Creek, by Judge James Green, in 1812.1 The first religious meeting was
held at the house of Orin Pitcher, by Rev. John Spencer, in 1815. The first religious association
(Cong.) was formed, with 8 members, in 1817. There is now no church edifice in town, and but 1
church, (M. E.)
HINSDALE — was formed from Olean, April 14, 1820. Ischua was taken off in 1840. It
lies on the e. border of the co., s. of the center. The surface is a hilly and broken upland. The
hills are 500 to 600 feet above the valleys and are bordered by abrupt declivities. The highest
points, on Lots 23 and 24, are 500 feet above the r. r. at Hinsdale Village Reservoir Lake is a
small sheet of water near the s. e. corner. Ischua and Oil Creeks — the former from the x.e. and
the latter from the n. w. — form a junction near the center, and thence the united stream takes the
name of Olean Creek, flowing s. through the town. The soil upon the uplands is chiefly clay, and
in the valleys a gravelly loam. Hinsdale, (p. v.,) at the junction of Ischua and Oil Creeks,
contains 2 churches and several mills and manufacturing establishments. Pop. 255. It is a canal
village and a station upon the N. Y. & Erie R. R. Scotts Corners, in the n. part, contains a
church and 13 houses. Hasltel Flat is a p. o. The first settlers were Horace Noble, Chas.
Foot, and Thos. Lusk, who located near the present site of the village in 1806.2 The first religious
meeting was held at the log barn of Zachariah Noble, in June, 1807. The first regular preacher
was Rev. Reuben Aylesworth, (M. E.,) in 1820, who organized the first religious association in 1821.3
HUMPHREY4— was formed from "Burton," now Allegany, May 12, 1836. It is an interior
town, lying a little s.E. of the center of the co. The surface is a broken and hilly upland, the
highest summits being 600 feet above the r. r. at Olean. Its streams are Great Valley, Five Mile,
Wrights, and Sugar Town Creeks. The soil upon the hills is mostly clay, occasionally intermixed
with sand, and in the valleys it is a gravelly loam. Humphrey Center is a hamlet.
Humphrey and Sugar Town are p. offices. The first settlement was made in the n.w.
corner, on Lot 56, by Russel Chappell, in 1815.5 The first religious association (M. E.) was formed
in 1834.6
ISCHUA— was formed from Hinsdale, Feb. 7, 1846, as "Rice." Its name was changed March
27, 1855. It lies upon the e. border of the co., a little s. of the center. Its surface is a broken
and hilly upland, the highest summits being 600 feet above the valleys. Ischua Creek flows s.
through the town and receives several tributaries. The soil is chiefly clay, with a thin surface
mold and some gravelly loam. Quarries of good building stone are found in the town. Ischua,
(p. v.,) formerly called "Rice," on Ischua Creek, in the n. part, contains a gristmill and 19 dwellings.
The first settlement was made on Lot 45, on the creek, by Abraham M. Farwell, from Mass., in
1812.7 The first religious meeting was held at the house of Mr. Farwell, by Rev. John Spencer,
in 1815 ; and the first church (M. E.) was formed in 1827.
LEOIV — was formed from Connewango, April 24, 1832. It lies on the w. border of the co., a
little n. of the center. Its surface in the w. and n. w. is level and marshy, and in the remaining
parts moderately hilly. It is drained s. by Connewango Creek and its tributaries. The soil is a
clay, sandy, and gravelly loam. Leon, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 18
dwellings. East Leon is a p. o. Thon? psonvllle is a hamlet in the s. E. part. Settle-
ments were made on Mud Creek, in 1819, by Jas. Franklin and his son James, from Riga, Monroe
co., and Abner Wise and his son Abner W., Thos. W. Cheney, and Ed. Dudley, from Otsego co.8
1 Among the other early settlers were Danl. McKay, Judge
Benj. Chamberlin, and Hibbard, who located in 1813; Lewis
Worcester and Laurin Norton, in 1814. The first child born
was Ira Green, in 1813 ; and the first death, that of Mrs. Hib-
bard, the same year. The first school was taught at the house
of James Green, by Joel Fairbanks, in the winter of 1817-18.
James Green kept the first inn, in 1813, at the mouth of Great
Valley Creek, and Lewis Worcester the first store, in 1815, at
Peth. The first sawmill was erected by James Green, in 1812.
2 Zachariah and Seymour Noble also settled in 1806. All the
settlers at this time were from Ontario co. and originally from
Mass. The first child born was Clarissa, daughter of Horace
Noble, in the fall of 1808 ; and the first death, that of Bibbin
Follet, in 1809. Rachael Turner taught the first school, at
Scotts Corners, in 1818. Elihu Murray kept the first inn, near
Hinsdale Village, in 1810, and Emery Wood the first store, in
1825. Tho first sawmill was erected by Lewis Wood, in 1815;
and the first gristmill, by Henry Conrad, in 1825.
3 The census reports 2 churches; Bap., and M. E.
* Named from Charles Humphrey, of Tompkins co., Speaker
of the Assembly at the time of the formation of the town.
* Among the other early settlers were Alonzo Berry, Abijah
Rowley, Nathan Howe, Thomas Scott, and Stephen S. Cole. The
first school was taught by John Howe, at Sugar Town, in 1820.
Mr. Howe has since been a member of Congress from l'enn.
Russel Chappell kept the first inn. in 1824, and Averill Lawyer
tho first store, at Humphrey Center, in 1848. The first sawmill
was erected by Foster B. Salisbury, on Wright Creek.
6 There are 4 churches in town; Bap., F. W. Bap., M. E., and
R. C.
1 Seymour Boughton, from Westchester co., settled at the vil-
lago in 1815, and William Kimball, Amos Pitcher, and Jona-
than Davis about the same time. The first child born was C.
Adaline, daughter of A. M. Farwell, in 1816 ; and the first death,
that of Henry Boughton, by the fall of a tree, in 1811. The first
school was taught on the premises of Mr. Farwell, by Caroline
Putnam, in the summer of 1821. Mr. Farwell erected the first
sawmill, on Lot 45, in 1814. and Cook & Tyler the first grist-
mill, fn 1826, both on Ischua Creek. The first store was opened
by Albert Lawrence and Henry Stephens, in 1832, and tho first
inn by Seymour Boughton, in 1816.
8 Robert Durfee, from R. I., settled on Lots 50 and 57, in 1819,
where he still resides; and John Fairbanks and John Battles, in
1819-20. The first birth was that of Edward Dudley, July 26,
192
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
The first religious meeting was held at the house of Abner Wise, in 1820, by Elder Hadley; and
the first church (Ref. Meth.) was formed by Rev. Ezra Amadon, in 1822.1
LITTLE YALLEY— was formed from "Perry," now Perrysburgh, April 10, 1818. Conne-
wango and Xapoli were taken off in 1823, Mansfield and New Albion in 1830, and Bucktooth in
1 x" \. It is an interior town, lying a little s. w. of the center of the co. The surface is mostly a
hilly upland, divided into two principal ridges by the deep valley of Little Valley Creek. The
highest summits are 500 to 600 feet above the creek. Upon Lot 77, in the s. e. part of the town, is
a peculiar rock formation, known as "Rock City."2 The soil is a hard, clay loam upon the hills,
and a gravelly loam in the valleys.8 Little Valley, (p-v.,) in the n.w. corner, contains a
church and 36 dwellings. It is an important station upon the N. Y. & Erie R. R. Little
Valley Creeli, near the center, contains a church and 11 dwellings. The first settlements
were made in the valley, in ISO", by John Green, Judge Benj. Chamberlin, and several other
families, who left during the "War of 1812.'' The first church (F. W. Bap.) was formed by Elder
Riehard M. Cary, Oct. 8, 1826.5
LY.\DO\ — was formed from Franklinville, Jan. 24, 1829. Its name was changed to "Elgin"
April 7, 18.57, and back to Lyndon April 16, 1858. It lies on the E. border of the co., n. of the
center. Its surface is hilly, the highest ridges, near the center, being about 500 feet above the
r. r. at Olean. It is drained by Oil Creek and branches of Ischua Creek. The soil is chiefly
clay covered with a light vegetable mold upon the hills, and a gravelly loam in the valleys.
I>luin. (p. o.,) near the center, and Rawson, (p.o.,) in the e. part, are hamlets. The first
settlement was made by Solomon and Win. Rawson, who located upon Lots 6 and 7 in 1808.6
The first religious services (F. W. Bap.) were conducted by Seth Markham, at his own house, in
1810. The first church (F. W. Bap.) was organized in the e. part of the town, in 1816, by Elders
Jeremiah and Abraham Folsom.7
MAC'IIIAS — was formed from Yorkshire, April 16, 1827. A part of Yorkshire was annexed
in 1847. It is an interior town, lying n. e. of the center of the co. The surface forms a portion
of the elevated table land dividing the waters of Allegany River from those of Cattaraugus Creek.
Lime Lake, in the x. e. part, 1,100 feet above Lake Erie, discharges its waters n. into Cattaraugus
Creek. Ischua Creek flows s. into the Allegany. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam, mostly
of good quality. Maple sugar is largely produced. Maeliias, (p. v.,) in the n. e. part, con-
tains 2 churches, a gristmill, sawmill, and 30 dwellings. Lime Lake is a hamlet at the head
of the lake of the same name. Timothy Butler and Jeremiah Ballard, from Me., located on Lots 13
and 14, on the creek, below the village, in 1813.8 "The first religious services were performed by
Rev. John Spencer, a missionary from Conn. ; and the first church (M. E.) was organized in 1822.9
II A \sriCLD— was formed from Little Valley, Feb. 23, 1830. It is an interior town, a little
the fir°t marriage, that of Abner W. Wise ami Laura
and tlii' fir-t death, that of Laura, daughter
.; t John Fairbanks, in 1821, Richard Onthont taught the
first leboot, in thr> winter of 1822-23. Asa Franklin kept the
first inn. in 1823, and JohtMOO NoyeS the first stop', in 1828.
Kl"-n<7.er Collar erects the first sawmill, in 1824, "» Mud Creek ;
and Jabet Thompson, the first gristmill, on the name Btrearn, in
I8S2.
t There are now 3 chnrcho* in town; Bap., M. K., and United
Brethren.
i r.-. let '•■ i- "itustod upon the nearly level summit of a hill
•t abort the valley and 2.000 f tide, and i
an area ..f al-.nt 10O acres. The r"k. consisting of OatakOl con-
glomerate, is arranged in regular blocks, with sharp angle* and
perpendi ■ ntlng the appearance of courtyards or
(Kjuares In the midst of numerous street* and alleys. In a more
minute description of the plae^. Prof It ill, in his u Gtdngy nf
,\>ir }".r.'."«i, rge tree, whirl) stand DpOD the top
nf the immense Morks have oft< n si nt th'-ir n«its down the
where th<v nr.' sustained by the deep s -.ii. npporting the huge
growth atx-ive upon an almost barren rork. The rectangular
blocks, composed of pure white Dabbles conghitinated, are from
30 to 3ft feel In thirkness. and. standing regularly arranged
along the line of outcrop, present an imposing appearance."
* A successful experiment in domesticating the American elk
has been made in this town b] Mr. I. • .'ton. This
gentleman purchased a pair in 1863, and subsequently 8 more,
from the head branches of the Iflssonrl and puced them in a
pasture ,,f 128 acre* of wi'll knead woodland. Hy frequent at-
n and feeding, the animals havr. be.-. .me so domesticate!
that they are driven to the annual CO. fairs without trouble.
Bis original number of ft have increased to 1ft. including a pair
of 5 year old* sold for $1.<K>0 for shipment to England, in 1867,
and a 3 year old buck slaughtered July 4, 1868.
• Among the first settlers before the war were Luther Stewart,
Win. Gillmore, David Powers, and AJpheus Bascom. After the
war. Stephen Crosby, from Madison CO., located on Lot 30, in
Peb. 1816; and Noah Culver. Knoch, David, and Alvin Chase,
and John Btratton, from New England, soon after. David
Powers built the first saw and grist mill, in 1809, on Little
Vnli-y Creek.
6 The census reports 3 churches ; V. W. Bap., Cong., and Trot.
Meth.
• Among the other early settlers were ,T. Simons, David, Seth,
anil Jephtha Markham, from ivnn., who settled on Lot 7 in 1809.
i be Markhama were originally from Conn. The first child born
was Niitteiln, daughter of Solomon Rawson, in Aug. 1809; tho
first marriage, that of Wm. Markham and Rachel Phillips, March
1. 1816; ami the first death, that of James Markham, the father
of the 3 Markhame among the first settlers, in 1811. Sally
Osborne taught the first school, in the summer of 1816, in the k.
part of the town. The first inn was kept by Wm. Rawson, In
the B. part, in 182ft, and the first store by Charles Gillmore. nt
the nnter. in 1827. The first sawmill was built by Jason Sher-
man, in 1843.
'The census report* 4 churches; F. W. Bap., Wes. Meth.,
Asso. Presb., and Asso. Itpf. Presb.
• Joseph Kinney settled In IKlft: Obadiah Vaughn in 1818; E.
T. Ashcraft, Chas". Button. Chas. II. Briggs, and Wiggen M. Star-
rer soon after. The first marriage was that of Brigham Brown
and Pofly KaSOn, in April. 1«23: and the first death, that of
Bather Ashernft. in Dec 1810. Nathl. Itowen taught the first
School, in 1M9. on Lot 25. Andrew MoBuZBell erected the first
-awmill, in 1S22. and Danl. Potter the first gristmill, in 1823,—
both on the outlet of Lime Lake. The first store was kept at
the same place, by Howard Peek and Alva Jefferson; and the
first inn, on Ischua Creek, by Widow Freeman, in 1820.
• Tho census reports 2 churches; M. E. and Christian.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
193
N. w. of the center of the co. The surface is hilly, the highest elevations, in the s. e., being about
300 feet above the N. Y. & E. R. R. where it crosses the s. w. corner of the town. The s. branch of
Cattaraugus Creek flows w. through the n. part, and several small streams s. into the Allegany.
The soil is a hard, clay loam on the uplands, and a gravelly loam in the valleys. Eddyville,
(p. o.,) in the n. part, contains 2 churches, a sawmill, and 11 dwellings. The first settler was
Amos Morgan, who located in the s. part in 1817.1 The first church, (Bap.,) formed in 1828, has
since broken up.2
1VAPOL.I— was formed from Little Valley, Jan. 20, 1823, as " Cold Spring:' Its name was
changed April 15, 1828; and the present town of Cold Spring was taken oft7 in 1837. Its surface
is a hilly upland, the highest summits being GOO feet above the valley. The principal stream is
Cold Spring Creek. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Napoli, (p. v.,) s. of the center,
contains a church and about a dozen houses. The first settlement was made on Lot 27, by Major
Timothy Butler, in 1818.s The first religious meeting was held by Rev. John Spencer, in 1820.
The first church (Cong.) was organized in 1820.""
WEW ALBION— was formed from Little Valley, Feb. 23, 1830. It is an interior town,
N. w. of the center of the co. The surface is a hilly upland. It is drained by streams flowing into
Cattaraugus Creek on the n. and into the Allegany in the s. The soil is a clay loam on the hills,
and a gravelly loam in the valleys. lew Albion, (p. v.,) a little s. of the center, contains 20
dwellings; Cattaraugus,5 (p. v.,) in the n. part, contains a steam flouring mill and 50 dwell-
ings. It is an important station upon the N. Y. & E. R. R., and has grown up since this road was
completed. The first settlement was made on the s.w. corner of Lot 57, by Matthew Dimmick, in
1818.6 The first religious association (M. E.) was organized in 1830. There are 3 churches in
town, but no church edifice.7
OIiEAN — was formed March 11, 1808, and at first included the whole territory of Cattaraugus
co. "IscJma," now Franklinville, was taken off in 1812, a part of Perrysburgh in 1814, Great
Valley in 1818, Hinsdale in 1820, and Portville in 1837. It lies upon the s. line of the co., near
the s.e. corner. The surface is a hilly upland, separated into two distinct parts by the valley of
the Allegany. The highest points are 500 to 600 feet above the valley. Lumbering is the leading
occupation, ©loan, (p. v.,) on the Allegany, at the mouth of Olean Creek, was incorp. in 1854.
It contains 6 churches, the Olean Academy,8 a newspaper office, a flouring mill, foundery, tannery,
and 3 sawmills. Pop. 994. It is a station upon the N. Y. & E. R. R., and an important commer-
cial point upon the river; and it was for some years the southern terminus of the Genesee Valley
Canal.9 The first settlement was made prior to 1805. In that year Robert Hoops, agent of Adam
Hoops, and David Heusten were residents near the river on small improvements, and must have
settled as early as 1804.10 The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1820.11
OTTO12— was formed from Perrysburgh, Jan. 29, 1823. East Otto was taken off in 1854, a
1 Among the other early settlers were Nathaniel Fish, Sewe.ll
Gunn. and Bennett, who located in the s. part in 1817 ;
and Samuel L. Ilollister. from Great Valley, who located in the
N. E. part in 1822. The first child born was Mahala Fish, Dec.
9, 1820 ; and the first marriage, that of Prince W. Fish and Lois
Grover, Jan. 1, 1824. The first school was taught by Lefo Chase,
in 1821. Nathaniel Fish kept the first inn. on the old Johnson
Road, in the s.e. part, in 1818, and Trios. H. McKay the first
store, in 1848. at Eddyville. The first sawmill was erected by
George and Munson Clark, in 1S37, on the s. branch of Catta-
raugus Creek.
2 The census reports 3 churches ; M. E.. F. W. Bap., and Univ.
3 In 1S19, Geo. Hill located on Lot 29, Harvey Parmalee and
Harlow Butler on Lot 51, Sargent Morrill on Lot 50, and Timo-
thy Boardmau on Lot 43. The first child born was Joseph Foy,
in June, 1820; the first marriage, that of Dr. Noble and Statira
Canfield, in 1821 ; and the first death, that of a child of Timothy
Butler, in 1820. The first school was taught by Fanny Board-
man, in the summer of 1819. Moses Cook kept the first store,
in 1826, and Eastman Prescott the first inn, in 1831. James
Wait erected the first sawmill, in 1829, on a branch of Cold
Spring Creek.
* There are 4 churches in town ; Cong., Bap., F. W. Bap., and
M. E.
6 Joseph Plumb, the owner of the lands on which the village
is built, deeded the lots with the condition on penalty of for-
feiture that no intoxicating liquors should be sold on the pre-
mises. It is, of course, a temperance village.
4 David Hammond, jr. located on Lot 33, and Jonathan Kinne-
outt on Lot 10, in 1818 ; A. Smith AVaterman on Lot 25, and
James Godard on Lot 9. about the same time ; Benj. Chamberlin
on Lot 1, and David Hill and John A. Kinnecutt on Lot 18, in
Dec. 1820; Kobert and Timothy P. Gay subsequently located on
Lot 33. The first birth was in the family of Matthew Dimmick,
iu Dec. 1818. Capt. Rosecrantz, an Indian trader, froze to death
in this town in the winter of 1810, while on his way from the
mouth of Cattaraugus Creek to Olean. The first inn was kept
by Jas. Godard, on Lot 9, in 1S19, and the first store by Erastus
Hooth, in 1833, at the center. Matthew Nealy built the first
sawmill, on a s. branch of Cattaraugus Creek, and Charles Sib-
ley the first gristmill, on Lot 49, in 1836.
I M. E., Wes. Meth., and Prot. Meth.
8 The academic buildings were burned April 1, 1856. The new
buildings are nearly ready for the reception of students.
9 An act was passed in 1S56 authorizing the extension of this
canal 7 mi. to the Penn. line. The work is now in progress;
and. when completed, it will, iu connection with slac&water
navigation upon the river, open a direct communication with
the coal mines of Penn.
1° John Brooks, James Green, Cornelius Brooks, Wm. Shepard,
and Willis Thrall located in 1806. Jas. G. Johnson was the first
settler in the village, in 1808. The first lumber was rafted down
the Allegany in 1807, by Bibbins Follot, Jedediah Strong, and
Dr. Bradley. The first birth in town was that of Olean, daughter
of Wm. Shepard, May 22, 1807 ; and the first death, thar-of Wm.
B. Shepard, Sept. 21, 1809. Sylvanus Russell kept the first inn,
in 1808, at Olean Point, and' Levi Gregory the first store, in
1S11, at Olean Village. Wm. Shepard and Willis Thrall erected
the first sawmill, in 1S07, on Olean Creek; and Adam Hoops,
the first gristmill, in 1809, at the mouth of the Creek. Mr.
Hoops was a proprietor of lands and a pioneer settler. He had
served with distinction in the Continental army, — at one period
as aid to Gen. Washington.
II There are now 7 churches in town; 2 Evan. Luth., M. E.,
Prot. E., Presb., Bap., and R. C.
12 Named from Jacob S. Otto, agent of the Holland Land Co.
13
194 CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
part of Perrysburgh in 1S23, and a part of Ashford in 1835. It lies on the x. line of the co., w.
of the center. The surface is a hilly and broken upland. It is drained w. by Cattaraugus Creek,
which forms its x. boundary, and several tributaries, the principal of which is the South Branch,
forming the w. boundary. The soil is chiefly a hard, clay loam, with occasional spots of gravelly
loam. Waverly, (Otto p. o.,) in the s. part, contains a church, woolen factory, and gristmill.
Pop. 277. The first settlement was made on Cattaraugus Creek, in 1816, by Joseph Adams and
his son Bina, and Joseph Bartlet.1 The first church (Christian) was formed about 1826.2
PERRYSBIRGH3- was formed from Olean and "Isc7iua," now Franklinville, April 13,
1814, as "Perry." Its name was changed April 10, 1818. Little Valley was taken off in 1818,
Otto in 1823, and Dayton and Persia in 1835. Part of Otto was annexed in 1823. It is the n. w.
corner town in the co. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland. Cattaraugus Creek forms the
.v. boundary. The streams are small branches of Cattaraugus and Silver Creeks. The soil is a clay
and gravelly loam. Perrysbursrli, (p. v.,) s. of the center, contains a church and 23 dwellings.
It is a station on the X. Y. & E. R. R. Versailles, (p. v.,) on Cattaraugus Creek, in the n.e.
part, contains a church. 2 flouring mills, and a tannery. Pop. 274. The rapid descent in the
creek at this point afford* an extensive water-power. The first settlement was made in 1815, by
John Clark.4 Roli.iri- u- meetings (M. E.) were held in 1820; but the first church (Bap.) which
drew the lands granted by the Holland Land Co. was formed in 1821.5
PERSIA — was formed from Perrysburgh, Feb. 7, 1835. It lies on the x. line of the co., w. of
the center. The surface is a hilly upland, with a general inclination toward the x. The highest
points are about 650 feet above Lake Erie. The principal streams are Cattaraugus Creek, forming
the sT. boundary, and South Branch. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Gowanda,6 (p. v.,)
on Cattaraugus Creek, in the x. w. corner, was incorp. Dec. 7, 1847. It contains 2 churches, a
newspaper office, a large flouring mill, 2 sawmills, and various other manufacturing establishments.
Pop. 908, if which 520 are in Persia and 388 are in Collins, (Erie co.) The first settlement was
made a little above Gowanda Village, in 1811, by John Russell, from Vt. Upon the breaking out
of the War of 1812, he left with his family and never returned. In 1814, Ahaz Allen, from Vt.,
settled permanently on the lot left by Russell.' The first religious meetings were held by Elder
Elnathan Finch, (F. W. Bap.,) in 1815-16. The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1826, at
Gowanda.
PORTVILiL.E — was formed from Olean, April 27, 1837. It is the s. e. corner town of the
co. The surface is mostly a hilly upland, the highest summits being 500 to 600 feet above the
valleys. The Allegany River enters the town upon the s. border, flows x. to near the center, and
thence ir.w. to the w. border. It receives as tributaries Oswaya, Dodges, and Ilaskill Creeks.
The soil i« a sandy loam ; and the flats were originally covered with a magnificent growth of white
pine. Lumbering is the leading pursuit. Portville, (p. v..) on the Allegany, contains 2
chnrchi 2 'mills, and a gristmill. Pop. 2>7. 31 ill Grove, s. of Portville, on the Allegany,
sawmills, a gristmill, and 18 dwellings. The firs! M-rtlement was made in 1805, by
Janif- Qreen, on JI;i~kill Creek, in the x. part of the town.9 The first church (M. E.) was formed
in 1824 The census reports 2 churches; M. E., and Presb.
R nHDOIaPH— wa> farmed from Connewango, Feb. 1, 1826, and named from Randolph. Vt.
A. pari 3 tfa Valley was t:»k«-n off in 1*17. It lies upon the w. border of the co., s. of the
cenu-r. Its sni an undulating and hilly upland, the highest summits being about 400 feet
above the valleys. Little Connewango Creek is the principal stream. The soil is mostly a clay
• Pt*ph»n. T«w. and It- nj. P. illarl. from Vt.. and Kphraim I " Thomas Farnsworth located in 1814, and Merrill Aldrich
Brown, nettl I In IMS, in different porta of the town. David S. nnd Daniel Wheeler in 1816. The first child born «aa Anice
Kll " the first inn. nnd Vino Plumb the fir«t store, In I'lirii-w-nrth. in tli>- summer of 1815. Thefirst school was taught
1828, at Waverly. Th<- first Mwmill w ai
Sh*rman. in UBB| and the first gristmill, by Stephen Rogers, in
1828. «t W%t. rly.
J Tli'T" m now 3 churches in town : Christian, M.K., nnd Preab.
« Named fp m Com mod n O. EL r-n-v.
4 A- nrly aettl-r» w-r- K.dward Russell, Phinca*
Spencer, Hugh I Ralph Oriswold, Wm I . John
Sprague. ana Simon Waterman, wb" am" in al^nt 1816; and
Hi.«ha Ward, Stephen Crocker, »n I Fryman Edwards, who
Iv Polly Redfleld, in 1^17. Aha?, Allen erected the first sawmill,
in 1814; the first clothing works, in 1821; and first gristmill, in
1823, od Cattaraugus Creek. Phineas Spencer kept the first
store', about 1826, at Gowanda. " Point Peter" is the name given
to a locality lj mi. above Gowanda that marks the site of an
ancient fortification.
8 There are 2 churches in town : Presb. and M. E.
* The first child born was Hannah Green, daughter of Jas.
Green, April 28, 1807 ; the first marriage was that of Jonathan
located near I'orryshnreh Villa«:» in 1M7. Th» fir«t school was ! Dodge and Eunice Atherton, in 1809; and the first death, that
taught by Olive Barto, in the sntiinvr of ]-lo. IV- nj. Waterman of I>avid Henstrn. killed by the spring of a tree while getting
k-t.t the first inn, in 1816, and I n A Pelton the first out spars, in the spring of 1807. Anna Carpenter taught the
it the village, in 1*27. The first sawmill was erected on first school, near Portville Village, in the summer of 1822. La-
the branch of Silver Creek, by Isaac Balcomb; and the first
gristmill, at Versailles, about 1820.
s Tb- Sanaa raportl 4 churches; 3 M. E^and Bap.
• Formerly called " LodiT
man Bice kept the first inn, in 1822, and Allen Rice the first
store, in 1823. The first sawmill was erected by James Green
and Alpbeus Dodge, on Ilaskill Creek, in 1807; and the first
t'li-tiiiill, by Samuel King, on Dodges Creek, in 1S30.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
105
and gravelly loam. A sulphur spring is found £ mi. n. of East Randolph. Randolph, (p. v.,)
on Little Conncwango Creek, in the n. part, contains a sawmill, 3 churches, and about GOO inhabit-
ants; East Randolph, (p. v.,) in the n. e. corner contains 2 churches, a grist and saw
mill, a furnace, machine shop, tannery, and about 700 inhabitants. Randolph Academy is situated
upon an eminence about midway between the villages. The first settlement in town was made at
Randolph Village, by Edmund Fuller, from Oneida co., in 1820.1 The first church (M. E.) was
organized in 1823.2
SOUTH VAL.L.EY— was formed from Randolph and Cold Spring, April 2, 1847. A part
of Cold Spring was annexed in 1848. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. The surface is
mountainous and broken. Allegany River flows s. w. through the town and receives as tributaries
Split Rock, Hotchkiss, Tunessassa, Pierce, Sawmill, and Bone Run Creeks. The soil is a clay loam
on the hills, and a rich, gravelly loam in the valleys. Lumbering is the principal occupation of
the people.3 Onoville is a p. o. The first settlement was made, under the auspices of the
Friend's Mission, upon the Allegany Indian Reservation. The Mission was established in 1708,
by the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia Friends ; and Joel Swayne, Holliday Jackson, and Chester
Simmons, from Chester co., Penn., settled upon the Reservation, in the n. part of the town.4 It
does not appear that any other religious association has ever been formed in the town. The Presb.
missions on the Reservation, however, have an extensive range in the valley of the Allegany.
YORKSHIRE— was formed from Franklinville, April 13, 1820. Machias was taken off in
1827. A part of Freedom was annexed in 1844, and a part of Machias was taken off in 1847.
It lies upon the n. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is a rolling and hilly
upland. Cattaraugus Creek forms the n. boundary. South Branch flows through near the center
and receives several tributaries. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. A large amount of maple
sugar is annually produced. Yorkshire Corners, (Yorkshire p.o.,) on Cattaraugus Creek,
contains 38 dwellings. Yorkshire Center, (p. v.,) a little e. of the center, contains 2 churches,
2 sawmills, a gristmill, and 42 dwellings. "West Yorkshire, (p. v.,) on the sr. line, at the
junction of the South Branch with Cattaraugus Creek, contains a gristmill, sawmill, carding
machine, and 14 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1810, on Lot 1, in the n.e. corner,
by Abner Bomp, from Vt.5 The first church (M. E.) was formed about 1814.6
1 The first child born was James Fuller, in June, 1822; and
the first death was that of Zalmon C. Smith, June 17, 1824, while
at work on mills of Chauncey C. Helms. The double marriage
of David Salisbury and Clement Russell with daughters of Thos.
Harvey, at the same time, were the first in town. The first
school was taught by Sally Morton, at Randolph Village, in the
summer of 1822. Benj. Clark kept the first inn, in 1823, and
Robert Helms the first store, in 1837. Thos. Harvey erected
the first sawmill, in 1823 ; Chauncey C. Helms, the first grist-
mill, in 1826 ; and Jonathan Wood, the first carding and cloth
dressing mill, in 1827.
2 There are 5 churches in town ; M. E., Bap., F. W. Bap., Cong.,
and R. C.
3 The extensive pine forests which grew in town are nearly
exhausted; and the lumbering is now mostly confined to the
coarser kinds of lumber. The town has an area of 37,749 acres,
of which only about 2,000 acres are under improvement.
* Soon after the first settlement the Yearly Meeting at Phila-
delphia purchased 300 acres of land of the Holland Land Com-
pany and built a saw and grist mill. The mills did work for
white settlers on the usual terms, and furnished lumber and
ground corn for the Indians free. The Indians were also in-
structed in agriculture and the arts of civilized life. The mills
were built by Jacob Taylor and Jonathan Thomas. Robert
Clendenon, from Chester co., Penn., occupied the Mission Station
in 1812. It is said that descendants of Sir Wm. Johnson are
now residing on the Allegany Reservation.
6 Benj. and Wm. Felch, Edward Bomp, Thos. Dow, and Luther
Thompson were among the first settlers. Saml. G. Sutton and
Robert Steel, from N. H., settled in 1818, and are now the oldest
residents in town. The first store was kept by Henry L. Baker,
in 1823, and the first inn by Prescott Williams, in 1826,— both
at Yorkshire Corners. Isaac Williams erected the first grist
and saw mill, in 1814. on Cattaraugus Creek.
6 There are now 3 churches in town ; M. E., Bap, and Univ.
196
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Cattaraugus County.
Names op Towns.
Ailfgnny
Ashford
Uucktooth
CarroltOD ,
Cold Spring
Connewango...,
Davton
East Ott.i
BUioottvflle
Farmersville.-,
Franklinrille..,
Freedom
Ghraal Valley....
Hinsdale
Humphrey
Ischua
Leon
Uttle Valley—
l.yii'l n
Machia*.
: i
Napoli
Hi w Albion....
Olean
Perrjsburgh-..
Persia.
Portvil!.-
Randolph
South Valley...
Yorkshire
Acres op Land.
•8
I
!
Total.
4,0981
12.1381
794
1.096|
2.319*
10.9541
lo.lnsj
10,7584
I :
7,7621
10,8781
I I
11,740
!
' _-
10.683
11.301.;
10.332
U,270|
2.518
11,0491
122332J
5.4831
3.189
7,2 h
1,7144
11.059
"8
I
266.435J 432,6204.
40,677
16,423
4,617
16(407
12,5871
11,619
17.722J
17,401
-
26J285
15,232
6^48
12, <• :
0.225*
13.2131 |
9,627
9.6041
11,2671
11,3614.
10,272}
9.219 I
B.487J
:...-..M ;
6.1651
18,8233
13.2141
33.0741
1L361
Valuation op 1858.
a
a
■3
It
1
T?
a;
a,B,
J19S.096
$750
280.728
1.270
yii.nr,.i
9.400
81,500
600
94,495
250
175,719
13,000
212.510
17,600
202.064
13.4S0
251.493
67,700
284,458
36,250
270.898
36,450
364.350
10.500
138,284
6,200
188,342
13,650
183,080
4,000
155,987
1.300
258.499
14.457
115,015
5.050
166.190
6.550
202.767
17,070
197.341
8.200
240.771
11,800
219.823
16,952
302,129
33,550
335,216
29,119
269,261
37.500
223.441
34.200
185.637
14.700
284.530
18,500
12S.650
5.
232.619
14,275
6,508,958
499,323
$108,840
281,998
00.405
82,100
94.745
188,719
230,110
215,544
300,708
307,348
374.850
139,484
201,992
187,080
157.287
272,956
120.065
172.740
219.837
205.541
252.571
236,775
335.679
364,335
306.761
257,641
200.337
303,030
133.650
246,894
7.00S.2S1 I 20.211
Population.
I
>o i
966
244
256
351
674
581
604
921
761
845
743
60S
1,099
395
5S5
682
417
593
669
576
589
799
839
563
727
620
610
842
322
910
5
o
£
■5
7C3
947
209
255
313
671
558
624
917
682
841
700
590
1,030
364
518
648
384
530
697
549
633
763
772
531
729
584
554
881
264
818
19.319
(3
"a.
207
359
84
81
110
267
217
227
350
265
316
285
224
409
147
204
261
158
225
256
213
229
305
337
211
276
240
204
31S
92
348
7.515
6
§
303
389
69
89
119
275
226
242
343
267
334
300
236
434
151
204
264
160
220
226
257
243
310
310
213
288
185 i
213
327
111
338
7.646
228
337
38
59
80
228
157
227
152
244
348
261
183
229
130
167
2S3
142
220
210
185
231
241
223
189
248
240
173
226
72
312
Schools.
6.263 255 16,122
it
el
689
724
244
192
266
491
513
400
760
565
725
514
543
592
382
355
516
354
424
605
534
456
649
720
399
566
528
564
814
332
706
Names op Towns.
.Ml zany
Ashford
Iiurk tooth
r»rrolton
O'l'l Spring...
:
•rillo...
Fanro t
Krnnklinvill".
m
Great Valley..
I
Hum]
I-ootl
Llttl. •
II
Mat-hia*.
Maori
No» A
I
' larph. .
Portrait
Randolph
Booth
Yorkshire
Total.....
Li
vz Stock.
Agricultural Products
2
jo
Bush.
of Gkiin.
Sj
Daiey Products.
i
1
||l
•5
i
*
a|
"5"
25 a
"la,
.223
||
a
6>
•8 t
l&s
<s
§
183
g
i
1
tt)H|
3 a;
B?^1
&. «q
C 5
Gt.5
121
4S9
296
8S2
510
20.4031
1,1871
9,327
1,5861
31.175
1.045
518
475
1.804
1,304
2.880
724
1,021
57,371
2.S24.S
14.679
9,358
113,313
144,876
2,620
35
186
94
136
4'..
40
3.655
224 i
2.540
220
0.805
520
145
36
286
137
94
194
10
4.699
.__,,;.
2.866
90
8,995
500
75
104
286
170
573
162
15
10.1H7
5511
3,980
1,829
12.-1:;
375
458
484
22282
1,019
1 022
7: 12
314
40.O07;
3,0861
10.085
0.O5O
107,988
14.245
879
344
1.241
1.007
1.415
4.-,:,
Si',0
86,622
2.3651
8,591
11.641
61.016
113.814
1.708
IJ203
1.510
1,881
358
323
38.908
2,556
8,453
7.657
86,099
265.000
1427
251
.-.■■1
2.040
140
._,,,,
38.3111
L,5691
14.185;
2.518
44.845
22,195
417
821
!
1.774
4.360
695
r,so
66,400
4,758
IsTi.ii
11.244
101.745
151,539
2,050
477
2.103
999
4.::o:;
>>,:
1,761
8,667
18.021
6.235
77.870
78.710
693
635
1,749
1.604
3,272
645
8,8571
13.219
7.356
152,942
37,890
2,186
220
680
395
1.2 ■■'
847
206
20.562
l.i:;-
10.015
1,730
34.957
240
631
366
L046
• 24
-
1
2,041
6.665
5V2MO
10.640
426
...
1 322
268
216
80,189
128871
K.r,::5
l.soO
35.464
0.01 Ml
797
1 .'--77
642
2.oo:;
486
1,7241
1 5. ".12
1 903
8,078
5.4SS
44,640
5,870
1,334
369
1,023
•2.:. 11
695
12846
12.7:.''!
3.1 40 >
10,961
ir.,060
69,314
114.475
2,3491
161
215
11. mo;
1,080
i,i21
2,387
38,635
9.310
263
'
601
009
22502
18,055
8,647
77.700
46.370
949
041
1.7 10
12*35]
3,183
75,694
10,644
1,685
•
■•:■■>•'
4 21
47.514!
2.ooo;
1 1.013
6,269
72.703
100.51 ill
1,217
12222.
1. .
2 186
12.111 W
1 12177
91.775
5,550
1,2321
606
2,648
11,840
4.743
90.458
77,166
1,954
•
12.690
634
.",.005
1,426
5.310
500
128
i.ii"
462
41.770
2.540
6,6861
9.186
77,823
208,476
1,945
425
i..r.
718
102384
0.7 is
91.875
128.094
2,047
■
• ■
760
■
1,4601
7,202
5,260
42.000
88,666
7471
193
336
1781
789
9,474
3.009
27218:',
2.805
5861
434
■ •
676j
818
28.129
1,9611
7.170
6.200
49,090
4,615
1,332
171
6181
2.370
800
162866
239
400
868
616
1,088
1 118,9791
2,193}
02..M0J
12,010
0.781
88.025
12,904
2,034
35,072J
«.;■:
..».:.••■
1..-.:l
2i —i:
:;oo.245j
177.173;
1,957,183
1,717,484
CAYUGA COUNTY.
Tins county was formed from Onondaga, March 8, 1790. Seneca
was taken off in 1804, and a part of Tompkins in 1817. It is a long,
narrow co., lying w. of the center of the State, and extending from
Lake Ontario s. to near the head of Cayuga l^ike. It is centrally
distant 14G mi. from Alhany, and contains 756 square mi.1 It has a
general northerly inclination, and is divided geographically into
two nearly equal parts by a line extending eastward from the foot
of Cayuga Lake. The N. half is level, or gently undulating, and
contains numerous marshes. Some portions of its surface are
covered with small, isolated drift-hills 50 to 75 ft. high. The
surface of the s. half is rolling, and gradually rises until it attains
an elevation of 500 to 800 ft. above the level lands of the n.
These highlands are divided into two general ridges, the first lying
between Skaneateles and Owasco Lakes, and the second between Owasco and Cayuga Lakes.
The summits of both ridges are rolling, and have an elevation of 1000 to 1200 ft. above tide.
Their e. declivities are often precipitous, forming high, bold bluffs upon the shores of the lakes,
but their w. declivities are more gradual, generally sloping gently down to the very edge of the
waters. The s. part of the w. ridge is divided near its center by the valley of Salmon Creek,
which is bordered by steep banks 50 to 200 ft. high. Among the most peculiar of the natural
features of the co. are the three long, narrow lakes which extend from the level regions of the n.
between the parallel ridges far into the highlands of the s. Skaneateles Lake, upon the e. line,
is 840 ft. above tide, and is bordered by bluff shores within the limits of the co. Owasco Lake,
near the center, is 770 ft. above tide, and its shores are generally bold, and in some places pre-
cipitous. Cayuga Lake, on the western border, is 387 ft. above tide, and along nearly its whole
extent in the co. the land slopes beautifully and evenly upward from its surface to the summits
of the ridges. The water of these lakes is clear, and transparent, and may be taken as the very
type of purity. This lake region, with its beautifully rolling surface and rich and productive
soil, with its green lawns apparently stretching upward from the very bosom of the water, and
with its highly cultivated farms, presents one of the finest landscapes in the country. Seneca
River flows eastward through near the center of the lowlands which form the n. half of the co.
It receives Cayuga and Owasco Outlets from the s. and numerous smaller streams from both the N.
and s. A swampy region, known as the Montezuma Marshes, extends along the whole course of the
river.2 The streams that drain the central ridges are small creeks and brooks. Upon the level
land in the n. part of the co. are a series of small, shallow lakes and ponds, the principal of which
is Cross Lake.
The rocks in this co. generally lie in nearly horizontal layers, but in some places they are
disrupted and broken. Their edges appear one above the other, forming the declivities of the
hills that rise toward the s. The lowest formation is the Medina sandstone, which outcrops upon
the shore of Lake Ontario and covers the n. half of Sterling. Above this successively appear the
Oneida, conglomerate, and Clinton groups in the s. part of Sterling ; the Lockport group in
Victory ; the red shale of the Onondaga salt group in Cato, Brutus, Conquest, and Mentz ; the
gypsum of the same group in Auburn, Aurelius, and Springport, and for a distance of 10 miles
along Cayuga Lake ; the waterlime and Oriskany sandstone in Owasco, Auburn, Fleming, and
Springport ; and, successively above the Onondaga and corniferous limestone, the Marcellus and
Hamilton shales, Tully limestone, Genesee slate, and the Portage and Ithaca groups, the last
occupying the summits of the southern hills. Weak springs of brine are found in the Medina
sandstone upon the borders of Lake Ontario, and also in the red shale of the salt group along the
course of Seneca River. In the central part of the co., and along the shores of Cayuga Lake, are
numerous quarries, which furnish a good quality of waterlime, quicklime, and gypsum. The red
sandstone and the Onondaga and corniferous limestone are quarried extensively for building
stone. Thin layers of corniferous limestone and of sandstone are extensively quarried along
Cayuga Lake, and make an excellent quality of flagging.
The soil in the N. half of the co. is generally a fine quality of sandy or gravelly loam, inter-
1 Exclusive of 160 sq. mi. in Lake Ontario. I marshes, and large sums have been expended.
2 Several efforts have been made by the State to drain these | however, has yet been redeemed.
A portion only,
197
198
CAYUGA COUNTY.
mixed with clay, muck, and alluvium ; and in the s. it is a gravelly and clay loam and very pro-
ductive. The whole co. is well adapted to either grain raising or pasturage. Until within a few
years wheat has been the staple production ; but it has been nearly superseded by rye, oats, barley,
and corn. Wool growing and dairying are also extensively pursued. The cultivation of fruit, for
which the climate and soil are admirably adapted, is beginning to receive considerable attention.
The manufactures of the co., mostly confined to Auburn, are extensive, though comparatively
36 than inlSlO.1
The county seat is located at the city of Auburn.2 An elegant and substantial courthouse
was built in 1807-09.3 It is located upon a commanding site in the s. w. part of the city, and
contains rooms for the usual co. offices. A fireproof clerk's office is situated adjacent to the
courthouse. A substantial stone jail was erected in 1833, in the rear of the courthouse.4 The
county poorhouse is located upon a farm of 90 acres in Sennett, 3 mi. n. e. of Auburn. It is a
poor, old, dilapidated building, containing about 30 rooms. The average number of inmates is
about 100, supported at a weekly cost of 70 cts. each. A school is kept during a portion of the
year.5 The Cayuga Orphan Asylum, located in the city of Auburn, was incorp. in April, 1852.
It receives orphans and destitute children and has an average attendance of 30. The institution
is well managed, and the children receive good care and instruction. The Erie Canal extends
through Brutus. Mentz, and Montezuma. Cayuga Lake and Outlet are navigable, and form a
connection with the canal at Montezuma. The direct branch of the N. Y. Central R. R. from
Syracuse to Rochester extends through Brutus, Mentz, and Montezuma, and the Auburn branch
through Sennett, Auburn, and Aurelius.6
Two daily, 7 weekly, and 3 monthly papers are published in the co.7
1 -The number of looms in the co. were 1,360, producing
2 • vis. of cloth annually: there are 19 tanneries, 47 dis-
till'- 'lies, 11 carding machines. 11 cloth dressing-
mills, 3 oil mills, an air furnace, triphammer, several nail facto-
,; earthen ware factories, and several hatters' shops. About
2.50> -ilk and 60,000 bushs. of salt are made annually.
Th" inhabitants clothe themselves principally in the products
of their own families, and were it not for the exorbitant num-
ber of their distilleries, I should add, are very temperate and
industrious, — the character given them by correspondents." —
'■■rcTs Gazetteer, ed. 1813.
2 When organized in 1799, Cayuga included Seneca co., the
territory lying between the Cayuga and Seneca Lakes; and, as
centra] to the thin population, the first courthouse was located
at Aurora, on the e. shore of Cayuga Lake. It was built of poles
and covered with brush. In 1803 a circuit court and court of
Oyer and Terminer was held at this place by Daniel D. Tomp-
. at which an Indian by the name of John was tried and
convicted of the murder of Ezekiel Crane, jr., and sentenced to
be bung, lb- urgently requested that he might be shot. — a pri-
vilege, "f course, not granted by our laws. A log building at
illage was authorized to bo used as a jail March 25,
an act was passed, authorizing John Tillotson,
Aug 1 J<hn drover, jr., commissioners to build
ne on the 8. E. corner of Lot 46 of Scipio, (now Auburn.)
Thli art wo* afterward repealed. On the 6th of March, 1805,
Barege, of Washington co., Jas. Burt, of Orange, and
J«. Hii'lntii. of Montgomery, were appointed commissioners to
fa courthouse. The commissioners neglected
and, April 6, 1808, John Glover, Stephen Close,
and '• •■«! were appointed to superintend the finishing
UtboUM nt Auburn.
*Ti were 8 th Phelps, First Judge ; William
i 11% ui. County Clerk;
h Annin. Sheriff; Glen (nib r. Surrogate,
• 1 high, witli 2d
nnd . rmnged in the conUr of the building, with
a hall on i - in daytime.
i v.. ni-'Ati« nr" pi imi or for
Dftned
in 'i rmtti; aad the
wh". inr-nt and its management ar" by do means
to the Intelligence and humanity of the citizens of
the
• Th" Ontario. Auburn A rT.T.B Una from Little
is liar s. to ltb»r-i. ha* ban ■arrayed through the co. and
illy graded; hot « rk upon it has i- n susp< nded.
: / . the fir-t paper
published In I July 20, 1798,
■ I rnnn, in
bv K. I
■ I .inn, in th)
_". i . .■-.
daga co.,)
The Western Luminary was published at Watkins' Bottlemi nt.
in Scipio, in 1799.
■ - II i .1 I
and continued until 1806, when it was ran red to
Auburn anil changed to
The Vfestern Federal published as
Th' Auburn OatetU by dinner and Crosby in IMfi.
The i ui was comm'-i -pringi in 1*12
T. Chamberlain. It was soon after removed to
Auburn, and continued by different persons until 1847,
when it was united with the Cayuga Patriot.
The Cayuga Patriot was started at Auburn by Samuel R. Brown
in 1814. Isaac S. Allen, Ulysses F. Doubleday. aud
others, wero afterward interested in its publication.
In June, 1847, it was united with the Tocsin, the joint
papers taking the name of
The Cayuga New Era. It was successively published by Mer-
rill, Stone & Co., Stone, Hawes & Co., Finn & Uallett,
and William L. Finn, and was discontinued in 1857.
The Advocate of the People was commenced at Auburn in Sept.
1S16, by Henry C. Southwick.
The Cayuga Republican was commenced in 1819 by A. Buckin-
ham, and was afterward published by Thomas M. Skin-
ner. In 1833 it was united with the Free Press and
issued as
The Auburn Journal and Advertiser by Oliphant & Skinner.
Skinner subsequently withdrew, and the paper was
continued by Oliphant. In 1S46 it was issued as
Trie Auburn Journal ; and the same year
The Auburn Daily Advertiser, the first daily paper
published in the Co., was established in connection with
it. In th« fii 11 of the same year, Oliphant sold out to
Henry Montgomery, by whom the papers were con-
tinued until 1850, when Knapp & Peck, tho present
publishers, became proprietors.
The Aulmrn Fne Press was commenced by Richard Oliphant
in 1S24 and published by him until 1829. It was then
B ild to Henry Oliphant, and in 1833 it was united with
the Cayuga Republican.
The Qotp ' Messenger (Prot. E.) was established at Auburn by
Itev. l>r. Kudd in 1827. It was removed to Utica a few
>• ir^ after.
The Diamond was published in 1830.
'. pel Advocate was published in 1830.
Th* <■■, I /' nncrat was published by Fred. Prince in 1833.
The People' t Friend was published in 1836 by Oliphant &
Skinner.
The Western Banner was published in 1836 by Francis S.
[ins.
' opU | Ubrarjf, mo., was publishedin 1836byF. S.Wiggins.
The Primitive Hiristian was published in 1836 by Silas E.
Shepard.
The Conference Record was published in 1837 by Rev. J. S.
■ Mi" rlaln.
Tht Northern Cliristian Advocate('S\.'E) was commenced in April,
1841, by Rev. John K. Robie. It was edited by Rev.F.
IJ. llibhard and Rev. Wm. Tlosmer until May, 1844,
when it was purchased by the Meth. Oenl. Conference
and changed to
The Northern Advocate. It was edited successively
bv It. v. Nelson Hounds and Wm. Hosmer, and is now
under the editorial charge of Rev. F. O. Hibbard.
The Star of temperance was published In 1845 by L. H. Davey.
Auburn's Favorue was published in 1«49 by Newton Calkins.
The Cayuga Chief vras commenced at Auburn in January, 1849,
by Thurlow W. Brown, and continued until 1857.
The Auburn Daily Bulletin was published in 1849 by Stone,
Hawe ^ A- Co.
'.' i sonic Union, mo., was published in 1850.
CAYUGA COUNTY.
199
This co. formed a portion of the Military Tract, and included the original townships of Cato,
Brutus, Aurelius, Scipio, Sempronius, and parts of Milton and Locke. Sterling was included in
the lands "ranted as a compensation for portions of the original grants, which upon survey were
found to belong to the Boston Ten Towns. Before the advent of tho whites it formed the chief
hunting grounds of the Cayuga Nation. The people of this nation were more migratory iu their
habits than thoso of the Onondaga and Seneca nations, and they had fewer towns and villages.
The principal town or place of council of the tribe was upon the shore of Cayuga Lake, near
the present village of Aurora. The first white settlers were soldiers, who had served during the
Revolution and who drew lots upon the Military Tract, or those who had purchased soldiers'
warrants. The first immigration was by the way of Oneida Lake and River, and from the s. by
way of Cayuga Lake ; but in 1796 a State road, extending from Whitestown to Geneva by way
of Auburn, was cut through; and in 1800 the celebrated Cayuga Bridge1 was built, the new
route speedily becoming the great highway of Western emigration. The population steadily and
rapidly increased from 1790, a great impulse being given to it by the completion of the Erie
Canal in 1825. The first inhabitants were principally from New England and the eastern cos.
of New York.
AUBVM CITY — was formed as a town from Aurelius,
March 28, 1823. It was incorp. as a village April 18, 1815, and
as a city March 21, 1848. It lies upon Owasco Outlet, near the
center of the co. Its surface is rolling, with an inclination
toward the n. Owasco Outlet, flowing n. w. through near the
center, descends 120 ft., and furnishes an abundance of water-
power, which is mostly improved. Along its course are valuable
quarries of waterlime, Oriskany sandstone, and Onondaga and
corniferous limestone. The city is finely laid out upon both
sides of the creek, most of the streets having a gentle inclina-
tion. It is situated in the midst of a rich farming country, and
it has a large share of internal trade. Its manufactures are
extensive and important, consisting principally of woolen goods,2 paper, agricultural implements,
books, flour, and machinery. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 12 churches,3 3 banks, and
many other fine public and private buildings. Seven weekly, 2 daily, and 2 monthly papers are
published in the city. Pop. 9,476.
The Public Schools are under a Board of Education, consisting of 4 members, elected annually.
The schools, 5 in number, employ 23 teachers, — 5 males and 18 females. In 1858 the number of
children between the ages of 4 and 21 was 3001, of whom 2187, or 72 per cent., attended
school during some portion of the year. The total expenses of the schools for 1858 were $13,231.19.
The number of volumes in the district libraries is 3986.
The Christian Ambassador (Univ.) was commenced
in Jan. 1851, and is now edited by John M. Austin.
The Spiritual and Moral Instructor was published in 1851 by
Peleg S. Collrell & Co.
Tlie Auburn American, d. and w., was established in
Feb. 1855, by Wm. J. Moses. In 1859 the name of the
daily was changed to
The Daily Union, Moses & Vail publishers.
The Journal of Specific Homeopathy, mo., was
started in March, 1855, and is pub. by F. Humphreys.
The Spiritual Clarion, commenced Nov. 15, 185(3, is
published weekly by Uriah Clark.
The Northern Independent was estab. in Aug. 1856,
by a pub. com. of the M. E. Ch.; Rev. Wm. Hosmer, ed.
The Orphans' Friend, mo., commenced in Feb. 1857, is
pub. by the managers of the Cayuga Orphan Asylum.
The Cayuga Farmer and Mechanic was commenced in Sept.
1S56, by P. J. Becker. In Dec. 1S57 its name was
changed to
The Teachers' Educational Journal; it is still
issued by its original proprietor.
The Auburn Democrat was established in Aug. 1857,
by Stone and Hawes, by whom it is still published.
The WeMsport Advertiser was published in 1827.
The Northern Phanix was published at Weedsport in 1S30 by
Frederick Prince.
The Genoa Spy was published in 1840 by Gelim Hine.
The Port Byron Herald was first published at Port Byron in
Oct. 1844, by Frederick Prince.
The Port Byron Gazette was started in 1S51 by Oliver T. Baird,
and continued until 185-
The Cayuga Telegraph was published at Union Springs in 1S50.
The Meridian Sun was started in 1S54 by Arthur White. It
was afterward published as
The Meridian Advertiser by W. H. Thomas.
The Family Scrap Book, mo., was published at Victory Center
iu 1855-56.
1 The Cayuga Bridge was finished Sept. 4, 1S00, by the Man-
hattan Company. It was 1 mi. and 8 rods long, 22 ft. wide and
22 ft. between trestles. It was built in 18 mouths, and cost
$150,000. The Cayuga Bridge Company, consisting of John
Harris, Thos. Morris, Wilhelmus Mynderse, Charles Williamson.
and Jos. Annin, was incorp. iu 1797. The bridge was destroyed
in 1808, but afterward rebuilt. For a great number of years
the Cayuga bridge was considered one of the greatest public
improvements in the State, and it was taken as the dividing
line between the E. and w. The bridge was abandoned in 1S57 ;
and the lake is now crossed by a ferry.
2 The Auburn Woolen Mills give employment to 175 hands
and manufactures 250.000 yds. of cloth per annum. The Auburn
Paper Mills employ 50 hands and manufacture $80,000 worth
of paper annually. The founderies and machine shops give em-
ployment to a large number of men, and turn out work to the
amount of $100,000 annually. The N. Y. C. R. R. Repair Shops
employ 52 hands exclusively in repairing passenger cars. For a
number of years books were very extensively manufactured;
but of late much of this branch of business has been removed
to other cities. Besides these, there are in the city a card tactory,
belting factory, carpet factory, distillery, rolling mill, and 2
grist mills.
8 2 Presb., 2 M. E., 2 R. C, Prot. E., Af. Meth., Bap., Second
Advent, Univ., and Disciples.
200 CAYUGA COUNTY.
The Auburn Academy is a fine stone edifice on Academy St. It was first erected in 1811, but
■was burned in 1816, and the present building was soon after erected.
The Auburn Female Seminary, a private institution, is in the building erected for a city hall, at
the junction of Market, Franklin, and North Sts.
The Auburn Theological Seminary, a Presb. institution, was established by the Synod of Gene-
see in 1819. It was incorp. in 1820 and opened in 1821. The building is located upon a com-
manding site, fronting Seminary St., in the x. E. part of the city.
The Cayuga Orphan Asylum, an institution for the care of orphan and destitute children, is
supported by State and co. appropriations and private contributions.
The Auburn State Prison is situated on the n. bank of Owasco Outlet, n. of the center of the
city. The site, containing 10 acres, is surrounded by high walls, and within this enclosure are the
prison proper1 and the various workshops in which the convicts are employed. The main building,
fronting upon State Street, is 3 stories high and 276 feet long, and is flanked by two wings 42 feet
wide and 242 feet deep.
The Asylum for Lunatic Convicts, situated upon a lot of 10 acres, formerly the prison garden, in
the rear of the prison, is a fine brick building, faced with cut stone. It contains 64 cells, and
rooms for physicians, attendants, &c.2
Fort Hill is a beautiful rural cemetery, located upon the site of an ancient fortification and
Indian village. It contains a monument to the memory of Logan, the celebrated Cayuga chief.3
The first settlement at Auburn was made in 1793, by Col. John Hardenburgh, from Ulster co.4
Hon. Win. II. Seward resides in this city.
AIR EL. US — was formed Jan. 27, 1789. Brutus, Cato, Owasco, and "Jefferson'" (now Mentz)
were taken off March 30, 1802, Auburn and Fleming in 1823, a part of Springport in 1833, and a
part of Throop in 1859. It lies upon Cayuga Lake, near the center of the w. border of the co. Its
surface is undulating, with a slight inclination toward the N. and w. Owasco Outlet flows through
the x. e. corner; and upon its course are several fine mill privileges. Cayuga Brook, Crane Creek,
and several other small streams take their rise in the town. The soil is mostly a heavy clay and
gravelly loam. Cayuga, (p. v.,) upon Cayuga Lake, 2 mi. s. of the outlet, was incorp. in 1858.
It Lb an important station upon the Central R. R., and is connected with Ithaca by a daily line of
steamers. It contains 2 churches and 400 inhabitants. Fosterville, (p. v.,) in the n. part,
contains a church and 12 dwellings ; and Aurclius, (p. v.,) in the s. E. part, a church and 12 dwell-
ings. Clarksville, on the e. line, is a manufacturing village, and forms a suburb of Auburn.
I- c ntains a paper mill,5 gristmill, hoe factory, woolen factory, and 300 inhabitants. The first
settlement was made at Cayuga in 1788, by John Harris, from Ilarrisburgh, Penn.6 The first
church was formed in 1804, by Rev. David Higgins.7
BRITI'S- was formed from Aurelius, March 30, 1802. Sennett was taken off in 1827. It
lies on the e. border of the co., n. (if the center. In the n. and w. its surface is level, with an
l The mDi of the prison arc built in a block 5 stories high, I tho Inst century. Ho afterward emigrated to Penn., and finally
wparnt- 'I from the exterior walls by an O] t\ ml unr- to Ohio. !!■■ wa< always known as a peacemaker and friend to
round--'! by gnUarlsn, Bach ■ •!! la 7 feet long by 81 wide and
~l high, cl ... ,| by an iron grate. Breakfast and dinner are
I lliat th'' COni i
exchange 1 ""k- ten in Hi" cells. The
f"nn n ranjro of near 1000 feet, bnllt against the
outer wall and : and Inner sides. Water-
- i« aflbrdi n buildings were
I In 1MB and -1'.'. I'V th" Stat.-, at a
■ •( $300,000, rx<-lti«ivo of the labor of pon them.
Th" . - ' : •'■! "lli-
tli" whit. J until his wife and children were murdered hy Col.
• i, after Which he took up the hatchet and became one of
ill" moal noted of the Indian warriors. His address to the
Commissioners at the close of the war has scarcely its
parall"! in history for true eloquence and pathos. This ancient
w..rk h particularly described in the Smithso/iian Contributions,
V6L II. Art. 1 I. p. 85.
• Among Hi" other early settlers were Col. Krinkerhoff, Dr.
!l Mat Burt) Wm. Bostwick, Barnabas Caswell, and Lyman
I'.iiii". who i imeobont lT'.'a. John Hardenburgh built the first
20 men, a chaplain, ■ physician, and gristmill, la 1704; and Win. I!..itwick kept th" first inn. in 1796.
mployed In the management and gorernmenl The place was called " Hardenburgh Corners" until 1S05, when
of the establishment. Th number of convicta ii
■iinir» in 1 - and tho current ex-
ibliahmeol - - 000.
' Thi* building mi in \V>%, at a cost of
;
* This ancient fortification wmi erldi ntly th" work of a \« ople
Its ii <ui.- was changed to Auburn.
s Th" auburn Paper Mill was incorp. here Feb. 17. ISIS, with
a capital of $50,000. It gives employment to 40 hands, and
manufactures paper to the amount of $160,000 annually.
8 Mr. Harris established tho first ferry across Cayuga Lako.
Wm. Harris and John Kichardson camo in the same year. The
who ■ notry prior !■■ the adTentofthe In Main, first marriage was that of John Barrls and Mary Richardson, in
Th- monuments left by this people, the remains of th" language 1789; the lir-t birth, that of John Harris, jr.. in 1700; and the
still ■ if the Indians, all show thai a, that of Depuy. In 1707. Hugh Buckley taught
they 1 th- Sams i." ii ral »t .^k a» the aborigini • of the fir^t school, in 1707 ; John Harris kept the first inn. in 1790,
bey »r" known »« the "Mound Builders, " and in and the Drat store, in 1780. The celebrated Cayuga Bridge, 1
the " Alleghans." The fort at this ml. 8 rods in length, was built in 1797, by Swartwood k Deman,
probably bttQt pt Ikawvet* of America by of New York City, and Joseph Annin and others, of Cayuga. It
Qolnmbna. and was ootuussd by them forsereral 1 fell in 1804, but was rebuilt in 1813-18, and was abandoned in
bnt th.v wr- fin illy Inv.n out h\ tl . !- 7. alter it was built, the road across it was the great high-
try th W m feXoagfa,and '- ame the prinetpal rillage way of emigration until the canal was finished. The county
of th" nation until the adv-nt of the white*. The celebrated seal was located here at the first organization of the co.
■i chief, Logan, was born here about the commencement of | 1 There are 4 churches in town ; 2 Presb., and 2 M. E.
CAYUGA COUNTY. 201
average elevation of not more than 10 feet above Seneca River, which forms its n. boundary. The
portions immediately bordering upon the river are generally swampy. In tho s. e. the surface is
rollin" and broken by isolated drift hills 50 to 75 feet above tho general level. The principal
streams are Bread Creek and Cold Spring Brook, both flowing into Seneca River. The former is a
canal feeder, and along its banks are outcrops of limestone and plaster, which are quarried to some
extent. The soil is a fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam intermixed with clay and alluvium.
Wcedsport1 (p. v.,) was incorp. April 20, 1831. It is situated upon the Eric Canal, and is a
station on the N. Y. Central R. R. It contains a bank, insurance office, union school, 4 churches,
a foundery, a large distillery, and several mills. Pop. 1,226. Tho first settlement was begun in
1800, by Wm. Stevens, from Mass, on Lot 70.2 The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1810.3
CATO — was formed from Aurelius, March 30, 1802. Sterling was taken off in 1812, and Con-
quest, Ira, and Victory in 1821. A part of Ira was annexed in 1834. It lies upon the e. border
of tie co., n. of the center. Its surface is level in the s. and gently rolling in the n. The ridges
extend n. and s., and their summits are about 50 feet above the valleys and 150 to 200 feet above
Lake Ontario. Seneca River forms the s. boundary. Cross Lake, upon the E. border, is a shallow
body oi water about 5 mi. long, through which flows Seneca River. Otter Lake and Parkers Pond,
in the it. part, discharge their waters through Otter Creek into Seneca River. The soil is a sandy
and gravelly loam mixed with clay and disintegrated red shale. Meridian,4 (p. v.,) in the n.
part of tie town, was incorp. Oct. 17, 1854. Pop. 360. Cato, (p. v.,) on the line of Ira, in the
N. w. corner, contains 3 churches and 53 dwellings. Seneca River is a p. o. The first set-
tlement wag begun in 1800, by Samson Lawrence, on Lot 32.5 The first church (Bap.) was
formed Oct. 26, 1810 ; Rev. Daniel Palmer was the first pastor.6
CONQUEST7— was formed from Cato, March 16, 1821. It lies on the w. border of the co., n.
of the center. The surface is gently rolling, the ridges extending n. and s. The s. part along the
course of Seneca River is marshy, and a swamp about one-fourth of a mi. wide extends n. and s.
through the town along the course of the small stream which flows through Mud Pond. Duck
Pond, in the n. w.> is about 1 mi. in diameter. Howlands Island, in Seneca River, contains 2,700
acres, one-third of which is swampy, and overflowed during high water. The soil is a sandy loam
interspersed with chy and underlaid by red shale. Conquest Center (Conquest p. o.) con-
tains 2 churches and 26 houses ; Pineville, in the w. part, contains 15 houses. The first settlers
were George Snyder, from Schoharie co., who located on Lot 37, and Israel Wolverton, from Tomp-
kins co., on Lot 4, in !>800.8 The first church (Prot. Meth.) was formed at Conquest Center, in
1803 ; Rev. Joshua Beebe was the first settled preacher.9
FL.EMI1VG10 — was ftrmed from Aurelius, March 28, 1823. It lies w. of the foot of Owasco
Lake, a little s. of the cento of the co. Its surface is rolling, with an inclination toward the n.
and e. The banks of the la'te slope upward for about three-fourths of a mi. The highest portions
are 150 to 250 feet above the kke, and 800 to 1,000 feet above tide. Wheeler and Crane Creeks are
the principal streams. The soil is principally a gravelly loam, with an occasional intermixture of
clay and sand. Fleming', (p.v.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 25 dwellings.
1 Named from Elisha and Edward Weed, first settlers at the
village.
2 Among the other early settlers were Calel, Nathan, and
Jonah Rood, and Powers, from Saratoga c(., who located
at and near Weedsport ; John Hamilton, from Washington co.,
on Lot 64, in March, 1802 ; Edward Ilorton, Peter iouglass, and
Samuel Moore, from N. J., on Lot 86; Adam Helmer,from Herki-
mer CO., on Lot 67, in 1804; and Van Dyck and Daniel Mil-
ler, from N. J., on Lot 76, in 1805. Tho first child borj was Bur-
nett Stevens, Nov. 13, 1801 ; the first marriage, that of Peter
Douglass and Polly Hamilton, Jan. 12, 1804; and the fitet death,
that of an infant child of Sunderland Sweet, in 1800. Harriet
Phelps taught the first school, in 1806; Walter and ElisbaWeed
kept the first store; and Lewis Putnam built the first sawmill
and gristmill, on Bread Creek.
8 The census reports 4 churches ; Presb., Bap., M. E, and H. C.
* Formerly " Cato Four Corners."
6 Among the other early settlers were Solomon Knapp, on Lot
100, L. Sheldon, on Lot 84, Jacob Labertaux, from Penn., on
Lot 57, in May, 1803 ; Jesse Elwell and Abner Hollister, at
Meridian, in 1805. The first child born was Alvira Stockweil,
May 4, 1805; the first marriage, that of Andrew Stockweil and
Sybil Root, June 4, 1804; and the first death, that of Stephen
Olcott, in 1805. Solomon Knapp kept the first inn at Cato, in
1803 ; and Jesse Elwell, the first at Meridian, in 1805. Danitl
M. Bristol kept the first store, in 1S06 ; and Samuel Woodford
erected the first gristmill, on the outlet of Otter Lake, in 1811.
• The census reports 4 churches; Presb., M. E., Bap., and Ret
Prot. D.
1 Name given to commemorate the conquest achieved by those
who favored the division of the old town of Cato over those who
opposed it.
8 Among the other early settlers were James Perkins, from
Onondaga Co., on Lot 3, Ephraim Witherill, from Tompkins co.,
on Lot 4, Theophilus Emerson, on Lot 27, and Clement B.
Emerson, on Lot 15, in 1S02 ; Dijar Wilcox, from Saratoga co.,
on Lot 74, Wm. McCollom and John Crowell, from Newburgh,
on Lot 76, in 1S05; and William Crowell, on Lot 77, in 18W.
The first child born was Amos Wolverton, in 1803 ; the first
marriage, that of Gilbert Perkins and Betsey Snyder ; and the
first death, that of a traveler and stranger, at Musquito Point.
John Perkins taught the first school, at Conquest Center, in
1807; Ephraim Witherill kept the first inn. in 1S03; Jonathan
Davis, the first store, at Conquest Center, in 1827 ; Twitchell
erected tho first sawmill, in 1808, and Abram Cherry the first
gristmill, in 1S10. This mill was long known as the "Upper
Mill," from the fact that a store was at first kept in it. The
first settlers joined in making a canoe which would hold 60
bush, of grain ; and in this they carried the grists of the whole
neighborhood to Springport, by tho way of Seneca River, to be
ground. The journey usually took 4 days. In 1813 John Fil-
kins took a load of wheat to Albany, but was obliged to sell the
wheat and one horse to defray the expenses of the journey. In
1804 Jas. Perkins built the first framed house, sawing out the
whole lumber with a whip-saw. The building still stands (185S)
a monument of persevering industry,
o The census reports 3 churches ; 2 Prot. Meth. and M. E.
1° Named from Gen. George Fleming, an old resident.
202 CAYUGA COUNTY.
Owasco Lake is a p.o. The first settlements were made in 1790-9 1.1 The first religious
services were held by Elder Daniel Irish (Bap.) about 1794.2
GEXOA — was formed as "Milton," Jan. 27, 1789; and its name was changed April 6, 1808.
Locke was taken off in 1S02. It is the s. w. corner town of the co., lying upon the e. bank of
Cayuga Lake. The surface is a rolling region, gradually rising from the lake to a height of about
GOO ft. and divided into ridges by the valleys of Big and Little Salmon Creek, which extend
through near the center.3 The declivities that border upon the streams in some places are steep
and 50 to 150 ft. high. The soil consists of a strip of clay along the banks of the lake, and a
deep, rich, gravelly loam in the other parts of the town. Genoa, (p. v.,) on Big Salmon
Creek, contains 2 churches, 2 fluuring mills, a tannery, and a furnace and machine shop. Pop.
300. Aortliville (Kings Ferry p. o.) is situated in the n. w. part of the town. Pup. 200.
Five Corners (p. v.) contains 35 dwellings. East Genoa (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first
settlements were made anterior to the organization of the co. Jabez Bradley was the first settler,
at Northville. The census reports 6 churches in town.4
IRA — was formed from Cato, March 16, 1821, and a part was annexed to Cato in 1824. It
lies upon the e. border of the co., N. of the center. Its surface is rolling, the summits of the
ridges being 50 to 75 ft. above the valleys and 225 to 275 feet above Lake Ontario. The streams
are small brooks and creeks. The soil is a sandy loam underlaid by red sandstone, and is very
productive. Ira Center, (p. v.,) the only village, contains 2 churches and 145 inhabitants.
The first settlements were made by David, Eleazur, and Andrew Stockwell, 3 brothers from White-
hall, on Lot 58, Wm. Patterson, on Lot 32, and Henry Conrad, (a German,) on the same lot, all
in 1800.8 The first church (Cong.) was formed at Ira Corners, July 7, 1807, by Rev. Francis
Pomeroy ; Rev. Silas Barnes was the first preacher.6
LED YARD7 — was formed from Scipio, Jan. 30, 1823. It lies upon the e. bank of Cayuga Lake,
s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface inclines toward the w., its extreme e. border being elevated
500 to GOO ft. above the surface of the lake. The slopes of the hills are generally gradual, but are steep
in a few places. Its streams are small, rapid brooks, the principal of which is Pomes Creek, flowing
through a narrow ravine in the s. part. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam, very fertile. Aurora,
(p.v.,) incorp. May 5, 1837, is beautifully located on the e. bank of Cayuga Lake. Its fine situa-
tion and the comparative mildness of its climate have made it a place of considerable resort ; and it
contains some of the finest residences to be found in the interior of the State. It is the seat of the
Cayuga Academy.8 Pop. 459. Talcotts Corners, (Ledyard p. o.,) rear the s. e. corner, con-
tains 2 churches and 12 dwellings. Levana (p. v.) is a steamboat lanling, 2 mi. n. of xlurora.
Pop. 100. Roswell Franklin, from Wyoming, settled at Aurora in 1789, tnd was the first settler in
Cayuga co. Benj. Avery was the first settler at Talcotts Corners.9 Bev. Seth Williston (Presb.)
conducted the first religious services ; and Rev. II. Woodruff was the Irst settled minister.10
LOCKE— was formed from " Milton," (now Genoa,) Feb. 20, 1802. Summer Hill was taken
off in 1831. It lies upon the high ridges which border upon Oivasco Inlet, in the s. part of the
co. The inlet flows through near the center in a deep, namw valley bordered by steep hills
rising 20 ! to 1'" ft. above it. The summits of the hills spreid out into a beautifully undulating
' Anr ng tli" early m tilers were BenJ. Irish, Jo* ph ttrover,
Edw . I ami Abel Wilkinson, and J
; -<t rhiM inreUni Wheeler, in
I- | • • John
• ■ . . . . \t ■ I \\ ill. in-- n kept
. arid Jo* ; tore, In 17 '7.
»Ti. In town; Bel Prot. D., Bap., and M. B.
* The b. pun town wm tattled by emigrants i
from Pann. and N.J- and their. part b; from New
England. In 1
roao t - territory wm reduced to lie
preeei.' ! and In It
* Two I'.. -Ml.' :., .11 tiiT.
* Anionic th* other rnrly - ttl<r« »t<> Dante] Parker, on T/it
garni Noble, Karen 7. 1802; and the first death, that of the
wife of Rev. Blai Barnes, in 1802.
■ The oensu reports B churches; 2M. E., and 1 each Bap.,
i'i. i... and Msciples.
i v.! i iom Benjamin Ledyard, agent and clerk for the dis-
poealoi ll" lands bel< 'ii_rin^r t<> tin- Military Tract. Tlio trace
of nn am. nt fortification is found within this town. It stood
npoti fi li II l"t«"ii two ravines, and enclosed aliout 20 acres.
— Smifh onion Contributions, VdL II, Part VI, p. 63.
8 Trn Ac.nli my l>uildi»K stands upon an eminence command-
ing n Ino view of the bay and lake. The institution has a well
■ I library, competent teachers, and is in a prosperous
n.nrttk.n. The Gospel and School Lot No. 36 of this town hav-
ing been given to Union College, Lot 89 was taken for school
00, John «'. B im. « .■»• ' nd Zadock purposes, and assigned to this academy.
• " rcallna, and Bdward Wood, from 'Bllsha Dnrkee, and Atwell and Edward Paine, settled at
a,.nn,-- i • hibald and Chas. Qreen,on Lot I Aworaln I7.«i rii.tn-t settler. Mr. Franklin, wasln the battle
7". in 1 -'■•.: Mi Mattin .n an ! Abraham Wllley, from ( '••nn.. on of Wyomlng,at which his wife was killcil and bis youngest child
rrtsaadhk »tu«. from Saratoga co, on uken prisoner by the Indians, lie died nt Aurora in 1791,
; - agton CO. at Ira ruder the weight of his misfortunes. Betsey Durkee ( now Mrs.
Corners, in 1805. Dr. Squire, the first physician, t.unrht th. ■ • • • -tland) was the first child lxirn in town. The first inn was
kwell kept the flr»t inn. in l<-'»>; J-' ft by Joshua Patrick, nt Aurora, in 1793, in a house still
BamT and I-r ■• 1 lie l| •<. the flr»t etore, at ' : landing. Ahiathar Hull kept the first store, and T. Wheelor
and John 1! itmill.in 1818. The flr«t erected the first mill, a little H. of Aurora,
chill born wa« Polly, daupht*r of D well, in April. I >° The census reports 6 churches ; 2 Friends, 2 M. E., Presb.,
1S02; the first marriage was that of Eleazur Stockwell and Mar- 1 ind Prot. E.
CAYUGA COUNTY.
203
region with a mean elevation of about 1,000 ft. above tide. The soil is a gravelly loam inter-
spersed with clay. Milan, (Locke p. o.,) situated on the s. branch of Ow&MO Luke Inlet, con-
tains 2 churches, 2 woolen factories, 2 gristmills, and several mechanics' shops. Pop. 180. Cen-
ter villc contains 18 houses. The first settlement was made by Ezra Carpenter, J as. Cook, Jas.
Durell, and Solomon Love, in 1790.1 The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1819.2
MEWTZ — was formed from Aurelius, as "Jefferson," March 30, 1802. Its name was changed
April G, 1808. Montezuma and a portion of Throop were taken off in 1859. It lies upon Seneca
River, n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is generally flat, with a few low sand ridges near
the s. border. A swampy region extends along Seneca River. Owasco Outlet, flowing through
the center, is the principal stream. Limestone, gypsum, and red shale are the underlying rocks.
The soil is a clayey, sandy, and gravelly loam. Port ISyron, (p. v.,) incorp. March 2, 1837,
is situated upon the Owasco Outlet and Erie Canal, near the center of the town. The N. Y. C.
R. R. station is 1 mi. n. of the village. It contains 3 churches, a woolen factory, cabinet ware
manufactory, and a flouring mill with 10 run of stones. Pop. 1,669. Center port, a canal
village on the e. line, contains 22 houses. The first settlement was made in 1797.3 There are 3
churches in town; Bap., M. E., and Presb.
MONTEZUMA — was formed from Mentz, April 8, 1859. It lies in the n. w. angle formed
by the great easterly bend in Seneca River, on the w, border of the co. Its surface is mostly low
and flat. An extensive swamp, known as the Montezuma Marshes, extends along the river.
The only considerable stream is Cayuga Brook. The soil is generally a clayey loam. Brine
springs are found along Seneca River. Montezuma (p-v0 is located upon Seneca River,
in the w. part of the town. The Seneca and Cayuga Canals here unite with the Erie Canal. Salt
and some other articles are manufactured.4 Pop. 650. The first settlement was made in 1798.5
The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1803, by Rev. John Jeffries. There are 3 churches in town;
2M.E. and Bap.
MORAVIA — was formed from Sempronius, March 20, 1833. It lies upon Owasco Lake
and Inlet, in the e. part of the co. The greater part of its surface is a rolling upland, broken by
the deep and narrow valleys of Owasco Inlet and its branches.6 These valleys are 300 to 400 ft.
below the summits of the hills, and are bordered by steep and in many places nearly perpen-
dicular sides. Upon the streams in their course through the ravines are several beautiful cas-
cades, furnishing an abundance of water-power. Mill Brook, just below its junction with Trout
Brook, flows over a precipice of 80 ft. Upon the e. tributary of the outlet, near the s. border, is a
cascade known as Dry Falls, from the fact that in summer the stream ceases to flow. A little
below this cascade is a circular recess in the face of the perpendicular precipice, 42 ft. deep, and sur-
mounted by a limestone arch 55 ft. high and 125 ft. long. Upon this arch rises a lofty hill covered
with primitive forest trees. A large spring of carburetted hydrogen gas, highly inflammable, is
situated upon the lowlands near the lake. The soil among the hills is a gravelly loam mixed
with clay, and in the valleys it consists of a deep, rich loam formed of gravel and disintegrated
limestone and slate. Moravia (p. v.) is situated on Mill Brook, in the valley 3 mi. s. e. of the
head of Owasco Lake. The rapids and cascades in the stream at this point furnish an abundance
of water-power. The village is incorp., and contains 130 dwellings, the Moravia Institute, and
several mills and other manufacturing establishments. Montville,7 a small village 1 mi. e. of
Moravia, contains 15 houses. The first settlement was made at Moravia Village, by John Stoyell,
in 1791.8 The first church (Cong.) was formed March 12, 1806.9
1 A daughter of Jas. Durell was the first child horn ; Aaron
Kellogg kept the first store, at Milan ; James Cook, the first inn ;
Lyman Brown erected the first factory, at Milan, in 1810, and
Mr. Durell the first gristmill. The traces of an Indian burying
ground, half a mi. w. of Milan, between 2 deep gulfs, covering
about 2 acres, are still visible. The graves are ranged in rows
X. and w.
s The census reports 3 churches ; 2 M. E. and Bap.
8 Among the early settlers were Philip King, Seth Higby,
from Saratoga co., on Lot 72, Josiah Patridge, from Mass., on
Lot 73, in 1797 ; Charles Annes, Aholiab and Elijah Buck, from
Chemung co., on Lot 73, (now Port Byron,) in 1798 ; Dan'l Love-
land, from Vt., on Lot 49, in 1799 ; Peter Rausier and Moses
Lent, from Owego, on Lot 62, in 1800 ; James Dixon and Joseph
Hamilton, from Washington co., Caleb Hopkins, from N. J.,
and Ira Hopkins, from Washington co., on Lot 85, from 1800 to
1804.
* Salt was first manufactured in Montezuma about 1798 ; but
the business was abandoned about 1840, in consequence of the
brine becoming too weak to successfully compete with the salt
springs of Syracuse aDd Salina. Strong brine springs have
lately been discovered, and the manufacture of salt has been suc-
cessfully resumed. These salt springs, like those of Onondaga,
belong to the State.
6 Among the early settlers were Peter Clark, from New York
City, Comfort Tyler, and Abram Morgan, at Montezuma, in
1798, who located there to manufacture salt.
6 The Owasco Flats were in part cultivated by the Indians
anterior to the settlement by the whites, and still bear traces of
the ancient occupation.
' Ex-President Fillmore read law at this place with Judge
Wood.
8 Among the other early settlers were Winslow Perry, Amos
Stoyell, and Jabez L. Bottom, in 1793; Gursham Morse, in 1794;
and Cotton Skinner, in 1795. The first child born was Seth
Perry, in 1794; the first marriage, that of Jonathan Eldridge
and Sally Perry, in 1795 ; and the first death, that of Cynthia
Wright, in 1796. Levi Goodrich taught the first school, in
1797 ; Zadock Cady kept the first inn. in 1801, David Wright the
first store, and John Stoyell built the first mill.
8 The census reports 3 churches in town; Cong., Prot. E., and
M.E.
204 CAYUGA COUNTY.
\ILlES — was formed from Sempronius, March 20, 1833. It lies between Owasco and Skane-
ateles Lakes, s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is principally a rolling and hilly upland.
The highest summits are 700 ft. above Owasco Lake. The declivities are gradual toward Owasco
but more abrupt toward Skaneateles Lake. Dutch Hollow Brook, flowing n. through near the
center, is bordered by high, steep banks.1 The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. K.el-
lo^rsrsville, (p. v.,) in the extreme s. part, contains 2 churches and 30 dwellings; IVew
Hope, in the s. E. part, contains a church, gristmill, sawmill, and 12 dwellings; IViles,
(p. o.,) in the x. part, West \iles, Twelve Corners, and IVine Corners, are ham-
lets. The first settlements were made in 1793.2 There are 4 churches in town; 2 M. E., Bap.,
and Univ.
OWASCO — was formed from Aurclius, March 30, 1802. It lies e. of the foot of Owasco
Lake, s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling and inclined to the n. w. From the
lake it slopes gradually upward, and the highest summits attain an elevation of 500 ft. Owasco
Creek, flowing w. across the s. part, and Millers Brook, in the n. part, are the only streams. The
soil is a clayey loam. Owasco, (p. v.,) in the s. E. corner, contains 3 churches and 45 dwell-
ings. The first settlements were made in 1792.3 The first church was formed in 1798, by Rev.
Abram Brokaw.' Kx-Gov. Throop is a resident of this town.
SCIPIO — was formed March 5, 1794. Sempronius was taken off in 1799, apart of Marcellus
(Onondaza <:■•>.) in 1804, Ledyard, Venice, and a part of Springport in 1823. It lies on the w.
shore of Owasco Lake, s. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling, the highest summits
being 500 ft. above the lake. A steep bluff, 20 to 50 ft. high, extends along the lake, and from
the summit the surface slopes gradually upward for about one mi. The streams are mere brooks.
The soil is a clayey loam. Scipio Center (Scipio p.o.) contains 2 churches and 80 inhabit-
ants ; Seipioville, (p. v.,) near the w. line, 80 inhabitants; Sherwood, (p-v.,) near the
s. w. corner, 80 inhabitants. Tlie Square is a p.o. in the n. w. part, and Bolts Corners
a hamlet in the s. The first settlements were made in 1790.5 The first religious services were
held by Elder David Irish, in 1794 ; and the first church (Bap.) was formed the same year.6
SEMPRO.MlS-was formed March 9, 1799. A part was annexed to Marcellus (Onondaga
co.) March 24, 1804, and Moravia and Xiles March 20, 1833. It lies upon Skaneateles Lake, in
the s. e. part of the co. From the valley of the lake and inlet the hills rise abruptly to a
height of 800, to 1,000 feet, and from their summits the surface spreads out into a rolling and
hilly upland. The highest points are about 1,700 ft. above tide. Mill Brook, flowing w., Bear
Swamp Brook, x., and Fall Brook, s., all have excavated deep valleys in the drift deposits
and shales. The soil is a good quality of clayey, sandy and gravelly loam, mixed with disinte-
grated .-late and limestone. Dresserville, (p. v.,) located on Mill Brook, in the s. part
of the town, contains 30 dwellings; Vansville, (Sempronius p.o.,) 15; Glen Haven
(p.o.) is a noted water cure establishment near the head of Skaneateles Lake. Its situation is
extremely beautiful, and it is supplied with pure, soft spring water. The first settlement was
made in 17'.' J, by Ezekiel Sales,1 Jotham Bassett, and Seth Burgess. The first church (Bap.)
was formed Feb. 29, 1798; Rev. John Lasurc was the first preacher. The census reports 1
church (Bap.) in town.
*i:\\I:TT ■ - t rmed from Brutus, March 19, 1827; it was named from Judge Daniel
Sennett, a pioneer settler. A portion of Throop was taken off in 1859. It lies upon the e. border
of tlie 00., n. of tli'- center. It- surface is level "r gently undulating, the ridges rising in long,
gradual Blop« 60 t<, L00 ffl above the valleys. The streams are all small brooks. The soil is a
. f-rtil-', clayey and sandy loam, and i- under a high state of cultivation. Sennett, (p. v.,)
a station on the Anbnrn branch of the N. V. Central EL II., contains 2 churches and 30 dwelling's.
The first settlement was mad.' in 1 7*.» 1, by Ebeneser Healy, Jos. Atwell, Thos. Morley, and Thos.
l On th<> hifrhojt DOiat '■( land, I ml. t of Ow«*co Lake, 1* a
quarry Of fn- flaOODg ttooe.
kins, Gflbrat and Alanson Tracy, Baml Branch, Ebeneser Witter,
and Gideon Allen. Tho first child born w.-.- n.ts.v iMirkoe. Doc.
* Among tbeear »oro f.arr- 1 rvnnror and hl» sons 6, 1790 ; and the flrrt marriage, that of Wro. Allen and BetBev
■ WaUdni, Juno 25, 1708. Win. Daniels tanghl the first BchonL
in 17>\ and Dr. Strong kopt the first store, In 1808.
There ap- 4 church b in town : Hap.. Preeb., M. V... and T'niv.
» The fir-.t child born was Henj. Sales, in 1704; tho first mar-
il liiooand Matilda Summerston ; and the first
death, thai oi Sam'l Rice. Cyrus Powers taught tho first school,
4Th town; M. Y... Is. f. l>r-.t. D., and Tmo In 1800; John Htuted kept the first inn and store, and ArtimuB
^mcA. | Dresser erected the first mill.
• Among the early settlers were Elisha Durkee, Henry Wat-
John and - IlrinkerholT, and William
Bowan. H I >-m vmr Ball/ Amorman. in '
* Amonc tho early tettlen • i and BenJ. De Pay,
1 Wright and Jacob .uid RoeUff llrinkorhofT. Oomelint
Delamator ki pt the first inn. in ire Burrows, tl
6t- ir- . in 1807; and David Bofte bnOI the Aral KriatmiU, h
CAYUGA COUNTY.
205
Morley, jr., from Conn., on Lot 21.1 The first church (Bap.) was organizod Sept. 12, 1709, by
Rev. Manassch French, who was the first preacher. There are now 2 churches in town ; Presb.
and Bap.
SPRII¥GI»ORT— was formed from Scipio and Aurelius, Jan. 30, 1823. It lies upon tht
e. shore of Cayuga Lake, s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface rises in gradual slopes from
the water to the e. border, where it attains an elevation of 400 to 500 ft. Waterlime, plaster,
and limestone used for flagging, are quarried along the shore of the lake and in the adjoining
ravines. Two immense springs flow from the ground near the village, furnishing a valuable
water-power.2 The soil is a superior quality of sandy and gravelly loam, in some places mixed
with clay. The lake is so deep that it rarely freezes, and the warmth of the water essentially
moderates the intensity of the frosts of winter.3 Union Spring's (p. v.) is beautifully situated
upon Cayuga Lake, s. of the center of the w. border of the town. It contains several manufac-
tories, a private academy, and many fine residences. Pop. 1,118. The first settlement was made
in 1800, by Frederick Gearheart, Thos. Thompson, and Jas. Carr.* The first church (Cong.) was
formed by Rev. Joshua Lane, the first preacher.5
STERLING — named from William Alexander, Lord Sterling, of the Revolution — was
formed from Cato, June 19, 1812. It lies upon Lake Ontario, in the extreme n. part of the co.
Its surface is rolling and has a slight inclination toward the n. The summits of the ridges in
the s. are 200 to 300 ft. above the lake ; and Big Bluff, upon the lake shore, has about the same
elevation. The streams are Little Sodus Creek and its branches, flowing into Little Sodus Bay,
and Cortright Brook, flowing into Blind Sodus Bay.6 Little Sodus Bay is about 2 mi. long by 1
mi. wide, and is one of the best harbors upon the s. shore of the lake. An extensive swamp,
covering several hundred acres, extends along the lake shore, e. of the bay, and another lies on
the s. border of the town. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam; some portions of the surface
are very stony and hard of cultivation. Outcrops of Medina sandstone7 and Oneida conglomerate
are quarried in this town for building stone. Sterling' Center (Sterling p. o.) contains 40
dwellings; Fairhaven, (p. v.,) on Little Sodus Bay, 40; Martville, (p. o.,) near the s. e.
corner, 25; and Sterling Valley 20. North Sterling (p. o.) is a hamlet. The first
settler was Peter Dumas, who located upon Lot 19 in 1805.8 The first church (Asso. Ref.
Presb.) was formed in 1818.9
SUMMER HILL — was formed from Locke, as "Plato," April 26, 1831; its name was
changed March 16, 1832. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland,
1000 to 1100 ft. above tide. Fall Brook, the principal stream, flows s. through the e. part. Its
valley is 300 to 400 ft. below the summits of the hills, and forms the only considerable break in
the general level of the surface. Summer Hill Lake is a small pond in the n. e. part, discharging
its waters into Fall Brook. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam, the clay predominating.
Summer Hill, (p. v.,) in the s. part of the town, contains 115 inhabitants. The first settle-
1 In 1795 Judge Dan'l Sennett, Amos Bennett, and Jacob, Rufus,
aud Dan'l Sheldon, from Conn., settled on Lot 99. In 1707 Jacob
Hicks, a Revolutionary soldier, who drew Lot 99, settled on it ;
Benj. Miller, also a Revolutionary soldier, on Lot 17; and Jabez
Remmington and Hezekiah Freeman, from Vt., on Lots 21 and
10. The first child born was Sally Smith, in 1795; the first
marriage, that of Nehemiah Smith and Mindevill Morley, in
1794; and the first death, that of Thos. Morley, in 1795. Betsey
Morley taught the first school, in 1795 ; Joseph Atwell kept
the first inn, the same year; and Sheldon & Lathrop the first
store.
* These springs are about 10 rods apart. From the larger flows
a stream of sufficient size to furnish water-power for running a
flouring mill with 6 run of stones, a plaster mill, sawmill,
and several other kinds of machinery. The stream from the
smaller spring drives tho machinery of a planing mill, sawmill,
and tannery. From the springs the town and village both derive
their names.
* Fruit growing, for which the climate and soil are admirably
adapted, begins to attract attention. The vine is successfully
cultivated ; and a single vineyard of 10 acres, devoted to grapes,
produces fine crops.
* Amos Comely taught the first school, near Union Springs ;
Thomas Collins kept the first inn ; Laban Haskins and Walter
Low, the first store ; Philip Winegar erected the first woolen
factory.
6 The census reports 9 churches ; 2 Friends, 2 M. E., and 1 each
Cong., Presb., Bap., Christian, and R. C.
a Since work commenced on the Ontario, Auburn & N. Y. R. R.
an effort has been made to change the name of this bay to On
tario Bay.
7 This stone is much used for the underpinnings of houses and
farm buildings. It has been observed that hogs are very fond
of licking the stone whenever they have access to it; and in
consequence they foam at the mouth, and can only be fatted with
great difficulty.
8 Mr. Dumas was a Frenchman, who came to this country with
La Fayette and served during the Revolution. For his services
ho received a lot in the Military Tract, and drew Lot 19, in
Sterling. Capt. Andrew Rassmusen settled the same year on
Lot No. 1. He was killed on board of an American vessel, on
Lake Ontario, during the War of 1812. Francis Decamp located
near Martville, in 1806 ; Wm. Divine, Nathan Wilmot, and Jehial
Peck, on Lot 11, in 1807 ; Jacob Wilsey, from Saratoga co., on
Lot 14, in 1808 ; John Cooper, on Lot i2, John Duzenbury, on
Lot 44, Curtis Stoddard, on Lot 19, John McFarland and son,
from Washington CO., on Lot 27, John and Matthew Harsha,
from Washington co., at Martville, in 1810 ; Wm. Cooper, Jos.
Bunnell, and John Turner, from Long Island, in 1S11 ; and Geo.
Cooper, from Saratoga co.. in 1812. The first child born was
Isaac Hoppins, March 16, 1807; the first marriage, that of Mat-
thew Harsha and Charity Turner; and the first death, that of
Ezra, son of Peter Dumas, July 21, 1S06. The first school was
taught by Benj. Clark, in 1812; Wm. Cooper kept the first inn,
in 1810; John Cooper erected the first sawmill, in 1810, and the
first gristmill, in 1815.
9 The census reports 6 churches ; 2 M. E.. and 1 each Ass©,
Ref., Presb., Bap., Ref. Prot. D., and Ref. Presb.
206
CAYUGA COUNTY.
ment was made in 1797, by Hezokiah Mis, from Genoa, on Lot 37, near the village.1 The first
church (Bap.) was formed in 1807; Elder Whipple was the first pastor.2
TIIROOP3 — was formed from Aurelius, Mentz, and Sennett, April 8, 1859. It is an
interior town, lying a little n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is generally level, broken
in a few places by sand and gravel ridges 100 to 150 ft. high. Its principal streams are Owasco
Outiet and Cayuga Brook. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Tliroopsville, (p. v.,)
on Owasco Inlet, s. e. of the center, contains 3 churches, a grist and saw mill, and woolen
factory. Pop. 160. The first settlement was made on Lot 2, in 1790, by Ezekiel Crane and his
eon Shadrach, from N. J.4 There are 3 churches in town ; Bap., M. E., and Disciple.
TEMCE — was formed from Scipio, Jan. 30, 1823. It is an interior town, lying s. of the
center of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland, the highest summits being 300 to 400 ft. above
Owasco Lake. Salmon and Little Salmon Creeks flow s. in deep valleys dividing the surface into
distinct ridges. Owasco Lake borders upon the n. e. corner. The declivities bordering upon the
lake and upon the w. bank of Salmon Creek are steep, but generally the hillsides are long, gradual
slopes. The soil is a fine quality of clayey and gravelly loam. Tenice, (p. v.,) in the n. e. part
of the town, contains 1 church and 20 dwellings ; and Poplar Ridge, upon the highest sum-
mit in the n. w., contains a foundery and machine shop and 20 dwellings. East Tenice (p. o.)
and Tenice Center (p. o.) are hamlets. The first settlement was made in 1800.5 The first
church (Bap.) was formed at Stuarts Corners, in 1800, by Elder Irish, the first preacher.6 Upon
the ridge z. of Salmon Creek, near the s. border of the town, are the remains of an ancient fortifi-
cation. Upon the creek, near the center of the town, were extensive cleared and cultivated fields
at the first advent of the whites. Near these fields was an Indian burial ground.
TIC'TORT — was formed from Cato, March 16, 1821. It lies upon the w. border of the co.,
v.w. of the center. Its surface is gently undulating, the highest points being scarcely 50 ft. above
the general level. Little Sodus and Bed Creeks are the principal streams. The underlying
rocks are red shale and blue limestone, covered deep with drift. The soil is a gravelly and sandy
loam. A swamp in the s. w. part covers several hundred acres. Tictor y, (p. v.,) near the
center of the town, contains 25 houses; and Westbury, (p. v.,) on the line of "Wayne co., 50.
The settlement of the town was commenced in 1800, by John McNeal, from Montgomery co.,
and John and Samuel Martin, from Ireland, on Lot 65.7 The first church (M. E.) was formed
in 1813, by Rev. Zenas Jones, the first preacher.8
i Among the early settlers were Nath'l Fillmore, (father of
Millar! Fillmore, Ex-Pres. U. S., who was born in this town,)
Wm. Webster, Jos. Cone, Wm. Honeywell, Jas.
Savage, Harvey Hongh, and Josiah Walker. The first school
was taught by NathT Fillmore, in 1804. The first child born
was Millar! Fillmore or Anson Cone ; the first marriage, that of
I and Ilosanna Mix. in 1803; and the first death,
that of An l Mix. killed bv the falling of a tree in 1798. Jos.
Coti. on, ho 1 -0.;: Clias. Crane, the first store; and
i 'ho first mill, in 1S10.
* Ti sureties; Bap., Cong., and M. E.
T.Throop, Ex-Got. of the State.
* Am->ng the Other early Mttll tl «■ r e Iteiac IJarnum, Otlmi'l
PalmT. nrel nil fn. from O on , [Brae] Clapp, from Mass., on
I • .nard and Wm. Durell. from N.J., on Lots 2 and
4. Manonah Clark, from Oneida co- on Ix>t 4, Jonas Ward and
. on Lot K, in 17*.«".; Christopher and
n i liraim
ry, frrfn Ihitrh<«« Co., "n l/.t 4. in 1709; AnK* and David
Oodt. ' 14. in UQL Thi- flr«t mnirlig" wm that of
Bhedrarh Crane and Hannah Palmer; ao 1 the I r-t birth, that
ofK ■•. Edwarrl Carpenter taivlit f ..bin
1^00; Israel Clapp kept the first Inn, In 1800; Lather II
the first store, in 1804: and Prentice Palmer erected tho first
saw and grist mill, in 1798.
6 Anion g the early settlers were Henry Hewit, Ezekiel Landon,
Samuel Robinson, and Zadock Bateman, at Stewarts Corners,
Samuel Childsey, and Amos Rathbun, at Poplar Ridge, Luke
Taylor, and Thomas Carman, all of whom came in between 1790
and 1800. The first child born was Lemon Cole; and the first
death, that of Herrick, one of the pioneer settlers : he was
kill'l by the fall of a tree. Tho first inn was kept by Samuel
Robinson. The first mill was erected at Venice Village, inlS35.
8 Tho census reports 3 churches; 2 Friends and 1 Bap.
' Patrick Murphy, from Ireland, settled onLot54, inFeb.1806;
Mai l bias Vanderlniyden. from Albany co., on Lot 02, and Asahel
Outer, from Vt.,on Lot 66,inl810; John Ramsey, and Wm. and
Deal QrflWDldffrom Herkimer co., on Lot25,in 1811; Jacob W.
an.| Martin !>•• Forrest, from Washington CO., Conrad Phrozine,
from rTewbnrgh. on Lot 43, Manasseh French, from Scipio, Judgo
C. Smith, from Saratoga co., on Lot -K), Philander Phinney, from
Saratoga co., Silas Kellogg, from Brutus, on Lot 39, and Ebenezer
Bird, from Onondaga co., on Lot29,all inl812. Mrs.JaneWood
was the flrnt ehild born in town, in 1804; and the first death,
that Of John Me.V-al. in 1800.
s Tho census reports 5 churches; 2 M. E., Presb., Bap., and
Christian.
CAYUGA COUNTY.
207
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Cayuga County.
Names of Towns.
Auburn
Aurelius
Brutus
Cato
Conquest
Fleming
Genoa
Ira
Ledyard
Locke
Mentz
Montezuma0.
Moravia
Niles
Owasco
Scipio
Senipronius...
Sennett ,
Springport...
Sterling
Summer Hill.
ThroopS
Venice
Victory
Total
Acres of Land.
I
4,427*
18,003*
9,395
15,210$
13,919*
10,287*
19,9514
15,845
17,7704
11,466
21,331
11,994*
18,2204
9,578
18,9754
11,278
17,453
11,3134
14,134
10,9414
19,8434
14,4554
315,795|
|
172
3,298
3,301
5,159
7,702
1,866
6,710
5,639
4,1614
3,216
6,197
4,8304
6,035
2,522
3,698
6,4S6
3,684
82,4774
12,0204
5,6784
5,457
6,9274
187,2374
Valuation of 1858.
$2,105,674
1,031,666
627,910
645,665
633,317
449,145
1,032,390
619.001
955,020
368,865
1,252,833
432,926
571,990
429,340
917,253
291,191
828,836
797,264
364,804
261,200
869,290
435,648
$15,821,228
ft, ft,
$1,030,K69
115,300
186,950
41,950
24,425
41,700
196,735
83,050
290,110
39,500
73,750
115,028
92,468
74,840
203,275
34,640
40,830
108,480
24,617
32,300
184,940
64,235
S3, 689,492
"3
$3,736,543
1,146,966
814,860
687,615
657,742
490,845
1,229,125
702,051
1,245,130
408,365
1,326,583
647,954
664,458
503,680
1,120,528
325,831
869,666
905,744
389.421
293,500
1,054,230
489,883
319,510,720
Population.
■
<5
Jj
3
8
5
|
"£>
v
£
1
%
1,514
<•
4,819
4,657
1,644
1,367
1,207
484
511
1,466
1,343
543
409
1,164
l,oss
429
405
968
904
360
314
604
560
223
226
1,150
1,202
472
489
1,064
1,069
400
432
994
982
369
393
636
657
261
265
2,637
2,421
918
794
906
913
344
361
973
939
385
319
630
667
239
258
965
930
369
370
614
655
244
258
1.054
1,028
386
389
1,167
1,004
392
399
1,541
1,483 !
567
579
606
578
254
256
1,007
932
377
389
1,025
991
386
413
27,363
26,208
10,916
9,923
1422
3'iu
335
323
280
216
363
342
266
208
694
250
279
275
258
258
298
282
492
127
306
327
Schools.
7,661
it
BS
241
923
926
796
821
342
824
693
702
487
1,949
785
690
504
711
471
741
777
1.241
419
589
771
8,282
Names of Towns.
Auburn
Aurelius
Brutus ,
Cato
Conquest
Fleming
Genoa
Ira
Ledyard
Locke
Mentz
Montezuma"..
Moravia
Niles
Owasco
Scipio
Sempronius....
Sennett
Springport....
Sterling
Summer Hill..
Throop'„
Venice
Victory
Total.
Live Stock.
377
806
527
854
791
404
892
957
680
527
1,153
544
833
449
812
618
751
566
849
492
773
850
15,405
: e §
128
1,094
1,110
1,672
1,498
481
1,371
1,785
930
1,212
2,330
1,062
1,393
649
1,131
922
1,583
703
1,490
912
1,523
1.377
26,356
123
977
656
1,004
998
441
1,245
1,227
684
943
1,629
968
1,196
582
854
1,056
1,164
2
1,179
912
975
1,007
to
471
5,923
2,350
3,311
5,374
3,483
7,748
4,518
9,696
1,901
5,348
4,824
4,369
3,957
7,953
1,517
5,286
4,720
4,192
2,752
10,257
3,681
19,822 103,631
&3
384
1,578
1,412
1,379
1,713
965
1,462
2,024'
1,132
728
2,760
935
1,424
975
1,261
784
1,530
1,378
1,768
634
1,239
1,616
29,081
Agricultural Products.
Bcsh. op Grain.
a
831
20,376
10,116
21,2684
17,751
3,787
11,769
12,993
10,264
1,405
27,171
1,566
2,958
2,0734
10,865
72
6,1054
10,770
9,622
113
6,722
11,462
;200,0614
05
e
I
11,148
131,187
80,7534
147,5094
133,5694
87,2634
162.313
129,0554
105.9574
62,395
151,294
62,153
104,470
57.3994
127,173
52,844
116,1234
85,992
105,6264
48,359
137,404
127,099
2,227,0894
393
3,1174
2,073
2,618*
2,457
1,485
3,462*
2,9004
2,155
3,035
5,513*
2,9604
2,8084
1,861*
1,9704
3,286
3,3404
1,383
2,630
2,732
3,105
2,443
67,732
■S5
2,175
6,260
13,886
17,393
15,082
5,848
10.698
16.S77
5,516
5,249
20,905
6,627
8,293]
10,828
8,590
10,518
21,838
4.251
27,027
6,942
10,077
16,838
"S»
"igi
1,617
8,8S0
22,624
26,368
21,137
14,758
48.284
44,502
10,212
26,190
23,568
41,524
31.147
18,159
28,968
29,OS0
27,430
9,134
20,086
20,333
25,488
23,262
251,7184 522,751
Daisy Peoducts.
ft. 85
13,550
93,290
61,0S8
93,410
92,992
41,690
151,586
128,399
49,210
105,008
131,564
124,237
145,517
62,637
72,969
140,702
84,439
48,630
112>72
124,070
101,575
101,987
SB
200|
7,694
12,085
4,411
4,851;
4,535!
9,851'
19,783!
8.629
3.976!
16,997
9.519
16,273
10,470:
7,139
5.064
29.645
3,775
4.917
5,043;
10,640'
3,236:
■S-8
C.5
148
311
156
633
1,943
234
572
1,316
20
1.140
313
7244
1,9904
6514
524
1.227
1.1S04
1,074
569
1,5244
2,082,022 199,333 16,5894
° Montezuma was formed in 1859, and its statistics are em-
braced in the town of Mentz.
6 Throop was formed in 1859, and its statistics are included in
Mentz, Sennett, and Aurelius.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
This county was formed from Genesee, March 11, 1808. It lies
upon the shore of Lake Erie, and is the s. w. corner co. of the State.
It is centrally distant 288 mi. from Albany, and contains 1,099 sq.
mi. The surface is mostly a hilly and rolling upland. A bluff,
with a mean elevation of 20 ft., extends along the lake; and from
its summit the land spreads out into an undulating region, gradu-
ally rising for a distance of 3 or 4 mi. This comparatively level
tract is bordered by the declivities of a hilly upland, which occupies
the center and s. part of the co. The highest summits are 1,000 to
1,200 feet above Lake Erie and 1,800 to 2,000 ft. above tide. The
uplands are broken by several deep valleys, the principal of which
are those of Chautauqua Lake and Connewango Creek. The sum-
mits of the hills, 4 to 6 mi. s. of the lake shore, form the watershed which divides the waters of
Lake Erie from those of Alleghany River. The declivities bordering upon the valleys are in many
places too steep for profitable cultivation.
Connewango Creek, flowing along the e. border and receiving Cassadaga Creek and Chautauqua
Outlet, is the largest stream in the co. The other principal streams are Cattaraugus, Silver, Wal-
nut, Canadaway, Little Cattaraugus, and Twenty Mile Creeks, flowing into Lake Erie; French and
Little Brocken Straw Creeks, tributaries of Alleghany River ; and Prendergast Creek, flowing into
Chautauqua Lake. Besides these and their tributaries are numerous smaller streams flowing
directly into Lake Erie. Chautauqua Lake is a beautiful sheet of water, 18 mi. long and 1 to 3 mi.
wide, occupying a deep valley in the highland region about 10 mi. s. e. of Lake Erie.1 It is 726
feet above Lake Erie and 1,291 ft. above tide. The hills that surround it are 600 to 800 ft. above
its surface. Its outlet forms a branch of Connewango Creek, which latter stream is a tributary
of Alleghany River. Several other small lakes are located among the highlands, the principal
of which are Bear, Cassadaga, Mud, and Finleys Lakes, all 700 to 900 ft. above Lake Erie.
The rocks of this co. belong to the Portage and Chemung groups, — the former occupying the n.
half of the co. and the latter the s. half. The summits of the highest hills in the s. are crowned
with conglomerate, belonging to the Catskill group and affording the only good building stone in the
s. part of the co. The sandstones of the Portage group are quarried to some extent in the n. part.
Lime is obtained in limited quantities from limestone boulders and marl beds. One of the most
peculiar ;il features of the co. is the numerous springs of carburctted hydrogen gas found
in various localities and especially along the shore of Lake Eric. It comes from the shales of the
Portage C'rwiip, and at various places is turned to profitable account.
Boil upon the uplands is principally clay mixed with disintegrated shale, generally known as
//.;/ ffravel; and in the valleys it is a fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam mixed with allu-
vium. Along the lake sh'.re is a strip of productive clay loam. The uplands are arable to their
summits, but are generally much better adapted to pasturage than tillage. The various branches
if agriculture form the leading pursuits of the people. Stock and wool growing, and dairying,
?ir<' largely and SUOOeasfully carried on. Spring grains and fruits arc also largely produced.
Manufactures are few ami unimportant and arc chiefly confined to the local wants of the people.
Oommeroe — an important item in tin; business and wealth oftheco. — is chiefly concentrated at
Dunkirk, whir-h is at once an excellent harbor upon the lake and the W. terminus of the Erie R. It.
The county seal il U ille, in the town of Chautauqua, at the head of Chautauqua
Lake.2 The courthouse is a fine brick edifice, erected in 1834, at a cost of $11,000. The jail is a
brick building, with stono cells, on the opposite side of the street from the courthouse. The
clerk's office is a fireproof brick building contiguous to the courthouse.8
The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 100 acres, near De Wittville, 3J mi. s. e. from Mayville.
' Noar tho middle thin lake Ik rontrai-t"d to tho width of a
few rod*, Riving it the appearance of two lakes connected by a
narrow strait-
• This co. wan united with Niagara from th" date of It* organi-
sation In 1808 until 1811. Tho first court was held Jm
1811. The commissioners, to locate the Co. buildings wore Jonas
208
Williams, Tsaa/- Sutherland, and Asa Hansom. The first co.
ofhv.-rswcre Zatta Cashing, First Judge; Mntthew Prendergast,
I'hilo Orton, Jonathan Thompson, and Wm. Alexander, Assnriate
Judfftt; David Eaton, Sheriff; and John K. Marshall, Co. Cleric.
' In 1858 the supervisors authorized the erection of a new
clerk's office at a cost of $2,500.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
200
The average number of inmates is 130, supported at a weekly 0OBt of 44 cts. each. A school ia
taught 6 to 8 months in the year. The buildings are poor and dilapidated and are destitute of
proper accommodations and means of ventilation.
The N. Y. & Erie 11. R. extends through Hanover and Sheridan and terminates at Dunkirk.
This road opens a direct communication with New York, and, taken in connection with the con-
necting railroads and vessels upon the lake, is one of the most important of the great thoroughl'nn s
between the Atlantic seaboard and the Valley 6f the Mississippi. The amount of freight carried
over the road is immense; and the business connected with it gives employment to thousands <,t
men. The Buffalo & Erie R. R. extends along the lake through Hanover, Sheridan, Pomfret,
Portland, Westfield, and Ripley. This forms another link in the great chain of Western travel,
and connects with the Erie R. R. at Dunkirk and with the N. Y. Central at Buffalo. The proposed
Erie & New York City R. R. extends through the s. part of the co., connecting Erie, Penn., with
the N. Y. & Erie R. R. at Great Valley.1
Nine weekly newspapers are now published in the co.2
In 1782 a party of British and Indians, with a train of artillery and other munitions of war,
spent the months of June and July around Chautauqua Lake in constructing canoes and making
other preparations to navigate Alleghany River in a contemplated attack upon "Fort Pitt," near
1 The eurveys of this R. R. have been made, and considerable
work has been done in grading.
2 The C/iautauque Gazette, the first paper published in the Co.,
was started at Fredonia in Jan. 1817, by Jas. Percival. It
was afterward issued by Carpenter & Hull, and by Jas.
Hull, until 1822, when it was suspended. In 1823 it was
revived by Jas. Hull, and continued uutil 1826, when it
was united with the People's Gazette and its name was
changed to
The Fredonia Gazette. It was issued a short time by Hull &
Snow, when it was removed to Dunkirk by Mr. Hull
and changed to
The Dunkirk Gazette. In a few months it was removed to West-
field aud united with The Chautauque Phoenix.
The Peojile's Gazette was started at Forestville in 1S24 by Wm.
S. Snow. In 1826 it was removed to Fredonia aud
united with The Chautauque Gazette.
The Chautauque Eagle was commenced at May ville in May, 1S19,
by Root. J. Curtis, and was continued about 1 year.
The Fredonia Censor was commenced in 1821 by Henry
C. Frisbee, who continued its publication for 17 years.
In 1S38 it passed into the hands of E. Winchester, and
was published by him 2 years and by R. Cunningtou 1
year. In 1841 it was bought by Wm. McKinstry, and
it is now published by W. McKinstry & Co.
The Western Star was sWtrted at Westfield in Juno, 1S26, by-
Harvey Newcomb, and was discontinued after 2 years.
It was soon after revived, as
The Chautauque Phcenir, by Hull & Newcomb. In 1S31 its
name was changed to
The American Eagle, and it was issued by G. W. Newcomb. In
1838 it was changed to
The Westfield Courier, and was issued a short time by G.W. Bliss.
The Jamestown Journal was commenced in June,
1826, by Adolphus Fletcher, and was continued by him
until 1846. It was then issued by John W. Fletcher,
a son of the original proprietor, for 2 years, when it
passed into the hands of F. W. Palmer, who continued
at the head of the establishment until 1858, having had
in the mean time associated with him as partners Francis
P. Bailey, Ebenezer P. Upham, and C. D. Sackett. It is
now issued by Sackett & Bishop.
The Chautauque Republican was started at Jamestown in 182S
by Morgan Bates. Richard K. Kellogg, Lewis C. Todd,
Chas. McLean, Alfred Smith, and Wm. H. Cutler were
successively interested in its publication until 1833, when
it passed into the hands of S. S. C. Hamilton and its
name was changed to
The Republican Banner. It was soon after removed to Mayville,
and in a few months was discontinued.
The Genius of Liberty was started at Jamestown in 1829 by
Lewis C. Todd, and was continued about 2 years.
The Western Intelligencer was published at Forestville a short
time in 1833.
The Mayville Sentinel was started in 1834 by Timothy
Kilby; and the next year it passed into the hands of
Beman Brockway, who continued it 10 years. In 1845
it was sold to John F. Phelps, by whom it is still issued.
The Cliautauque Whig was started at Dunkirk in Aug. 1834, by
Thompson & Carpenter. About 1844 its name was
changed to
The Duwcirk Beacon, and it was discontinued a short time after-
ward.
The Westfield Lyceum, started in 1835, was issued a short time
by Sheldon & Palmer.
The Western Democrat and Literary Inquirer was started at
Fredonia in 1835 by Wm. Verrinder. It was successively
issued by Randall, Crosby & Co. and Arba K. Maynard,
14
and by the latter it was removed to Van Buren Harbor
in 1837 aud issued as
The Van Buren Times. It soon after passed into the hands of
W. H. Cutler, and was continued about 2 .-cars.
The Western Farmer was started at Westfield in ISoo by Bliss &
Knight, and was continued about 2 years.
The Settler was issued a short time in 1840 from the Fredonia
Censor office by E. Winchester.
The Westfield Advocate was commenced in May, 1841, and waa
discontinued in a few months.
The Westfield Messenger was started in Aug. 1841, by C. J. J. &
T. Ingersoll. In 1S51 it passed into the hands of Edgar
W. Dennison and was changed to
Ttie Westfield Transcript. In 1856 Buck & Wilson became its
proprietors, and continued it about 1 year.
The Panama Herald was started at Panama in Aug. 1S46, by
Dean & Hurlbut. Stewart & Pray afterward became
proprietors, and continued it until 1848.
Tlie Frontier Express was started in June, 1846, by Cutler,
Cottle & Perham. In 1849 it was changed to
The Fredonia Express, and was published by J. P. Cobb & Co.,
and afterward by T. A. Osborn & Co. In 1S50 it waa
changed to
The Cliaidauque Union, and was published a short time by E. F.
Foster.
The Liberty Star was started at Jamestown in 1847 by Harvey
A. Smith. In 1849 it passed into the hands of Adolphus
Fletcher and was changed to
The Northern Citizen. In 1853 John W. Fletcher became pro-
prietor ; and in 1855 it was changed to
The Chautauqua Democrat, under which name it is
now issued by Adolphus Fletcher and Jas. Parker.
Tlie Siher Creek Mail was started at Silver Creek in 1848 by
John C. Van Duzen. In 1852 it was changed to
The Home Register, and was published by Jas. Long. In 1S54
Samuel Wilson became proprietor, and changed it to
The Silver Creek Gazette, and continued it until 1856, when it
was discontinued. In Aug. of that year it was revived, as
The Lake Shore Mirror, by H. M. Morgan, by whom it
is still published.
The Tocsin, a temperance paper, was published at Mayville by
Lloyd Mills a short time about 1S45.
The Chautauque Journal was started at Dunkirk in May, 1850,
by W. L. Carpenter. In a short time its name waa
changed to
The Dunkirk Journal, and it is still issued by tue
original proprietor.
The Fredonia Advertiser was started July 4, 1851, by
Tyler & Shepard. It is now published by Levi S. Pratt
& J. C. Frisbee.
The Undercurrent was published at Jamestown a short time in
1851-52 by Harvey A. Smith.
The Jamestown Herald was started in Aug. 1852, by Dr. Asaph
Rhodes. In 1S53 Joseph B. Nessel became proprietor,
removed it to Ellington Center, and changed its name to
The Ellington Luminary. It was discontinued in 1856.
The Philomathian Exponent was issued at Ellington by the
students of the academy in 1852.
The Westfield Republican was commenced April 25,
1855, by M. C. Rice & Co., by whom it is still continued.
The Botanic Medical Journal was' published a short time at
Fredonia.
The Pantheon was published at Fredonia a short time.
Tiie Western Argus was started at Westfield in 1S57 by John F.
Young. In about 1 year it was removed to Dunkiik,
and changed to
The Dunkirk Press and Argus, and is now issued
by Howard & Young.
210 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
Pittsburgh. Their plan was to build a dam across the outlet of the lake and descend the river
upon the flood so created. The party finally returned without attempting the project.
The first settlement in the co. was made at the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek in 1797, by Amos
Sottle.1 Soon after making the first improvements, Sottle left, and returned in 1801, with Mr.
Sidney and Capt. Rosecrantz. At the time of the first exploration of the co. the only Indian
settlement was on Connewango Creek, within the limits of the present town of Carroll. In 1802,
Gen. Paine, agent for the State of Connecticut, opened a wagon road from Buffalo to Chautauqua
Creek, to enable emigrants to reach the Conn. Reserve lands in Ohio. This road was soon after
finished to the Penn. line. In 1804 the town of Chautauqua was formed, and embraced the
entire territory now included within the limits of the co. In April of the succeeding year the
first town meeting was held, at which John McMahan was elected supervisor, and John Mc-
Mahan, David Eason, and Perry G. Ellsworth were appointed the first justices of the peace.2
In 1806 the first mail route was established between Buffalo and Erie, Penn.3 The lands in the
co. were included in the Holland Purchase. A tract of 60,000 acres in the s. e. part was sold to
Levi Beardsley, James O. Morse, and Alvan Stewart. In 1835 the Holland Land Company sold
their outstanding contracts and unsold lands to Trumbull Cary & Co., of Batavia; and the new
proprietors imposed 6uch conditions upon the extension of contracts that the settlers rose en
masse and demolished the land office at Mayville and burned the records in the public high-
way.4 In 1838 the interests of the co. were transferred to Duer, Morrison, & Seward, and the
troubles were satisfactorily settled.
ARKW RIGHT— was formed from Pomfret and Villenova, April 30, 1829. A part of Pom-
fret was annexed in 1830. It is an interior town, lying n. e. of the center of the co. Its surface
is an elevated upland, broken and hilly in the s. w., and rolling in the x. e. The highest summit —
near the center, said to be the highest land in the co. — is 1,000 to 1,200 ft. above Lake Erie. The
principal streams are Canadaway and Walnut Creeks. Mud Lake, on the e. border, covers about
10 acres. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Upon Canadaway Creek, in the s. w. part, is a fine
cascade with 22 ft. perpendicular fall. Arkvrriglit Summit is a p. o. in the e. part of the
town. ArKwriglit (p. o.) is a hamlet in the n. part. The first settlement was made in the
n. w. corner, by Byron T. Orton, Benj. Perry, and Augustus Burnham, from the eastern part of
the State, in 1807.5 The first religious meeting was held at the house of Aaron "Wilcox, in 1810,
by Rev. John Spencer. The first church (Bap.) was organized by Elder Thos. Grennel, in 1S2<X6
Rl'STI7 — was formed from Ellicott and Harmony, April 16, 1823. A part was annexed to
EUicott in 1845. It lies upon the s. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is hilly and
broken. It is drained by several small streams flowing into Chautauqua Lake,which lies along the
n. border, and by others flowing e. into Connewango Creek. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam.
Bait! Corners (Busti p. o.) contains a church, gristmill, and sawmill. Pop. 201. The first
settlement was made on Lot 61, in 1810, by John L. Frank, from Herkimer co.8 The first church
(Cong.) was formed Aug. 30, 1819 ; Rev. Lemuel Smith was the first minister.9
1 r.linl T. t ■ • of S ii * Anon Wilcox settled in 1809, Nathan Eaton in 1810, Uriah
ttlementin L. Johni n, Jonathan and Benj. Spragne, from Otsego co., near
the oo waa made In ' Erie, Penn.; the center, In 1811, and Bimeon Clinton, irom Otsego co<, at the
and m were th i Lowry. These persons had center, in 1818. The first child born was Horatio Nelson .John-
ny fraudulent representations, son, May 11, 1811; the first marriaeo, that of Asahel Bnrnham and
-ward obll re their Improvements no. I LuanlaEal in, May 11, 1816; and the first death, that of Augustus
■ tnrtr in • [hey settled Within 1 1 > ■- Itnrnham. in 1818. The first school was taught by Lucy Dewey,
limit-. ■■•( Chan I e b unknown. near the center, In the summer of 1813. Simeon Clinton kept
I i I irt the first inn, in 1817; and Benj. Orton built the, first sawmill, in
of the town of B held 1818. on the >:. brunch of Canadaway Creek.
at Batari*. ne*rly 1"" mi. distant, to wb
joapelled to go If they voted. In 181
•n"mt->r«, representing the t"»
Uin)u.i and l'omfr»t I ' Ma]
1 Ti,,. < ensns reports 3 churches; 2 M. B. nnd Christian.
' Named from Panl BuBti, of the Ilolland Land Company.
• Lawrence Frank settled on Lot 62 In 1810, Ileman Bush and
JohnFrimk. from Herkimer co., and Theron Plumb, from Ma.«s.,
t; and, in on I. t 60. In 1811. The first mnrriage was that of Zebrick
tinsl the appro : and Polly Parmiter, in 1813; and tho first death, that of
priation of I build the omrl If I irrenca Frank, in 1811. Eve Frank, a young lady, was carried
Ctrtamptl to effect the porarfly "ff by the Indians in 1811, and was gone 3 years, when she re-
• ,t« .f thf t. «rn off! ' turned home and was married. Soon after, her husband was
w r. ; iqoa mem n the negative, t.-iken by the Indians and detained about the same length of
an I affair" cam- I '• . but were finallv settled by time. These incidents are noted upon a tombstone in the grave-
a compromise, whi^h allowed both I I and the yardatBnSti. The first school was taught by Olive Mar»h on
accoont to co through. Lot 61, in 1818. Capt- Ileman Bush kept the first Inn and dtore,
* The first mail was r.irried by a man named Metcalf. who and erected the first mill, on Stillwater Creek, in 1815.
went on f - in a handkerchief. » The census reports 5 churches; Cong., Bap., M. E. Univ,
S The company demanded i all «nni« 'in.-, an 1 Christian.
S\\<1 an increase "of one-third ur-^n all • *(• nskmi t».
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
211
CARROLL'-was formed from Ellicott, March 25, 1825. Kianlone was taken off in 1853.
It is the s. e. corner town in the co. Its surface is broken ami liilly in the n.e. and e., and rolling
in the s. and s. w. The highest summits are 900 ft. above Lake Brie. The principal stream is
Conncwango Creek, forming part of the w. boundary. The soil is a clay loam in the X. and f..,
and a gravelly loam in the s. and w. Frewssburffli, (p. v.,) in the tr.w. part, contains 2
churches, a gristmill and sawmill. Pop. 400. Feiltonville is a p. o. near the s. w. corner.
Joseph Akins, from Rensselaer co., the first settler in town, located on Lot 29 in Jan. 1807.2
There are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
CHAREOTTE — was formed from Gerry, April 18, 1829. It is an interior town, lying n. j:.
of the center of the co. The surface is moderately hilly and divided into several ridges by the val-
leys of the streams. North Hill and Lake Hill, the highest points, are about 1,000 feet above Lake
Erie. It is drained by Mill Creek and several tributaries. The soil is chiefly a clay loam.
Charlotte Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a good water-power with some manufactorii",
and 10 dwellings ; Sinclearville,3 (Gerry p. o.,) near the s. line, contains 4 churches, 2 grist-
mills, and 2 sawmills. Pop. 450. The first settlement was made near the center, in 1809, by
Robt. W. Seaver and Wm. Divine, from Oneida co.4 The first religious meeting (Presb.) was held
at Sinclearville, in 1811; and the first church (M. E.) was formed in 181G. There are now 6
churches in town.5
CHAUTAUQUA — was formed from Batavia, (Genesee co.,) April 11, 1804, and embraced
all the territory now included within the limits of Chautauqua co. Pomfret was taken off in 1808,
Portland in 1813, Harmony in 1810, and Clymer, Ellery, and Stockton in 1821. It is an interior
town, lying a little w. of the center of the co. The surface is elevated and moderately hilly, oc-
cupying the watershed between the waters of Chautauqua Lake and those of Lake Erie. Chautauqua
Lake is on the e. border, and chiefly within the limits of the town. The soil is a clay loam of
good quality. Mayville, (p. v.,) pleasantly located near the head of Chautauqua Lake, was
incorp. April 30, 1830 ; it contains the co. buildings, 3 churches, the Mayville Academy, a news-
paper office, and a flouring mill. Pop. 501. De Wittville, (p. v.,) in the e. part, contains a
church, the co. poorhouse, and 133 inhabitants ; Hartfield, (p. v.,) on the lake inlet, contains a
church, gristmill, sawmill, and furnace. Pop. 123. Magnolia is a p.o. on the lake, near the s.
line. The first settlement was made at Mayville, in 1804, by Dr. Alexander Mclntyre.6 The
first church (Bap.) was formed at Mayville, in 1820, by Elder Wilson.7
CHERRY CREEK— was formed from Ellington, May 4, 1829. It lies on the e. border
of the co., a little n. of the center. The surface is hilly in the n. w., and rolling in the s. e.
Along the s. border are several small swamps. It is drained by Connewango Creek and several
tributaries, flowing s. The soil is clay and a gravelly loam. Cherry Creeli, (p. v.,) in the
s. e. part, contains 3 churches, 2 sawmills, and a gristmill. Pop. 240. The first settlement was
made on Lot 15, in 1812, by Joshua Bentley, from Rensselaer co.8 The first religious services
were held at the house of Ward King, in 1817 ; the Rev. Mr. Hadley (Bap.) was the first preacher.9
CEYMER10— was formed from Chautauqua, Feb. 9, 1821. Mina was taken off in 1824, and
French Creek in 1829. It lies upon the s. border of the co., w. of the center. The surface is a hilly
upland, broken by the valleys of Brocken Straw Creek and its tributaries. The soil is a gravellv
loam. Considerable lumber is still manufactured. Clymer, (p. v.,) near the s. w. corner, con-
1 Named in honor of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.
2 Laban Case settled on Lot 31, Wm. Akins on Lot 21, in 1807 ,
Jas. Akius on Lot 13, in 1818; James Hall on Lot 11, in 1810;
and Wm. Sears on Lot 11, in 1811. The first child born was
Hamilton Tyler, in 1810; the first marriage, that of Wm. Bowles
and Jerusha Walton, in 1811; and the first death, that of
Woodcock, killed by the fall of a tree in 1810. Stephen Rogers
taught the first school, in 1813, on Lot 51. The first sawmill
was built by John Fren and Thos. Russell, on Lot 61, in 1811,
and the first gristmill by John Fren, on the same lot, in 1817.
William Sears kept the first inn, on Lot 11, in 1814, and James
Hall the first store, on the same lot, in 1824.
s The village derives its name from its first settler, Maj. Sam'l
Siuclear, who came in from Madison co. in 1810.
* John Picket, John Cleveland, Chas. Waterman, and Harvey
O. Austin, from Eastern N. Y., settled in the w. part in 1809.
The first school was taught at Sinclearville, in the winter of
1811-12, by Wm. Gilmore. Maj. Sinclear kept the first inn, in
1811, and Plumb, Edson & Win6or the first store, in 1817. at
Sinclearville. Maj. Sinclear erected the first sawmill, in 1810,
and the first gristmill, in 1811, on Mill Creek.
* 2 M. E., 2 Univ., Cong., and Bap.
6 Jonathan Smith settled about the same time, near the w.
shore of the lake, and Peter Barnhart, from Penn., on the E.
shore; Martin Prendergast and Messrs. Griffith and Bemus, also
on the E. shore, in 1806. Judge Peacock was also an early settler.
John Scott kept the first inn, at Mayville, in 1808, and J. & M.
Prendergast the first store, in 1811.
1 The census reports 7 churches; 2 Bap., 2 M. E., Cong., Prot.
E„ and F. W. Bap.
8 Jos. Kent settled on Lot 9, in 1S15, and Willard Cheney on
Lot 10, Wm. Weaver on Lot 16, Anson Hendrickon Lot 16, and
Cogsdill Brown on Lot 15, in 1S16. Reuben Cheney taught the
first school, in 1818; Geo. H. Frost kept the first inn, in 1823,
and Seth Grover the first store, in 1831, at the village. Wm.
Kilbourn built the first sawmill, in 1824. on Cherry Creek, near
the village. The first death was that of Lydia Page; 6he was
buried in the woods near the village. Joshua Bentloy lost a
daughter, 2 years old, in 1817, — supposed to have been carried
off by the Indians.
8 The census reports 3 churches; 2 Bap. and F. W. Bap.
10 Named in honor of Geo. Clymer, one of the siguera of the
Declaration of Independence.
212
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
tains 2 churches and 110 inhabitants. Clynier Center is a p.o. John Cleveland settled on
Lot 58 in 1820.1 The first religious meeting (Bap.) was held at the house of Mr. Cleveland, in
1820, by Elder Powers. The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1830.2
ELLERY9 — was formed from Chautauqua, Feb. 29, 1821. A part of Stockton was taken off in
1850. It is the central town in the co. The surface is hilly, the highest summits being about 400
ft. above the valleys and 1,000 ft. above Lake Erie. Chautauqua Lake forms the s. w. boundary,
and into it flow several small streams, which form the principal drainage. The soil is a clay loam
upon the uplands, and a gravelly loam in the valleys. Ellery Center (p. v.) contains a church
and 16 dwellings. Ellery is a p. o. near the shore of the lake. The first settlements were made
on the lake by Win. Bemus and Jeremiah Griffith, from Rensselaer co., in 1806 ; the former
located at Bemus Point, and the latter farther s.* The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1809, by
Elder Asa Turner, the first minister.5
EL.L.ICOTT8 — was formed from Pomfret, June 1, 1812. A part of Busti was taken off in
1823, Carroll in 1825, and Poland in 1832. A part of Busti was annexed in 1845. It is an in-
terior town, lying s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, with a gentle inclina-
tion toward the s. w. The foot of Chautauqua Lake extends into the s. w. corner ; and the outlet
flows r. through the s. part of the town, receiving Cassadaga Creek as a tributary The soil is
a sandy and gravelly loam. Jamestown, (p. v.,) located on the outlet of Chautauqua Lake,
in the s. part of the town, was incorp. March 6, 1827. It contains 7 churches, the Jamestown
Academy, 2 newspaper offices, 2 banks, the office of the Farmers' Insurance Company, 2 woolen
factories, 2 furnaces, 2 flouring mills, and various other manufacturing establishments, and an
ample water-power. Pop. 1,625. Fluvanna, (p-v.,) at the foot of the lake, near the w. line,
contains a church and 14 dwellings. Levant is a p.o., on the e. border, at the junction of Cas-
sadaga Creek with the lake outlet. Dexterville is a hamlet. The first settlement was made on
the outlet of Chautauqua Lake, in 1806, by Wm. Wilson.7 The first church (Cong.) was formed July
6, 1 816, by Rev. John Spencer, a missionary preacher from Conn. There are 12 churches in town.8
ELLI.YGTOX — was formed from Gerry, April 1, 1824. Cherry Creek was taken off in 1829.
It lies upon the e. border of the co., a little s. of the center. Its surface is an undulating and
hilly upland. Clear Creek flows through near the center, and, with its tributaries, forms the
principal drainage. Connewango Creek flows through the n. e. corner. The soil is a sandy and
gravelly loam. Ellington, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 4 churches, the Ellington Academy,
I 2 gristmills. Pop. 487. Clear Creek is a p.o. Jos. Bentley made the first settlement,
m Lot 7. in 1814.9 The first religious services were held at the house of James Bates, in 1817,
by Rev. Daniel Iladley. The F. W. Bap. denomination organized the first church.10
I Ki:\<ll CREEK- was formed from Clymer, April 23, 1829. It is the s. w. corner town
ii the CO. The -urface is hilly and broken by the deep valley of French Creek. The soil is chiefly
a heavy clay loam. French Creek is a p.o. in the x. part, and Marvin a p.o. in the s.
Aviv Nobles, from ()>wcmi co., made the first settlement, on Lot 44, in 1812.11 The first religious
meeting was 1 1 » -1 < 1 on Lo1 16, in L818, by Elder Ashford; and the first church (Bap.) was formed
in 1>21. Thf-re is no church edifice in town.
i Wm Bios, fr .m Washington co., wtti. .| on Lot 50, In 1821,
Horace ,1,1 .\r^..n Starkweather, from Vt, on !•■■' 18, In 1822,
ti Oral bhtt was that ..f Patience Ruaaell, in 1828; the tirst
mar- r Walter Freeman and Rowencia Brown, in 1828.
I Williams kept the fir«t inn. in 1820, al the ruiage,Jobn
n 1 828 ; and Petal J ai quins bnflt the first
mill
■ The censnai i M. B, Bap, Gertn. Erang.
■■ 1 Ret Pi • D
I Named in I "•'■ m. Ell' ry, a «iv:!i-r r.f the Declaration
<H lode] •
« Isaac Y. unc from firnf"* on Lol •"■, near the
lake, in 1808. At>"it tin vim'1 time, ofaoon after. Danl ' !hem J ,
m. h Bennett, John Pot Nahom Al-
lied in town, Hark Parker, ft-'.m Washington
■1 i - ir the cantor, in lMn. The flirt *-h» 1 was t night by
ii, i ■■: -. hi the ir.w. part, in 1808. Wm. Beams kept the fliwl
inn. Miiill.in 1808, and the first grist-
mill, in 1811, on Benmii Crock. I»aTid Bellamy kept tbc first
itr.rf. at the center, in 18-'>'.
'■ TI- i ecsnu reports 8 i hnrehe*; Bnp . M. E.. and i'niv.
• Named from Joseph BBoott, agent of tbi B Hand Land
; iny.
• Thomas It. K^nn<xlv and Fdward Work" located upon the
Oath •. in 1807, and Wil-.n Fllieott, Jaa. Cnlbertson, and Qeo.
w. f- tit. n. in 1808. Bdward Worn bnflt the first aawmflj, in
1S(|S, and the first gristmill, in 1S09,— this being the first im-
tnenl of the water-power of the Outlet. The first school
was taught in the house of John Bloover, in 1S15, by Rev.
AlMM-.l \N ' rt.
« 2 M. F... Cong, rresh.. Trot. E, Bap, F. W. Bap, Christian.
Wee. Metb, Luth, I'niv.. and It.C.
* Among the other early settlers were. Jas. Bates, from Mase .
Sam'l McConnel. from Cayuga co., and Joshua Bentley, jr., IV- mi
■ I.'ut <•.,., in lslfi; Simon Lawrence, from Vt, AbnerBatea
anil Ward King, from Mass, in 1817. The first child born was
Simon Ijiut' nre. jr., in 1M7: the first marriage, that of Kufus
Hitchcock and llanah Iladley, in 1817; and the first death,
thai Of Mr. Hitchcock, who fell from a building and was killed
■»i\ weeks after his marriage. Jas. Bates kepi Hie Aral inn. at
Ellington Village, in 1814, and Lewis Ilolbrook the first store,
in 182L Ward King built the first gristmill, near the village,
In 1821.
i'1 The census reports 5 churches ; Bap, Christian, Fresh,
M. B. and F. W. Hap.
n John Cleveland settled on Lot 31, in 1812; RoBWeU Toe on
Lot 39, and Nath'l Thompson on Lot 0. in 1813; and Paul Col-
bourn, from Oneida co.. on Lot 44, in 1814. The first death was
that of a son of Nath'l Thompson, drowned in Stench Creek.
The first school was taught by Chitsoy, in 1818. William
Braves kepi the first inn, and built the first gristmill, in 1SJ2;
and John Dodge opened the first store, in one end of the gristmill.
C IIA U T A U Q U A COUNT Y.
21.",
GERRY1 — was formed from Pomfret, June 1, 1812. Ellington was taken off in 1824, and
Charlotte in 1829. It is an interior town, lying a little e. of the center of the co. Tins surface
is a hilly upland, the highest summits, in the n. e. corner, being 900 ft. above Lake Erie, it is
drained by Cassadaga Creek and its tributaries, Mill Creek, and several smaller streams. The
soil is a clay loam upon the uplands, and a sandy loam in the valleys. There are several sulphur
springs in town. Upon Lot 44, s. w. of the center of the town, a gas spring has been found; and
the owner, James II. Mix, uses the gas for lighting his house. ISucklins Corners, (Vermont
p. o.,) in the s. part, contains 23 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1*11, by John
Love, jr. and Stephen Jones, in the n. w. part.2 The first religious meeting was held in the spring
of 1818, by Elder Jonathan AVilson. The first religious association (M. E.) was formed in 1810,
and drew the lot appropriated by the Holland Land Company for religious purposes. They
erected a church a little w. from the center, the only one now in town.
HANOVER- was formed from Pomfret, June 1, 1812. Villenova was taken off in 1823, and
a part of Sheridan in 1827. It lies upon Lake Erie, in the n. e. corner of the co. A part of Catta-
raugus Indian Reservation lies in the n. e. part of the town. The surface along the lake is level
or undulating, and in the center and s. it is hilly, with an inclination toward the n. Cattaraugus
Creek forms a portion of the n. boundary. Silver Creek flows in a n. w. direction through the
town into Lake Erie, receiving Walnut Creek at its mouth,3 and several other tributaries. The soil
is clay and gravelly loam. Silver CreeR, (p. v.,) upon the lake shore, at the mouth of Silver
Creek, was incorp. June 8, 1848 ; it contains 2 churches, a bank, a weekly newspaper office, 2
mills, 2 tanneries, and various other manufacturing establishments. Pop. G52. Lake vessels
were formerly built at this place,4 — the first by Ira Fairchild, in 1816. Irving', (p. v.,) on Cat-
taraugus Creek, near its entrance into the lake, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, and 2 sawmills.
Pop. 404. At the mouth of the creek is a harbor admitting of the entrance of vessels. Smith
Mills, (p.v.,) a little s. from the center, contains a flouring mill, a distillery, and 22 dwellings.
Forestville, (p.v.,) in the s. w. part, was incorp. April 4, 1849. It contains 2 churches, 2 grist-
mills, and 2 sawmills. Pop. 540. It is a station on the N. Y. & Erie R. R. Nashville, (p. v.,) in
the s. e. part, contains 2 churches and 26 dwellings. Hanover is a hamlet. Amos Cottle set-
tled at the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek in 1707.5 The first religious meetings (Bap.) were held
by Rev. Joy Handy, in 1811 ; and the first church (M.E.) was organized in 1816, at Forestville.6
HARMONY — was taken from Chautauqua, Feb. 14, 1816. A part of Busti was taken off in
1823. It lies upon the s. border of the co., a little w. of the center. The surface is a moderately
hilly upland, the highest summits being about 900 ft. above Lake Erie. Chautauqua Lake forms
the n. e. boundary. It is drained by Goose Creek and several smaller streams, flowing n. into the
lake, and by Little Brocken Straw Creek, flowing s. to Penn. The soil is clay, yellow and gravelly
loam. Quarries of a fine quality of sandstone for building purposes are found in several localities.
Ashville, (Harmony p. o.,) on Goose Creek, near Chautauqua Lake, contains 3 churches, a grist-
mill and sawmill. Pop. 247. Panama, (p. v.,) upon Little Brocken Straw Creek, near the
center, contains 4 churches and 500 inhabitants. Rloclivilie (p.v.) contains 20 dwellings.
Stedman is a p. o. in the n. part of the town. The first settlement was made on Lot 43, in
1806, by Reuben Slayton, from Otsego co.7 The first religious meeting (Bap.) was held in a
schoolhouse at Blockville, by Rev. Simon Bowers.8
1 Named from Elbridge Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of
Independence.
2 Jesse Dexter, David Cobb, and Hugh B. Patterson were
among tho early settlers. The town settled slowly until after
the close of the war in 1S15, when the settlements progressed
rapidly. The first death was that of Alva Eaton, who was killed
by the fall of a tree in tho spring of ISIS. Jas. Bucklin kept
the first inn, in 1820, and Howard B. Blodget the first store, in
1826, at Bucklins Corners. John llines and Wm. Newton erected
the first sawmill, on Cassadaga Creek, in the s. w. part, in 1819,
and the first gristmill, in 1822.
8 Named from a gigantic walnut tree that grew near its
mouth. This tree was 9 ft. in diameter and 27 ft. in circum-
ference. It was cut into sections and sold as curiosities.
4 The steamboat W. F. B. Taylor was built here in 1836.
5 Among the first settlers were Wm. Sidney and Capt. Rose-
crantz.in 1801; Sylvanus Maybee, Benj. Kinyon. and Amos Avery,
at the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek. Nathan Cass, from Boston, Je-
hial More and Jonas Green, at Forestville. in 1S05 : Abel Cleve-
land and David Dickerson. in 1802; John E. Howard, in 1 S06 ; and
Artemus R. Clothier, in 1809.— all at Silver Creek. The first child
born was Caroline Sidney, in 180-1 ; the first marriage, that of
Richard Smith and Sally Mack, in 1807; and the first death,
that of Wm. Sidney, in Jan. 1807. John Mack kept the first
inn, in 1807, at the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek, and Parker
Brownell the first store, in 1811. Abel Cleveland and David
Dickerson built the first sawmill, in 1804. and the first gristmill,
in 1806, at Silver Creek. In 1S05 Mr. Dickerson erected a -aw
mill at Silver Creek, to which he attached a mortar and pestle,
for the purposo of pounding corn for food. Moore erected
a gristmill at Forestville about the same period.
6 There are 8 churches in town ; 4 M. E., 3 Bap., and rre-h.
7 Daniel B. Carpenter, from Washington co., settled on Lot 6-1
in 1806; Jonathan Cheney on Lot 52, in 1S07; Theron Bly, from
Otsego co., on Lot 44, and Wm. Mattison on Lot 52. in lsll ;
and Jas. Carpenter on Lot 56, in 1816. The first child born was
Thos. Slayton, in Nov. 1807; the first marriage, that of Reuben
Slavton and Clarissa Slayton. in 1808; and the first death, that
of Thomas Slavton, Nov. 26, 1S07. Eben Pratt taught the first
school, in 1S17: Jas. McCallen kept the first inn. in 0816. on Lot
43; and Tibbets & Kellogg the first store, on the same lot, in
181 S. Keuben Slayton built the first sawmill, on Lot 43, in 1818
8 The census reports 9 churches ; 5 M. E„ 3 Bap., and Presb.
214 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
KIAXTOXE— was formed from Carroll, Nov. 16, 1853. It lies upon the s. border of the co.,
e. of the center. The surface is undulating in the e., and hilly in the w. The highest summits
are about 100 ft. above Chautauqua Lake. Connewango Creek forms the greater part of the e.
boundary. Kiantone and Stillwater Creeks are the other principal streams. The soil is a clay
loam intermixed with gravel. Kiantone (p. v.) contains about 20 dwellings. The first settle-
ment was made on Lot 1, in 1807, by Robt. Russel.1 The first religious meeting was held at the
house of Joseph Akins, in 1814, by Rev. Mr. Smith ; and the first church (Cong.) was formed in
1815. There are 3 churches in town; Cong., M. E., and Univ.
3II\A — was taken from Clymer, March 23, 1824. Sherman was taken off in 1832. It is
the central town upon the w. border of the co. Its surface is rolling and hilly. The principal
streams are French and several smaller creeks, flowing s. and w. Findleys Lake is a fine sheet
of water in the s. w. part. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Mina Corners, (Mina
p. 0.,) a little e. of the center, contains 15 dwellings ; and Findleys Lake, (p. v.,) near the
outlet of the lake, 20 dwellings. Friends is a p.o. in the s. w. part. The first settlement
was made on Lot 52. in 1M'>. l.y Alex. Finley, from Penn., originally from Ireland.2 The first
religious services (Rcf. Prot. D.) were held in the barn of Benj. Hazen, by Rev. Mr. Bradley,
in 1826. The first and only church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1853, and the church edifice
was erected in Lv">7.
POL.IXD — was formed from Ellicott, April 9, 1832. It lies on the e. border of the co., s.
of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided into several distinct ridges. The principal
streams are Connewango and Cassadaga Creeks, which form a junction near the s. line. The
soil is a clay and sandy loam. Considerable lumber is still manufactured. Falconer,3 (p. v.,)
on Connewango Creek, contains a church, gristmill, sawmill, and 23 dwellings. Poland Cen-
ter is a p.o. The first settlement was made at Falconer, on the Connewango, in 1805, by Dr.
Thos. R. Kennedy, from Meadville, Penn.4 A church (Union) — the only one in town — is located
:)t Falconer.
POMFRET- was formed from Chautauqua, March 11, 1808. Ellicott, Gerry, and Hanover
wore taken off in 1812, a part of Sheridan in 1827, and parts of Arkwright in 1829 and '30. It lies
upon Lake Erie, a little e. of the center of the co. A strip of comparatively level land extends
along the lake, and the remaining part of the surface is a rolling upland, the higher summits
being 700 to 800 ft. above the lake. It is principally drained by Canadaway Creek and several
-mailer streams flowing into the lake. Several small branches of Cassadaga Creek take their
rise in the s. part. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Quarries of excellent building stone
are found along the lake shore. Dunkirk.,5 (p. v.,) on Lake Erie, was incorp. May 15, 1837.
It is a commercial port upon the lake, and the w. terminus of the N. Y. & Erie R. R. It has a
fine harbor, and commodious wharves and warehouses for the accommodation of the large amount
of commerce that centers here during the season of navigation.6 The B. R. company have also
extensive warehouses, work and repair shops, and accommodations for an immense freighting
bu-iii'--. Tin' port i> tin; most important one on the lake between Buffalo and Cleveland; and
r _'ular lines of steam propellers run in connection with tli" n. u. The village contains a bank,
4 churches, 2 newspaper offices, a union school, several machine shops and furnaces, and a
brewery and distillery. Pop. 4,75 1. Fredonla, (p. v.,) upon Canadaway Creek,7 3 mi. s. of
Dunkirk, was incorp. May 2, L829. It contains I churches, the Fredonia Academy, 2 banks, 2
weekly newspapers, 3 flouring mills, 2 furnace-, and various other manufacturing establishments.
The celebrated "Fredonia Garden Seeds" are raised and put up at this place.8 Pop. 2,004.
i Jtmm Hall settled on Lot 28, In 1810. The tir-t school was
-. in l-ll. .I.i«. II. ill kept tbe first
a Lot 11. I
Km-— 1 built the firet sawmill, on K
- Aaron WMti Dunnvilli , < itled I
1 1 • ■ i 1 821 ;
JnmM Ottawa?, (torn K.nt c I, on Lot M In
• r-t birth was tln.t of -i d
Iman and Nam v w,i-
:u April, i- ■■Mi. tbat of the mother of
N el. oriel Tbroop, In 1-. taughl by
i More, near Kml.v- Mill*, in !-_■. Collin Barnes kepi
111- t-.r-t inn. OD Lol '
i Al\. linl;. I.iiilt the first mill, in
Woodard Were alsoeorh settlers. Dr. T. 1!. Kennedy erected the
: i -: sawmill, in 1806, and the Brat gristmill, in 1806, on the Con-
newango. 'Mi'- fn>t lumber rafted down the alii {hi 03 was
made at Dr. Kennedy's mill.
'" Formerly called "Chadwicks Bay," from the firs! settler.
I \i tin- 1 . r I were r.r.ive.l. in Is;,;. ■J4-J.<i;,7 |.|.!s. flour.:; 82
1.1. N. whisk, v. I'n.i:,:; M,ls. heef. pork, and baron, 93,448 bush.
I I B8h.corn,2452,8001bs.woo],l,208,4001bB.butter,
■..1 ol cattle, 10,782 sheep, and 10,865 hogs.
7 Dpon the banks "f the creek — just below the bridge, in the
tillage— -Is a spring of carburette.i h\.ln .■_••■ n l .-. yielding about
10,000 cable ft "I gat every 'J4 hours. This gas is collected in
ometer and distributed in pipes, affording sufficient lij;ht
for abOUl 1. IM-half of the Village. About One mi. K. of the village
1824, on tbe outlet "f Unisys Laka. the gas oozes fr.'in the shale rocks on the banks of tbe creek over
* Formerly known as ■■ K-nwli/riii'." the space ..f an acre. The amount of gas escaping here is sup-
11 IwardShlliii ibonl tbe name time at tbe mllh I to be much greater than at the spring in the Tillage, and
thaOonnewango; Amw:i Ives. I«;i Owens, I a company has been formed to collect it for use.
v -. J..«. and iMniel Wheeler, Nicholas LMlofT, and Joshua | 8 Over 600 acres of land arc devoted to this business.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. 215
Laoiia, (p.v.,) on Saw Creek, near the e. border, contains 2 churches, a paper mill, saw and
grist mill, and 406 inhabitants. Brigham, in the s. part, is a p. o. Sin n lit la is a hamlet,
near the s. e. corner. David Eason and Thomas McClintock, from Penn., settled at Fredonia, in
1804.1 The first church (Bap.) was organized Oct. 20, 1808, at the house of Judge Cushing.2
l*OKTl«ArVD — was formed from Chautaucma, April 9, 1813. Ripley was taken off in 1817,
and a part of Westfield in 1829. It lies upon Lake Erie, a little w. of the center of the CO. Its
surface is level along the lake shore, but broken and hilly in the center and w. Its streams are
small creeks and brooks flowing into Lake Erie. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam.
Centerville, (Portland p. o.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 233 inhabitants ;
Salem, (Brockton p. o.,) in the n. e. part, contains 2 churches and 258 inhabitants. The first
settlement was made a little w. of the center, by Capt. Jas. Dunn, in 1805.3 The first religious
meeting was held at the house of Capt. Dunn, in 1810, by Rev. John Spencer, who afterward
organized the first church (Cong.) in 1817.4
RIPE.EY5 — was formed from Portland, March 1, 1817. A part of Westfield was taken off in
1829. It lies upon Lake Erie, in the n. w. corner of the co. Its surface is level along the lake
shore, and broken and hilly in the s. e. The highest summits are 800 ft. above the lake. It is
drained by Twenty Mile Creek and its tributaries and a large number of small streams flowing
into the lake. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Along the lake shore are several valuable
stone quarries. Quincy, (Ripley p. o.,) about 1 mi. e. of the lake, contains 2 churches and 289
inhabitants. State Line is a station on the B. &E. R. R. Josiah Farnsworth, from the E. part
of the State, settled at Quincy in 1804. The first religious services (Bap.) were held at the house of
Nathan Wisner, by Rev. Samuel Wisner, in 1806; the first church (Presb.) was formed in 1820.6
SIIER.IDA1V — was formed from Pomfret and Hanover, April 16, 1827. It lies upon the
shore of Lake Erie, e. of the center of the co. The surface is level in the n. w., and hilly in the
s. E., with a gradual inclination toward the lake. A nearly perpendicular bluff, 50 to 200 ft. high,
extends along the lake shore. It is drained by Scotts Creek, and several smaller streams, flowing
into Lake Erie. The soil is a clay loam, mixed in some parts with gravel. Sheridan Center
(p. v.) contains 2 churches and 20 dwellings. The first settlements were made on Lot 17, at the
center, by Francis Webber, from Mass., in 1804.7 The first religious meeting (Presb.) was held
at the house of Orsamus Holmes, by Rev. John Spencer, in 1807 ; and the first church (Presb.)
was organized by Mr. Spencer, in 1816.8
SHERMAN9 — was formed from Mina, April 17, 1832. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the
center of the co. The surface is rolling and hilly, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. It
is drained by French Creek and its tributaries. The soil is clay and sandy loam. Considerable
lumber is manufactured in the town. Sherman, (p. v.,) in the n., contains 4 churches, a grist-
mill, sawmill, and several manufacturing establishments. Pop. 401. Center Sherman is a
p. o. Pleasant Valley and Waits Corners are hamlets. In 1824,10 Alanson Weed set-
1 Low Minegar, Renj. Barrett. Zattu Gushing, Barnes,
Cole, and Geer settled, in 1*04 and 'U5, at and near
Fredonia. Timothy Goulding settled 1 mi. w. of the harbor, in
1S08. Solomon Chadwick located at Dunkirk in 1809, and
Gaylord, Daniel Pier, and Luther Goulding soon after. Samuel
Perry brought the first vessel into the harbor, in 1810. The
first death was that of a daughter of Oliver Woodcock. 12 years
of age, killed by the fall of a tree in 1808. The first school was
taught by Samuel Perry, at Fredonia. in the winter of 180S-09.
Thos. McClintock kept the first inn, in 1809, and E. Bisley the
first store, in 1808, at Fredonia. Baker. Berry & Co. built the
first sawmill and gristmill, in 1807, on Canadaway Creek.
2 The census reports 11 churches ; 3 Bap., 2 Prot. E., 2 Presb.,
2 M. E., Christian, and B. C.
3 In 1800, Nathan, Elisha, and Nath'l Fay settled on Lot 25,
Peter Kane on Lot 38, John Price on Lot 34. David Eason on Lot
37, and Benj. Hutchins in the same vicinity. The first birth
was that at George \V. Dunn, Jan. 18, 1*07 ; the first marriage,
that of Absalom Harris and Polly Kane, in 1810; and the lust
death, that of Mrs. Nathan Fay, in 1807. The first school was
taught by Anna Eaton, on the premises of Capt. Dunn, in the
summer of 1810. The first inn was kept near Centerville, by ('apt.
Dunn, in 1800, and the first store by Thos. Clump, in 1817, in
the w. part of the town. Moses Sage and Win. Dunham built
the first sawmills, near the lake shore. The first gristmill was
built at Salem.
* The census reports 6 churches; 2 Bap., 2 M. E., Prot. Meth.,
and Cong.
5 Named in honor of Gen. Eleazur W. Ripley. Among the other
early settlers were Perry G. Ellsworth, on Lot 12, near Quincy,
Samuel Truesdail, near the Penn. line, Alexander Cochrane, on
Lot 10, and Wm. Alexander, all of whom came in 1804 ; Silas
Baird settled on Lot 6. and Ira Loomis in town, in 1806; Chas.
Forsyth in 1S08. The first school was taught by Ann Riddle, a
little w. of Quincy, in 1810. The first inn was kept near the
State lim-. by Sam'] Truesdail, in 1805.
0 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 Presb., M. E., Bap., anu
Union.
1 Jerrard Griswold, John Walker, Orsamus and Alanson
Holmes, and Uriah Lee, from Eastern New York, settled near
the center in 1804-05; Wm. Griswold, from Conn., on Lot 35. in
1805; and Rev. John Spencer, from Conn., at the center, in 1807.
The first birth was that of Jos. KUieott. son of Alanson Holmes,
in the spring of 1805; the first marriage, that of Benj.Parrows
and Betsey Stebbins, in 1807-08; and the first death, that of
Alanson Holmes, in the fall of 1S05. The first school was taught
by Wm. Griswold. in the winter of 1808-09, at his own house.
Orsamus Holmes kept the first inn, w. of the center, in 1808, and
Elisha day the first store, the same year. Haven Brigham built
the first gristmill, in 1807, on Brighams Creek.
8 The census reports 3 churches: Presb., Bap., and Wes. Meth.
9 Named in honor of Roger Sherman, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence.
10 In the same year. Harvey W.Goff settled on Lot 30, Lester
R. Dewev on Lot 81, Otis skinner on Lot 32, and Hiram N
Gleason on Lot 24. The first child born was Amass Donnas,
in 1824; the first marriage, that of Lester R. Dewey and Fanny
Patterson, in 1825; and the first death, that of Am. .Id. in
1820. Otis Skinner taught the first Bchool, in his own house, in
1828. Josiah Keeler kept the first Btore and inn. mi Lot 27, in
1827. Alanson Weed erected the first mill, on Lot 30 inlS25.
216 CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
tied on Lot 31. The first religious meeting (Bap.) was held at the house of Jonathan Reynolds,
by Elder Spencer ; and the first church (Cong.) was formed in 1826.1
STOCRTO.Y2 — was formed from Chautauqua, Feb. 9, 1821. A part of Ellery was annexed
in 1850. It is an interior town, lying a little n. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling
and hilly upland. Cassadaga and Bear Lakes, two small bodies of water near the n. border, give
rise to Cassadaga and Bear Creeks. These streams unite in the s. part of the town. The soil
upon the upland is a clay loam, and in the valleys a sandy loam. Delaiiti, (Stockton p. o.,)
near the center, contains 3 churches, a grist and saw-mill, and 180 inhabitants. Cassadaga,
(p. v..) upon Cassadaga Lake, in the n. e. corner, contains a church, a sawmill, and 151 inhabit-
ants. South Stockton, in the s. e. part, and Oregon, in the s., are p. offices. The first
settlement was made in the s. part of the town, in 1810, by Shadrack Scofield, David Waterbury,
and Henry "Walker, from Saratoga co.s The first church (Bap.) was organized in the s. part, in
1815.*
VIL.L.EXOVA — was taken from Hanover, Jan. 24, 1823. A part of Arkwright was taken
off in 1829. It lies upon the e. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is rolling in the
s. e., and broken and hilly in the center and n\ The highest summit is 900 ft. above Lake Erie.
Two small lakes — one on the x. and the other on the w. border — form the sources of the two
brandies of Connewango Creek, which unite in the s. e. corner. The soil is a clay and gravelly
loam. Omar, (Hamlet p.o.,) a little s. w. of the center, contains 2 churches, a grist and saw
mill, and lsl inhabitants. Villeiiova is a p.o. at Connewango Forks, in the s. e. part. The
first settlement was made in 1810, on Lot 3, by Daniel Whipple, from Herkimer co., originally
from M;i-<.5 The first religious meeting was held by Rev. Mr. Dunham; and the first church
(M. E.) was formed in 1812. There are 3 churches in town; M. E., Wes. Meth., and F. W. Bap.
WESTFIELD-was formed from Portland and Ripley, March 19, 1829. It lies upon Lake
Eri'\ w. of the center of the co. The surface is level or rolling along the lake, and hilly in the
center and s. It is drained by Chautauqua and Little Chautauqua Creeks and several smaller
streams flowing into the lake. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Westfield,6 (p. v.,) upon
Chautauqua Creek, about 2 mi. from the lake, was incorp. April 19, 1833. It contains 4 churches,
2 banks, a weekly newspaper, the Westfield Academy, an agricultural implement factory, a hard-
ware factory, woolen factory, cotton mill, and 3 flouring mills. Pop. 1,433. Barcelona,
(p. v..) a port of entry upon the lake, contains 169 inhabitants. Volusia is a p. o. in the s. part
of the town. The first settlement was made in 1801, by Edward McHenry, from Penn.7 The first
church (Presb.) was organized in 1807, by Rev. John Linsley.8
ITbeoei -ochurches; Cong., Bap., F.W. Bap., M. I...
and I ii iv.
s Named In honor of Itichard Stockton, a signer of the De-
n •■{ Independence.
* T)i>- iir-t i MM t" rn wu Wm. Walker, Aug. '-."p. 1811. Abigail
boot, in the 8. part, In the Bummer of
■ mn wa« kept by Ichabod Fisher, al Cassadaga,
in 1-11. and the first store by James Haywood, :>i Delanti, in
I! • I . •. S. -l-.il l.mlt tin- first gristmill, at !>•-
in 1819.
« Ii '- 6 choreic*; 3 Bap., Cong., Christian, and
I
* Amine the were Daniel Wright, from
erected tlie first sawmill, in 1815. on the Connewango, below the
Forks ; and a gristmill was attached in 1818,
' The business of this place was ruined by the finishing of the
X.V..V- Erie R. B. to Dunkirk. A lighthouse here is lighted by
gas obtained from u gas spring, on the bank of the creek, about
a mile distant.
' Among tl tier early settlers were Arthur Hell and James
Montgomery, from Penn, who located a little w. of Westfield Til-
lage, Abraham Fredrick, fr.-m I'.-nn.. ..n Lot 71, and Dan'l Kin-
kaid, "ii l."t 1 1. ail in 1802; and Qen. John and Jas. McMahan,
on the present alte .-f the village, in isu.'j. The first child born
John McHenry, in 1802; the first marriage, that of Jamea
ornery and Barah Taylor, June 80, 1805; and the first
Ilrrku Lot 1 mb,John Kent, and KU death, that of Edward McHenry, drowned by the upsetting of
Arnold. Thi flnrt chl ta Whipple, Mn ■ !i i .at on Lake Erie, in 1808. John McMahan erected the
Dighton; and Oral sawmill and gristmill, In 180-t.on and near the mouth of
'm Arnold, in 1811. Mi Chautauqna Creek. Edward McHenry kept the first inn. in
isoj. ..,|,.| .la«. Atkins tin- first store, in 1808, at Westfield Vil-
jn 1-! ' ' ■ -pt tb. i. i,-l \ ill. i The fir-I school was taught by Win. Murray, in 1803.
cm), tli- first inn, at Wrights I 29. John Kent "Tie- census reports 7 churches; 2 M. E,, Presb., l'rot. E.,
Wes, Meth., Hap., and Univ.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY.
217
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Chautauqua County.
Names or Towns.
Arkwright —
Busti
Carrol
Charlotte
Chautauqua...
Cherry Creek.
Clymer
Ellery
Ellicott
Ellington
French Creek..
Gerry
Hanover
Harmony
Kiantone
Mina
Poland
Pomfret
Portland
Ripley
Sheridan
Sherman
Stockton
Villeuova
Westfield
Total
Acres op Land.
|
112,256
18,899
6,712
12,696
25,318
11,090
9,260
19,5981
9,95l|
14,171
6,6684
11,917
21,011
28,728
6,040
10,1034
8,534 i
21,5884
15,3304
16,696
15,5594
11.499
16,028
12,7591
18,1944
360,110
9,199
11,342
12,755
8,658
19,617
14,477
13,965
10,800
9,2984
8,675
16.4484
9,837
11,7361
25,805
4,234
12,786
13.3S6
10,9414
5,504
12,630
6,719
12,638
12.9004
9,521
10,272
294,1454
Valuation op
1858.
Population.
•0
B
J*
81
i
*5
S3
a. a,
i
1
1
$287,734
$18,300
$306,034
661
549
202
562,566
20,650
683,215
940
1180
354
271,874
31,175
303,049
698
710
267
386,336
73,655
459,991
845
827
329
784,050
139,230
923,280
1,324
1,267
520
247,170
9,450
256,620
632
594
246
229,812
10,800
240,612
607
557
234
546,627
31,950
578,577
972
893
348
750,119
333,276
1,083,395
1,971
1,964
715
340,556
64,250
404,806
972
958
374
190.510
4,025
194,541
400
366
153
285,065
21,010
306,075
635
623
242
952,119
137,450
1,089,569
2.057
2,044
798
821,779
117,580
939,359
1,742
1,701
713
208,446
85,075
293,521
257
233
96
245,S41
9,475
255,316
522
514
199
252,535
11,100
263.635
702
623
251
1,631.057
320,540
1,951,597
4.754
4,403
1,627
507.222
45,489
552,711
978
958
136
646.470
82,(100
729.070
852
851
319
630.235
54,300
684,535
763
828
318
305.409
33.600
339,009
652
662
268
439.836
33,950
473,786
869
819
343
323,081
36,150
359,231
721
692
290
1,082.696
164.860
1.247,556
14,819,090
1,675
1,663
646
12.929,150
1,889,940
27,101
26,279
9,988
205
375
27 S
337
621
258
216
355
757
407
153
253
815
707
96
200
245
1,841
373
331
335
274
350
315
569
187
339
27 1
327
■II,
234
211
327
409
364
146
211
641
621
91
192
206
1040
303
281
295
240
319
264
582
8,528 307
Schools.
<=.
3?
463
675
551
677
1.092
137
462
549
1.5:04
941
316
489
1.590
1,405
205
500
548
3,063
652
699
582
441
621
493
1,126
20,091
Names op Towns.
Arkwright....
Busti
Carrol
Charlotte
Chautauqua..
Cherry Creek.
Clymer
Ellery
Ellicott
Ellington
French Creek.
Gerry
Hanover
Harmony
Kiantone
Mina
Poland
Pomfret
Portland
Ripley
Sheridan
Sherman
Stockton
Villenova
Westfield
Total
Live Stock.
«
391
639
266
349
861
375
303
784
413
578
246
430
898
1,076
168
331
296
1,139
510
605
481
409
457
457
5S5
<&§
£©e
1,348
1,925
534
1.429
2,799
981
1,012
2,033
'725
1,168
551
1,155
2,365
3,312
613
1,002
727
2,748
1,117
1,257
1,035
1.260
2 299
1.451
1.200
13,047 40.844 36,046 90,154 21,105
2.174
5,748
1,675
1,001
4.601
2,077
1,624
3,813
3,831
4,895
4,614
3.323
4,659
5.845
1,560
2,101
1,941
3,785
5,204
8,740
4,331
2,135
1,097
3,285
6,094
&3
647
863
380
652
1,539
5'
483
1,743
462
782
292
568
1.664
1.741
235
456
493
1,896
S83
976
863
509
790
919
69S
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Grain.
545
735
1,480
90
1,456
5874
8854
5.625
1.6254
289
327
2S2
8.235
2.978
387
38
674
6,936
6.S724
10,058
10,010
2S0
435
3254
7,901
.=■-
69,1574
37.1294
75.708
26.429
46.740
71.190
40.2434
28,579i
86.337*
41 ,907 i
73,2934
18.5054
42,1584
66,5424
96,7794
20,478
28,2064
32.Mil
64,938
49,098
55,9684
42,258£
32,277
47,402
44.113
48.S75
1,217.958*
Si
"fe.
2,906
5,810
2,542
3,339
8.250
2,736
2,512
4.985
2,697
3,553
1,745
3.147
6,5414
8,586
1.914
3,246
2,921
6,7594
4,7424
5,371
4,332
3,6144
4,4184
3,492
5,5114
105,672
"fe
cqO,
10,188
15,196
7.957
10,685
13,703
9,088
12,272
13,091
11,274
13,574
6,038
8,475
17,706
27,642
3,532
9,916
11,029
12,870
7,411
7,443
8,288
11,554
11,243
14,772
7,504
**>
3 &
1 1 ,252
20,589
7.219
10,154
26.190
12.448
3.015
32.104
12,454
22.3S7
2,226
15,567
30,058
2S.352
5,742
6,007
7,098
19.037
12,671
9,016
22,202
3.243
24,300
14.529
9,349
Dairy Products.
O, CI
99.029
195,463
50,460
139,761
279.574
10,782
95.669
173.509
04.(194
144.717
58,050
1(13.685
229.772
332.495
56,530
111.065
71,910
175,368
131,836
122.800
105,786
143.745
212.926
168.0S7
112,064
282,451 368,115 3,389,837 1,198,361
ft, 5
120.515
51,780
4,700
7 ",2,o
115.272
20,580
16,741
119.439
12,884
15,155
2,218
61.220
58,300
83,172
21.400
10.610
6,375
91,509
8,425
17.425
54,706
14,100
179,472
36,509
5,214
2 a
is
1,784
1.427
1.765
781
726
2.612
1.931*
1.855
6494
1,693
1,002
S27
2,201
3,941
136
988
1,008
848
995
1,221
1,619
1,497
1,245
2,990*
515
35,258
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
This county was formed from Tioga, March 29, 1836.1 A portion
of Schuyler was taken off in 185-4. It lies upon the s. border of the
State, is centrally distant 1-38 mi. from Albany, and contains 406
sq. mi. Its surface is principally a hilly upland broken by the
deep ravines of the streams. The highest points are 400 to 600 ft.
| above the valleys and 1300 to 1500 ft. above tide. The ridges extend
1 in a general N. and s. direction, and have steep declivities and broad
and rolling summits. A deep valley, extending s. from Seneca
Lake, divides the highlands into two general systems, and forms an
easy communication between the Susquehanna Valley and the cen-
tral portions of the State. Chemung River flows s. e. through the s.
part of the co. and cuts the ridges diagonally. Wide alluvial flats,
bordered by steep hillsides, extend along nearly its whole course. Catharine Creek flows n.
through the central valley and discharges its waters into Seneca Lake. The other principal
streams, all tributaries of the Chemung, are Post, Sing Sing,2 Newtown, Goldsmith, Wynkoops,3
and Cayuta Creeks from the K., and Hendy and Seely Creeks from the s. The valleys of these
streams are generally narrow, and are bordered by steep hills. The valleys of the smaller streams
are mere ravines and gulleys.
The principal rocks in the co. belong to the shales and sandstones of the Chemung group. In
the n. part the rocks of the Portage group are exposed in the ravines. The sandstone is quarried
in several places, and furnishes a good quality of stone for building and flagging. Bog iron ore and
marl are fuund to a limited extent. The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, intermixed in some
places with clay. The valleys are covered with a deep, rich alluvium. The highlands are best
adapted to pasturage. The people are principally engaged in agriculture. Until within a few
years, lumbering has formed a leading pursuit;* but since the disappearance of the fine forests this
business has been mostly superseded by stock and wool growing and dairying. Since the com-
pletion of the railroads and canals, commerce and manufactures have received considerable atten-
tion, although they are still subordinate to the agricultural interests of the co.
The county seat is located at Elmira, upon Chemung River.5 The courthouse and jail are located
near the center of the village, e. of the canal. The jail is poorly arranged, and in construction it
meets neither the requirements of humanity nor the law. The average number of inmates is 12,
kept at a cost of $2 50 per week each. The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 180 acres in the
town of Borseheads, on the line of Erin. The average number of inmates is 70, supported at a
cost of $ .80 each per week. The farm yields a revenue of S1000.6 The Chemung Canal extends
8. from Seneca Lake through the central valley to Chemung River at Elmira, forming a direct
con with the great chain of internal water navigation of the State. A navigable feeder
from ( £ iben on., forme a junction with the canal on the summit level at Ilorseheads
Village. Junction Canal extends several mi. along the Chemung, affording navigation at points
where the river i> obstructed by rapids and narrows. The New York & Erie R.R. extends along
Chcinu: h Chemung, Southport, Elmira, and Big Flats. The Chemung R. R. extends
pr. from Elmira through B ids and Veteran. The "NVilliamsport & Elmira R. R. extends s.
from Elmira through Southport into Penn., forming a direct line to Philadelphia.
One daily and J weekly newspapers are published in this co.1
i Rama n th» principal rln r. itgnlfli ' " Big horn,"
or " Horn ill lli- '•> itl r ." It U I llli I by 1 ' iD-OD-
gue, a wr.pl ■■( lli" «*nie »iciiiiV.iti' ri. Tli<~"i name* w-r- up
iili-: ' number* of 1mm
Dg from tini" to tini" t r In
hi* "View* of Elmira," 8 lomon8onthwl ttbo Indian
came of the Chemung wu Con-e-wawa, rignifving " a bead on
a pole."
* Named from John Sing Sine, a friendly Indian.
8 Nun' 1 fr"tn Wm. Wynknop, an early »etll"r.
4 For many yean 10,000,000 ft. "f pine Inn ' 1 1 wan I
down th» Chemung and Susquehanna ft m Elmira annually.
't: nof Tioga co. Elmira, Iben" Iftwl
made half-ahire; and npon the < ongco.li
uiity vnt, aii'l the 'II co. bnfldlngi
■e of the new CO. Th- first co. offjecr-
- -
Joseph L. Parting. First Jurli/r; Andrew K. Gregg. District M-
: Isaac Jialdwin, Ci.iinti/ Ch-rk; Albert A. Beckwith,
Sheriff; ami Lyman Covin. Surrogate,
•The poorhi M-- i- entirely inadequate for the comfort or
health Ol the inmates. Uany insane persons are confined, with-
out proper care or medical attendance. No school is kept, but
at proper at'- the children are bound "<it.
' Tht Ttlegraph, the first paper published In the co., «■ - tab-
Uahi i it A' mtoten" (now Elmira,) by PrindleA Murphy
at an early period. In 1816 il was issued as
Tlit Viriritr by Prindle k Murphy, and subsequently by Wm.
Murphy.
The Investigator waa commenced at Elmira, In 1820, by Job
Smith. In lsji; its name was changed to
The Tioga /•'■'//■'./•.and In 1828 to
The K. I in Ira Gazette, and its publication was continued
CHEMUNG C 0 U N T Y.
219
In 1779, Gen. Sullivan and his army entered the co. from the s. by the way of Chemung
River. Below " Kcwtoion Point" (now Elmira) he encamped and threw up a breastwork, which
was afterward called Fort Sullivan. At this point he first encountered the Indians and toriee in
force, and on the 29th of Aug. a battle ensued. The Indians were commanded by Brant, and
the tories were led by Cols. Butler and Johnson. After an obstinate engagement <>{' two hours, the
enemy gave way at all points and fled, and no more resistance was offered to the advance of the
American army. The first settlements were made from 1787 to 1790, by immigrants from Penn.,
who had accompanied Sullivan in his expedition. They located principally in the valley of the
Chemung, at Elmira, Southport, and Big Flats. Soon after, settlements were made at Catlin and
Veteran, by immigrants from Conn. ; at Erin, by Dutch and Scotch from N. J. and Del. ; and at
Chemung, by immigrants from Lancaster co., Penn.1 The portion of the co. lying s. of the Che-
mung River was included in a royal grant made previous to 1775. The remaining parts of the co.
were included in the Watkins and Flint purchase.
BALDWIN2 — was formed from Chemung, April 7, 1856. It lies s. e. of the center of the
CO., and a narrow strip extends to the e. border. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep
valleys of Baldwin and Wynkoops Creeks. The soil upon the hills is a clayey and shaly loam
underlaid by hardpan, and in the valleys a gravelly loam. Hammonds Corners (North
Chemung p. o.) contains a church, tannery, and 18 houses. Henry Sice made the first settlement,
a little n. of the village, in 1813, and Warren and Charles Granger settled at the village in 1814.3
The only church in town (Union) was formed in 1852, by Dr. Murdock, the first preacher.
BIG FL«AT$ — was formed from Elmira, April 16, 1822. It lies upon the w. border of the
co., s. of the center. Its surface consists of a broken upland in the n. and s., separated by a wide
intervale or flat, which extends N. e. from the Chemung through the center and gives name to the
town. Chemung River receives several small tributaries from the n., the principal of which is
Sing Sing Creek. The soil is a slaty loam upon the hills, and a productive gravelly loam in the
valleys. Tobacco is raised in considerable quantities upon the flats.4 Bigr Flats, (p. v.,) situ-
ated in the valley near the w. border of the town, is a station upon the N. Y. & Erie R. R. Pop.
180. The first settlement was made by Christian Miner, from Penn., in 1787.5 The first church
(Bap.) was formed in 1807. Rev. Roswell Goff was the first preacher.6
CATIillV — was formed from Catharine, Schuyler co., April 16, 1823. It is the n.w. corner
town of the co. The surface is a hilly upland, the highest summits being 200 to 400 feet above the
valleys. The principal streams are Post and Sing Sing Creeks and Hubbards Run. The soil is
There is no village or church in town.
chiefly a gravelly loam, and is best adapted to grazing.
by Mr. Smith until 1831. It was successively issued by
Brinton Paine, Cyrus Pratt, Pratt & Beardsley, Masou &
Rhodes, Geo. W. Mason, and Win. C. Mason, until 1S57,
when it passed into the hands of S. C. Taber, by whom
it is still published.
The Elmira Republican was commenced in 1820, and in 1S28 it
was changed to
The Elmira Whig, and published by James Durham. In 1S29
it was changed again to
The Elmira Republican, and issued by C. Morgan. It was soon
after called
The Elmira Republican and Canal Advertiser. In 1S31 it passed
into the hands of John Duffy, and its name was changed
back to
The Elmira Republican. It was successively issued by Birdsall
& Huntley, Ransom & Birdsall, Polly & Carter, Polly
& Cook, Polly & Huntley, S. B. & G. C. Fairman, G. C.
Fairman, Fairman & Baldwin, Baldwin & Dumas, and
Calhoun, until 1857, when it was discontinued.
The Elmira Daily Republican was issued a short time in 1S46.
The Daily Republican was issued from the Republican office
from the fall of 1851 to 1855.
Tile Elmira Advertiser was commenced in 1853 by
Fairman Brothers. In 1856 F. A. De Voe became in-
terested in the publication, and the paper is still issued
by Fairman & De Voe.
The Elmira Daily Advertiser was commenced
simultaneously with the weekly, and is still issued, by
the same publishers.
The Elmira Daily Democrat was issued a short time in 1851 by
J. Taylor & S. C. Taber.
The Chemung Patriot was published in 1837 at Horseheads by
J. T.'Bradt.
The Philosopher was commenced at Horseheads, April 7, 1S55,
by Sam'l C. Taber, and was continued until 1857, when
it was merged in The Elmira Gazette.
The Daily Press was commenced in 1859, by Dumas, Van
Gelder & Paine, its present publishers.
The, Temperance, Gem (mo.) was published at Elmira about 1850.
1 Louis Philippe, the Duke de Nemours, and the Duke de Herri,
visited Elmira in 1797. having traveled on foot to that place
from Canaudaigua, a distance of 70 mi. They went down the
river to Harrisburgh upon an ark.
2 Named from Baldwin Creek, which received its name froir
Isaac. Walter, and Thomas Baldwin, brothers, who settled at an
early period at the mouth of the creek. It was formerly railed
Butlers Creek. They were attached to Gen. Sullivan's expedi-
tion against the Indians in 1778-79, and Walter was wuunded
at the battle of Newtown.
3 The first child born was Simeon Hammond, and the first
death was that of Thos. Wheeler, killed by the fall of a tree. The
first school was taught by Polly Blandin. a little x.of the village.
D. R. Harris kept the first inn, and Miles Covel the first store, K.
of the village.
4 In 1850, Sanford Elmore, from Conn., commenced the culti-
vation of tobacco in this town, and it has since become a staple
product. In 185S nearly 1000 acres were devoted to it, and 250
tons of the Conn, seed leaf were produced.
6 Caleb Gardner and Henry Starell, from Penn., settled on
the river below Miner in the same or the next year. Geo. Gard-
ner settled at the village in 17SS, Clark Winans on the river
in 17S9, and John Winters, Jesse and Joel Rowley, and Geo.
Gardner, jr., all from Penn., in 1790. The first birth was that
of Christian Miner, jr., in 1790; the first marriage, that of Wm.
Applegate and Catharine Miner; and the first death, that of T.
Dolson. Cornelius McGinnis taught the first school, near the
village; John Hay kept the first store, and (apt. Geo. Gardner
the first inn at the village. The first gristmill was erected by
Robt. Miller, E. of the village.
6 The census reports i churches ; Bap., F. W. Bap., Presb., and
M.E.
220
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
Cat It 11 Center and Post Creefc. are p. offices. The first settlers -were John Martin, from
Tompkins co., and Aaron Davenport, from N. J., vrho located in the s. w. corner of the town.1
CIIEMl'XG— was formed Feb. 28, 1789. Elmira was taken off in 1792, Erin in 1822, and
Baldwin in 1856. It is the s. E. corner town of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland broken by
dcci i and narrow valleys. Chemung River flows s. e. through the s. part. Wynkoops Creek flows
s. through near the center, in a deep valley bordered by steep hillsides. The soil on the uplands is
a gravelly loam, and in the valleys gravel mixed with alluvium. Broomcorn and tobacco are
largely cultivated. Breckville. (Chemung p. o.,) on Chemung River, contains a church and
57 dwellings. It is a station on the N. Y. ft Erie R. R. Chemung Center and Baldwin
are p. offices. The first settlement was made at Breckville, in 1788, by Elijah Breck, Capt. Daniel
McDowell, and William Wynkoop, — the first two fromPenn.2 The first church (Bap.) was formed
in 1790, by Rev. Roswell Guff.3
ELMIKA — was formed from Chemung, as "Newtown," April 10, 1792, and its name was
changed April 6, 1808. Catharine, Schuyler co., was taken off in 1798, Big Flats and Southport
in 1822, and Ilorseheads in 1854. It is situated s. of the center of the co. Ranges of hills occupy
the e. and w. borders, and a wide valley extends through the center. The declivities of the hills
are generally steep, and their summits are 400 to 600 ft. above the valleys. The principal streams
are Chemung River, forming the s. boundary, and Newtown and Goldsmiths Creeks. The soil
upon the uplands is a gravelly loam, and in the valleys a productive, sandy loam. Elmira
(p. v.) is situated upon the Chemung, near the center of the s. border of the town. Upon an emi-
nence 2\ mi. E. of Elniira Yillage is the remains of an ancient fortification. It is protected on one
aide 1 >v the river, and on the other by a deep ravine. An embankment 200 feet long, 14 feet wide,
and oh feet high still extends along the rear of the fortification, and upon it large trees grew when
the whites first occupied the country. It was incorp. as "Newtown" March 3, 1815, and its name
was changed April 21, 1828. The people are largely engaged in manufacturing4 and in commercial
pursuits,5 for which the location of the place is admirably adapted. Besides the co. buildings, the
village contains 3 banks, 1 daily and 2 weekly newspaper offices, 8 churches, and a large number
of fine and commodious commercial buildings. It is also the seat of the Elmira Female College,6
the Elmira Seminary,7 the Elmira Academy,8 and a large water-cure establishment.9 The public
schools are graded and are in a flourishing condition. Pop. 8,308, of which 7,173 are within the
limits of the town, and 1,135 in the town of Southport. The first settlement was made by Col. John
Hendy and Christian Loop, who located on the present site of the village in 1788.10 Col. Hendy
l Among the other early settlers were N. Swick, Homer Tup-
r-r. Edward Beebe, Jacob Bucher, Alanson Owen, John Woolsey,
and J. M. Barker, who located in the s. part. Jacob Bucher
• be Brat inn on Post Creek, and Ostrander erected the
LDd ^'rixtinills on the came stream. Kenbcn Beebe
- I, at the age of 105. Hla widow, Hannah
■ '.S, at the age of 105. Mr. Beebe served as
Revolutionary army.
' Tie fir-t marriage was thai of Gny Maxwell and Nellie
■ • ' 1'h. thatof Wm. Boeworth. Thefirsl
Inn < '■'■ '■'• !■. "T> Wynkoops Creek, and the
fir-' Brack, at Breckville, Epinetus Owen erected
-.. Wm. Wynkoop waa from
i • the month of the creek bearing hit
-t - boo! teai her, waa killed by
the Indian*.
» i reports 4 ehnrchi i; 2 Onion, Bap., and O .ng.
• Tbn pi ' the manufacturing establishment
f
und • of cloth annually ; the PI
( t to 40 men; i it- ■ Elmira
At i nd » In: 60 nun.
1 flouring null", a planing mill.
and nil.
' An in. in'"' lamhef trade !■ "till carriwl on by meant of the
I rand OanaL TheW. 4 t i..i: omnsa direct
communication with I nn. and a large coal-
trad ■■ i -:,: Uy ■pringiBf up- •'■ t of
an < • ' ade.
• Tlii« in-tituti >n was chartered in 1866, with nil the powan
and privileges granl it ex-
- It the bigbesl culture. It is
beautiful: an eminence a little :«. w. of the vil-
The building withanoel liter 70
n diameter and -t stories high, flank'
■
Tli. of 1858 report* 188 pupila In attendance,
' Tlr' Elmira Seminary fcr v."inc ladleaua prirate Institution,
has Ik- n in "ii ration f r 11 year*, under the m
men- •". Th irston. The catalogue of 1857 report* ^i5
puj .
8 The Elmira Academy, once incorp., is now a private institu-
tion. It has an endowment of $10,000. New buildings for the
school aro in process of erection. In 1S5S, 2G2 pupils were re-
ported.
0 The Elmira Water-Cure is situated on the hill 1 mi. E. of the
village, commanding an extensive view of the valley and sur-
rounding country. It contains an-,, mi la t ions for 110 patients.
10 Among the early settlers were John Konkle, James Cameron,
Win. Seeley, Nathaniel Beeley, John Holler, Caleb Baker,
Mark*, '1'h in i- Hendy, and John J. AcMody. Cornelius
Low kept the first inn, in 1791. at Keivtown Point, and
Ciroi Hallenbech the tir-t store, at abont the same time and
place. The lir-t gristmill was built by Wm. Dunn andBrin-
ton Parne, at theviUs i In 1791, and the first sawmill, wool
carding and cloth dressing mill by Gen. Matthew Carpenter,
■ •n the site of the present woolen factory. The following nc-
■ innl of the Oral birth in town was given in the N. Y.
Commercial Advertiser:— "One Saturday afternoon, about 4
o'clock, in the summer of 1788, while Col. John Hendy was
working on his log house, a man and woman, both on horse-
back, emerged from the Indian pathway and crossed the New-
town Creek to his land. The man rode before, with a basket on
each side of his horsa, and n child in each basket, while the
woman brought up the rear, having on her nag the goods and
. battel! of the family : for they were man and wife. The hus-
band rode up to Col. IT., inquiring with much anxiety if there
doctor to be found in the vicinity. 'What is the matter?'
■aid the veteran. 'My wife lias got hurt by the stumbling of
her horse, and wants a doctor as soon as possible,' was the
reply. 'That is very unfortunate,' said the Col., 'for there is
DO doctor in this wilderness.' He had no shelter nor resting
to offer them, save the ground, the pine trees, and the
canopy of heaven. They rode on a few rods, and stopped — for
the] "ere obliged to stop — under the best Shelter they could
find, (in Sunday morning Col. Hendy met the man in the
tear the spot where they had conversed before, and. in-
quiring how his wife was, was answered, ' She is as well as
could be expected,' The Col. did not think again of the traveler
till Monday, when he sent his son to look after them. The boy
returned with the intelligence that they were getting ready to
start. 'But how is the woman, my boy?' said he. 'Tho
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
221
was the pioneer in the valley of the Chemung, and one of the most prominent of the early settlers.
The first preacher (Presb.) was ltev. Nathan Culver.1
ERIIV — was formed from Chemung, March 29, 1822. A part of Van Etten was taken off in
1854. It extends from near the center of the co. to the n. border. Its surface is a hilly upland
broken by the deep and narrow valleys of the streams. The principal streams are Wynkoops,
Bakers, Baldwins, and Newtown Creeks. Upon Bakers Creek, in the s. part of the town, is
a fine sulphur spring. The soil is a medium quality of gravelly loam, and is best adapted to
grazing. Considerable lumber is still manufactured, little more than one-third of the surface
being under improvement. Erin, South Erin, and State Road are p. offices. The first
settlement was made in 1817, by Robert Park and John Bonfield.2 There are 2 churches in
town ; Presb. and M. E.
IIORSEIIEADS3— was formed from Elmira, Feb. 17, 1854. It is an interior town, lying
near the center of the co. The surface is rolling and level in the w. and hilly in the e. The
summit level of the Chemung Canal at Horseheads Village is 443 ft. above Seneca Lake, and the
summits of the hills are 200 to 400 feet higher. Its principal streams are Newtown Creek and its
branches. The soil is generally a good quality of gravelly loam. Considerable attention is paid to
raising tobacco, and, in 1857, 1000 acres were devoted to this crop. Horseheads (p. v.) was
incorp. May 15, 1837, as " Faiiyort," and its name was changed April 18, 1845. It contains 2 steam
flouring mills, a plaster mill, a gang sawmill, and 3 churches. Pop. 1000. The Chemung navigable
feeder from Corning intersects the canal at this place. Breesport (p. v.) contains 2 churches
and 18 dwellings. The first settlement was made at Horseheads in 1788, by Nathan Huntington.4
The first church (Presb.) was formed by Bev. Daniel Thatcher; the first settled minister was Bev.
Ethan Pratt.5
SOUTHPORT— was formed from Elmira, April 16, 1822. It is the s. w. corner town of the
co. Its surface is mostly a hilly upland broken by the deep valleys of the streams. Chemung
Biver, forming most of the n. boundary, is bordered by wide, fertile alluvial flats. Seely Creek,
the principal stream, receives as tributaries South, Bird, and Mud Lick Creeks ; Hendy Creek flows
along the n. border. The soil upon the hills is a slaty loam, and in the valleys a fine quality
of gravelly loam. Wellsburgh, (p. v.,) on the Chemung, in the s. E. corner of the town, con-
tains 2 churches and several mills and manufacturing establishments. It is a station on the N.Y. &
E. B. B. Pop. 365. Southport (p. v.) contains 2 churches, 2 mills, a woolen factory, and 44
houses. Webbs Mills (p. o.) is a hamlet, and Seely Creek, is a p. o. The 3d ward of El-
mira, containing a pop. of 1135, is on the s. bank of the Chemung in this town. The first settle-
ment at Wellsburgh was made by Green Bentley in 1788 and Abner and Henry Wells in 1789.
Abraham Miller located at Southport in 1789 .6 The first church (Bap.) was formed at Wells-
burgh, in 1790 ; Bev. Boswell Goff was the first preacher.7 On an eminence known as Fort Hill,
near the Chemung, in the w. part, are the remains of an ancient fortification, supposed to have
been French.
TAlf ETTEIV — named from James B. Van Etten — was formed from Erin and Cayuta, April
17, 1854. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland. Cayuta Creek flows
woman, eh? oh, the ■woman has got a haby; and I guess she
wants another basket to put it in.' " The child whose birth is
told above was Clark Winans, jr. The place was surveyed, in
1788, by Jas. Clinton, Gen. John Hathom, and John Cantine
Conis ; and the first lands were sold at 18 pence per acre. In
1790, a council with the Indians was held under a tree on Lake
St., just E. of the present site of the courthouse. About 1200
Indians were present. Nathaniel Seely, the first patentee, of
Elmira Village, sold to Moses De Witt, who sold to White;
and iu 1794 White sold to Guy Maxwell and Saml. Hepburn.
1 The census reports 8 churches ; 2 M. E., Bap., Cong., Presb.,
Af. M. E., Prot. E., and R. C.
2 Among the other early settlers were Jesse L. White, Isaac
Shoemaker, Alexander and John McKay, Thomas Baker, Wm.
and Robert Stewart, John and James Hallenbeck, B. Sperry,
Thomas Van Houton, Philip Thomas, J. Boyn, Robert McDowell
and his son Barnum, and Andrew Austin, Joseph, Daniel, and
Samuel Vaughn. The first death was that of Mrs. Thomas
Baker. The first school was kept on Newtown Creek, and the
first sawmill was erected at the same place by J. and J. McMillen.
3 This name was derived from the following incident. While
Gen. Sullivan's army was encamped at this place, some 30 or 40
worn-out horses were shot. The Indians afterward gathered
the heads and arranged them on the sides of the path, and the
locality became known as the Ilorseheads.
* John Breese (from N.J.) settled at the same place in l'bv,
and Jonathan S. Concklin, Nathaniel Huntington, Asa Guilder-
sieve, and a family named Gilbert, in 1791. Soon after, a com-
pany from Orange co., among whom were James, Ebenezer, and
John Sayre, purchased a tract of 1400 acres, covering the site of
the village, and settled on it. The first child born was Susanna
Concklin, in 1792; the first marriage, that of Wm. Dunn and
Mary Sayre ; and the first death, that of Susanna Concklin.
Amelia Parkhurst taught the first school at the village. Vin-
cent Concklin kept the first inn, in 1822, and Westlick & Dunn
the first store. The first gristmill was erected by Lewis Breese,
E. of the village.
6 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 M. E., 2 Bap., and 1 Presb.
6 Col. Abraham Miller was from Penn. He served with dis-
tinction as a captain in the army of the Revolution, and was ap-
pointed First Judge of Tioga co. by Gov. Geo. Clinton, in 17'.Jl.
The first birth was that of Eunice Kelsey, and the first death,
that of Stephen Kent. The first school was taught by Caleb
Baker ; the first inn was kept by Wm. Baldwin, and the first
store by Wm. and Henry Wells, on the river at Wellsburgh.
The first sawmill was erected by Col. Abraham Miller, on a
branch of Seely Creek ; the first gristmills were erected by David
Griswold and Solomon Bovier, and the first factory by Charles
Evans, at Southport.
1 The census reports 5 churches; 2 Bap., 2 M. E., and Presb.
ooo
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
s. e. through near the center, and receives as tributaries Jackson and Langfords Creeks from the n.
and Baker Creek from the s. The soil on the hills is a clay loam, and in the valleys a gravelly
loam. Vail Eltonville (p. v.) contains 3 churches and 20 dwellings ; Cayuta is a p. o. The
first settlements1 were made along the valley of Cayuta Creek in 1795, by Alexander and Benjamin
Ennis, Peter, Jacob, Emanuel, and Isaac Swartwood, from N.J. The first church (Bap.) was
formed by Rev. Ebenezer Jayne, the first settled preacher.2
VETERAX — was formed from Catharine, April 1G, 1823. It lies on the n. line of the CO., w.
of the center. The surface is principally a hilly upland. Catharine Creek flows n. along the w.
border, affording an abundance of waterpowcr.3 The other streams are Newtown and Beardsley
Creeks. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam of good quality. Millport (p. v.) contains 2 churches,
flooring and saw mills, and various manufacturing establishments. Pop. 706. Snillivaiiville,
(p. v.,) iu the s. part of the town, contains a church and 155 inhabitants. Vetea'an and Pilie
Valley are p. offices. The first settlements were made at about the commencement of the cen-
tury,— in the N. part of the town by immigrants from Conn., and in the s. part by immigrants from
Penn.4 The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1817.5
Acres of Lam?, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Chemung County.
N - 9 of Towns.
Baldwin*
Bit: I
Catlin
Chemung....
Klmir.i
Krin
][ - heads.
South port....
Van I
\ eteran
Total..
Acres of Land.
■8
I
12,616]
11,670
19,864
10,0944
9,633
12,490
15,831*
12,689
15.326
i
11.125
9.316
6.425
lS.ll'.il
7.840
16,990*
12,083
8,073
I2U.219J 110.3S5J
Valuation of 1858.
s
«9
eJ
tq
§fe
1*
^
R.6,
641.430
54.576
276,084
6,064
561.1 OO
54.600
2.130.MI1
869.850
141,873
3.227
707,870
81.850
903.544
34.950
102,448
2,650
482,471
24.600
5,947,621
1.132.367
8
696,006
282,148
615,700
3,000.651
145,100
789,720
938,494
105,098
507.071
Population
7.079.9S8
"fe.
353
300
498
1.5S9
231
467
869
281
568
13,711
5.156
203
245
386
1.023
'232
314
57 S
208
416
Schools.
te<3
113
i U
11
10
9
is
12
14
3.665 116 10.621
427
655
651
929
2,865
524
1.037
1.833
659
1.061
Names of Towns.
Live Stock.
€
as
ill
in*
IDg....
Eknil
Brin
head*..
Soatl
•l<in..
603
674
I :
B70
1.422
l.'.'Ol
767
1 026
I486
1.17.".
1.31-
•
959
604
2.1-:i
088
846
I -i
1.172
3
3,008
3.530
2.1-2
368
1,682
2,1'ir.
1,408
2,066
! 71
I
to
1,215
809
1,786
l.Ml'.
676
1.2:;2
1.: 12
&R0
9S6
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Obaim.
13.M7;
4,siVi
8.583
6.778
2.6H7
10,8731
0,813
2.7hs
7.12'"
132.2H3
83,270
117,986|
76,8134
61,960
120,262j
96J626J
■■'
109,430
B27.607
Si
I
2,654
2,031
4,858
2,461
1,898
2.825]
8,391
2,961 |
24,941
V.
Soft,
12. Ml
9,225
15.189
84,8 12
8,947
13.741
1.-..025
8,986
14,686
131.291
| 5
16.771
5.503
19.511
C.S7M
S.322
18,916
9,618
B,964
17.994
107,364
Dairy Proddcts.
-8
cf5S
&. «;
86.702
65,720
209,785
79,767
72.140
1 082260
118,899
57,870
125,552
~li24.i',45
570
660
350
2,770
3.nn
7.MU
to
252
1.333
1,128
280
1,687
213
192
1.376
668
7.613
* Formed since 1855.
1 Jan - v i:, i •'■ •!. John and David flUI, Taaac and Levi Decker,
Bain I nti'i Jonhoa West brook, John Lattlmoro,
J n>l ('ramm'T, nil fr ■
I lata, nt mi. I n> ir Van Bttenvflta, from 17 16
to 1800. Harmon While, <fi -i Litchfield ivld Jayne
and G n. (from N. .1.. > settled, In 1802, "n a branch of
r iv r Host of thcae i»tihii< served u soldJaTi during the
atkm. Jinif" Van K.it^n nnH Isaac Decker w.-f wounded
by mnsket hills, whlrh they cairtad to tbatt xtkxi-*. slanders
ASki.it- kept sna first store, at Van Bttenrllle; Isaac £
m •• Ithi first gristmill, pened
th" first inn, in 1*M. His old «ipn 'still banging) read s as fol-
lows : —
" Ton jolly topr*. aa yon pi«s 1 y.
('.ill in and drink; f>r 1 kn.« yon emliyl
Anil if yon have but half a CXOWn,
You are welcome to niy juic. sit i|o«nl
i rtainraent
'v
J. Swartwood."
- The census reporU •'! chnrches; Hap., F. w. Bap,, anil M. B,
8 In the rammer of 1857 a sudden and destructive flood oc-
curred u|nin this Btream, which swept away every dam upon It,
and every lock on the canal from Horseheads to Seneca Lake.
The whole valley was flooded : and at Millport and other plaa s
the | pie were obliged to flee for their lives.
* Among the early settlers were E. Mallary and Hon. Ell and
I'nviii Hanks, and families named Meeker, Baldwin, and Parsons,
from Conn.; Tli lore Vollean, D. Shaffer, N. Boteford, and Ii.
Lockeeby, from Penn. Daniel Parsons kept the Urol Inn, on (he
middle road, anil B. Orandell the Bret store, at Millport. The
first sawmill was erected by O. Bennett, on Catharine Greek,
belOW Millport.
6 The census reports 3 churches ; 2 M. E. and Presb.
CHENANGO COUNTY.
Tnis county was formed from Herkimer and Tioga, March 15, 1708.
Sangerfield (Oneida co.) was taken off in 1804, and Madison co.
in 1800. It is an interior co., lying s. e. of the center of the State ;
is centrally distant 94 mi. from Albany, and contains 898 sq. mi.
Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the
i streams. The highlands consist of two principal ridges, extending
N. and s., — the first lying between Unadilla and Chenango Rivers,
and the second between the Chenango and Otselic. These ridges
are subdivided by numerous parallel and lateral valleys, and their
declivities are often too steep for profitable cultivation. The sum-
mits are broad and rolling, and of nearly uniform elevation through-
out the co. ; and the highest points are 600 to 800 feet above the
principal valleys.
Susquehanna River flows s. w. through the s. e. corner, receiving from the N. the Unadilla, which
forms the greater part of the e. boundary of the co. The principal branches of the Unadilla and
Susquehanna are Beaver Creek, Shawler, Great, Kent, and Kelsey Brooks. Chenango River flows
in a generally southerly direction from the n. border of the co. to near the center, and thence s. w.
to the s. w. corner. It receives from the e. Handsome Eddy, Padgets, and Pages Brooks, and from
the w. Canasawacta, Fly-Meadow, Ludlow, and Genegantslet Creeks, and Pleasant, Fly, Cold, and
Mill Brooks. Otselic River flows s. w through the n. w. corner, receiving from the E. Middletuwn
Brook and Brackel Creek, and from the w. Manns, Buck, and Ashbel Brooks and Mud Creek.
In basins among the hills, far above the valleys, are numerous small ponds. The valleys of the
Susquehanna and Chenango are among the finest in the State. They consist generally of a fer-
tile and highly cultivated intervales of an average width of about 1 mi., usually bordered by steep
and finely wooded hillsides. All the valleys of the co. seem to have been formed by the action
of great currents of water, which have plowed deep furrows in the gently rolling region which
probably once formed the general face of the country.
The lowest rocks in the co., appearing upon the n. border, belong to the Hamilton group. Suc-
cessively above these toward the s. appear the Tully limestone, Genesee slate, the Portage,
Chemung, and Catskill groups. The sandstone of the Portage group furnishes a good material
for building and flagging. Several quarries have been opened along the Chenango Valley between
Greene and Oxford. A quarry of the same stone a little below Oxford furnishes grindstones and
whetstones. The rock which crowns the summits of the s. hills is the red sandstone of the Che-
mung group. The soils are almost entirely derived from the disintegration of the rocks. In a
few localities is found a very limited amount of drift. Upon the hills the soil is principally a
shaly loam, and in the valleys a fine quality of productive alluvium.
The co. is almost exclusively agricultural. Dairying is the leading pursuit, and is gradually
gaining upon all the other branches of agriculture. Stock and wool growing are carried on to
some extent. Grain is produced, though not in sufficient quantities for the wants of the people.
Hops are cultivated to some extent along the river valleys.
The co. seat is located at Norwich.1 The courthouse is a fine stone building, situated near the
center of the village, fronting the public park.2 It is built in the Grecian style of architecture,
with a colonnade in front, supported by Corinthian columns. The jail is a stone building, con-
tiguous to the courthouse. The clerk's office is a fireproof brick building, upon the courthouse lot.
The poorhouse is situated upon a farm of 170 acres in Preston, 6 mi. w. of the courthouse. The
average number of inmates is 90, supported at a weekly cost of 56 cts. each. The farm yields a
revenue of $800. The house is poor and dilapidated, and the accommodations for the inmates are
extremely poor. A school is taught 6 months in the year.
1 The co. at first had half-shires, the courts being held al-
ternately at Hamilton (now in Madison county) and Oxford.
From the organization of Madison co., in 1S06, until 1809, the
courts were held alternately at Oxford and North Norwich, l'-y
act of March 6, 1807, the co. seat was located at Norwich. The
new courthouse was built and first occupied in 1809. The first
courthouse was a wooden building, erected at a cost of J6.5U0.
The present courthouse was built in 1837, at a cost of $16,000,
under the direction of Wm. Randall, Wm. Knowlton. and Eras-
tus Lathrop. commissioners. The present jail was erected in
1830. at a cost of $'2,000. It is a two story building, containing
10 cells and a house for the jailer.
2 The first co. officers were l6aac Foot. First Judge : Joab EnoB,
and Joshua Leland. Judges ; Oliver Norton and Klisha Payne,
Assistant Justice? ; Uri Tracy, Sheriff; Sidney S. Breese, Clerk'
and John L. Mercercau, Surrogate.
223
224
C II EX AX GO COUNTY.
The Chenango Canal extends along Chenango River through the co. It crosses the river below
Earlville, below Sherburne, and below Greene, upon wood aqueducts, supported by stone piers.
The Albany & Susquehanna R. R., now in process of construction, extends along the Susque-
hanna through Bainbridge.
Five weekly newspapers are now published in the co.1
This co. included 11 of the "Twenty Towns" or "Governor's Purchase," the "Gore" lying
between them and the Military Tract, the Harper Patent of 16,000 acres, Vermont Sufferers' Tract
of 4^.960 acres,2 Livingston Tract of 16,000 acres, the French Tract of nearly the same extent, a
portion of the Chenango Triangle Tract, and several smaller tracts. The territory included within
the Twenty Townships was ceded to the State by the Indians, in a treaty held with Gov. George
Clinton, at Fort Schuyler, Sept. 22, 17S8.3 This tract is sometimes called " Clinton's Purchase,"
and sometimes " The Governor's Purchase."
The early settlers were principally from Yt., Conn., and the eastern part of the State. The
6ettlers in the x. part of the co. came in by way of Rome, and those in the central and s. parts by
way of Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers. Many of the early settlers almost perished from want
of food, at times, during the first few years. A colony of French settled at Greene in 1792, but,
l The Western Oracle, the first paper published in the co..was
commenced by A. Romeyn, previous to 1804, at Sher-
burne Four Corners. It was discontinued in 1808
or 09.
The Olive , « started at Sherburne in May. 1806. by
Pbinney k Fairchild. Jn l-.us John F. Fairchild became
sole proprietor. Miller, Lot Clark, and John B.
John- 'ii «• r>' successively interested in its publication.
I& 1818 Or 18 Johnson changed its name to
The Volunteer . In 1816 the press was purchased by John F.
Hubbard, who commenced
. '. In 1844 it passed into the hands of La
Fay •• 1. .! and J. II. Sinclair, who merged it with The
1 1\; ..rd Republican in 1847 and changed the name to
The Chennngo Union. Harvey Hubbard purchased
I., al'e inn n -t I let 20, 1847, and the paper is now pub-
Uahed by Hubbard & Sinclair.
The Chenango FUtrici was commenced at Oxford in ISO" by John
B. Johnson, and its publication continued for 3or4yrs.
Tht President was published at Oxford in 1808 by Theophilus
Eal
The Republican Messenger was commenced at Sherburn in 1810
by Petit 4 PercivaL
The Oxford Gazette was started in 1814 by Chauncey Morgan,
who published it some years, when it was sold to Geo.
Hunt, and afterward to Hunt & Noyee. Mr. Morgan
again became proprietor in 1826, and after a few years
the paper was discontinued.
The Republican Agrv ulturalist was commenced Dec. 10. ISIS, by
Thorlow Weed. It soon passed into the hands of
ti--. who continued it for a short time, when it was
sued.
The I' • i ■ ■ was Commenced at Norwich in 1824 by II.
P, w . Brainard. it passed into the hands of Wm. 6.
Hyer, oiol was discontinued in a short time.
The Chenango Uepublican was commenced at Oxford in 1826 by
[n 1828 it was purchased by Mark ACbap-
man. Mar. b :.. 1831, Wm. B.Ohapnuui and T.T.Flagler
i i n -<rieg, and soon after changed Its
p.
The Oxford BepubUcan. In 1888 Mr. Chapman Warm' sole
It wa« successively published br J. Taylor
; ii. jr.. R, A.. Leal, «'. B. < bamberlin,
and Ia Fayette Leal. In 1847 it was merged with The
.truil and published as The Chenango 1 nlon.
T>,r Ar.ti U menccd at Norwtcn in Mot.
P. Pellet. In 1831 It. T. Cook becai
Ha name was rabsequi ntly
■
Tlir < lir nnngo Tr Ic crnpli. In 1840. OD the death of
> r or. .tin r. N< I-
■i 1861, II ws*( "iilu t> .1
I V. P. M-li. r. in .-• pi.
rcbasedbyl tin, by whom it ii
ti"» pui.li
Th' Chenango l\itriot was commenced at Qrsene in 1830 by
indall. It afterward pa»w<1 Int" the bands
of Joseph M. 1-irr. who name to
Thr * rt time It waa discontinued.
Sew Berlin //• In 1831 by Samuel I,.
; it wn« pabUehi I by Rand ill •<■ Hat4 b.
■ed Into the hand* of laaai I -
and afterward int.. tlie hands of Ilinun 0»tran<i>r. who
• Ii ii I
7"'.' KewBerun Sentinel. It wa« discontinued nl-.nt 1840.
""he Chenango VThigmM published at oxford a nh-.n time in
TI,.- a small mo., was Issued from the i^me ofUm.
The Sherburne was commenced in 1886 by J. Warden
Marble. In 188S it was removed to Bingham]
The Oxford Times was commenced in 1S36 by a joint
stock company. It was for 6ome time conducted by H.
H. Cook. In 1841 it passed into the hands of E. H.
Purdy and C. D. Brigham. In 1844 it was published by
Waldo M. Potter: in 1845, by Potter & Galpin; and in
1848 J. B. Galpin became sole proprietor, and still con-
tinues its publication.
The Bainbridge. Eagle was commenced in 1S43 by J. Hunt, jr.
In 1846 its name was changed to
The Bainbridge Freeman ; and in 1849 it was merged in
The Chenango Free Democrat, commenced at Norwich Jan. 1,
1849, by Alfred G. Lawj-er ; and J. D. Lawyer soon after
became associated in its publication. It was then early
removed to Cobleskill, Schoharie co.
The New Berlin Gazette was commenced in 1849 by Jos. K. Fox
and M. E. Bunham, and was published about 1 year.
The Chenango News was commenced in 1S50 by A. T. Boynton.
J. M. Haight soon after became associated in its publi-
cation, and subsequently became sole proprietor. He
removed the press to Norwich, and. in connection with
A. P. Nixon, commenced the publication of
The Tempirance Advocate in 1S55, and published it 1 year, when
it was discontinued.
The Saturriay Visitor was commenced in 1852 by Joseph K. Fox.
Its name was soon after changed to
The Social Visitor, after which it was published about 5 years.
The Spirit of the Age was commenced at Berlin in 1852 by J. K.
Fox, J. D. Lawyer, editor. It was continued but a short
time.
The Oxford Transcript was commenced in 1853 by G. N. Carhart,
and was published about G months.
The Sherburne Transcript was commenced in 1855 by James M.
Scarritt. and was published about 2 years.
Tlie Chenango American was commenced at Greene.
Sept. 20, 1855, by Denison & Fisher, its present pub-
lishers.
The Vaily V.'. /«.;•/• r was o inmenced at Nom ich in 1857 by J. II.
Smith. In lS.'.s it m« purchased by Bice & Martin. and
«:o mhiii alter discontinued.
The Literary Independent wat commenced at Norwich in the
hi) of 1858 by a company of young gentlemen con-
nectedwtth the academy, it was published about 4
months.
The New Berlin Pioneer was commenced Feb. 19,
i*.v.t. by Bqulres A Fox, its present publishers.
a This tract was Lr nit. -il to relieve those persons who had pur-
i lands of the Btate of N. V. within the present limits of
\t. These lands were claimed by both N.H. andN.Y., and,
after an angry and protracted controversy, extending through
.1 \...r-. How Vork .surrendered her claim to Vermont.
■ These towns were designated originally by their numbers
only, and arc now in tho counties of Madison, Chenango, and
Oni ids, as fellows: —
No*.
1
2
•".
4
6
6
7
8
9
10
Vrricnt Tom*.
Nelson, Madison co.
Baton,
Madison, "
Hamilton. "
i ■ benon, "
Georgetown. "
1 '•■-■ I.-. < 'henangoro.
Smyrna. "
Sherburne, "
.Norwich and) „
New Berlin, /
Sot.
Present Tovna.
Plymouth, Chenango co.
PhaxsaUa, "
McDonough, "
Preston, "
Norwich. "
New Berlin. «
Columbus, "
1 Brookfield, "
Sangerfield and ) .-.„„.. „
Bridgewater. f 0nClda W-
CHENANGO COUNTY.
225
from defect in title, most of them left. The greater part of the later immigration was also from New-
England. In consequence of the gradual change which has hcen going on for the last 20 years in
the husiness of the co., and the suhstitution of dairying for all other hranches of farming, the popu-
lation of the co. has gradually decreased, and is now no greater than it was 40 years ago.
AFTOJV — was formed from Bainbridgo, Nov. 18, 1857. It is the s. e. corner town of the co.
Its surface consists principally of a rolling upland, separated into two nearly equal parts by the
broad valley of the Susquehanna. The summits of the hills are 300 to 500 feet above the valleys,
and their declivities are generally gradual slopes. The Susquehanna flows s. w. through near the
center, in a broad and beautiful valley. It receives from the n. Kelseys and Harpers Brooks.
Round Pond, one mi. n. e. of the village, covers an area of about 40 acres. It is 25 feet above the
surface of the river, and without any visible outlet. The soil upon the hills is a shaly loam, and
in the valleys a clayey loam and alluvium. 1 H on , (p. v.,) upon the Susquehanna, near the center
of the town, contains 4 churches and 270 inhabitants. Ayreslllre, (p.o.,) upon Kelsey Brook,
in the n. part, is a hamlet. The first settlement was made upon the Susquehanna, below Afton, in
1786, by immigrants from Conn, and Vt.1 There are 5 churches in town.2
BAIIVBRIDGE — was formed as part of Tioga co., by the name of "Jericho,' Feb. 16, 1791.
Its name was changed April 15, 1814. Parts of Norwich and Oxford were taken off in 1793, of
Greene in 1798 and '99, and Afton in 1857. It lies upon the e. border of the co., s. of the center. Its
surface is a rolling upland, divided into two parts by the Susquehanna, which flows s. w. through
the center. The valley of the river is about one mi. wide, and is bordered by moderately steep
hillsides. The highest summits are 400 to 600 feet above the valleys. The soil upon the bills is
a gravelly and shaly loam, and in the valleys a clay loam and alluvium. Bainbridge, (p. v.,)
upon the Susquehanna, was incorp. April 21, 1829. It contains 3 churches and 350 inhabitants.
Dennett svillc, (p. v.,) upon Bennetts Creek, in the s. e. part, contains 2 churches, a gristmill,
sawmill, and about 20 houses. West Bainbridge is a p. o. in the n. w. corner, and East
Bainbridge is a hamlet in the n. e. corner. The lands in this town were first claimed by Ro-
bert Harper under a grant from the Indians ; but the title was repudiated by the State, and a por-
tion of the lands was granted to settlers from Vt. who had suffered from failure of title to lands in
that State granted to them by N. Y. The first settlements were made in 1785, by immigrants from
Vt. and Conn.3 The first church (Presb.) was formed about 1790, by Rev. William Stone.4
COEUMBUS— was formed from Brookfield, (Madison co.,) Feb. 11, 1805. A part of Norwich
was annexed in 1807. It is the n. e. corner town in the co., and occupies a portion of the high
ridge between Unadilla and Chenango Rivers. The highest summits are 400 to 600 feet above the
valleys. Unadilla River forms its e. boundary, receiving as tributaries Beaver Creek, Shawlei
Brook, and several other small streams. The soil is a gravelly and shaly loam.5 Columbus
Center, (Columbus p. o.,) upon a branch of Shawler Brook, contains 3 churches, a tannery, and
25 houses. The first settlement was made upon Lot 44, in 1791, by Col. Converse.6 The first
religious meeting was the funeral of Mrs. Dorcas Howard, conducted by Elder Campbell, (Bap.,)
in 1797.7
COVENTRY — was formed from Greene, Feb. 7, 1806. Parts of Oxford and Greene were an
nexed in 1843. It is situated centrally on the s. line of the co. The highest elevations, midway
between the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, are about 800 feet above the valleys. The hills
are arable to their summits, and their slopes are generally long and gradual. Harpers and Kelseys
Creeks, flowing into the Susquehanna, are the principal streams. The soil is a gravelly and sandy
1 Among the early settlers were Seth Stone, Nath'l Benton,
Isaac Miner, and Japhet Bush and sons, from Conn., and Heze-
kiah Stowell and sons, Orlando Bridgman and sons, and Eben-
ezer Church and sons, from Vt. The three last named families
were " Vermont Sufferers." The first child born was Wm. Bush,
inl786; and the first death was that of Polly. Nath'l Church
taught the first school, in 1790; Asa Stowell kept the first inn, in
1788, Peter Betts the first store, in 1805; and David Cooper and
Isaac Miner built the first sawmill, on Kelseys Brook.
2 Two M. E., Cong., Bap., and Univ.
8 Among the early settlers wereWm. Gutherie, Abraham Fuller,
Reuben Kirby, and Gould Bacon, from Conn.; Stephen and John
Stiles, Heath Kelsey, Chas. Bush, Eben and Jos. Landers, and
Jas. Graham. Sam'l Bixby settled on Lot 75, in 1788, and Maj.
Henry Evans on Lot 80, in 1789. The first birth was that of K.
Landers, daughter of Jos. Landers, in March, 1791 ; the first mar-
riage, that of Charles Bush and Joan Harrington, in 1794;
and the first death, that of Mrs. Reuben Kirbey, in 1792. Wil-
liam Gutherie kept the first inn, in 1793, on Lot 85. Phineas
and Reuben Bennett erected a gristmill on Bennetts Creek, in
1789.
4 There are 7 churches in town ; 2 M. E., 2 Bap., F. W. Bap.,
Presb., and Prot. E.
6 The people are almost solely engaged in dairying. For 30
years the population has been continually decreasing and the
dairies increasing.
6 Among the other early settlers were Henry, Daniel, and Jas.
Williams, from R. I., who located upon Lot 90, in 1792; Thus.
Howard, from R. I., on Lot 89, Israel Greenleaf, from N. H., on
Lot 62, Gilbert Strong, on Lot 61, and Josiah Rathbone. on Lot
54, in 1794. The first child born was Sally Williams; the first
marriage, that of Joseph Medbery and Hannah Brown, in 1794;
and the first death, that of Mrs. Dorcas Howard, in 1797. Nicho-
las Page taught the first school ; Col. Converse kept the first inn,
in 1793; Amos C. Palmer, the first store, in 1797; and Job Vail
built the first sawmill, in 1794, and the first gristmill, in 1795.
7 The census reports 5 churches in town; Bap., F. W. Bap.,
Cong., M. E., and Union.
226
CHENAXGO COUNTY.
loam., with occasional spots of a red, slaty loam, better adapted to grazing than tillage. Coven-
try, (p. v.,) a little x. w. of the center, contains 2 churches and 40 dwellings ; and Coventry-
ville, (p. v.,) 2 mi. e. of Coventry, a church, mill, and 25 dwellings. Church Hollow is
a p. o. on the s. linn. The first settlement was made near the center, by Simon Jones, in 1785.1
The first church (Cong.) was formed Nov. 19, 1807. Rev. David Harmon was the first preacher.2
GERMAN 8— was formed from De Ruyter, (Madison co.,) March 21, 1806. Otselic was taken
off in 1817, Lincklaen in 1823, and a part of Pitcher in 1827. It is located centrally upon the w.
line of the co. The surface is hilly, and watered by several brooks, forming what is called Five
Streams, which flow through the town in a s. direction. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam,
well adapted to grazing. Livermores Corners, (German p. o.,) near the w. line, is a
hamlet; and East German is a p. o. The first settlement was made in 1795, by Benjamin
Cleveland, from Oneida co.4 The first church (Presb.) was formed at an early period, and a M. E.
association was formed in 1815, at the house of "Walter Oyshlenbank.5
GREENE6 — was funned from Union (Broome co.) and "Jericho," (nowBainbridge,) March
15, 1798. A part of "Jericho" was annexed in 1799. Coventry was taken off in 1806, and Smith-
ville in 1808. A part of Barker (Broome co.) was taken off in 1840, and a part of Coventry in
1843. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is a rolling and hilly upland. The hills
rise 500 to 700 feet above the river, and are broken by the ravines of the streams. Che-
nango River flows s. w. through the center of the town, in a broad valley about 1 mile in width.
The Chenango Canal passes through the valley. Genegantslet Creek flows s. through the w. part
in a wide valley, and joins the Chenango a few miles below the village of Greene. Pages Brook
flows through the s. e. corner; and several small streams are tributary to the Chenango. The soil
is a gravelly and shaly loam on the hills, and alluvium in the valleys. Greene, (p. v.,) near the
center, was incorp. April 12, 1842. It contains 4 churches, a flouring mill, furnace, and 814 in-
habitants. East Greene (p. v.) contains a church and 158 inhabitants. Genegantslet
(p. v.) contains 1 church and 12 houses. Chenango Forks (p. v.) is partly in this town. S.
Ketchum settled in 1792.7 The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1795,8 by Elder Nath. Kellogg.
l Goodell and Clark settled near Mr. Jones in 1786,
anl Benj. Jones at the same place in 1788. Ozias Yale and Wm.
.-Urks located a little BT. of Coventry in 1792, Elijah Warren on
Lot 2. in 1804, and Moses Allis, Roger Egerton, and Z. Hutchin-
son soon after. The first birth was that of Wm., son of Moses
Allis, in 1794; the first marriage, that of Simeon Parker and
Polly Sprague : and the first death, that of a son of Roger Eger-
ton.in IT'.hi. Sherman Page taught the first school; Benj. Jones
kept the first Inn, in 1788, and Jotham Parker the first store, in
The first gristmill was erected by Capt. Parker, in 1795,
and the first carding and cloth dressing mill by A. and Wm. H.
Rogers, abont the same time.
' The census reports 5 churches ; 2 Cong., 2 M. E., and Bap.
• (Tamed from Gen. Obadiah German, the original owner of
the township. It was first named '•Brdkel Township."
> Uraham Eivermore settled .-it T.ivermores Corners, in 1796,
with hi- wile and children, Abraham, jr.. Becka, Daniel, Polly,
Al- •!. ' . Sally, and Martin Livermore. From (heir
isolated p<»iti"n in the wilderness — remote from any Bettli mi al
— tli I and l.iVTin re families suffered great priv.i-
ihips daring the first years of their settlement.
In .i . I 'it fox "Fori HUavunW for pro-
.». )il« family 1" ins intir.lv destitute. He intended to re-
turn in.''.' t 4 days, bnl ned for aome time. On the fourth
• fllll ebeni Uld chil'lteti, who had eat u nothing
.ml iii the •■ "t for their
n«ar- il n Otaoll EUrer, 4! mi. die-
• -\ mile from home, they i nootmfa red ■ i^nr.
and were frightened back. The next morning the mother mi
too weak to walk, an 1 ti children again est out for
>|r. Rayi ' pon learning the suffering
■f the tmillv. Mr,«. Raymond made them a padding
,.f bran, — the "nly boa aha had in t) Thin and ■ Ijottle
ik kept the family f; Hon until relief came. At
another tune, when the tamlrj I t.i the la
tr -initv. two nnmllked a tt» ir boOM one night, and
went away in the owning, fbxnlahlng them with milk breeTera!
I in. [t was nerer known whi una from or where
they went to. Other tkmjllai in the ricinitr enflfored In a similar
in. <iiie r. The fir«t Mrth was tint ■ < I '• : 1 v ( foreland, In 1796;
the fir-t marriaga, thai • Dead and Bepaws Uver-
BBOn; and the flr«t death, that of Iiart«h'irn. Abraham
Uramore kept the first inn: Jonatlian Ciiandlnr kept the lir-t
store, and erected the first mill and factory, on tho a. branch of
Otaellc Kiver.
* The census reports 8 rhurche* j T're*l>.. M. F... and P. W. Bap.
■ Hamad in boa r of Geo. If anl Oreene. That part of the
original township of Greene lying R. of Hionango River was in-
cluded in a purchase made by the State from the Oneida and Tus-
carora Indians in 1785. These lands were subsequently sold by
the State to individual patentees.
1 Mr. Ketchum located within the bounds of the present vil-
lage of Greene. In the fall of 1792 a settlement was made by a
company of French refugees. One of their number, Chas. Felix
De Bulogne. had preceded the main body, and made a purchase
of 15,000 acres lying on tho E. side of Chenango River. The first
party that came consisted of M. Bulogne, M. Shamont, M. Le
Fevre, M. Bravo, M. Du Vernet, and M. Obro. A portion of them
had families ; and several young ladies were among the party.
In Otsego co. Simon Barnet joined the party, and subsequently
M. Butremont, with his family, settled with them. Before the
dispersion of the colony they were joined by Jos. Jnliand, who
was the only French emigrant that became a permanent resident.
M. Bulogne, on his way to Philadelphia in the spring of 1795, was
drowned while fording a creek much swollen by tho floods.
The untimely death of the leader of this adventurous band
proved fatal to the future success of the settlement. The failure,
of the company to pay the balance of the purchase money due
on the tract caused the title to revert to the original patentees.
After all th" hardships and privations they had endured, tho
failure to secure a title to their land proved a signal for dis-
persion. The majority of them left in tho year 1796. In 1794,
Talleyrand, the celebrated French diplomatist, visited his fellow-
countrymen in Greene. Among the early permanent settlers
were Nath'l Kellogg, Zopher Betts, Benajah Loomis, Cornelius
Hill, and Daniel Tremaine, who located at East Greene in 1793.
The Brat road that wan cut through the town was called "The
Chenango Road." It runs from the present village of Biiin-
bridge to the month of Page Creek, on tho Chenango, — a dis-
tance of alxiut 25 mi. Tho first settlers upon this road within
tie- i hen limits of the town, commencing at the w., were Nathan
I'.- i.ii. it. Joshua Boot, Eleaznr Skinner, Thomas Elliott, Jnab
Elliott, I!. .-well Fitch, Aden Elliott, PhiloClcmmons,Capt. Man-
deville, Simeon and Benj. J ones, Hardin Bennett, Record Wilber,
and Deacon Richards, whocame in from 1792 to '95. The settlers
who located in the 8. part, w. of tho river, were Jas. and Herman
TerwTiliger, Elisha and Noah Uilbert, Stephen Palmer, and Jos.
and Cornish Messenger, as early as 1790. The first birth was that
of Johnston ltundall, son of Jos. Kundall, — for which honor the
mother subsequently received a deed of 50 acres of land from
the Hornby Estate. Cartwright taught tho first school,
in 17''4; Conrad Sharp kept the first inn. In 1794; Elisha Smith
the first store, in 1801 Conrad Sharp built the first sawmill, in
1796, and Abraham Storm and Henry Vorso tho first gristmill,
in 1794.
* Tho census reports 9 churches ; 6 Bap., 2 M. E., Presb., and
Prot. E.
CHENANGO COUNTY. 007
and was the first church of that denomination in the co. Elder Kellogg continued its pastor about
30 years.
GUILFORD — was formed from Oxford, April 3, 1813, as "Eastern." Its name was changed
March 21, 1817. It lies on the e. border of the co., s. of the center. The surface is hilly and
broken, consisting of the elevated lands between Chenango and Unadilla Rivers, the hills rising
200 to 700 feet above the valleys. It is drained by the Unadilla, which forms the entire k. boundary,
Guilford Pond Creek,1 and Beveral other smaller streams. The soil is a gravelly and slaty loam,
occasionally intermixed with clay. Guilford, (p. v.,) located in the valley of Guilford Pond
Creek, contains 3 churches, an iron foundery and machine shop, and several mills ; pop. 2G3.
Guilford Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches and 20 dwellings. East Guilford, (p. v.,)
in the s. e. corner of the town, contains a church, a mill, and 15 dwellings. Mount Upton,
(p. v.,) upon the w. bank of the Unadilla, contains 4 churches, several mills, and other manu-
facturing establishments; pop. 190. Rockdale, (p. v.,) on the river, 4 miles below Mount
Upton, contains 2 churches, a grist and saw mill, and 25 dwellings. The first settlement was
made in 1787, by Ezekiel Wheeler, a little n. of Mount Upton, on the farm now occupied by his
grandson, Silas Wheeler, 2d.2 The first church (Bap.) was formed by Elder Orange Spencer,
in 1803.s
MNCKEAEN*— was formed from German, April 12, 1823. Parts of Pitcher were taken off in
1827 and '33. It is the n. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is a hilly, broken upland, divided
into ridges by narrow ravines extending n. and s. The declivities of the hills are usually steep,
and the summits are 400 to 600 feet above the valleys. Mud Creek, a branch of the Otselic, flows
s. through the w. part of the town. Ashbel Creek and several other small streams take their rise
in the s. and e. parts. The soil is a shaly and clayey loam. Eincklaen, (p. v.,) on Mud
Creek, contains a church and 15 dwellings. Burdick Settlement, in the n. part, contains
a church and 12 dwellings. North Eincklaen is a p.o. in the n.e. part. The first settle-
ments were made about 1796. The first religious services were held by Rev. Seth Williston, in
1798. The census reports 4 churches in town.5
MACDOHOFGH8 — was formed from Preston, April 17, 1816. It is an interior town, lying
w. of the center of the co. The surface is hilly, and in some places broken by deep ravines and
sharp ridges extending n. and s. It is drained s. by Bowmans and Genegantslet Creeks and
several other streams. Genegantslet Lake lies near the w. border. The soil is a clay loam, better
adapted to grazing than tillage. Macdonough, (p. v.,) on Genegantslet Creek, contains 2
churches, several mills, and 168 inhabitants. East Macdonougll (p. v.) contains 2 churches
and 14 dwellings. The first settlements were made in 1795, by Nathaniel Locke, Loring and
Emery Willard, Henry Ludlow, and others.7 The first religious association (M. E.) was formed in
1798. The first church edifice (F. W. Bap.) was erected in 1831 ; Elder Steer was the first pastor.8
NEW BERLI1V- was formed from Norwich, April 3, 1807, changed to " Lancaster" May
9, 1821, and original name restored March 22, 1822. A part of Sherburne was taken off in 1852.
It lies upon the e. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is a rolling and hilly upland,
the ridges extending n. and s. Unadilla River forms its e. boundary ; and Great Brook flows s.
1 This stream has a fall of 140 feet in passing through Guilford
Village,. affording a fine and very valuable water-power.
2 Joshua Mercereau and his brother (Frenchmen) settled at
the mouth of Guilford Creek, and erected the first mill in town,
in 17*9. James Phelps and Button settled near Rockdale
in 1790; Robert McLeod, on Lot 1, and Isaac Fuller, from Guil-
ford, Conn., in 1791 ; Dan'l Savage, John Nash, and Nelson Rob-
bins, from Ballston Spa, in 1792, at and near the old Four Cor-
ners; John Secor, from Haverstraw, on Lot 2; Gurdon and
Wyatt Chamberlin, at Mount Upton ; Wm. and Nathaniel Hyer,
— all in 1793. Major Richmond and his sons Joseph and Seth,
Asa Haven, father of Hon. Solomon G. Haven, of Buffalo, Dan'l
T. Dickinson, father of Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, of Bingham-
ton, Caleb Burdick, Sam'l Smith, and Paris Windsor were also
among the pioneer settlers of the town. The first child born
was Prudence Fuller, in April, 1791 ; the first marriage, that
of Powell and the widow of Isaac Fuller, in 1793; and the
first death, that of Isaac Fuller, in 1793. Ezekiel Wheeler kept
the first inn, in 1796; and Sullivan Reynolds kept the first store
and erected the first mill on the Unadilla, in 1790. The first
school was taught by Nathan Bennett, in 1794.
8 The census reports 12 churches ; 5 M. E., 2 Bap., 2 Cong.,
Presb., Prot. E., and Union.
< Named from John Lincklaen, former proprietor of the town-
ship and several adjacent tracts. Among the early settlers were
Guerdon Wells, Abel Fairchild, Elisha Catlin, Joseph Pulford,
Backus, Nathaniel Gray, Wolcott Bennett, Joseph Dar-
ling, Jesse Catlin, Aaron Peet, John Wilson, Elisha Blount,
Christopher Shipman, and Walters. The first child born
was Matilda Wells, about 1800 ; and the first death, that of a
child of Christopher Shipman. Wm. Bly taught the first school ;
Elisha Catlin kept the first inn ; Fairchild Brothers, the first
store; Catlin & Shipman built the first sawmill, and J. Pulford
the first gristmill.
6 Bap., Seventh Day Bap., Cong., and M. E.
6 Named in honor of Commodore Macdonough.
t Edward Colburn, Benj. Ketchum, Beuj. Kenyon, Epliraim
Fish, John Anderson, Nehemiah Dunbar, Jonah and Sylvanus
Moore, Joseph and Ransom Cook, Wm. Mead. Wm. Norton,
Danl.Wainwright, Adam Oyshlenbank, and M.Turner settled in
town from 1795 to 1808. The first marriage was that of Svlva-
nus Moore and wife; and the first death, that of Mrs. Benj.
Ketchum. The first school was taught by Capt. Joshua A.
Burke. Sylvanus Moore kept the first inn, in 1799, and Henry
Ludlow the first store, in 1802. Gates Wilcox erected the first
gristmill, in 1808; John Nevins, the first paper mill, in 1828, at
Macdonough Village. Henry Ludlow built the first sawmill, on
the outlet of Genegantslet Lake, in 1798.
8 The census reports 4 churches ; Bap.. M. E., Presb., and
Union.
228 CHENANGO COUNTY.
through near the center. Mathewson Pond is near the w. border. The soil is a shaly loam, occa-
sionally intermixed with clay. New Berlin, (p. v.,) upon the Unadilla, in the n. e. part of
the town, was incorp. April 17, 1816. It contains 4 churches, the New Berlin Academy, a news-
paper office, paper mill, cotton factory, tannery, and several minor manufactories. Pop. 740.
South Xew Berlin, (p. v.,) upon the Unadilla, in the s. e. part, contains 2 churches, a large
tannery, and 285 inhabitants. A portion of the village is in Otsego co. Holmesville, in the
extreme s. e. corner, contains a tannery, gristmill, and about 20 houses. New Berlin Center
is a p. o. Anibler Settlement is a hamlet in the s. part. Daniel Scribner settled upon the
Unadilla in 1790. l The census reports 8 churches.2 Hon. Henry Bennett, who has been elected
to Congress five successive terms from this district, resides at New Berlin Village.
NORTH NORWICH— was formed from Norwich, April 7, 1849. It is an interior town,
lying >'. e. of the center of the co. Its surface consists of the valley of Chenango River and the
high rolling uplands which rise upon either side. The summits of the hills are 200 to 600 feet
above the valley. It is drained by Chenango River, Cold and Fly Brooks, and several other small
streams. The soil is a gravelly and slaty loam, in some places mixed with clay. North Nor-
wich, (p. v.,) upon the Chenango, contains 2 churches, several mills, and about 150 inhabitants.
It is an important village upon the Chenango Canal. Kings Settlement is a p. o. in the e.
part : and Plaster v ille. a hamlet in the s. w. Jos. Lothrop and A. Mead located on Lot 1, in
1794.s The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1796; Elder Eleany Holmes was the first preacher.4
NORWICH — was formed from Union (Broome co.) and "Jericho," (now Bainbridge,) Jan.
19. 1793. Pharsalia, Plymouth, and Preston were taken off in 1806, New Berlin, and a part of
Columbus, in 1807, and North Norwich in 1849. A part of Preston was annexed in 1808, and a
paft taken off in 1820. It is the central town upon the e. border of the co. Its surface consists of
two high, rolling ridges, separated by the valley of the Chenango. The highest summits are about
500 ft. above the valleys. Chenango River flows s. through the w. part. It, receives the Canasa-
wacta and several other streams as tributaries. Unadilla River forms the E. boundary. The soil
upon the uplands is a shaly and gravelly loam, and in the valleys a gravelly loam and alluvium.
Norwich, (p.v.,) upon Chenango River, in the n. part, was incorp. April 16, 1816. It contains
the co. buildings, 4 churches, the Norwich Academy, 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, a piano forte
fa ' tv. 3 carriage factories, 2 tanneries, 2 blastfurnaces, a hammer factory, planing mill, foundery
and machine shop, sash and door factory, and plaster mill. Pop. 2,430. White Store, (p. o.,) on
the Unadilla, contains a church, gristmill, and 10 houses. The first settlement was made in 1788, by
Avery Power.5 The first religious services were held by Rev. Manasseh French, in 1793 or '94.6
OTSEsLIC7 — was formed from German, March 28, 1817. It lies on the n. border of the co., w.
of the center. Its surface is hilly, consisting of high ridges 500 to 800 ft. above the valley
-< lie Creek, which are broken by the ravines of the streams. Otselic Creek is the principal
in. and flows S.W. through the center of the town. Several small streams are tributaries of
' toelic The soil on the hills is a shaly loam, and in the valleys alluvium. Otselic, (p. v.,)
in the v. part, contains 100 inhabitants; South Otselic, (p.v.,) in the s. w. corner, 1 church
ani 'J'J" inhabitants. Settlement was commenced about 1800, by Ebenezcr Hill.8 The first preacher
Si t'ti'ii •'. Nicholas. There are 4 churches in town; 2 Bap., F. W. Bap., and Christian.
OXFORD — was formed from Union (Broome co.) and "Jericho," (now Bainbridge,) Jan. 19,
l Among the other <-»rly settlers who raiw- about th" MBI C>\<; Win. Smiley, Nicholas Pickett, Maj. Thomas Brooka, Israel,
tinv were Nsthl. and Joseph Medbcry, who lo ■ •• I opon Groat • barbs, end Matt. Graves, Josiah Brown, John Wait, Win. Kans-
oL Aodon Jeremy Goodrich, ford and sou Rascal! and William, jr., John llarris, Manasseh
!/■ r. i hark* Knapp. and .' cated French, JoabEnos, Josiah Brown, Elisha Smith, Wm. and Chauu-
nnon th" !■- f th" riling... T ii •• lift child 1« rn was r<y Gibson. Mai k, \\ in., ami Stephen Steorc, Stephen Collins, Jas.
Louisa Bancroft. In 17"7 : nml tat flr»t mail lag* lint uf Paul Qflmore, noses Snow, John Randall, John McNitt, and David and
Williams and !'). In 17ft*. Josiah Bui Ighl John Bbattnok. The first child born was Lucy t'ower; the first
the first school; Danl. Scribner kept th" flr-t inn : Levi "(lakes- male child, Marcus Cole; the first marriage in the town ami CO.
lee the first store; and Job Vail boil I th" lirM mill. was that of 1 1 fiscal 1 Hansford ami Fanny Graves, July 12, 1702.
. j M. I ,f u ii !. K. Iieiij. Edmunds kept the first inn; Jonathan Johnson was the first
' Among th" "ih. -r • • Th. n. physician; and Elisba Smith built the first saw and grist mill.
Jeremiah and Abmr 1'urlv, sml Banj. Ferris, from f'utrl ., » There aro 6 churches in town; Bap., M.K., Cong., Plot. E.,
in 17!'5; and Jesse Rnndell, J,. lab < . Union, and It. C.
HartweU, and James Pm 1 oi i ? An Indian name, signifying Plum Creek.
i at the village and a] .nz lbs ralfcjj of the I 'Among the early settlers were Benben Buckingham, David
rn was Amos M pLl2,17VH; it* imaa. Wm. Pish, Jonah Wolcott, Wm. Cross, Wm. llurl-
tnarriage. thst of Kl-nt 7' r II irtwell and I: id, in 1795; but, and Wm. gmith, in t li . - IT. part: Ellas Benjamin, Buell
in I the first cb ath. that of Mrs. Abtkl r Pnrdy. in 1T>'.. DkODias Warner and his sons Oliver, Abner, and Bm-ll, jr., llenoni Parce,
- taught th- fir-t school ; Am « Mead kept the first inn, Lewis Cook, .-Eneas Thompson, John ami Jimi.-i Warner. Abra-
idiah German tbo first store. Denj. Hart- ham Kairchild, and Wm. Greene, in the 8. part Hannah War:
well built the first gristmill, in 1803. ner taught the first school. Ebenezer Hill kept the first inn,
* Th" census reports i churches: 2 M. E., Bap., snd Univ. in 1810, and built the first gristmill, in 182U. Geo. Coles kept
■ Among the other early settlers were David Fairchild, Silas , the first store, in 1812. Jas. Bush built the first sawmill.
CHENANGO COUNTY. 229
1793. Guilford was taken off in 1813, and a part of Coventry in 1843. It is an interior town,
lying a little s. of the center of the co. Its surface is divided into two parts by the valley of the
Chenango. The hills bordering upon the river are 500 to 800 feet above the valleys. Chenango
River flows s. w. through the w. part in a valley having an average width of about 1 mi. It receives
Eddy Brook from the e., and Fly-Meadow, Mill, and Ludlow Brooks from the w. The soil is a
shaly loam upon the hills, and a gravelly loam and alluvium in the valleys. Oxford, (p. v.,)
upon the Chenango, in the N. part of the town, incorporated April G, 1800, contains G churches
the Oxford Academy,1 a hoe factory, sash and blind factory, carriage shop, grist and saw mill, and
plaster mill. Pop. 1,218. South Oxford is a p. o. in the s. w. corner ; and Cheshireville
a p. o. near the s. line. The first settlements were made in 1790, by Benjamin Hovey.2 The first
preacher was Rev. Uri Tracy, (Presb.,) in 1792.3
PHARSAEIA — was formed from Norwich, as " Stonington," April 7, 1800. Its name was
changed April 6, 1808. It is an interior town, lying n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a
rolling and hilly upland, occupying a portion of the watershed between Chenango and Otselic
Rivers. The latter flows through the extreme n. w. corner. Canasawacta, Genegantslet, and
Brackel Creeks take their rise near the center. The soil is a shaly loam. Pharsalia, (p. v.,)
in the w. part, contains 12 houses ; East Pharsalia, (p. v.,) in the s., 1 church, 2 gristmills,
a sawmill, and 15 houses. North Pharsalia is a p. o. The first settlement was commenced
in 1797, by John Randall, on Lot 48.4 John Peck was the first settled minister. There are three
churches in town ; Bap., F. W. Bap., and Presb.
PITCHER5 — was formed from German and Lincklaen, Feb. 13, 1827. A part of Lincklaen
was annexed in 1833. It lies upon the w. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface consists
principally of two high ridges 500 to 800 ft. above the valleys. Otselic River flows s. e. through
the center. Brackel Creek flows s. e. through the s. part. The ravines of the streams are narrow
and are bordered by steep hillsides. The soil is a shaly and gravelly loam. Pitcher, (p. v.,)
upon the Otselic, s. w. of the center, contains 3 churches, a woolen factory, and 25 dwellings.
North Pitcher, (p. v.,) upon the Otselic, n. e. of the center, contains 2 churches, 2 sawmills,
a hame factory, fork factory, and about 20 dwellings. Pitcher Springs (p. o.) is a hamlet e.
of the center.6 South Pitcher is a p. o. John Wilson and Schuyler settled in 1794
or '95.7 The first religious services were held by Rev. Seth Williston, in 1797.8
PLYMOUTH — was formed from Norwich, April 7, 1806. It is an interior town, lying n. of
the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by deep ravines. Canasawacta Creek,
and its e. and w. branches, flow s. E. through deep and narrow valleys and form a junction near
the center of the town. Southwest of the center are 2 small ponds, covering an area of 100 to
150 acres each. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Plymouth,9 (p. v.,) n. of the center,
contains 2 churches and 150 inhabitants; South Plymouth, (p. o.,) in the s.E., a gristmill
and 10 houses. The first settlement was commenced about 1794, by some French families.10 The
first church (M. E.) was organized about 1806 ; and the Rev. White was the first preacher.11
PRESTON — was formed from Norwich, April 2, 1806. Macdonough was taken off in 1816.
A part of Norwich was taken off in 1808, and a part of the same town was annexed in 1820.
1 This institution for many years bore the highest reputation
of any academy w. of the Hudson. Many distinguished citizens
of the central portions of the State received their academic edu-
cation at this place.
2 Among the other early settlers were Elijah Blackman, Eben
Enos, John Bartle and 6 sons, Peter Burgot, John Church,
Theodore Burr, Benj. Loomis, Samuel Farnham, Chas. Hurst,
and John Holmes. The first child born was Ellis Loomis, in
May, 1792; the first marriage was that of Peter Bartle and
Tabitha Loomis, in May, 1795 ; the first death was that of a
child of Peter Burgot, and the first death of an adult, that of
Andrew Loomis, in 1793. Mrs. Philip Bartle taught the first
echool, in 1793. Philip Bartle built the first schoolhouso, indi-
vidually, on "Panther Bill," in 1793; John Bartle kept the first
inn, on Bowmans Creek ; Samuel Farnham kept th'e first store,
and Peter Burgot built the first mill, on Mill Brook.
6 Named from Nathaniel Pitcher, Lieutenant Governor of the
State.
6 Pitcher Springs, formerly quite a watering place, was named
from the sulphur springs located there. It is now almost de-
serted.
1 Among the other early settlers were Ebenezer Wakely, Benj.
Faircbild, Jonathan Chandler, George Taylor, Silas Beebe, Jonas
Hinman, Abijah Rhiues, Simon Peet, Millard, and Elijah
Fenton. The first child born was a son of Silas Beebe, in Nov.
1796' and the first marriage, that of John Wilson and Polly
Hinman, May 16, 1799. Ebenezer Wakely taught the firs"t,
school; Benj. Fail-child kept the first inn, Keuben Root the first
stor and John Lincklaen built the first mills.
8 he census reports 6 churches in town; 2 Cong., 2 M. E„
P and Union.
brmerly called " Frankville."
8 The census reports 7 churches in town ; Bap., F. W. Bap., ''imong the early settlers were John BavnorandG.D.Jeffrev
M. E., Presb., Prot. E., R. C, and Univ. Icbmen.) James Bumford. Nathan Wales, John Miller, Col
* Among the other early settlers were Joseph Brud, on Lot 49,
Sanford Morgan, on Lot 36, John Weaver, on Lot 28, Daniel
Denison, on Lot 70, Lodowick Weaver, on Lot 32, Joshua Weaver
and David Davis, on Lot 69, — all from Conn. The first birth was
that of Denison R. Weaver ; the first marriage, that of Jabish
Brown and Ketura Brown; and the first death, that of Mrs.
Nehemiah Lewis. Aruna Wait taught the first school. The first
tavern and store were kept by Sanford Morgan, on Lot 36 ; the
first mill was built by Asa Weaver, on Lot 27, on Canasawacta
Creek.
Munroe, Silas Holmes, Dan'l Prentiss. Jas. Purdy. Judah
Bemi 'lit, and R. D. Dillaye. The first death was that of
Blowers; Elizabeth Bowdish died about the same time. QariBM
Brooks taught the first school, in 1S00 or '01 ; Charles Babcock
kept the first inn. and John Raynor the first store. Nathaniel
Prentiss built the first mill, and John Thorp the first woolen
factory, at an early day.
H There are i churches in town ; M. E., Bap., F. W. Bap., and
Cong.
230 CHENANGO COUNTY.
It is the central town of the co. Its surface is a high, rolling upland, divided into two distinct
ridges. The summits of the hills are 200 to 800 feet above the Chenango Valley at Norwich. The
principal streams are Fly-Meadow Creek and Mill Brook, flowing s. into the Chenango. The soil
is a gravelly and slaty loam, — in many places stony and hard to cultivate. It is generally well
adapted to grazing. Preston Corners, (Preston p. o.,) in the n. part, contains 2 churches
and 105 inhabitants. The first settlement was made on Fly-Meadow Creek, in 1787, by James
Glover, who erected the first gristmill, in 1788-89.1 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1806,
by Elder Haskall, the first preacher.2
SIIERBURIVE — was formed from Paris, (Oneida co.,) March 5, 1795. Smyrna was taken
off in 1808, and a part of New Berlin was annexed in 1852. It lies on the n. border of the co.,
e. of the center. The highest summits are 200 to 500 feet above the valleys of the streams.
Chenango River enters the co. from Madison and flows in a 8. e. direction through the town,
receiving Handsome and Mad Brooks and several other tributaries. The soil is chiefly a
gravelly and slaty loam, but some portions of the valley lands are a sandy loam. The Che-
nango Canal passes through the valley parallel to the river. On the bottom lands of the river
hops are extensively grown. Sherburne, (p. v.,) on the Chenango, s. of the center, was incorp.
April 16, 1830. It contains 6 churches, the Sherburne" Academy, and several manufactories. Pop.
about 1200. Earl ville. (p. v..) on the line of Madison co., contains 441 inhabitants, of whom
208 are in this town. Joseph Gutherie settled in the valley of the Chenango, near Sherburne
Village, in 17i>2. Major Brooks, one of the " Shay's men," is supposed to have been there a
year «t two earlier.* The first religious services were held by a number of families from New
England, who purchased the s. w. quarter of the 9th township, (Sherburne,) and settled on it in
March, 1793."
SMITJIVIEEE — was firmed from Greene, April 1, 1808. It lies on the w. line of the co.r
s. of the center. The surface consists of high ranges of hills, with narrow valleys extending n.
and s. It is drained s. by Genegantslet and Ludlow Creeks and their tributaries, and several
other streams flowing into the Chenango. The soil is a gravelly and clay loam in the valleys, and
a clay and slaty loam on the hills. Smith ville Flats, (p. v.,) on Genegantslet Creek, in
the s. w. corner, contains 4 churches, 3 sawmills, a gristmill, and 315 inhabitants. East Smith-
ville, on Ludlow Creek, near the e. line, contains 2 churches and 18 dwellings. The first settle-
ment was made in the valley of the Genegantslet, in 1797, by Robert Lytle, from Ireland.5 The
first church (Bap.) was formed in 1805, by Elder Gray, the first preacher.6
SMYRXA — was taken from Sherburne, March 25, 1808, as "Stafford." Its name was
changed April 6 of the same year. It is the central town upon the n. border of the co. Its sur-
face is a broken and hilly upland, the highest summits being 500 to 800 feet above the valleys.
The principal stream is Pleasant Brook, flowing s.e. through near the center. Cold Brook and
Beveral other small streams flow through portions of the town. These streams mostly flow through
narrow valleys bordered by hilLi'h's a considerable portion of which arc too steep for cultivation.
The soil is a gravelly and >lialy 1- .am. Smyrna, (p. v..) upon Pleasant Brook, near the e. line,
wa« incorp. April 20, 1829. h contains 3 churches, a gristmill, a tannery, and 320 inhabitants.
The fir-t s<-ttlfinfiit was made by J«»M'ph Porter, in 17'.'2.7 The first religious societv (Friends) was
farmed at an early period.1
i David FnirrliM.l and 1 « » — sons John Mttlcdal Pres-I ruling Power while on a perilous and tedious journey through
in- r> in 17 ■.'.'■ . Bands] I Bluings and Silas Champlain, from the wilderness t" their new homes. Tho census reports 9
I hil, at Preston Center, in 11 CoL churches; - Bap, ~ M. ]•'.., P. W. Hup., Cong., Prot. E., Univ.,
Ourd n, and DwOej He» rb set- and Onion.
I laik l/«i-. R( \ II uurd Burdii K. David •'• Ji -. Agard and Eppaphes Sheldon, from Litchfield. Conn.,
— < bam plain, \\ m. Packer, Aura* bought out the log house and improvement of Mr. Lytle in Feb.
! inn] 1798, moved in 1 1 • • ir l.niiilics, and hecame the sole re.-idciits of
Bllllmrs, July 16, 1700; the flr»t mamac. . Lyon the town. They were joined in 1788-89 by Edward Loomis, who
nnd V' ndall. in 1" led on Ludlow Creek, Simeon Neal, Root. Williams, Asu
infimt child of Qeo.Crarr. The flr-t M m. Straight. Danl Phillips, Ca|t. Samuel A. Sited, John Young, ami
afcAlpine, who surveyed to* Livingston Patent in 170* ami snl* John Pnlmet. The first child born was Jane Loomis, May 2,
•equentlv the M oai Marsh k- pt the fir-t inn, in 1800; toe t rat marriage, thai of Jason Smith and Hannah Rora-
1800; I th< tir-t mill | nit-li. in 1*"7: and the fir>t death, that of a son of Georgo
* The census I iies; Bap., Y. V, nth Shaddock, in 1799. Capt. John Palmer kept the first inn and
Put Bap.. PreSDu and I'niv. and erected the Brsl distillery. Timothy Scoville lmilt tho
•A company from New England, consisting <f Kathl (• -aw mill, in 1*05, and Nicholas Powell the first gristmill, in
Joel Hatch. Abraham, James, and New- mb Haymoi
John, and Eleasnr Lothrop, Cornelius Clsrk, and Joel Northrop,
with th'ir families, settled in 17'.'.':. Tied" I of lleir pin
is dat-<l In June of that vear.
'
' I be Census reports 4 churches; 2 M. K., Ilap.. and Univ.
" Among the other eaxlj -eltlers were Jos. Collins. Jos. Bil-
.1 ihna Talcott, David Wilbur, and John I'urker. Tho
* Purine the fir«t Wl ek after their arrival they erected a log Brsl gristmill and clothing works WOTS erected by Collins & Bil-
meetingh' ii»e. and on tin- sue.-. ■ • I Ufa met in it, afi.-r lings, in 1795.
ie I'ilgrlin Katlvrs. to make pnldic and unit-el »'lhe Census reports 5 churches in town; Bap., F. W. Bap,
acknowledgments for the protection and guidance of an over- i Coug., SI. E., and Friends.
CHENANGO COUNTY.
231
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Chenango Count;/.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
Population.
5
Schools.
•2
§
|
i
s
o
1
1
3
"a
G
»5
11?
11
a, a.
0
1
1
1
a
1
'c?
|
&
*|
yi
13
11
9
12
8
22
19
9
9
20
8
19
13
19
10
11
15
8
17
10
14
289
* J
57]
r,m
446
640
360
1.2-:;
392
445
521
890
444
1.401
729
1,219
462
486
620
362
1,029
581
698
14,747
27,6804
14,319
21,447
10,6634
28,17 5*
23,533
10,544!
13JS14
19,942
10,1064
19.5284
14.352
19.159
12,794
13.354J
15,166
15,935*,
20,702
20,341
16,903*
20,092
7,393
10,605
6,0354
14,0824
10,953
6,201*
8,619
10,046
6,591
6,4774
9,871
12,101
12,248
4,395$
9,671
5,361
5,544*
9,3664
7,281*
$383,045
3S5.550
382,312
454,715
157,990
1,031,905
640,220
149,740
232,900
1,223,675
362,341
546,761
292,760
627,600
234,380
241,090
376,645
277,010
776,686
400,565
442,428
$22,300
23,700
54,343
43.450
3,675
332,565
82,900
8,700
19,340
510,436
27,850
56,945
15,250
162.725
13,000
22,740
39,300
26^40
115,100
29,100
68,364
$405,345
409,250
436,655
498,165
161,665
1,364,470
723,120
158,440
252,240
1,734,111
390,191
603,706
308,010
790,325
247,380
263,830
415,945
303,050
891,786
429,665
510,792
1,688
670
842
406
1,880
1,272
549
701
1,224
585
2,005
887
1,519
594
652
769
512
1,367
837
920
19.879
1,689
661
842
400
1,837
1,280
582
716
1,283
541
2,104
834
1,597
558
629
772
532
1,409
824
946
618
253
:;:::;
146
697
492
214
279
479
210
761
339
629
210
250
299
ISO
532
311
370
643
292
357
146
743
524
219
2S2
524
235
822
360
636
21S
315
577
483
392
198
270
555
238
214
133
528
443
194
252
354
194
583
277
521
209
260
503
279
297
175
236
6,435
North Norwich...
Total
!347,828|
182.936
1 9,620,318
1 1,677,823
11,298,141
20,036
7,602
8,236
Names of Towns.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
"3
a «
i •
1
S>1
s
1
Bush, of Grain.
1
1
■is
fs
eqO,
30,609
13.531
15,795
5,827
22,634
15,931
6,160
8.5454
12,976
13,314
14,291
13,612
17,028
9,186
8,369
13,291
9,0944
15,118
11,399
13,831
11
Dairy Products.
a
a
•
\i
-
753
464
534
290
848
697
376
374
645
372
632
526
735
330
445
553
349
841
496
711
3.146
1,106
1,771
826
2,822
2,206
Ml2
1,009
1,363
985
1,933
1,278
2,216
812
1,122
1,386
1,287
1,856
1,882
1,744
31,452
2,226
1,807
2.140
1,160
3,603
2,721
981
1,535
2,439
1,061
2,220
1,433
1,714
1,318
1,259
1,531
1,497
2,179
2,620
1,495
6,438
2,835
2,750
904
4,090
3,756
2,297
2.143
2,697
3,335
7,287
2,562
5,835
1,925
4,487
4,413
6,793
11,726
2,290
7,300
85,923
1,351
MIS
1,021
361
1,640
1,296
486
535
1,047
727
1,003
676
1,450
506
585
643
625
1,189
1,135
1,018
3,1854
135
936
286
3,2724
2,384
54
177
6754
1,454
492
21
1,750
165
128
579
82
1,601
584
1,128
98,4114
48,605
56,962
16,934
88,2834
58,9084
30,1343
18,274
55,390
45,2914
46,446
48.3104
59,623
26,674
29,816*
47,884
24,7975
111,742*
41,7914
63,942
8,7714
5.418
5.706
3,176
9,8654
8,615
3,3154
4,4484
6,908
3.2434
8,523
4,7134
7,766
4,090
3,795|
5,248
4,623
6,815
7,131
5,200
40,714
25,738
31,330
11,616
41,268
34,093
13,358
16,153
30,227
18,162
31.SS9
11,110
43,924
11,714
21,582
27,997
35,255
47,115
32,689
27,614
225,645
107.410
2.M 1.271 1
123,600
451,433
344.045
95,785
164.9S5
196,839
136,381
19S,380
141,505
289,502
114,648
144,200
155,663
176,953
208,415
319,695
145,210
14,000
2S3.01U
6,510
700
17,758
29.226
19,680
1,805
248,173
99,260
107.328
57.300
17,100
51.450
13,797
76,504
23,380
92,708
13,660
39,186
6,109
1,360
1,343
2.358
5.5304
1,109
1.582J
3.44S4
1,298
347
1,188*
1.772
2.297
1 2.399
1,412J
1.052
1,4754
694
3,3874
2.4S84
Guilford
North Norwich...
Total
10,9711
36,9
39
18,092
Il9,089i
1,018,320*
117,370* ' 270,542
553,554
3,990,564
1,212,544
42.652
1 Formed since 1855.
CLINTON COUNTY.
This county was formed from "Washington, March 7, 1788.1 Essex
■was taken off in 1799. St. Lawrence was provisionally annexed in
1801, and taken off in 1802 ; and Franklin was taken off in 1808.
It lies upon Lake Champlain, and is the n. e. corner co. in the
State. It is centrally distant 143 mi. from Albany, and contains
1,092 sq. mi. The surface is generally hilly and broken, and in
some parts mountainous. The Au Sable Range enters the s. w.
corner from Essex co. and extends in spurs and broken ranges
through more than one-half of the w. part of the co. The highest '
peaks along the w. border are 3,000 to 4,000 feet above tide. These
mountains have the same general characteristics as those further s.
They are wild and broken, and their declivities and summits are so
covered with ragged ledges of rocks that they can produce but a scanty crop of timber and are
almost inaccessible. The uplands decline toward the n. ; and along the n. line of the co. is a wide
tract nearly level. Along the lake shore the surface is level or moderately uneven; and from this
tract it rises gradually but unevenly to the summits of the ridges in the interior. A large share
of the central and w. portions of the co. is covered by the original forests, and is too rough to ever
admit of profitable cultivation. The mountainous region in the s. w., comprising about one-third
of the co., is underlaid by gneiss, granite, and other primary rocks. A belt of Potsdam sandstone
extends in a great curve around the primary region and occupies more than one-half of the re-
maining part of the co. On the n. it extends nearly to Canada, but toward the s. it gradually
diminishes, and on the s. line it is but a few miles wide. Surrounding this, and lying next above it,
is a narrow belt of calciferous sand rock, outcropping on the surface, along the lake shore, between
Au Sable and Salmon Rivers. The limestones next appear, occupying the n. e. corner of the co.
and outcropping along the lake from Salmon River to Rouses Point. Tertiary clay is found in a
few places along the lake ; and drift deposits are abundant in the n. and e. parts. Peat bogs are
numerous in the >". e. part. The primitive region is exceedingly rich in minerals. Magnetic iron
ore is found in inexhaustible quantities, and of a quality equal to the best in the world.2
Au Sable River forms most of the s. boundary. North of this are Little Sable, Salmon, Sara-
nac, Little Chazy, and Great Chazy or Champlain Rivers, all flowing into Lake Champlain. English
River flows x. into Canada. Upon all these streams are numerous falls, furnishing an immense
■mount of water-power. In the western wilderness are numerous small lakes, the principal of which
an * Ihateaugay and Chazy Lakes, and Sampson, Taylor, and Slush Ponds. The soil along the lake
i- clayey, and in tin' interior and w. a sandy loam, best adapted to pasturage.
Thf people are principally engaged in stock raising, dairying, lumbering,3 mining, and in the
manufacture "f iron* and Starch. A large business is carried on in peltries, the wilderness still
furnishing numerous valuable fur-bearing animals.5 Fish arc abundant in the mountain
Streams and lakes, although tin- salmon, once so nl>uii<lant, have now nearly disappeared.6 The
Northern (Ogdensbnrgh) K. It. extends w. from Rouses Point, on Lake Champlain, through Cham-
plain, Mooera, Aitona, EUenbnrgh, and Clinton. The Platteburgh & Montreal R. R. extends n.
through Rattsburgh, Beekmantown, Chazy, and Bfooera.
Tin it the village of Platteburgh, on Lake Champlain.'' The courthouse is a
i Named from Geo. Clinton, th " a organised,
it embraced Ml tin lend on both Mtt of Lake Champlain, u
claim- d by th The claim r. «.f !)»<• lake
i upon tii" raoognition of Vermont -^ an iu<i< i«n-
deol Bute, in l"
s Clinton an'l Kwx are th» Iwn m"*t Important minln
in the Stat-. The nine of ir n. in ••xt-nt and rl bneea, surpass
.•iv otiv r p irt of tii- • nrered
In the "Winter" ore bed,tnAa BabJe, bj Geo. Shaffer, in 1800,
— although trivfl-ri had prertoualf fretraentlj he Im-
mense quantities of Iron sand up ii t Ti .- like shore. The prin-
ripii veins nnw opened are the Arnold, Ru terra, Finch, Winter,
Indian. Cook, Batti-, M i- ■■- .Ii '-.- n. and Mcintyre Mine*, in
An Bable; the Palmer and Rutgen kflnee, to Black. Itr^.k : ami
the Skinner an<i Averill Mines, in Dannemom. Vein* of B
r.r lass riehnexa are fonnil in all the towns underlaid i,y the
primary rocks.
* Au Sable and Saranac Mirers flow through valuable lumber
232
districts, nriil upon them nro numerous sawmills. Immense
quantities of loirs are annually floated down these streams and
worked up at the mills below. Several important plank roads
have heeii constructed in the wilderness for tho special acconi-
r i > ■ datlon of the lumber and iron business.
* The Iron manufactured is principally in the form of blooms.
6 Hunting is pursued as a business to some extent ; and during
the summer large numbers of amateur hunters from tho cities
flock to the wilderness for recreation and amusement,
• So abundant were salmon that 30 years aj;o ]()<) bids, wcro
annually taken in the eo.; and from Its importance to the early
settlers this fish was taken as a device for the first co. seal.
I The first court was held Oct. 28. 1788. A blockhouse erected
at the time o| the alarm occasioned by the defeat of St. Clair by
lb- Indians was used for the first jail. A Courthouse and jail
1 of wood was erected in 1802-0.3, and burned in 1814 by the In-
vading British army. A new one erected soon after was burned
i:i K;o, and the present one was erected on its site. The first
CLINTON COUNTY.
substantial brick building, with a stono basement, fronting the public square and river. The jail, a
stone building in rear of tho courthouse, affords no accommodations for the classification of prisoners,
and is destitute of means of ventilation. The clerk's offico is a fireproof brick building on an adja-
cent lot. The poorhouse is located in Beekmantown, 4 mi. n. of Plattsburgh. It has an average of G5
inmates, supported at a weekly cost of $1.00 each. The farm — 90 acres — yields a revenue of S800.1
Four weekly newspapers are published in the co.2
The first white man that ever visited this co. was Samuel Champlain, in 1009, under the auspices of
the French. From that time until the final surrender of Canada in 17G0, the French claimed and held
this region of country, and the lands were mostly occupied by parties holding title under French grants.5
At the close of the war in 1700, settlement rapidly spread down tho lake shore. By the terms of
the treaty between England and France, the French settlers were to be secured in their rights ; but
the Government of New York made conflicting grants, which gave rise to controversies and quarrels
and seriously retarded the progress of settlement. A few families were scattered along the shore
previous to the Revolution ; but the expedition of Burgoyne in 1777 broke up every settlement
in the co. An important naval engagement took place Sept. 11, 1776, in tho strait between Val-
cour Island and the w. shore, between the British and American forces, without any decisive
results. The conflict was renewed on the 13th, and the American vessels were nearly all run ashore
on the Vt. side and burned.4
Settlements were made at all the principal places bordering upon the lake within 10 years after
the close of the Revolution. Point Au Fer was occupied by the British until 1796, when, in com-
mon with several other posts along the n. frontier, it was surrendered to the Americans.5 During
the same year the St. Regis Indians ceded their claims to the State. The embargo of 1808 was
openly violated, and many severe encounters took place between the revenue officers and organized
bands of smugglers.6 Several attempts were made by lawless bands to seize the collectors and
revenue officers, but without success. During the last war with Great Britain this co. was the seat
of important military transactions, and along its frontiers and upon the adjacent waters of the lake
many skirmishes and engagements took place.7
co. officers were Chas. Piatt, First Judge ; Josiah Throop and
Chas. Hay, Judges ; Robt. Cochran, Peter Sailly, Wm. McAuley,
and Pliny Moore, Assistant Justices ; Theodoras Piatt, Surrogate ;
Benj. Mooers, Sheriff; and Melancthon Lloyd Woolsey, Clerk.
1 The Senate Committee of 1857 report that " this house is a
very poor one, indifferently kept, and a disgrace to the co." The
rooms were filthy and not at all ventilated ; and the water sup-
plied to the establishment is furnished from springs into which
drains from the barnyard and privies empty. No school Is
taught; and the children are not admitted to the public schools.
The Supervisors have authorized a loan of $4,000 for rebuilding
this establishment.
2 The American Monitor was established at Plattsburgh in
1807 by W. Nichols and Sam'l Lowell, and continued a
short time.
The Plattsburgh Republican was begun in July,
1811, by Reynolds. In 1813 Azariah C. Flagg
became publisher, and continued it until 1826. It was
subsequently under the charge of H. C. Miller and Wm.
Laud. In Aug. 1833, it passed into the hands of Roby
G. Stone, by whom it is still continued.
The Northern Herald was begun April 10, 1S13, by Fred. C.
Powell. In 1815 it was changed to
The Plattsburgh Herald, and soon after it was discontinued.
The. Northern Intelligencer was begun at Plattsburgh in May,
1821, by Fred. R. Allen. In 1832 it was united with
The Aurora Borealis, which was established in 1828, the com-
bined papers taking the name of the
Plattsburgh Aurora. It was continued but a short time.
The Democratic Press was published at Plattsburgh in 1834 by
J. K. Ave rill.
Tlie Wfrig was started at Plattsburgh in 1835 by G. W. Piatt.
In 1838 it was changed to the
Clinton County Whig. After several changes of ownership, in
Oct. 1855, it was changed to
The Plattsburgh Express, published by Albert G.
Carver, and is still continued by him.
The Berean Guide was published a short time at Beekmantown
in 1837 by Rev. Mr. Bailey.
The Free Democrat was published in 1848 by Oliver Hart.
The Northern Lancet.mo., was begun in i849 by Dr. Horace
Nelson. It was soon changed to
The Lancet, and was continued till 1856.
The Cliamplain Beacon was commenced in 1850 by Ketchum
& Averill. In 1852 it was sold to D. Turner, of
Keeseville, who changed it to
The Rouses Point Advertiser) under which name it
is still published.
The Cottage Gazette was published in 1851 by Arthur C. Nelson.
The American Sentinel was started Jan. 10, 1855, by Warren
Dow. It was soon changed to
The Plattsburgh Sentinel, and is still published.
3 The Governor General and Iuteudant, on the 10th. 11th, and
12th days of April. 1733, granted 3 seigniories within the present
limits of Champlain and Chazy, each 3 leagues in depth and
fronting upon Lake Champlain. The first, granted to Hugues
Jacques Pean. Sieur de Liviandiere, captain in the marines, ex-
tended from Chazy River 2J leagues northward ; the second was
grauted to Sieur Migeon de la Gauchitere, also a captain in the
marines, and the third to Sieur do St. Vincent, jr., an ensign
in the marines ; each grant being 2 leagues in front. These
grants were ensigned forever, in fief and seigniory, with the
right of superior, mean, and inferior jurisdiction, (haute, moyennc,
et basse justice,) with the right of hunting, fishing, and Indian
trade, subject to the performance of fealty and homage at the
Castle of St. Louis, in Quebec, agreeable to the custom of Paris
followed in Canada. They were conditioned to the preservation
by tenants of the oak-timber fit for the royal navy, the reserva-
tion of mines and highways to the crown, and the use of the
beaches to fishermen unless actually occupied by the seignior.
The patentees might grant concessions to tenants, subject to the
customary cens et rentes and dues, for each arpent »f land in front
by 40 arpents in depth. If used for military purposes, materials
for the erection of fortifications and firewood for the use of gar-
risons were to be given without charge, and the grant was to be
submitted for the royal approbation within one year. The
grantees having failed to make improvements on the 10th of
May, 1741, all theso grants were declared to have reverted to his
majesty's domain. On the 1st of Nov., 1752, a seigniory of 24,
leagues in front by 3 in depth, and including Chazy River, was
granted to the Sieur Bedou, councellor in the Superior Council
of Quebec, under conditions like those of Pean. — Titles and Docs,
relating to (he Seignorial Tenure.
4 This engagement was one of the most gallant fought during
the war, and, although resulting disastrously, it reflected no
dishonor on the American arms. Tlie American forces, com-
manded by Benedict Arnold, consisted of 1 sloop, 2 schooners,
4 galleys, and 8 gondolas, with 84 guns and 144 swivels : and the
British force, commanded by Capt. Thos. Pringles, of 1 ship. 2
schooners, 1 razee, 1 gondola, 20 gunboats, and 28 long boats,
with 89 guns and 697 men. The American loss was 80 to 90,
and the British about the same. The Americans saved them-
selves by running their vessels aground and swimming ashore.
6 Judge Pliny Moore, who settled in Champlain in 17S5. was
visited on the 1st of every month by a British corporal and file
of men, from Point Au Fer, to notify him that his claim under
the State would not be recognized ; but no attention was paid to
these repeated warnings. — Palmer's Hist. Lake Champluin.p. 152.
• In 1S08 two Government officers were killed in attempting
to seize a smuggling vessel called the Black Snake.
' The following is a brief chronological list of the most im
portant events of the war connected with this co.
234
CLINTON COUNTY.
In the summer of 1814, Sir Geo. Provost, Gov. of Canada, made extensive preparations for an
invasion of the country along Lake Champlain. Toward the last of Aug. a land force of 14,000
men assembled on the frontier and commenced their march, supported by a formidable fleet under
Commodore Downie. Gen. Macomb, who commanded the Americans, had a force of less than
3,000 ; but, as the invading army drew nigh, he was continually re-inforced by volunteors and
militia.1 The American fleet, under the command of Commodore MacDonough, took position in
Cumberland Bay, awaiting the attack of the British. On Sunday morning, Sept. 11, a simul-
taneous attack was made by the British land and naval forces, and a bloody and desperate battle
ensued. At the end of 2 hours Commodore Downie's flag struck, and nearly the whole British
fleet fell into the hands of the Americans.2 The cannonade was continued upon the shore until
night, when the British slowly and sullenly retreated and in a few days returned to Canada.3
These engagements were justly considered among the most brilliant that occurred during the war,
1812, Sept. 1.— Gen. Bloomfield, with 8,000 troops, prepared to
attack Canada.
" Sept. 16.— Troops consisting of 3.000 regulars and 2,000
militia, under Hen. Dearborn, encamped with-
in a half mile of the Canada line.
u Sept 20. — Guardhouse at La Cole surprised; hut, as
plans of attnrk were frustrated, the troops
retired to Plattabnrgh for winter quarters.
1S13, Feb. — Twn brigades marched to Sackets Harbor,
leaving the w. side of the lake entirely un-
protected till Sept.
" June 2. — Naval engagement near Ash Island, Canada,
I" 'tween an American force, under Lieut.
Sidney Smith, and several British gunboats,
p Milting in the loss of the American sloops
Growler and Eagle and 112 men. The ves-
sels were subsequently re-captured.
u July 31. — A British force of 1,400 men. under Col. Murray,
made a descent upon Plattsbnrgh and de-
stroyed a large amount of public and private
property.
" Sept. 19. — A body of 3,000 American troops, under Gen.
llampton, concentrated at Cumberland Head
and started on an expedition against Canada.
" Sept 21. — After remaining one day in Canada, the Gen.
changed his plan, and, ostensibly on his way
to Montreal, he marched to Chateaugay, and
there remained idle 26 days.
" Oct. 1. — A small party of American militia surprised a
picket guard at Odeltown, Canada.
" Oct. 11. — Col. Isaac Clark, with 110 men. crossed the
lake from Champlain, attacked a party of
British at Missisco Ba y. killed 9, wounded 14,
and took 101 prisoners.
" Not. — A party of Vt. militia crossed the lake and
placed themselves under General Hampton.
The Gov. of Vt. ordered them to return; but
they refused to ol>ey.
" Dec. 1. — A British naval force, consisting of 6 armed
galleys, under Capt. Pring, entered the lake
and burned an empty storehouse near Houses
I'- 'int. In the report of Sir (Jeorgc Provost,
this building was converted into a largo
islne of stores at Plattsbnrgh.
1814, Jan. 18. — A detachment of Infantry from Plattsbnrgh
arrived upon the frontier, soon followed by
another body oftroops, under Gen. Wilkinson.
u March 3' i.— Under the direction of Gen. Wilkinson, Uaj.
i s RtotmO] nt La Cole, bnl
w.i* repulsed With ■ l"-s of 104 In killed and
wounded. Tie- British loss was 56.
■ May 9. — A Hriti«h nnvai force, consisting of 6 sloops and
lleya, under ('apt. Pring, were re»
! m an attack upon Otter Creek, in Vt
• they • nt. r. d Bequet River,
lut wi rs • I militia, and
ie iriv nil the men in the rear galley were
kflled or wound) d.
u Jul Ji— i it ■ I , with 70 riflemen, entered
krd by a British force
of 200 Ben. Do effected hi« retreat with
little I bw days nfti r was killed In
'le r •kinni-h.
" Aug. 20. — Gen, i/iri, with ti. nt of the Ameri-
can turf-, b ft Champlain, leaving tie- iin-
manes amount of military • Platta-
bnrgh in int.. at the
• -«i in. ii, 1,400 of wh "in a
" Aug. 30. — Gen. Brisbane, with lbs nardofthc
British army. t<«k pnm»»«|.in of Champlain.
" Sept. 3. — Sir I st, Gov of I ■• On bead
■ f l L000 men. advanced a. from Champlain,
arriving within - mi •( i'lattsbuigh on the
evening of the Mb.
■ Sept. 6.— Skirmish at Cnlven Hill, and the flr-t attack
on Plattabnrgh, In which the I!riti.«h lost 200
men and the Americans 45.
1S14, Sept. 11. — Naval engagement in Cumberland Bay, result-
ing in the complete victory of the Americans ;
and an attack upon the American landworks,
which was repulsed. The British army re-
treated during the following night.
" Sept. 24. — Last division of the British army retired to
Canada.
1 Gov. Chittenden of Vt. issued a proclamation calling upon
the militia to rally and repel the invasion ; and largo numbers
promptly responded to the call and repaired to the camp. The
call upon Washington and Warren cos. was answered by 350
more men than had ever mustered at an inspection or review.
2 The comparative strength and loss of the two parties on the
lake were as follows: —
AMERICAN.
Vessels.
Flagship Saratoga, Com. Macdonough...
Brig Eagle, Capt. Henlyn
Schooner Ticonderoga, Lieut. Cassin
Sloop Preble, Lieut. Chas. Budd
Galleys Allen, Burrows, Borer, Settle,
Viper, and Centipede (each 1 long
24 and 1 Columbian)
Galleys Ludlow, Winter, Alwin, and
Ballard (each 1 12 pound)
Total.
•e
g
1
5
212
26
2-S
150
20
13
110
17
6
30
7
2
210
12
140
4
852
86
49
55
BRITISH.
Frigate Om/iance, Capt. Downie
Brig Linnet, Capt. Pring
Sloop Chub, Lieut. McGhee
" Finch, " Hicks
Galleys Sir Jan. Teo, Sir Gen. Provost,
Sir Sidney I!" I, with, Broke, and
Murray (each 2 guns)
Galleys Willinglim, 'Pcumseh, Prum-
mond, Simcoe, and 4 names un-
known (each 1 ojui, )
Total 1,095
300
120
45
45
39
16
11
11
41
10
6
225
10
360
8
95
57
1,095
109
The action lasted 2J hours. Tlio British galloys lowered their
colors; hut. not ln-irijr pursued, they escaped, as did also a store-
■hip which lay near the point of Cumberland Head during tho
engagement The loss upon the enemy's galleys was not ascer-
tain, d, but was large; and tho total British ioss was one-fifth
Of their Whole Dumber. In their retreat tho British left behind
them a vast quantity of provisions, tents, camp equipage, and
ammunition, together With their sick and wounded. The British
and American officers were buried separately near tho center of
the I Qiage cemetery ; and the sailors and marines of both fleets
-id" bj side in one common grave, on Crib Island. Some timo
after, the sister-indaw of Com. Geo. Downie placed n tablet over
bis grave; and on the anniversary of the battle, in 1843. tho
cltisens of Plattsbnrgh and the Clinton Co. Military Association
I plain marble monuments at tho unmarked graves of
Lieut. (<. W. hunk. Lieut. Peter Gamble, Lieut. John Stansburyj
Balling Muster Rogers Carter. Midshipman J, M. Baldwin, and
Pilot Joseph Barrowof the American navy; and Col. Wellington,
n .' Chapman, Lieut. B. Kingsbury, Boatswain Chas.
.T.e k-.Ti. Capt. Purchase, Capt Alex, Anderson, (marines,) Acting
Capt. Wm. Paul, nnd Midshipman V. M. Gunn, of the British
Finny mid navy.
• Sir Geo. Provost, In his official report, says, "This unlooked
for event deprived me of the co-operation of the fleet, without
which the further prosecution of the service was become imprac-
t;. able. I did not hesitate to arrest the course of the troops ad-
vancing to the attack, because the most complete success would
have l.ecn unavailing, and the possession of the enemy's works
! no advantage to compensate for the loss we must have
sustained in acquiring possession of them."
CLINTON COUNTY.
235
and they served to partially obliterate the disgrace that attached to most of the movements that
were planned and executed along the n. frontier. The immense sums of money expended within
the co. during the war greatly stimulated its industry ; and although Plattsburgh was twice in tho
hands of the enemy and partly burned, still business prospered. At the close of the war the ex-
citement subsided, and a commercial re-action followed that entirely prostrated business. Upon
the completion of tho Champlain Canal in 1823, business again revived ; and a new impulse has
again been given to it by the railroads and plank roads since constructed. In 1838-40 the co.
shared the intense excitement attending the " Patriot "Wars," and several encounters between the
insurgents and the military authorities took place in tho neighboring parts of Canada.
The lands in this co. were mostly granted in comparatively small patents. The w. portion embraces
4 townships of the Old Military Tract. A tract of 231,540 acres in the n. e. and central parts of the
co. was included in the lands granted by the Legislature of New York to the refugees from Canada
and Nova Scotia at the close of the Revolution.1 These lands were divided into 80 and 420 acre
lots, except 5,000 acres, which was divided into 15 equal parts, which were granted to the officers
and privates among these refugees. Considerable land lying along the lake was granted in small
tracts to English officers who served during the French War. Among the principal remaining
patents were Piatt's, Livingston's, Beekman's, Duerville, Dean's, and Graves.
AL/TOIVA — was formed from Chazy, Dec. 2, 1857. It is an interior town, lying n. of the
center of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland, with a slight inclination toward the n.e. The
w. half is underlaid by Potsdam sandstone, and hundreds of acres are covered with the naked
rock. Great Chazy River is the principal stream. The soil is light and sandy, and a large share
of it is unfit for cultivation. A few settlements are scattered through the town, and the people
are mostly engaged in lumbering. There is no village or p. o. in town. Chazy, in the n.
part, is a station on the N. R. R. Ellenburgh Depot lies on the w. line. The first settler
was Simeon Wood, who located in town in 1800.2 The town embraces parts of the Refugee Tract
and Duerville Patent. The first church (French Bap.) was formed Jan. 1, 1856.
AIT SABLiE3 — was formed from Peru, March 29, 1839. It is the s. e. corner town in the oo.
Its surface is nearly level in the E., rolling in the center, and hilly in the w. The highest summits
are 500 to GOO ft. above the lake. Au Sable River forms the s. boundary, and the Little Au Sable
flows n. e. through the w. part. The soil is generally a light, sandy loam, moderately fertile in the
E. and center and nearly unfit for cultivation in the w. Upon the Au Sable where it breaks through
the Potsdam sandstone is a beautiful cascade known as Birmingham Falls.* Iron ore of an excel-
lent quality is found in abundance.5 Keeseville,6 (p. v.,) upon the Au Sable, 5 mi. from the
lake, contains 7 churches, the Keeseville Academy, 2 extensive rolling mills, 3 nail factories, a
machine shop, an ax and edge tool factory, a cupola furnace, an axletree factory, a horseshoe
factory, a planing mill, 2 gristmills, and a nail keg factory.7 Pop. 2,569, — of whom 1,999 are in Au
Sable and 570 are in Essex co. Clintonville, (p. v.,) upon the Au Sable, in the w. part of the
town, was incorp. April 11, 1825. It contains 2 churches and an extensive iron manufactory.8
Pop. 855. Sew Sweden, (p. v.,) upon the Au Sable, in the s.w. corner of the town, contains
2 forges and 150 inhabitants. Birmingham Falls, at the head of the rapids upon the Au
1 The act making this grant bears date of May 11, 1782. The
names of Canadian refugees were reported by Brig. Gen. Moses
Hazen and Col. Jeremiah Throop, and those of the Nova Scotia
refugees by Col. James Livingston. The small lots were laid
out in narrow strips fronting upon the lake, and the remainder
in the rear. These lands were distributed among 252 persons,
who drew the lots by ballot. The greater part of the tract was
not occupied in the time specified by the act, and reverted to the
State.
8 Among the early settlers were Lyman Clothier, Eliphalet
Hascall, Daniel and Robert Baker, Thos. Cudworth, Simon Good-
Bpeed, and Daniel Robinson. The first, birth was that of Matilda
K. Wood, May 30, 1802. Sarah Stockwell taught the first
school, in 1804; and Lyman Clothier kept the first inn.
■ 8 Pronounced Au Saw'ble, a French name signifying river of
sand. The name is said to have been derived from a sandy bar
at the mouth of the river.
4 This cascade is located about 2 mi. below Keeseville. From
the face of the cliff the river has worn back a ragged and irre-
gular channel in the solid sandstone for a distance of nearly 2
mi. and to the depth of 100 to 130 feet. The rocks that border
it are perpendicular, and in some places overhanging, so that
the water can scarcely be seen from the banks above. At several
points this ravine is compressed to a width of less than 30 feet.
The river plunges into the chasm in a perpendicular descent of
70 feet, and struggles through the tortuous channel, foaming,
whirling, and eddying over its rocky bed.
6 The Arnold ore bed, 2| mi. N. w. of Clintonville, was first
opened in 1809. The shaft is 350 feet deep, and the ore is raised
by steam. For many years the average annual yield has been
1.000 tons; and for 5 years before 1856 it was 1,500 tons. There
are 5 veins, with a total width of 25 feet, yielding ores of different
qualities. This miue has supplied the forges of Jay, Wilmington,
and Chesterfield, in Essex co., and of Peru, Au Sable, and Black
Brook, in Clinton co. Other ore beds are found, of which the
Finch vein, a continuation of the Arnold, is the only one now
worked. It has supplied the forge in Jay. The ore from this
bed is a peroxid, and may be worked without washing or other
separation.
6 Named from Richard and Oliver Keese, sons of John Keese,
one of the original proprietors. The two parts of the village
are connected by 3 bridges, — one of stone, one of wood, and one
an iron suspension foot bridge. The stone bridge is a single
arch of 110 feet.
1 About 3,500 tons of nails and 1,500 tons of merchant iron
and 70,000 nail kegs are manufactured here annually. The first
rolling mill in the State was established here, in 1816,
8 The Peru Iron Co. was incorp. Nov. 11, 1S24. with a capital
of $200,000. The iron works built by them at Clintonville subse-
quently passed into the hands of Francis Suiters, and are now
owned by him and his sons. In one building are 20 forge fires,
and the blooms made are entirely worked up into merchant iron,
of which 7,500 tons are produced annually.
236
CLINTON COUNTY.
Sable, contains 20 houses. The Union is a hamlet, on the line of Peru, and contains two
Quaker meetinghouses. Edward Everett located upon the site of The Union in 1786.1 The first
religious society (Friends) was organized in 1799.2
BEEK^IAXTOWIV3— was formed from Plattsburgh, Feb. 25, 1820. Dannemora was taken
off in 1854. It lies, upon Lake Champlain, near the center of the e. border of the co. The surface
is level in the e. and moderately hilly in the w. Its streams are small creeks and brooks. St.
Armands Bay extends into the s. e. corner. Point au Roche and Rams Head are capes upon the
lake. The soil is a clay loam in the center and e., and a light sand in the w. A spring emitting
sulphuretted hydrogen and carbonic acid gases is found in town. Beekmantown (p-0-)
and East Beekniantoivn (p. o.) are hamlets. The first settlers were Maj. Benj. Mooers and
7 associates, who located at Point au Roche Aug. 10, 1783.* The British passed through the town
in IS 14, and on the 6th of Sept. a slight skirmish took place, in which several were killed.6 The
census reports 4 churches; 3 M. E. and 1 Presb.
BLACK BROOK6— was formed from Peru, March 29, 1839. It is the s.w. corner town in
the co. Its surface is a rocky and mountainous upland, the highest summits being 1,500 to 2,500
ft. above the lake. Among the mountains are several nearly level table lands 200 to 300 ft. above
the general level. Ledges, crags, and boulders cover a large share of the surface. The forest
trees are thinly scattered, and nearly the whole town is too rough and poor for cultivation. Sara-
nac River flows across the n. w. corner, and the Au Sable forms a portion of the s. boundary.
Great Black Brook and Little Black Brook, tributaries of the Au Sable, drain the central parts
of the town. In the mountainous region are several small lakes or ponds, the principal of
which are Mud, Sampson, Taylors, Slush, and Military Ponds. The soil is cold, wet, and unpro-
ductive. Extensive beds of iron ore are scattered through the town.7 The people are principally
engaged in the manufacture of iron8 and charcoal, and in lumbering.9 Au Sable ForliSj
(p. v..) on the Au Sable, in the s. e. part of the town, is mostly on the s. bank of the river, in Essex co.
Black Brook, (p. v.,) near the s. border, contains extensive iron works, several sawmills, and
about 85 houses. Clay burgh, on the Saranac, in the n. part, lies partly in the town of Saranac.
It contains iron works and 30 houses.10 Union Falls (p. o.) and Garlick Falls, (p. o.,) both
on the Saranac, are hamlets and lumber stations. The first settler was Zephaniah Palmer, who
located at Au Sable Forks about 1825.u The census reports one church (R. C.)
CIIA3IPEAIX — was formed March 7, 1788. Chateaugay (Franklin co.) was taken off in
1799, and Mooers and Chazy in 1804. It lies upon Lake Champlain, in the N. e. corner of the co.
Its surface is generally level, with a gentle slope toward the lake. The crest of a swell of land
between Champlain Village and Rouses Point is about 200 feet above the lake. Great Chazy or
Champlain River flows in a tortuous course through the town and discharges its waters into
1 Am^n.' th" other early settlers were John Keese and his
■ons Richard, John, Oliver, Stephen, and William. Caleb Green
and hh - - Henry, Rodman, John, and James. Peter Halleck,
Dnnl. Jackson, OObert and Qerrii Thew, John Haff, EUaha
\ Id. rind Ji hn Stanton, a), ml 1795. Tie' first chOd born was
in the family of John Stanton. at>out 1795. The mother of this
rhil ! ' girl in tie' family. Tin- Wife, led being
led t" the circumstance, Instated npon being
Imit: r friendj in Dntcheaa oo. It being
bi r op n a band iled and drew her
th" l»k-' t rrrough" thew e to Port Edward, and
r wti|. ti b« returned to An
Sail.', having bean h w<*k« in performing Hi" J"iirre v. Dp m
turn h- marri'-d the m tier of 1 1>.- child, and lived with
T)i<- nrM ■ boo) «»« taught in 17!M. I>y
; the first Inn *n k. j-t by Joel Back. In 1800; and
the Brat f •'»:■ waa i r cted i y •. Id, In 1 S1Z
i; 2 C ■• .: . - M
• • i n C,
* Named fp'm Wm. nil! mail, !•• wh m. tvi-
to»n wa< CT*1'f<l >1»ffli ^' ,"'':'- '
4 y the !'■• fog
several year* he restored to Comb^rlai II id, and afterward
kiel Hubbard, Henry Di m-
ing. Jonathan - ah, Jr..
t; I Joseph Main tattled 'ear Beekmantown
Corner*: I'liil ■ Henry IlArn.*. Bphralna and Amos
.- i .'• hn Urtninc «• r irty settlers.
Tie' first birth was that of Sibu Pomerov; 1 1 1 -- fjr-t marriage.
that of Kli Howe and Miaa HoM r I. in 1794; and th
death, tli it of a child "f Bfmon "
* Am>n^ the killed WIS I>u». CM Willintrton and En«ign
Chapman, of the enemy, and several of the American militia. —
Pulmsrt //.I. Lake Champlain. p.
t Named from its principal stream. The town comprises por-
tions of the Old Military Tract and of Livingston's Tatent. The
military lands were finally c.nveyed to ISen.j. Birdsall and bis
Kites by act of Feb. 4. 1798, to satisfy claims growing out
of the suppression of the lease of all of tho Indian lands in the
Btate 1 or 999 years.— Folw Laws, XVI. Sess.,p.24. dark's Hist.
(hiin)., vol. 1, p. 368.
I The Palm* r Mine, 2 mi. tt.ct Au Pablo Forks, was discovered
by '/. Palmer in I82S. It is situated on a hill -too to 500 feet
above the river, The ore is raised bv steam, and the yield is
16,000 to 20,000 torn per year. Tin- Myert Mine, at Clayburgh,
D worked Since 1848. It yields annually 1.500 tons of ore,
principally mad in the manufacture of wire, tacks, and small
nails. The Tromboil HitU was discovered in 1S45, and about
I toni of ore have been raised. The iron made from it is
soft and tough, and Is principally used in tho manufacture of
plai ■-. hoTM nails, and car axles.
8 Tie- Bable Iron Company have extensive works at Au Sable
F"rks and at 111 ark Brook, in I they manufacture 2.600 tons of
blooms, 900 t'tis of merchant iron, 50.000 to 55,000 kegs of
naiN. and 1,600,000 bush, of charcoal per annum. 2.500 tona
.if blooms are manufactured at their establishment at Ulaek
r.r..)< alone. The Co. was incorp. In Sept. 1834, and the stock
is DOW owned by J. & J. Rogers.
• There are 8 to 10 large sawmills in town.
10 Tho products of tho Myers Mine are principally rnamifao
tand at tins place. A water-power near the mine is Improved,
and a forge Or 5 fires Is in active operation. A steam forge and
steam hammer f"r the manufacture of R.R. axles was in opera-
tion here at»out 4 years.
" Several plank roads have been built In this town to facilitate
i!i in. n and lumber business. Curtis kept the first inn,
tear the Center, in 1&28. Halsey Rogers and John Mclntyrs
i in town in 1830. The Said" lr.ni Co. erected tho first
forge tho some year.
CLINTON COUNTY.
237
Kings Bay. It is navigable to near Champlain Village. Corbeau Creek, its tributary, is tbo
other principal stream. Point au Fer1 and Stony Point are two capes projecting into the lake.
The soil is a clay or clayey loam. Peat is found in numerous localities, i baniplaln, (p. v.,)
upon the Chazy, near the n. line of the town, contains the Champlain Academy, 3 churched, 2
founderies, a linen factory, planing mill, and carriage factory.2 Pop. 1,473. Perrys Mills3
(p.o.) is a lumber station upon the Chazy, in the n. w. corner of the town. Rouses Point,4
(p.v.,) upon the lake, in the N. E. corner of the town, contains 3 churches, a brewery, newspaper
office, and extensive depots and repair shops belonging to the Northern R. R. Co. It is divided
into the Upper and Lower Villages, the latter being about twice as large as tbo former. Pop.
1,769. Coopersville,5 or Corbeau, is a village upon Chazy River, opposite the mouth of
Corbeau Creek. It contains 1 church and 40 houses. The first settlers were Canadian and
Nova Scotia refugees, who located in town soon after the Revolution. The first English settler
was Pliny Moore, who came in to reside in 1789.6 The census reports 4 churches in town.7
CHAZY8 — was formed from Champlain, March 20, 1804. Altona was taken off in 1857. It
lies upon Lake Champlain, n. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling and has a gentle incli-
nation toward the e. The principal stream is the Little Chazy, flowing n. e. through near the
center. Corbeau Creek flows through the n. border. Potsdam sandstone underlies the w. part,
and Chazy and Trenton limestone the E. Tertiary clay extends along the lake shore. The soil is
clayey and productive in the central and e. parts, but sandy in the w. Cbazy, (p. v.,) upon
Little Chazy River, contains 2 churches and a saw and grist mill. Pop. 32G. W est Cbazy,
(p.v.,) upon Little Chazy River, in the s. w. part of the town, contains 2 churches, a saw and grist
mill, and starch factory. Pop. 280. It is a station on the P. & M. R. R. Sciota (p.v.) is a
station on the P. & M. R. R., in the N. W. corner of the town. Chazy Landing is a hamlet
on the lake shore. Iiigrabam is a p. o. in the s. e. corner. The first settler was John La
Trombois,9 who came in town in 1763. After the Revolution the first settlers were refugees from
Canada and Nova Scotia. Of these, Lieutenant Murdock McPherson was the first one that could
speak English.10 The census reports 5 churches in town.11
CKillVTOlV — was formed from Ellenburgh, May 14, 1845. It is the n. w. corner town in the
co. Its surface is generally level, with a gentle inclination toward the n. w. The highest points
along its s. border are about 1,050 feet above Lake Champlain. A portion of the surface is undu-
lating. It is nearly all underlaid by Potsdam sandstone, which here is remarkably white. The
streams are small brooks. More than three-fourths of the town is yet a wilderness. The soil is a
light, sandy loam, capable of supporting but a thin growth of forest trees. A large part of the land
is owned by capitalists and speculators. Cherubusco, (p.o.,) the summit station upon tho
O. R. R., Tbe Frontiers, (Frontier p. o.,) and Wrightsville, upon the w. border, are
hamlets. This town lies within No. 6 of the Old Military Tract. The first settlers located upon
the Old Military Road and near The Frontiers.12 A M. E. church has lately been organized.
DAXIVEMORA13 — was formed from Beekmantown, Dec. 14, 1854. It is the central town
upon the w. border of the co. Its surface is mostly a wild, mountainous upland, covered with a
sandy soil and light growth of forest trees. Chazy Lake, near the center, 3j miles long by 1}
1 Called Point au Fer (Fire Point) upon a map bearing date
of 1748. During the Revolution, the Moira, a vessel of war,
anchored off this point, and barracks were built upon the land
for the winter quarters of the marines. The place was occupied
by the British until 1796. It was reserved by the State in 1787
fur military purposes, but was not used.
2 This place contains a fine water-power, and a large amount
of manufacturing is carried on. The greater part of the lumber
brought down by the Ogdensburgh K. R. is shipped here.
3 Named from Geo. Perry, former proprietor.
* Named from Jacques Rouse, a Canadian, who settled here in
1783. This village has grown to importance since the comple-
tion of the E. R. The passenger and freight depSts are both
among the largest R. R. structures in the State. A bridge a mi.
long here crosses the lake. A floating draw of 300 feet, opened
and shut by steam, admits the passage of vessels. About one
mi. N. of the village, upon the banks of the lake, Fort Mont-
gomery is situated. This fort commands the entrance to the
lake. It was begun soon after the War of 1812 ; but in 1818 it
was found to be within the limits of Canada, and the work was
abandoned. It became known as " Fr/rt Blunder ;" but by the
Webster Treaty of 1842 it was ceded again to the TJ. S. Work
upon it has been resumed ; and it is estimated that the completed
works will cost $600,000, of which sum $275,000 has already been
expended.
5 Named from Ebenezer Cooper, who erected mills there.
* Moore came in to survey the tract granted to Smith, Graves,
and others, in 17S5. He erected the first saw and grist mills, in
1789. Among the other early settlers were F.lnathan Rogers,
Wm. Beaumont. Chas. L. Sailly, Samuel Ashman. Joseph Corbin,
Silas Hubbell, Elias Dewey, Charles Bedlow, David Savage, and
Benj. Tyler.
i M. E., Prot. E., Presb.. and R. C. Since 1855, 3 churches have
been organized at Rouses Point; R. C, M. E., and Prot. E.
8 Pronounced Sha-zee. It included the patent granted to
Elkanah Dean and 29 others, July 11, 1769.
9 He was accompanied by two men, named Gonde and Swarte.
He was driven off in 1776, but returned after the war, and died
there in 1810. — Palmer's Hist. Lake Champlain, p. 80.
10 Among the early settlers were Levi Hazen, Septa Fillmore,
John Bronson, Elisha Kansom, George Root, and John Douglas.
Miss M. Bingham taught the first school, in 1802.
ii 2 M. E., Bap., Cong., and Wes. Meth.
12 Among these early settlers were Junio Howard, Calvin John-
son, C. A. Smith, Ebenezer Gates, George Peters, and Stephen
Martin, mostly from Vt. The first child born was Rhoda S.
Howard, Feb. 7. 1819: the first marriage, that of Cornelius Aus-
tin and Fannv Hall, in 1822; and the first death, that of a child
of William Hunter, in 1820. Mary Emmonds taught the first
school, in 1821 ; Benjamin Roberts kept the first inn ; Charles D.
Bachus the first store, in 1835; and John McCoy erected the first
sawmill.
is Named by Gen. Skinner, from a celebrated iron locality in
Sweden.
238 CLINTON COUNTY.
wide, discharges its waters e. into Chazy River. Upper Chateaugay Lake, on the w. border, 5 mi.
long by li broad, discharges its waters w. into Chateaugay River. The few settlements in town
are confined to the s. e. corner. Daiinemora (p. v.) is a small village grown up around the
Clinton Prison. This prison was located here in 1S45, for the purpose of employing convicts in
the mining and manufacture of iron, so that their labor would not come so directly in competition
with the other mechanical trades.1 The first permanent settler was Thomas Hooker, who came to
reside in 1838. The census reports 1 religious society (Presb.) in town.
ELLdE^BURGIP— was formed from Mooers, April 17, 1830. Clinton was taken off in 1845. It
lies upon the w. border of the co., N. of the center. Its surface is an upland, mountainous in the
s. and rolling in the n., with an inclination toward the n.e. English River flows E. across the
x. border. The soil is generally sandy ; but in many places the sand is covered with a rich vege-
table mold. The settlements are principally confined to the valley. Potatoes are raised in large
quantities. Lumbering is extensively carried on. Ellenburgll (p. v.) contains 3 churches, a
sawmill, tannery, and 1'2~> inhabitants. Elleiiuurgli Center (p. v.) contains a church, saw
and grist mill, 2 starch factories, a machine shop, and 15 dwellings. Ellenburg'h ©epot is a
hamlet on the line of Altona. James Hanchett came to this town in 1790, but left soon after. The
first permanent settler was Abner Pomcroy, from Vt., about 1800.3 There are 4 churches in town.4
MOOERS5 — was formed from Champlain, March 20, 1804. Ellenburgh was taken off in
1830. Its surface is generally level, with a gentle inclination to the n. e. The principal streams
are Great Chazy and English Rivers. The surface is entirely underlaid by Potsdam sandstone,
and is covered with a light, sandy soil. Along the n. border are several small swamps. Upon the
Cana.la line, in the n. w. corner, is a remarkable chasm in the rocks, called The Gulf.6 Center-
ville, (Mooers Forks p. o.,) upon the Chazy, contains 2 churches, a sawmill, stave factory, and 30
house-. It is a station on the N. R. R. Mooers, (p. v.,) upon the Chazy, in the e. part, con-
tains 2 churches and 40 houses. It is near the junction of the O. and P. & M. R. R's. Angell-
vllle, upon Corbeau Creek, in the s. e. corner, is a hamlet. The first settler was Joshua C. Bos-
worth, who located in town in 1796.7 The first preacher was Rev. Andrew Blackman, in 1800 ;
and the first settled minister was Rev. Martin Powell, in 1807.8
PERU9 — was formed from Plattsburgh and "Willsborough, (Essex co.,) Dec. 28, 1792. A part
was annexed to Willsborough in 1799, and Au Sable and Black Brook were taken off in 1839. It
lies upon the lake, s. of the center of the co. The surface in the center and e. is rolling and
slightly inclined toward the lake, and in the w. broken and mountainous. The Au Sable flows
across the s. e. corner, and along its course are extensive swamps. Little Sable drains the greater
part of the remaining portions of the town. The principal body of water is Military Pond, on the
w. line. A strip of land 2 mi. wide, extending along the lake, has a soil composed of clay and
clay loam. West of this is a plain 4 mi. wide, covered with sand and interspersed with swamps.
In the W. the soil is a light, sandy loam. Peru, (p. v.,) on the Little Sable, near the center of
tbe town, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, starch factory, and tannery. Pop. 504. Eapliams
Mills. J mi below Peru, contains a large flouring mill, a plaster mill, forge, and 15 dwellings;
IVaslr * ille. "ii Salmon River, in thcN. w. corner, a forge and 25 dwellings. Port Jackson,
\ alconx p.O.,) on the lake, opposite Yalcour Island, is a hamlet containing a church. Peru
i T)ii> |'ri<"n v I under the superintendence of Re
OOOkf hi !-r ID Mi I !-»•■! M iy 1 . 1 s II . Tli'' priori grounds,
comprisli • i upon ill" alope <<f a bill, and are
surrounded by picketi 10 feel high. Ths main buildings, con-
st™ led ■tone.arc In th" fonn ofaT.and ire <
ivl;. • ' Th II" m-M eon-
ttmctad in iU • 'it-r "f the building,
-i I r ffrtsndlng completely sroond between them
mid the outer wails. Tbe main bo ilate ro band
are completely fli enroot Within 1 1 . •■ grounds are a steam forge,
with in flr^. (t'r-dling mill, bonder pat i- r ■ ipaole
of washing 800 tons en ore pr nvnth. 7 coal kli tn a»w-
mill machine «hop. and th" niin« of a M»«t farnaoa, burned Jnns
\ larco nhar» of th" i trncttng these works
hax been dona by COOTlcta, Th" prl«on work« w<t" first rapplied
with ore from tii" Skinner Mine, own**! by th" Bl ite: bnl more
itlyfrom th" AverM Min". A new mine has lately been
diauoTuied npon the State ground*, i e manufacture of
Iron, stare making. oooparmg, an I sboemaking are carried on.
Ransom, in l^'-J: and Benjamin Mine, W. Jennings, jr.. Joseph
ferry. I'lirdini Daily. Joseph Lawrence, and Samuel Eazleton,
ii attar, The firs! child horn was Lloyd Kogers llines. Ho
named after Lloyd Rogers, and received a farm of 50 acres
for the name. The first marriage was that of Smith Delamator
and Phoebe Eastabrook. John R. Murray built the first saw
and grist mill.
• M. K.. I'rot. F... I'resb., nnd Union. Tho Union Church was
bnilt by .T. I(. Murray.
amed (rem MaJ. Gen. BenJ. Mooers, an early settler and
prominent citizen of the co.
'■ This gulf is 16 rods wide and 300 feet deep. At its bottom
Is a pond of water said to bo 150 feet deep. The walls are of
sandstone, and perpendioalar. No existing agencies could have
produced th - chasm.— X 1'. Gt'oL, 2d Dint., p. 309.
7 Among the early settlers were Ichabod liosworth, C.co. and
Ihinlel Perry. Andrew Itlarkman and sons. Daniel Southwick,
John, Joseph, and Bamnel ChnrchOJ, John Sheldon, and Robert
Tripp. The first child born was Wm. Hallenbeck, in 1801; tho
■ it d "amine* in > ling in 18 ".66; llr-t marriage, that of David Anderson and Rhoda l'crry, Dec. 5,
an<l the total expenses, (213)901 1^t,: aiel the tir-t death of an adult, that of Mrs. J.C.Bosworth
' Named in compliment to Lllen.danzhter of John R. Murray, s-pt. 26. 1802.
of N. V.. the principal proprietor of Township No. 5 of the Mili- > The census reports 4 churches in town; Cong., M. E., Prot. E.,
tory Tract. and Presb.
* Among tho early settlers were Aaron BTondwell nnd Lewis » Name applied from its mountainous character.
CLINTON COUNTY.
2:J9
Landing is a hamlet, n. of the mouth of the Little Sable. The first settler was Wm. Hay, a
Scotchman, who located upon Stewart's Patent in 1772.1 The census reports 4 churches in town.2
PL..4TTSBURCJII — was first recognized as a town April 4, 1785. A part of Peru was
taken off in 1792, Eeekmantown in 1820, Saranac in 1824, and Schuyler Falls in 1848. It lies
upon Lake Champlain, a little s. of the e. border of the co., and includes Valconr* and Crab*
Islands in the lake. The surface is level in the e. and broken and hilly in the w. It is slightly
inclined toward the e., its w. border being elevated about 500 feet above the lake. It is princi-
pally drained by Saranac River and its branches. In the e. part the soil is a clayey loam,
underlaid by Trenton limestone ; in the center, a sandy loam, underlaid by calciferous sandstone ;
and in the w. a light sand, underlaid by Potsdam sandstone. Cumberland Head is a peninsula
extending into the lake and forming Cumberland Bay.5 Plattsburgh, (p. v.,) upon Cumber-
land Bay, at the mouth of Saranac River, was incorp. March 3, 1815. It has a safe and commo-
dious harbor, and an excellent water-power, giving it facilities for a large amount of both com-
merce and manufactures. Besides the co. buildings, it contains a town hall,6 customhouse,7 the
Plattsburgh Academy, 6 churches, a foundery, planing mill, sawmill, gristmill, and 2 tanneries.
Pop. 2,926. Upon a sandy plain, 1 mi. s. of the village and 90 feet above the lake, are situated
extensive barracks belonging to the U. S. Government.8 Cadyville, (p. v.,) upon the Saranac,
10 mi. above Plattsburgh, contains a church, sawmill, and 25 houses. Elsinore, 1 mi. above
Cadyville, contains a forge and a half dozen houses. Sainton River, (South Plattsburgh
p. o.,) in the s. part, contains a church, sawmill, and 25 houses. West Plattsburgh is a p. o.
The first settlement was made before the Revolution, by Chas. de Fredenburgh and several asso-
ciates, under royal grants. During the war the settlers were driven off and the improvements were
destroyed. In 1785 a tract 7 mi. square was granted to Zephaniah Piatt and 32 associates, who
had bought up military land warrants to that amount.9 The first 3 families who settled under
this grant were those of Charles Piatt, Chas. McCreedy, and Kinner Newcomb. Nathaniel Piatt
was the first surveyor and agent for the proprietors. A farm of 80 acres was offered to each of the
first 10 settlers in town.10 Rev. Benj. Vaughan preached the first sermon, in 1787; and Rev.
Frederick Halsey was the first settled minister, in 1795.11 There are 9 churches in town.12
SARAKTAC — was formed from Plattsburgh, March 29, 1824. It lies upon the w. border of
the co., s. of the center. Its surface is a broken and mountainous upland. The highest summits,
along the w. border, are 4,000 feet above tide. Saranac River, flowing through the s. e. part,
is the principal stream. Upon its course are several falls, affording an immense amount of water-
power.13 The e. part, sloping toward the river, is covered with a light, sandy soil, and the river
intervale with a sandy loam and alluvium. The soil among the mountains is sandy; but the whole
1 Hay lived opposite Valcour Island, and witnessed the naval
engagement of Arnold. He soon after removed to Canada, but
returned in 1785. Among the other early settlers were John
Cochrane, John Howe, Isaac Finch, Abijah Ketchum, Lott and
John Elmore, Ezekiel Lockwood, Samuel Jackson, Cyrenus
Newcomb, Geo. Hayworth, Benj. Sherman, and Silas and Robert
Cochrane. The first child born was Ira. son of John Howe, in
1*84 ; the first marriage, that of Lott Elmore and Mary Hay,
Dec. 17, 1788; and the first death, that of Wm. Hay, Feb. 28,
1779. M. Finch taught the first school, in 1790-91; John
Cochrane built the first grist and saw mill; Weed built
the first forge, and Geo. Hayworth and John Hockstrass built
the first factory. A large stone woolen factory built in 1836, by
Richard Hayworth, was changed in 1851 to a starch factory.
2 2 M. E.,'Cong., and R. C.
8 This island is memorable for the naval engagement which
took place near it during the Revolution. The remains of the
schooner Royal Savage, sunk at that time, may still be seen.
* The sailors and marines killed in the naval battle of Sept.
11. 1814, were buried upon this island.
5 Extensive military works were begun here in 1814, but
were abandoned upon the approach of the enemy. The State
of Vt. presented Com. MacDonough with a farm on this point,
which is still owned by his descendants.
6 Built in 1856, at a cost of $3,000. It is a fireproof brick
building, and contains a town hall, armory, and fire engine
room.
7 This is a fine fireproof brick building, built at a cost of .480,000,
and contains rooms for the customhouse, postoffice, and U.S.
Court.
8 These buildings were commenced in 1838, and were originally
designed to inclose a space of 600 feet square. Only a part of
the design has been carried out. Troops were stationed here
until 1846, when they were sent to join the army in Mexico.
The buildings are now used by the Clinton Co. Agricultural
Society for its annual fairs.
• This grant was made in accordance with the provisions of «n
act passed in 1781, which provided that when 61 rights, or 30,600
acres, should be jointly located, a tract 7 mi. square should be
granted, including 860 acres for gospel and schools.
10 Among the settlers who received lots under this offer were
Kinner Newcomb, Jacob Ferris, Thos. Allen, John B. Hartwick,
Derrick Webb, Jabez Pettit, Moses Soper, Lucius Reynolds, and
Henry Ostrander. Among the other early settlers were Ichabod
Truesdale, Peter Roberts, Wm. Campbell, Benj. Ketchum. and
Benj. Graves, who settled at the village; Melancthon L. Woolsey,
Adams, Frederick Durant, Wm. Coe, Russell Ransom. Benj.
Mooers. Wm. P. and Theodorus Piatt, who settled on Cumber-
land Head; Lambert Hoppin, John Stevenson, Gideon Ruger,
Joshua Hillyard, and A bin. Webb, who located on South St.;
Benj. Reynolds, Sam'l Norcross, John Roberts, and Benj. Ham-
mond, on Center St. ; Nath'l Piatt, Sam'l Benson, Eliphalet Has-
kins, Jos. Ormsby, Benj. Vaughn, and John Wait, on North St.;
and Melancthon Smith, Zephaniah Piatt, Thos. Treadwell, Peter
Sailly, and Wm. Bailey, in other parts of the town.
U The first child born was Ida Ostrander, Sept. 7. 1785 : the
first male child. Piatt Newcomb, Nov. 1, 1785; the first marriage
was that of Peter Sailly and Marianne Adelaide Greille. June
8, 17S9; and the first death, that of Mrs. Sailly. first wife of
Peter Sailly, Dec. 23, 1786. Twelve of the original proprietors
met at the house of Judge Piatt, at Poughkeepsie, Dec. 30. 1784,
and took measures for the immediate erection of a grist and saw
mill and forge. These buildings were the first in town.
12 3 R. C, Bap., M. E., Wes. Meth., Presb., Prot. E., and
Union.
13 At the Saranac Falls the river flows through a narrow, tor-
tuous channel, bounded by nearly perpendicular rocks, for the
space of a mi. In its course its descent is very rapid, and a!
several places it is precipitated down precipices of 20 or 30 ft.,
and at last it plunges into a basin in a perpendicular fall of 60
feet. The ragged rocks upon the bottom and sides, and the
abrupt angles in the channel, cause the water to boil and seethe
and struggle in the wildest commotion. In high water, thou-
sands of saw logs float down the river, and in their passage
down the falls they are pitched and tossed upon the surges, or
thrown bodily into the air like playthings.
240
CLINTON COUNTY.
w. region is too rough for cultivation. Saranac, (p. v.,) upon Saranac River, contains a church,
sawmill, forge, and 50 houses. Redford, (p. v.,) on the Saranac, near the s. border, contains
3 churches, several sawmills, and 60 houses.1 Russia, 2 mi. above Saranac, contains 2 forges
and 20 houses. The first settlement was begun in 1802, by Russell Case and Ezekiel Pearce.2 The
first preacher was Rev. Lambert Hopper, in 1805.3
SCII17YL.ER FALX.S4— was formed from Pittsburgh, April 4, 1848. It is an interior
town, lying a little s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling in the E. and hilly in the w.,
with an inclination toward the e. The Saranac forms its n. boundary, and Salmon River flows
along its s. border. The soil is a light, sandy loam. Schuyler Falls, (p. v.,) on Salmon
River, near the s. line of the town, contains a church, gristmill, starch factory, and 50 dwellings.
Itlorrisonville, (p. v.,) on the Saranac, lies partly in Plattsburgh. It contains 3 churches, a
gristmill, sawmill, starch factory, foundery, machine shop, and 35 houses. lVorrisville, upon
Salmon River, 3 mi. w. of Schuyler Falls, contains a starch factory, 2 forges, and 15 dwellings.
The first settler was Ezra Turner, who located upon Salmon River in 1797.5 The census reports
2 M. E. churches in town.8
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Ajricidtural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Clinton County.
Naves op Tovrss.
Acres of Land.
I
Altona"
An Sable.
Beekmantown.
Black Brook....
Champlain
Chazy
Clinton
Dannemora.....
Ellenbnrgh ....
Mooers
Peru
Plattsburgh....
Saranac
Schuyler Falls.
Total ,
11,067}
24,103
23.526
4,213
7.4233
12.nl2i
25.05OJ.
14.7'-+:
ll.n.V-j
n;52ii
I
10.634
13,2864.
69.5501
9,035
56,053
24,760
54,919
56,608}
25,308
19,346}
12,094
39.507}
9,984
Valuation of 1858.
168,932} 401,086}
$202,375
506,712
531.385
155.634
763,3S3
523,655
117,592
113,806
177,937
405,003
616,294
1,069,290
201,352
246,694
5.631,112
If
fcS
$2,575
64,327
15,300
3,100
62,230
50,880
1,450
6,800
102,700
348,400
2,200
29,600
679,562
$204,950
571,039
546,685
158,734
815,613
574,535
117,592
113,806
179,387
411,803
718,994
1,417.690
203,552
276,294
6.310.674
| Population.
3
i
"i
i
Schools.
S
§
^
s
*
s .
»2s
e
■&
•&
o
Vc
§ <»
1
£
%
1
1
10
5s
749
1.854
1,949
616
655
257
12
1,614
1,480
1,453
483
482
425
15
1,135
1,557
1,468
499
541
192
14
1,395
3,080
3,117
996
1,052
373
14
2,205
2,233
2,229
780
• 809
575
17
1,619
709
662
245
248
157
7
785
501
222
84
84
62
1
222
907
844
321
348
231
9
684
1,819
1,803
608
630
492
22
1,837
1,788
1,732
606
635
441
21
1.536
2,998
3.082
896
984
642
17
2,602
1,656
1402
523
533
362
13
1,119
974
963
337
344
272
10
S49
21.556
20,926 1
6.994
7,345
4,481
'182
18.351
Naves of Towns.
•
Aa Sabl"
Beekmantwn .
Black Brook....
Cham i : .
Chazy
flint n
Panne;.
F.ll- nt.iirji
"> I
P<ni
Parana.
Schuyl.
Live Stock.
B88
L086
371
Wfl
1.233
188
860
<"j
1,040
Ml
III
814
2.'J',:i
568
1.427
2,199
355
439
1.257
1,942
888
14.271
716
l.vjl
554
l.fi-.'i.
1,666
371
447
1 . 16
tQ
2,139
6,491
4 Mi
4.03'
8,776
5G2
659
1,681
1.M..7
1!..-.
'.
555
1,117
370
711S
1,178
J72
277
108
1,089
-
7.8i -
Agricultural Products.
Bpsh. op Grain.
I
954J
1.1 95
668
83
1.6M1
72}
291
695}
.V>51
2,002
8,848
K..211J
X
27.311}
88.863J
9.227}
75.9191
81,195)
6,723
13 028}
16,091;
M.I 42]
10,128}
19,226
29,036]
484,887}
*.
3,126
7,232
1.262
6,571
7,645}
i.i>->7;
1,990}
4.0-41
6.117}
4,847}
2.: -Ml
2,624}
48,841
s;a.
25.1 s5
52.S27
1\S75
2H.1 1 irt
36,552
12,865
32,019
14.66S
5S.05S
86,884
2S.271
5H.S42
:;s;,.492
944
15,545
20
\T>'.2
16.704
415
210
2.345
11.918}
11,967
1,442
6,664
'6.9864
Dairy Pnoi>tlCT8.
e,=5
3<-.24.5
172.695
311,091 1
M.210
101.239
23,560
39,505
S1.6M
111,404
76,350
57.661
74.790
S91.431,
SI
6,475
17,823
600
10,690
14,500
4,000
755
7,505
15.696,
12,357
710
14.795
230
2,951
955}
1,214
1,37 3 J
1,702}
509}
259
1.385
105,906! 10,5791
• Formed sine I
• In 1831, .T-lin 8. Forter, DM t<> tlil«
! i raw nnl gri»t mill, and, during 1 1 > • • DeXl
MMon, ft koy* nmafteton ictnre
of gla<w wascarri.l on with varying ^;1 1863. when It
was finall;. '■' ' JehVreonoalnl
I the manubctur* of | t«ge :j
' tth'w Lao
f the OjUllllanl
Unong the earlj were Bylvanus Smith. Wright
ppaullint'. Lyman Manly. Nath'l I.;.
Cz-ir, Lcwii ISRil and son" in.) .1 .(in Lett
John M. II pper and John Chamberlain. Bamael Btone, first
agent fcr Township Sfa4oftheOU Military Tract, with at
man. attempting to go to Maloaa, ««> C night in a mow «t..rm.
and bis companion frozen to death, Oct. S, 1802. lie was himself
| so injur..] dint he died in 3 weeks. John D. Fiske, the second
I . wsa killed by a falling tree, Juno 21, 1805. The first Ml t b
t was that of Isaac Smith, May 9, 1804; tho first marriage, that
melius Hopper and Sophia Case, in 1810; and the first
.]• Bth of a settler, that of John D. Fiske, Juno 8, 1805. Royal
Spanlding taught the first school, In 1805; and Isaiah Ferris
built the first saw and grist mill, in 1800.
■ There arc 4 churches in town ; 2 M. K., Presb., and B,. C.
* Named from tho proprietor of the present villagosito.
•'■Among the early settlers were Daniel and Hoswell Jones,
John I'. Roberts, David Hare, Daniel Hillson, Henry Purdy,
Jonathan Wickham, and Jas. Brand, all of whom located upon
Salmon Kiver.
'■ 2 cbarehee (Bap. and Union) at MorriaonvLUo are located N.
of the river, in Plattsburgh.
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
This county was formed from Albany, April 4, 178G.1 It lies upou
the e. bank of the Hudson, between Rensselaer and Dutchess cos.,
and extends e. to the Massachusetts line. It contains an area of 68ti
sq. mi., and is centrally distant 29 mi. from Albany. The Taghkanick
Mts. extend along the E. border, and the adjoining parts of the co.
are broken by numerous irregular ranges of hills which constitute
the outlying spurs of those mountains. The w. part of the co. con-
sists of an undulating plateau terminating in bluff's on the Hudson
River. The principal streams are Roeliff Jansens Kil2 and Claverack
and Kinderhook Creeks. Upon these streams and their tributaries
are numerous valuable mill sites. In the e. and K. parts of the co.
are several picturesque lakes, the principal of which are Kinder-
hook, Copake, and Charlotte Lakes, and Whitings, Robinsons, Snyder, and Rhoda Ponds. The
prevailing rocks are the Hudson River shales. The slate rocks in this co. crop out toward the w.,
usually at an angle of 45°, but sometimes almost vertically. Limestone crops out in different parts
of the co. Brown hematitic iron ore is found in numerous localities in the e. part of Ancram and
Copake.3 Lead has been mined in Ancram,4 and manganese, peat, and marl are found in different
localities. In New Lebanon are the celebrated thermal springs ; in Stockport are other mineral
springs, and in Chatham is a small sulphur spring.
The various branches of agriculture form the leading industrial pursuits of the people. Hay,
(of which large quantities are pressed and sent to market,) rye, oats, corn, potatoes, and buck-
wheat, are the staple productions. Stock raising and dairying receive considerable attention.
The manufacture of paper, cotton fabrics, vegetable extracts, and iron, is largely carried on.5 A
greater quantity of paper is made in this co. than in any other in the State, and the co. also takes
precedence of all others in the amount of tinctures and extracts prepared from medicinal plants.
The city of Hudson is the county seat.6 The courthouse and jail is a fine building, fronting on
Washington Square. It has a marble front, with an Ionic portico, and contains the court and jury
rooms, and the co. clerk's, sheriff's, and district attorney's offices.7 The poorhouse is a spacious
brick building located upon a farm of 200 acres in Ghent.8
The most important works of internal improvement are the Hudson River R. R., extending
through the w. part of the co., the Albany & West Stockbridge R. R., through the n. part, the
Hudson & Boston R. R., terminating at Hudson, and the New York & Harlem R. R., terminating
at Chatham Four Corners. Four newspapers are published in the co.9
1 By this act the N. boundary was defined as the N. line of
" Kinderhook District," and the S. boundary as the s. line of
* Kings District." The latter line was more accurately defined,
April 1, 1799.
8 Named from Roeliff Jansen, Overseer of the Orphan Cham-
ber (an office similar to that of surrogate) under the Dutch Gov-
ernment. The Indian name was " Sauk-hen-ak:" — Doc. Hist., III.
612.
8 Large quantities of ore have been taken from these localities.
It is obtained near the surface, and its depth is not known.
* This ore is found near the junction of the slate and lime-
stone strata, and occurs in Btrings and bunches. — Geol. Rep.,
1838, p. 59.
* There are 15 paper mills and 8 cotton factories in the co.
The first paper mill was erected at Stuyvesant Falls, in 1802, by
Geo. Chittenden; and the first cotton factory, in 1813, by Nath'l
Wilde.
* Tho co. seat was formerly located at Claverack. The first
meeting of the board of supervisors was held at the house of
Gabriel Esselstyne, in Claverack. An appropriation of £2000
was made for a courthouse, and Wm. B. Whiting, Abraham J.
Van Alstyne, John Livingston, Henry I. Van Rensselaer. Mat-
thew Scott, Seth Jenkins, and Wm. II. Ludlow were appointed
commissioners to superintend its erection. In 1788, an addi-
tional appropriation of £1200 was made, rind in 179S another of
£400. The first co. officers were Peter Van Ness, First Judge ;
Peter Sylvester, Peter R. Livingston. Henry I. Van Rensselaer,
and Wm. B. Whiting, Judges; Killian K. Van Rensselaer, Sur-
' rngate ; Lawrence Hogeboom, Sheriff; Robert Van Rensselaer,
CU-rk; and Walter Vrooman Wemple, Treasurer. By the act of
Feb. 25, 1805, the co. seat was removed to Hudson on condition
that the city appropriate for the use of the co. the city hall, a
lot of land, (upon which to erect co. buildings,) and tho sum of
$2000. A committee, consisting of Wm. Wilson, Jacob Ford,
Thos. Jenkins, Benj. Birdsall, and Nathaniel Green, was ap-
pointed to superintend repairs and the erection of a jail.
' The courthouse was erected in 1S35, at a cost of $3500.
8 This building was erected in 1857, at a cost of $22,000, and,
together with the surrounding buildings, has accommodations
for 500 persons. The farm is mostly worked by the inmates of
the institution.
» The Hudson Gazette, the first paper published in the co.. was
established April 7, 17S5, by Ashbel Stoddard and Chas.
R. Webster. Webster soon after withdrew, and the
paper was continued by Stoddard until 1803-04.
The Bee was removed from New London, Conn., to Hudson, Aug.
17, 1802, and was published by Chas. Holt until 1810.
It then passed into the hands of Saml. W. Clark, and
afterward into those of John W. Dutcher. It was
changed, about 1S20, to
The Columbia Centinel, and two years afterward it was united
with the Columbia Republican.
The Balance and Columbia RtposiU/ry was started in 1802, by
Ezra Sampson, George Chittenden, and Harry CroswelL
It was removed to Albany in 1808, and discontinued in
1811.
The Wasp was edited a short time by " Robt. Rnsticoat,-' in the
early part of the present century.
The Hudson Newspaper and Balance Advertiser was commenced
in Oct. 1806, by Harry Croswell.
The Republican Fountain, established in Dec. 1S06, was published
about 1 year, by Sylvester Roberts.
The Northern Whig was begun in 1808, by W. B. Stebbins.
Wm. L. Stone became the publisher in 2 or 3 years,
U 241
242
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
The first settlements -were made in the n. part of the co., under the Dutch Government. The e.
border -was settled chiefly by squatters from New England. Livingston Manor1 was patented July
22, 1686, and first settled by tenants about the beginning of the last century. The most important
settlement was made by German Palatinates, in 1710, upon a tract of 6000 acres — now constituting
the principal part of (Jormantown — which had been sold back to the Government by Robert Living-
ston. The territory of Mass., under its charter, extended westward to the Pacific Ocean, and grants
were made by that colony.2 Conflicting claims gave rise to bitter contentions and riotous outbreaks.
Arrests made under Mass. warrants led to riots and bloodshed.8 Combinations were formed to
dispossess the proprietor of the Livingston Manor, which resulted in tumults and murders.4 These
difficulties continued until after the Revolution. During the Revolutionary War, and for several
years after, this section of the country was much infested by robbers, and acts of violence were of
frequent occurrence.5 The anti-rent movement of 1840-50 extended to the Livingston Manor, the
John J. Van Rensselaer Tract, and other districts held by leasehold. In Dec. 1844, the Governor
ordered out 7 companies of militia to assist the sheriff of this co. in the discharge of his duties.
Most of the leases which had then been issued were for 1, 2, or 3 lives; but the anti-rent difficulties
have led to the policy of conveying the title in fee as rapidly as circumstances will admit.6
ANCRAM — was formed from Livingston, March 19, 1803, 7 as "Gallatin." Its name was
changed March 25, 1814, and Gallatin was taken off in 1830. It is the s. e. corner town of the co.
Richard L. Cross in 1S1G, and W. R. Stebbius in 1S21.
It was discontinued in 1^24.
The Columhm Magazine was published at Hudson nt an early
date, by Rev. John Chester.
The Spirit o/t/u Varum and Hudson Remarker was published in
1^17, by a literary association.
The Columbia Republican was started in Aug. 1818,
i i S ilomon Wilbur. In 1*20 it passed into the hands
of Ambrose L. and Allen Jordan, and is now published
by Wm. Bryan. For a year or two, about 1S35-36, it
was issued as
The Columbia Republican and Hudson City Advertiser.
The Hudson Gazette was. established in 1824, by Peleg
G. Sturtevant, and is now published by Williams &
Brother, John W. Edmonds. Ed.
The Messenger of Peace was started in 1824, at Hudson, by
Richard Carrique, and continued 1 year.
The Rural Repository, semi-mo., was commenced, June 12, 1824,
by Wm. B. Stoddard, and continued until 1851.
Olumbia and Greene Co. Envoy was started at Hudson, in 1831,
by Edwin G. Lindsley, and continued 2 years.
Tla Diamond, semi-mo., was published at Hudson, in 1833, by
G. F. Stone.
The Magnolia, semi-mo., was published at nudson, in 1834, by
P. D. Carrique.
Tfie Hudton FlaU was published by J. R. S. Van Vliet, during
the campaign of 1840.
IV Columbia Whshingtonian was started at nudson in 1^42. by
.1. K. S. Van Vliet. The paper changed hands several
-. and was changed to
the Da I m no Star, Dec. 28, 1847, by Alex. N. Webb. It is
nnw published as
The Hnduon Star, da. and w.
r.ii vv.i.h commenced at Chatham Four Cor-
ners, in 1<U7, by
adZum was published at Hudson in 1861,
by J. w. Dntcber.
The BtabOH /' >.7y _V«in was published in 1855, by Richard Van
Antwerp.
The Kindrrho I Sentinel was ortnhlished nt Kinderhook In June.
Van Bcbaack, and in Jnn. 1883, was
f!iin;»l to
CNun'n'ii'f Sentinel. In IV.I It paused Into the hand* of .b.hn
B ' it al 1 18 months afterward It reverted
^n Schaark. It has «ince bean change ! I I Hi
Rough Voin, «nd since I8M It I abllahi I al
Kinderhook. by IV II. Van Vl
neValatieWeeHf Tima* I H. N. Hopkins.
The Bjua . «t.irt"H at Chatham K..nr Cor-
ners, by an anti-rent m. In 1H4-S It was re-
mored to Hodi ] t •
77,/ DtMVWUi freemnn. It won discontinued ll
The Columbia fh. Journal was ; ilhain Four Cor-
ners in T>.V>. by Philip II. Oslrnnder.
The Journal of .Materia .Hrdlrn was r.minenced
at Wew i. banon In 1 ~ -"■ T ; ll. \. Tibbn. pub.. Jo?, jb
Baft h. ft n.. • L
'The patent of this manor ronferred np-^n Boberl T.ivint'oton.
the patentee, fend ll privil- _•■ S, and imposed an annual quit ront
of 2* shillings. The manor oontall • I acres, and in-
cluded nearly all the present u>wns of Oennont, Qermantovra,
Livingston. Gallatin. Tat'hkanick. Aneram. nn.l OopalOB, It
consisted of 2 purchases: the Livingston purrhaso, obtained of
the Mohegan Indians in July, 1683, and the Taghkanick pur-
chase, obtained Aug. 10, 1685. They were confirmed by Gov.
Dongan, the former, Nov. 4, 1684, and the latter, Aug. 12, 1685.
In 1701 there were but 4 or 5 houses on the manor. From and
after 1716 the manor was represented by a member in General
Assembly. Before his death — which took place in 1728 — Robert
Livingston bequeathed to his son Robert that part of the manor
now included in the town of Clermont, and the residue to his
eldest son, Philip. The latter was succeeded by Robert Living-
ston. Jr.; and in 1792 the land E. of the post road was divided
between Walter, Robert C, John, and Henry Livingston, the
devisees of Robert Livingston, Jr., according to the provisions
of his will. — Sutherland's Deduction of the Title of the Manor
of Livingston ; Doc. Hist. Ill, Colonial Hist.
In the patent and upon the maps of the manor, several places
are designated by their Indian names, viz., —
Ahashaivaghkick, a hill in N.w. corner, on Mass. lino. Aca-
wanuk, a flat or rock in N. part of North East, (Dutchess co.)
Kachwawyick, a place w. of a certain mountain. Kickua, or
Kickpa, one of 3 plains near Roeliff Jansens Creek. Mananosick,
hill in w. part, on or near Mass. line. Mawanaguasick, stono
heaps on N. line, "where Indians have laid several heaps of
stones together, by an ancient custom amongst them." Mahas-
kakook, a "cripple bush" on s. line of patent. Mawichnak, a
flat on both sides of a creek where it joins R. Jansens Creek.
Minmissichlanock, a piece of land N. of Roeliff Jansens Creek.
Xmi.'intagquasick, on N. line of manor. (Tauthier's map.) Naxha-
wawacldcano, creek tributary to Twnstawekak. Niahanhooke,
one of 3 plains near Roeliff Jansens Creek. Pottkook. patented
to K. Van Rensselaer, s. of Kinderhook. Quisichkobk, a small
creek N. of Roeliff Jansens Creek. Saaskahampka, or Swaska-
hamaka. a place opposite Saugerties. Ulster co. SocdKka, on ST.
lino of the town of North East. Sankhcnak, Roeliff Jansens
KM. Skaankook, a crock. Tbwastawekak, or Twastawekak, a
creek. rVacJumekaiiek, a small stream opposite Cat-skill Creek.
WahanliKiiK. near Rooliff Jansens Creek, (Snuthier's map.)
W.twyachUmock, a place. Whichquopuhbau, 8. w. corner of
Mass.
I \\ ilb the view of settling their claims upon the Hudson, the
Iti ton Government, in March, 1072, sent John Paine to New
Fork to solicit permission to pass and repass by water. Tho
aiiplieati^n was received with cold civility, and the subject
referred home for tin- decision of his Majesty. Gov. Lovelaco
improved the occasion to remind the Mass. people of the distrust
with which they had received tho commissioners sent over in
1064, and Intimated that their application upder other cirenm-
■ might have been differently received. — General Entries,
IV. 177. 17s. S,,-. office.
» Doc a, i. m.,76*.
4 In IT'.'l the sheriff of tho co. was murdered by an armed
mob while in the discharge of his official duty.
6 A party of rangers was organized to suppress these; and
under the act of May 11, 1780, £1500 was raised to defray the
expenses thus incurred.
« Aisem. Doc. 156; 1M6, p. 2.
* This town was included in tho Livingston Manor. Tho line
bordering upon Taghkanick was altered March 25, 1M4. A
narrow triangular tract of about 1000 acres, in the extremo E.
part of the town, known as "Boston Corner." formerly belonged
; to the town of Mt. Washington, Berkshire co., Mass. The
Taghkanick Mts. extend along tho E. border of the tract, and
frill an almost impassable barrier between this and the re>
1 maining ports of that town. Thus entirely isolated from tho
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
243
The surface is broken and billy. In the e. part the bills range in a N. and s. direction, but i
where they arc irregular. Roeliff Janscns Kil1 crosses the town in a s. w. direction. A narrow
intervale, bordered by steep, irregular bills, extends along its course. The soil is a gravelly loam
intermixed with clay. Iron ore has been obtained at different places from the hills upon the E.
border of the town,2 and lead ore is mined at Hot Ground.3 Ancram,' (p. v.,) situated on
Roeliff Janscns Kil, in the w. part of the town, contains 2 churches, a paper mill, a sawmill, and
about 30 houses. Hot Ground (Ancram Leadmines p. o.) and Itoston Corner, (p. o.,) a
station on the Harlem R. R., are hamlets. The town was first settled by the Dutch, in the neigh-
borhood of Ancram Village. There are 3 churches in town.5
AUSTERL.ITZ — was formed from Canaan, Chatham, and Hillsdale, March 28, 1818. It lies
on the E. border of the co., n. of the center. The e. and central parts are broken by irregular
ranges of hills, and the w. part is undulating. The principal streams are Green River in the e.
and Punsit Creek in the w. The soil is a gravelly loam intermixed in some parts with slate and
clay. The hills are mostly arable to their summits. Spencertown, (p. v.,) on Punsit Creek,
in the w. part of the town, contains 2 churches, an academy,6 and 2 gristmills. Pop. 225.
Austerlitz, (p. v.,) in the valley of Green River, contains 2 churches and 150 inhabitants.
Upper Green River is a hamlet in the s. e. part of the town. The first settlements were
made about 1745 to 1750, by squatters from Conn.7 Disputes concerning the ownership of lands
thus appropriated arose ; and on the 31st of May, 1757, the settlers appointed a committee to adjust
the difficulties. About 1774, Nathaniel Culver and Jas. Savage were sent to England to secure a
grant of these lands to the settlers ; but, owing to the trouble existing between the mother country
and the colonies, they were unsuccessful. The land titles were finally settled by the act of March
22, 1791. The first church (Cong.) was organized in 1750, and Rev. Jesse Clark was the first
pastor.8
CAIVAA1V — was formed as "Kings District," March 24, 1772, and its name was changed March
7, 1788. A part of Chatham was taken off in 1795, and New Lebanon and a part of Austerlitz in
1818. It is situated on the e. border of the co., between Austerlitz and New Lebanon. A range
of mountains or hills separates it from Massachusetts. The surface is broken and hilly. Whitings
Pond, in the e. part of the town, is about 2 mi. in circumference. Its outlet is tributary to Kin-
derhook Creek and affords several valuable mill sites. The soil is a gravelly or slaty loam and
clay. The hills are mostly arable to their summits. Near the center of the town is a slate quarry.9
Canaan Four Corners, (p. v.,) a station on the A. & W. S. R. R., contains 1 church and 32
dwellings ; Flat Broofe, (p. v.,) a station on the same R. R., contains 1 church and 15 dwellings.
Canaan (p.o.) and Canaan Center (p. o.) are hamlets. Queecny, on the outlet of
Whitings Pond, contains 1 church, 2 paper mills, a sawmill, a gristmill, and 21 dwellings ; and
Red Rock.,10 in the s. w. corner of the town, contains 3 churches, a sawmill, a gristmill, and 30
dwellings. Two families of Shakers, consisting of about 75 persons, reside in the n. e. part of the
town. They are chiefly engaged in farming, and their estate consists of over 1400 acres. They
raise garden seeds to a limited extent, and manufacture brooms, mop sticks, and other similar
articles. The settlement of the town was commenced about 1756.11 At a meeting of the citizens
of "Kings District," (June 24, 1776,) held for the purpose of choosing delegates to the Provincial
seat of civil authority, it became the resort of fugitives from
justice, prizo fighters, and others of like character, who bade
defiance to the laws and practiced their unlawful acts with im-
punity. In Dec. 1848, the inhabitants petitioned to bo annexed
to N.Y. The State of Mass. consented in May, 1853. The
cession was accepted by New York, July 21 of the same year,
confirmed by Congress, Jan. 3, 1855, and the Corner was an-
nexed to this town, April 13, 1857. — N. Y. Assem. Docs., 54 &
194, 1849.
i Called " Ancram Creek" in this town.
2 These mines have been worked many years. Considerable
quantities of ore are obtained on the land of A. McArthur and
gent to Millerstown (Dutchess co.) on the Harlem R.R. An ore
bed n. of this, owned by the Empire Co., is connected with the
E. e. by a track 1| mi. l°ng-
* This mine was discovered on land leased by the keeper of
the Livingston Manor. Kobt. R. Livingston purchased the lease,
and sold it to a N. Y. Co., by whom the mine was worked until
within a few years. A shaft has been sunk 100 feet, and galleries
opened in different directions. The mine is on land now owned
by H. Mclntyre.
* This place was formerly celebrated for its iron works. These
were erected as early as 1756. The ore was obtained from Salis-
bury, Conn., and from mines in the K. part of this town, and
pig and bar iron of a superior quality was made.
5 Evang. Luth., M. E., and Presb.
6 The Spencertown Academy was established mainly throngn
the exertions of Rev. Dr. T. Woodbridge.
T Among the early settlers were John Dean, John Williams,
Seth and Truman Powell, Jas. Sexton, Ephraim Kidder, and
families by the names of Osborne, Lawrence, Spencer, and Whit-
more.
8 The census reports 4 churches in town ; Christian, Cong.,
M. E„ and Presb.
9 This quarry is on the land of L. D. Ford. The slate is of a
dark blue color, and plates of any required size or thickness may
be obtained.
1° So named from a large rock by the roadside, painted red,
and surmounted by a wooden column about 10 feet high, bearing
the date " Jan. 1825."
n Among the early settlers were families named Douglass,
Warner, Whiting, Alesworth, Baldwin, and Hawley. The first
mill was built by Wm. B. Whiting, about 1775. This null, stored
with grain belonging to the government, was burued by toriea
duriDg the war. In the first book of records is a memorandum,
without date or signature, stating that -'the town records were
kept on loose paper previous to 1772, but not probably but a few
years. The deed from the Indians of 6 mi. sq. was executed in
1758. The compensation was £250, that being paid for the 6 mi.
sq." The record is continuous since May 5. 1772.
244 COLUMBIA COUNTY.
Congress, it was roted to recommend to that body the passage of a declaration of independence.1
There are 7 churches in town.2 '
CHATHAM — was formed from Canaan and Kinderhook, March 17, 1795, and parts of Aus-
terlitz and Ghent were taken off in 1818. It lies near the center of the n. border of the co. The
surface is moderately hilly, the ranges generally extending n. and s. The principal stream is Kin-
derhook Creek, upon which are numerous mill sites. The soil in the valleys is a gravelly loam
intermixed with clay, and upon the hills it is slaty. The valleys are broad and fertile, and the
hills arable to their summits. Near New Concord is a sulphur spring. Cliatha.ni Four Cor-
ners (p.v.) is situated partly iu this town and partly in Ghent. It is an important station on the
A. ft W. S. R. R. and the II <i B. R. R., and is the terminus of the Harlem R. R. The depSts of these
roads are in Ghent. The village contains 3 churches, a machine shop, and 3 foundries. Pop. 697.
East Chatham, (p-v.,) a station on the A. & "W. S. R. R., near the line of Canaan, contains 2
churches, a gristmill, sawmill, and candle factory. Pop. 245. UJew Concord contains 1 church
and 109 inhabitants; Chatham, (p.v.,) 1 church, a furnace and plow factory, gristmill, and saw-
mill, and a pop. of 214 ; Ray ville a Friends meeting house and 13 houses; Chatham Cen-
ter, (p.v.,) 1 church and 127 inhabitants; Maiden Bridge, (p.v.,) 1 church, a paper mill,
sawmill, and tannery, and a pop. of 193 ; and Riders Mills, a gristmill, sawmill, and 12
houses, \orlli Chatham, (p.v.,) contains 2 churches, a sawmill, gristmill, and plaster mill.
Pop. 179. The settlement of this town commenced about 1725. The settlers were from Kinder-
hook, but originally from Holland. A company from Connecticut settled at New Concord in 1758.3
The census reports 11 churches in town.4
CLATERACR5 (Claw/ve-rack)— was formed as a district, March 24, 1772. Hillsdale was
taken off in 1782, and Hudson in 1785. It was recognized as a town, March 7, 1788. A part
of Ghent was taken off in 1818. It lies near the center of the co. The surface in the w. part is
undulating, and in the e. hilly. Claverack Creek, upon the w. border of the town, and its tribu-
taries, are the principal streams. The soil is a rich loam in the w., and a gravelly loam inter-
mixed with slate in the e. Claverach, (p.v.,) in the w. part of the town, a station on the
II. a. B. R. R., contains 2 churches and the Claverack Academy and Hudson River Institute;6 pop.
490 ; Mellenville, (p. v.,) a station on the H. & B. R. R., contains 2 churches, a gristmill, and
30 dwellings ; and Phil 111 out, (p.v.,) a station on the Harlem R. R., contains several manufac-
turing establishments7 and 35 dwellings. South Bend Mills, Martindale Depot, (p. o.)
and Uuniphreysville (p. o.) are hamlets. Smoky Hollovr (p. v.) contains several manu-
factories8 and 25 dwellings, and Churchtoivn (p.v.) 1 church and 14 dwellings. The Ref. Prot.
D. church, Claverack, was organized in 1716, and the present edifice was erected in 1765. There
lie 6 churches in town.9
CLERMO\T- was formed from the Livingston Manor, March 12, 1787.10 It lies upon the
Hul-.n, in the s. w. corner of the co. The surface is undulating. Roeliff Jansens Kil forms the e.
boundary. The soil is a fertile loam, and in some places sandy. Clermont, (p.v.,) near the
K. part of the t»wn, has a pop. of 155. The first settlement was made at an early day by Germans,
wlii occupied the lands as tenants. A school was established, in 1791, by a special act of the legis-
lature, before any general school system had been adopted in the State.11 Robert R. Livingston, a
prominent statesman of the Revolution and the fir.-t chancellor of the State, was a resident of this
town. A Qerman Lutheran church, about 3 mi. w. of the village of Clermont, is the only church
in town.
COI'AKr -vi- formed fnin Taghkaniok, March 26, 1824. It lies on the e. border of the
oo., between Hill-lab- and An. ram. It" surface is broken by ranges of hills separated by broad
i William R. Whtttnf, A«i Waterman, Philip Friable, Martin
B^t^. Elisha Pratt, ■ i
wick, Qldeoo Kin^. .iarvi« Modgo, .-mil. Johnson, Baml. Gillett,
L. A. Derrick, Joaep) an Woodworth, and 8aml I
MH appointed a committer to prepare n memorial making such
recommendation to Congress.
«2 Bap., 9 M. K, OhrUttftll, OoOfr, and I'r
'Among theno wr« John Beebc, and others mm~I Oady,
Jlnrlliurt, Palmer, and Darin. A littl" w. of Chatham Center
was a stone house, used as a defrnso agninut th» Indian" during
tfca Revolution. A man nam<-l Votburgh, irbolirad near this
was killed and scalp- »P"d.
I 8 M. I . i Kip., Christian, <'.,ng.. and R»f Prot. P.
6 This town formerly ex: and tin- bluffs
•This institution i- located upon a beautiful eminenco in tho
n. part of the Tillage, and commands, an extensive view of tho
surrounding coantrv and of the distant Catskills, It is one of
the most nourishing Institutions in the State. It has accommo-
dations for 600 to 600 pupils.
I Th [-•••■ paper mills, ■■> carpet factory, woolen factory, saahand
blind factory, furnace and machine shop.
• Among these are a woolen factory, cradle factory, gristmill,
and sawmill.
9 2 Kef. Prot. P.. Tt.ip.. Evang. T.nth.. M. K.. and Prot. B.
to By an act of legislature passed March 2, 1868, a triangular
tract, now constituting the ic. part of Qermantown, was taken
otT from Clermont,
II An academy w.-m Incorp. April 26, 1834, and received under
on the bank were named the " KUutoiV (Vlorers.) whence the regents Feb. 26, 1837, but it was never successfully organ-
■ t»a*er-reacb,'' or " ClsTerack."— Bemon'i Mnnoir, p. 44. | ixed.
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
245
and fertile valleys. A high and nearly unbroken range extends along the e. border. In tho
town are several small lakes, the principal of which are Copake Lake in the w., and Robinsons,
Snyder, and llhoda Ponds in the s. Tho soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Near Copake Station
are several iron mines.1 Copake Station, (Copake Iron Works p. o.,) on tho Harlem R. R.,
contains 1 church, a blast furnace, and 20 houses; Copake B'I:its (Copake p. o.) contains 1
church and 20 houses; and Haines Station, (North Copake p. o.,) a station on the Harlem
R. R., 15 houses. The settlement of this town commenced about the middle of the last century.2 A
Rcf. Prot. D. church was the first church organized, and Rev. Jeremiah Romeyn was the first pastor.3
CrAXEATOiT4 — was formed from Ancram, March 27, 1830. It lies near the center of the s.
border of the co. The surface is broken by several ranges of hills, which extend in a n. and s.
direction. The highest point is Mattashuk Hill, s. of Lake Charlotte. Roelift' Jansens Kil is the
principal stream : its banks are steep and in some places rocky. Charlotte Lake, in the n. part
of the town, is a fine sheet of water, surrounded by gentle slopes cultivated to the water's edge.
The soil is a slaty and gravelly loam, and moderately fertile. Ciallatinville, (p. v.,) on Roelifi'
Jansens Kil, contains a gristmill and 11 houses ; "Weaver Hollow, Jaeksons Corners,
(on the line of and p. o. in Dutchess co.,) and Union Corners, (partly in Livingston,) are
hamlets. The town was settled at a very early day by emigrants from Holland and Germany.5 A
Ref. Prot. D. church was organized in 1748, and the Rev. Mr. Freymoot was the first pastor.6
GIIE1VT7 — was formed from Chatham, Claverack, and Kinderhook, April 3, 1818 ; and a part
of Stockport was taken off in 1833. It is an interior town, n. of the center of the co. Its surface
is hilly in the e. and undulating in the w. The town is watered by several small streams tribu-
tary to Kinderhook and Claverack Creeks. The soil is mostly a gravelly loam, but in some parts
it is clayey. Client,8 (p. v.,) in the e. part of the town, is a station on the II. & B. and Harlem
R. Its. It contains 2 churches and 18 houses. West Gnent (p. v.) contains 1 church and 10
houses. Pulvers Station is on the II. & B. R. R. The first settlement was made about 1735,
by emigrants from Holland and Germany.9 There are 4 churches in town.10
GREEJVPORT— was formed from Hudson City, May 13, 1837. It lies upon the Hudson,
near the center of the w. border of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly. Beacrofts Mt., in
the e. part of the town, is nearly precipitous upon its w. side. Merino Point,11 near the Hudson,
has an elevation of 250 feet above the river. Claverack Creek forms the e. boundary of the town,
and a small tributary of this stream and Kahseway Creek are the principal watercourses. The inter-
vale of the latter is broad and fertile. The soil is clayey along the river and a sandy and gravelly
loam in the interior. Limestone is extensively quarried on the e. side of Beacrofts Mt. Oak Hill
(p. o.) is a station on the Hudson R. R. R. in the s. w. part of the town. A steam ferry connects
this place with Catskill Point on the opposite side of the Hudson. Settlement commenced in this
town about the middle of the last century.12 There is but one church (Ref. Prot. D.) in town.
GERMANTOWS13 — was formed as a district April 1, 1775, and recognized as a town March
7, 1788. A part of Clermont was annexed, March 2, 1858.u It lies upon the Hudson, in the s.
part of the co. The surface is undulating. RoelifT Jansens Kil forms the N. boundary. The
soil is a rich, fertile loam, sandy in a few places. Germantown (p. v.) contains 1 church and
19 houses, and East Camp 17 houses. The first settlement was made in 1710, by German
Palatinates, under the patronage of Queen Anne. The first arrival was in 1710; and on the
1st of May, 1711, there were 1178 settlers in town, and the four villages " Hunterstown,"
" Queensbury," "Annsberg," and " Haysburgh" had sprung into existence.15 A school was estab-
1 The ores obtained from these mines are hematites. A new
ore bed, that promises an abundant supply of an excellent
quality, has recently been opened to the depth of 13 feet.
2 Families by the names of Snyder, Briese, and Lampman were
among the early settlers.
8 The census reports 3 churches ; M. E., Presb., and Prot. E.
4 Named in honor of Hon. Albert Gallatin.
6 The Knickenbackers and the Snyders were among the first
settlers. An Englishman, named Ross, was one of the first set-
tlers in the neighborhood of Gallatinville.
6 There are 2 churches in town; Ref. Prot. D. and M. E.
1 Named from Ghent, in Holland.
8 The Indian name of this locality was " Scnm-pa-mark."
9 Among the first settlers were John. Cornelius, Andrew, and
Lawrence Sharp, and Abraham Hogeboom, who located near
Ghent Village. A man named Cox had settled near tho same
place a short time before.
io 2 Ref. Prot. D., Evang., Meth., and Friends.
n This point was formerly called " Eorabuclc." Its present
name was derived from the fact that a large sheep farm wag
established here many years ago.
12 Jacob Johannes Van Hoesen and Erneric Plaice settled in
the town as early as 1763.
18 Named " last Camp" and " German Gamp" in some early
records.
l* That part annexed was almost isolated from the rest of Cler-
mont, and lay N. of this town.
15 A tract of 6000 acres, forming the present town of German-
town, was purchased, on the 9th of Sept. 1710, of Robt. Living-
ston by Gov. Hunter, for the use of these people. It was de-
signed to employ them in raising hemp and making tar, pitch,
and rosin for the royal navy, and they were furnished with pro-
visions and tools. The management of their affairs was in-
trusted to a board of commissioners, consisting of Robt. Living-
ston, Richard Sacket, John Cast. Godfrey Walsen, Andrew Dag-
ger, and Herman Schureman. John Peter Knieskein was ap-
pointed "master" in Hunterstown, John Coniad Weiser in
Queensbury, Hartman Wiudecker in Annsberg, and John Chria-
246
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
lished in 1711. The Ref. Prot. D. church was formed in 1728, and Johannes Van Driesen was the
first pastor.1
HILLSDALE — was formed from ClaveracK, as a district, March 26, 1782, recognized as a
town Harch 7. 1788, and a part of Austerlitz was taken off in 1818. The surface is broken by
ranges of high hills extending in a n. and s. direction and separated by narrow valleys. Green
River crosses the n. e. corner; and several small streams, which form the headwaters of Roeliff
Jansens and Claverack Creeks, take their rise in the town. The soil is a gravelly loam and clay.
lliilsdule, (p. v.,) a station on the Harlem R. R., in the s. part of the town, contains 2 churches
and has a pop. of 225 ; Harlem ville (p. v.) contains 1 church and 225 inhabitants, and Green
River (p. v.J 1 church and about 12 houses. The town was settled at a very early day, — the s.
part by immigrants from Mass. and the n. by Dutch settlers.2 The first church (Bap.) was organized
June 23, 1787, and Rev. Stephen Gano, D.D., was the first pastor. There are 6 churches in town.8
IISTDSO^T CITY — was formed from Claverack, and incorp.
aa a city, April 22, 1785.4 A part of Stockport was taken off in
1833, and Greenport in 1837. It hes upon the e. bank of the
Hudson, at the head of ship navigation, near the center of the w.
border of the co. The surface is a rolling upland. A slate
bluff rises abruptly from the river to the height of 60 ft., and
from its summit a beautifully rolling ridge extends eastward and
slopes gradually upward for a distance of one and a half mi., termi-
nating in Prospect Hill, a high, rounded eminence 300 ft. above
the surrounding lands and 500 ft. above the river. This ridge
is from 6 to 50 rods in width, and is bounded on the n. and s. by
gradual and uniform slopes. North and South Bays (two shallow
bodies of water) extend about 1000 ft. inland from the river, converting the w. extremity of the
ridge into a promontory.5 A public square, containing an area of about an acre and a half, has
been laid out upon the summit of the bluff overlooking the river, and furnishing one of the most
beautiful public promenades in the country. From the summit of Prospect Hill an extensive view
is obtained of the windings of the Hudson, with the distant Catskills on one side, and the Green Hills
of Mass. on the other.
In the river, opposite the city, is an extensive mud flat, through which a canal has been cut for
the Hudson and Athens Ferry. This canal has recently been abandoned.
This city is the western terminus of the Hudson & Boston R. R., and an important station on the
Hudson EL R. R. The manufactures are extensive, consisting principally of iron and clothing.6
A coiisidonible amount of commerce is carried on by means of the Hudson.7
The < '<>>/ Hall is a brick building, situated on Warren St. near the center of the city. The lower
story i- u-i .1 f>r mercantile purposes.
The Public 8 ftr«>ls are in a flourishing condition. In 1857 the city was divided into 4 districts,
and i'.r ■'■ employment to 21 teachers, — 5 males and 16 females. The number of children between
the :i_'<-* <S 1 and '21 _ _'. of which 1005 (or 42.] per cent.) were in attendance some portion
of tin' year. The total expenses of the schools for that year was $4448 38; total receipts, the same;
numb'-r of rolnmes in di-tri<-t libraries, 700. A Lancasterian School Society was incorp. April 15,
1817, and it maintained a school many yean.'
Tli'' Eft ■•/<;//>/ building, a plain. 3 story brick edifice near Prospect Hill, was erected in 1805.
Hh Tin 111 In Ifajeliiiigli TV • wae niiincceaafal, and
man'- barie val-
Minor Of 1711 « Onmpaoy of 26 HMD from " Bun-
i I n 1 7 'J.'i
the tract wm granted by i • •■ •- patent to Ihe Inhabitant! of
l p." to be divided eqoallyln fee after reserving 40 acres
for Chnrcfa and ftchool pnrj
i I • portl :i rhur bat in town ; Evang. I.ntli., M. E.,
and Oaf. Prot. D.
* Among tli-' »irlv Dut<-h *cttl»r» wr>r» DUnfliat nanr-l Shown*
man. Hlnrkin.in. Kiny ti. Kr .. ■ - i ■• irt«. ^
was one of the fir-i wtUon a ir Ilill-l >
■Brand red its claims to the land* actually occupied, March 12.
1793.
» 3 M. E , Bap.. Christian, and T're«b.
* The expr< lOSObJei ' Mate com-
■arcial operationa, th< charter inclnd I all tbe territory v. of
livings! n Manor, w. of I laverock I reek, and (.of Major Abra- 1
bams t rank, extending 180 fret into the Hudson.
6 Warren St.. the principal Btreotof the city, extends along ..he
Croat of this ridge from the foot of Prospect Hill to the prome-
nade grounds on the bluff. Few Btrects in any city have a finer
1 iii in than this.
' The Iivdson Iron Co. have a double blast furnace, driven hy
an engine of 300 horse power: 80 to 90 men are employed, and
40 to 60 tons of pic iron turned out per day. At the Columbia
Iron Works about 40 men are employed, and 20 to 25 tons of ids
iion made daily. Tho oro used in these furnaces is obtuined
fn.m VTeeton, Mam, and from Dutchess, Orange, and Essex cos.
Clark's nothing Manufactory employs about 400 hands. In 1868,
■•■ ere made to the amount of $130,000, mostly for the South-
■ in market. Beside these, there an' in the city 2 machine shops,
J ll ii foundries, a stgvo foundry, gunshop, cutlery manufactory,
bookbindery, flouring mill, brewery,and brickyard.
' An immense quantity of pressed hay, annually sent to th«
New York market, forms the principal export of the co.
* By act of May 11, 1833, this society was allowed to raise
$400 annually.
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
247
The Hudson Female Academy wan organized in 1851, and occupies a substantial stone edifice
formerly used as a private lunatic asylum.
The Orphan Asylum was established in Oct. 1843, and is in charge of a board of lady managers.
Forty to 00 children are provided for. It is supported by private donations, assisted by an annual
stipend of $1000 from the co.
The city contains 11 private schools, 2 public libraries, 3 banks, and 3 newspaper offices. Pop.
6,720.
A lunatic asylum was established here in 1832, but it was given up upon the opening of the State
Asylum at Utica.1 The first religious organization (a society of Friends) was formed in 1784, and
a meeting house was built in 1785. There are now 11 churches in the city.2
Hudson was formerly known as " Claverack Landing."3 The foundation of its future prosperity
as a city was laid by Seth and Thus. Jenkins and their associates, in 1783.4 It grew with great
rapidity, and soon became the center of a very extensive commercial business. In 1775 it became
a port of entry,6 and at an early period its commerce extended to the West Indies and Europe.6
Shad and herring, from the river and coast fisheries, ship timber, and country produce were ex-
ported, and numbers of ships were employed in the whale fisheries. The embargo, and the war
which followed, destroyed this trade. The whaling business was afterward resumed, and for some
time prosecuted with success ; but it has since been entirely abandoned. A daily line of steamers
plies between this city and Albany, and the day line between Albany and New York touches here.
KINDERIIOOK7 — was formed as a district, March 22, 1772, and reorganized as a town
March 7, 1788. A part of Chatham was taken off in 1795, a part of Ghent in 1818, and Stuyvesant
in 1823. It occupies the central part of the n. border of the co. The surface is level or undu-
lating. Kinderhook Lake, in the n. e. part, is about 4 mi. in circumference. The principal
streams are Kinderhook Creek and the outlet of Kinderhook Lake. The soil is a fertile, sandy,
and gravelly loam. Kintlerliook, (p. v.,) situated on the creek of the same name, was
incorp. April 18, 1838. It contains 4 churches, the Kinderhook Academy, a newspaper office, 2
banks, and several manufacturing establishments.8 Pop. 1078. Lindenwald, the residence
of Ex Pres. Martin Van Buren, is about 2 mi. s. of this village. Valatie,9 (voFa-che, p. v.,)
situated at the junction of Kinderhook Creek and the outlet of Kinderhook Lake, was incorp. June
30, 1856. It contains 4 churches, 5 cotton factories,10 and several other manufactories.11 If iver-
Ville, (p. v.,) on the outlet of Kinderhook Lake, is a station on the A. & W. S. R. R. It contains
a wadding factory, batting factory, gristmill, and 21 houses. Settlements commenced under the
Dutch Government.12 The rights of certain settlers were confirmed by the act of March 12, 1793.
A controversy concerning the patent of John Hendrick De Bruyn, granted in 1686, was settled by
commissioners June 8, 1812. A Ref. Prot. D. church was organized in 1712. Rev. Johannes
Lydius, of Albany, conducted the first religious services, and Rev. J. Van Driesen was the first
settled pastor. There are 8 churches in town.13
LIVINGSTON— was granted as a manor,14 July 22, 1686, formed as a district, March 24,
1772, and organized as a town, March 7, 1788. Clermont was taken off in 1787, and Ancrarn and
Taghkanick in 1803. It is situated in the s.w. part of the co., bordering on the Hudson. The
surface is generally undulating. Claverack Creek crosses the N. e. corner, Kleina Kil15 flows
through near the center, and Roeliff Jansens Kil forms the s. w. boundary. In most of its course
1 Established by Dr. S. White. It was continued 6| years,
and during that time 297 patients were admitted.
2 Bap., M. E., Presb., Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D„ fc C, Univ., Wes.
Meth., Af. Meth., and 2 Friends meetinghouses.
8 In 1783, Peter Hogeboom, Peter Van Hoesen, Caspar Huyck,
John Van Allen, and John, Jacob, Jonathan, and Leonard Hen-
dricks lived at this place. Van Allen kept a store, and Conrad
Flock kept a canoe ferry to Loonenburgh.
4 Seth and Thomas Jenkins, and 2S others, that year formed
themselves into an association for commercial purposes, and
selected " Claverack Landing'" as the seat of their operations. A
city plot was at once surveyed, docks were built, and shipbuild-
ing commenced. The following year the Hudson, a ship of 300
tons, was launched by Jenkins & Gelaton. Cotton Gelston
opened a store the same year, and in 17S5 Thomas Jenkins and
Josiah Alcott built a ropewalk, 000 feet long. Josiah Barnard
built a wind gristmill on Prospect Hill, in 17S7 : and Thos. and
Seth Jenkins and Stephen Paddock, a hemp ducking factory, in
1789.
6 Henry Malcomb, the first collector, was appointed June 12,
1795.
• It is said that at one time a greater amount of shipping was
owned at this port than at New York.
' A Dutch name, signifying '• Childrens Point." There are
several versions of the origin of this name : one is, that it was
given by Hudson from the number of Indian children congre-
gated to see. his vessel at a point above Stuyvesant Landing : and
another, that it was derived from the number of children belong-
ing to a family residing at the forks of an Indian trail, where
the village of Kinderhook now is.
8 A steam cotton factory, gristmill, sawmill, 2 hat factories, and
a candle factory.
» A Dutch word, signifying " Little Falls." There is a fall here
of about 15 feet; and hence the name.
io There are about 400 looms in these factories, and 400 to 500
persons employed: warp and wicking exclusively are made at
one of them.
11 A paper mill, furnace, machine shop, plaster mill, and saw-
mill. Pop. estimated at about 1500.
12 A record belonging to the Ref. Prot. D. church, dated 1729,
and signed by Johannes Van Driesen, gives the names of 100
families then residing in town. Among these are the names
Van Alsteyu, Van Allen. Van Sehaaek. Van Burjren. Van Der
Pool, Convn, Huijk, Vosburg. Schermerhorn. Klauw, Gardemer,
Van Valk'enburgh, Van Sleijk, Wieber, and Mulder.
13 2 M. E., Bap., Evang. Lutb., Presb., Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D.,
and 11. C.
u The manor, of which this town is a part, was granted to
Robert Livingston.
16 Little Creek.
248 COLUMBIA COUNTY.
this last stream flows through a broad and fertile valley, but near the Hudson its banks are steep
and rocky. The soil is a fertile, sandy loam. Johnstown, (Livingston p.o.,) situated near
the center of the town, contains 1 church, a parochial school, and 28 houses. Glencoe Mills,
(p.v.,) on Claverack Creek, contains a free chapel, 2 sawmills, and 16 houses. Bakers Mills,
(p.o.,) on Roeliff Jansens Kil, contains a woolen factory, 2 paper mills, a gristmill, and 10
dwellings. Eliza ville, (p.o.,) Blue Store, and Linlithgn are hamlets. Settlement
commenced soon after the patent was granted.1 There are 4 churches in town.2
XEW LEBASOX — was formed from Canaan, April 21, 1818. It is the n.e. corner town
of the oo. The surface consists of steep hills separated by broad, irregular valleys. The Taghka-
nick Mts., upon the e., separate this town from Mass. The "Wyomanock or Lebanon Creek is the
principal stream. The soil is a gravelly and slaty loam intermixed with clay. The valleys are
generally narrow and the hills arable to their summits. Lebanon Springs, (New Lebanon
Springs p.o.,) in the e. part of the town, is celebrated for its thermal springs.3 It contains 2
churches, 4 hotels, a female seminary, and a gristmill. Pop. 278. Tildens (New Lebanon p. o.)
contains 1 church, a barometer and thermometer manufactory, a laboratory for the preparation of
medicinal extracts* and 35 houses. Hfew Lebanon Center (p.v.) contains a gristmill, saw-
mill, tannery, and Chouses; Moffatts Store, (p.v.,) 1 church and 23 houses; and IVew
Britain, (p.o.,) 1 church and 6 houses. In the e. part of the town, about 2 mi. s. of Lebanon
Springs, is a large Shaker community.5 The first settlement was made about 1760, by immigrants
mostly from Mass. and Conn.6 There are 8 churches in town.7
STOCKPORT— was formed from Hudson, Ghent, and Stuyvesant, April 30, 1833. It lies
upon die Hudson, x. of the center of the co. The surface consists of a high table land, rising from
the river in bluffs and descending with a moderate slope toward the e. Kinderhook and Claverack
Creeks unite near the center of the town. The valleys of these streams are narrow and their banks
often steep and rocky. Near Stottsville are 4 mineral springs, known as the Columbia Springs.8
Stockport, (p.v.,) situated at the junction of Kinderhook and Claverack Creeks, contains 3
churches, several manufactories,9 and 44 dwellings. Cnittendens Falls contains 1 church,
2 paper mills, and 14 dwellings, and Stottsville 2 woolen factories and 21 dwellings. Co-
lunibiaville10 (Stockport station on the Hudson R. R. R.) is situated on the Hudson. This town
was settled at an early period by the Dutch. There are 4 churches in town.11
STrYVESA\T12— was formed from Kinderhook, April 21, 1823, and a part of Stockport was
taken off in 1833. It is the n. w. corner town of the co., is situated on the bank of the Hudson,
an<l inrhi'les the adjacent islands e. of the middle of the river. The surface is generally level,
except along the river bank, where it is broken by ravines and low hills. Kinderhook Creek
mosses the s. part of the town. The soil is generally clayey, but in some places it is a light, sandy
loam. Stuyvesant Falls, (p.v.,) on Kinderhook Creek, contains 1 church, several manufac-
tories,1* and 35 houses. Stuyvesant Landing, (Stuyvesant p.o.,) on the Hudson, contains 1
church, B Souring mill, a foundry, 2 coal yards, a lumber yard, and 34 houses. It is a steamboat
1 < h map r.f 1714. 1 1 1 ■ ■ manorhOUSe and mill are
located within t)ii« town. Hudson, mid the n -'■'■
'>'• iiiM-rk, Clna*, anil liru-i'- near Claverack
I
> 2 I • I. :'l,.. M.K.
• Tli" spring i« 10 feet In diameter nnd 1 feel deep, and dh>
■■ r par mintit.-. The w;ii.r i- wholly
iii'l bas a temperature of 73° at nil seasons. Act ri
ins I •:» made t 1 pint of wat< r <
:—0.26 XT' chloride of calcium,
ci. 41 gfl I bl r • I 1 « t ■ . - - . :il
pri. tulphate of lima Bui bit tit rise from the
m of the spring, gii 'inc. This
(ran i- I 1"/. parts 01
and i- given .nit in t| ; |di b< - fr.'tn a pint
Of tl lb* Votum discharged Hint
it not niiiy suppUai several hatha, i at 2 or -"i mill* nre k'-pt run-
ning by it both rammer ai ^ 1848.
; i 1 .' In I . I I T • || il ;
• r« were flr«t br..iicht to the notice of tbe public by
Jas. SHcbOOCk. Thcreareo-vcr.il Similar i- -« volume
in th. vicinity,
* TiMhii k ('<>. have under Bultfvati n 10 acres of medicinal
plant", — chiefly dandelion, byoseyamns, lettuce, belladonna, Mra-
monium, yellow dock, burdock, pnpplea, digital!*, aconite,
bound, wormwood, and valerian. Thi Dtities
of contain, gathered from tbe surrounding country, aawi
Imported medicinal berbe and Tl ■ persons are • -mpl..j. I
In the preparation of tin it
2ooo acres of land in this State, besides a considerable.
tract In Mass, They have a large meeting house, a laboratory
furnishi-d Willi steam power. :i gristmill. 4 sawmills. 2 machine
-ln.px, 8 dwelling''. ; * t i ■ 1 several other buildings. They are prin-
cipally engaged in forming, and in preparing extracts, roots,
herbs, ! • ■ . r .■ • t i f . - me.lieines. and garden seeds. Tliey also manu-
facture brooms, sieves, and fancy baskets. About 200.000 lbs.
Of medicinal articles and garden seeds are put up annually.
Tli" neatness nf tin ir grounds and premises is proverbial.
8 Among the first settlers were families named Gilbert, Cor-
nell. King, Skinner, Mudge, Gurnsey, Jones. Waddams, Sanford,
and Patcnln. An inn was kept at Lebanon Springs for several
before the close uf the Revolutionary War. The house
Is still standing, and is supposed to be nearly a century old.
7 ■". M. ¥.., Bap, Christian, Presb., R. C, and a Shaker meeting
house,
9 Tin water) Of these springs have never been analyzed. A
bote] and bathing houses have recently been erected near them,
and they are now much frequented.
• 2 cotton factories, a matrass factory, machine shop, and
sa«h and blind factory.
U> OolnmbiavDJe was incorp. Feb. 21. 1812, but the act of in-
corporation was repealed April 20. is:;.'!. It was formerly a
manufacturing place of considerable importance, in 1813 it bad
in factory of 1600 spindles, 2 paper mills, 4 cording mills,
2 fulling mills, together With grist, saw, and plaster mills.
n M Y... !'r. -), . IT..t. I"... and Univ.
,2 Named in honor of Gov. Peter Stuyvesant.
'* ■". cotton factories, a woolen factory, a gristmill, sawmill,
* There are 500 to 600 person- in this community. They own machine shop, and an agricultural implement factory.
COLUMBIA COUNTY.
249
landing1 and a station on the Hudson R. R. R. Coxsackic .Station, on the Hudson R. R. R.,
has half a dozen houses. At this placo is a ferry to Coxsackic, (Greene co.,) on the opposite side
of the river. The first settlement was made by the Dutch about the period of the English conquest.2
There are 3 churches in town.3
TACjIIIKAJVICR4 — was formed from Livingston as " Granger," March 19, 1803. Its name
was changed March 25, 1814, and Copake was taken off in 1824. It is an interior town, lying s.
of the center of the co. The surface is hilly. Taghkanick Creek is the principal stream. Its
banks are low and rocky, and upon it are numerous mill sites. The soil is a gravelly and slaty
loam. The hills are generally arable to their summits, although some are wooded and rocky.
West Taghkanick. (p. v.) contains 1 church, a gristmill, and 14 houses. Taghkanick
(p.o.) and Slew Forge are hamlets. The first settlements were made by German and Dutch
settlers, among whom were families named Brises, Shurts, and Shoefelts. A tract of about GOO
acres, called Taghkanick, included in this town, was purchased by Robert Livingston in 1G85.
The first church (M. E.) was organized in 1843. There are now 2 churches in town; Evang.
Luth., and M. E.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Columbia County.
Names of Towns.
Ancram
Austerlitz
Canaan
Chatham
Claverack
Clermont
Copake
Gallatin
Gerniantown...
Ghent
Greenport
Hillsdale
Hudson
Kinderhook....
Livingston
New Lebanon.
Stockport
Stnyvesant
Taghkanick....
Total
Acres of Land.
21,135
22.805
16,501
26,856
25,055
10,231f
18.3-14
17,588
5,768
22,506
9,866
21,058
373
15,865
20,648
16,218
5,650
10,820
16.991
,304,277£
I
5,784
4,987
5,218
4,381
4.916
2,047
4,524
6,151
573
5.420
1.549
5,641
77
2.811
2,055
3,804
901
2,448
5.968
69,255
Valuation of 1858.
ft?
I
a, a,
a
I
$625,300 $49,900 $675,200 929 872 284
401.800 68.450 470.250 796 822 323
447,810 66,100 513,910 989 957 359
1,094,968 271,730 1,366,098 2.030 1,993 724
927,201 138.353 1,065,554 1,654 1,709 569
279,057 151,331 430.388 538 520 183
433,820 100.250 534.070 838 782 271
28S,924 126.069 414.993 778 739 260
220,407 100,305 320,712 573 558 175
881,504 92.103 973,607 1.272 1,265 412
357.280 222,600 579,880 685 698 215
462.830 132,050 594.880 1,101 1,093 394
1,000,500 1,350,042 2,350.542 3,120 3.600 895
721.857 994.240 1,716,097 1.800 2,064 671
592.072 254,000 846,572 1,025 1,039 328
286.090 104.000 390,090 1,151 1,178 352
233.818 64,250 298,068 776 845 282
450.752 203.000 653,752 974 963 316
283,980 63.106 347.086 828 837 274
$9,989,970 $4,552,379 $14,542,349 21,857 22,534 J 7,2S7
Population.
g
s.-_':;i;
171
228
235
460
444
136
ISO
166
132
237
146
273
500
161
204
291
125
-S
178
Schools.
£%
ii
15
lu
2d
14
6
9
7
5
10
4
is
4
in
12
15
4
6
52
757
574
634
1,497
1.179
'383
542
672
446
700
445
979
2.390
1.528
932
821
519
849
656
4,554 1188 116,503
Names of Towns.
Ancram
Austerlitz
Canaan
Chatham
Claverack
Clermont
Copake
Gallatin
Germantown..
Ghent
Greenport
Hillsdale
Hudson
Kinderhook...
Livingston
New Lebanon.
Stockport
Stnyvesant
Taghkanick...
Total
Live Stock.
I
510
514
454
897
841
378
436
520
220
806
346
538
248
542
611
448
133
180
4M
«*1
■§8»
»- Be
fees
1,268
800
690
1,338
964
289
981
1,035
189
962
366
866
7
642
597
833
203
347
799
852
827
678
1.452
1,113
595
804
837
435
981
498
893
118
639
995
925
327
650
881
05
11,381
8,485
8.711
6.579
4,573
2,539
7,211
5,135
243
4,469
740
5,900
3,865
3,954
9,230
81
1,442
3.005
3,835
1,193
1,013
2,924
2,888
1.355
2.s:;t
2,530
723
2,272
925
2,186
512
1,639
1,859
972
250
532
2,123
AGRicui/rnBAi Products.
Bush, op Grain.
22.29S4.
12,821
12.325
40,844
49,049
14,867
40,774
28,431
5,736
50,172
12,324
26,367
160
33,911
49.238
8.S09
2.784
10,552
31.546
101,274
47.564
60,779
110,398
68,701
22,S06£
71,454
55,373
7,920
71.132
19,915.
73,928
936
99,730
49.446J
61.295
9.786
27,619
37,114
"*
ess,
3,383
3,69S
3,078
4,283
6.050
3,242
3,011
2,84S
2.229
4,815
3,926
4,258
178
2.802
4,997
4.7 S3
1.894
2.934
2.694
9,103 13,176 14,500 87,549 32,568 453,008$ 987,172a 65,103 259,419^210,342 1.347,428 67,167
21.006
17,066
18.790
17,706
23,680
6,499
20.075
13,084
2,517
13.428
6,177
19,353
232j
20,050
9.519
16,868
4.114
21.236
9.019
"S.
11
14.580
12.526
14.702
17,532
18.581
6.508
11,671
7,662
3.959
7,914
9.493
26,585
270
7,876
9,440
22,436
5.170
5,689
7.748
Dairy Products.
a. aj
91,035
9S,665
75.0SO
130,875
107,575
42,045
72,295
69,075
33.068
104.023
45.088
98.76'
1.700
64,640
90,246
84.022
26.173
45.468
67.588
a, 5
300
8,300
12.385
10,284
1,168
1,220
750
100
250
5,061
626
144
25,794
255
530
oa";
OSJ.S
230
151
1,017
321
522
487
305
1,208
105
68
236
13
139
3,016
59
698
8,575
1 2 propellers, owned by parties here, ply on the Hudson and
run from this place.
2 Among the early settlers were families by the names of Van
Alstyne, Van Allen, Van Ness, Van Slyke, Van Dyke, Van
Vslkenburgh, Vosburgh, and Schermerhorn.
8 Evang. Luth., Ref. Prot. D., and M. E.
* Pronounced Toh-kon'nick, and supposed to signify " Watei
Enough." Upon this side of Jit. Tom. in Copake, was formerly
a spring which was a favorite resort of the Indians; and hence
the name "Taghkanick" fur the locality.
CORTLAND COUNTY.
This county was formed from Onondaga, April 8, 1808, and
embraces the original townships of Virgil, Cincinnatus, Homer,
Solon, and the south half of Tully and Fabius1 in the s. E. corner
of the Military Tract. It was named in honor of Pierre Van Cort-
landt, first Lieut. Gov. of the State of N. Y.2 It lies near the
center of the State, upon the northern spurs of the Allegany
Mts., and just s. of the watershed between the Susquehanna and
Lake Ontario. It contains an area of 485 square miles, and is
centrally distant 120 miles from Albany. Its surface is hilly
and occasionally broken, consisting mostly of arable ridges with
narrowish valleys between them. The highlands are divided
into three general ridges extending through the county in a
northerly and southerly direction. The first of these occupies the extreme eastern edge of the
county, and is bounded on the w. by the valley of the Otselic River; the second lies between the
Otselic and Tioughnioga Rivers; and the third embraces all the highlands lying w. of the
Tioughnioga. These highlands are all divided laterally by the valleys of small streams, and in
some places they arc but little more than a collection of sharp ridges separated by narrow ravines.
The northern portion of the county spreads out into a high plateau, broken by hills. This level
has an average elevation of 1,100 to 1,200 feet above tide, and the ridges rise from 200 to 500 feet
higher. A broad plain, into which nearly all the valleys of the tributaries of the Tioughnioga
converge, occupies the center of the western part of the county ; and here the county seat is located.
South of this the valleys contract until they become ravines. The highest points in the county are
Mount Toppin, in Preble, the Truxton Hills, and the Owego Hills, in A'irgil and Harford, which
attain an elevation of 1,600 to 2,100 feet above tide.
The drainage is nearly all through the Tioughnioga River, which flows through near the center
of the county. In its upper course, it consists of two principal branches, the eastern entering
the town of Cuyler from Madison county, and the western taking its rise in the small lakes in
the northern part of Preble and the southern part of Onondaga county. The principal branches
of the Tioughnioga are the Otselic, — which flows through a deep valley in the eastern part of the
county from Chenango county, — Trout, Cheningo, and Labrador Creeks, and Cold and Factory
Brooks. The Skaneateles Outlet drains the northwestern, the branches of Fall Creek the extreme
western, and Owego Creek the southwestern, parts of the county. The only considerable bodies
of water in the county are the Skaneateles Lake, which borders upon the n. w. corner, and several
small lakes in the northern part of the Tioughnioga Valley.
The Hamilton group of rocks — consisting of calcareous shale, with limestone and slate inter-
mixed— enters the northern portions of the county; and successively above this, toward the south,
appear the Genesee slate, and the Portage and Chemung groups. Quarries of sandstone and
limestone, riff. .rding excellent building material, are worked in Scott, Homer, Cortlandville, and
several other parts of the county. A little s. e. of Cortlandville arc several small lakes, containing
deposits of marl. fp>m wliich an excellent quality of lime is manufactured. The soil upon the
hills is principally a Bandy or gravelly loain ; and that of the valleys is of the same character,
with a large mixture of disintegrated slate, shale, and limestone.
Fr in its i nsiderable elevation above tide, the climate of this co. is colder than the lower regions
n. and w. The winters arc longer, and snow falls to a greater depth. The people are almost
exclusively engaged in the different branches of agriculture. Spring grains are largely produced
in the valleys, but the whole county is better adapted to pasturage than tillage. Dairying and
stock raising an rively punned. The production of wool also receives considerable attention.
The more hardy fruit* generally flourish, but are liable to injury from early and late frosts.
1 TV Mlowtaa Mi in ttv po t..wr>« wrr« Ml u en,]*
port"ftir ■ ■]«:— In Tif.lv. '■• .'• . M ; >
68; Homer. 4. 34. 70, • Virgil,
20,36.51.**. 91. '■"■■ fiiK-innatm. 1. I Tbe terri-
tory of th T. 71 Tmwii«." Win* UBBMdiatet* »<.uth of
thii. wa. f hi. I I" overlap or ■ <T » portion of ttii«
tract, and to embrace nearly all of the two southern tiers of lota
250
in Virgil, and 4 L.ts in the S.w. corner of Ctadnnataa. Two ad-
ditional towneUpa (Jnnloa, Gaynga c... »mi Galen, Wayne co.)
were «••( apart by tin- Land Cnmnii'-ioi1iT-..'nly :;1. 1790. to sup-
ply tlv deficiency thus occasioned in tbe Military Tract.
■ Gen. Van Cortland) was an extensive owner of lands upon
lb* Military Tract In this and adjoining counties.
CORTLAND COUNTY.
251
Manufactures are of limited extent. The completion of the Syracuse, Binghamton, and New York
R. R. through this county has given an additional impulse to every branch of business, and baa
greatly enhanced the value of the farms by furnishing an easy and direct avenue to market.1
Cortland Village, the county seat, is situated upon the Tioughnioga, near the center of the town
of Cortlandville. The county clerk's office and the court house are finely situated in the cental
of the village.2 The jail is located in the basement of the court house, the floors of the cells being
4 or 5 feet below the surface of the ground. The average number of prisoners is 2. The pool
house is situated upon a farm of 118 acres, 3 mi. n. e. of Cortland Village. The average number
of inmates is about 50. The farm yields a revenue of $000.
There are four papers published in the county.3
Few events of general interest have occurred in this county. Settlement began in Homer in
1791, in Virgil and Cortlandville in 1794, and in several other towns before the commencement
of the present century. Being remote from the great routes of travel, its settlement advanced but
slowly fur many years, and the fertile but more distant valley of the Genesee had been mostly
taken up by immigrants before civilization spread over the hills and along the valleys of Cortland
county. The fear of Indian massacre then had not entirely subsided, and at times occasioned
distress almost as real as if hostilities actually existed. The wild beasts often claimed a share
of the little flocks and herds of the pioneers ; and long, weary forest roads to distant mills and
markets, for many years, proved a heavy burden to the early settlers in this and many other sections
of the State not favored with navigable streams.
CTtfCIIVlVATUS— was formed from Solon, April 3, 1804. It embraced the township of Cin-
cinnatus, or No. 25 of the military tract, a name applied by the Land Commissioners upon its first
survey. The present town is one-fourth of its original size, — having been reduced by the erection
of Freetown, Willett, and Marathon, in 1818. It lies upon the eastern border of the county, s.
of the center. Its surface consists of the narrow valley of the Otselic River and of the high ridges
which rise upon each side. Deep ravines, forming the valleys of small tributaries to the river,
extend laterally far into the highlands, dividing nearly the whole surface of the town into steep ridges
of hills. The soil is generally a .gravelly loam, and best adapted to grazing. Cincinimtus
(p. v.) contains about 290 inhabitants, and L,ower Cincinnatus 150. The former contains
3 churches4 and an academy.5 The first settlers were Ezra and Thos. Rockwell, from Lenox,
Mass., who located upon lot 19 ; and Dr. John McWhorter, from Salem, N.Y., on lot 29, in 1795.6
The first church (Presb.) was formed by a union of the people of Cincinnatus, Solon, Taylor, and
Pitcher, Chenango co.
1 This road is built along the Tioughnioga Valley, connecting
with the N.Y. C. R. R. at Syracuse, and with the N. Y. & E. R. R.
at Binghamton. It has stations at Preble, Little York, Hotner,
Cortlandville, Blodgets Mills, State Bridge, and Marathon.
2 The county courts were first directed to be held at the
schoolhouse on lot 45, in Homer. By an act of April 5, 1810,
Joseph L. Richardson, of Auburn, Nathan Smith, of Herkimer,
and Nathaniel Locke, of Chenango, were appointed commission-
ers to select the site for a court house, and $2000 was appro-
priated for the erection of the building. The first county officers
were John Keep, First Judge; Wm.Mallory, Sheriff; and John
McWhorter. Surrogate.
* The Cortland Courier was established at Homer in 1810 by
Jas. & Saml. Percival. In 1812 H. R. Bender & R. Wash-
burne became the proprietors, and changed its name to
The Farmers Journal. They sold it to Jesse Searl in 1813, by
whom it was issued as
The Cortland Repository, and continued until 1825. Then Milton
A. Kinney became proprietor, and changed its title to
The Cortland Observer. It passed into the hands of S. S. Brad-
ford in 1833, and in 1836 into those of Holmes,
by whom its title was changed to
The Homer Eagle. In 1837 it was united with the Cortland Re-
publican, and issued by R. A. Reid as
The Republican and Eagle, and continued until 1852. C. B.
Gould then became proprietor, and changed it to
The Cortland County Whig. In 1856 it was sold to J. R. Dixon,
and by him it is now published as
The Cortland County Republican.
The Protestant Sentinel was started at Homer in 1831 by John
Maxson, and continued until 1833.
The Cortland Republican was commenced in 1815, at Cortland
Viilage, by James Percival, and was continued by him,
by Osborn & Campbell, and by the Campbell Bros.,
until 1821.
The Western Courier was founded at Homer in 1821 by Roberts
& Hull, and was soon after removed to Cortland Village.
In 1824 it appeared aa
Tlie Cortland Journal, and in 1S32 as
The Cortland Advocate. It was published successively by C
W. Gill, H. S. Randall, and David Fairchild, and' in 1S45
it was styled
The Cortland Democrat. Seth Haight & II. G. Crouch have
been interested in its management; and it is now pub-
lished by A. P. Cole, as
The Cortland Gazette, which name it received in 1857.
The Cortland Chronicle was started in 1828 by Reed & Osborn.
It was sold to R. A. Reed in 18.32, and by him called
The Anti-Masonic Republican. In 1833 it was styled
The Cortland Republican, and in 1837 it was united with
The Homer Eagle.
The Liberty Herald, semi-mo., was published at Cortland Village
in 1844 and '45 by E. F. Graham.
The True American and Religious Examiner was started in
1845, at Cortland Village, by C. B. Gould. The follow-
ing year it passed into the hands of S. R. Ward, was
issued by him as
The True American, and continued until 1S48.
The Republican Banner was started in 1858 by E. D
Van Slyck & P. H. Bateson.
The South Cortland Luminary was published in 1840, at South
Cortland, by M. Reynolds.
The Morning Star was published at McGrawville in 1S50, and
The Ceritral Reformer in 1858.
* Cong., Bap., Meth.
6 Cincinnatus Academy was chartered by the regents, April
21, 1857.
« Eb'r Crittenden, from Barrington. Mass., removed to the pre-
sent town of Willett in 1793, and to the present limits of this
town in 1797. The first child born was Sally Rockwell, the
first marriage that of Dr. McWhorter to Katy Young, and the
first death that of Daniel Hartshorn.— all in 1796. Mrs. II. Boebe
taught the first school, in 1797; Col. John Kingman, the first
inn ; Elijah Bliss, the first store; and Eph'm Fish built the first
mill, in 1814.
252 CORTLAND COUNTY.
CORTL,AXI>ni>L,E— was formed from Homer, April 11, 1829, and embraces the southern
half of the original township of Homer, and a small portion of the N. e. corner of Virgil. The
name was applied to the town from its being the county seat of Cortland county. It is situated
at the junction of the eastern and western branches of the Tioughnioga River, and extends from the
central portion of the county to the extreme western border. The surface of much of the town is
level ; but the eastern and southern parts are hilly. From an eminence just w. of Cortland
Village can be seen 7 distinct valleys, separated by ranges of hills radiating in different directions.
The ridges are 200 to 400 feet above the valleys ; and the southern part of the town is a broken
upland region, the hills being arable to their summits. The tributaries of the Tioughnioga in
this t<>wn are Trout Brook from the e. and Dry and Otter Brooks from the w. A small part of the
western portion of the town is drained by streams flowing westward into Cayuga Lake. In the
s. w. part of the town are three small ponds, fed by springs, and furnishing an almost unlimited
supply of marl, from which an excellent quality of lime is manufactured.1 The soil is generally
a sandy or gravelly loam. Cortland Village2 (p.v.) is finely situated upon the Tioughnioga,
near the center of the town. It contains an academy,3 5 churches, 3 hotels, and a population of
1,576. McGrawville (p-v.) is situated upon Trout Brook, 4£ mi. e. of Cortland Village. It
contains 3 churches and several manufacturing establishments, and is the seat of the N.Y. Central
College.* Pop. 558. South Cortland, (p.v.,) in the s. w. part of the town, contains 161
inhal'itants. Illodtrcts Mills is a p.o. The first settlers of this town were Jonathan Hubbard
and Col. Moses Hopkins, — the former upon the lot where Cortland Village now stands, and the
latter upon lot 94.5 The census reports 9 churches in town.6
FREETOW.\ — was formed from Cincinnatus, April 21, 1818, and embraces the n. w. quarter
of that township. Lot 20 of Virgil was annexed in 1850. It is situated upon the ridge between
the Otselic and Tioughnioga Rivers, s. e. of the center of the county. It is high and hilly, and
its surface is much broken by the narrow ravines of the watercourses which flow n. and s. A
considerable part of the more hilly portions is yet covered with the original forests. Its soil is a
sandy and gravelly loam, and is best adapted to pasturage. Freetown Corners (p.v.) has
2 churches and about 100 inhabitants. Robert Smith, a soldier of the Revolution, drew lot 2,
and, accompanied by his son-in-law, Ensign Rice, took possession of it in 1795.7 The first church
(Bap.) was organized in 1810, by Elder Caleb Shepard, of Lisle, who was the first preacher.8
HARFORD — was formed from Virgil,9 May 2, 1845, and it embraces the s.w. quarter of that
township. It is the s. w. corner town in the county. Its surface consists of a high, broken upland,
500 to 700 feet above the valleys and 1500 to 1700 feet above tide. The Owego Hills, in the
southern part, are the most elevated portions. The declivities are usually steep, and often rocky,
and the summits are crowned with forests. One half of the town is yet a wilderness. The streams
are mere brooks. The soil is a moderately productive sandy and gravelly loam, best adapted to
pasturage. Harford (p.v.) contains 30 houses, and South Harford 20. The first settler
wa- I' rictus Dc Wolf, in 1803. 10 Religious meetings were held as early as 1804; but the first
church [Bap.) was not organized till 1815."
IIOMI'.U- was formed March 5, L794. Solon was taken off in 1798, Virgil in 1804, and
1 rtlandville in 1-l!'.'. It lies upon the w. 1» >r«l^r of the county, n. of the center. Its surface
ICrandall rea of 16 acres ; Swains, 6, and I Ington co, settled on lot 22. In 1806, Remembrance Curttss set-
I n*. 4. Tb« m.irl i< generally of Ul ash colot when tied on I"t 1-: and Curtis and ('has. Iiiohar.lson. IV. i in Saratoga
which it i ntaim i i., on lot 32. Henry Gardner, Wm. Tuthill, Jacob Hicks, Gideon
whit- the -ilr. When partially dried, it Is
moulded int.) the form of bricks, and these are thoroughly drlt 1
and burnt I known tliirkn. tits of
nnrl i- about 20 Third I» ' . p -1. J UlCOrp,
i Th my, Incorp Jan. 18, ]
«lhi» institution w.ut it. ..rp. in 1R-V>. It wai originally
i tn .niii.il lab t - >. •■!. and is op n to all. without dis-
tinction ..f rol..r at -
* III 1?'.'.'.. T) frrm Whitest iwn. 1 • n lot
94: Reuben Dond, fi md John Harm
Joseph Lee, npon lot 76. 1 led near
Chapin, Simeon Duty. -I <>1 1 n Backus, and Amos Eaton, were,
among the other early Bettlers. The first marriage was that of
Robert Smith, jr., With Amity Smith. The first schoolteacher
«a- Don A. Robertson. The first Btore was kept by Peter
McVean, at "The Corners." The first permanent merchant was
Walton Sweetland, siiii a resident of the town.
• The census reports •'• churches ; i Bap., 2 M. K.
• The p.o. of " Worthington" was established in this part of
Virgil in isi'M.r'jii. it- name was changed to Harford about 10
\.mts after. From this the town derives its name.
ln Anionc the other first settlers were Tims. Nichols, in 18(14,
Cortland Village, H i 'ami. Inghs John Green, in 1806, Eben Burgess, Barns, Gordon linr-
•,..ii lot 76. In 1800, Wilmot Sperry (from Woodbridge, lingame, Nathan Beaton, Tl dore E. Hart, and Lewis Moore.
0 tin - ttled on lot 73: and n ' - came rearlj until Theodore B. Hart kepi the first store, in 1824. Tim first birth
1810, when the growtl man rapid. The first school- was that of Dr. Chas. Barns ; the fir«t marriage, thai ofObed
bou m odonthe | the Eagle BoteL The first
inn was kept l.v - K10.
• 2 Bap, 2 M ristian, Ret Presb. and Unlr.
; about 10 y.-ars after. Smith an : I their ini|
1 Irares and A lire Miinroe ; and the first death, that of Dora Mm
DeWolf Betsey Carver taught the first school, in lsin'i; Lewis
Mr. kept the first inn; and Nathan Beaton built the first
griat mill, in 1814.
nvnts t.. BamLG. Bathan unL Jennings; and nl-ait it The census reports 3 churches; Christian, Cong., and
the same time Caleb Shepard and David H. Munro, from Wash- : Union.
CORTLAND COUNTY.
253
is quite uneven, consisting of the valleys of the two brandies of the Tioughnioga River and the
ridges which border upon them. The valley of the western branch is over a mile wide, and
elevated 1,09G feet above tide. The eastern valley is narrower. A ridge of hills. 200 to 500
feet above the river, separates the two valleys ; and a similar ridge occupies the s. e. corner of the
town. The western part is a hilly upland, 1500 to 1600 feet above tide. The principal branches
of the Tioughnioga are Cold and Factory Brooks, from the w. The valleys of these streams
open northward into corresponding valleys, through which flow streams emptying into Otisco and
Skaneateles Lakes. The soil upon the river intervales is a deep, rich alluvial and dark loam, well
adapted to tillage; among the hills, it is a sandy or gravelly loam, better for pasturage. Homer1
(p. v.) is finely situated on the Tioughnioga, 3 mi. n. of Cortland Village. It contains 0 churches,
a printing office, and several manufacturing establishments, including the only cotton factory in the
county. It is the seat of Cortland Academy,2 an old and very flourishing institution. Pup. 1625.
East Homer (p-v.) contains 25 houses, and Little York (p. v.) 15. Spencer Beebe and
his brother-in-law, Amos Todd, were the first settlers of this town, and of Cortland county, in
1791.3 The first religious meetings were held in 1793, when there were but 6 families in town ;
and all attended. The first church (Cong.) was founded in 1801, chiefly through the influence of
Mrs. Hobart, wife of Lieut. Hobart.4
LAPEER — was formed from Virgil, May 2, 1845, and embraces the s. e. quarter of that
township. It lies upon the high ridges w. of the Tioughnioga River, on the s. border of the county,
w. of the center. The declivities of the hills bordering upon the river are precipitous. "Luce
Hill," in the north western part of the town, is the highest point, and is 1,600 to 1,700 feet above tide.
The streams are all small brooks. Upon Fall Creek, near the s. border of the town, is a wild
and beautiful cascade, 71 feet high, known as Hunts Falls. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam.
Nearly one half of the town is still unsettled. Hunts Corners contains 10 houses. Lapeer
(p.o.) is near the center of the town. There is no church edifice in town.5 The first settler was
Phineas Grant, a colored man.6
MARATHON — was formed from Cincinnatus, April 21, 1818, as "Harrison," embracing the
s. w. quarter of the military township. Its name was changed in 1827. It lies upon the southern
border of the county, e. of the center. Its surface is rugged and hilly, the ridges rising 500 to 700
feet above the valleys. The Tioughnioga flows through its western part, in a deep, narrow valley
with precipitous sides. Hunt Creek in the n. w. and Merrill Creek in the e. part of the town
also flow through deep and narrow valleys. The arable land lies principally along these valleys,
the uplands being broken and only fit for pasturage. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam
Marathon7 (p. v.) contains 3 churches, the oldest of which is the Presb., organized Feb. 11,
18 14.8 Pop. 500. Texas Valley is a p. o. in the n. e. corner. Dr. Japheth Hunt, a surgeon of
the army, who served in both the French and Revolutionary Wars, settled on Lot 93, in 1794.9
1 Incorp. May 11, 1835.
2 Incorp. February 2, 1819. This institution, from its com-
mencement, has uniformly borne a high reputation. Samuel
B. Woolworth, LL.D., present Secretary of the Eegents of the
University, was at the head of this institution for nearly 22
years. At a jubilee celebration, held July 7 and 8, 1846, it was
stated that 4000 students had been connected with the academy.
1'lie whole number up to 1859 was over 8,000.
3 They came in the fall, and erected a temporary dwelling, a
little N. of Homer Village, near the bridge, and returned in
the winter for their goods, leaving Mrs. Beebe the sole occupant
of the house, and the only representative of civilization within
a circuit of 30 miles. They were prevented from returning for
6 weeks by the deep snows ; and during the whole of that
period the lone woman reuiainod in anxious doubt as to the
fate of her husband and brother. Mr. Todd located on lot 42,
" West Hill." Among the other early settlers were John House,
John Miller, Jas. Matthew9, Jas. Moore, Silas and Danl. Miller,
(from Binghamton,) in 1792; Darius Kinney, (from Brimfield,
Mass.,) in 1793 ; Roderick Owen, (from Lebanon, N.Y.,) Jonathan
Hubbard, and Moses Hopkins, in 1794; Thos. Wilcox, (from
Whitestown.)ZebulonKeene, and John Stone, (from Brimfield,)
John Keep, Solomon and John Hubbard, and Asa White, in 1795.
The first male child born was Homer Moore, and the first female
Betsey House ; the first death, that of Mrs. Gould Alvord. The
first marriage was.that of Zadoc Strongand Wid. Russell, who were
obliged to go through the forests to Ludlowville, Tompkins co., on
horseback, to have the ceremony performed. The first school-
house was built a little N. of Homer Village in 1798. The first
teacher was Joshua Ballard. Enos Stimson kept the first inn,
and A. M. Coats the first store. The first permanent and suc-
cessful merchant was Jedediah Barber. John Keep, Solomon
Hubbard, and Asa White built the first grist mill in 1798, on the
2
I Dresent site of that of Cogswell & Wilcnx. The old mill fcr
some time was used as church, public hall, and ball room.
4 Tho first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Hillard, of N.J.
He was assisting at a raising; and, when it became known that
a minister was present, a sermon was clamorously called for
and was delivered on the spot. The census reports 6 churches
in town; Cong. Bap., M. E., Prot. E., and Univ. at Homer,
and M. E. at East Homer.
6 Free Bap., Meth., and Christian denominations hold meetings
in schoolhouses. The Free W. Bap. Society was formed by Elder
Lake in 1820.
6 Among the other first settlers were Peter Gray, (on lot 70.)
Robt. K.Wheeler, and Thomas Kingsley, who came in 1S02;
Seth Jennings and Timothy Roberts, in 1805 ; Zac'h Lynes, John
R. Smith, Urial Sessions, Simeon Luce, Avery Hartshorn, and
H. J. Richards. The first marriage was that of Simeon Luce and
Rebecca Ayres, Oct. 9, 1805 ; and the first death, that of Simeon
Luce, in 1808. Ebenezer Luce taught the first 6chool, in 1S14 ;
and Harvey Jennings built the first mill, in 1813.
1 About one mile s. of the village, on the E. bank of the river,
is the site of an old Indian village and burial ground. Tradition
says that this was once the seat of a powerful tribe of Indians.
8 The census reports 4 churches; 2 Presb., Bap., and M. E.
* Among the other pioneer settlers were John Hunt, in 1796:
Abram Brink, (first innkeeper,) Barnabas Wood and Son, and
Zachariah Squires, in 1802. The first child born was S. M. Hunt, a
grandson of the first settler ; the first marriage, that of Nicholas
Brink and Polly Alfred ; and the first death, that of the first
settler, in March, 1808, aged 97 years. Wm. Cowdrey tanght
the first school, in 1803 ; John Hunt built the first saw miU ;
and Weed & Waldo, James Burgess, and David Munroe were th«
early merchants. The first successful mercantile firm was that
of Peck, Archer & Dickson, now of New York City.
254 CORTLAND COUNTY.
PREBLE — named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble, was formed from Tully upon the
organization of Cortland co., April 8, 1808, and embraced the southern half of the latter town.
Scott was taken off in 1815. It lies upon the northern border of the county, w. of the center. Its
surface consists of the valley of the western branch of the Tioughnioga River, which is here nearly
2 miles wide, and the ridges which rise on the e. and w. Mount Toppin, s. w. of the village, is
1,700 feet above tide ; Truxton Hills are the highest land in the county. The declivities of the
hills are steep, and some of their summits sharp ridges. North of Mount Toppin a valley extends
northward and opens into the valley of the Otisco Inlet. In the northern part of the town are
several beautiful little lakes ; and upon the southern borders are others of a similar character,
known as the Little York Lakes. The soil is a fine quality of gravelly loam. Preble Corners
(Preble p.o.) contains 200 inhabitants, and Baltimore 75. The first settlers were James and
Robert Cravarth, John Gillett, and Elijah Mason, who came in 1798.1 The first church (Cong.)
wa< firmed through the effurts of Revs. Theodore Hinsdale and Joel Hall, missionaries from Conn.2
Rev. Matt. Harrison was the first pastor.
SCOTT— was formed from Preble, April 14, 1815, and named in honor of Gen. "Winfield Scott.
It is the x. w. corner town of the county. Its surface is mostly upland, broken by two deep and
narrow valleys which extend N. and s. through the town. The declivities of the hills are very
steep, and in many places precipitous. Cold Brook flows through the eastern valley, and Factory
Brook and Skaneateles Inlet through the western. Skaneateles Lake borders upon the >\ w.
corner. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, and is best adapted to grazing. Scott Center
(Scott p.o.) contains about 300 inhabitants. Seott Corners (East Scott p. o.) is a hamlet.
Peleg and Solomon Babcock and Asa Howard (from Mass.) and George Dennison (from Vt.)
located on lot 82 in 1799.3 The first church was a Seventh Day Baptist, organized in 1820, Wm. B.
Maxson first pastor.*
SOLO\ — was formed from Homer, March 9, 1798, and embraced the townships of Solon and
Cincinnatus. A portion was annexed to Truxton, April 4, 1811. Cincinnatus was taken off in
1804, and Taylor in 1849. It is an interior town, lying near the center of the county. The surface
is mostly upland, broken by numerous narrow valleys of small brooks and creeks. The hills on
the eastern border are 1400 to 1500 feet above tide. Many of the highest summits are too rough
for cultivation, and are crowned with forests. Trout Brook flows in a westerly direction through
near the center, forming a narrow but fertile valley. The soil is a gravelly loam, well adapted
to grazing. Solon (p.v.) contains about 100 inhabitants. The first settlers were Johnson
Bingham and Eddy Wildman, from Canterbury, Conn., who located, the former on lot 62, and the
latter on lot 51, in 1796.5 The first church was formed in 1804, Rev. Josiah Butler the first
preacher.6
T iYLOR — was formed from Solon, Dec. 5, 1849, and named in honor of Gen. Zachary Taylor.
It li-"- Dear the r-ontor of the eastern border of the county. Its surface is mostly upland and is
very l>rokon and hilly. The declivities are generally precipitous, rising 600 to 800 feet above the
valleys. Blount Rhoderick, lying partly in this town and partly in Solon, is the highest point.
The ^troams are more lir<>"k-. generally flowing in a southerly direction and discharging their
wat^r> into the Oteelio* Solon Pond is a small sheet of water near the center of the town. The soil
i- i sandy and gravelly loam. Taylorvillc (Taylor p.o.,) or "Bangall," contains 25 houses,
and I'nlon Valley fp. v.) 20.' The fir-t settlers were Zcrah Becbe, a Revolutionary soldier,
Lain* Beebe, hi- son, and John Tinknr. lii^ son-in-law. from Watorlairv, Conn., in 1794.8
'Am"T>eth« other first Mttlera wm Amo« - 'i anil
,.i rrowbridge, Richard Egberteon, Samoa) Orvia, Jabea
B. I'lr '|'-. Ed. ( Ubert, and Garret Van
li eten. The fir«t clnll born waa Nancy QUI; the first mar-
* Besides this, there are in town 3 societies; Bap., M. E., and
Preab.
b Anions the other first settlers were Bonj. Beebe, T.cwis
(Ural innkeeper.) Daniel Porter, Zerah Tinker. Jas. II.
that of Anu* Kail and Sa Maaon : and th- fir-' ■! nth, Wheeler, Elisha Johnson, Saml.G. Hathawav, Stephen N. Peck,
rjohnPatteraon, a I I In KM Kuth end Noah Greeley, (flrat mill owner.) The first child born waa
.1 the fir»t •cb.OoL in 1>*"1 : I>an« A Taylor kept the a daughter of Johnson Bingham; the first marriage, that of
first (tore, and Mi wee Nash I I ; BaOHMl TrowbrbjBkept RoM. Smith ami Amy Smith, and the first death, a daughter of
Lhe first inn. .Minion Bingham. Roxana Beebeand Lydianna Stewart taught
l Th" i--n«na reports 2 ehnrrhe.-. 1 Preab, 1 M K. \ the first school, in 1804 ; and B. Tubhs kept the first store.
» Among the oth»r first «ett|cr« were tv.mi-h Mcss^n^er and » The census reports 2 churches : 1 Bap. and 1 R. 0,
Ihuiial Jakeway,((roml)eBaytar, Mas n Baboock^ffrom Maw..) 'The census reports 5 churches; Bap., Cong., Wos. Moth.,
■m Richardeoo, Jamd aad John Babcock, Biaba .a«Mn«, 2H.li
Henry and Jem Bardlet, Timothy Brown, an I Nathl. Morgan. ' e The first child horn was Kezia Beebe; the first marriage,
The fir«t child t.oni wa» Harriet Bahcork : th" first marriage, that that of Asaph Butler and Lucy Beche ; and the first death, that
-non Bahcnrk and Amy Morzan. an I 'h- tr • ' • • /.. rah Boehc, in lsO0. Beers taught the first school, in
of an infan- rof l'c|"e Babcock. Amy Morgan tangh t IMo ; Orlando lU-<)«- kept the first inn, Hurlbut ft Gilbert the
the first icfaool, in 1S04: Jamea Babcock kept the first inn. and first store, and Ezra and Thos. Rockwell built the first sawmill,
Nathan Babcock the first store. in 1916.
CORTLAND COUNTY.
255
TRUXTOHf1 — named in honor of Commodore Thomas Truxton, was formed fmm Fabius,
April 8, 1808, and embraced the s. half of the latter town. The N. 4 tiers of lots of Solon were
annexed April 4, 1811. Cuylerwas taken off in 1858. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. The
surface consists of a broken upland divided into ridges, which have a general northerly and
southerly direction. Tho east branch of the Tioughnioga River flows in a s. w. direction through
the center of the town, cutting the ranges of hills diagonally. The Truxton Hills are the highest
in the co. North of the river, nearly the whole surface is divided into sharp ridges with steep de-
clivities, their summits being technically termed " hog backs." Muncey Hill, in the s. e. part, the
highest land in town, is a wild, broken region, poorly adapted to cultivation. On the n. border is a
small lake known as Labrador Pond, noted for its wild and picturesque scenery. Upon a small
brook, which flows into the outlet of this pond from the e., is a beautiful cascade, called Tinkers
Falls. The soil is generally a sandy and gravelly loam. In amount of dairy products this town is
one of the first in the State. Truxton (p. v.) contains 257 inhabitants, and Cuyler (p. v.) 1 12.
Reeney Settlement is a hamlet on the n. line. There are in town a woolen, a sash and
blind, and butter tub factory, and an extensive carriage shop. The first settlers were Saml. Bene-
dict, Chris. Whitney, and Jonas Stiles, in 1795, who located on Lots 12, 93, and 2, respectively.2
The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1806, under Eld. Rufus Freeman.3
VIRGIli — was formed from Homer, April 3, 1804. Harford and Lapeer were taken off in
1845. A small portion of its e. part has been annexed to Cortlandville and Freetown. It lies upon
the w. border of the county, s. of the center. Its surface is a broken and hilly upland. The
Owego Hills, in the s. w. part, are about 600 feet above the valleys and 1600 to 1700 feet above
tide. The valleys are narrow, bordered by the steep declivities of the hills. Virgil Creek, flowing
E., and Gridley Creek, flowing w., are the principal streams. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam,
and is best adapted to grazing. Virgil (p. v.) contains 206 inhabitants, and East Virgil (p. v.)
about 60. State Bridge (Messengerville p. o.) is a r. r. station. Franks Corners is a
hamlet in the s. w. part. The first settler was Joseph Chaplin, in 1792.4 The first religious meeting
was held in 1802; and the first church (Cong.) was formed, Feb. 5, 1805, by Rev. Seth Williston.5
WILLET — was formed from Cincinnatus, April 21, 1818, and was named in honor of Col.
Marinus Willett, of Revolutionary memory. It lies in the s. E. corner of the county. Its surface
consists of the narrow valley of the Otselic River and of the high ridges which rise on cither side.
The uplands are broken by the narrow ravines through which the small streams flow. Nearly
one-third of the" town is yet unsettled, the surface being too rough for profitable cultivation. In
the n. w. part of the town is a small lake, known as Bloody Pond, — its sanguinary name having
been bestowed in consequence of the vagaries of delirium tremens. The soil is a sandy and gravelly
1 In Nov. 1858, this town was divided into 2 nearly equal parts
by a line extending N. and s. ; and the E. half now forms the
town of Cuyler.
2 Among the other first settlers were Roht. Knight, (from Mon-
mouth, N. J.,) Hugh Stewart, (from Colerain, Mass.,) John
Jeffrey and Enos Phelps, (from N.J.,) Billy Trowbridge and
Dr. John Miller, (from Dutchess co.) The last named was the
first physician, and is still living, (1858,) aged 82. The first
child born was a son of Samuel Benedict; and the first death
was a child in the same family. A. W. Baker taught the first
school, in 1799 ; Bowen Brewster kept the first inn, in 1801, and
Stephen Hedges the first store.
8 The census returns 4 churches; 2 M. E., Bap., Presb.
* Mr. Chaplin was engaged to open a road from Oxford to
Cayuga Lake, which he commenced in 1792 and finished in
two years. This road was 60 mi. in length, and it became the
thoroughfare for emigrants. Mr. Chaplin brought in his family
from Oxford in the winter of 1794-95. Among the other first
settlers were John M. Frank, John Gee, John E. Roe, James
Wright, Jas. Knapp, Jas. and John Glenny, Joseph Bailey, and
Enos Bouton. The first flock of sheep, brought in by Mr. Frank,
were all destroyed by tho wild animals. Mr. Roe and Capt.
Knapp killed 15 wolves in one year. The first child born was
a sou of Joseph Chaplin ; the first marriage was that of Buluff
Whitney, of Dryden, and Susan Glenny, in 1800; and the first
death was that of a stranger, named Charles Hoffman, who was
found dead in the woods in April, 1798. Chas. Joyce was the
first teacher; Peter Vanderlyn and Nathl. Knapp built the first
grist mill, in 1805 ; Daniel Edward built the first saw mill in 1801,
and Danl. Sheldon kept the first store, in 1807. As early as 1828, in
a series of articles in the " Cortland Observer," Nathaniel Bouton,
a farmer in this town, strongly advocated the construction of a
R. R. through the southern tier of counties. From the proceed-
ings of a " Festive Gathering" of the early settlers and inhabit-
ants of the town of Virgil we make the following extracts : —
" The patents issued to the purchasers of the military lots con-
tained the whole mile square ; yet the State reserved to itself
the right to retain 100 acres in the s. E. corner of each lot and
jive an equal amount of land in Ohio. This reserved lot was
known as ' The States Hundred.' By giving notice that he
wished to retain his land together, and paying $8.00 for the snr-
vey, the patentee could retain the whole lot. In default of the
payment, the State retained 50 acres of the Mile S/uare, called
the ' Survey of Fifty Acres.' " As an illustration of the hard-
ships to which the pioneers of this town and co. were subjected,
we extract the following: — "In the spring of 1797, John E. Roe
came on from Ulster co. and made a beginning on his lot, — tho
same occupied till recently by himself and family, — boarding
with Mr. Frank. He cleared a spot, put up the body of a log
house, split plank and laid a floor, peeled bark for a. roof, and
agreed with a man in Homer to put it on. He also cut and
cured some of the wild grass growing in the swamp, for hay,
and returned. Preparations were then made for moving on ;
which was done in the winter following. He and his wife came
in a sleigh, with a young cow following them. When they came
to the river, opposite Mr. Chaplin's, they found the water high,
and the canoe that had been used in crossing carried away. Mr.
Chaplin's hog trough was procured, and Sirs. Roe was safely
carried over in it. She then stood upon the bank to await the
crossing of what remained. The horses, being urged in, swam
across with the sleigh, the cow following, and came near being
carried away with the current, but, after a hard struggle, made
the shore in safety. They put up for the night, the horses
being fastened to the sleigh, (as no accommodations could be
procured,) and they ate out the flag bottoms of the chairs to
allay the keen demands of appetite. The snow was two feet
deep, with no track, and the whole day was consumed in
coming from the river to their new home. When they arrived,
they were surprised to find their house without covering, con-
sequently the snow as deep in it as out of it. Persons of less
perseverance would have been disheartened. But no time was
to be lost. The snow was cleared away from a portion of the
floor, a fire built against the logs, some blankets drawn across
the beams for a covering, tho horses tied in one corner, with
some of that coarse hay before them ; and thus their first and
several successive nights were passed."
6 The census reports 5 churches; Bap., F. W. Bap., CoDg.,
M. E., Union.
256
CORTLAND COUNTY.
loam. Dyersville (Willet p. o.) contains 20 houses. The first settler was Ebenezer Crittenden,
from Barrington, Mass., in 1793.1 The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1816. There is also a
Cong, church in town.
CUYLiER— was formed from Truston, Nov. 18, 1858. The statistics of this town are embraced
in the town of Truxton, page 255.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Cortland County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
I
Cincinnatus...
Cortlandville.
Cuylera
Freetown
Harford
Homer
Lapeer
Marathon
Preblo
Scott
SoloD
Taylor
Truxton
Vbgfl
WiUet
Total
10,868
24,150
10,84S*
7.054*
21.575
9.371
9.530*
10,713*
S.772J
10,548*
10.244
32.707*
20,756*
8,097*
194,736*
6,015
8,399*
5,159
7.812
11,167*
5,654*
5,462
5,920
5,081
7,563
7.787
21,054*
*.7*'.'3
7,798*
113,662*
Valuation of 1S58.
ft!
$253,635
1,161,940
229.930
138.174
1,039.950
129.545
276.931
274.54.3
221,020
255,325
171,025
672.757
308,225
145,140
6,278,182
II
$8,500
210,400
11,550
4,750
146,200
11,440
15.700
15,390
3.3.505
12,000
3,450
41.040
15,200
14,S60
543,985
a
3
$262,135
1,372,340
241,480
142,924
1,186,150
140,9S5
292.631
289,935
254,525
267,325
174.475
713,797
323,425
160,000
5,821,127
Population.
I
551
2,127
484
477
1,807
3S3
686
614
670
549
615
1.736
1,094
464
12,257
568
2,202
471
449
1,978
367
655
605
623
508
586
1,708
1,137
461
12,318
S
"ft.
220
827
188
180
732
142
249
240
247
206
226
646
446
178
4,727
e
I
"fc>
247
879
137
190
477
149
275
268
259
206
232
765
456
1S2
4,722
179
749
164
168
573
133
214
212
225
188
221
601
410
175
4,212
Schools.
9
24
8
7
21
10
7
11
9
10
10
29
19
1S2
!
500
1,590
387
356
1,274
371
519
428
517
455
376
1.306
827
318
9,224
lUm of Towns.
Live Stock.
Cincinnatus...
Ortlaii'lville.,
Ooyler*
■vn
Harford
Homer
M.ir.i- !
PreMe
Bolon
Tayl'.r
Truxt'.n
Vircil
Willi
369
1,078
363
227
930
340
338
478
390
446
1,044
B18
IS
978
1,648
880
519
1,924
884
862
•r.'cl
775
816
1.053
2.40.-,
L44fl
....
1,154
2,833
Total 7.41U 16,003 21,668
2.221
4,918
2,052
1,961
3,438
l.t'.nr,
3,260
2.::nl
2,058
i.vji;
2,225
5,002
1,668
4^321 12,302
487
1,975
526
380
1,851
450
5
966
614
637
602
1,956
1,049
437
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Grain.
fc
S
'I
568
2,397*
226
1,306
654
253
406
784
206
23
169*
1,676*'
899 i
29,020
117,772*
34,936
32,646
90,381*
29.411*
27.774
80.709*
44.317
30,507
•JM.i',40
77.561
18,166*
6,868* 732,8*4*
I
e
3,521
5,964
3,289
1.603*
6,653*
2,544
2.SS7
2.n7 S
2.0S0
8,646
3,643
12,712*
4,721
2.IV.-7.L
r.r,,76'.»J
t>0 O
^
6,560
21,375
8.414
6.260
21,500
6.676
5,937
11,411
9.R41
s.537
7,806
25,17"
12.485
5,411
155,389
Daibv Products.
V
14,015
64,928
13.850
10,295
65,052
8,671
17,627
24,840
18.020
21,788
13.51
60,686
30,474
S.212
351,976
118,760
319,229
108,690
72.305
279,625
76,970
135.009
141.030
91,825
140,975
151,885
416,246
243,423
83,285
2.379,257
%
3,070
2S.H21
71,580
16.220
28,622
10.520
8,101
4.540
7,604
300
5,835
517,281
4.390
2.595
r08,679
U
Is
I
859
1,347*
971
1,000*
903
1,664
2,785
329
1,227
1,130
1,804*
2,147*
3.7491
1,883
21,800*
i Mr. Ortttmta ■abarked, with hi§ wif«. child, and goods,
upon n n h ""'' With I paddle nnrl
nottlnc p-1'" w"rl>~l hi" "">' "p the rapid currant of the
hnioga and Ot*clii Mj place "f Mttiament
-j h" wn« the "'1' inhabitant OI th» town. Among
th^ other firnt wttl>r« wi from vt.,> BeoJ.
Wilson, (from Weatebi «tor co.,) John Fiaber, Tbos. Oaylcy,
Thofi. Leach, Phineas Sargent, and John Covert. The first birth
was that of a child of Eb*r Crittenden. The wives of Solomon
Smith, Danl. Roberts, and Edward Nickerson all died in 1812;
and these were tho first deaths in town. The first school was
taught in 1814. Benj. Wilson kept the first inn and built tho
firBt mill, and John E. Dyer kept the first store.
' Formed since 1855.
DELAWARE COUNTY.
This county was formed from Ulster and Otsego, March 10, 1707.1
It lies upon the headwaters of Delaware River, from which it
derives its name. It contains an area of 1,580 sq. mi., and is cen-
trally distant 70 mi. from Albany. Its surface is a hilly and
mountainous upland, divided into 3 general ridges by the valleys
of the 2 principal branches of Delaware lliver. This upland region
is a connecting link between the Blue Pudge upon the s. and the
Catskill and Helderbergh Mts. on the n. In the s. part of the co.
these ridges form a mountainous region, with lofty, rocky peaks and
precipitous declivities broken by wild and narrow ravines. In the
n. the highlands are less wild and precipitous, and the whole region
assumes the character of a rugged, hilly upland.2 The main or w.
branch of the Delaware3 River takes its rise in Utsyanthia Lake,4 a small sheet of water upon the
n.e. line of the co. It flows 60 mi. in a s. w. direction to the w. border of the co., thence turns
abruptly to the s. and forms the s. e. boundary of Tompkins and Hancock. In its course in the co.
it descends about 1000 feet. Pepachton River,5 the e. branch of the Delaware, rises in Roxbury
and flows 60 mi. s. w., uniting with the Delaware at Hancock. The Susquehanna forms a portion
of the n. boundary of the co. Charlotte River and Ouleout Creek are tributaries of the Susque-
hanna. The other streams are creeks and brooks, principally tributaries to the 2 branches of the
Delaware. The valleys of these streams are usually narrow, and bordered by steep hills which
often rise into mountains. The rocks of the co. mostly belong to the old red sandstones of the Cats-
kill division.
The mineral wealth of the co. is limited to stone useful for building and flagging, of which large
quantities of a fine quality are found. Vague traditions of silver and lead mines have here, as in
other counties, haunted the brains of dreaming adventurers. A brine spring is reported i mi. x. w.
of Delhi Village, and 1384 feet above tide, another 3j mi. from Colchester, and several chalybeate
springs in various parts of the co. ; but none of them are important.6 The soil is generally of a
dark reddish color, composed of the disintegrated sandstone and shale. In the valleys are occa-
sionally narrow strips of fertile alluvium. Dairying is at present the leading occupation of the
people. The numerous fresh springs of water issuing from its hillsides,7 the fresh herbage, and
bracing mountain air, seem peculiarly adapted to this business.8 Lumber was formerly rafted in
large quantities to Philadelphia; but, although still extensively exported by R. R., the quantity is
diminishing.9 Since the completion of the r. r., tanneries have sprung up in favored localities, and
will continue until the supply of bark is exhausted. The other manufactures are chiefly limited
to the local wants of the inhabitants. The immense amount of water power in the co. will greatly
facilitate the establishment of manufactories whenever the exigencies of the co. may demand
them.
1 The w. branch of the Delaware was formerly the boundary
line between Otsego and Ulster cos. The line between this co.
and Broome was ran according to the treaty of Fort Stanwix
of Nov. 5, 1768, and was known for a long period as the ■• Line
of Property."
2 The following is a list of elevations above tide, principally
derived from the State Road Survey in 1825, and various R. R.
surveys of more recent date : —
Delaware River, E. border (estimated) 830 feet.
Junction of the two branches of Delaware 922 '■
Hancock Station 943 "
Delaware River at Hales Eddy 950 "
Dickinsons Station 953 "
Deposit (State Road Survey) 1004 "
Sidney Tillage 1010 "
Mi nth of Beaver Kil 1018 «
Franklin Village 1240 «
Arkville, near Margaretville 1345 ';
Courthouse Square 1453 "
West Meredith (John Stittson) 1726 "
Perch Pond 1765 "
Stamford Village (Newburgh & Syracuse R. R.
Survey) 1765
Fish Lake, near Delhi 1770 feet.
Elk Creek Summit (3 or 4 mi. from Delhi) 1859 "
Warner Pass (3 mi. w. of Stamford Village) 1S87 "
Head of Delaware, Stamford 1S88 «
Davenport Center 1S98 "
Lowest summit between Ouleout Creek and Delhi 2143 "
Mt. Pisgah, Andes (estimated) 3400 "
3 Otherwise called the " Mohawk Branch of the Delaware,''
and bv the Indians '•' Coolcquago" or " Cacqvago."
* Tliis lake is often mentioned in early documents. In colo-
nial times it was at one of the angles of Albany co.
6 Sometimes written Popacton. Papotunk. In the Govern-
ment returns the p. o. named from the river is written Pe-
pacton.
6 Beck's Mineralogy iV. Y.. p. 160.
7 The first court held in the co. adopted as its seal the device
of a '-stream of water issuing from a high mountain."
8 Iu amount of butter this co. ranks second only to St. Law-
rence.
9 In number of sawmills this co. is now surpassed by none but
Steuben and Oneida.
17
257
258
DELAWARE COUNTY.
The co. ?eat is located at Delhi.1 The present courthouse was erected in 1820.2 The co. clerk's
office and jail3 are in separate buildings, adjacent to the courthouse. The poorhouse is an old, two
story wood building, situated upon a farm of 175 acres about 2 mi. s. of Delhi Village. The
average number of inmates is 65, supported at a cost of SI. 00 per week each. The farm yields an
income of $250. The X. Y. & Erie R. R. extends along the Delaware, and the Albany & Susque-
hanna R. R. through the x. w. corner. So^n after the completion of the X. Y. & E. R. R., in 18-19,
plank roads were built, extending from several of the stations into the interior of the co.4
The co. ha* 7 weekly newspapers.5
The great Hardenburgh Patent,6 embracing that part of the co. s. and e. of the w. branch of the
Delaware, was granted April 10, 1708, to Johannes Hardenburgh, of Kingston, Ulster co., and
a-«>eiates, who had previously purchased the lands of the Indians. A tract of 250,000 acres,
between the w. branch of the Delaware and a line a mi. e. from the Susquehanna, was bought from
the Indians at "Johnson Hail," Montgomery co., June 14, 17G8, by John Harper, Sen., and Gen.
"Win., Joseph, and Alex. Harper and others. On the s. e. side it extended from Utsyanthia Lake
down the Delaware to the month of a small stream called Camskutty. Within this tract 5 towns,
with full privileges of townships, were created by patent in 1770; but in none of them was an
organization ever effected under this authority.7
Bloat of the lands in this co. were settled upon leases;8 and this region shared largely in the
excitement and mob violence which distinguished the anti-rent movement. Combinations to resist
the execution of civil processes were formed in 1844, and open resistance began to be made in
March, 1845, by armed bands in the disguise of Indians, and led by "chiefs" named after the
Indian fashion. They were pledged to secrecy aud mutual aid; and whenever the sheriff or his
deputies appeared, to levy upon property for rent, they assembled in overpowering numbers and
prevented the execution of the writs. An act was passed, Jan. 25, 1845, forbidding persons from
i The courthouse was located by the judges, justices, and
supervisors: and the sum of J1200 was granted April 4, 17'.>s.
for the erection of the co. buildings, on a lot given by Levi Eax-
t- r .md George Fish. Under an act of March 28, 1806. the
sheriff's mileage was reckoned from the courthouse; and under
an act of Jane Is. 1812, a tavern was allowed to be kept in the
COnrthonse. The courthouse and jail was burned April 17. 1S20.
and a prisoner confined for some trifling offence perished in the
flames. An act passed April 11. 1820, authorized a loan of $8000
f .r rebuilding, and the presi nt edifice was erected in the sum-
r. About a dozen prisoners, on " the limits" at
tli<- time the jail was honied, were released upon bail; and it
happened that while the co. was without a jail there was no
lion for its use : but within a few hours after a prison room
wag so far completed as to hold a prisoner, it was needed and
occupie 1.
- .; • rvisors' meetings and courts were held at the house of
:i Frisbie until the courthouse was completed. Tbc first
Joshua II. Brett, First Judgt : Patrick Lamb.
Wm. Horton, and Gabriel North. Judges; Isaac Hardenburgh
and Alex. Leal, AssL Justice*; Ebenezer Foote, Clerk; Ellas
ButW. Sheriff; and Anthony Marvin, Surmf/ate.
* The jail is of wood, warned by furnaces. It contains 4
'. generally ha- 1 or 2 in mat
* Daring the fir-t 10 years ■•( this century several tnrnplkes
Ugh tlii- ■. Hiid these tended greatly to pro-
iite* to market.
I in- Delawart t.azette was established at Delhi,
John Jas. Lappan. In 1883 it was
I - by whom it ia now published.
T ■' : I i at Delhi, Jnly 4. 1822, by
■ m i .i' t 2 j ■ ii -.
M.irMtn. and was continued i y. ii. 1 1 was niivi-d by
.... \ McDon ii I but ntinm -1.
The Delaware Express I Delhi, in Jan.
nblisher.
■ Di Ihl in
Thy I '• I Wright,
and « From thosai io - - f 1 1 « •■.
in S-pt. 1 -
Tin- ii< | i-i-it Union Democrat, mid ft ill oontii
pal lish it.
Thr Bloonrrlllc Mirror "' 28, 1861, by
8. ii c hamplmi. Tl bal 101
words, ami till .I'd- ■ -.mi-'-,"
f io lbs, i.f
without a preas : and ' "prlnl
striking with si ' oral the type.
. bas in n-
;apT. It U now
printed on a cw'i i
The llnlmrl Free Preaa was started Jan. 11:,:.. by K.I'..
The rK Pi titar wan commenced April 14. 1865, at Franklin.
by Ge--. W. l;. yimld<. It has \-vn changed to
Tlie Franklin Visitor, and is still published.
Tlie Walton Journal, commenced in 1856 by E. P. Berray, was
continued 2 years.
Trie Village Record was established at Ilobart in 1S56,
by G. W. Albright.
The Walton Blade was commenced in 1S56 by E. P. Berray, but
was soon after discontinued.
6 Most of the Hardenburgh Patent was sun-eyed by Ebenezer
Wooster, in 1749 ; and in that year the proprietors released to
each other certain lots, bounded by monuments on the Delaware
and Papakunk Rivers. After the Revolution it was found that
the monuments were lost, aud an act, passed March 2'.l, 1700,
appointed Charles Tappen and Jas. Cockburn commissioners
to make a survey of certain lines, to be properly marked by
stone heaps every 2 mi. along the division lines. The tract was
divided into great tracts, numbered from 1 to 42. Of tin -
to 42 lay between the branches of the Delaware, aud parts of 2
to o s. of the E. branch.
■ These towns were as followB:
Names of
Townships.
Date of
Patent.
Acres.
Patentees.
Bedlingtou,
May 24, 1770,
-7.1 11 HI
John Lake and asso-
ciates.
Franklin,
fleb. 28,1770,
30,000
ThoniasWhartonaud
Ri ■• Be Meredith.
Goldsborough,
Jane 15, 1770,
6,000
Edward Tudor, Ber-
nard Ralzrr. and
John Clark.
Straobnrgh,
Dec. 1. 1770,
37,000
John Butler and asso-
ciates,
Whlteborough,
March 10,1770,
:',s.omo
Henry White and as-
sociates.
'I Ii- r|iiitr«-nls of thi-i- laii'l- wire fixed at 2 shillings sixpence
per 100 acres, payable annually on the Feast of the Annuncia-
tion "f B. V.M. Tier- was generally in the patent 1 name to
lmm acres of the grant, although the bona fide owners were
usually few In nuinbi
• A select committee of the Assembly, in is4f-, reported the
following tracts under lease in this co. : Kartright /'.'/-,/. 20,000
tly leased in fee, at sixpence sterling per acre. It
Bered fur sale at $2 per acre. Dethrones Tract. (Harden-
burgh Patent,) I mostly leased in fee between 1700
and 1807, at l shilling per acre after tin- first 7 years. Farms
from 2 i acres. Morgan Lewis Estate, 20,000 acres, about
' under perpetual lease, at 20 bush, of wheal per 100
after 16 y.ar-: for the firs! 6 of the 16 years it was rent free, '<
yean fir one-half rent, and 5 for three-quarters. Q. ami
s. Pi rptanek, '■'■ traits, originally 60,000 acres, of which less than
20.000 were under lease. B. R. Livingston "),</ Mrs. Montr
■ ■ re--, under perpetual lease, on a renl of 20 bush.
, if wb.-at per loo acres. Gen. Armstrong, R,000 acres, under
8 lives, at 20 bnsh. of wheat per 100 acre-,. Bunder's
and Oteriii tract* In this co., 8nllivan, and Greene, in
t •-, with a rent of 12J to 15 or 18 cents per acre.
DELAWARE COUNTY.
209
appearing disguised and armed, under a penalty of imprisonment in the co. jail for a term not ex-
ceeding 6 months. Persons thus armed and disguised might be prosecuted under the fictitious
names they assumed, if their real names could not he discovered ; and such persons assembling in
puhlie houses or other places to the number of three or more might, upon conviction, be imprisoned
1 year in the co. jail. If convicted upon an mdictment for a conspiracy or riot or other misdemeanor,
in which offense they were armed with deadly weapons, they were further liable to a fine not ex-
ceeding $250, with orwithout a year's imprisonment. To men inflamed by passion and intent upon
the resistance to law in one form, its violation in other points was a matter of slight account; and
the statute against the wearing of disguise was openly disregarded in the section- where the anti-
rent spirit prevailed. An arrest under the above act was made in Roxbury, in Feb., and " Big
Thunder," (Daniel W. Squires,) the culprit, was lodged in jail. The excitement which this arrest
occasioned was so intense that the sheriff deemed it prudent to place a strong guard over the jail ;
and the decision with which the affair was conducted occasioned a temporary calm. On the 7th
of Aug. 1845, Osman N. Steele, deputy sheriff, an active, fearless, and faithful officer, was shot in
the town of Andes while in the performance of his duty, and died in a few hours.1 The Governor
immediately issued a proclamation declaring the co. to be in a state of insurrection, and placing
it under martial law. A battalion of 300 militia, one-half of whom were mounted, were called out
and placed at the disposal of the local officers.2 They continued in service several months. The
mounted men were actively employed the first 2 or 3 months in small detachments, aiding the civil
authorities in making arrests, and in patrolling day and night such districts as the exigency of the
service required. The residue was employed in guarding the jail, and as foot patrols in the vicinity
of Delhi on the occasion. On two occasions detachments of troops attended the sheriff to State
prison with prisoners.3
A1VOES4 — was formed from Middletown, April 13, 1819. It lies on the s. e. border of the co.,
e. of the center. Its surface is a broken and hilly upland, intersected by the deep, narrow ravines
of the e. branch of the Delaware and its branches. The hills are high, rocky, and irregular, and
are bordered by steep declivities.5 The Delaware flows s. w. through near the center of the town.
Trempers Kil, Little Bush Kil, and Shaw Brook are the other principal streams. The valleys of
these streams are all narrow and tortuous and are bordered by rocky hillsides. A considerable
portion of the town is still covered with forests. The soil is a clayey and shaly loam underlaid
by hardpan upon the hills, and a gravelly loam of good quality in the valleys. Andes, (p. v.,)
on Trempers Kil, in the n. part of the town, contains an academy,6 3 churches, a flouring mill, and
2 tanneries. Pop. 350. Cabin Hill, (p. o.,) in the n. w., is a hamlet. Shavertown and
Trempers M.il are p. offices. Permanent settlement commenced in 1784. A few farms were
taken up prior to the Revolution, but were abandoned. The w. part of the town began to be
settled in 1794-96. 7 During the anti-rent excitement this town was the scene of much violence,
and Deputy Sheriff Steele was murdered here by a mob, Aug. 7, 1845. Rev. Mr. House, of Col-
chester, held the first religious meetings, in 1797. 8
BOVITVA9— was formed from Delhi, Stamford, and Middletown, Feb. 25, 1820. It is an inte-
rior town, lying directly e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the
deep valleys of small streams. The highest summits are 1500 to 2500 ft. above tide. The streams
are Little Delaware River, flowing w. through the center of the town, Bush Creek, the outlet of
Teunis Lake, and Coulter, Maynard, Mountain, and Grants Brooks. The valleys of these streams
1 For full particulars see Governor's Message in 1846, ami
Gould? & Hist. Del. Co., Chap. xii. Aliout 90 persons were in-
dicted for the murder, of whom one-third were arrested. Two
(O'Conner and Van Steenburgh) were convicted and sentenced
to be executed, but their punishment was commuted to State
prison for life by Gov. Wright, and they were fully pardoned by
Gov. Young. The co. remained under martial law from Ausr. 18
to Dec. 22, 1845. The murder of Steele led to the speedy aban-
donment of secret organizations and Indian costumes.
2 A company of volunteers under Benj. T. Cook, and another
under John R. Baldwin, were formed, and organized into a bat-
talion under Thomas Marvine as major. A company of light
infantry from Unadilla. under Capt. Bolles, was also called out,
and reported themselves to Maj. Marvine.
8 Adjutant General's Report ; Astern. Doc. 6, 1846. The whole
expense of this service was $63,683 20. which was charged to the
co., but has never been repaid. Considerable tracts of land have
since been conveyed in fee; and of others, the rent is now paid
as formerly, and if in arrears, suits are instituted without diffi-
culty.
* Named from the mountainous character of its surface.
6 " Ml. Pisrjah'' is the highest point between the two branches
of the Delaware. By a R. R. survey from Oneonta by way of Elk
Creek. Delhi and Fish Lake, the Fish Lake summit is ascertained
to be 1640 ft. above tide. By another route, up the Little Dela-
ware and Coulters Brook, the highest point on the line was almost
the same height. Mt. Pisgah measured 1800 ft. above this, or
about 3400 feet above tide.
6 Erected by Henry Down in 1847. It is not incorp.
7 Among the first settlers were James Phoenix. Olmsted,
Peter Burgher, Joseph Erskine, Silas Parish. K. Washburn, Eli
Sears, Jacob, Adam, and Philip Shaver, and Philip Barnhart.
The first birth was that of Philip, son of Adam Shaver. Oct. 9,
1786; the first marriage, that of Henry Myers and Catharine
Shaver. June 17. 1789: and the first death^ that of Win. June.
Wm. Washburn taught the first school, in 1792-03; Edward
Sands kept the first store-, Russell Comstock the first inn, and
Root. More built the first mill on Trempers Kil in 1797.
8 The census reports 8 churches ; 2 Asso. Ref. Prot.. and 1 each
Bap., O. S. Bap., Cong.. M. E., Presb., and Union.
9 Name applied by Gen. Erastus Root, from the Latin, in allu-
sion to its fitness for grazing.
•2G0 DELAWARE COUNTY.
are narrow and are bordered by steep, rocky hillsides. Teunis1 and Landons Lakes are small
bodies of water near the s. border. The surface is stony, and the soil is generally a clay loam,
admirably adapted to grazing. Brusliland,2 (p. v.,) on the Little Delaware, contains a tan-
nery, gristmill, and clothing works. Pop. 183. Bovina,3 (p. v.,) at the junction of Maynard
and" Mountain Brooks, contains about a dozen houses. Mountain Brook is a hamlet. The
first settlement was begun in 1702, by Elieha B. Maynard, and during the succeeding 3 years
many families from Conn, and Scotland located in the valleys.1 Rev. James Richie conducted the
first religious services, in 1795. Tlic first church (Asso. Presb.) was formed in 1809. The census
reports 3 churches; M. E., Asso. Presb., and Ref. Presb.
COIX'IIESTER5— was formed from Middletown, April 10, 1792. A part was annexed to
Walton in 1799 ; Hancock was taken off in 1S06, and a part of Walton was annexed in 1827. It
occupies a central position upon the s. e. border of the co. Its surface is a mountainous upland,
broken by the narrow valleys of the streams. The e. branch of the Delaware flows westward
through the x. part of the town, dividing the highlands into two distinct parts. From the n. it
receives West Trout, Downs, and Coles Brooks, and from the s. Clearwater and several smaller
brooks. Beaver Kil Bows through the s. w. corner, receiving Spring Brook as a tributary. The
valleys of these streams are all narrow, and many hundred feet below the summits of the hills
which rise on either side. The soil is a reddish clay, and is often very stony. A considerable
share of the surface is still covered with forests. Lumbering is extensively pursued. Donns-
ville,6 (p. v..) on the Delaware, at the mouth of Downs Creek, contains 3 churches. Pop. 206.
Pepacton and Colchester are p. offices. The first settlement was begun in May, 1774.7
The first religions services (Bap.) were conducted by Elder Haynes, and the first church (Bap.) was
formed in 18U3. There are now 2 churches in town; M. E. and Presb.
DAVEWPOBT8— was formed from Kortright and Maryland, (Otsego co.,) March 31, 1817.
It lies along the n. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is a broken upland, divided into
two ridges by the valley of Charlotte River, which extends e. and w. through the center of the
town. These ridges are subdivided by the narrow, lateral valleys of tributaries of Charlotte
River. The soil is a chocolate colored clay loam mixed with slate. Ferguson ville,9 (p. v.,)
on Charlotte River, on the e. border of the town, contains an academy,10 a church, and several manu-
facturing: er-tablishinents. Pop. 125. Davenport, (p. v.,) 3 mi. below, contains a population
of 95. Davenport Center (p. v.) contains a cradle and rake factory and 5 sawmills. Pop.
125. West Davenport11 (p. v.) contains a woolen factory, 3 sawmills, and 90 inhabitants.
The first settlers were Daniel Farnsworth and Pross, who located upon the present site of
Davenport Center in 1786.12 At that time an Indian trail, of sufficient width to admit the passage
of wagons, extended along Charlotte River. Elder Mudgc (M. E.) conducted the first religious
services, and commenced regular preaching in 1813.13
Di:i,IIIu— was formed from Middletown, Kortright, and Walton, March 23, 1798. A part
.; !"» rvina was taken off in 1820, and a part of Hamden in 1825. A part was annexed to Walton in
' Thi" Ink" li<-« nt tin- foot ■■( Mt. Pisgah. and it h shores are
mull'. ai with bushet and u grass. It w»a
■ i a friendly Indian who wred th- early settler* of
Mm rn from massacre by giving them a, timely warning,
lli< in:; wai ii' »r the lake, and li" remained sereral yean alter
the war. Tradition attributes to tbii region rich lead mines
known . hi v tn Indiana.
' Naaoed from Alex Brush, Brat settler and proprietor.
t Locally hoc* I id."
* Ki ii.- u Coulter, Leri and ■< u !■ Mabie,Jas. Kldxle, Andrew
itii.ii im . Uddlewei ttleraalong
tin- Little IMmmre Tlw Oral birth wai thai of Bliaha H
.ifKli-li\|i Maynard, tug tho flrat marriage, that of
Jam<\« Rii«wll nn.l N t death,
thatufAirf.il.- la. Abel Adams tanght the
flr«t school, in 1^1": James Wetmore Ice] Inn. at * 1 1 • -
••//-.;..'' James McClure tbe fli •• Bntshland; Stephen
Palmer lniilt tho fimt null, m . an I John
Jerome tli" Brai factory, lo
• Name applie I by m Onlchnrter, Conn.
■■ uned nan Abel Downs, who end tan-
neries and mflla,
' Timothy KusseH,Thoa. nn<l John I rm Wesl beater
Frederick Miller, (still tiring, It las. and
- iv. r. Bflas Bowker, Peter, n^-%. ind Nehemiah Avery.
Jacob Bnunliart, Daniel and Win. Parish, and Wm I
settlement befim the war, but wen driven "tr by the Indians
and toriea. Before tearing thsybnried their boo Implements,
U> unserve then. After the war awreral of the families retained,
»nd v.vx- joined try Wm. Morton, Abraham Mpragrj-
breth, Nathan El wood. Nathan Fuller, Joseph Gee, Caleb and
Henry Sutton, Jas. Miller, and Dennis, .Tared, and John llitt.
Th. first birth was thai ofCatharine, a daughter of Win. Roe, Doc.
'.'1. 1 7 ^ t : and the first death, that i if ThimiiiH dregory. Adam .1.
li., 11 opened the flrsl ^t..ie. and built the first bridge across the
rlrerat the place now known as itriH>ks Bridge. Wm. Rose built
a sawmill in K. n>. On the farm of Wm. Early, near the mouth
of Ooles Brook, is the site of an Indian village, with many of the
apple trees planted l.y the natives still standing.
- Named from John Davenport, an early settlor and first
nip. i% i-.r.
• Vine .1 from Messrs. Ferguson, who were largely engaged in
business here,
>" Krerted |,y the Fergusons about 1848.
11 Called Ad-a-<|uigh tin-go, or Ad-i-qna-tan-gio. by the Indians.
12 Among the other first settlers were Humphrey Deni.i. Geo.
Webster, Daniel Olmstead, Van Valkenburgh, Harmon
\| • r. . and Klisha Orr. I)r. Pan'l Fuller came in 1796, and was
the tir-t phy-i. ian. The first marriages were those of Hamnm
M ire and Mary Orr. and Kit-hard Mooro and M. Banks, in 1791,
tie- two marriages taking place at the same time; the first birth
was that of a child of Harmon Moore, who died in infancy; this
the flrsl d.-ath. The Aral deathman adult was that ol Mrs.
Harmon Moore, in 1796. Wid. Hannah Dodge taught the first
i: rian'l I'n nti.-e imiit the first grist and saw mill, in 1792-
nd it i^ believed he kept the first inn. Ezra Denlo kept tho
tore, in 1800.
13 The census reports 5 churches ; 8 M. TO.. F.w. Bap., and Presb.
'♦ Named through the influence of Judge Bbenezer Foote. The
name of -'MajMon" was suggested by several prominent citizens.
DELAWARE COUNTY. 201
1812. It occupies a nearly central position in the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the
deep valleys of the streams. The w. branch of the Delaware Hows s. w. through the center of the
town, receiving from the n. w. Platners, Peeks, Steels, and Elk Creeks, and from the s. e. Little
Delaware River. The valleys are generally narrow and bonlen-d l>y steep hills. The soil is a
clay loam, and the surface is very stony in places. Delhi, (p. v.,) the county seat, is finely situ
on the n. bank of the w. branch of the Delaware. It was incorp. March 16, 1821. Besides the
co. buildings, it contains the Delhi Academy,1 4 churches, a bank, 2 printing offices, a woolen factory,
an iron foundry, a gristmill, and a sawmill. Pop. 919. The first settlement was commenced by
Abel and John Kidder, in 1785.2 The first religious meetings were conducted by Elder Bidder
Beck, in 1786. The first church (Cong.) was formed in 1798."
FRAIVRLI1V4 — was formed from Harpersfield, April 10, 1792. Walton was taken off in
1797, and a part was restored in 1801. A part of Meredith was taken off in 1800, Sidney in 1801,
and a part of Otego, (Otsego co.,) as " Huntsville" in 1822. It lies upon the n. border of the co.,
w. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by deep and narrow valleys. The principal
streams are Ouleout5 Creek, flowing w. through the n. part of the town, and its two tributaries from
the s., Croton Creek and Handsome Brook. The soil upon the hills is a shaly loam underlaid by hard-
pan, and in the valleys a gravelly loam and alluvium. Franklin, (p. v.,) on the Ouleout, in
the n. w. part of the town, contains the Delaware Literary Institute,6 printing office, and 3 churches.
Pop. 490. Croton (p. v.) is situated upon Croton Creek, near the line of Meredith. Pop. 200.
North Franklin is a p. o. Sluman Wattles, afterward judge, was the first white settler who built
his cabin in the valley of the Ouleout. He came in 1785, and was accompanied by his brothers John
and Roger and his sisters Sarah and Caroline. The town was surveyed under Judge Wattles, who
acquired one of the 4 shares.7 The first church (Bap.) was formed at the house of Gad Merrick by
Elder Hamilton, in 1798.8
IIAMDErY — was formed from Walton and Delhi as "Hampden," April 4, 1825. Its name
was corrected March 17, 1826. It is the central town of the co. Its surface is a mountainous
upland, divided into two parts by the valley of the w. branch of the Delaware. The s. part is
covered by lofty peaks and ridges scarcely susceptible of cultivation. Bagleys Brook, a tributary
of the Delaware, and Clove Brook, in the s. e. part, are the other principal streams. The soil is
generally a brownish clay loam underlaid by hardpan. Haniden, (p. v.,) upon the Delaware,
near the center, contains mills, a woolen and satinet factory, and 2 churches. Pop. 191. Lail-
singville, lj mi. above, on the s. side of the river, contains 2 churches and 116 inhabitants.
North Haniden is a p. 0. The first settlers were Daniel Harrower and Benajah McCall, who
came in some time previous to 1795.9 The census reports 4 churches in town.10
HANCOCK11 — was formed from Colchester, March 28, 1806. It lies upon Delaware River, in
the s.w. corner of the co. Its surface is a mountainous upland, ending in high and nearly pre-
cipitous bluffs upon the Delaware, and divided into two parts by the e. branch of the Delaware,
which flows w. through the n. part. Beaver Kil flows into the e. branch in the e. part of the town.
Sands and Hawks Creeks and Rieds and Baxters Brooks are tributaries of the e. branch of the
Delaware, from the n. ; and Big Trout, Basket Pond, Giers, Sand Pond, Lords, and Holmes Pond
1 Tho first academic building was erected in 1820, on the' 6 In the great Indian purchase of 250,000 acres, June 14, 1708.
public square, near the courthouse. In 1856-57 a new site was ( this stream is named Au-ly-ou-let.
procured, containing 20 acres, upon the w. bank of Steels Brook, j 6 The buildings consist of one large stone edifice, containing
and a new edifice, with two spacious boarding balls, was erected, recitation rooms, fie, and two large boarding halls. The total
The site is commanding, and affords a fine view of the village. ! property of the institution is valued at $20,000.
The institution has been endowed by moneys derived from the
eale of escheated lands in the co. to the value of §5114. Its total
property amounts to $28,820.
2 Among the first settlers were Judge Gideon Frisbee, Thos.
Farrington, Bartholomew Yandes, Joseph Denio. Geo. Fisher,
John. Francis, and Levi Baxter. Preston, and Gideon Rath-
bone and his sons John, David, and Gideon, jr. The first birth
was that of Huldah, daughter of Gideon Frisbee, June 14. 17^7 :
the first marriage, that of Philip Frisbee and Jerusha Harmon,
in 1791 ; and the first death of an adult, that of Dr. Philip Fris-
bee, in 1797. Thos. Averill taught the first school. The first mills
were built in 17S8.
8 The census reports S churches; 2 Christian, 2 Presb., and 1
each Prot. E., Bap., M. F., and Asso. Presb.
* The township of Franklin, embracing 30,000 acres, was
patented Feb. 26, 1770, with the usual powers of a township, and
a quitrent of two and sixpence for every 100 acres annually.
The patentees were Thos. Wharton. Reese Meredith, and 28
others. It was named from Temple Franklin, a natural son of
Dr. Benj. Franklin.
i Among the early settlers were Nath'l Edgerton, Jas. Follett.
Alex. Smith, Daniel and Chauncey, sons of Fnos Parker. Gen.
Aaron Chamberlain. Moses Clark, Asa Turner, Gad Merrick,
Hugh Thompson, Eph'm McCall. Case. Turner and Daniel
Clarke, Sol. Green, John Dewey anil sons. Maj. Joel Gillett,
Mix, Sharp, and Fitch. The first child born was Thos.
Edgerton; the first marriage was that of Judah Bartlett and
Caroline Wattles: and the first death, that of Airs. Alexan li I
Smith, in 1795. Shuman Bartlett taught the first school, and
Asa Turner kept the first inn and store.
8 The census 'reports S churches; 3 M. E., 2 Bap., 2 Cong., and
Union.
9 Among the first settlers were Joseph Fisk, Henry Van Wag-
goner. Jas. Mason, Reuben Waid, Henry Edwards, Henry and
John Howard. Sam'l Robinson. Win, Cornell, and John and S'!i \
Grimes. Jas. Howard kept the first inn. in 1796. and Matthias
Sweney built the first gristmill, in 1797. Gen. Elias Butler was
the first merchant near the Walton line.
10 Asso. Presb.. Christian. Cong., and Presb.
u Named in honor of John Hancock, President of Continental
Congress.
2G2 DELAWARE COUNTY.
Brooks, arc tributaries of the Delaware. These streams all flow through narrow ravines bordered
by steep, rocky hills nearly perpendicular. The valley at the junction of the two branches is 922
feet above tide, and at the mouth of Beaver Kil it is 1018 ft. above tide. The summits are 1000 to
1500 ft. above the valleys. A large portion of the surface is still covered with forests. The soil
upon the uplands is a hard clayey loam, scarcely susceptible of cultivation. Lumber, leather,
shingles, and staves are largely manufactured. Hancock,1 (p. v.,) at the junction of the two
branches of the Delaware, is an important trading and r. r. station. Pop. 502. Stockport
Station and Lordsville are r. r. stations and p. offices. East Branch, (p. v.,) at the
mouth of Beaver Kil, contains 2 churches and 20 houses : and Harvard, (p. v.,) 3 mi. above E.
Branch, 15 houses; Partridge Island, on the e. branch, at the mouth of Rieds Brook, and
Cadosia Valley, (p. o.,) on Hawks Brook, 3 mi. above Hancock, are hamlets. Before the Revo-
lution two families settled in town ; but they soon after left and never returned. The first perma-
nent settlement was made soon after the close of the war by families from Dutchess co.2 In 1784,
Canope, a friendly Indian, was treacherously killed in this town by Ben Haines.3 The first reli-
gious meetings (M. E.) were conducted by Rev. Titus Williams.4
II 1RPERSFIELD- was formed March 7, 1788. Franklin was taken off in 1792, Kort-
right in 1793, and a part of Stamford in 1834. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. Its surface
is a rolling upland, constituting a portion of the high plateau region stretching westward from the
».'at~kill Mt<. The principal streams are head branches of the w. branch of the Delaware, in the
s. : of Middle Brook, in the center; and of Charlotte River, in the x. The valleys are usually
narrow, and bordered by gradually sloping hills arable to their summits. The soil is a shaly
and slaty loam of good quality. The quality of the soil, and the great abundance of pure soft
• which issues from the hillsides, render this co. one of the finest grazing regions in the State.
Hai-porsfiold, (p. v., ) near the e. line, contains 20 houses. Korth Ilarpersfield (p.o.)is
a hamlet. Fergrusonville (p. v.) lies on the line of Davenport, Xorth Rortriglit (p.v.) on
the line of Kortright, and Stamford (p.v.) on the line of Stamford. This town formed part of a
I orchase made from the Indians by the Harpers in 1768.6 In 1771, Col. John Harper and
David Hendry surveyed this town, and a small settlement was made soon after. One of the first
settlers was Samuel Claston, a tory. Several murders were committed by tories and Indians
during the war, and the settlement was abandoned. In 1784, Col. John, Capt. Win., Col. Alex.,
Joseph Harper returned, and began the first permanent settlement.7 Rev. John Lindsley
ionducted the first religious services, at an early period. There are now two churches in town,
. and Presb.
KORTRIGHT8— was formed from Ilarpersfield, March 12, 1793. A part of Delhi was
taken off in 1798, a ] art of Meredith in 1800, a part of Davenport in 1817, and a part of Stamford
in 1834. Ir is an interior town, lying n. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland,
broken by narrow valleys and ravines. The mean elevation of the town is 1700 ft. above tide, and
the highest summits attain an elevation of 2400 ft. The streams are the w. branch of the Delaware,
forming its s. boundary, and its trilmtarirs, and several small tributaries of Charlotte River,
draining the v. half of the town. The hills are Bteep, but are generally susceptible of cultivation.
The soil is a dark, shaly loam, well adapted to pasturage. IHoomville | p. y.) is in the s. w. part
of the town. Pop. 1 - 1. Kortrlghi Center (Kortright p. o. | contains a church and 25 houses.
[forth Kortrighl (p. o.) andSontfa Kortright (p. o.) are farming neighborhoods. Set-
t Formerly " Shohaki n ." <<t"fhrh _nif\ the
union r'f Streams. A plunk r'«a<I • |
Walton, a dial f 21 i mi.
I ,\ Elnathan ' i '1 lii«
- ,mn- 1. Ji H. nry Ruff, Timothy
nnii llitt, Gilbert, I
New England, who i n and
* On the 2d "f April, 1780, a party of 14 persons, under Capt.
Harper, wag senl from Schoharie to Harpersfleld for the
purpose of making maple Bugar and watching the disaffected
in tli ii quarter. <>n iii- return, Copt. II. was taken prisoner by
ainl 4:'. Indians. (II tin- |.:irty lie li.'nl li'tt, .". witi'
killed and the rest taken prisoners. The representation made
1 i '. Harper concerning the strength of the Schoharie settle-
Sam'l meat Bared it from destruction at that time.
Mallory, near Parti Hanks, ' Roswell Hotchkiss, and Levi and Jedediah Gaylord. settled
;»Ti- 1 Jones. ii ii ■■ x Br»t birth was that with the Harpers near the center of the town. Josian Seely,
. .■ ». •! ■■ ... _ ». -11 1-..1 . l,<1-. a I.. '«(.... I ... T ■. I ■ •! 1 . 1 ._ Tr ...... —11.
. f ," 'I Bouker, M ■» 11, 171*2 : Ihi first ninrriiiKo,
is and Poll
. tint of Lieul D ' 'ii- Bret •
n I D ' I . p. i-i
« l reports 6chur< -"1 1 oarh Bap.,
. and R. C.
of i-l. John Harper, « proprietor and
•tier. Thi- fan i bis «if"
lil and nine children, — Win.. James, Mary. Ji mi. .1
inder. AMgaii, and two others. Tti<- i>mtiifT« were ardent
patriots of the Revolution nn'l artivo defenders of liberty.
Their names are intini.it* ly associated with our State history.
Matthew Lindsley, Sam'l and .l")m Knapp. 2 Hamilt na.
Washburn, Isaac Pierce, Btephen Judd, Sam'l, Bliab. and
John Wilcox, Richard and John Bristol, Abijan Baird, Myron
Mcllvaine, David and John McCullough, Isaac Patchin,Wm.
Lamb, Oali b Oibbs, and Win. Mi Farland were among the early
i -i. Rebecca Hai per, boi d Jan. 8, its::, was the Bral birth
after the war. Rev.John Lindsley Is believed to have taught
the Drat sohool. A gristmill, erected abonl 1775 by Col.
1 1 - 1 r j . . r . was burned by the enemy, and was rebuilt soon after
the war.
8 Named from Lawrence Kortright, the patentee.
DELAWA II E COU N T Y.
263
Clements commenced before the Revolution, but were broken up by the war.1 The first permanent
settlers after the war were from Conn., Dutchess eo., N. Y., and Scotland.1 The first church
(Presb.) was formed in 1789: Rev. Wm. McAuley settled in town in Sept. L794, and was installed
pastor June G, 1795. lie filled that office until the time of his death, March 21, 1857, a period
of 50 years.3
M.i.SOATVILiL<E4 — was formed from Sidney, April 4, 1811. Its surface is a hilly upland,
divided into 2 ridges by the valley of Bennetts Creek, which extends e. and w . through the n. part
of the town. These ridges are subdivided by numerous lateral ravines, through which flow small
brooks. The highest summits are GOO to 1000 feet above the valleys and L800 to 2000 feet above
t'nle. The surface is stony, and the soil a shaly loam, difficult of cultivation except in the valleys.
Masonville (p. v.) is situated on Bennetts Creek, in the w. part of the town. Pop. 234. The
first settlement was commenced in 1795, on " Cockburns Gore,"5 upon the w. border of tin- town, by
immigrants from Mass.6 In 1797, the State Road from Cherry Valley to Jericho was opened
through the town. The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Joel Chapin, in 1797. The
first church (Bap.) was formed Dec. 7, 1820. There are now 2 churches in town ; Presb. and M. E.
MEREDITH7 — was formed from Franklin and Kortright, March 14, 1800. It is an interior
town, lying n. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, less broken than most of the
towns in the co. The s. and e. parts of the town are occupied by the high ridges forming the
watershed between Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers. The streams are small brooks and creeks.
The soil is a reddish clay and shaly loam. Ouleout (p. v.) contains 25 houses. Mereditli
Square (Meredith p. o.) contains 2 churches and 20 houses. West Meredith (p. o.) is a
hamlet. These last two places are on the old Catskill Turnpike. Settlement was begun in 1787, by
Joseph Bramhall, whose family were sole inhabitants till 1793.8 Elder Nathan Stilson (Bap.) held
the first meetings. He was not a regular preacher, but a zealous promoter of education and religion.9
MIDDLETOW1V- was formed from Rochester and Woodstock, (Ulster co.,) March 3, 1780.
Colchester was taken off in 1792, a part of Delhi in 1798, Andes in 1819, and a part of Bovina in
1820. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a mountainous upland, bisected by the
deep, narrow valley of the e. branch of the Delaware. The principal streams are Delaware River,
Platte Kil, Batavia Kil, Red Kil, Bush Kil, and Mill Creek. The valleys of these streams are
bordered by steep, rocky hillsides often rising into mountains. The soil is a shaly and gravelly
loam. Margaret vi lie,10 (p. V.,) on the n. bank of the Delaware, near the center of the town,
contains 40 houses. Grifilins Corners,11 (p. v..) on the Bush Kil, in the s. e. part, contains 30
houses. Clovesi'ille, (p.o.,) Solitude, and Arkville are hamlets on the Bush Kil, below
Griffins Corners. Dry Brook Settlement is a lumber station on the s. branch of the Bush
Kil. Halcottsville,12 (p. o.,) on the Delaware, near the e. border of the town, is a hamlet of a
dozen houses. Spruceville is a little settlement between Halcottsville and Margaretville.
JVevr Kingston13 (p.o.) is a hamlet upon the Platte Kil, in the n. part of the town, darks
Factory14 (p.o.) is a little settlement on the Platte Kil, near its mouth. ILumberville (p.o.)
1 Among these early settlers were Alex. Mills, agent for the
proprietor, Alex. Leal, Daniel McGilivrae, and Hough Clark. The
township was surveyed by Wm. Cockburn in 177U, and the first
improvement began soon after.
2 By an advertisement dated Jan. 17S5, it appears that 30
families were then settled in town. The proprietor offered 150
farms, more or less improved, free of rent 5 years, and sixpence
sterling per acre annually after forever. The first school was
taught by Jane Blakeley, in 1795. Thos. McAuley, brother of
the minister, and afterward Prof, in Union College, taught here
in 1799. Judge Keeler was the next teacher. A Mr. Alexander
built a mill before the war, and the irons concealed then have
never been found. The first birth was that of Dan'l McGilivrae ;
the first marriage, that of Michael Sexsmith and Mary Ann
Kiggs ; and the first death, that of a son of Isaac Kandell. By
an act of April 5, 1S10, fairs were established in the village of
" Health," in this town, for the sale of live stock, agricultural
produce, and domestic manufactures. It was to be supported by
a tax of 1 per cent, on all sales.
3 The census reports 6 churches; 3 Asso. Ref. Presb., 2 M. E.,
and 1 Ref. Presb.
4 Named from the Rev. John M. Mason, of N. ¥., principal
owner of the Evans Patent in this town.
5 A narrow strip of land between Evans Patent and the " Line
of Property."
6 Among the early settlers were Wm. and Aden Wait, Danl.
Scranton, Enos Goodman, Justin Nash. Peres Moody and sou
Moses, Asa. Terry, and Caleb Monson. The first birth was that
of Sally, daughter of Daniel Wait. Aug. 10, 1797, and the first
death was that of Wm. Wait, the same summer. Dr. Eli Em-
mons taught the first school ; Simeon Wells kept the first inn ;
Fitch & Phelps the fust store, In 1808; and Joseph Bickuell
built the first saw and grist mill, in 1802.
? Named from Sam'] Meredith, of Philadelphia, who owned a
part of Franklin Patent. Hon. Saml. A. Law came into this
town in 1796, as agent and part owner of the Franklin Patent.
Being a New England man he influenced a largo immigration
of New Englanders to this place, giving to it the peculiar
characteristics of a Connecticut town.
8 Among the early settlers who came in 1793 were Nathan
Stitson, Caleb Strong, NathT Stewart, Oliver Button. Dan'l North,
and Truman Stitsc n. Lucy Austin taught the first school; Jos.
Bramhall kept the first inn. and the first birth and death oc-
curred in his family. Kufus Bunnell kept the first store, at the
Square, in 1799 ; David Spoor built the first gristmill, in 1S02.
The first marriage of settlers was that of Elijah Georgia and
Keziah Stewart, who eloped and were married in the fall of
1796.
9 The census reports 4 churches; 2 Bap., 1 F. W. Bap., and 1
Cong.
10 The old Indian village of "Pa-ka-taf/h-kan" was situated about
1 mi. E. of this village, at the mouth of the Hush Kil.
11 Named from the Griffin family, early proprietors and resi-
dents.
12 A woolen factory is located at this place.
13 This village is situated in the center of a tract of land given
by Wm. Livingston to 100 sufferers of the Kingston fire in 1777
l-.arli family received 50 acres.
14 Named from the Messrs. Claris, who have an extensive tan-
nery at this place.
264 DELAWARE COUNTY.
is a lumber station at the mouth of Mill Creek, in the w. part of the town. A vague tradition
exists of an early settlement of this town by French traders, but no positive proof. In 1762-63 a
party from Hadley, Ulster co., commenced a settlement, which increased rapidly and in a few
years spread over the Delaware bottom lands.1 The settlers were driven out in 1778, 2 but returned
s m after the war. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1794. There are 3 churches in
town; 2 M. E. and 1 Asso. Ref. Presli.
ROVBIRY3 — was formed from Stamford, March 23, 1799. It occupies the extreme e. por-
tion of the co. Its surface is a mountainous upland, forming a portion of the great plateau extend-
ing \v. from the Catskill Mts. The declivities of the hills are steep and rocky and are mostly unfit
fur cultivation. The highest points on the x. and w. borders of the town are estimated to be 2800
feet above tide. The principal streams are the E. branch of the Delaware, flowing s. w. through
the center of the town, Bear Kil in the e., Batavia Kil and Red Kil in the s., and numerous smaller
creeks. The soil is a reddish clay loam. Roxbury (p. v.) lies on the Delaware, near the center
of the town. Top. 232. .llorcsville,* (p.o.,) near the n.e. border, Stfratfons Fall,5 (p.o.,)
in the 3., LJitlc Falls, upon the e. border, and Ratavia Kil are hamlets. The first settle-
ment was made by .John More, a Scotchman, on the site of Moresville, in 1786.6 The first religious
meetings were conducted by Eev. II. Myres.7
SI1JXEY8 — was formed from Franklin, April 7, 1801. Masonville was taken off in 1811. It
lies upon Susquehanna River, in the x. w.corner of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, ending in
high bluffs up'. n the valley of the river. The highest summits are 800 to 1200 ft. above the valley.
Ouleout and • 'arrs Creeks9 flow w. through the town and empty into the Suscpuehanna. The valleys
of these Btreams are deep and narrow, and are bordered by steep, rocky hills. The soil in the val-
ley- is a fine fertile alluvium, and upon the hills a dark, shaly loam. Sidney, (p. v.,) on the s.
bank of the Susquehanna opposite Unadilla, contains 2 churches and 25 houses, Sidney Ccn-
ter, o.v..) on Carrs Creek, 1 church and 20 houses, and Sidney Plains, (p. v.,) upon the
S - pH'hanna, in the N.w. corner of the town, 2 churches and about 20 houses. In May, 1772, Rev.
Wm. Johnston, with an Indian guide, explored this region of country, and finally selected the
present site of Sidney Plains as a place of settlement.10 Early in 1773 he moved in with his
family, being the first settler in the Susquehanna Valley within the limits of the State. Several
others soon followed. Just before the war, Gen. Herkimer held an interview with Brandt at this
place: and the menacing attitude assumed by the Indians led Johnston and others who sympa-
thized with the Continental cause to leave their new home for a less exposed situation. A few
inhabitants remained during the war, and many returned immediately after its close.11 By an act
of April G, 1790, £800 was granted for the construction of a road from " OleJioudt" Creek to
1 '.;ill on the Hudson.12 The census reports 5 churches; 2 M. E., 2 Cong., and 1 Bap.
SltMrOKD'-wi^ formed April 10. 1792. Roxbury was taken off in 1799, and a part
of Bovina in 1S2H. A ] art was annexed from IlarpersneM ami Kortri^ht, April 22, 1834. It lies
n. of Roxbury, "ii the n. e. border of the co. Its surface is a mountainous upland. Mt. Prospect,
i. . Stamford Village, is estimated to be I'd HI ft. higher than the valleys. From its summit
Albany City i- visible in a dear day. The breams are the w. branch of die Delaware, forming a
portion of it- \. boundary, aid Town and Rose Brooks. The soil is principally a reddish clay
iThofli were Hnrmnntu and Peter Dtunond, Jo- 'Tho census reports 8 churches; 3 M. K., 20. S. Bap., 2 Ref.
r. mid Hendricks, wl I 1'. and 1 Christian.
ii After were I • Named from Sii Sidney Smith, the British Admiral. The
fundi linebaugh, Green, name was flrsl nppllcd by Jouu Mandeville, sin English school-
an 1 Bl di r, ill. ii living nil Sidney Plains.
f the scttli •, and in 1779 the Governor • Named In memory of John Can-, a tory, who bnill a sawmill
was empowered I >rdcstrucl a In npon this stream at an earl) period.
the back settlement* of I Utei i ••.. t" pn venl it from being n i- >" .\t thi< place was the --it'' of an old rndiau fort, Three acres
Iter the wnr, thi :■■/•/- of ground were enclosed by mounds of earth surrounded by a
' ■
i their fat I /
m whii ii phu ■• many "f tin-
settlers came.
* Named from the first settler.
=> N.u l from an early tettl falls nbout
• irni-liin.- i good wat<
« John v I Ibni.
Patchin, Nehemiah H ' them from
ditch. Prom early times the place has becu called ''The Fort
Qrmtnd
" The first gristmill w.of Elnrpersflcld was built, in 1T7S, by
A.bm. Puller, on the Ouleout, near Wattles Forry. An inn was
opened at the ferry in 1785, by Nathaniel Wattles. The first
r.itt was sent down to tlarrisburgh in 17'.'.'>. by Capt, David
McMastcrs, In lTsT n great scarcity of provisions occasioned
much distress in this valley, and the settlers were avod from
■tarvatl in by a l -' •; ■ t loud of flour from Northumberland, Penu.,
Fairfield. Conn., got to them through the exertions of Gen. Daniel Bates
..f Koxbury. in I7H0., — 4 Tlie flrsl '= Thecontracl for building this road was awarded to Natlianiel
child born was Charlotte, daughter of Nathl Tiffany, in March, Wattles and Medadllunt; but, proving niinons, the parties were
1792*. and the tir-t male child l--m was John Gould, In Oct. of relieved, in 1793, by a further grant of £l-'<'.
David Smith tanghttl I, in the winter "Originally named u Ifew Stamford." from Stamford in Conn.
• ■ ; I- iac Hardenburgh owned the I John More It i- situated on Great Lot No. i- of Hnrdciiaburglis Patent
kept the first inn. and .l"hn l'icrson built the first gri.-l-.nill.
DELAWARE COUNTY.
205
and shaly loam. Stamford, (p. v.,) upon the Delaware, in the sr. e. part of the town, on the line
of Ilarpersficld, contains a seminary,1 2 churches, and 2 woolen factories. Top. 185. Hobart
(p. v.) is situated on the Delaware, 4 mi. below Stamford. Pop. 391. The first settlement was
made in 1773, by Dr. Stewart and John and Alex. More, from Scotland.2 The first church (St.
Peters Prot. E.) was formed at Hobart, Dec. 8, 1799. llev. Philander Chase, afterward Bishop
of Ohio and 111., the first pastor, was installed Aug. 1799. 3
TOMPKINS4— was formed from Walton, Feb. 28, 180G, as " Pineficld," and its name was
changed March 11, 1808. It is the central town on the w. border of the co. Delaware River flows
westward through near the center of the town to the w. border, where it turns s. and forms a por-
tion of the w. boundary. The portion of the town s. of the river is composed of broken and rock y
mountain masses too steep and rough for cultivation. The n. part is broken and hilly and but
partially cultivated. The soil is a clay, slate, and gravelly loam. Deposit5 (p. v.) is situated on
Delaware River, at the mouth of Oquaga Creek, on the line of Sanford, Broome co. It was incorp-
April 5, 1811.6 It is the center of a large lumber business, and is an important trading station
and wood depot upon the N. Y. & Erie R. R. It contains a seminary,7 printing office, sawmill, a
large tannery, and 4 churches. Pop. 1249, — of which 593 are in Tompkins and 056 are in Sanford,
Broome co. : the depot and R. R. buildings are in the latter town. Cannonsville,8 (p. v.) at
the mouth of Trout Brook, on the Delaware, 7 mi. above Deposit, contains a sawmill, flouring mill, a
large tannery, and 2 churches. Pop. 325. Hales Eddy,9 (p.o.,) on the Delaware, 5 mi. below
Deposit, Barbourville, (p. o.,) on Cold Spring Brook, near the n. border, and Trout
Creeli, (p. o.,) in the n. e., are hamlets. Dickinsons Station is near the s. line. The
first settler was Squire Whittaker, from Wyoming,10 Penn., who came in 1787 ; John Hulse,nfrom
Neversink, (Sullivan co.,) came in April, 1789, and Philip Pine and Conrad Edict in 1791.12 The
first religious meetings were held at the house of John Hulse, by Rev. Hugh Compton, in 1794.13
WALTOI14 — was formed from Franklin, March 17, 1797. A part of Delhi was taken off in
1798, Tompkins in 1806, a part of Hamden in 1825, and a part of Colchester April 14, 1827. A
part of Colchester was set off Feb. 1, 1799, a part of Franklin March 13, 1801, and a part of Delhi
was annexed June 17, 1812. It is an interior town, lying w. of the center of the co. The deep
valley of the Delaware divides the town into two nearly equal parts. The s. half is a broad,
rocky, mountainous region with abrupt declivities and a surface too rough for cultivation; the x.
half is broken and hilly, but generally well adapted to pasturage. The principal streams are East,
West, and Hydes Brooks. The soil is a shaly loam upon the hills and a fertile alluvium in the
valley. Tanning and lumbering are extensively carried on. Walton, (p. v.,) upon the n. bank
of the Delaware, near the center of the town, contains the Walton Academy15 and 3 churches.
Pop. 430. New Road is a p. office in the extreme n. part. West BrooR is ap. office. Dr.
Piatt Townsend,16 of Dutchess co., purchased a tract of 5,000 acres in this town in 1784. He sur-
veyed it the same year, and in 1785 he located upon the present site of Walton Village. He was accom-
panied by 5 families, of 20 persons, mostly from Long Island
A large number of immigrants
i The Stamford Collegiate Institute was established here in
1851.
2 Jas. Stewart, Wm. Frazer and son Simon, from Scotland,
came in 1775. During the war most of the settlers left, but re-
turned in March, 17S6. In 1789, a company consisting of 20
heads of families and 2 single men (principally from Fairfield
co. Coun.) came into Delaware co. to examine the country and
select locations. Several of them located in this town, and
others soon followed. Dea. John Grant taught the first school,
in the winter of 178S-89. Lieut. Paine kept the first inn and
store, and Calden built the first mill, near Bloomville,
before 17S0. Andrew Beers, the almanac maker, resided in this
town.
8 The census reports 6 churches ; 2 M. E., 2 Asso. Ref. P., Prot.
E., and Union.
* Named from Daniel D. Tompkins, soon afterward elected
Governor.
5 Named from having formerly been an important station,
or place of " deposit," for lumber preparatory to rafting in
'• the spring freshets." It was called by the Indians " Colx-e-
ose," (Owls Nest,) a name corrupted by the English into
"Cookhouse," by which it is still designated by the old inhabi-
tants.
8 The original corporato limits of the village were entirely
within the town of Tompkins. A part of Sanford. Broome Co.,
was annexed in 1852. The charter was amended in 1858.
7 Laurel Bank Seminary was opened Dec. 14, 1853. It is a fine
building, situated s. of the river, on a commanding site over-
looking the village and valley. It has accommodations for 200
boarding students. The recent death of the principal has cansed
a temporary suspension of the school.
8 In 1786 Jesse Dickinson, of Philadelphia, made a purchase of
an extensive tract of land in this vicinity, and made preparations
for the building of a city, to be called " Dickinsons City." He
built a gristmill upon Trout Creek, and a large hotel, which he
called the " City Hall." The town meetings were held in this
building for several years. Dickinson run the first raft that went
from the w. branch of the Delaware. Upon his failure, Benjamin
Cannon purchased the property, and from him the village de-
rived its name.
9 Named from the Hale family, who were early settlers.
10 Mr. W. was one of the survivors of the massacre of Wyoming;
and his sons John and Benjamin, then children, remember many
incidents of that event and the subsequent escape. He stated
that Brandt was at Cherry Valley at x\v time of the massacre,
and, of course, was not a participant in its atrocities.
11 The place where he settled is now (1S59) occupied by his
grandson. Martial R. Hulse.
12 Mr. Edict was a soldier of the Revolution. The first birth
was that of Polly Hulse, in 17S0 or '90 : and the first death, that
of Dorcas, wife of Oliver Hale, about 1700.
13 The census reports 7 churches; 3 Bap.. 2 M. E., and 2 Presb.
"Named from Wm. Walton, a large land proprietor in this
vicinity. Walton's Patent (20.000 acres) was granted in 1770.
15 The academy building was erected in 1853. The institution
has a good library and is in a flourishing condition.
i« Dr. Townsend received 1700 acres fur surveying, and paid
$2.50 per acre for the remainder, receiving his deed in 1786.
206
DELAWARE COUNTY.
from New Canaan, Conn., came in within a few years.1 The first church (Cong.) was formed in
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock) Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Delaware County.
Names op Towxs.
Ande?
Bovina
Colchester
Davenport
Delhi
Franklin
Hamden
Hanco. k
Barpersfield .
K.TtriL-ht
. me....
Meredith
Middlebury..
Rnxburv
81 !.!■ V
Stainf r.l
Tompkins
Walton
Total.
Acres of La.sti.
■a
"B
|
1,
?
,5
•5
~-
- -
21,629
16,6821
V217
14,1891
72,626
19.22 .
11. -44
_.
16.27! .
34,614
1 1 499
17,310
13,783
1 - '
:•
6,711
24,3071
13.5191
17.44-.'}
, 21.194
10,8404,
26.213J
24.0-1.;
84,6854
15.0431
19,051
11.47s
19,056}
9,522
18,7211
40.3144
18.581
35,8594
364 400j
488,4524
Yauation of 1858.
a
I
$407,238
240,7 3
242,931
668,490
728,725
349,910
373,640
•
435,515
259.292
389 170
364,512
54S,503
405.210
378^488
E ,629
478,635
a, ft,
(51,348
67,926
18,450
40,154
237.467
92,710
28,044
7.'. » in
69.375
73,252
14.207
45,900
61.500
102,564
14.000
119313
127.1U0
74,534
$7,437,119 $1,235,734 $8,672,853 20,091
a
$458,581
298,679
201.381
416,687
90.5.957
821,435
377.954
3S1,540
408,025
508.767
273499
3S5,370
426.012
651,057
419,210
497.801
627,729
553.169
POPULATION-.
I
1,199
5S6
1.123
1,120
1,376
1.605
924
1.177
758
1.055
742
765
1.456
1,257
877
817
1.619
1,202
19,558
432
208
411
3! 19
4C5
618
339
430
2-:,
3S0
285
303
534
460
345
295
592
457
7.238
441
220
427
422
489
651
3C0
456
29S
389
294
316
575
473
373
322
653
491
7,050
365
1S3
376
279
409
557
307
204
283"
330
307
273
370
277
299
249
539
39.8
Schools.
*>=!
20
11
21
19
18
27
16
19
15
20
15
16
22
18
14
13
33
19
6.005 1 1 336
SJ
1,107
516
1.039
979
1,022
1.091
SIS
858
461
666
675
597
1.346
1,003
710
622
1,405
885
15,800
N.AMES OF T'lWXS.
Andes
Bovina
Colchester ...
Davenport...
Delhi
Franklin
Hamden
Hancock
rsfield
Kortright....
■ ill" ..
Meredith ....
Middl
try ....
-
ird
Tompkin*...,
•i
r
Live Stock.
598
414
349
563
5-6,
-71
44n
192
439
613
370
474
752
677
502
434
4'." i
?1
= = c
1,895
1.144
1,725
1,882
1.441
2.545
1.809
(■,'.■:->
1.58.3
!>:,.-,
1 703
1.:;::..
2,610
2.139
1,622
1,205
2.017
1,991
|
S3
4,001
4.029
3.096A.
4.0S8
2.065
6,394
3432
1.619
1.9S7
2.5564
2.396
1.509
4.259
5.495
2,888
1,997
1,688
4,083
•7 31.1-4 71.:-!.. 15,870 .".7.1-::
2.175
1.774
1,035
1.749
2,051
3,195
1,682
494
1.775
2.385
1.291
1.763
2.441
3,817
1,756
1,S67
1.6,16
1.618
.,7h'
3,673
3.201
3.44:,
4,544
0.930
5.920
816
2.614
3,975
8,599
2,826
1.1.;-
8,346
4.4 19
8,809
3,583
3,731
933
706
736
973
870
1,502
693
408
764
1,054
567
B23
1.118
1.595
'.'"7
791
786
724
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Bdsh. op Grain.
ji
1
•3
1
44,7764
24.3244
24 519J
43.109
30,7314
66,666
26.6914
16,839
31.7154
36.572
36.31 4 J
34.741
39,965
30.010;
54.517}
28,696
45.041.;
26,750^
637,488
"s>
tqi.
'■'.7o7
4.924
4,8054
4.452
6.002
9,476J
4.898
1.946
5.4554
6.629 I
4,5814
4,4344
7,069
9.078
5:;u:
5
6.-51
6,1901
7.774
6.109
7.1684
13.926
7,847
26.599
7.146
7,489
13.180
9.561
14,3104
13,063
14.501-..;
9;?861
17,441
8.887
11.5-0
10,247
"s>
= a.
103,8964 209,667j
9,737
6.966
16.165
9.984
9,676
29.156
7,526>|
5.835
20.635
20.645
13.700
11.722
21.275
21,879
17.471
11,460
13.205
12.623
Dairy Products.
OE
*
K V
C 3
^ x
a-eq
2-.-0
260.052
223.490
97.572
192,860
216,202
393.332
170.785
45.608
240.010
326.740
124.252
221.217
261,611
472000
204,329
245,658
166,262
165,505
59,160 4,026,575 61,186
4S0
2.99S
390
1.955
1,080
12.249
1,146
x> a-
S I
<5.S
3,686
2.413
1,883
2.013
1.235
1.254
1.825
454
2.464
2.509
2.626
666J
5,020
4,385
1.909
7054
2.009
1.8913
: 9.557 J
1 Among the • irlj settlers were Gabriel and Roherl North,
TMiar and '• 1 -i iwnsend, Wm. Farnum, Joshua
Ploeand 1 .1 -inn, Michael Goodrich, Beers,
r.ii.|... Tii .i.l-i. >.- Hurt. Chat. W. Stockton, Matthew Bene-
1. Undal Ko- h. Ii.io'l W I. Nathan
1. Kph'm v. - m'l li.mfOrd. jr.. Beth
. 8, mi,,.,, I lit, 1,. Tin-
lir-t male Child liorn in
town who should tx noon 1 W ■■•< Walton; and the prise was within
reach of .•> , the first woman who oame
Into town, but Bhe had Bet her heart upon the name of Samuel,
and a lot of land c< mid in it indui-i' ln-r toclianpe her mind. The
lir-t 1 1 1 ! 1 1- r i ; 1 _ • - wax thai of Itoiitram lllmsti-ad and Savory Good-
rich. Lewis Seymour and .ludd Itaymond kept tin- first .-1, >!■•-.
In 1791: M. G Irich bnili the first saw and gristmill, and
Gabriel North the first framed house. — Hist, of Walton, in Xos.Q
to 2-2. Vol. 17. 0/ '■/'/,- Walton Jour/' lion. Joel T. Headley , late
,ii-. was a native of tins town.
'-'I'll,' iiiisiix ri-ports 4 churches; 2 Cong., and leach M. E,
and Plot. K.
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
This county was formed Nov. 1, 1683.1 It was provisionally an-
nexed to Ulster co., and was first represented separately in the
General Assembly in 1713. Livingston .Manor was taken off, and
annexed to Albany co., in 1717; and Putnam co. was taken off in
1812. It lies on the e. bank of the Hudson, about midway between
New York and Albany, is centrally distant GO mi. from Albany,
and contains 810 sq. mi. Its surface is principally a rolling and
hilly upland broken by the deep valleys of the streams. The Tagh-
kanick Mts., extending along the e. border of the co., are 300 to
500 ft. above the valleys and 1000 to 1200 ft. above tide. Their
declivities are generally steep, and in some places rocky. A wide
valley skirts the w. foot of this range, bounded on the w. by the
Matteawan or Fishkill Mts., a high, broad range which extends N. and s. and occupies the whole
central part of the co. A spur from this range extends eastward along the s. border to the Hudson,
forming the n. extremity of The Highlands. This range has an average elevation of about
1000 ft. above tide, the highest peaks along the s. border attaining an elevation of 1500 to 1700 ft.2
In the s. part of the co. the declivities of these mountains are steep and in many places rocky, but
toward the n. they become more gradual, and the country assumes a rolling character, broken by
rounded hills. West of this range the surface is a rolling upland, occasionally broken by deep
ravines and isolated hills, and terminating upon the Hudson River Valley in a series of bluffs 100
to 180 ft. high. The greater part of the streams that drain the co. are tributaries of the Hudson.
They mostly flow in a s. w. direction, and have worn deep valleys through the bluffs that border
upon the river. The principal of these streams, commencing upon the N., are the Sawkil, Landi-
mans, Crum Elbow, Fall, Wappingers, and Fishkill Creeks. Sprout Creek is a considerable branch
of the Fishkill. The wide valley extending n. and s. through the co., separating the Taghkaniek
Mts. from The Highlands farther w., is drained by several streams. Ten Mile Paver flows s. in this
valley through Amenia to near the s. line of Dover, where it turns e. and discharges its waters into
the Housatonic River, in Conn. It receives Swamp River from the s. Croton River takes its rise
in the s. part of the valley. Roeliff Jansens Kil flows through a small portion of the extreme n.
part of the co. Among the highlands in the central and e. parts are numerous beautiful little
lakes, noted for the purity of their waters and the beauty of the scenery immediately about them.
The principal rock formation in the co. is the Hudson River slate, which crops out upon the hills
and along the courses of the streams. The rock has been quarried at Red Hook for flagging, and
in various places for roofing slate.3
A low riclge of metamorphic limestone extends longitudinally through near the center of the
valley, which lies at the base of the Taghkanick Mts. and along its course are numerous quarries,
from which is obtained a fair quality of marble.4 Hematitic iron ore is found in almost inex-
haustible quantities along the e. and s. parts of the co., and it has been extensively mined in
several places.5 Thin veins of galena have also been found, but none have been worked since the
Revolution.6 Mineral springs are found in several parts of the co., but none of them have ac-
quired notoriety.7 Marl and peat beds are scattered over the whole co. The soil is generally a
1 The act by which this co. was formed defines its original
boundaries as follows: — -'The Dutchess co. to be from the
bounds of the co. of Westchester, on the s. side of the High-
lands, along the E. side as far as Roeliff Jansens Creek, and E.
into the woods 20 miles."
2 Old Beacon, 2 mi. E. of Matteawan Village, is 1470 ft. above
tide ; and New Beacon, or Grand Sachem, a i mi. s. of the same
place, is 1680 ft. above tide.
8 A company, styled the "iV. T. State Co.," was incorp. March
23,1810, to continue 15 years; and another, styled the '-Dutchess
Co. State Co.," June 8, 1812, to continue 21 years. The operations
of the latter CO. were to be confined to Northeast.
* This marble is of the variety called dolomite, and yields upon
analysis about 30i per cent, of carbonate of magnesia; but the
proportion is not uniform. The principal workings have been in
Dover, where a portion of the marble is pure white, fine grained,
and capable of receiving a good but not a high polish. Clouded
varieties are found in Amenia and Northeast. — Geol., 1st Dist.,
p. 68.
6 This ore is generally compact, but in some places it is fibrous.
Its cavities are lined with a glossy black surface, and often con-
tain stalactital and botryoidal concretions of the ore.
0 Considerable excavations were made in Northeast in colonial
times — it is said as early as 1740 — by a company of Germans,
who sent the ore to Bristol. Eng. The mines were re-opened
during the Revolution, and a few tons of ore were obtained.
Traces of lead ore have been also observed in Rhinebeck and
Amenia. — Geol., 1st Dist., pp. 46, 47. Among the other useful
minerals that have been observed in the CO. are, graphite, for-
merly worked to some extent in the Fishkill Mts.. vxy>\ of man-
ganese, and the sulphurets of copper and iron, &e. Besides these
are found calcite, asbestus, gibbsite, garnet, staurotide. epidote,
feldspar, and tourmaline.
7 Inflammable carburetted hydrogen gas i< emitted from the
bottom of a lake in Northeast, and from a locality 4 of a mi.
from Ameniaville on the road to Poughkeepsie. A sulphur
spring is situated 1 J mi. N. w. of Ameniaville. — Ucc.'.'s Mineralog >/
N.Y.,p. 160.
267
268
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam. Upon the hills in some places it is composed of disinte-
grated slate, and upon the Hudson River intervale it is a deep, rich alluvium. Agriculture is the
leading pursuit, and few cos. in the State offer greater attractions to the farmer. The richness and
variety of its soil, and its proximity to the New York market, insure a rich return for all agri-
cultural labor. Farming is of a mixed character, all branches being successfully pursued. Sending
milk t<> Now York and the raising of improved breeds of cattle have become important branches
of business.1
A considerable amount of manufacturing is carried on in the co., the principal establishments
being located at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, and a large amount of commerce is carried on by
means of the Hudson.
The county seat is located at the city of Poughkeepsie. The colonial courthouse and jail was
burned in 1785, and a new one was built soon after. This was burned in 1808.2 The present
building was erected in 1800,3 and contains the courtroom, jail,4 clerk's office, and all the usual co.
offices except that of surrogate, which is in a small building adjacent. The co. poorhouse is situ-
ated on a farm of 107 acres in the town of Poughkeepsie, 1 mi. e. of the courthouse. The average
number <>f inmates is "220, supported at a weekly cost of 95 cents each. The farm yields a revenue
of $1631.B The Hudson River R. R. extends along the e. bank of the Hudson, through Fishkill,
Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, and Redhook; and the New York & Harlem R. R. extends
along the E. border of the co., through Pawling, Dover, Ameuia, and North East. In summer,
ilar lines of steamers ply between Poughkeepsie, New York, and Albany.
< 'n>- daily and seven weekly papers are now published in the co.6
i In cnltivat 1 area Dutchess co. is excelled only by Jefferson,
. and St. Lawrence cos.; and in cash value of
farm- l.y Monroe and West< lr 3ter only. Over 2,000.000 gallons
of milk are cent annually to the X.Y. market.
2 A courthouse and jail were first ordered to be built July 21.
171r.: but they do not appear to have been completed until 30
ward. In 17>-o. an act authorized the conversion of
a .inn r. • im Into a jail, and 4 yean alter money was raised to com-
rrangement. The act of April 11, 1785, appropriated
im of £1600 to re-C' instruct the buildings, which had beende-
I by fire, and Obrnelins Humfrey, Peter Tappen. and Uil-
bert Li-. ingst n were appointed a building committee. A further
t.,\ : 11 is ordered in 1786, and of £1300 in 1787. In the
lutan tine-, prisoners were sent to the Ulster co. jail, by act "f
,77s. tli- sheriff's mileage was to be reckoned from
the house of Mynderl Vielle,in Beekruau's I'recinct.
» Tie act i ir the re-construction of these buildings was passed
. 21. 1809, and (12.000 was raised for that purpose. Jas.
Talmadge, John P.. Van Wyck, and John Van Benthuysen were
mmissioners. The next year, $13,000 addi-
I, and tli- building was completed soon after. It
Che first deed on record was en-
718, conveying property from Henry Van DeBo-
l -iit Van Kleeck, and >>;\.
lition of the jail was represented by the Senate Com-
- extremely unfit for its purpose and unhealthy
•
iTbeba e, and can accommodate 850 inn
te, and an asylum i- provided lor lunar
i -.1 Is taught daring the whole year, and rell
■
• 7 ' . ■ • bllsbed in tli- city of New
n I- in \~.A. v. 1 t'. Pough-
• f the Ilriti-li
first State paper under the
, !ta "I April, 1 ■
: to
The I ' by Null r. Ill
■
and I' ' ' ;•; and in
/■' •/>. !■ r.
In ls-s it was hanged
i. In
] * :
unit"! «ith 7".
nn ! ' a»
name was
•
Tin i'..u-„-iiLi « |>-i' r which title it is still
I r. j.ii' li-!
Loudon, « -
I was first issued
•v York
do after th ^r.
the A T was cm-
;-. and ■
tinued a short time.
The Barometer, commenced in May, 1802, by Isaac Mitchell,
was changed to
The Political Barometi r in 1806, and was published by Thomas
Nelson. Its name was changed to
The Northern Politician, and it was soon after discontiuu. i.
2he Farmer was published at Poughkeepsie in 1806-07.
Tlie Republican Herald was started in .Nov. 1811, by Derick B.
Stockholm and Thos. Brownjohn. It was continued
until 1S23 under the charge of Johnston Verplauk <S
Wm. Orr.
The Dutchess Observer was first started May 10. 1815, by Chas.
P. Barnum & Richard Nelson. Nicholas Jayeocks,
Nathan Myers, jr.. and Orrin Osborne were successively
interested in the publication until 1826, when the paper
was united with The Telegragh. and issued as
The Poughkeepsie Telegraph and Observer. It was successively
under the charge of (has. P. Barnum, Egbert B. Killey,
Aaron Low, and Benson J. Lossiug. in 1841 it was
changed to
Tlie Telegraph, and was published by Killey & tossing. Albert
S. Pease & E. K.nlmst-d were aftcrwai Ml I'd in
its publication; and in 1S52 it was united with Tlie
Democrat, and was issued as
Tlie Pouglikcepsic Telegraph and Diifcliess
Demor rut , now published by Osborne & Killey.
Tlie Republ Brsl issued Maj ."'. 1824, by Wm.
Bands A [sake Piatt. In 182(iit was united with
The Observt r.
The I1 r whs firs! Issued April 80, 1828, by
('has. K. Anns \ Fred. T. Parsons. It was afterward
published by I'l.itt 6 Parsons and Isaac Piatt until
. when it was nnited with
The /. . and w a.- is-lli'd as
in, published by Piatt A Banney.
In ls;.j the nam- was changed to
The I .'. .- and in ]s44 it was united with The
J I 1111, ,1.
' ■' / rut American -was published at Ponghkeepsle in
1828, by Peter K. Allen,
Thi D rut'rw was started in Ang. 1829, by Pet. K. Allen.
in 1880 it was changed to
Tin An'i Mason, It was under the charge of John M. v, thake
and Stephen Butler until 1831, when it was diSCOn-
tinii-d. It was goon after revived by Ellphaz lay. and
was issued a short time as Tli- Independence.
Ttie Dutches* Republican was started in Aug. 1831, by Tl.
Ranney. In April, 1833, it was united with The Intel-
ligi n—r.
The 1 it Casket was published by Kill-\ ,'. I, -ing in
Thr Bratu \ a sb.'rt tim- in 1886 by Jos. II. Jackson.
The Youth's Guide (semi-mo.) was issued in 1837 by Isaac Har-
rington, jr.
The Thomsonian (medical) was issued at Poughkeepsie in 1840
llios. Laphalil.
77i« Free Press was started at Plabkfll in 184] by Fri d. W. Kit-
t-r. In ls42 it was removed to Poughkeepsie- its name
was chang
,' /" . and was continued until 1844.
/ temp ranct btfeguardym started at Ponghkeepsle in 1848
by O. K. Lyman, aud was continued 2 or 3 years.
D U T CHESS COU N T Y.
209
The first settlements in the co. were made by the Dutch iit Ilhineheck and Fishkill before 1090. '
Other settlements were made along tbe river in 1700; but for some years the progress of growth
was very slow. About 1720 a considerable number of settlers came in ; and from that time the set-
tlements increased rapidly until all the lands of the co. were taken up.3 Among the early settler."
were considerable numbers of French Huguenots, who had fled from the persecutions that followed
the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. A portion of the co. was settled upon leaseholds, which here,
as elsewhere, led to much difficulty.3 The first civil divisions were established in 1737.4
This co. comprises the greater part of the Oblong,5 Great and Little Nine Partners, Beekmans,
Rumbouts, and Schuylers Patents.6 In 1777, the co. for a short time was in possession of the
British, and for a considerable time during the Revolution it was the seat of the colonial convention
and legislature. By an act of April 11, 1808, semi-annual fairs of sale were directed to be held
in this co. under the management of five commissioners to be appointed by the judges of Com-
mon Pleas.7
AMESflA8 — was formed March 7, 1788. It lies on the e. border of the co., N. of the center.
The Taghkanick Mts. extend along the e. border, and the highlands belonging to the Fishkill
Range extend through the w. part. The wide valley separating these two ranges occupies the
central portions. The declivities of the mts. are often steep, and their highest summits are 300 to
500 feet above the valleys. Amenia Station, on the Harlem R. R., is 540 feet above tide. The
Tlie Anti Bank Democrat (mo.) was issued from the office of The
Free Press in 1843.
Hie American was started in Nov. 1S45, by Augustus T. Cow-
man. It was soon changed to
The Poughkeepsie American, and was published by Isaac Tomp-
kins and Elias Pitta until 1853, when it was sold to E.
B. Osborne, and changed to
The Dutchess Democrat. In 1856 it was united with The Tele-
graph.
Tlie Safeguard (Temperance) was issued in 1S45 by Wm. Patton.
The Daily City Press was commenced at Poughkeepsie, May 1,
1852, by Nichols, Bush, & Co. It was soon after
changed to
The Daily Press, under which name it is still issued by
its original proprietors.
The Independent Examiner was started in Feb. 1S55, by Henry
A. Gill, and was discontinued in 1858.
The American Banner was started at Poughkeepsio in 1856 by
t'bas. J. Ackert. In 1857 it was removed to Fishkill, and
was changed to
The Dutchess Co. Times, under which name it is still
published bv J. Carpenter Mills.
The Fishkill Standard was started Aug. 2, 1S42, at
Fishkill Landing, by Wm. K. Addington, and is still
issued by him.
Tlie Fishkill Journal, started in 1853 by H. A. Guild, was dis-
continued in 1855.
TTie American Mechanic was started at Poughkeepsie in 1849 by
Geo. W. Clark. In 1850 it was removed to Rhinebeck,
and was uuited with The Gazette, under the name of
The American Mechanic and Rhinebeck Gazette. It was soon
changed to
The Rhinebeck Gazette and Dutchess County
Advertiser. It was successively issued by Edward
M . Smith and L. R. Blanchard, and is now published by
Wm. Luff.
The Rhinebeck Gazette was established in 1846 by Smith & Car-
penter, and in 1S50 was united with The Mechanic.
The Rhinebeck Advocate was published by Robert Marshall in
1N40. It was subsequently changed to
The Dutchess County Advocate, and was discontinued about 1850.
The American, Citizen was commenced June 12, 1S58
at Rhinebeck, by Geo. W. Clark.
The True Balance, a campaign paper, was published at Rhine-
beck by C. J. Ackert in 1858.
The Amenia Times was started at Ameniaville, April 7,
1852, under the charge of Joel Benson. It was sub-
sequently issued by II. Livingston & Co., and Palmer,
Vail & Co. It is now pub. by J. W. Dutcher.
The Redhook Daily Journal was commenced April
29, 1859, by L. Piester.
1 The following copy of a letter, now in possession of T. Van
Wyck Brinkerhoff, of East Fishkill, throws some light upon
the early history of the co. "In the j*ear 1823, I saw Isaac
Upton, a coaster from Newport, who informed me that about
1760 he came up the North River to Poughkeepsie, and, in com-
pany with another person, went to Mabbitt's 6tore, in Washing-
ton, on business. That, on their return, they took a circuitous
route from Pleasant Valley, and passed a German by name of
Hoffman, who was then 118 years old. He supposed himself to
lie the first white settler in Dutchess co.; and that, when young,
he deserted from a Dutch ship of war in New York, squatted
where he theij lived, built him a shanty, and lived a number of
years a solitary life without being able to find a white woman
for a wife; that afterward, finding a German family at Rhine-
beck, he married, and had lived Where he then was to that ad-
vanced age. I was informed that he died two years afterward,
at 120 years. (Signed) Paul Upton."
2 Smith, in his history, written in 1732, says of this co., " The
only villages in it are Poughkeepsie and the Fishkill, though
they scarce deserve the name. The inhabitants on the banks
of the river are Dutch, but those more easterly, Englishmen,
and for the most part immigrants from Conn, and Long Island.
There is no Epis. church in it. The growth of this co. has been
very sudden, and commenced but a few years ago. Within the
memory of persons now living, it did not contain above 12
families; and according to the late returns of the militia it will
furnish at present above 2500 fighting-men." — Hist. N.l'., Alb.
Ed., p. 304.
3 In 1766, the district now embraced in Rensselaer, Columbia,
ami Dutchess cos. was involved in a domestic war, arising from
the conflicting jurisdiction of adjacent colonies and resistance to
the claims of proprietors. In June of that year, the sheriff of
Albany Co., with 105 men, went to a house on the manor to dis-
perse a band of rioters, 60 in number. Several shots were ex-
changed : Cornelius Ten Broeek, of Claverack. was killed, and 7
others of the militia were wounded. Three of the rioters were
killed, and many wounded, among whom was Capt. Noble, one
of their leaders. In July, the 28th Regiment was ordered into
Dutchess co., to quell riots; and a small body of light infantry
was soon after fired upon, and 3 were wounded. One Pender-
grast, a leader, was taken, tried before Judge Horsmandcn for
high treason, and sentenced to be executed, but was afterward
pardoned. Fifty to 60 others were fiued, imprisoned, or pilloried.
Soon after the sentence of Pendergrast, an advertisement was
issued, offering a good reward to any one willing to assist as the
executioner, and promising disguise against recognition and pro-
tection against insults. — Dunlap's Hist. Hf.Y., II, Appen. CA'CIII.
4 By an act of the General Assembly, passed Dec. 16, 1737, this
co. was divided into 3 divisions. The s. division extended from
below the Highlands to Wappingers Creek ; the middle division
from the latter, N. toCline Sopas Island, (Little Esopus Island;)
and the N. division from this point to the N. bounds of the co.
Each of these divisions elected a supervisor. The subsequent
formation of precincts is mentioned under the several towns.
6 The Oblong, a tract 5S0 rods wide, extending across the E. bor-
der of this co. and Putnam, was mostly granted to Thos. Hawley
and others, in 1731; South, Beekmans, Cruni Elbow, and North
Precincts were extended across to the Conn, line, Dec. 17, 1743.
The patent was divided into lower, middle, and upper districts,
March 9, 1774, to facilitate the collection of quitrents.
6 Several of these patents were granted as follows: Rumbout,
to Francis Rumbout and others, Oct. 17, 1685; Great or Lower
Nine Partners, to Caleb Heathcote and others. May ^7. 1697;
Rhinebeck, to Henry Beeknian. June 5, 1703; Little or Upper
Nine Partners, to Sampson Boughton and others. April 10, 1706,
< These fairs were to be supported by a tax of 1 per cent, on
all sales, one-half to be paid by the purchaser and one-half by
the seller.
8 According to Benson, this term was applied by Young, the
American poet, in his "Conquest of Quebec," in a description of
the several provincial troops employed in that campaign. The
precinct of this name was formed from Cram Elbow Precinct,
March 20, 1762, and included a part of Amenia and North East,
and the whole of Washington, Pleasant Valley, Stanford, Clinton,
and Hyde Park.
270 DUTCHESS COUNT 1.
principal streams are Ten Mile River, "Wassaic Creek, aud West Brook, and their branches. A low
range of metaraorphic limestone extends x. and s. through near the center of the valley.1 Iron ore
has been extensively mined in the highlands w. of the valley.2 The soil is a clayey and sandy
loam. Ameniaville, (Amenia p. o.,) x. of the center of the town, contains the Amenia
Seminary.3 3 churches, and 30 houses. It is a station upon the Harlem R. R. The City, (City
p.o.,) in the x. w. corner, contains a church and 17 houses; Wassaic, (p. v.,) a r. r. station, a
furnace, sash and blind factory, and 18 houses: Amenia I'nion, (p. v.,) upon the Conn, line,
2 churches, a woolen factory, and 30 houses;* and South Amentia (p. v.) a church and 14
houses. l<eedsville (p. o.) is a hamlet near the e. border. Sharon Station, on the line
of Northeast* is a p. o. Richard Sackctt purchased large tracts of the Indians in this town and in
Shan n. Conn., and settled in 1711 : he failed of getting his title recognized by the crown, and died
in poverty in 1748 or '40.5 During the Revolution a furnace and foundery for the manufacture
of steel for the use of the army was established about 1 mi. s. of Wassaic. The site, known as
"The Steel "Works." is still covered by c< al dust and cinders. There are 7 churches in town.8
Eil^Si.lI A\ — was formed as a town, March 7. 17*s.7 Apartof " Freedom" (now La Grange)
wa- taken off in L821, and a part of Union Vale in 1827. It lies in the s.e. part of the co., — one
corner extending to the s. border. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland. Pleasant Hill, on the
x. border, is the highest summit. Limestone and slate crop out on the summits and declivities
of nearly all the hills. The streams are small creeks and brooks tributaries of the Fishkill, and
are bordered by wide, fertile intervales. Silver Lake is a fine body of water near the w. line.8
Iron ore is found s. of this lake.9 The soil is a productive, gravelly loam. Green Haven,
(p. v..) near the w. border, contains 1 church and 18 dwellings; Beehmanvilie, (Beekman
p.o.,) near the center, 1 church and 12 dwellings; Poughquag' (p. v.) 2 churches and 15 dwell-
ings ; and Beekman Furnace, on the x. line, an iron manufactory and 10 houses.10 The
first settlements are supposed to have been made about 1710; but the early records are lost. A.
Delong located in 1716, and kept an inn at an early day. Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, Bishop of Penn.,
and his brother, Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of N. Y., were natives
of this town. There are 4 churches in town.11
CL.IVTOX12— was formed from " CJiarloite" and Rhinebeck Precincts, March 13, 1786. Hyde
Park and Pleasant Valley were taken off in 1821. It is an interior town, lying x.w. of the center
of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland considerably broken by hills in the x. and w. Shultz
Mts., on the x. border, and Sippe Barrack, in the w., are the highest points.13 Salt Point Creek,
the principal stream, flows s. through near the center. Crum Elbow Creek forms a portion of the
w. boundary. Several small lakes, the principal of which is Long Pond, lie in the x. part. The
- "i in the x. is a sandy loam, and in the center and s. it is a productive, slaty loam. Clinton
Hollow, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 25 houses, Clinton Corners (p. v.) 25 housi 3,
Schultzville (p.o.) a gristmill and 10 houses, and Pleasant Plains (p. o.) a church and
8 fa Hulls Head. Clinton Point, and Hiberuia are p. offices. Derrick Van Vliet
locatM in town about 1755. There are 3 churches in town : 1-Yn'iids. Presb., and Prot. E.
DOVI2R — was formed from Pawling, Feb. 20, 1807. It lies on the e. border of the co., s. of
tho center. The B. and w. borders arc occupied by hills and mts.. and the center by a deep, wide
lley. The valley i- about -100 feet above ti<l<\ and the summits of the hills are 300 to 500 feet
higher. Ten Mile Rivet Bows s. from the n. lino to near tlm s. boundary, thence turns e. and dis-
ci into the Eoasatonie. It receives from the s. Swamp River, a stream that is
i Tbi« linr-stone l« of » bluish odd r, hard and brittle; and
wh'r" it rrr>p« r.nt it i» considerably dbinl ivcring the
I in the immediate % \ ■ whit.- land.
t An ..r>- bed I mi. w. of Ajneniarlllc bai ' -iv.lv
wnri -.an I the supply of Inex-
- mi. N. w. of \\ i-.
md another near the V U| -rn.
* Thi* institution h«« t-«-n under the charge of tl
lomiti.itir.n.
* 1 rlinrrh. ti buildings
are in C"nn.
* Mr. Beckett wa« connected with the Uvinc«ton« in the
and Eliahn Kinney settled previous to 1743. After this time the
town r . i j - i ■ 1 1 >• Oiled up with settlers, mostly from New England.
The Bra) mill i- supposi 'l to have been built by John Delainater,
at Leedarille, and the ur<t inn to have beeu kept by Michael
Hopkins. Dear the renter of the town.
-!•.. 2 M. V... and 1 each I!ap. an«l Prot. B.
' The town embraced the land pi-anted to Col. Henry Beekman.
urn Precinct was formed Dec. 1G, 173", ami I'awling's
Precinct was set oil in 1768.
' The Indian nanus for this lake is A-po-qua-gue, signifying
round lake.
* Ore from this bed is extensively mined and taken to I'ougli-
nettlement of the Pal ' f^rmnn Otmp" man- keepefe and Fishkill Furnace.
town, Colombia co.) OWc Wtnegnr and hi w The furnace at this place is supplied with ore from t'nion-
were the next families. Tber remoTi i ft vale: 700 tonsof Iran are annually produced.
in 17'21 and settled on the Obi Tie father died In " Bap., M. F... Prot F.. and Union.
17Si. IVlam-- the 1* Named from Qeo. Clinton, first Governor.
Winefrnr*. x. w. of Amenia Union. II hen nop- •* A slate quarry was formerly worked at the N. extremity of
kins, J<wl Gillett, Ilex. King, Abm. and Joshua Pain .' I! we, the ShnltZ Mts.; but it is now abandoned.
DUTCHESS COUNTY. 27 L
bordered by swamps upon the greater part of its ooaree. The limestone ridge extends n. and B.
through the center of the principal valley. Along its course several marble quarries have been
opened.1 Iron ore is found in abundance.2 The soil is a fine quality of sandy, gravelly, and slaty
loam. The small streams flowing from the W. hills have worn deep ravines, and in several places
form beautiful cascades. The most noted of these is known as " Dover Stone Church."3 Dover
Plains, (Dover p.o.,) a r. r. station, in the n. part of the town, contains 3 churches, a gristmill,
and plaster mill. Pop. 375. South Dover, (p-v.,) on Ten Mile River, contains 2 churches, a
grist and saw mill, and 30 houses. Chestnut Ridge (p.o.) and Wilts Station (p.o.) are ham-
lets. The first settlements are said to have been made by the Dutch from the river towns. Among
the early settlers are found the names of Knickerbackcr, Osterhout, Dutcher, and Van Duzen.
The first settlers upon the Oblong tract were from Conn. The first church (Re'f. Prot. D.) is said
to have been formed about 1770.4
EAST FISIIKIL.L1 — was formed from Fishkill, Nov. 29, 1849. It is the center town upon
the s. border of the co. Its surface is mountainous in the s. and e. and hilly in the n. and w. The
highest points of the Fishkill Mts., in the s., are 1000 to 1200 ft. above tide.5 The principal streams
are the Fishkill and its tributaries, Wortel Kil and Sprout Creek. Black Pond is a small sheet
of water near the s. line. The intervales along the streams are generally wide, and bordered by
steep hillsides in the s. and more gradual slopes in the n. The soil is a gravelly loam. Fatting
cattle for the New York market is one of the leading pursuits. East Fishkill, (p. v.,) near
the center, contains a grist and sawmill and 15 houses; Johnsville, (p. v.,) near the w. border,
1 church and 14 houses; Storm ville, (p. v.,) in the e. part, 20 houses; Fishkill Plains,
(p.v.,) in the n. w., 1 church and 15 houses; and Shenandoah Corners, in the s., a church
and 15 houses. Pecksville, Hopewell, (Adriance p.o.,) and Fishkill Furnace6 are
hamlets. The first settlers were Genet, Geo. and Isaac Storm, about the year 1730; Cornelius
Wiltsie and Isaac Adrience came in about 1740. There are 4 churches in town.7
FISIIK.IEL — was formed as a town, March 7, 1788. A part of "Freedom" (now La Grange)
was taken off in 1821, and East Fishkill in 1849. A part of Philipstown (Putnam co.) was
annexed March 14, 1806. It lies upon the Hudson, in the s. w. corner of the co. Its surface is
mountainous in the s. and hilly in the N. The Fishkill Mts., extending along the s. border, are
high, rocky, and precipitous. Old Beacon and Grand Sachem, in the s. e. corner, the highest sum-
mits, are respectively 1471 and 1685 ft. above tide. A break in these mountains, in the e. part,
opening toward the s., is known as the Wiccopee Pass.8 The Fishkill flows s. w. through near the
center of the town, skirting the foot of the mountains and separating them from the hilly region in
the n. w. Wappingers Creek forms the w. boundary. A high rolling ridge lies between these
two streams, and the highest point is Mt. Hope, 1000 ft. above tide, near the e. border.9 Sprout
Creek, a tributary of the Fishkill, forms a portion of the e. boundary. A series of bluffs, 150 to
200 ft. high, extends along the river, broken by the valleys of the streams. The soil is a clay and
gravelly loam. Fishkill Landing, (p.v.,) on the Hudson, opposite Newburgh, contains a
newspaper office, 2 machine shops, and 4 churches. Pop. 1100. It is a r. r. station and steamboat
landing, and is connected with Newburgh by a steam ferry. Irlatteawan, (p.v.,) on Fishkill
Creek, 2 mi. above the landing, is an important manufacturing village. It was formerly the seat
of extensive cotton mills; but these have mostly been converted to other purposes.10 It contains 4
1 The principal quarries are between Dover Plains and South
Dover.
2 White's ore bed, 3 mi. N. w. of South Dover, has been exten-
sively worked, and the ore produced is of good quality. The
Dover Iron Works formerly did an extensive business: they
closed about 2 years since. White's Furnace, halfway between
South Dover and Dover Plains, is making 5 to 6 tons of iron
per day.
8 This ravine is about a 5 mi. w. of Dover Plains. It is 20 to
25 feet wide at the bottom and 1 to 3 feet at the top, and the
rocks that border it are 40 to 50 feet high. It extends into the
hill 30 to 40 feet, and at its farther extremity the stream flows
from the mountain above in a succession of rapids. The name
was given in consequence of its resemblance to the Gothic arch.
In another ravine, about £ mi. s. of Stone Church, are the
" Wells." A small stream here flows down from the mountain
in a succession of rapids 3 to 12 feet in height: and at the foot
of each fall smooth, rounded holes, called the Wells, have been
worn in the mcks to the depth of 3 to 8 feet. The holes occupy
the whole width of the bottom of the ravine, and the rocks on
each side are shelving and slippery, rendering a near approach
6 The highest point on the S. border is locally known as " 117 ■-
cope.e" or •' Lung Hill," and the highest on the E. border as
" Looking Rcick."
« A furnace at this place manufactures pig iron from the ore.
It employs 40 hands, and makes about 400 tons of iron per
annum. The ore is obtained from the mine near Silver Lake, in
Beekman. A mine on the E. line, after being worked 20 years,
was exhausted.
7 2 Bap., M. E.. and Ref. Prot. D. The last named has an
endowment of $5000.
8 This pass was carefully guarded during the Revolution, to
prevent the British from turning the American works at West
Point. A considerable American force was stationed at its upper
extremity durine the campaign of 1777.
9 Mt. Hope is I mi. s. of Myers Corners. A beautiful and ex-
tended view is obtained from its summit. A beacon has been
erected here by the Coast Survey, to serve as a point in the tri-
angulation of the Hudson River Valley.
10 Among the mo<t important of these are the following: —
" The Seamless Clothing Mannf'g Co.," incorp. with a capital of
$50,000. It gives employment to 95 hands, and turns out $350,000
difficult and dangerous. These two localities are frequently! worth of goods annually. TheMatteawan Machine Works, incorp.
visited by the lovers of nature during the summer season. \ with a capital of $100 100, gives employment to 200 hands, and
4 This is now a Union church. A Friends meeting house was turns out annually gnmls to the amount of $500,000. J. Rothey'a
built here about the same time. I file factory employs 70 hands, and manufactures goods to the
272
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
churches. Pop. 1476. Wappingers Falls, (p. v.,) at the head of navigation onWappingers Creek,
N mi. from the Hudson, lies partly in Poughkeepsie. It is largely engaged in manufacturing.1 Wap-
pingers Creek here falls 75 feet, furnishing an excellent -water power. The village contains 4 churches.
Pop. 1819, of which 1139 are in this town. Iliigiisoiiville, (p. v.,) 1$ mi. s. of Wappingers
Falls, contains a church and a steam saw and grist mill. Pop. 245. Mew Mackensack,
(p. v.,) in the n. part, contains 1 church and 15 dwellings; Fishkill, (p. v.,) near the center,
contains the Fishkill Seminary, the Fishkill Collegiate Institute, 2 private schools, a newspaper
office, a bank, savings' bank, 3 churches, and 130 dwellings. Glenbam, (p. v.,) 2$ mi. below
Fishkill, contains a woolen factory,2 3 churches, and 75 dwellings. Cartilage Landing', (p. v.,)
on the Hudson, 5 mi. above Fishkill Landing, contains 1 church and 30 dwellings. Myers Cor-
ners, Sivartoutville, and RrinkerlioflYille are hamlets. The first settlement is sup-
posed to have been made before 1690. The earliest records, dated in 1697,3 are papers relating to
lands. The town lies within the tract granted to Francis Rumbout and others, Oct. 17, 1685.4 In
colonial times it formed a part of the Rumbout and Fishkill precincts. The first constitutional con-
vention held a session in this town in the fall of 1776. There are 22 churches in town.5
HYDE PARK6— was formed from Clinton, Jan. 26, 1821. It lies upon the Hudson, a little
jr. of the w. border of the co. Its surface is principally a rolling and moderately hilly upland,
terminating on the Hudson in a bluff 180 ft. high. Hog and Lloyds Hills, in the n. part, each
about 500 ft. above the river, are the highest points in town. The principal streams are Crum
Elbow Creek, and Fall Kil, tributaries of the Hudson. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam
underlaid by -late. Hyde Park, (p. v.,) finely situated upon an eminence half a mi. e. of the
river, contains 4 churches, a gristmill, and 692 inhabitants. Staatsburgn (p. o.) is a R. r. station
and hamlet in the x. part of the town ; Union Corners and Hyde Park Landing are
hamlets. Numerous elegant residences, occupying splendid sites, have been erected along the
banks of the river. The first settler is supposed to have been Jacobus Stoughtenburgh, the owner
of one of the nine "water lots;" he came to the town about 1720. Gov. Morgan Lewis formerly re-
sided upon the place now occupied by Hon. J. K. Paulding. The census reports 7 churches in town.7
L, V GRANGE8— was formed from Beekman and Fishkill, as "Freedom," Feb. 9, 1821. Its
name was changed in 1828. A part of Union Vale was taken off in 1827. It is an interior town,
lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling and moderately hilly upland. Sprout
Creek, the principal stream, flows s. through near the center. "Wappingers Creek forms the w.
boundary. The valleys of these creeks are broad and very fertile. The soil is a gravelly loam.
I,a Grangeville, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains 2 gristmills and 14 houses; and Freedom
Plains, (p.v.,) near the center, a church and 14 houses. Spront Creek (p. o.) is a hamlet
in the s. part. Manchester Bridge, (p.o.,) on the w. line, is mostly in Poughkeepsie.
Arthiirshurgh (p.o.) is a hamlet in the s. corner. The first religious society (Friends) was
formed before 1800. There are 2 churches in town; Friends and Prcsb.
.MIIil\' — was firmed from Northeast, March 16, 1818. It lies on the x. border of the co.,
w. i >f the center. Its surface is a hilly upland broken by the deep valleys of the streams. The
declivities are generally gradual slopes, and the hills are arable to their summits. Roeliff Jansens
Kil it --'•- tli>' v. i:. r-ornr-r. The other streams an; small ami are bordered by fertile intervales.
The soil is a clayey, gravelly, and slaty loam. Jacksons Corners, (p.v.,) on Roeliff Jansens
10 annually. Wiccopce, t ml. below Mattea an,
was i '•'• pee Color Miii-i, since changed i the
New y..rk Robber ' I in the manufacture of robber
2 ■ men, and
■ i- per year.
' The Dutchess PHnl ipitalol
employs 800 hands, ind pr da i «ri rth of prlii
Franklin Dale Manor 'g Co., incorp. with a <
.'i.'i'ii, employs 2SO hands, ai i tarns oat£160,l
of printing cloths per annum. Ti ■ Idas, ■ f"i
ooml and numerous mat bine shops. A large
IS burnt bere a few years since, ami has not bo
huilt.
* The Gl-iili nil Woolen C-... inr..rp. with a r.ipilAl of fj
employs 176 hands, and turns i O worth of good an-
nually. It was drat started In 1811.
3 Tli" fir-t mill was elected nt the m roth of Fishkill. some
: ■ i. ,\ ferrj fh wae authorised in 1748,
'The house now occupied by 11 I • Teller and his sisters
nt Uatteawan — one of the first huilt in town— 1 lUc-r
t, a Bou-in-law of Rumbout. II ■ is built about I7lu. Th-
: by 86 ft., the si k i and i I with
cedAT shingles. It was often filled with "fficers and eoldiers
TOO,
per
ii.il
rth
iry,
t'ni
r.--
I
in the Revolution, nnd salt was stored in its cellar for the
army.
5 The first church (Ref. Trot. T).) was formed at Fishkill Vil-
lage early in the last century; hut the preciso dato cannot ho
I lined. TI arlfest church records hear date of Sept. 30,
1727. I!<'V. Dr. De Witt supposed that the church was funniv as
early as 171fi. Th" present edifice was built iii ITMi.in thei 'aco
• >f niii' iiuilt in 1731. 'J'l hi church was used for barracks by
iii- \mi-rican army during the Revolution. A parsonage l"t. held
in common hy tlii-< church and tho one at ht Jfnprwi II" and
DSark, was siil.l I'eh. 17. 1 sin'.. The present churches are
as follows:— Preeb., M. E., Ref. Prot D., and Af. Meth. at Fish-
kill landing; Presb., Prot. E., Prot. Meth., andR. 0. al Mattea-
M. i: . Ref. Prot. l>.. and Prot E.at Grlenham ; M. E., Kef.
Prot l>.. and Prot E. at Fishkill ; M. V... Prot E., and Hap. at
Wappingers Falls; Presb. at BrinkerhoftMlle; M.E. at Carthage
Landing; I'reab. at Hughsonviiie; and Kef. Prot. D. at New
Sackensack.
« Named by T>r. John Bard fr
" Prot K.. M. k.. iiap.. Preeb
I \ med from T,a Fayette's r
• This town is included in the
Partners."
rvde Park, London.
f. I'ii it. I).. K.C.,and Friends,
'lonce in Fiance,
act known as the "Little N'no
'!(
if)
£
*<
v
S
s
s.
o
>
<E
1
U-
'^
^
N
i
DUTCHESS COUNTY. 273
Kil, in the n. e. corner, contains 1 church and 25 houses; Rock City1 (p. v.) a grist and saw mill
and 20 houses; Milanville (Milan p.o.) 12 houses; and L-a Fayette ville (p. v.) 10 houses.
Shookville and Tliornville are hamlets. The first settlements were principally made by
tenants under the original proprietors, about 1700,'- and a large share of the land is still held by
leasehold tenure. The first church (M. E.) was formed about 1790. The census reports 4 churches.'
■i
NORTHEAST4— was formed as a town, March 7, 1788. Milan was taken off in 1818, and
Pine Plains in 1823. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. A tongue of land 1J mi. wide, upon
the e. border, extends 4 mi. n. of the remaining part of the town. The surface is a hilly and
broken upland. The Taghkanick Mts., extending along the e. border, are rocky and broken, and are*
1000 to 1200 ft. above tide. The highest point in the valley w. of the mountains, forming the sum-
mit level of the N. Y. & H. R. R., is 771 feet above tide. Ten Mile River, the principal stream,
flows s. through nearly the whole length of the town. Chekomiko Creek flows n. through the w.
part. Indian Pond, on the e. line, Round Pond, on the s. line, and Ruds Pond are the principal
bodies of water. The valleys have generally a gravelly and clayey soil, but the hills in many
places are rocky and fit only for pasturage. An extensive bed of iron ore has been opened 1 mi.
n. e. of Millerton, near the Conn, line.6 Northeast Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches and
20 houses; Millerton, (Northeast Station p.o.,6) a r. r. station, 1 church and 27 houses; and
Spencers Corners (Northeast p.o.) a church and 12 houses. Coleman Station is in
the s. part. Federal Store and Oblong' are p. offices. The pioneer settlers were mostly from
Conn., and located here from 1725 to 1730.T The first religious services were held by Moravian
missionaries, at an Indian mission house at the n. end of Indian Lake.8 There are 4 churches in
town.9
PAWLIJfG" — was formed as a town, March 7, 1788. Dover was taken off in 1807. It is the
s. E. corner town in the co. A high range of hills extends along the e. border, and another occupies
the w. part. A fine, broad valley occupies the central portions and separates the two highland
regions.11 Swamp and Croton Rivers take their rise in the valley, the former flowing n. and the
latter s. Whaleys and Little Ponds — the sources of the Fishkill — lie near the w. border, and Ob-
long Pond lies in the n. e. part. The ridge of limestone from which marble is quarried extends
into the n. part from Dover. The soil is a slaty and gravelly loam. Large quantities of milk are
daily sent to the New York market. Pawling, (p. v.,) a station on the II. & N. Y. R. R., con-
tains a bank, 2 churches, and 25 houses. Campbellville, (p. v.,) in the n. part, contains 14
houses. Quaker Hill (p.o.) and Farmers Hill (p.o.) are hamlets. Settlements are sup-
posed to have commenced at Quaker Hill between 1720 and 1730, by Friends from N. J., who
organized the first religious society soon after their arrival.12 There are 3 churches in town; M. E.,
Bap., and Friends.
PINE PL.AINS13— was formed from Northeast, March 26, 1823. It lies on the n. border
of the co., e. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, the ridges being separated by broad
valleys. The highest summit is Stissing Mt., in the w. part, 400 to 500 feet above the valleys.
Its declivities are steep, and it is crowned with a mass of naked rock. Roeliff Jansens Kil crosses
the N. w. corner, and the Shekomeko or Cheecomico flows N. through near the center. Thompsons,
Stissing, and Mud Ponds lie at the e. foot of Stissing Mt., and Buttermilk Pond and several smaller
ones are in the s. part. The soil is generally a productive, gravelly loam. Marl is found in several
1 Naraod from the rock which crops out in the adjacent hills
and along the streams.
* In 1760, Johannes Rowe bought of Robert Livingston 911
acres a little N. of La Fayetteville, and located upon it. Among
the other early settlers we find the names of Clark, Stewart,
Simons, and Herrick, a part of whom were from Conn.
8 2 M. E., and 1 each Christian and Union.
* Named from its geographical position in the co. Northeast
Precinct was formed from the North Preciuct, Dec. 16, 1746, and
embraced the Little or Upper Nine Partners Tract. The North
Precinct was extended across the Oblong Tract to the Conn, line,
Dec. 17, 1743.
6 The Dakin ore bed was opened in 1846 by the proprietor,
who erected a furnace in the vicinity and run it until 1856.
The mine is at the foot of the Taghkanick Mt., where it makes
a bend into Coun., and about 1£ mi. above the Salisbury (Conn.)
mines. From 8000 to 10,000 tons of ore are taken out annually,
and are mostly sent by R. R. to Hudson. Benedict's Furnace, 1
mi. N. w. of Millerton, makes 5 tons of pig iron daily, principally
from Salisbury ore. A cupola furnace has also been erected
here, and the manufacture of car wheels commenced. A slate
company was incorp. in this town in 1812.
6 Large quantities of milk are daily sent to the N. Y. market.
I Baltus Lott and Adam Showernian first settled in the 8. part
of the town. Barzillai Rudd, Elder Dakin, and Spencer
were also early settlers.
8 The remains of this old mission house are still visible on the
farm of Douglas Clark.
» 2 M. E., Bap., and Cong.
10 Pawling Precinct was formed from Beekman Precinct, Dec.
31, 1768.
II Mt. Tom, a prominent peak £ mi. w. of Pawling Station, is
about 300 feet above the valley.
12 The Friends meeting house on Quaker Hill was used as a
hospital during the Revolution, and a considerable number of
soldierB were buried in the vicinity. A body of troops were
stationed here for some time; and Gen. Washington spent a
short time here in 1778.
18 This town formed a portion of the " Little Nine Partners"
tract. Many of the farms are still owned by the heirs of the
original proprietors, and are leased to the occupants. All efforts
to convert the leasehold tenure into a freehold have proved
unsuccessful.
18
274
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
localities.1 Pine Plains, (p-v.,) near the center of the town, contains a bank and 3 churches.
Pop. 382. Ilamniertown contains an extensive scythe factory and a dozen houses.2 Pul-
vers Corner (p.o.) and Mount ROSS are hamlets. The first settlements were probably
made about 1740.3 A Moravian mission was established among the Indians at Shekomeko, 2 mi.
s. of Pine Plains, in Sept. 1740.* There are 5 churches in town.5
PL.EAS-4.XT VALiUEY — was formed from Clinton, Jan. 26, 1821. It is an interior town,
lying w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling and hilly upland. Barnes and Dennis
Hills, in the >\ w., are the highest points. Wappingers Creek flows s. w. through near the center;
. Sprout Creek takes its rise in a pond in the s. w. part. Slate crops out along the hills, and a vein
of marble has lately been discovered. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam. Pleasant Val-
ley, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, was incorp. April 15, 1814; it contains a cotton factory6 and 4
churches. Pop. 500.' Salt Point, (p. v.,) on Wappingers Creek, contains a grist and plaster
mill and 17 houses. Washington Hollow, (p. v.,) on the line of Washington, contains a
church, cotton factory,8 and 1G houses. < rum Elbow is a p. o. The first church (Presb.)
was formed in 1765 ; Rev. Wheeler Case, the first pastor, was installed Nov. 12 of the same year.
There are 5 churches in town.9
POEGIIKEEPSIE10— was formed as a town March 7, 1788. The city of Poughkeepsie was
taken off March 28, 1854. It lies upon the Hudson, s. of the center of the co. Its surface is
mostly a rolling upland. Wappingers Creek, forming the e. boundary, and Fall Kil, flowing s.
through Poughkeepsie City, each furnish a considerable amount of water power. The soil is
clayey in the vr. and a sandy and gravelly loam in the remaining parts. IVew Hamburgh,
(p. v.,) on the Hudson, in the extreme s. angle, contains 2 churches. It is a R. R. station, and is
connected by a ferry with Marlborough, Orange co. Pop. 339. Channing'Yiile, opposite Wap-
pingers Falls, contains a gristmill, 2 churches, and 50houses. Manchester, (Manchester Bridge
p. o.,) on the line of La Grange, contains about a dozen houses.11 Rochdale, in the n. e. corner,
contains 2 cotton factories and 15 houses. Locust Glen is a p. o. The first settlements were
made by the Dutch, about 1700.12 There are 4 churches in town; 2 M. E., Presb., and R. C.
POUGHKEEPSIE CITY— was formed from Pough-
keepsie, and incorp. as a village March 27, 1799, and as a city
March 28, 1854. It is situated upon the Hudson, a little s. of the
center of the w. border of the co. The ground gradually rises
from the river to a table land, 150 to 200 ft. high, upon which
most of the city is built, and about 1 mi. back into a hill 500 ft.
high.13 Fall Kil, a small stream, flows in a tortuous channel
through the city, affording a limited amount of water power.
The city is finely laid out on the bluff overlooking the Hudson;
and, besides the co. buildings, it contains 4 banks, 1 savings'
bank, 18 churches, and many other fine public and private
buildings. Its location gives to the city commercial advantages
which arc fully improved. During the summer daily lines of steamers run to New York and to
I T'pnn draining Ibflg Pond. 1 i mi. -'. r. of F'iiw Plain- Village,
a very d—-p bed ■■( marl, covering 0 or 8 iicres, was found. Marl
u« alao bond in Buttermilk !'• n I.
' Ham- ■■ give* employment to 50 hands, and
torn "lit about 'J""1 ■• r umam.
• In 1740. ■' ifan H M i ' i-rnmn, lived on a lull ?». r.. from She-
komeko. J. .tn. -1 Qraham, <'. W. Bute, Ebr.
Dibble, and ■ - ttlera.
« Tin- roi--i in ru commenced in Sept. 1740, by Henry B
and on the KM Of Feb. 17 4.:, th« first .'. Indian were
bapti/' i Before tbeendofUi . mora wan conn
and a place of worship VII Thi» little community had
not ItWWIM fully fettled before its quiet wan dlMiirl>H by the
intni«ion of an armed blM DJOdeT tile OrdeH of the sheriff, at
the i mt mil bigoted neighbors: and. al-
though neither urnn DOC any thing ■ i nnd that could
nstroed into hostile deaigns against the Government, the
mlanfonarl laedand brought before the Governor and
OoSDOfl at New York, tin ' I Dg in the inter
the French and of endeavoring to seduce the Indian" from their
alliance with the F.nglish. Upon refusing to take the oath of
allegiance, they were reprimanded and dt«--harged. Their ene-
mies, well knowing their OOHacJanttoOl KrnpUM in regard to
oaths. In 17+4 obtained the pa*«*ge of an act •• f.r "during his
majesty's government in New York." by which an oath of alle-
giance waa made obligatory. Rather than do violence to Heir
consciences, the missionaries removed to Bethlehem, Penn,
foil, .wed by several of their Indian converts. The mission was
visited by Connl Zinzendorf and Bishop David Nitschman soon
aft. r its location in this town. During the last 2 years, 62 native
Convert! were baptized and admitted to the church. Gottlieb
Buettner. one of the missionaries, died in Feb. 1745. at this
p la. -.—II rl; welder's Hist. Morav. Missions, 20 ; Doc. Hist. jV. J'.,
111. 1014; Davis's Shekomeko, p. 29.
■'• Bap., M. V... Presb., Prnt. E., and Friends.
'This factory was lmilt in 1815, by John Gibbons. It con-
tains B0 1< is. and gives employment to 75 hands.
" The charter of this village is a dead letter, as no election has
taken place itl lu years. The village records are lost.
8 Hi Is factory gives employment to about 40 hands.
• 2 M. K.. Friends, Prof. E., and Presb.
10 Ponghkeepsle Precinct was formed Dec. 16, 1737. In early
documents the name is spelled in a variety of ways, as '• Picipsi"
and " l^kipsi." The original name is said to have been Apo-
keep-sink, signifying "plejisant harbor."
11 A cotton factory was formerly in operation here. In 1849 it
was changes! to a paper mill, which was run until 1857.
12 Near the B. line of the city is a house built before the Revo-
lution and formerly owned by Philip Livingston. It still bears
tie' marks of balls fired by the British. The dwelling of Gov.
Geo. Clinton. Mill standing, 6 mi. below the city, is now owned
by Philip B. Van Hensselacr. Prof. B. F. B. Morse, the Inventor
.f the electric telegraph, resides 2 mi. s. of the city.
" About 1 mi. X. of this hill is another of about the same ele-
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
275
Albany, and a considerable trade is carried on by barges and boats. The daily line of steamers
between New York and Albany touches here. A steam ferry connects the city with New Paltz
Landing. The manufactures are extensive and various. Tiny consist chiefly of pig iron, car-
riages, carpets, pins, chairs, drugs, files, sewing silk, and ale.1
The City Hall is a plain brick building, situated on Main St., a little w. of the courthouse.
The Public Schools are under the charge of a board of education, consisting of 12 members,
of whom 3 are elected annually. The schools are 6 in number, and employ 23 teachers, — 3 males
and 20 females. In 1857 the number of children between 4 and 21 was 4329, of whom 1900 (or 44
per cent.) were in attendance at school during some portion of the year. The total expenses of the
schools were $8444 13. The number of volumes in the district libraries was 4083.
The Dutchess Co. Academy occupies a large 3 story brick building on Hamilton St.2
The Poughkeepsie Female Seminary, situated on Cannon St., was founded by a stock co., at a
cost of $15,000.
The Poughkeepsie Collegiate School is situated on a hill % of a mi. e. of the city. A lot of 80
acres is connected with the institution, and the building and grounds are valued at $75,000.3
The Mansion Square Female Institute is a private institution, corner of Mansion and Catharine
Sts. It has 9 teachers and 80 pupils.
The Poughkeepsie Female Collegiate Institute, a private institution, is situated at the corner of Mill
and Catharine Sts. It occupies a 3 story brick building, and has an average of 4 teachers and 100 pupils.
The Cottage Hill Seminary, a private institution for young ladies, is located on a beautiful site
upon Garden St. It is under the charge of a principal, assisted by 12 teachers and lecturers. A
library of 2000 volumes is connected with it, and the number of pupils is limited to 50.
The Law School, incorp. in 1851, and first located at Ballston Spa, w^s removed to this city in
1853, and its sessions are still held here. A Young Men's Association has been established, for
the purpose of furnishing winter lectures.
The Poughkeepsie Lyceum of Literature, Science, and Art was incorp. April 6, 1838.
The Poughkeepsie Orphan Asylum and Home of the Friendless, having for its object the care of
orphans and destitute children, was organized June 21, 1847. Besides these, there is & Rural Ceme-
tery Association* a well organized Fire Department, and an Aqueduct Association. Population of the
city, 12,763.5
The first settlement was begun in 1690 and 1700. Baltus Van Kleeck built the first house within
the present limits of the city, in 1702, on land now owned by Matthew Vassar, near the Cong.
Church.6 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed about 1700. Rev. Cornelius Van Sohie was
installed pastor of this church and the one at Fishkill in 1727. 7
The Van Kleeck House, a substantial stone building, was used for purposes of defence, and just
under the eaves the walls were pierced with loop-holes for musketry. This building was after-
ward the meeting place of the inhabitants to consult upon the public welfare when the Boston
Port Bill and kindred measures awakened a spirit of resistance through the country. There the
Committee of Correspondence of Dutchess held their meetings ; and there the pledge to sustain the
Continental Congress and the Provincial Assembly was signed by the inhabitants of Poughkeepsie
in June and July, 1775.
vation. Many beautiful and costly dwellings are built upon
these table lands about the city, affording a fine view of the city
and valley. The eye here has an uninterrupted range of view
over '2500 sq. mi. of country.
1 The Poughkeepsie Iron Works were established in 1S4S, with
a capital of $200,000 ; 75 hands are employed, and 10,000 to 11,000
tons of pig iron are manufactured per annum. The ores used are
the hematite from Fishkill, and the magnetic ore from Essex
co. The Poughkeepsie Carriage Manufactory, with a capital of
$35,000, employs 00 hands, and turns out $90,000 to $100,000
worth of carriages per annum, which are chiefly sold in the
Southern markets. Pelton's Carpet Factory, with a capital of
$60,000, employs 60 to 70 hands, and produces 60,000 to 65.000 yds.
of carpeting per year. A piu factory, in the same building, em-
ploys 15 hands. The Poughkeepsie Chair Manufactory employs
300 hands, and produces $60,000 worth of chairs per year, which
are mostly sent to South America. An establishment for the
preparation of dye stuffs and drugs employs 30 hands, and manu-
factures $200,000 worth of goods annually. A file factory, started
in 1856, employs 12 men; and a sewing silk factory, started in
1858, employs 15 to 20 hands. M. Vassar & Co.'s Brewery and
Malt Works, commenced in 1795, has a capital of $150,000, em-
ploys 50 men, and manufactures 30,000 bbls. of ale per year.
s This building was erected in 1836, at a cost of $14,000.
3 The building of this institution is of wood, modeled after the
Parthenon. It was organized under the charge of Chas. Bart-
lett, N. P.Tallmage, and Cunningham. See p. 750.
4 The Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery consists of 54 acres, situ
ated in the town of Poughkeepsie, a short distance below the
city, between the Highland Turnpike and the Hudson.
6 The population of the town of Poughkeepsie (including the
city recently organized) at different periods has been as fol-
lows :-
1790 2,529
1800 3.246
1810 4,669
1814.
1820.,
1825.
.5,673
.5,726
.5.935
1S30 7,222 I 1845 11,791
1835 8,529 1860 13.944
1840 10.006 I 1855 15.873
6 Among the early settlers were Dutch families named Van
De Bogart, Van Benschoten, Van De Bergh. Van Wagener, De
Graff, Le Boy, Parmentier, Messier, Ostrom, Hogeboom, Filkins,
Swartwout, Frear, Hegeman, and Livingston. The first house
stood until 1835. It was built of stone, and was furnished with
loopholes for the use of musketry. During the Revolution tho
colonial legislature held several sessions in it.
7 In 1758, the controversy between the Cetus and Conference
parties distracted this church, and led to its division in 1 768
The former of these parties wished to sever their connection from
the Classis at Amsterdam and become independent, and the
latter wished to still preserve their connection with the mother
church. The controversy divided nearly all the Ref. Prot. D.
churches in America, and it was not entirely settled until about
1790, when a reconciliation took place. There are now 18 churches
in the city; 4 M. E.. 2 Ref. Prot. D., 2 Prot. E., (Christ's and St.
John's.) 2 Bap., and Cong.. Preen.. Univ., Ger. Luth., Af. Meth.,
Friends, R. C, and Jewish.
276
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
As soon as the alarm occasioned by the invasion of Sir Henry Clinton (in 1777) had subsided,
Gov. Clinton called a meeting of the Legislature at Poughkeepsie. It assembled at the Yan Kleeck
House early in Jan. 1778. Various acts to complete the organization of the State Government
were passed ; provisions were made for strengthening the civil and military powers of the State ;
and it was during that session that the State gave its assent to the Articles of Confederation, the
"organic law of the Federal Union until our present Constitution was formed and adopted.
The State Convention to consider the Federal Constitution assembled at the Van Kleeck House on
June 17, 1788. There were 57 delegates present, and Gov. George Clinton was chosen President
of the Convention. In that assembly were some of the most distinguished men of the Revolution,
and the debates were of the most interesting character. In no State in the Union was hostility to
the Federal Constitution more extensive and violent than in the State of New York. Forty-six of
the 57 delegates, including the governor, were Anti-Federalists, or opposed to the Constitution.
The principal advocates of the instrument were John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and Robert
Livingston. Mr. Hamilton had been a leading member of the National Convention that framed
the Constitution, and also one of the principal writers of The Federalist. He felt the responsibility
of his situation, and the Convention readily acknowledged the value of his judgment. He was per-
fectly familiar with every topic included in the wide range which the debates embraced, and he
was nobly sustained by his colleagues Jay and Livingston. The hostile feelings of many of the
Anti-Federalists gradually yielded, and on the 26th of July the final question of ratification was
tied in the affirmative by a majority of 3 votes.
Huddlestone, the famous spy, who was captured upon "Wild Boar Hill, near Yonkers, West-
chester co., was tried, condemned, and hung in Poughkeepsie in April, 1780. The place of his
execution was upon a verge of the plain on which the town stands known as Forbuses Hill. He
was accompanied to the scaffold by the co. officers and a small guard of militia enrolled for the
purpose.1
REDHOOK.2 — was formed from Rhinebeck, June 2, 1812. It lies upon the Hudson, in the
n. w. corner of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland, terminating on the Hudson in a series of
bluffs 100 to 150 ft. high. The e. part is hilly. Prospect Hill is a prominent peak a little s. of
Upper Redhook Village. The streams are the Saw Kil and White Clay Kil. The valleys
of the streams are broad and their banks low. Long Pond, in the e. part, forms the source of the
Saw Kil. The soil along the river is a clay loam, and in the remaining parts a sandy, gravelly, or
slaty loam, ltedhook, (p. v.,) near the center, contains a cigar and tobacco manufactory, a
female orphan asylum," and 3 churches. Pop. 625. Tivoli,4 (p. v.,) in the x. w. part, is a steam-
boat landing and a R. r. station. A large forwarding business is carried on here. It is adja-
cent to Myersville, the two places forming a continuous village. They contain 5 churches and
about 600 inhabitants. Barrytown (p. v.) is a r. r. station, 6 mi. below Tivoli. It contains 1
church, and is a place of considerable trade. Pop. 250. Upper RedliooK, (p-v.,) in the n. e.
ntiiins 1 church and 175 inhabitants. Cedar Hill, on the Saw Kil, contains 1 church, a
carpet yarn manuiactory, a flouring mill,5 and 175 inhabitants. The first settlements were made
between 1713 and 1727, by the Dutch. There are 11 churches in town.6 Along the river are
nuniiT'iu- elegant country Beats. The old residence of Gen. John Armstrong is now owned by his
son-in-law, William B. Astor. The former estate of Oni. Montgomery is now occupied by Mrs.
Edward Livingston.'
Itll I \ i:iti:< K — was formed as a town, Man-h 7, 1788. Redhook was taken off in 1812.
It lies iq-'n the Soda n, V. W. of the center of the co. It^ surface is a rolling and moderately
hilly upland, terminating on the river in Muffs 100 to 150 ft. high. Landmans Creek, the principal
stream, flows p. w. through Deal the center. Rhinebeck Kil is its tributary. Lake Sepasco is a
small body of water in the V.I. corner. The soil is principally a fine quality of sandy loam.
t ]: . •'■ II - k. Trndi- I the
nam* of tb« town to a marsh Df-ar Tit ■ I «iih ripe
oranlierrifd wh"ii fir*'
' v Mr«. William B. '
t|\ le. A f- n pl.T-c wi>:
Kor • t<-l to 1866,
ML r... Lntli.. ]'■■ ' Ddent; the
laft i* ilic Fylvanian Chapel at Barrytown, owned by Robert
Donated.
"«\m<T.f; tti<> early settlers were families nam<-d Ilaencrs. Bho-
Mdt, Uppartia. Hageidora, Wiaderwax, Trmara, Btaata, Melt
tun, Bcrmar, Woldorf, Near, Pro«cus,aud others, mostly from
Germany. They first settled near Barrytown and Tivoli. The
first marriage on record is that of Adam Shaffer and Maria
8choett, July 31, 1746. Tho first baptism on the church record
Is that of Catherine Woldorf, April 23, 1734.
8 Khinebeck Precinct, as formed Bee. 16, 1737, included the
landl purchased of the Widow l'auldini; and her children hy Br.
Sam'l Staats ; all the land granted to Adrian, Roosa, and Cotbe;
land patented by Col. Henry Beekman. .tune 5, 17(13; and the
land granted to Col. Peter Schuyler, called the Magdalen Island
Purchase. The name is derived from tho first settlers, who were
from m-ar the Rhine, in Germany, and Beekman, an original
proprietor.
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
Rbinebeck, (p-v.,) near the center of the town, was incorp. April 23, 1834. It contains a
bank, paper mill, 2 newspaper offices, a private academy,1 and 5 churches. Pop. 1051. Rbine-
beck Station, (p. v.,) on the Hudson, contains a paper mill and 18 houses. A steam ferry
connects the place with Rondout, Ulster co. Monterey,2 near the x. border, contains a church
and 10 houses. The first settlement was made some time before 1700, but the precise date cannot
be determined. The first family that came in was that of Win. Beekman, the original proprietor.3
His homestead (known as the Beekman House, built on a high point above Rhinebeck Station) is Btill
standing.* The first religious services are said to have been held in this house. The first church
(Ref. Prot. D.) was formed May 23, 1724, at the present village of Monterey.5 The Lutheran
church at Monterey was formed in 1730.6 There are G churches in town.7
STANFORD8 — was formed from Washington, March 12, 1793. It is an interior town, lying
N. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a broken and hilly upland. The hills are generally
rounded, and admit of cultivation to their summits. Slate crops out in numerous places along their
declivities, and bowlders and water-worn pebbles are thickly strewn over a considerable portion
of the surface. The highest point is Carpenter Hill, in the n. e. corner. Wappingers Creek, flowing
s. w. through near the center, is the principal stream. Hunns Lake,9 in the n. e., and Uptons Pond,
in the s. w., are the principal bodies of water. The soil is a good quality of gravelly and slaty loam.
A considerable quantity of milk is sent daily to New York by the Harlem R. R. Ktanfbrd-
ville, (p. v.,) near the center of the town, contains a gristmill, carriage axle factory, paper mill,
3 churches, and 35 dwellings. Hail get 11, (p. v.,) on AYappingers Creek, contains 2 gristmills, 2
sawmills, a foundry, 2 churches, and 30 dwellings. Attlebury, (p.o.,) Stissingville, and
Old Attlebury10 are hamlets. Smith Thompson, U. S. Circuit Judge, was a native and resident
of this town. There are 5 churches in town.11
UlVIOUir VALdE12 — was formed from Beekman and "Freedom," (now La Grange,) March 1,
1827. It is an interior town, lying s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly and broken
upland divided into two parts by a broad valley which extends n. and s. through the center.
Slate crops out upon the summits and the declivities of the hills. The Clove Kil, a tributary
of Fishkill Creek, flows s. w. through near the center. The soil is a gravelly and slaty loam. An
iron mine near Clove p.o. supplies the Beekman Furnace, 2 mi. farther s. Yerbank, (p-v.,) in
the n. w. corner, contains 2 gristmills, a paper mill, church, and a dozen dwellings. Oswego
Village, (p.o.,) near the w. border, contains a church and 10 dwellings. Clove, (p.o.,) near
the center, contains 2 churches and about a dozen dwellings. Crouse Store, in the s. part,
Mansfield, in the n. e. corner, and Pleasant Ridge, in the s. e. corner, are p. offices.
Henricus Beekman, the patentee, conveyed 1,000 acres to his son Henry in 1716, and settlement it>
supposed to have commenced soon after. There are 4 churches in town.13
WASHINGTON14— was formed March 7, 1788. Stanford was taken off in 1793. It is an
interior town, lying near the center of the co. The surface is a rolling and hilly upland. Slate
crops out on the hills, and water-worn pebbles are thickly strewn over a small portion of the sur-
face. The principal elevations are Muckle Hill, near the center, Molly Mt., in the n. w. corner,
Plymouth Hill, in the s. e. corner, and Canoe Hill, near the n. line. The streams are small creeks
and brooks. Round and Shaw Ponds, in the n. part, form the sources of Wappingers Creek. A
large quantity of milk is sent from the e. part to N. Y. by the Harlem R. R. The raising of blooded
stock receives considerable attention.15 Harts Village, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 2 grist-
mills, 2 sawmills, a spoke factory, and 28 dwellings.16 Mabbettsville,17 (p.o.,) 2 mi. e. of Harts
1 The Rhinebeck Academy was formerly incorp., but is now a
private institution. It employs 2 teachers, and has an average
of 100 pupils.
2 Named by Geo. Pink, who was appointed first postmaster
in 1849. The p. o. has since been discontinued.
8 Wm. Beekman came from Germany with his son, Henricus,
in May, 1647 ; and with them came a number of poor families,
who afterward settled in this town. Among the first families
were those named Sipperly, Kipp, Pink, Schmidt, Shoptown,
Backman, and Elseffer.
* This house was built of stone, and was used as a fortress in
early times. The brick used in the chimneys were brought
from Holland. It is now owned by A. J. Hermance, Esq.
6 About 1800 this church divided, by mutual consent of the
members; one branch located at Rhinebeck and the other at
Redhook. The first baptism on record is that of John Schmidt,
April 5, 1730.
* Fred. Henry Quitman — father of Gen. Quitman, of the Mexi-
can War — was for several years pastor of this church. He was
born in the Duchy of Cleves, Westphalia, in 1760, and died in 1832.
I Ref. Prot. D., Luth., Prot. E., M. E., and Bap. at Rhino-
beck, and Lutb. at Monterey.
8 This to\vn was included in the Great Nine Partners Tract.
9 Formerly Thompsons Pond.
10 An immense spring of pure cold water near this place has
considerable local notoriety.
II Orthodox Friends. Hicksite Friends, Christian, Bap., and
M. E.
12 This town constitutes a portion of the Beekman Purchase.
13 2 M. E., Friends, and Christian.
14 This town is mostly comprised within the Great Nine Part-
ners Tract.
16 Saml. Thorn, of Thorndale, 1 mi. w. of Four Corners, is ex-
tensively engaged in raising the short horn Durham cattle.
His herd of 70 head, valued at $70,000, is the most valuable ono
in America.
16 A mill was built at this place about 1760, and is supposed to
have been the first in town.
1J Named from J as. Mabbett, a former proprietor.
278
DUTCHESS COUNTY.
Village, contains 12 dwellings, Litligow, (p.o.,) near the e. line, 2 churches and 10 dwellings,
Mechanic, (Washington p.o.,) 2 mi. s. of Harts Village, a boarding school,1 2 churches, and
15 dwellings, and Uttle Rest, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, 2 gristmills and 15 dwellings. Four
Corners is a hamlet. Washington Hollow (p. v.) is on the line of Pleasant Valley.
There are 4 churches in town.2
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Dutchess County.
Names of Tow>-s.
Acres of Land.
i
§
c
1
i
Amenia.
Beekman
Clinton
Dover
Ka.»t HafakUl
Fi-hkill
Hyde Park
La Grange
Milan
Northeast
Pawling
Pint- Plaint
Pleasant Valley
Poughkeepsie.
Poughkeepsie City
Redhook ...
Rhinebeck
Stanford
Union Vale
Wa*hington
Total
17,709
13.003
19.035
17^82
22.511
25.072
17,090
22.52-1
• "
' ■ ■ i
-
14J235
17.4/.41
16,8101
1476J
19,423
17 -:.
-■■■■•:
12.0001
31,671
366,359]
6,859
4.227
4.4-0
i
7.4..:.
4,-ln
5.410
3.153
5.049
6,1931
9.773J
3,941
2.594
5,118
35
2,725
4.379
5.514
2.8751
4.977
Valuation of 1858.
3
$1,113,550
544.432
511.195
'.■i i'J .455
876.426
2.164,463
1,321.925
9402209
472.307
770,020
602,993
612.68'
626.970
1,179,940
2577,940
1.913.974
1,853.905
1,013.721
436.572
1.134.555
9S.104llh21.170.239
1!
K ^
fe£
6.6,
$274,760
177,550
206,830
206,713
367.307
1.265.057
340.600
247.020
128.576
126.400
271,950
179.305
157,200
333.350
1.925.2-2
409,500
504,603
237,479
70.530
271,500
7.701.502
3
jl.3-s.3no
721.982
718,0251
1,109,168
1,243,733!
3,429,520;
600.883!
896,4201
874,943
791,992
784.170
1,513,290
4,103,222
2,323,474
2.358,508
L251.200
507,102
1,406,055
Population.
S
1,080
678
940
971
1.2*9
4.244
1,219
904
812
875
895
754
915
1,549
5,936
1,895
1,527
1,107
727
1,321
28,871,741 29.638 30,997
1.119
701
900
954
1.330
4,520
1,261
948
818
882
897
699
938
1,561
6,827
1,855
1.538
1,094
736
1,419
376
242
343
2S9
462
1.205
415
328
203
291
324
275
374
502
1,706
604
525
403
255
4S3
9.705
409
269
390
282
495
1,602
207
360
330
336
361
272
269
495
2,430
701
611
440
300
510
10,081
250
169
282
161
239
568
238
235
231
193
2so
150
362
256
933
292
335
301
204
305
Schools.
5.0-4 214
21,446
Names of Towns.
Amenia
Beekman
Clirit.in
i' rex
-t.kill
Fishkill
l.irk
La Orange
Milan
Nortbeatt
Pawling
PfaM Plaint
Plmauit Vall-r
I
I
• it
RhhrtfrtrE
PUnfr.rd
i
Lite Stock.
I
420
317
658
283
599
1,059
042
606
455
I
407
n
BOO
-? = *
* e i
= ;-:
Lin
l.m
905
12283
1.7:.:
1.201
824
gog
B68
1.002
1.2' -
711
698
607
48
906
S80
1.592
796
1,359
1,285
1,681
1.646
1.366
1,166
873
l.l.-.i
1,479
■:■
1.067
a 1
1.1.:
1,680
1,870
«
4,547
2,1 -7
2.0*5
1,480
2.73-
911
3.418
4,918
7 197
2.1 12
:i.M
2,141
12.11-'.
<5
1,666
1,563
3.103
1.270
2^806
2,671
2.171
2,118
2.:;oo
2.077
1 269
2.117
L896
1.102
Agricultural Products.
Bush. OP Gbatk.
4.619
9.597
24.747
2.050
13.694
19.718
16,535
23.0SS
21. In:,
I
3,0611
ll."l T
21^487
11.1-::
i7,i :
25,614
T -.
Total _•:: ..I > ■ ■■-,
63.812
49,042
73,791
30.077
75,237
104,357
4*.oo3j
73^8181
48,244,
74,939
30.14G1
|.',.i i-J
4,672
121.898J
•s.
1
3 O
ma.
5,109
14.710
3.422
7,530
3,324
9.715
4,464
9.632
5,770
12.31*
7,003
6.779
3,867
6,703
4.242
6.129
3.049
11,486
."..475
18^73
5.210
18,099
2.309
L1,00B
8,7201
6.942
8,610
4.072
354
1.:,::.
5,729
10,742
6,098]
9,699
14,608
3,146|
0.4*1
2".:':;1*
V.
la
15.435
6,868
6.1*4
4. 431
6,990
3.227
11.147
6,156
7,716
::i. 511
7.000
6.319
1.137
330
14.837
13.257
21. -Os
11,392
80,821
205,498 216,698
Daiey Products.
6.=)
S5.i 55
56.565
122.844
55.951
150.087
105.548
93.550
89.460
90.916
iVJ.-'J5
89.460
39.990
106,785
■1-.05*
1.350
67,900
75,065
120.019
15.',..'..-,;;
6.C
9,860
5.497
636
3,840
864
200
720
100
1,782
8.250
950
5,188
600
8.116
1.767
5,744
6>.£
105
183
328
140
139
48
155
5061
106
149
787J
188
241
122
l.i -1.505 51 no 3.103
1 The Vin<> P»rtnT« Boarding - irai founded ut ttii-
plare hi 11 ' ' • A firm r.f 1 ■ ,n
acre* it attached to it. and it ha* a twh endowment of 110,000.
I* i« derated to the educa' nda In indi-
gent rirnimstances, and for many years it has had an average
attendance "f 100 popfls.
sAn Orthodox and a Nickalte Friends at Mechanic, and a
M. B. and Prot. E. at Litbgow.
ERIE COUNTY.
This county was formed from Niagara, April 2, 1821. It lies upon
Lake Erie and Niagara River, on the w. line of the State, is cen-
trally distant 253 mi. from Albany, and contains 1,071 sq. mi. Its
surface is level in the n., rolling in the center, and hilly in the s.
A region perfectly flat, and much of it marshy, lies along Tona-
wanda Creek, and occupies the greater part of the n. tier of towns.
This low region is bounded on the s. by a limestone terrace, 20 to
60 ft. high, extending from Black Rock e. through the s. part of
Amherst, Clarence, and Newstead. A nearly level region, extend-
ing s. from the summit of this ridge, embraces the city of Buffalo and
the towns of Chicktowaga, Lancaster, and Alden, and terminates in
the rolling region which occupies the entire central part of the co.
The ridges in the center and s. have a general n. and s. direction, and rise gradually toward the s., their
highest summits attaining an elevation of 200 to 300 ft. above the valleys, 900 to 1,000 ft. above Lake
Erie, and 1,400 to 1,600 ft. above tide.1 The highlands are divided into several distinct ridges by
the valleys of Cazenove and Eighteen Mile Creeks. The slopes of the hills are generally long and
gradual ; but in some places the banks immediately bordering upon the streams are very steep.
The land along the lake in the n. is low and level, but in the s. it rises in steep banks to a height
of 20 to 50 ft. Niagara River, the outlet of Lake Erie, forms a portion of the w. boundary of the
co. Its current flows at the rate of 1\ miles per hour. Grand Island, commencing about 5 miles
b«low Buffalo, divides the river into two nearly equal branches. Squaw, Strawberry, Rattlesnake,
Tonawanda, Beaver, and Buckhorn Islands, also in Niagara River, are within the limits of this
co. The river is navigable to the head of the rapids, about 2 mi. above Niagara Falls.
Tonawanda Creek2 forms the n. boundary of the co. It flows in a tortuous course through a
low, marshy region. A dam, \\ ft. high at its mouth, furnishes slack water navigation for the
Erie Canal for about 10 miles. Its principal branches are Murder and Ellicott — or Eleven Mile —
Creeks. Buffalo Creek3 enters the lake at Buffalo City, its estuary forming the harbor. Its
principal tributaries are Cayuga Creek, from the n., and Cazenove Creek,4 from the s. The other
principal streams are Little Buffalo, Eighteen Mile,5 Big Sister, and Cattaraugus Creeks, all
flowing into the lake, and the last forming the s. boundary of the co.
The lowest rocks are those of the Onondaga salt group ; and these are succeeded by the hydraulic,
Onondaga, and corniferous limestones. The central part of the co. is occupied by the Marcellus
and Hamilton shales, and the summits of the southern hills are covered by the rocks of the
Portage group. The rocks of the salt group occupy nearly all the low land below the limestone
terrace. They are covered so deep with drift and alluvium, however, that they have but little
influence upon the surface, and can never be profitably quarried for commercial purposes. Hy-
draulic limestone of an excellent quality crops out along the n. base of the limestone terrace, and
is extensively quarried. The terrace is composed of Onondaga and corniferous limestone ; and
along its whole extent are numerous quarries, furnishing an abundance of lime and building stone
of excellent quality. Numerous sulphur springs are found near the n. base of the terrace. The
shales of the central and southern parts of the co. are generally covered with a thick deposit of
drift, and are only visible along the margin of the streams. These rocks furnish an inferior kind
of building stone, but are not otherwise valuable.
The soil in the n. is generally a stiff, clay loam interspersed with beds of marl and muck ; further
s. it is a clay and gravelly loam resting upon limestone. The southern hills are covered with
1 The following heights have been obtained from the surveys
of the proposed Buffalo k Pittsburgh R. R. :—
South Wales, 507 ft. above Lake Erie.
Holland Village, 699 ft. " "
Sardinia (summit), 891 ft. " "
Concord ( " ), 920ft." "
The hills generally rise to about 200 feet above the grade of
the R. R.
2 Seneca, Ta-no'wan-deh, meaning, " at the rapids or ripples,"
or perhaps more nearly literally, " at his rapids."
3 On a map made in 1804 by Joseph Ellicott. agent of the
Hellaud Land Company, this stream is laid down ps "Tos-e-o-
way" Creek. In an ancient Indian treaty it is called "Te-ho-se
ro-ron."
* Named from Theophilus Cazenove, agent for the Holland
Land Company.
& The Seneca name is "Gaah givahge-gH-aah," literally, "it was
the residence of the Gaah-gwah people." Leaving off the suffix
for the past tense, the name is " Gaah-gwah-ggh," literally,
" Gaah-gwah" place or residence. The Gaah-gwah Indians, or
Eries, who formerly resided in this region, are supposed to be
the Neuter Nation spoken of by early French writers and some-
times called Cat Indians. The remnant of them now living
beyond the Mississippi are called Uuawpaws.
279
280 E R I E C O U N T Y.
drift, consisting of clay and gravel. The soil of the valleys is generally a gravelly loam and
alluvium.
The principal pursuits in the n. are grain raising, and in the s. stock and wool growing and
dairying. The hilly regions are much better adapted to pasturage than tillage. The people of
Buffalo and Tonawanda are mostly engaged in commerce and manufactures.1
Buffalo is the county seat.2 The courthouse, situated on the corner of Clinton and Ellicott Sts ,
is B substantial brick building, containing the court and jury rooms, the office of the co. clerk,
and most of the other co. offices.3 The jail is a small stone building on the same lot. The Erie Co.
Penitentiary is located on Fifth St., in Buffalo. The buildings are 5 in number, — the male and
female prisons, the workhouse, the warehouse, and the superintendent's dwelling. Prisoners are
received from Allegany, Chautauque, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Genesee, Orleans, and Niagara cos.
The average number in confinement is 130.4 The Erie Co. Poorhouse is located on a farm of 153
acres in the vt. e. part of Buffalo. There are 2 buildings, — one designed for use as the poorhouse
proper, and the other for the accommodation of the insane. The average number of inmates is 300,
supported at a weekly cost of (1.00 each.5
The principal works of internal improvement are the Erie Canal, the Rochester & Buffalo,
and the Lockport. Niagara Falls and Buffalo branches of the New York Central Rail Road, the
Buffalo. New York & Erie, and the Buffalo & Erie Rail Roads,6 all terminating in the city of Buffalo,
and the Canandaigua & Niagara Falls branch of the N. Y. C. R. R., extending through New-
Btead, Clarence, Amherst, and Tonawanda. A railroad from Buffalo to Pittsburgh is now in pro-
98 of construction. A pier, lighthouse, and breakwater have been built at the mouth of Buf-
falo Creek.7
With tho exception of the Indian Reservation and the Mile Strip, along Niagara River, this co.
was all included within the Holland Purchase.8 The Indian lands, containing 130 sq. mi. and
lying upon both sides of Buffalo Creek, at its mouth, were purchased in parcels, at different times;
and the whole territory is now thickly settled. The first settlements were made at Buffalo, about
1794-95, and in other places within a few years after. The generous outlays made by the Hol-
land Company in the construction of roads, bridges, mills, &c. led to a rapid occupation of all the
lands in the co.9 On the morning of the 30th of Dec, 1813, a British force of about 1,000
men crossed over from Canada and captured Black Rock and Buffalo. The American forces then
stationed at these places were superior to the British in point of numbers; but the officers were
not qualified for command, and a large share of the militia fled upon the commencement of the
tion. The village of Buffalo was burned in retaliation of the wanton destruction of Newark,
in Canada, by the Americans under Gen. George McClure, (then of Steuben co.,) a .short time
b f ■•re.10 The finishing of the Erie Canal and of the N. Y. Central R. R. tended greatly to develop
the resources of the co., and to convert Buffalo, its chief city, into the greatest commercial place
on the upper lakes.
The Brat newspaper in the co. was established in 1811.11
* U t of March n. 1808, erecting the co. of Niagara,
• «.i« named I •.■•!! condition thai the Holland
i county not less than half an acre of
Weal Seneca, Hamburgh, Brans, and Brandt. The Buffalo &
Brantford (Canada) It. K. terminates opposite Buffalo.
s gee pagi 321.
land ft* -i lite (or the public building-. and ci..i t Ip-ivoh a B A lanre share of the later settlers of the CO. have been Ger-
• iny complied with tl mans; and ilii- class of people now constitute about one-fifth
ted. In 1810, a wo den courthouse and a stone of the entire papulation of tbeco. The population of several
in time the courts were held at the houseof of the towns in the Immediate vicinity of Buffalo is almost
ti burn< •! by the Itriti-h In
•i nft.-r ti. ■ h •■•■ -it . -i new one »
on w whit I rk. Tin- •
of J: n. first Judge; John Q.Camp,
exclusively i lornian.
i 'I'he loss ■it Buffalo was reported at 66 frame, 1 stone, and 2
brick 1 j < ■li-.'-. Id -tores and • Hires. ".."> barns, and 15 shops, valued
; at Black Rock, 16 frame and n lo^ houses,
UChapln, Sui B barns, and 6 outhouses, valued at $19,000; and at other places
20 frame and 67 log houses, G stores, 20 barns, 30 simps, ftc., worth
•Th mutmiltinl860,atacostof$18, |141, I. Total, 884 buildings, worth $360,000, not Including
i * i-i n it I wore
Albert ll. Tracy, Ralph Plumb, and Timothy A. Hopkins.
4 xbc i md i- ■ in losed by a
I 14 ft. in i ■• bulll of
and th-' • tier building* "f brick. Pour tilth* of all the • 'n\i' ta
,-xp Ij in the m inn-
Bndings, >; '••■ miles at 2o
I I
6 The poorhouse was bo t the su]
the buildings of the Messrs. Porter. — Albany Argus, April 22,
1814.
11 The UuJT'il" Gazette, the fust paper in tbe county, was com-
menced Oct.8, 1811, by 8. H. 4H. A. Salisbury. It
was rem. .ved to Harris Hill in 1818, and back to Buf-
falo in the spring of 1814. In April. 1819, 11. A Salis-
bury became Bole proprietor, and changed the name to
Niagara Patriot. On the erection of Erie co. in 1820 itwas
changed to
The Buffalo Patriot. It was successively tinder the editorial
Pilis KiiiL'-h'y. il ml charge of Wm. A. Carpenter, Harvey Newcomb, and
r, 76 fl in diameter, with 2 < ■■ W ft. Quy H. Salisbury,
wide; the whole •■•■ 01 theh> The Daily Commercial Advertiser \tm Issued from the same
- m l-.'.T. 71 w.-i.- hunt! - and 11 Id offi.e. .Ian. 1. 1835. Soon after, I>r. T. M. l'note and B.
* The main lines ..t the v V. Central and the Buffalo, N v. a. Manchester became associated In the management
A Eri- II. 1 I through Ald-n. LancaStl -. ind Chick- of the tWO papers ; and in Au_'. 1 V.8. the Aurora Stand-
towaga; th.. Lockport A v t. brani b ■ i tbe N. V. Central, • ard was merged In them, and A. M. Clapp, its pub-
through Tonawanda; and the B. k State Lin-. K. It., through | Usher, became ona of the proprietors of the joint con-
E It I E COUNTY.
281
AL.DK1V — was formed from Clarence, March 27, 1823, and a part of Maxilla was taken off in
1853. It lies upon the e. border of the co., n. e. of the center. Its surface in Hie w. is level, and
corn. In Mny, 1S39, they were united with tho Buffalo
Journal, and the weekly waa published as
The Patriot, ami Journal, aud the daily as
The Commercial Advertiser and Journal, by E. 11. Jewett & Co.
The following year the dally appeared as
Tlie Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, and under
these titles the papers are still published, under the
editorial charge of Dr. S. li. Hunt. Since I860 a semi-
weekly Commercial Advertiser has been issued.
The Niagara Journal was established in duly, 181f>, by David M.
Hay; and in 1820 its name was changed to
The Buffalo Journal. In 1834 it passed into the hands of E. J.
Roberts, and in 18;i.r) it was suspended.
The Buffalo Whig was established in 1834 by D. M.Day; and in
' 183.") it was united with the Buffalo Journal, and ap-
peared as
The Buffalo Whig and Journal. Jan. 1, 1838, M. Cadwallader and
Dr. II. R. Stagg were associated with Day, aud in Feb.
they issued
The Buffalo Daily Journal. In 1838 the establishment passed
into the hands of E. R. Jewett, by whom the papers
were united the following year with the Buffalo Patriot
and the Commercial Advertiser.
The Gospel Advocate (Univ.) was begun in 1822 by Rev. Thomas
Gross. In 1823 Simeon Bunton, and in 1826 Revs. L. S.
Everett, Theophilus Fisk, aud M. Tuttle, became pro-
prietors. In 1828 it was removed to Auburn.
The Black Rock Beacon was published by L. G. Huffman from
1822 to 1824.
The Buffalo Emporium was issued in 1824 by J. A. Lazelle aud
Simeon Francis, and continued about 5 years.
The Black Bock Gazette was begun in 1824 by Bartemus Fergu-
son, who disposed of it to S. II. Salisbury in 1825. In
1827 it was removed to Buffalo, and its name changed to
The Buffalo and Black Bock Gazette. It was discontinued in 1828.
The Black Bock Advocate was begun in Feb. 182t>, aud was pub-
lished 1 year by Dau'l P. Adams.
The Western Advertiser, after an existence of 3 months, was
merged in the Buffalo Patriot in tho spring of 1828.
The Buffalo Republican was commenced in April, 1828, by W.
P. M. Wood. It was successively under tho charge of
S. II. Salisbury & W. S. Snow, S. H. Salisbury, II. L. Ball.
Chas. Faxon & Jas. Stryker, and Chas. Faxon. In 1835
the Buffalo Bulletin was merged in the Republican, and
the Daily Star was bought by F'axon and continued
under its old name. Horatio Gates and W. L. Crandal]
were successively editors. In Dec. 1838 the office was
burned and the papers were suspended ; but the weekly
was resumed by Quartus Graves in 1839. Jan. 1, 1842,
Henry Burwell, then proprietor, changed its name to
The Democratic Economist ; and in Oct. following Joseph String-
man succeeded, and changed it to
Tlie Mercantile Courier and Democratic Economist. In Feb. 1S43,
it appeared as
The Buffalo Courier and Economist; and in March as
The Buffalo Courier. July 1, 1846, it was united with The
Pilot, aud
The Courier and Pilot, d., tri-w., and w., was published by
Stringman, Manchester & Brayman. In Dec. it was
changed to
Tlie Buffalo Courier, its present title. It has passed
successively through the hands of Kobt. D. F'oy & Co.,
Seaver & Foy, Wm. A. Seaver, Seaver & Saudford. and
to J. II. Sandford, its present publisher.
The Buffalo Bulletin was issued in 1830, aud was published by
Horace Steel 4 years, by James Faxon 1 year, and
was united with The Republican in 1835.
The Daily Star was commenced in 1834 by Jas. Faxon, and in
1835 it was united with Tho Republican.
The National Pilot was started in Feb. 1S45, by Manchester &
Brayman, and was united with The Courier in July,
1846.
The Warning, semi-mo., was published in 182S by Rev. J. B.
Hyde.
The Buffalo Herald, (Presb.,) edited by Rev. Randolph Stone in
1831, only reached its second number.
The Gospel Banner was begun in 1832 by Beuj. Clark, and con-
tinued 2 years.
The Philanthropist, mo., was started in 1832 by Nathaniel Pot-
ter, jr., and continued 1 year.
The Examiner, mo., (Unit.,) was published in 1833.
The Literar ;i Enquirer, semi-mo., commenced Jan. 1, 1833, was
. published 2 years by Wm. Verrinder.
The Transcript, d. and w., commenced in Aug. 1S35, by Henry
Faxon, was continued only 6 months.
The Touug Men's Temperance Herald was started in 1835 by A.
P. Grosvenor & E. B. French, and continued 1 year.
The Daily Enquirer, The Daily Whig, and The Loco Eoco were
campaign papers issued in 1835.
The Buffalo Spectator (Presb.) was started in 1836 by J. & W.
Butler, and continued 2 years.
The Bethel Magazine, mo., was commenced by the Bethel Society
in 1836. It was afterward changed to
The Bethel Flag, and Id 1840 united with tho Sailors' Magazine,
of New Yui k.
The Buffalonian, w. ai flrsl and d. afterward, was published
about u year; and in L838 II was united with
The Mercury, ,'1'his paper was continued until 1840 by T. L.
Nichols and K. Simpson successively.
Per Wettbuerger w;is started in ls:;7 by Geo. Zahm, and was
published successively by him, by hi* administrators,
and by Brunck .t I) iilion. In 1853 it was united with
The Buffalo Democrat, and took the name of
The Buffalo Democrat and Well Imerger, d.
and w., by which title it is now published by lirunck,
Held & Co.
The Buffalo Democrat (German) was started in 1850 by Chas. de
Haas; aud in 1853 it was united with The Welti nerger.
The Sun, d. and w., was issued in the winter of 1888, and was
published 1 year by Abraham Densmore and E. II.
Eastabrook successively.
The MoOll, a penny daily, was issued during the summer of 1839.
Bristol's Gazette and Herald oj' Health, mo., was commenced in
1839 by C. C. Bristol. The next year it appeared as
Bristol's Gazette, aud was discontinued in 1842.
The Friend of Youth, mo., was started in 1839 by Rev. A. T.
Hopkins, and was published 1 year.
Tltc Buffalo Sentinel, d. aud w., was published during the sum-
mer of 1839 by Thomas Newell.
The Morning 'fattier, d., was started in 1840 by Langdon,
Fouchette & Shaeffer. Its name was changed to
The Morning Times, by J. S. Walker, and it was discontinued
soon after.
Der Volhs Schild was published by F. H. Singer during the
summer of 1S40.
The Phalanx, d. aud w., was published 6 weeks in 1840 by C.
D. Ferris.
The Buffalo Garland was published in 1840 by Geo. W. Bungay.
Honest Industry was published in 1840 by Dr. Daniel Lee.
The Volksfreund (German) was published iu 184U by Adulphus
Meyer.
The Western Presbyterian was issued iu March, 1841, by Rev. J.
C. Lord, and continued 1 year.
Tlie Western Literary Messenger, semi-mo., was started in July,
1841, by J. S. Cbadbourue. C. D. Ferris, Jesse Clement,
Chas. F'axon, and E. R. Jewett, at different times, were
interested in its publication. Froni 1842 it was pub-
lished weekly until 1857. when it was discontinued.
Bannister's Life in Buffalo was published a few weeks in 1841
by N. H. Bannister.
The Sublime Patriot, semi-mo., was published during the winter
of 1S41-42 by T. J. Southerland.
The Buffalo American was started in 1842 by T. Foster & C. F.
Butler, and continued 1 year.
The Old School Jeffersonian awl The Daily Gazette were pub-
lished from 1842 to '43 by Charles Faxon.
The Temperance Standard was published iu 1842 by II. H.
Salisbury & A. M. Clapp.
Tlie School Reader was published about 3 months in 1842 by A.
W. Wilgus.
Prescott's Telegraph was published in 1842 by W. Prescott.
The Buffalo Gazette, d. and w., was started in 1843 by II. A.
Salisbury, B. A. Manchester & J. O. Brayman, and con-
tinued 3 years.
The Freimuthige (German) was started Jan. 1843, by Alexander
Krause & Adolphus Meyer, and continued 2 years.
Tile Telegrapli, da. and w„ (German,) was started in
Nov. 1845, by H. B. Miller. Louis Tickers. Adolphus
Hilman, and C. Essellen have successively had the edi-
torial charge. It is now published by P. II. Bender,
and edited by C. Essellen.
Tlie Buffalo Medical Journal and Monthly
Review of Medical and Surgical Sci-
ence was started in June, 1845. by Dr. Austin Flint.
In 1853 Dr. S. B. Hunt became associated in its manage-
ment, and iu 1S55 its sole proprietor. In 1858 it passed
into the hands of Dr. Austin Flint, jr., its present pro-
prietor.
The Western Cataract was started in 1845 by L. P. Judson. Jas.
Dubois, W. B. Williams, and Chauncey Hulburt were
successively editors. In Jan. 1847, it was changed to
The Western Temperance Standard, and was discontinued the
following year.
The Impetus was started in 1S45 by E. W. Spauldiug, and con-
tinued 6 months.
The Morning Express was started Jan. 14, 1S46, by A. M.
Clapp & Co. In 1855 The Daily Democracy was united
with The Express, and it appeared as
The Buffalo Morning Express and Daily De-
mocracy, by which name it is now published. A
weekly and tri-weekly edition are also issued.
The Democracy, d. and w., was started in .May. 1854, by G. W.
Ilaskins. The Rough Notes was merged iu The Demo-
cracy soon after; and in Aug. 1855, The Democracy
was united with The Express.
The Rough Notes, d., was started iu March, 1852, by Geo. Reesa
282
ERIE COUNTY.
in the e. gently undulating. It is watered by the head waters of Cayuga and Eleven Mile Creeks.
The soil is a deep, fertile, sandy, gravelly, and clayey loam. Alden, (p. v.,) a station on the B.
& N. Y. R. R., contains 2 churches and has a pop. of 285; Alden Center (p. v.) contains 1
church and 20 houses; and Mill Grove, (p. v..) in the n. w. corner, 18 houses. Alden
(Crittenden p. o.) and Wende are stations on the N. Y. C. R. R. Settlement was commenced in
the spring of 1810, by Moses Fenno.1 Rev. John Spencer conducted the first religious services,
in 1811. The first church (Presb.) was organized in 1813-14. There are now 6 churches in town.2
AMHERST3 — was formed from Buffalo, April 10, 1818; and Chicktowaga was taken off in
1839. It lies upon the n. border of the co., between Clarence and Tonawanda. Its surface is
level. Eleven Mile and Ransoms Creeks flow across the town in a n. e. direction ; and Tona-
wanda Creek forms its n. boundary. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam. Upon the land of
John Foglesonger, in the s. part of the town, is a very copious sulphur spring. A gristmill with
3 run of stone has been built on the stream formed by it. A ledge of limestone extends across
the s. part of the town, from which limestone is quarried in various places. Beneath this ledge is
a layer of hydraulic limestone, which is extensively quarried at Williamsville and burned for
waterlime. Williamsville,4 (p-v.,) incorp. in 1850, is situated on Eleven Mile Creek, in
the s. part of the town. It contains 4 churches, an academy,5 and several manufactories.6 Pop.
In 1854 Rann & Cowan became proprietors, and the
game year it was united with The Democracy.
The TTtst/rn BoangtUtt (Univ.) was started in June, 1S46, by
!.• v. I.. ;-. Everett, and continued 1 year.
The Ambassador, (Univ.,) started the same year, was removed
to Auburn in 1847.
The Journal of Commerce, d., was started in 1847 by John W.
Jones, and continued 6 months.
The BtptMic, d. and w., was started bj' Livingston, Albro &
Co., Jan. 26, 1847. Quartus Graves, Maynard & Welsh,
C. A. Kellogg, and C. C. Bristol were successively inte-
i in its management. In 1857 The Buffalo Daily
Times was united with The Republic, and it was issued as
The Buffalo Repiililic and Times, d., tri-w., and
w. Guy. H. Salisbury is the present proprietor. A
campaign paper was published in connection with this
paper in 1856.
The Buffalo Daily Times was started in Aug. 1857, by the Times
Association; and the next year it was united with The
Republic
Der /'rete Demokrat was published in 1848.
The Wool Grotccr and Magazine of Agriculture and fforticnlture,
mo., was started in 1849 by T. C. Peters, and continued
until 1852.
The Daily Quern City, a penny paper, was started in 1850 by G.
J. Bryan. The title was changed in 1852 to
The Buffalo Evening Post, under which name it is
now published.
The Buffalo Christian Advocate was started in Jan. 1850, by
John B. Robie. In 1*57 it was changed to
The Advocate, under which name it is now published.
' v. me was published in 1S50 by D. V. istile
Die Aurora, w. and Bemi-w.,was Started in l860byChris-
Wieckmann, Its present publisher.
Dan Klnhllrhe Informal orium, semi-mo., was
started in July. 1861, by Conrad lsiir; and in 1864 T.
Andr. \ i.r 1 1 in, its present editor, sssnmi d its charge.
The. Sunday ltuii.it .1 in 1861 by Win. F. Bodgers,
mill continm <l 9 months.
Tl»«- Yout li'« < nvkrt, mo., was started in 1861 by Beadle
; nbliahi d by Robt, Adams
■: " pnbllshi •! in 1861 by w in. <"'. ll<
, ublishi •! m 1 v.l bj Qeo. Btanbro
The Am' ■ I ton was brought from I
June, itinui d until
May, 1">:.:. wlvn it •• New York.
Die I. '• and I >!.!■■ -r Unntfreund wan start' d in
ii ■! 1 year.
Smnlagi libiti ■. mi k. lb 1.1 A ('•... and
■ •
'inl.iy Visitor was Started in I ed A M.-.re, and
•inued 1 ft
The I'nii- " •>/, mo., wo* publish. -I in 1862 by J
Thomas a I
T',' /•' I dgtr was pnhllshsd n few months in 1852
by T. Bichank
Th' Pathfinder was published in 1863 by rharb-. Fnxon.
Tht Sunaajf Herald tbout '■'■ months in 181
9 '
The Schr*i and Ilntue Friend, send-ma,
in March, 1 963, by •'■ nr el r.ar. •■ d conUn
Thel Oarden was published in 18
The Buffalo f'al Imlli Siiuiml 1 in June.
by Michael II tgan, Its pi I pnUisber.
(lluttriru- Aben ;no., was published in 1854 by
Rev. C. Dichlni.m.
The Atlantis, mo., (German,) brought from Cleveland,
Ohio, to Buffalo in 1850, is edited by C. Essellen.
The American Eights was published from Sept. 1854, to July,
1S55, by Geo. Reese & Co.
Tlie Age of Progress, conducted by Stephen Albro, was com-
menced in 1S54 and discontinued in 1S5S.
The Zeitschrift was published about 4 months in 1S54 by Conrad
Bar.
Zeichen der Zeit, mo., was started in June, 1S55, by
Drexler. In 185S T. Gottlieb Ade became its editor.
The Home has been published since Jan. 1S56, by E. F.
Beadle.
The Buffalo Allegemeine Zeitung, w. and semi-
w., was started in May, 1856, by Frederick Reinecke,
the present publisher.
The Buffalo Patriot, A., (German.) was published during the
campaign of 1S56 by Voght & Jung.
Das Historische Zeithlatt and Iiiterarischer
Anzeiger, mo., was started in May, 1S57, by Conrad
Bar, its present publisher.
The Home Monthly was started Jan. 1, 1S59, under the
editorial charge of Mrs. H. E. G. Arey and Mrs.
Gildersleve.
The Inventor's Advertiser was published at Buffak by Thos. P.
How.
The Aurora Democrat was established at West Aurora in Oct
1835, by Deloss E. Sill, publisher, and conlinucd about
1 year.
The Aurora Standard was started at East Aurora Aug. 1. 1835,
by A. M. Clapp. In 1838 it was removed to Buffalo and
merged in the llnffal" ('• nnn. n-ial AdveitiM-r.
The SpringvUle Express was commenced in May. ]S44j by Edwir.
Hough, and continued until the fall of 1848.
The Springville Herald was established in May, 1850,
by l.. D. Webstei ; i ad in Dec. 1866, it passed into the
hands of J. I!, .-axe. its present publisher.
The American Citizen was started at Springville in Feb. 1856, by
bin ins (,'. Sanders, and continued nearly a year.
Thl Tonawanda Omtnerciol was stalled at Tonawanda in 1S46
by Sylvester lloyt. ami n tit inued about a year.
The Niagara River Pit t was commenced at Tonawanda in 1S53
by Packard .fc I'oxlonger. In Aug. Is5i'., it. passed into
the band- ..| 8. 0. lla_\wanl, by whom, in Ji'ov. 1867, it
was chanj ed to
The Niagara Frontier, under which name it is still
published.
Tht Mental Elevator nee published a short time in the Seneca
language,
1 Lmong the first settlers were Joseph Freeman. John Easta-
:. Win. SnOW, and Antnali Ilihhard. who came in 1810;
Band. Blade, James Crocker, Saml. Huntington, and Jonas Stick-
ney, Who came in 1M1; and Win. Iiaytmi, who came in 1812,
I lie first birth was that Of a daughter of Anmah llibbard; and
the flrsi death, thai of Polly Cransaky, in 1M2. John Rogers
built the first sawmill, in 1818 01 14, and the first gristmill, in
1M7. Amos Bliss k.pt the first inn. and Beth Eastabrook the
Brsl store, both iii lsir,. The first school was taught by Meho-
tabel Eastabrook, in 1816.
2 Bap., Presb., Gvong. l.utb.. M. K.. and 2 B. C.
s Named in honor of Lord Amherst, commander of the
I'.n.'li-li forces in America in 1769 60,
* Nai I from .b.nas W illiiuns. one of the early settlers.
6 The- Williamsville Classical Institute. The whole number
of students for Ihe year 1867 was 222.
* A gristmill, a sawmill, a tannery, a furnace, a broom factory,
n chair factory, and a waterlime mill, the laal producing 3,000
to 6,000 bbls. of hydraulic cement per year.
ERIE COUNTY. 283
1,166. Eggertsville, Getzville, East Amherst, and Westwood are p. offices. The
first settlement -was made in 1804, by Timothy S. Hopkins and Elian Ransom, from Great Barring-
ton, Mass.1 There are 9 churches in town.2
AURORA — was formed from Batavia, as " Willink," April 11, 1W)4. Its name was changed
April 15, 1818. Clarence was taken off in 1808, Buffalo in 1810, Concord, Hamburgh, and Eden
in 1812, Holland and Wales in 1818, and a part of Elma in 1857. It occupies nearly a central
position in the co. Its surface is rolling in the n. and hilly in the s. The declivities of the hills
are generally gradual slopes, and their summits are 150 to 300 feet above the valleys. The
principal streams are Cazenove Creek and its branches. The soil is gravelly loam in the valleys
and clayey among the hills. Willink, (p. v.,) incorp. Dec. 29, 1849, is situated on the e. branch
of Cazenove Creek, in the n. part of the town. It contains 2 churches and a woolen factory and
has a pop. of 365. East Aurora, (p. v.,) about 1 mi. e. of Willink, contains 2 churches, an
academy,3 and several manufacturing establishments. Pop. 300. West Falls, (p. v.,) on the
w. bank of Cazenove Creek, in the s. part of the town, contains 1 church, 2 sawmills, a gristmill,
and about 30 houses ; and Griffins Mills, (p. v.,) on the same stream, near the center of the
town, contains 1 church, a sawmill, a gristmill, and 25 houses. The first settlement was made in
the fall of 1803, by Jabez Warren, Henry Godfrey, and Nath'l Emerson.4 The evidences of ancient
Indian occupation were plainly visible upon the advent of the whites.5 The first church (Bap.)
was organized with 16 members, in 1810, by Elder Irish. There are 7 churches in town.6 Ex-
Pres. Millard Fillmore and Hon N. K. Hall, Judge of Supreme Court and Es-P. M. Gen., were
for some years residents of East Aurora.
BOSTON — was formed from Eden, April 5, 1817. It is an interior town, lying s. of the
center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the valley of the n. branch of Eighteen
Mile Creek, which flows n. w. through near the center of the town. The valley of this stream is
about three-fourths of a mile wide. In this valley the soil is a fine, fertile loam, and upon the
hills it is a gravelly and clayey loam. Boston, (p. v.,) on the n. branch of Eighteen Mile
Creek, contains 3 churches, 2 gristmills, 2 sawmills, a tannery, a cow-bell factory, and 40 houses ;
Boston Center, (Patchin p. o.,) on the same stream, contains 2 churches, a sawmill, and 20
houses; and North Boston, (p. v.,) 1 church, a gristmill, a sawmill, and 20 houses. The first
settlement was made by Didemus Kinney, in 1803 .7 The first religious services were conducted
by Rev. John Spencer, in 1810. There are 7 churches in town.8
BRANDT9 — was formed from Collins and Evans, March 25, 1839. It lies upon the shore
of Lake Erie, in the s. w. corner of the co. The surface is generally level, with a gentle inclina-
tion toward the lake. Cattaraugus Creek forms a part of the s. boundary. The other principal
streams are Big Sister, Delaware, and Muddy Creeks. The soil is generally a gravelly loam
intermixed with clay. Brandt (p. v.) contains 20 houses. Mill Branch (Farnham p. o.)
is the Saw Mill Station on the B. & E. R. R., and contains 30 houses. The first settlement
was made in 1817, by Moses Tucker.10 The first religious services were conducted by Benj. Olm-
sted, in 1820. A union church is the only one in town.
1 Among the early settlers were Win. Maltbury, Jonas Wil-
liams, James Harmon, Horatio Kelsey, Seth Canfield, Enos A.
Armstrong, and Jas. Harris. The first sawmill was built in 1801,
by Thomson ; and the first gristmill, by Wm. Maltbury, in
1808. Elias Ransom kept the first inn, in 1805, and Juba Storrs
& Co. the first store, in 1812.
2 Bap., Disciples, M. E., and Germ. Cath. at Williamsville. and
2 Evang. Luth., Free, Mennonite, and R. C. in other parts of the
town.
3 The Aurora Manual Labor Seminary was chartered Oct. 18,
1833 ; and in 1S38 its name was changed to the Aurora Academy.
The manual labor department was long since abandoned.
* These were followed by Joel and John Adams, Tabor Earlle,
and Humphrey Smith, iu 1804, and Wm. Warren, Thos. Tracy,
Christopher Stone, and Luther Hibbard, in 1805. The first birth
was that of Orra Warren, in Dec. 1805 ; and the first death, that
of a daughter of Humphrey Smith, in 1806. Phineas Stevens built
the first sawmill, in 1806, and the first gristmill, in 1807. Gen.
Wm. Warren kept the first inn, iu 1806, and Adams & Hascall
the first store, in 1808. The first school was taught by Mary
Eddy, in 1806.
6 Two hills, in the N. part of the town, were fortified by cir-
cular breastworks, in many places 6 to 8 ft. high. Human
bones, of almost giant size, have been dug up near the fortifica-
tions; and pieces of pottery and iron axes have been found in
the vicinity. — Letter of Rev. Asher Wright. In 1809 an ancient
copper plate, 12 by 16 inches, covered with letters or hiero-
glyphics, was plowed up upon the land of Ephraim Woodruff,
in Aurora: the finders, not knowing its value as a specimen of
antiquity, converted it into a dipper and skimmer. — Turner's
Bid. Fur., p. 668.
6 2 I'resb., Bap., Cong., M. E., Univ., and R. C.
1 Oliver and Charles Johnson settled in the town in 1805, and
Richard Cary and Sam'l Eaton in 1807. The first birth was that
of l'hinney Johnson, in 1806; the first marriage, that of David
Stannard and Esther Yaw, in 1810; and the first death, that of
Joel Beebe, in 1809. Ethan Howard built the first mill, in 1MU,
Job Palmer kept the first inn, in 1811 ; and Aaron J. Topper the
first store, the same year. The first school was taught by Joel
Eddy, in 1810.
8 Bap., Free Will Bap., Evang. Luth., Friends, M. E., Meth.
Prot., and Univ.
9 Named from Col. Joseph Brant, the Mohawk chief. His
Indian name was " Tha-yan-da-nec-gah," said to signify "wood
partly burned," or "a brand;" and as the Indians are unable to
distinguish d from t in their pronunciation, it became Brant. —
Ashrr Wright, Missionary at the Cattaraugus Betervatu n.
10 John, Robert, and Major Campbell, and John West, settleu
in the town in 1808, and Ansel Smith, Robt. and Wni. Grannis,
and Benj. Olmsted, in 1S19. The first birth was that of a son of
John West, iu 1818; the first marriage, that of Levi Graunis
and Leah Hallida, in 1819; and the first death, that of Matthew
West, in 1822. The first mill was built by Sam'l Butts, in 1822:
the first inn was kept by Josephus Hubbard, in 1825; and the
first store, by Milton Morse, iu 1835. Julia Bradley taught tho
. first school, in 1823.
284
ERIE COUNTY.
BFFFiLO CITY — was formed as a town from Clarence,
Feb. 8, 1810.1 Amherst was taken off in 1818, and Tonawanda
in 1836. Buffalo Village was incorp. April 2, 1813, re-organized
in 1815, and again in 1822, and incorp. as a city April 20, 1832,
with its limits enlarged by the addition of that part of the Mile
Strip Reservation2 s. of York and North Sts. By the provisions of a
new charter, granted April 13, 1853, the then town of "Black
Bock" was included within the city limits. The city lies at the
e. extremity of Lake Erie, extending nearly 10 mi. along the
lake shore and the upper part of Niagara River, and occupies an
area of about 40 sq. mi. The principal streams are Big Buffalo
and Scajaquady3 Creeks, — the former emptying into Lake Erie
and the latter into Niagara River. The principal business part of the city is on the lake shore
around the harbor. The land in this locality is low, and was once considered "an irreclaimable
morass ; but it is now densely covered with substantial warehouses and large stores, intermingled
with factories, foundries, mechanics' shops, and dwellings."*
The site rises gradually, and attains in one or two places an elevation of about 100 ft. ; but the
greater portion of the area occupies an extended plain of an average height of 50 ft. above the
lake. On the "Buffalo l'l>ii,is," and along the river at North Buffalo, are extensive quarries of
limestone, furnishing an excellent building material.5 The city is regularly laid out, and the
streets are broad and straight The nagging and paving are done in the most substantial manner,
and are kept in excellent repair.6 The main part of the city is supplied with wholesome water
from Niagara River by the Buffalo Water Works Company. The reservoir, situated on Niagara
between Connecticut and Vermont Sts., is 88 ft. higher than the river, and has a capacity of
13,500,000 gallons. The water is elevated by two force pumps, each of a capacity of 235 gallons,
and is distributed through 31 mi. of pipe.7 Lower Black Rock is supplied by the Jubilee Water
Works with water obtained from the Jubilee Springs. It is conducted through wooden pipes,
of which there are more than two miles laid.8 There are 5 post-offices in the city, — Buffalo, North
Buffalo, Buffalo Plains, Red Jacket, and Black Rock.
The harbor of Buffalo is formed by Big Buffalo Creek, along which for more than a mile is a
continuous line of wharves. A pier extends from the s. side of the harbor 1500 ft. into the lake,
forming an effectual barrier against the encroaching sands, which everywhere on the lake have a
tendency to accumulate on the w. side of piers. At its extremity is a lighthouse.9 The Erie
Canal enters the city along Niagara River, from which it is separated by a seawall, and extends
- ;thward to near the mouth of Buffalo Creek, and thence eastward to Hamburgh St. The Erie
Ba<in, ju-t n. of the mouth of Buffalo Creek, protected lakeward by a breakwater, and the Ohio
Basin, about one and one-fourth mi. from the mouth of the creek, containing an area of 10 acres,
are both connected with the harbor and canal and are sufficiently deep to float the largest lake
\> --• '-.! ' A ship 'anal more than a mi. in length extends along the w. side of Big Buffalo Creek
parall--l to the Bhore of the lake. This canal, the basins, the Erie Canal, and the harbor are all
by numerous slips. Six railroads terminate in the city; and another — the Buffalo &
Pittsburgh— is in process of construction."
.■7i ..(T iii 1832, and 'I
Tl
April 24,
mp* at
*r..in a
♦ /■ ' '
5 II
and in.m\ of tli- MOM
, -illy built of iii -
• There ar- 261 mi. Of !• waled «trwt« within tlin rity I
' in this t..\vii. waa
from the color ol the ro< k
1 he remaining
I; and in it
i i
0 "f that name, and prononnred Ska-
are in
•'.7 > tn
and 108 mi. "f pin
■
i
..(ti.. ■
ggregate of taxes for local Improve n
"1 r Works Company was b " fa 16,
nal coat of the worki
of the earnings have been expended in extending the •
with tbam .in I under.
glow ;-. I) iving an aggregate oapa. itj
•The J'. ter Works Com pany tM o*|
with a capital of &0.000. At one time the company hod 16 mi.
of w..oden pipe laid, fully supplying Black Rock and a part of
■ : bat, while the increase of population created a gr. ah r
di m in. I for trati raj ply from the springs diminished, and
in 1846 the citizens ol Lower Black Kock purchased the works
and confined the supply tn their own village.
9 The lighthouse i- built entirely of stone and iron. It is 44
ft high, 26 ft. in ili.un. t r it it- base, and 12 ft. at the top. The
molebi ad up n whirl, it stands is 160 ft. in diameter and has a
depth of 16 ft. below the surface of the water. The pier and
lighthouse were i ompleted In 1*33. It is furnished with a first
i i ■ nel apparatus.
10 Them- basins were constructed by the State as parts of the
in ol internal navigation; but their sites wire fur-
nlshed city. The Erie Basin cost $3O0,O0i>. and the ohio
They were commenced in 184* ami finished In
\ . n |j driven by storms and failing t.. gain an enl I
t.. the harbor find a capacious and sheltered retreat In the har-
bor of Black Bock,— formed by a mule fr..ni Bird Island to Squaw
l-ln id, - 16 yards. This, with the islands, forms a
barb. • Is long and from 88 to 220 yards wide, with an
area of 130 acres. Besides all.. r.iing an exceedingly convenient
r. with an average depth of 16 fist, this work secures a
power of about 4J ft. A ship lock is constructed at its
I it i- ..n the line of the Brie Canal.
it Besides these, 6 plank roads, a macadamized road, and a
turnpike terminate in the city.
ERIE COUNT Y.
285
Buffalo is the second commercial city of the State, ami the largest and most important upon the
great lakes.1 Its situation at the foot of navigation upon Lake Erie and at the western terminus i f
the Erie Canal makes it the principal port for the transhipment of the products of the great grain
region of the Upper Mississippi Valley, and gives to it the command of the greater pint of the
commerce of the lakes.2 The numher of entries at this port during the year 1857 was 4,017, with
an aggregate of 1,018,672 tons ; and the number of clearances amis 3,564, with an aggregate of
1,603,134 tons.3 The exportation and importation by canal is also immense;4 and it is estimated
1 It is often called " The Queen City," and " The Queen City
of the Lakes."
8 The amount of grain received in 1857 was 15,443,778 bush.,
and of flour 925,411 bbls., of which 15,348,930 bush, of grain and
845,953 bbls. of flour were received by lake. The same year
there were received by lake 29,799 head of cattle, 75,174 hogs,
and 44,972 sheep. The following table shows the imports, by
lake, of flour and grain for a series of years :
Tear.
Flour.
Wheat.
304,090
Corn.
Oats. |
Barley. |
Rye.
1836...
139,178
204,355
28,640 \
4,876
1.500
1837...
126.805
450,350
94,490
2,553
3,267
1838...
277,620
933,117
34,14S
6,577
909
1839...
294,125
1,117,262
1840...
597,742
1.004,501
71,327
1841...
730,040
1,635,000
201,031
14,144
2,150
1842...
734,308
1,555,430
454,530
4,710
1,228
1843...
917,517
1.827,241
223,963
2,489
1,332
1844...
915.030
2,177,500
137,978
18,017
1,617
456
1845...
746,750
1.770,740
54,200
23,100
1S46...
1,374.529
4.744,184
1,455.258
218,300
47,530
28.250
1847-
1,857,000
6.489,100
2,862,300
446,000
70,787
1848...
1849...
1850...
1,249,000
4,520,117
2,298,100
560,000
17,809
1,103,039
3,681,346
2,593,378
359,580
3,600
1851-.
1,258,224
4,167,121
5,988,775
1,140,340
142,773
10,652
1852...
1,299,513
5.549.778
5,136,746
2,596.231
497,913
112,271
1853...
975.557
5,424,043
3,665,793
1,4S0.655
41 11. (IMS
107,152
1854...
739,756
3,510,792
10.109,973
4,441,739
313,885
177,066
1855...
936,761
8,022,126
9,711,230
2,693,222
62,304
299,591
1856-
1,126,048
8,465,671
9,632,477
1,733.382
46,327
245,810
1857-
845,953
8,334,179
5,713,611
1,214,760
37,844
48,536
The annual average receipts of flour during the first five years
was about 360.000 bbls.; during the next five it was 820,000;
during the next five, 1,474,000 ; and during the next five, 909,000.
The whole amount of grain received in 1S47 was 9,668,187 bush.,
and in 1855 20,788.475 bush., — the greatest amount in any one
year. This was a greater amount than was received that year
in any other port in the world. The following table shows the
receipts of leading articles during three seasons: —
Ashes, casks
Beef, bbls
Broom Corn, bales..
Barley.bush
Butter, lbs
Bacon, lbs
Cattle, No
Cranberries, bbls...
Coal, tons
Copper Ore, lbs..
1855.
4,295
97,804
9,725
62.304
1,988,920
10,768.396
14,049
225
59.878
500,000
1856.
3,255
33,320
7,366
46,327
1,241.600
9,220.932
25,283
404
53,512
1,870,488
1857.
2,975
59,911
5.086
37.844
923,000
3,612,519
29,799
91
57,247
2,587,600
Cotton, bales
Corn, bush
Eggs, bbls
Feathers, sacks
Fish, bbls
Furs, bdls
Flax, bales
Flour,bbls
Hemp, bales
Hides, No
Horses, No
Hogs, No
Iron, pig, tons
Lard, lbs
Lead, pigs
Leather, rolls
Lumber, ft
Lath, No
Meal, corn, bbls
Nuts, bbls
Oil, bbls
Oats, bush
Pork, bbls
Pelts, bdls
Robes, Buffalo, bales-
Rye, bush
Seeds, bbls
Skins, bdls
Staves, No
Shingles, No
Sheep, No
Tobacco, hhds
Tobacco, cases
Tallow, lbs
Whisky, bbls
Wheat, bush
Wool, bales
I -.•,:,.
1K56.
239
081
8,711,2:10
9,632.477
5,591
5,326
379
820
6,752
5,826
1,112
K'JI)
1.276
729
936,761
1,126.048
1,191
327
90,964
111,856
362
408
59.944
72.713
3,994
•J."77
10,357,136
5,335.500
67,309
30.677
2,265
2,326
72.026,651
60,584.:,41
245,000
920.000
867
1,800
346
805
4,700
2,870
2,693,322
1,733,382
106,682
60.477
4,311
3,368
480
287
299,591
245.810
20.522
15.297
2,391
1,814
16,421,568
18.556,039
1,7<4.C00
398,000
26,508
41,467
4^9
623
3.470
3.837
1,234.100
634,900
37,087
;;•-..•:•»•»
8,022,126
8,466,671
47,10S
41.592
1857.
817
5,713.011
8,286
242
5,211
635
622
845.953
912
139,051
198
75.174
1,323
643,000
22.247
2,513
6S.2s:;.:;K<
1,602,000
150
113
1,789
1,214.760
20,283
1.595
1,150
48,536
14,830
2.173
23.024.213
1,669,000
44,972
270
2.102
445,750
42.14"
8,334.179
35.613
The total value of the importations of these three years were, in
1855, $48,767,315; in 1856. $40,429,871; and in 1857, $34,846,592.
3 Following is an exhibit of the number of entrances and
clearances, their tonnage and crews, fur six successive years :—
Year.
No.
Tannage.
Men.
1S52
9.441
S.2'.IS
8.912
9.211
8.128
7,581
3.092,247
3.252,978
3,990.284
3,360.233
3,018,587
3,221,806
127.491
128.112
120.S38
111,515
112.051
132.1S3
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
4 The following tables show the receipts and shipments of leading articles for the year 1857:— The total value of the canal ship-
ments that year was $16,956,740, and the tolls of the same received at the collector's office amounted to $569,53744.
RECEIPTS.
Lumber, ft 1,853.693
Timber, 100 cubic ft 30,920
Staves, lbs
Wood, cords 25,835
Cheese, lbs 22,662
Wool, lbs 1,320
Hides, lbs 130,500
Flour, bbls 28,621
Wheat, bush 19.966
Rye. bush 7.778
Corn, bush 1,131
Barley, bush 37,434
Bran, Ac. lbs 236,689
Beans and peas, bush 10,908
Potatoes, bush 3.342
Dried fruit, lbs 130.900
Hops, lbs 621.852
Domestic spirits, gals 24,720
Leather, lbs 714.135
Furniture, lbs 4.363,775
Pig iron, lbs 12,417,164
Castingsand ironware, lbs 30,902,457
Domestic cottons, lbs 594.868
Domestic salt, lbs 52,278,989
Foreign salt, lbs 193,839
Sugar, lbs 12.768,136
Molasses, lbs 7,701444
Coffee, lbs 4,900.077
Nails, spikes, &c. lbs. 2,856.471
Iron and steel.lbs 12.417,665
Railroad iron, lbs 32,187,521
Crockery and glassware, lbs 5,606,277
All other mdse.lbs 92,894,060
Stone, lime, and clay, lbs 74.134.242
Gvpsum, lbs 560,687
Coal, lbs 115.193.297
Sundries, lbs 10,471,711
SHIPMENTS.
Lumber, ft 43,727,523
Timber, 100 cubic ft 12,485
Staves, lbs 185,921,748
Ashes, casks 1,829
Pork, bbls 9,195
Beef, bbls 5.256
Bacon, lbs 2,112,093
Cheese, lbs 65,469
Butter, lbs 9,874
Lard, tallow, and lard oil... 710,435
Wool, lbs 1,325,289
Hides, lbs 780,885
Flour, bbls 88,092
Wheat, bush 6,673,827
Rye, bush 6,341
Corn, bush 5,001,263
Barley, bush 11,638
Oats, bush 905,814
Bran. &c. lbs 4,796,624
Dried fruits, lbs
Cotton, lbs
Tobacco, lbs 16.563
Hemp, lbs 49,690
Seed, lbs 506,364
Flaxseed, lbs 1,077,228
Hops,lbs ' 1.529
Domestic spirits, gals 836,000
Leather, lbs 56,786
Furniture, lbs
Lead, lbs
Pig iron, lbs
Bloom and bar iron, lbs
Castings and ironware, lbs
Domestic salt, lbs
Iron and steel.lbs
Railroad iron, lbs
Crockery and glassware, lbs..
All other mdse. lbs
Stone, lime, and clay, lbs
Coal. lbs... .'.
Copper ore. lbs
Sundries, lbs ...
393,025
214.416
1.240,408
87,736
121,789
32.100
201,703
122.594
674.242
4.989.599
28,051,852
2,565,201
12,771,000
286
ERIE COUNTY.
that the value of merchandise and property transported by R. R. is greater than the entire amount
of the lake commerce of this port.1 About one-fourth of the shipping of the lake is owned by the
citizens of Buffalo.2 Shipbuilding is extensively carried on.3 The manufactures of the city are
extensive and various.*
The principal public buildings are the Custom House, Fort Porter, the State Arsenal, and the
city markets. The Custom House, on the corner of Seneca and Washington Sts., is a handsome
ami well built structure, containing, beside the custom house office, accommodations for the post-office
and the U. S. courts. It was constructed, at a cost of $140,000, from designs furnished by the U. S.
Treasury Department.5 Fort Porter, built in 1842—48, is a fortification on the bank of Niagara
River at the point where it emerges from Lake Erie. The State Arsenal, erected in 1858, is a
massive stone building fronting on Batavia St.6 There are four large markets, conveniently located
in different parts of the city.7
The Public ScJiools of the city have long enjoyed a deservedly high reputation. They are care-
fully nurtured through the operations of an enlightened public sentiment, and are so excellent in
all their departments that scarcely any other elementary schools are supported or needed. They
are thoroughly graded, consisting of three general departments. The third department is an
advanced school for the whole city; and in it a complete academic course, excepting the classics, is
taught. There were, in 1857, 32 school districts, employing 189 teachers, — 24 males and 165
females. The number of children, between 4 and 21 years of age, was 28,000, of whom 15,593,
or a small fraction more than 55£ per cent., were in attendance some portion of the year.8
The Buffalo Female Academy, a flourishing institution, situated on Delaware Avenue, was opened
for students in July, 1852.9
1 The amount of live stock received by r. r. in 1857 was 7S,404
head of cattle, 232^75 hogs, and 72,496 sheep.
; The amount of shipping owned in Buffalo, as shown by the
custom boii?.' In ■)-;-. is as follows: —
Vi ■ --/.-.
Maimers...
Propellers..
Tugs
Barks
Brigs
Schooners .
Scows
Total.
i\ro.
10
50
20
7
21
129
5
242
Ton n age.
9,067
30,186
2,629
3,537
6,784
35,460
473
8S.136
* The following table shows the shipping launched in 1857:-
1". '';.
4 Steamers
1" Propellers ....
18 Top
boonera....
1 I t- dge
Tonnage.
4,086
5.070
1,145
7,955
Value.
$352,000
349,000
126,800
353,400
I Uon with one (if the shipyards of the city is a dry
dork of raffldenl rapacity to admit a steamer of over 2,500 tons;
alao » marine railway; and Dear by is a large derrick for hoist-
r- in 1 )■•• ii y ma. hinery.
* The following; Ii ■ list of the manufacturing establishments
in 0] " : —
Agricultural Workj 5
Ax A Edge Tool M'f .
Awl •' 1
Backet Manufactories. fi
Bellowi - a
Billiard Table" 8
Bl.-n Bookbindl
B"iler Mai 4
i 6
Br*«» " 8
iHBWtHJM 31
Brickyards 9
Britannia Wan
B-xit A Shoo Manufactories 3
Brush 2
Bnrr Millstone " 2
CaMnetWarelfamrhctoriM. 11
Cor andCar Wheel* 2
Carriage Manuactorlea 9
Chair " 2
Chromotype Printing 1
Coach A Harness Hardware 2
r> nib Manufactory 1 Oakum
T'irth.riwareManu factories. 2
i mn) •' 4
Kir" worka " 2
Hour Mills 10
PloUC Mill Manilla. ton
K "Hivl'i i.-« 7
''inula. I. .rv 1
•ilii" " " 1
ii .1.1 IV. iters " ■_'
Sunaboni 3
II". Ar. Ml
in Mannnu toi li
Iron Work" B
Japanned Ware 4
Lantern Manufactories 2
2
Leather " 11
1 ipblng 3
Ixxk Manufactories 5
Marl. I- Work* 8
Machine Bbopt 10
n Manufactory 1
Philosophical Instruments.. 1
Piano Forte Manufactory.... 3
Planing Mills 5
Plane Manufactory 1
Pocket Book " 1
Pottery 1
Printing Establishments 17
Pump Manufactories 3
Regalia " 5
Rope " 4
Sail " 4
Sash & Blind" 7
Saw " 2
Shingle " 2
Stove Manufactories 3
Silk " 1
Shipyards 7
Silver Plating 4
Soap & Candle M'factories... 14
Soda & Sarsaparilla " ... 4
Starch " ... 2
Stave " ... 2
Steam Sawmills 3
Stone Ware Manufactory.... 1
Tobacco " .... 9
Tanneries 2
Type & Stereotype F'dries... 3
Upholsteries 10
Vice Manufactory 1
White Lead " 2
Whip " 1
Confectioneries 10
Coop, rages 14
r>if"till"ries 3
Engraving 9
Engine (steam) M'factories.. 6
Oil
Organ
Pail and Tub
Paper Mill
Patent Leather
The value of the articles manufactured in 1S57 was about
$10,000,000, of which the leading products are estimated as
follows :— ships and boats, $1,800,000; leather. $1,500,000; flour,
$1,000,000; stoves and other castings. $600,000: machines,
$600,000; distilled stuffs, $400,000; piano fortes, $350,000 ; boots
and shoes, $100,000.
For most of the statistics of the commerce and manufactures
of Buffalo we are indebted to the Annual Statement of (lie Trade
and Commerce of Buffalo for 1857, issued from the office of the
Commercial Advertiser.
' Thi' custom hou-e building was commenced in 1S55 and
completed in 1858. It is 3 stories high, exclusive of basement,
and Iim ^ a front of 110 ft. on Seneca St. and 60 ft. on Washington
St.. with a total elevation of 70 ft. above the sidewalk. Its ex-
terior is of light gray sandstone, obtained from Cleveland, Ohio;
and the whole is fireproof throughout, the floors being of small,
segmental brick niches, turned from wrought iron beams, rest-
ing on tubular girders. The girders rest upon the walls, and
ii □pported in the middle by cast iron columns reaching to
tie foundation of the building.
o The arsenal is 165 ft. long by 65 ft. wide. Its front. 50 ft.
wide, projecting lr, ft. from the main building, is flanked by
Octagonal towers 60 ft. high. The walls are 40 ft. high; and at
■ -a. h corner is B heavy, square turret. The cost of the building
; Klk Street Market is 30 ft. wide by 375 ft. long, having a
la 24 It. wide extending the whole length of each side.
The Court Street Market consists of a main building, 51 ft. sq.,
with 4 wings, one on each side. The x. and B. wings are each
'.'1 | It. long DJ 86 wide, and the F. and W. wings are each 61 ft.
lmig by 86 ft. Wide. TheClinton St. and Washington St. Markets
.ir. eaeh Xif, ft. long by 36 ft. wide, with a veranda 24 ft. wide ex-
tending the whole length of each side.
« The total expenses of the schools for 1857 were $1 60,019. S6,
and the total receipts the same; number of volumes in district
lihrari-s S.216.
9 This institution owes its existence in a great measure to the
liberality of Jabez Goodell, who contributed over $10,000 toward
' .Mi-hiii. nt. The academy occupies one of the most eli
rible mid beautiful sites in the city. There are two academic
Buildings, Goodell Ball and Evergreen Cottage, — the former oc-
cupied for school purposes, and tho latter as a dwelling by tho
family of the principal.
ERIE COUNTY. 287
The Buffalo Medical College, on the corner of Main and Virginia Sts., was organized in Aug. 184G,
under the charter of the University of Buffalo. A course of lectures is given each winter; and
the students are admitted to the hospital of the Sisters of Charity, on stated days, during the visits
of the medical and surgical officers.
The Buffalo Mercantile College, on the corner of Main and Seneca Sts., was established Oct. 10,
1854. Its object is to impart a theoretical and practical knowledge of business transactions.
The Buffalo Commercial College, on Main St., is an institution similar in character to the Mer-
cantile College.
The Buffalo Law Library Association, incorp. April 2, 1833,— capital $10,000, in shares of $100
each, — was formed for the purpose of securing the benefits of a professional library beyond tho
reach of private means.
The Young Men's Association was established in the winter of 1835-36, and incorp. in March,
1843. It has a library of about 10,000 volumes, and a reading room, which is well supplied with
papers from most of the principal cities of the Union. During the winter months lectures are
maintained by the association.
The German Young Men's Association was organized in 1841 and chartered in 840. The
library contains about 2000 volumes, mostly German works.
The Young Men's Christian Union was established in May, 1852, and incorp. March, 1853. It
has for its object the moral and intellectual improvement of young men. Its library and reading
rooms are in Kremlin Hall, at the junction of Niagara and Erie Sts.
The Young Men's Catholic Association and the Buffalo Catholic Institute are societies similar
to the preceding.
The Buffalo Medical Association was formed in 1845 and incorp. in 1856. Its objects are
purely scientific and professional, and its membership is confined to the medical profession of
the county.
The Mendelssohn Association, organized Jan. 1858, has for its object the improvement and culti-
vation of vocal and instrumental music.
The Deutsche Leidertafel and the Dcutscher Saengerbund are German societies of a similar
character.
The Buffalo Orphan Asylum, located on Virginia St., was organized in 1835 and incorp. April
24, 1837. The site was donated by Louis S. Le Couteulx, and the present building was erected
in 1850. The average number of inmates is about 80.
The Buffalo Female Orphan Asylum, on the corner of Batavia and Ellicott Sts., was established
in 1848, under the care of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. The present number of children
is 98.
The Buffalo Hospital of the Sisters of Charity, on Virginia St., was incorp. July 5, 1848. The
building contains 20 wards, and the average number of patients is 130.
The Buffalo General Hospital was incorp. Nov. 21, 1855, and went into operation in 1858. It
was founded by individual donations, amounting to $20,000, and a State appropriation of $10,000. ]
The Lying-in Hospital, on Edward St., is under the charge of the Sisters of Charity.
The Buffalo City Dispensary, a society of physicians, was organized to afford gratuitous medical
services to the destitute.
The Association for the Relief of the Poor disburses among the needy each winter sums ranging
from $1,500 to $8,000.
The Firemen's Benevolent Association was incorp. March 23, 1837, and has for its object the
accumulation of a fund for the relief of indigent and disabled firemen and their families.
The Buffalo Physicians' Charitable Fund Association was organized in 1858, to provide means
for the assistance and relief of the widows and orphans of medical men.
A M. E. church was founded in Buffalo, in 1809, by the Rev. Jas. Mitchell ; but it had no per-
manent organization. The oldest church now in the city (1st Presb.) was organized Feb. 2, 1812,
by the Rev. Thaddeus Osgood. The next established were a Prot. E., Bap., a M. E., and a Univ.
There are now 57 churches in the city.2 Most of the church edifices are large and commodious ;
and many of them are of a high order of architectural beauty. St. Joseph's Cathedral (R. C.) is
l This hospital is located on High St., and is a two story hrick
structure, 160 ft. long by 75 ft. wide. The w. wing only of the
general plan is finished; but that is complete in itself, and has
4 wards, capable of accommodating 100 patients
in this city, has been prominently before the public from the
refusal of its trustees to convey their church property to tho
bishop, and the extraordinary but ineffectual efforts made by
the Roman pontiff to induce obedience to this order. In 1853
2 14 R. C, 8 Presb., 7 Prot. E., 7 M. E., 6 Bap., 4 Ger. Evang., Cardinal Bedini visited America, having this as a prominent
3 Luth., 2 Ref. Prot. D., and 1 each Asso. Presb., French Prot., object of his mission ; but the trustees were inflexible, and still
Unit., Univ., Mission, and Bethel. The R. C. Church of St. Louis, | continue the owners of their property.
238
ERIE COUXTY.
the largest and most costly in the city.1 St. Paul's2 and St. John's, (Prot. E.,) and the North and
Central Presb. churches, are elegant and substantial structures.
The earliest notice of the site of the city of Buffalo is found in the travels of Baron La Hontan,
who visited this locality in 1G87.3 No white settlers located here until after the American Revo-
lution. A village of the Seneca Indians lay on Buffalo Creek, about 3 mi. from its mouth. In
March, 1791, Col. Thos. Proctor, U. S. Commissioner, visited "Buffalo Creek," — as this village -was
then called, — on an embassy to the Indians. The locality around the mouth of the creek -was then
called "Lake Erie," and Cornelius AYinney, an Indian trader, resided there.4 The place -was
vi.»itcd in 1795 by La Rochefoucault Liancourt, a French nobleman, -who says that " at the post
on Lake Erie there was a small collection of four or five houses."5 Buffalo was laid out by the
agent of the Holland Land Company in 1S01, and was called by them "New Amsterdam."6 Set-
tlement was commenced at Black Rock in lc>07.7 In 1808 " New Amsterdam" was made the county
seat of Niagara co. ; and its name was then changed to Buffalo. In 1812 it became a military
post. In Dec. 1813, a party of British and Indians crossed over from Canada, defeated the Ameri-
can forces, and fired the villages of Black Rock and Buffalo. Only two dwelling houses were left
standing.8 The rebuilding of the village was not commenced until 1815. Buffalo had from the
first a formidable rival in Black Rock. "While the mouth of Buffalo Creek was obstructed by a
bar, Black Rock possessed an excellent harbor and monopolized the infant commerce of the lake.
The " Walk-in-the- Water," the first steamboat on Lake Erie, was built at Black Rock in 1818. The
construction of Buffalo harbor was commenced in 1820, by the citizens ;9 and in 1827 the General
Government assumed its completion and built the present pier and lighthouse. The Erie Canal
was finished in 1825 ; and from that time to the present Buffalo has increased in wealth and popu-
lation with the characteristic rapidity of the cities of the West.10
CIIICTAWAITGA11— was formed from Amherst, March 22, 1839; and a part of "West Seneca
was taken off in 1851. It is an interior town, lying x. of the center of the co. The surface is
level. The principal streams are Eleven Mile, Cayuga, and Slate Bottom Creeks The soil is a
heavy, tough clay. Cliictaivauga and Four Mile Creek, are p. offices. The first settle-
ment was made by Apollos Hitchcock, in 1808.12 There is but 1 church (R. C.) in town.
CLAREXCE-was formed from " Willink," (now Aurora,) March 11, 1808. Buffalo was
taken off in 1810, Alden in 1823, and Lancaster in 1833. It lies upon the n. border of the co.,
e. of the center. Its surface is level. A limestone terrace about 50 feet high, with a wall-like
front facing the n., extends e. and w. through the center of the town. The streams are Tona-
wanda Creek, on the n. border, and Ransoms Creek, flowing n. w. through near the center of
the town. The soil in the n. part is clayey, and in the s. a sandy and gravelly loam underlaid by
l The cathedral is 286 ft. long, 86 ft. wide in the body, and 120
at tl. Tin- c.-iling is 75 ft. high, the roof outside 90
when finished, will be 220 ft. high. The
windows ere all of beautiful stained glass, the larger ones in
flgup " repn -■ nting sacred scenes and characters. Tho tri-
iboto the altar represents the birth, cruci-
: I hrist This window was executed In
Mini. i,000.
* Thio church was erected at a cost of about $100,000. It has
aehbneof 10 bells, .* »,i<-), .-. .-t 116,000.
» 1,4 II ided t" the French Government the
a fort at thl« pi
« w abtedly the fir-t erected In UnfTalo—
h bare the ' - ■ . . | w j«
■ides Winuey, Johnston, the i'.riu-li Indian interpreter.
Martin Mi 1 1 " Uy, and his son-in-law, Kseklef
Ijin- t time; and In 17W \ Ransom, J
Skinner, ml ■/'"■• •'■ Jot ' were Bklnner kepi an Inn,
and Wint. rOf" an Indian store.
i from mem] • r» of the H<M-
lu, I Hain l ii :. ii . nut,"
'•Busti
i'.'' .in I Church St. ■
■ mate." 1 r. hanged by the
t rn- • -in'-"* "f tie- Hoi land l.unl Cotn-
short tine ■ • tie- opt II-
LnOS at "AVirU". I Ur-nco Hollow,
InlML
"The aurv- -. r general was directed (April 11. l
ont th- land il- ut ISlirk Bulk til lllllia, a part of lie- Mile
btrip— into lots and report to tie- Issdslature. This was ac-
done; and in bis report the surveyor genera]
his belief that tbi-i was the best, If not tl nl>. place at
tfaii end i the lake where s harbor of propel site could \*>
traded. From the earliest period the D. .-. had deaig-
•jat-l this vicinity as the site "f a fortification. Tin- report
stiMud with tl. Ig words:— "It will ho observed that
streets are laid where it will either bo impracticable or useless
to open them soon. It may, notwithstanding, be useful now to
contemplate, in tho plans of towns, what will bo necessary ar-
rangements a century hence. Such plans on record, while for
ill-- present they i in 1 ■■ productive ■>! no harm, maj prevent
those aberrations from order that might hereafter be a cause
■ I much inconvenience; and. without being governed by ex-
travagant calculations, no doubt can be entertained that the
future Importance of this place will justify extensive views in
the projection ol Its arrangements." Tho village, like Lewiston,
Oswego, Saline, and Fort Covington, was patented in small
- Bee p. 280. In 1826, Congress mado an appropriation of
$80,000 to compensate the inhabitants for the losses incurred by
tin- Blseeter.
* The sum of £1,861.26 was raised by subscription, and a loan
of $12.0iiO was obtained from the State. A pier, extending 80
rods into the lak'-. \va- built, and a lighthouse erected upon tho
land. Tie- Superior — the second steamboat launched upon
Lake Erie — was built at Buffalo in 1822.
I In- population at dill' rent peri', Is has been as follows: —
1880 8.H08
1835 19,715
1840 18,213
1845 29,773
1850 42,261
1855 74,214
1810 1,608
1M4 1,060
1820 2,006
182. 6,141
The population of lilai k Hock (now about 12,000) is included in
the returns of 1855 only.
11 This name was given at the suggestion of Alex. Hitchcock.
It is a corruption of the Seneca word •■ Jiik-dtywaah-gclt," signi-
U ing "the place of tho erab-applo tree," tho Indian name of
this locality.
13 Among the early settlers were Sam'l I.asure, Roswell Judson,
Abraham Hatch, and Maj. Noble. Tho first birth was that of a
child of Roswell Batch, in 1810; and the first death, that of
Franklin Hitchcock, in 1818. The first mill waa built by Sam'l
' Lasure. in 1810; and the first inn was kept by Jesse Munson, in
l 1815.
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o
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3
CD
ERIE COUNTY.
289
limestone. Clarence Hollow, (Clarence p. o.,) near the s. e. corner of the town, contains 3
churches, the Clarence Academy,1 and a pop. of 400; Clarence Center (p. v.) contains 2
churches and about 40 houses. Harris Hill (p. <>.) and North Clarence (p.o.) are
hamlets. The first settlement was made at Clarence Hollow in 1709, by Asa Ransom.* The
census reports 7 churches in town.3
COEDEIi4 — was formed from Holland, April 2, 1827. It is an interior town, lying s. of the
center of the co. The surface is an elevated upland, rolling in the e. and hilly in the w. The
W. branch of Cazenove Creek flows through the w. part of the town and is bordered by steep
declivities 150 to 200 ft. high. The soil is a gravelly loam intermixed with clay. Colden,
(p.v.,) on Cazenove Creek, contains a sawmill, a gristmill, and 34 houses; Glen wood, (p. v.,)
on the same stream, contains 1 church, 3 sawmills, 2 lath mills, a tannery, and 30 houses. The
first settlement was made in 1810, by Richard Buffum.5 The Presbyterian, at Glenwood, is the
only church in town.
COLLINS — was formed from Concord, March 1G, 1821. A part of Brandt was taken off in
1839, and North Collins in 1852. It lies on the s. border of the co., w. of the center. The surface
is a rolling upland, sloping gradually to the w. and descending abruptly to Cattaraugus Creek
upon the s. The summits of the ridges are 150 to 300 ft. above the valleys. Cattaraugus Creek
forms the s. boundary of the town ; and the other streams are Clear Creek and its tributaries.
The channels of these streams are narrow and deep. The soil is a clayey loam on the uplands
and a gravelly loam along the streams. Collins Center (p.v.) contains 1 church and 36
houses. Angola is a p. o. near the n. w. corner of the town. Gowauda lies partly in this
town.6 The first settlement was made in 1806, by Jacob Taylor.7 There are 5 churches in town.8
COIVCORD— was formed from "Willink," (now Aurora,) March 20, 1812; and Collins and
Sardinia were taken off in 1821. A part of Sardinia was annexed in 1822. It lies upon the s. border
of the co. The surface is a rolling upland, with steep declivities bordering upon Cattaraugus
Creek. Townsend Hill, the highest point, is nearly 1500 ft. above tide. The principal streams are
Cattaraugus Creek, upon the s. boundary of the town, and its tributaries. Several small brooks^
forming the head waters of Eighteen Mile and Cazenove Creeks, take their rise in this town. The
soil in the s. part is a gravelly loam, and in the n. a clayey loam underlaid by hardpan.
Springvillej (p.v.,) incorp. April 11, 1834, is situated in the s. part of the town, and contains
5 churches, the Springville Academy, a newspaper office, and several manufacturing establish-
ments.9 Pop. 953. Mortons Corners, (p.v.,) in the s. w. part, contains 1 church, 2 saw-
mills, a gristmill, and 20 houses. "Woodwards Hollow (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settle-
ment was made in 1808, by Christopher Stone.10 The first church was organized Nov. 2, 1816, by
Rev. John Spencer. There are 7 churches in town.11
EAST HAMBURGH— was formed from Hamburgh, as "EUicott," Oct. 15, 1850. A part
of West Seneca, as "Seneca," was taken off in 1851. Its name was changed Feb. 20, 1852. It
is an interior town, lying near the center of the co. The surface is a broken upland. Chestnut
Ridge, the highest land in the town, has an elevation of about 500 ft. above Lake Erie. The
declivities of the hills are generally gradual slopes, broken by narrow ravines formed by the
streams. Smokes Creek and its branches are the most considerable streams. The soil is a loam,
gravelly in the n. and clayey in the s. East Hamburgh, (p. v.,) n. of the center of the town,
1 Established as the Clarence Classical School in 1841, by J.
Hadley and R. Blennerhassett.
* Asa Ransom was a man of considerable influence with the
Indians. They gave him the name of "O-wis-ta-no-af-squo-nich,"
signifying "maker of silver," or "maker of silver money."
Gen. Timothy Hopkins settled in the town in 1797; Asa Chap-
man, Timothy James, Wm.Updegraff, Christopher Saddler, Levi
Felton, Abraham Shope, John Haines, and John Gardner, in
1801 ; Andrew Burnet, Geo. Shurman, Bera Ensign, and Jacob
Shope. in 1803; and Daniel Bailey in 1S04. The first birth was
that of Harry B. Ransom, in 1801; and the first death, that of
Keyes, in 1804. Asa Ransom opened the first public house,
in 1801, built the first sawmill, in 1805, and the first gristmill, in
1806 : Otis R. Hopkins kept the first store, in 1811. The first
school was taught by Rebecca Hamlin, in 1805.
* 3 Mennonites, Bap., Seventh Day Bap., Presb., and Union.
* Named fromCadwalladerD. Colden, then in the State Senate.
5 Thos. Pope, Josiah Brown, and L. Owen settled in the town
in 1810, and Jesse Southwick, Richard Sweet. Nath'l Bowen, and
Silas Lewis in 1811. The first birth was that of a child of Thos.
Pope, in 1811; the first marriage, that of Jas. Sweet and Char-
lotte Buffum, in 1810; and the first death, that of Nathaniel
Bowen, in 1812. Richard Buffum built the first mill, in 1810.
19
The first school was taught by Mary Eddy, in the winter of
1814. 6 See page 194.
' Joshua Palmerton, Stephen Peters, Turner Aldrich, and
Stephen Lapham settled in the town in 1810, and Stephen Wil-
bur and Sylvanus Bates in 1811. The first birth was that of a
son of Aaron Lindsley, in 1810; the first marriage, that of
Stephen Peterson and Sarah Palmerton, in 1811; and the first
death, that of Straight, in 1S12. Jacob Taylor built the
first mill, in 1812; John Hanford kept the first store, in 1813,
and Nathan King the first inn, in 1816. The first scho».j' was
taught by John King, in 1815.
8 Christians, Friends, F. W. Bap., Presb., and Union.
9 A woolen factory, 2 planing mills, a turning shop, a saw
mill, 2 gristmills, a tannery, a stone sawing mill, and a furnace
and machine shop.
to John Albro and John Russell settled in the town the same
year, Sam'l Cochrane in 1809. and Rufus Eaton, Joseph Adams,
Alva Plumb, and David Shultiez in 1810. The first birth was
that of Lucius Stone, in 1809; the first marriage, that of Jas.
Runnell and Anna Richmond, in 1813; and the first death, that
of Mrs. John Albro, in 1808. Anna Richmond taught the first
school, in 1811.
u Bap., F. W. Bap, M.E., Presb., R.C., Union, and Univ.
290
ERIE COUNTY.
contains 2 churches, 2 sawmills, and 40 houses. Ellicott (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settle-
ment was made in 1803, by David Eddy, from Rutland, Vt.1 There are 3 churches in town ;
Friends, M. E., and Union.
EDE\ — was formed from " Willink," (now Aurora,) March 20, 1812. Boston was taken off
in 1817, and Evans in 1821. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface
is hilly and broken in the e. and level in the w. A ridge about 500 ft. above the lake extends
alung the e. border. The principal streams are Eighteen Mile Creek and its branches. The soil
is a gravelly loam intermixed with clay. Eden, (p. v.,) situated near the center of the town,
contains 3 churches, a sawmill, a stave and shingle mill, a tannery, and 63 houses ; Eden Val-
ley, (p.v.,) on Eighteen Mile Creek, contains a gristmill, a sawmill, and 20 houses. Clarks-
bnrgh (p.o.) and East Eden (p. o.) are hamlets. The first settlement was made in 1808, by
Benj., Joseph, and Samuel Tubbs.2 The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Win. Hill,
in is 12. There are 8 churches in town.*
EE3IA — was formed from Lancaster and Aurora, Dec. 4, 1857. It is an interior town, lying
n. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is gently rolling, the summits of the ridges being 50 to
100 ft. above the valleys. Big Buffalo and Cazenove Creeks flow through the town. The soil is a
clayey loam in the v. and a gravelly loam in the s. Spring Brook, (p-v.,) on Cazenove
Creek, contains 2 churches and several manufactories.* Pop. 300. Elma5 (p.v.) has several
manufacturing establishments6 and 34 houses ; and Upper Ebenezer 27 houses. The first
settlement was made in 1827, by Taber Earlle.7 There are 2 churches in town; Presb. and R. C.
EVA\S" — was formed from Eden, March 23, 1821. A part of Hamburgh was annexed in 1826,
and a part of Brandt was taken off in 1839. It lies upon the lake shore, in the s. part of the co.
The land rises from the lake in a bluff 20 to 40 ft. high ; and the highest part of the town, near the
E. border, is 160 ft. above the lake. The streams are Big and Little Sister Creeks. The soil is a sandy
and gravelly loam intermixed with clay. Evans, (p.v.,) situated on Big Sister Creek, contains 3
churches, a gristmill, a sawmill, a tannery, and about 45 houses; Angola, (p.v.,) on the same
stream, is a station on the Erie R. R., and contains a gristmill, a sawmill, and about 45 houses ;
North Evans, (p. v.,) on Eighteen Mile Creek, in the N. e. part of the town, contains 3 churches,
a gristmill, a sawmill, a tannery, and about 40 houses; East Evans, (p.v.,) in the n. part of
the town, and Pontiac, (p.v.,) on Big Sister Creek, in the s. e. part, contain about 20 houses
each. The first settlement was made in 1804, by Joel Harvey.9 There are 7 churches in town.10
i- 11 i V I) ISEA1VD — was formed from Tonawanda as a town, Oct. 19, 1852. It is the n. w.
corner town in the co., and comprises Grand, Buckhorn, and Beaver Islands, in Niagara River.
Its surface is nearly level, and a considerable portion of it is still covered with forests. The soil
of the upper part is clayey, and of the lower part sandy. The people are principally engaged in
grain raising and lumbering. Grand Island is a p. o. on the E. shore. There is no village
on the island, although it is thickly settled along the shores. The first settlers were squatters,
who located soon after the War of 1812 and before it was decided to which Government the
island belonged." In 1820, Mordecai M. Noah, of New York, conceived the project of forming a
i K.7-ki. 1 Oook and Zenas Smith Bottled in the town in 1*03.
»nd fl to and Kz'ki'l and Dnniel Smith in 1804. The
fir*t marriage *m thai >.f Almon C. Lairo and Lydia Bpragne,
iii 1806; the Br»t birth, that • ■{ a s<m of Daniel Smith, in 1805;
and th'' fir«t death, thai of the mine i blld, in 1808. Danl Smith
built tba nr«t mill. In l-"7; Jnhn Green kept the first inn. in
1807, and David Eddy the flirt (ton, in 1809. The first school
wu taught by Anna Eddy, in 1
' Among t i,-- flmt *-t tiers were John Marsh, Silas F.stc, nnd
Calvin Ttmmpaon, who came in 180B, and Daniel and Bdward
d 1810. The first With a >- 'hat of Hannah Tubbs,
in l^'Ci; the first marriage, that of Da D m and anna Hill,
in 1816; and the first death, th (fetch, In 1812. Bliaha
Welch !"iilt the first sawmill, in 1811, and the first gristmill, in
1812. Win. Hill k i Inn, in 1814, mid Killn.
Johnson the first store, in 1890. Xbi first school was taught by
Bowena I'l.vk. in 181ft
• 8 B«C I'rt. D.. Bap.. Evanjr. T.ntli .. M T.. Pn -I. , nnd B. 0,
• 2 sawmills, a shinglo and turning mill, 2 gristmill", and a
tannery.
6 Named from a very lar^e elm tree n<»r Elmn Village.
• 1 gristmill, 2 planing nulla, and ■ ' hiir factory.
J Tini" thy Treat, I«a.nc William". Wilhrd and Jns. Fairbanks,
and Annua Adams settled in the t.urn In 1880, nnd Zima A.
Hemstrcet, Abraham Tat>er, and Jn ill in Kil. The
first birth was that of II. Scott Fairbanks in 1881; the first
marriage, that of Oonld Minman and Loolat Adam«. in
and the first deatb, that of the Sift of I«anr William", in 1880,
The first mill was built by Eastabrook, In 1824; and the
first inn was kept by Taber Earlle, in 1829. Emily Paine taught
the first school, in 1831.
8 Named from David E. Evans, agent of the Holland Land
Company.
9 Fisk and Worder sottled in tho town in 1S0S, Aaron
ury and Aaron Cash in ISOSt, and Andrew Tyler and Elijah
Gates in 1810. Tho first birth was that of a daughter of David
Cash, in .Inn. 1S11 ; the first marriage, that of Whiting Cash and
Persis Tavlor, Juno 28, 1815 ; and tho first death, that of Jona-
than Cash, in 1811. Ilenry Tuttle built the first mill, in 1817;
Joel Harvey kept the firHt inn, in 1806; and John Harris tho
first store, in 1815. The first school was taught by Ilib-
bard. In 1811.
During the Warof 1812a party of British sailorsand mariners
landed near Sturgeon Point, in the night, and commenced plun-
dering the inhabitants. Judge Aaron Salisbury, then a young
man, seized his musket and started off alone to get a shot at
them. When he arrived they were retreating to their boats, and
an exchange of shots produced no damage on either side. They
started for the mouth of Eighteen Mile Creek, and he on foot
endeavored to got there before them; but they had landed
when he arrived. IIo immediately commenced firing; and
they, not knowing how large a force was opposing them, re-
treated to their boats and speedily left. Here one man fright-
ened away 100 and saved the inhabitants from plunder.
>" ■■'. Bap., 8 Cong., 3 M. E., and B.C.
11 The treaty of peaco fixed the boundary between the two
countries along the principal branch of Niagara River. A dis
put* in regard to which was the principal branch was settled in
ERIE COUNTY.
291
colony of Jews upon Grand Island, as an Ararat, or resting place, for that scattered and broken
people.1
HAMBURGH2— was formed from " Willink," (now Aurora,) March 20, 1812. A part of
Evans was taken off in 1826, East Hamburgh in 1850, and a part of West Seneca, as " Seneca,"
in 1851. It lies on the shore of Lake Erie, near the center of the w. border of the co. Its surface
in the E. is rolling; but in the w. it is nearly level, with a gentle inclination toward the lake. A
bluff averaging 50 to 100 feet high borders the lake. The principal stream is Eighteen Mile
Creek. The soil is mostly a clayey loam ; in the s. e. corner it is gravelly. Whites Corners,
(p. v.,) on the n. branch of Eighteen Mile Creek, in the s. e. part of the town, contains 5 churches,
a gristmill, a sawmill, a tannery, and has a pop. of GOO ; Water Valley, (p. v.,) on the same
stream, w. of Whites Corners, contains a woolen factory, a furnace, and 20 houses ; Abbotts
Corners, (Hamburgh p. o.,) on the line of East Hamburgh, contains 2 churches, a sawmill, a
shingle mill, and 145 inhabitants. Big Tree Corners and Hamburgh-on-the-Lake
are p. offices. The first settlement was made in 1804, by Nathaniel Titus and Dr. Rufus Belden.3
There are 7 churches in town.*
HOLLAND — was formed from " WilliiiJc," (now Aurora,) April 15, 1818; and Colden was
taken off in 1827. It lies upon the e. border of the co., s. e. of the center. The surface is a high,
broken upland, divided by the valley of Cazenove Creek. The summit of the highland ia about
900 ft. above Lake Erie. The soil is a gravelly loam, intermixed in some places with slate and
clay. The valley of Cazenove Creek is very fertile. Holland, (p. v.,) on Cazenove Creek,
contains 1 church, several manufacturing establishments,5 and 28 houses. The first settlement
was made in 1807, by Jared Scott, Abner Currier, and Arthur Humphrey, from Vt,6 There is
but 1 church (Bap.) in town.
LANCASTER — was formed from Clarence, March 20, 1833. A part of West Seneca was taken
off in 1851, and a part of Elma in 1857. It is an interior town, n. e. of the center of the co. The
surface is level. Cayuga and Eleven Mile Creeks are the principal streams ; upon them are several
mill sites. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam. Lancaster, (p. v.,) incorp. March 13, 1849,
is a station on the N. Y.C. R. R., in the w. part of the town. It contains 6 churches, a bank, and
several manufactories.7 Pop. 1,259. Bowmansville, (p. v.,) in the n. w. corner of the town,
181S, by commissioners appointed respectively by the United
States and British Governments. While the matter was still
undecided, a large number of lawless persons — mostly refugees
from justice from both sides of the river — squatted upon the
island, locating principally along the shores. Remaining for
some time unmolested, they began to commit extensive depre-
dations upon the timber; and finally they set up an independent
government and elected a full quota of municipal officers. In
April, 1819, the legislature passed an act authorizing the re-
moval of these intruders. During the succeeding summer the
governor issued a proclamation commanding them to desist
from depredations upon the property of the State, and at once
to remove. A few obeyed the command ; but, seeing no active
demonstrations on the part of Government, they returned. In
the fall of 1819, Gov. Clinton directed Col. Jas.Cronk, the sheriff
of Niagara co., to call out a sufficient military force for the pur-
pose and forcibly expel them. On the 9th of Dec. 1819, the
sheriff, accompanied by Lieuts. Benj. Hodge and Osborne,
2 Berjeants, 4 corporals, and 24 privates, went to the island in
boats, manned by 20 boatmen, to carry into execution the orders
of the governor. Every facility was given the people to remove
witli their effects; and the boatmen took them to either shore, as
they might elect. The military were divided into 3 parties : a
vanguard, to read the governor's orders and assist in clearing
the houses ; a second party, to forcibly remove all property left
in the buildings ; and a rear guard, to burn the buildings and
complete the removal and destruction. Seventy houses were
burned, and 150 people, consisting of men, women, and children,
were turned out shelterless upon the U. S. and Canada shores.
Two buildings, filled with grain, alone were saved. The
removal and destruction occupied 5 days and coat the State
$568.99. A few families returned immediately, but did not re-
main.
1 In a memorial to the legislature in 1820 for the purchase
of the island, Maj. Noah explained his object; recounted the
persecution which his co-religionists in the Old World had suf-
fered through many centuries ; pointed out the benefits that had
resulted to Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany from the com-
mercial enterprise and the capital of the Jews when allowed the
exercise of their rights; and painted in brilliant colors the
benefits that would accrue to the U. S. if his people could ex-
change "the whips and scorns of Europe, Asia, and Africa for
the light of liberty and civilization" which this country afforded.
He estimated that there were 7,000,000 of Jews in the world, and
predicted that, if the existence of an asylum of freedom were
made known, large numbers would be induced to emigrate. The
sanction of law was asked to give confidence to those who might
not otherwise be induced to remove. His attempt to gather the
Jews, like those before it, ended in day dreams. The European
rabbii refused to sanction the effort ; and Maj. Noah soon gave up
the attempt, leaving no trace of his "city" upon the island but
a monument of brick and wood. It bore, on a marble tablet, the
following inscriptions from Deuteronomy vi. 4: —
nnnSN t-iSni^ rosy
ARARAT,
A CITY OP EEFCGE FOR THE JEWS,
Founded hy Mordecai M. Noah, in the month of Tizri 5,586,
(September, 1825,) and in the 50th year of American Inde-
pendence.
The monument has since tumbled down ; and the schemes of
Maj. Noah have now scarcely a place in memory or a trace
in history.
A Boston company was formerly extensively engaged in the
manufacture of ship timber upon the island.
a Named from Hamburgh, in Germany.
8 Benj., Enos, and Joseph Sheldon settled in the town in 1805,
and John Fox and Elisha and David Clark in 1806. The first
marriage was that of Ezekiel Cook and Anna Smith, in 1807.
Nath'l Titus kept the first inn, in 1804 ; and John Cuminings
built the first mill, in 1805.
* Bap., F. W. Bap., Evang. Lnth., M. E.. and R. C. at Whites
Corners, and M. E. and Presb. at Abbotts Corners.
6 2 sawmills, a gristmill, and a tannery; the last named is a
large establishment, employing about 20 men, and turning out
about 30,000 sides of leather per annum.
6 They were followed by Dan'l McKean and Ezekiel and Har-
vey Colby the same year, and by Increase Richardson, Samuel
Miller. Theophilus Baldwin, and Sandford Porter in 1808. The
first birth was that of Dan'l McKean, in 1808. Joshua Parsons
kept the first inn, in 1817, and Leonard Cook the first store, the
same year. The first school was taught by Abner Currier, in
1808.
i A glass factory, a bedstead factory, a tannery, a gristmill,
and a sawmill.
292
ERIE COUNTY.
contains 1 church and has a pop. of 196. Town Lino, Winspear, and L«ooneyville
are p. offices. The first settlement -was made in 1803, by Jas. and Asa Woodward.1 The first
religious services were conducted by Rev. John Spencer, at the house of Benj. Clark, in 1809.
There are 8 churches in town.2
9IARILLA3 — was formed from Alden and Wales, Dec. 2, 1853. It is situated near the center
of the e. border of the co. The surface is rolling. Big Buffalo Creek crosses the s. w. corner ; but
the principal part of the town is drained by the head waters of Little Buffalo Creek. The soil in
the x.e. and s. w. is a sandy and gravelly loam; but elsewhere it consists of clay and muck.
>1 a ril la. (p.v.,) situated near the center of the town, contains 3 churches, 2 sawmills, a shingle
mill, and 235 inhabitants. The first settlement was made by Jerry and Joseph Carpenter, in
1829.* There are 3 churches in town; Disciples, M. E., and R. C.
KEWSTEAD — was formed from Batavia, (Genesee co.,) as "Erie," April 11, 1804; its name
was changed April 18, 1831. It is the >\ e. corner town of the co. A limestone terrace extends
through near the center of the town. North of this the surface is level, in many places marshy;
and the soil is a clayey loam intermixed with marl and sand. To the s. the surface is level, or
gently undulating, and the suil a sandy and clayey loam underlaid by limestone. The town is
watered by several small streams, the principal of which is Murder Creek.5 A layer of hydraulic
limestone crops out along the terrace, and waterlime is extensively manufactured from it.
Akron,6 (p.v.,) iucorp. Oct. 1850, is a station on the Canandaigua & N. F. branch of the N. Y.
C. R. R., near the center of the tuwn. It contains 4 churches and several manufacturing estab-
lishments.7 Pop. 402. Falkirk, 1 mi. e. of Akron, is a hamlet. The first settlement was made
in the early part of the present century.8 The first religious society (M. E.) was organized in
1807, with 12 members, at the house of Charles Knight, by Rev. Peter Van Nest and Amos
Jcuks. There are 4 churches in town.9
XORT1I COL.L.I1VS— was formed from Collins, Nov. 24, 1852, as "Shirley;" its name was
changed June 24, 1853. It is an interior town, lying in the s. w. part of the co. Its surface is
rolling, the summits of the ridges being 200 to 300 ft. above the valleys. The town is watered by
the head branches of Eighteen Mile, Clear, and Big Sister Creeks. The streams generally flow
through deep ravines bordered by steep declivities. The soil is a gravelly loam. North Col-
lins, (Collins p. o.,) in the >\ w. part of the town, contains 2 churches and 34 houses. Shirley.
(p. v.) and Langford, (p. o.,) in the n. e. part, New Oregon, (p. o.,) in the e. part, and
3Iarslifiel<i. (p. o.,) in the s., are hamlets. The first settlers were Stephen Sisson, Abram
Tucker, and Enos Southwick, from Warren co., who moved into the town in 1810. 10 There are
8 churches in town.11
S 1RDIMA — was formed from Concord, March 16, 1821. A part of Concord was taken off
in 1 "22. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. The surface in the e. part is gently rolling, and in
tip' w. hilly. Shepherd Hill, s. w. of the center, is 1,040 ft. above Lake Erie. Cattaraugus Creek
forms the s. boumlarv. In the e. part the soil is a gravelly loam, and in the w. it is clay under-
liti 1 by hardpan. Sardinia, (p.v.,) in the s.x. part, contains 2 churches, a woolen factory, a
nill. a tannery, and 40 houses. Protection is a p. f>. The first settlement was made by
1 . _-<■ Richmond, from Yt.1- The first religious services were conducted by the Rev. John Spen-
oar, in Feb. 1815. There are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
' Anvng th* early settlers wore AUi md David
nan '• Warren
i lln. In 1806, Wo I I I I Kerney, and
KtishaOox, in 1W, an.: irdoti Pecknam, and
Bonj. Clark, in ' Brut birth r of twins,
,-hil : r.-arh. aii'l Hi" Oral death, thai ■■( ■ child
..i Win. Blackman. both In IM»H. Rnbinron built the Aral
sawmill, in 1808; Alu ! a 1810, and
Jos. Carpenter th<< tir«t Inn, In U
Before Johnson, In 1810.
: 2 Kv.rif. I,uth..2M. \ . Dtsdpk i,Gci Mi •.-... Preab^an I !:.<'.
'■ Vuii"l from Mr-. M len.
• Rice Wilder, < tru- Finney, and H Iman Da ttled in
the i.iwn in 183L The first birth trai th Finney, in
,i • i-;-.i. Jean Barton bull I tl i dtbe
Unit grtomul, in l- re, In
in. I th- tir»t inn, in 18M fa* taught by
Sophia Day. in
•Called by the In'limi "lM*fl - riar of <li«t.mt
wtUT. The creek was named fr<>tn th" feci that al.iut the
time of the first settlement a whit* man wm murdered upon
It, within the present village limi's of Akron, by an Indian
who was conducting him to Canada.
6 Named from Akron, Ohio, and the latter from a Greek word
in-; " summit."
; j jrristmiUs, 2 sawmills, l waterlime mill, l furnace and
line -hop, 1 planing mill, 1 stave and shingle mill, and a
tannery.
8 Among the early settlers wire Otis Ingalls, David Cully,
lvti-i \ mi i|i' Vi lit- i . S mil Miles, John Kelton, Charles liiirney,
\ ii i 'n Beard, Robt I'm ham, Tobias Cole, and Sam 'I, Silas, John,
and Thomas Hill. Peter Van de Venter kept the first inn. in
Is".!, and Archibald Clark the first store, in 1809. The first
School was tin -.'lit liv Keith, in 1807.
' Bap., Preeb., M. i:., and K.C.
10 Tin- lir^t birth was that of Geo. Tucker, in Aug. 1810; the
first marriage, that of Levi Woodward and Hannah Nnithwick,
in i^rj; and 'he first deaths, those of two prls, twin daughters
"f Stephen Sisson, Stephen stancliff built the first mill, in
I ■-Is; Stephen Tinker kept the first inn. and Chester Hose the
lir^t store, both in 1818. The first school was taught by Phebe
Southwick, in th" summer of 181.'!.
it 2 Friends, 2 M. K.. 2 H.C., I!ap., and Cong.
13 Aui'-ii.' the early settlers wire Ezra Nott Henry Godfrey,
and Josiah Sumner. Elisha Rico anil Giles Brigg's settled in
the town in 1810. The first birth was that of Kay liriggs, ia
ERIE COUNTY.
293
TON AW AND A — was formed from Buffalo, April 1G, 183G ; and Grand Island was taken
off in 1852. It lies in the N.w. part of the co., at the angle formed by the junction of Tona-
wanda Creek and Niagara River. Its surface is generally level. Eleven Mile Creek crosses the N.
part of the town. The soil along Niagara River is clayey ; in the interior it is sandy. Tona-
wamla, (p. v.,) incorp. Dec. 3, 1853, is situated on the Erie Canal, at the confluence of Niagara
River and Tonawanda Creek. It has a good harbor,1 and is an important station on the
B. & N. F. R. R. It is the western terminus of the C. & N. F. branch of the N. Y. C. R. R. It
contains 5 churches, a newspaper office, a bank, an elevator,2 and several manufacturing establish-
ments.3 Pop. 1,257.* The first settlement was made in 1805.5 There are 8 churches in town.0
WAEES — was formed from Aurora, April 15, 1818; and a part of Marilla wa« taken off in
1853. It is situated near the center of the E. border of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly
and inclined toward the n. The principal stream is Big Buffalo Creek. The soil in the n. is
a gravelly loam, and in the s. clay underlaid by hardpan. Wales Center, (p. v.,) on Big
Buffalo Creek, in the n. part of the town, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, a sawmill, and 40
dwellings; "Wales, (p. v.,) on the same stream, contains 1 church, a gristmill, a sawmill, and 30
dwellings; and South Wales (p. v.) contains a gristmill, a sawmill, and 25 dwellings. The
first settlement was made in 1805, by Oliver Pettengill.7 There are 3 churches in town; 2 M. E.
and a Free Will Bap.
WEST SEWECA — was formed, as " Seneca" from Chicktowaga, Hamburgh and East Ham-
burgh, and Lancaster, Oct. 16, 1851; its name was changed March 25, 1852. It is situated on
the shore of Lake Erie, near the center of the w. border of the co. Its surface is gently undu-
lating in the e. and level in the w. The streams are Big Buffalo, Cazenove, and Smokes8 Creeks.
The soil is generally a sandy loam. The town is mainly settled by a society of German religion-
ists, generally known as Ebenezers, but who style themselves the "Community of True Inspira-
tion."9 Middle Ebenezer, on Buffalo Creek, contains a church, calico printing factory,
woolen factory, sawmill, oil mill, and 67 houses; Lower Ebenezer, on Cazenove Creek,
contains a church, sawmill, gristmill, tannery, and 50 houses; and 3Vew Ebenezer contains a
large manufactory of cotton and woolen goods, an extensive dyeing works, and 9 dwellings.
Reserve, West Seneca Center, and West Seneca are p. offices. The first settlement
was made by Reuben Sackett, in 1826. 10 There are 4 churches in town.11
1811; and the first death, that of a son of Henry Godfrey, in 1814.
Sumner Warren built the first mill, in 1811; Geo. Richmond kept
the first inn, in 1811; and Clark & Co. the first store, in 1816.
The first school was taught by Melinda Abbey, in 1S14.
1 Large quantities of lumber are received at this port from
Canada and the Western States. The quantity re-shipped by
canal in 1857 was, of timber, 841,011 cubic feet; of sawed stuff,
4,815.441 ft.; and of wood, 16,007 cords.
2 This elevator has a storage capacity of 250,000 bush., and
facilities for elevating 2000 bush, per hour.
3 3 sawmills, 3 shingle mills, a planing mill, and a furnace and
machine shop.
1 This is the pop. of that part of the village in Erie co. A
part of the village is across the creek, in Niagara co.; and the
pop. of this is not known.
6 Alex. Logan, John King, and John Hersey settled in the
town in 1805 ; Emanuel Winter, Jos. Haywood, Oliver Standard,
John Cunningham, Josiah Guthrie, Ebenezer Coon, Thos. Hou-
nan, and Joseph Hersey, in 1806; Henry Anguish, in 1808; and
Frederick Buck, in 1809. Henry Anguish kept the first inn, in
1811, and Judge Wilkinson the first store, in 1823. The first
mill was built by Osborne, in 1S19.
6 Disciples, Evang. Luth., M. E., R. C, and Wes. Meth. at Tona-
wanda Village, and Evang. Luth., M. E., and R. C. in other
parts of the town.
1 Ethan and Win. Allen and Jacob Turner settled in the town
in 1806, and Chas.and Alex. McKay, Ebenezer Holmes, and Wm.
Hoyt in 1807. The first birth was that of Wm. Pettengill, in
June, 1806. Isaac and Eli Hall built the first mill, in 1811;
Isaac Hall kept the first inn. in 1816; and Orsamus Warren the
first store, in 1824. The first school was taught by Jas. Wood,
in 1811. In 1813 an Indian hatchet was found imbedded in a
tree at Wales Center, and in 1825 John Allen related the fol-
lowing circumstance concerning it. About the time of the first
settlement of Buffalo an Indian came to that place and exhibited
the :-kin of a white child, and boasted that he had murdered and
skinued the child for the purpose of making a tobacco pouch.
Truman Allen, (brother of the narrator,) hearing the boast,
became so enraged that ho followed the Indian to Wales and
shot him. He buried the body and rifle in the sand, and stuck
the tomahawk into a tree, where it was afterward found as
above stated.
8 Named from an Indian who resided near its mouth and who
was an inveterate smoker.
9 This community purchased 7,622 acres belonging to the Buf-
falo Indian Reservation in 1844, and commenced their settle-
ments the same year. They are largely engaged in agriculture
and manufactures ; and their wares have obtained so excellent a
reputation that they find a ready market at Buffalo and else-
where. They have a community of property, reside in villages,
and several families usually occupy the same house. They are
governed by a board of trustees; and their business is done
through an agent, who appears to have almost unlimited control
of matters. They are honest, industrious, and frugal ; and in
the contented and peaceful tenor of their lives they present a
model which might well bo copied by some of the restless and
ambitious Yankee race.
10 Among the other early settlers were Artemus W. Baker,
John G. Wells, Isaac Earlle, and Geo. Hopper, who located in
1828. The first child born was a daughter of Joel Decker, in
Aug. 1 828 ; and the first death, that of Peter Beal, in 1S34. Geo.
E. Elderkin taught the first school, in 1839; Reuben Sackett
kept the first inn, in 1826; the Ebenezer Society, the first Btore,
in 1845 ; and Ballou & Tubell built the first mill, in 1S37.
U 2 Lutheran and 2 Community of True Inspiration.
294
EKIE COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Erie County.
I Acres op Land.
Names op Towns.
Alden
Amherst
Aurora
Boston
Brandt
Buffalo City
Chicktowaga
Clarence
Colden
Collins .'.....
OoDoord
East Hamburgh
Eden
Elma"
Evans
Grand Island
Hamburgh
Holland
Lancaster
Manila
•;ead.
North Collins....
Sardinia
T'.nswanda
Wales
Weet Seneca.
Total
J
Valuation op 1S5S.
11,721
17.298*
19.3631
13.604*
7,666*
10.612*
9,280*
17.770
9,716
18.174
23,950*
15,184*
15,261*
14.400*
4.017
14.4'V«3
12,035*
14,660*
! "
19.491
16,032*
14.:.:.-3
6,632
8.960
12,003
13.9343
8468
1.513*
2.336*
6,405*
I
12,702
11.692*
17,080
8.170
7,814
10.977
13,684
B.188
9.369
16.303*
652 i
11,886 I
-■• ■ ■:
13.994 i
3.772*
7,025 |
11,743* ;
a
4
$64.3.985
1.274>20
462J240
290,800
269,310
29,334.-40
867,992
1,032.130
221.250
610.090
524.645
560,470
4'.' Iy430
405,625
7'il.uss
237,567
734.685
222.403
890.275
300475
954.055
498,076
337,500
516.477
330,315
555,293
340,307* 253.3441 43.256,039
5 a.
$15,400
86,500
5Z120
11.600
11,200
6.182.220
9.x m
96,675
3,575
T5.900
20,950
49,160
23.126
7,600
19,900
114.375
6.500
73.400
16.600
30.375
60.0S0
15.475
61,100
14.600
2.250
7.0. i.4-o
I
$659,385
1,361,320
504,360
301.900
280,510
35,517,060
877,792
1.12S.S05
224,825
685,990
545,59S
609,630
513,555
413.225
720.9S8
237,567
849,060
228,903
963,675
316,775
984,430
558.156
352.975
577.577
344.915
557,543
50.216.519
Population.
S
1,230
2,565
1.-72
908
570
37,561
1.314
1,695
709
1.013
1,409
1.012
1,241
1.194
483
1,617
691
2,854
'704
1.576
964
888
1,385
870
1,333
67,658
1,174
2,553
1.793
861
523
36,653
1,212
1,558
672
1,012
1,396
934
1,185
1.058
355
1,420
630
2,635
673
1,411
895
877
1,184
819
1,190
64.673
S
469
951
733
310
196
10,613
488
587
289
362
531
394
470
452
161
550
265
1,065
292
596
358
360
450
336
418
21,674
s
469
1,016
759
311
211
14,715
497
630
283
408
535
3S8
470
463
173
564
255
1,080
294
595
367
369
507
341
493
4
395
727
578
29S
169
6,153
365
459
286
287
52
330
414
384
90
385
260
794
257
486
340
328
323
329
602
26.193 15,566 328
Schools.
41
SI
987
2,270
973
691
378
28,000
995
1,116
549
633
1,106
825
961
896
969
420
1,020
586
1,649
546
1,165
748
682
916
641
923
51.503
Names op Towns.
Alden
Amhersu
Aurora.
Boston
Brandt
Buffalo
Chicktowaga.
Clarence.
Colden
Collins.
Concord
East Hamburgh.
Bden
'_
Kvans
(irsri'l I-land
Hamburgh.
Holland
MartUa.
■ad
RoTta C-.lHna
Sardinia
Tooawaoda.
Wal<»
Weat 8cti»ca
Total.
Live Stock.
555
1,004
1,033
453
2S1
2,116
611
1.073
337
618
709
664
617
614
129
780
485
908
337
1 1 a
-■
712
765
1.230
1,191
1.016
789
332
588
896
824
1,559
1.757
688
1,149
1,384
4- •
638
1.1-7
1,125
1,262
■ --;
•
1.011
1,294
1,236
1,165
817
1,609
862
1.161
797
2.764
2.461
1.:;.-
1,271
1.4o7
250
818
780
1.17.-
I
1 018
2.306
1,568
2.431
1.326
56
870
4,844
1.710
1,628
3,329
4,160
2,587
3,157
631
1,646
1,286
5,706
•
21
to
728
1.975
1.233
603
503
2,503
814
1,859
372
776
886
852
014
846!
779
1.007;
1.401
L668
-
. •:
s-s
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
10.556
36,170*
5,934
2.185
1,421
7.616
Oo'.-7
45.471
1,297
5,045
1,949*
3.799*
6.515*
2.241*
4,047
3,358*
9.067*
22,235
958*
JS.7IKI
1.4: .2
1.4-1
19,818
5419
7.154
46.890
82,616*
77.611*
48,763*
23.221*
42.716
40,432*
99.576
27.70-;
40.530
93,043
fio.:;;,:-
59,425*
50.281
16,846
66,646
48,647*
84,964
22,974*
100,677*
r.:...-.4"3
81,017
16>W 25,808 '29,831 66,085 21.7. '1 263,792* 1.::
3,547
3,173
o.3--;
4,029*
2.02HJ
4.184
3,272*
2,606
2,697
5.9(i5
5.724J
5,628*
4,312*
'..::::;:
1,002
6.-JOS
3.041
4.439
1.-213
3.322
(.10.
3.401
2.415
4.336
2,708
"s>
IS
=;ft<
16.412
19,496
31.068
1W07
12.-00
22.519
17.271
17.064
11.710
10,691
22,566
31,256*
20,371
13.922
9,028
21.119
7.107
31.9.14
7.770
20,668
19.992
l-.-ll
-.ool
15.431
20.392
■>
= a.
5,853
8,740
17.9S5
10.997
5,391
2.970
5,743
30.M-4
3,S19
16,S66
17.365*
19,254*
14.121
11,138
148
11.170
10,761
13.620
1.118
20,726
12,506
10.266
2,179
12.229
470
98,011* 445,350* 206,195
DaIET PRODUCTS.
55.424
69.605
111.094
56.135
55,737
15,400
64,139
86.743
54,205
78.736
98,115
110,120
112,660
94.069
23,420
102,800
77,850
80,300
43,394
107,777
103,429
95,646
26,920
112.155
::i..2H)
13 «i
ft. 5
4,000
100
15.095
115,545
82,282
4,950
890
42.000
586,884
460.881
38,500
36,455
27,625
40
23,380
7.90'
3,130
2,904
4,190
515,804
28,470
37,860
cs
410
310*
1.180
769
1,403
681
1.184
1.562
1,541
2.004*
1,432*
1.808
975*
687*
2,137*
270
702
397
2,251
3,329
175
1,347*
30
1,806,132 2,038,392' 26,654
• Formed siuco 1855.
ESSEX COUNTY.
This county was formed from Clinton, March 1, 1790, and a
corner was taken off in the erection of Franklin co. in 1808. It
lies upon Lake Champlain, in the n.e. part of the State; is cen-
trally distant 100 miles from Albany, and contains 1,926 square
miles. It is by far the most broken and mountainous county in
the State. With the exception of a narrow strip of level land
along the shore of Lake Champlain, nearly the whole co. is of an
Alpine character. High, rocky peaks, and immense mountain
masses, abounding in wild, broken crags and stupendous preci-
pices, and separated by narrow ravines and deep gorges, form the
general characteristics of the landscape. With the exception
of the Black Mountain, of North Carolina, and the White Moun-
tain group, of New Hampshire, the mountains of this co. attain a higher elevation than any
others belonging to the great Appalachian system ; and, taking into consideration their great
number of lofty peaks, they surpass in magnitude all other groups e. of the Mississippi. The
mountains seem thrown together without regard to order or system ; and from this fact, and the
frequent misapplication of names, much confusion has arisen in attempting to describe them.
The 5 mountain ranges N. of the Mohawk valley extend through portions of this co., and
terminate upon the shores of Lake Champlain. They all have a general n. e. and s. w. direction,
rising successively higher toward the n. until they culminate in the most northerly range. The
axes of these ranges are nearly parallel, and are respectively about 8 mi. apart. They are not
always distinct and continuous, but in some places their lateral spurs interlock, and in others their
continuity is broken by the intervention of valleys and brief intervals of lowland. They are not
regularly serrated, but appear to consist of groups of sharp pointed peaks connected by immense
ridges. The principal mountain masses appear to extend in a due n. and s. direction, and are thus
placed obliquely in the range of which they form a part. Single mountains are often sufficiently
large to occupy the whole intervening space between the ranges, thus destroying the continuity
of the valleys and reducing them to narrow, isolated ravines. This arrangement of mountains,
in regard to the ridges, affords the key to the peculiar plan of the construction of this whole moun-
tain system. The most southerly of the 5 ranges barely enters the extreme s. e. corner of the co.
It is known as the Palmertown or Luzerne Mts. It has also sometimes been called the Black
Mountain Range and the Tongue Mts. It constitutes the highlands which rise upon both sides
of Lake George and upon the narrow peninsula between the Lake George Outlet and Lake Cham-
plain. Mt. Defiance, the extremity of the ridge, has an elevation of about 750 feet above the lake.
The second range, known as the Kayaderosseras, extends through the s. e. part of Schroon and
the center of Crown Point, ending in the high oliff which overlooks Bulwagga Bay, and is
elevated about 1,150 feet above the surface of the lake. Along the course of this range, in Schroon,
is a cluster of mountain peaks, the highest of which, Mt. Pharaoh, is 3,500 to 4,000 feet above tide.
The third range occupies the w. and n. parts of Schroon, and extends through the n. part
of Moriah and the center of Westport, ending in the high promontory of Split Rock, in the s.
part of Essex.1 Bald Mountain, in Westport, one of the most noted peaks of this range, attains an
elevation of 2,065 feet above tide This range takes the name of the Schroon Mts. from the
principal lake which lies at its foot.
The fourth range extends through the central parts of Minerva and N. Hudson, the s. E. corner
of Keene and Lewis, the n. w. part of Elizabethtown, and the center of Willsborough, ending
in the high bluffs which border upon Perou Bay. It might with propriety be called the Boquet
Range, from the principal river which flows at its base. Dix Peak, in N. Hudson, the highest
mountain in this range, attains an elevation of 5,200 feet above tide, and, next to Mt. Marcy, is the
1 The name of Split Rock was applied to this promontory in
consequence of about J acre of the extreme point being de-
tached from the mainland by a chasm 10 feet wide, extending
downward to near the water's edge. It was once supposed
that this mass was split off from the mainland by some great
convulsion of nature, and writers have gravely asserted that 500
feet soundings have been taken in the chasm ; but it is probable
that the fissure was formed by the disintegration of the rock,
which at this point contains iron pyrites and is easily acted
upon by the elements. The height of this dissevered mass
above the lake is about 30 feet.
295
296 ESSEX COUNTY.
highest point in the co. Nipple Top has an elevation of 4,900 feet. Raven Hill, in Elizabethtown,
and Mt. Diseovery, in Lewis, each attain an elevation of over 2,000 feet. The fifth range extends
through Xewcornb, Keene, Jay, Lewis, and Chesterfield, ending in the rocky promontory of Trem-
bleau Point. It has sometimes been called the Clinton Range, but it is more widely known as the
Adirondack Range.1 Mt. Marcy, the highest peak of this range, and the highest land in the
State, has an elevation of 5407 feet above tide. Mounts McMartin, Mclntyre, and San-da-no-na,
belonging to this range, are each upward of 5000 feet high. A spur of this range extends north-
ward on the borders of Jay and Chesterfield, in a high, unbroken ridge, with a mean elevation
of about 2,000 feet above tide.
North of the Adirondack Range the mountains are not disposed in regular ranges, but are scattered
in groups over a large space of country. These groups, however, lie in a line parallel to the other
ranges, and for convenience of description they might be considered under the head of the "Au
Sable Range." Mt. Seward, the highest peak, 5,100 feet above tide, is situated just beyond the
limits of the co. Whiteface, in Wilmington, has an elevation of 4,855 feet.
The rocks of Es>ex co. arc primary, consisting of granite, gneiss, and hypersthene. The moun-
tains generally are composed of huge masses of naked rocks, more or less disintegrated by the
action of the elements. Nearly the whole mountain region is composed of this primitive rock.
Along the base of the mountains, on the e., appear the Trenton limestone and Utica slate ; while
upon the immediate borders of the lake are found the clayey masses of the tertiary formation. In
rimary rocks, among the mountains, are immense beds of rich magnetic iron ore, some of
which have been extensively worked, though generally in a very rude and primitive manner. The
iron produced from this ore has been subjected to the most severe tests, and has been pronounced
equal to the best which is produced in the world.
The s. w. portion of the co. is drained by the Hudson and its principal branch, the Schroon
River. These streams take their rise upon the highest peaks of the Adirondack and Schroon
; jes, and flow through the winding valleys that lie at their base. Upon the e. Putnams Creek
drains the region between the Luzerne and Kayaderosseras Ranges; Mill Brook, between the
Kayaderosseras and Schroon; and the Boquet2 River, between the Schroon and Boquet Ranges.
The Aii Sable, flowing along the x. base of the Adirondack Range, drains the N. portion of the co.
The valleys of these streams are generally narrow, and are bounded by steep banks, which are not
unfrequcntly huge masses of precipitous or overhanging rocks.
Lakes Champlain and George lie partly in this co., and more than 100 small lakes lie wholly
within its limits. The greater part of these are comprised in three groups, lying near the base of
the principal mountain peaks. The first of these groups surrounds Mt. Marcy; the second, Mt.
Pharaoh; and the third, Whiteface. Many others are found scattered along the whole course
of the mountain ranges. These lakes are generally long and narrow; and Prof. Emmons says
''that, instead of occupying shallow basins scooped out of the softer materials, — as earth and
rdinary slates and -hales. — they lie in chasms formed by uplifts and fractures in the primary
r Many of these lakes have precipitous hanks, presenting a meat variety of wild and pictu-
ry. The snil along Lake Champlain consists of a stiff, hard clay, alternating with a
dark loam and gravel, and. in the narrow valleys, of disintegrated rocks. Upon the mountains the
soil is thin and light, many of the peaks being masses of naked rocks, destitute of both soil and
tation. The declivities of the hills are generally wooded, but not very heavily. Three-fourths
of the i rough and broken for cultivation.
tiling, i r< ■ m mining, and the manufacture of iron from the ore, constitute the leading pursuits;
and tie- immense mineral wealth of this section must for centuries continue to afford an object of
profitable invest nt [n the infancy of the settlement, and until the supply became exhausted,
the manufacture and ex] of lumber and Btaves to the Quebec market formed the leading,
and, in some neighborhoods, almost the Bole, obje •- of industry. Kalis of great size were formed in
the COVefl an red p"ints along the lake Fhore. and were waited hy sails and oars to the
Richlieu River, and down that stream and the St. Lawrence to Quebec, where they were transferred
:ips for the British marker. The completion of the Champlain Canal gave a new impulse to
lumbering; but the timber suitable for exportation is now nearly exhausted, except on the
me w. borders of the co. The logs of this latter region are floated down the Saranac,
name Adlrondt tly applied only to (ha group I * Pron. bo-kw6t. Probably frnm tlm French "baquet," a
of elei arhlch Mr ' r, but by trough. It la aim said to hare 1 n named from Henry Boquet,
c.mn le t" comprehend the whole system an English officer; but the name appears on French maps pre-
" . i«k. i vious to his residence in the couutry.
VIEW ON LAKE GEORGE,
ADIRONDACK OR INDIAN PASS
ESSEX COUNTY.
297
Racket, Hudson, and other streams, to some convenient place for sawing; and largo sums have
been appropriated by the State for improving the channels of these rivers for this purpose.1 Tan-
neries, within the last few years, have greatly increased in the woody sections of the State, and
about a dozen of them are located in this co. The iron manufacturing business of this region
was commenced at Willsborough Falls in 1801, 2 and now forms one of the leading pursuits
of the people. Iron ore is exported from this co. in large quantities to Pittsburgh and other distant
localities, to be mixed with other ores.3 The manufacture of sash and blinds, tubs, pails, and other
articles of pine and cedar, starch, paper, and black lead, receives considerable attention. Ship-
building, to some extent, has been carried on in Essex and Willsborough.
The county seat is located at Elizabethtown,* situated upon the Boquet, about 8 mi. w. of the
lake. It contains the courthouse, jail, and county clerk's office.5 These buildings are plain and
substantial. The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 100 acres, in Essex, 10£ mi. n. e. of
Elizabethtown. The average number of inmates is 70, supported at a cost of 02 cts. per week
each. The farm yields a revenue of about $1,200.6
There are 2 papers now published in the county.7
In 1609, Samuel Champlain, with two attendants, accompanied a party of Canadian Indians on
an expedition against the Five Nations. On the 4th of July his party entered the lake which now
bears his name, and on the 30th they met their enemies. A sanguinary battle ensued, the fate
of which was decided by the firearms of the whites, then for the first time used within the limits of
the State. This act of unprovoked hostility on the part of Champlain laid the foundation for the
long and bloody wars between the Five Nations and the French, and rendered the former the
willing and steadfast friends and allies of the English. The whole region bordering upon the lake
was claimed, by constructive title, by both France and England ; and during the wars that ensued
it became the great battle ground for supremacy, and the principal highway for war parties in their
mutual incursions upon the defenseless frontier settlements. Fort Frederick was erected by the
French at Crown Point in 1731. This measure was met by remonstrance, but no open resistance,
on the part of the English. Previous to the erection of the fort, French settlements had commenced
in various places along both shores of the lake. These settlements had made considerable progress,
1 $0000 was appropriated in 1853, and $5000 in 1854, for im-
proving the log navigation of the Au Sahle River. A lighthouse
has been erected at Split Rock by the General Government.
The proposed Sacketts Harbor and Saratoga R. R. has been sur-
veyed across the S. corner of the co.. and another route has
been projected from Plattsburgh to Whitehall ; but there is little
prospect of either of these lines being soon finished.
2 In that year George Throop and Levi Iligby, in connection
with Charles Kane, of Schenectady, began the manufacture of
anchors at Willsborough Falls. For the first 10 years the ore
was obtained in part from Canada, but principally from Ver-
mont. A bed at Basin Harbor was the only one then known
within the co. Mill and steamboat irons were afterward
made, and the foundry was finally converted into a forge.
Early in the present century W. D. Ross erected a rolling mill
on the Boquet, for making nail plates for the factory at Fair
Haven, Vt. About 1809, Archibald Mclntyre and his asso-
ciates erected works on a branch of the Au Sable, in the
present town of N. Elba, designated as the " Elba Iron Works,"
which were at first supplied from the vicinity, and afterward
from the Arnold mine, in Clinton co. The forge was abandoned
in 1815, after sevoral years of prosperous business. The iron
interest rapidly extended after the completion of the Champlain
Canal, and several large manufactories were erected in the
valley of the Au Sable and the surrounding region. The forges,
rolling mills, and nail factories of this section are among the
most extensive of the kind in the country. Bar, pig, and bloom
iron of superior quality are produced in large quantities. Within
a few years, anthracite coal has nearly superseded the use of
charcoal in the furnaces along the lake shore. These establish-
ments afford a home market for a large part of the agricultural
products of the co. Most of the above dates and facts are con-
densed from Watson's Ag. Survey of Essex Co., 1852, p. 814.
8 Tho principal ores in this co. are magnetic, and they are
separated from the stone by water and by magnetic machines.
Hundreds of bbls. of iron sand are collected upon the shores of
Lake Champlain and sold to the N. Y. stationers.
* David Watson and John Savage, of Wash. Co., were appointed
commissioners to locate a site for tho co. buildings, which were
to be erected under the care of 3 commissioners appointed by
the supervisors. The first co. officers were Daniel Ross, First
Judge ; Stephen Cuyler, Clerk; Thos. Stowers, Sheriff; and Win.
Gilliland, Surrogate.
5 When the co. was formed, the new blockhouse in Essex,
then Willsborough, was used as a courthouse and jail. By an
act passed April 7, 1807, Elizabethtown was selected as the co.
seat, and to this place the courts and clerk's office were trans-
ferred upon the completion of the proper buildings, in 1814.
6 This establishment is old, and in some respects inconve-
nient; but it is spoken of as extremely well kept, and in this
respect is one of the best in the State.
' The Reveille, the first paper in the co., was 6tarted at
Elizabethtown, about 1810, by Luther Marsh.
The Essex Patriot was published at the same place, in 1S17-18,
by L. and O. Person.
The Essex County Times was started at Elizabethtown, by R. W.
Livingston, and in 1833 sold to Macomb, who con-
tinued it about 15 months. It was printed on an old
" Ramage" press brought from Skaneateles, Onondaga
co.
Another paper was commenced at Elizabethtown, in Jan. 1849,
by D. Truair, and removed to Keeseville in about 4
months.
The Elizabethtown Post was established by Robert W. Living-
ston in 1851, and was subsequently united with the
Northern Standard, of Keeseville.
Tlie Keeseville Herald was commenced in 1825 by F. P. Alien,
and soon after passed into the hands of A. II. Allen, by
whom it was continued, with a few interruptions, until
1841.
The Keeseville, Argus, edited by Adonijah Emmons, was begun
about 1831, and continued 5 or 6 years.
The Essex County Republican was established at
Keeseville in 1839, and is now published by J. B. Dick-
inson.
Tlie Au Sable River Gazette was started at Keeseville about
1847, by D. Truair, and continued 5 or 6 years.
The Old Settler, mo., was commenced at Keeseville by A. H.
Allen in 1849, and was afterward removed to, Saratoga
Springs.
The Northern Gazette was started at Keeseville in 1851, and
continued several years.
The Northern Standard was established at Keeseville
in 1854 by A. W. Lansing, and is now published by
A. W. Lansing & Son.
The Essex County Republican was started at Essex about 1822
by J. K. Averill, and was continued by him, and by
Walton & Person, until 1833.
The Berean Guide was started in 1S40, at Essex, by Rev. M.
Bailey, and continued 1 year.
The Westport Patriot and Essex County Advertiser was com-
menced in 1S45, at Westport, by D. Truair.
The Essex County Patriot was issued at Essex, about 1S47, by A.
H. Allen. It was changed to
The Westport Hrrald. and continued 6 or 7 years.
The Essex County Times was published at Westport in 1851.
298
ESSEX COUNTY.
and thriving villages had sprung up, before they were finally broken up by invading armies. Still
more extended schemes of settlement were planned, and extensive grants of land were made upon
the same condition as the French grants in Canada.1 Soon after their first occupation, the French
caused a survey of the lake and its shores to be made by Sieur Anger, surveyor to the King ; and
the work seems to have been carefully done. In 1755 the French advanced 12 mi. nearer to
the English settlements, and commenced the fortification of Ticonderoga upon a point that entirely
commanded the passage of the lake. The fort was named by them " Carillon;"2 but it is now
generally known by the Indian name of Ticonderoga. Upon it vast sums of money were afterward
expended by both the French and English, and it became the most formidable fortress in America.
The French here made a stand against the advances of the English; and when at length it was
found to be no longer tenable, Crown Point and all the posts along the lake were at once
abandoned.
The repeated incursions of the French and Indians into the English settlements, and the con-
tinual advancements of the French military posts, at length aroused the attention of the English
Government and led to the conviction that the very existence of the frontier settlements depended
upon the complete overthrow of the French power in America. One of the great expeditions
of 1755 was directed against Crown Point. The English troops, under the command of Gen.
Lyman, built Fort Lyman — afterward Fort Edward — on the Hudson, and, under Sir Wm. Johnson,
who assumed the command, advanced to the head of Lake George. Here, learning that the
French were fortifying Ticonderoga and that they had received large reinforcements, Sir William
chose a commanding position and fortified his camp. In the mean time, Baron Dieskau, the
French commander, at the head of a superior force, endeavored to cut off his communication with
Fort Lyman. A body of provincial troops, under Col. Williams,3 of Mass., and of Indians, under
the famous Mohawk chief Hendrick, thrown out as an advance guard by Sir Wm., fell into an
ambush, and the whole party were cut to pieces, and the two leaders killed. The French imme-
diately attacked the English camp, but were repulsed with great loss, and the retreating fugitives
were mostly killed or taken prisoners by a party of fresh English troops from Fort Lyman. Sir
Wm. did not follow up his success, but spent the remainder of the season in constructing Fort Wm.
Henry on the site of his camp, leaving the French to strengthen their works at Crown Point and
Ticonderoga without molestation. No general expedition was projected during 1756, and the only
active warfare was carried on by adventurous parties of rangers.*
From this time to the close of the war, and again during the Revolution, this co. was the
theater of important military events. We have space only for a brief chronological recapitulation
of the principal ones as they occurred. The partisan warfare, with varying success, continued
through the winter and spring of 1756-57. In July, Montcalm, Gov. of Canada, assembled 9,000
men at Ticonderoga, and marched to the head of Lake George, for the purpose of reducing Fort
Wm. Henry; which object he accomplished Aug. 3.5 In the summer of 1758 au expedition
was fitted out against Ticonderoga, and was intrusted to the command of Gen. Abercrombie. On
the 5th of July he crossed Lake George with 17,000 men; and on the 6th the advanced guard
of lii- army was surprised by the French, and many killed, among whom was Lord Howe,6 second
in command. On the 8th the English army endeavored to take the fort by storm, but were
repulsed with a loss of 2,000 men.' In 1759, Gen. Amherst, at the head of 12,000 men, proceeded
to i Ticonderoga. The French troops having been mostly withdrawn for the defense of
Quelp."-, 1 1 1 • - whole Far treed was dismantled, and abandoned on the 30th of July. Crown Point
was soon after abandoned, and the whole region came into the undisputed possession of the
1 A n*lfrnlr>rr. extending 3 leagnen along th« lake shore and
21eagne« back, was grantH. Jwi. ' ; ,17 7,1 » Blear Iionil Joeepb
B nrt storekeeper at Montreal, In northern
boundary w.-v« t., i-> half a league bakm tha "BaoqutC (Boqaet)
Brrer, and Its southern . I rritory em-
braced thaprcaaot I wn of Em*>i and n rWillsborongh.
Dg 6 leagues along tbe lake and •'> hark,
was grant* !. N r. 16, 171 • to M r do Lotbinlere.
It was called "If A MntiiOt," aa I embraced tbe present towns of
] I : sra P nt, and Si ttleme&ti which
com 1 1 1 upon thin grant ware broken up by the English
arnn- .i'lrj was cr^n' rs and sol-
diers of the K.ncli«h army, In ,v tjf*l pro-
clamation of Oct. 7, 1788. Aft- r tli- ' -.i n ..f (iii.i.la, the
French proprietor presented his claim* to the F.nt'li«h Oorern-
m.nt. with no other effect than to create a considerable tern-
p-r.irv alarm among the English settlers.
•See page SI >4.
* On his way to the frontiers, Col. William* stopped at Albany
and made his will, leaving a sum of money to fonnd a free school
in Western Milan. TIiIh legacy founded and gave the name to
Williams College. In 1861 the alumni of the college erected a
monument to his memory on the spot where ho was killnl.
* The. most enterprising of these rangers were Majs. Israel
Putnam and Itobert Rogers. The party commanded by the
latter officer consisted of old hunters, accustomed to all kinds
of hardships and privations. Among his officers was John
Stark, afterward Gen. Stark of the devolution. These parties
bung upon the outskirts of the French forts, took off their sen-
tue K burned their villages, killed their cattle, destroyed their
boat*, and annoyed them in every possible manner.
6 S— nam 668; Loaing't Ftild Book of the Revolution; Ban-
crofti /lit. r. .9.
8 Brother of Sir William Howe and Admiral IIowo, English
commanders during the Revolution, Lord Howe was a brave
and enterpriaina offloer, greatly beloved by the army, and his
loss was deeply deplored.
ESSEX COUNTY.
290
English. The works at Ticonderoga and Crown Point were enlarged and strengthened, at a cost
of $ 10,000,000.*
By the provisions of the Treaty of Paris, signed Feb. 10, 1703, in which the French ceded their
possessions in North America to the English, the latter government was bound to respect the
titles to land previously grunted by the former. The proclamation of the King of Oct. 7, 17G3,
authorized the granting of the lands upon Lake Champlain to officers and soldiers who had served
in the war. These incompatible acts led to much confusion. Overlapping claims and conflicting
titles unavoidably followed; and the matter was not finally settled until after the Revolution.
In the mean time, the controversy had the tendency to retard settlement, by destroying confidence
in the titles by which the land could be held and conveyed.
Settlement was commenced upon the Boquet in 1765, under the auspices of Win. Gilliland, a
wealthy merchant of N. Y.2 Through his agency, and that of other capitalists, several miles of the
lake shore between the mouth of the Boquet and Crown Point were settled, mills and roads were built
and schools established. Mr. G. held a justice's commission, and for many years was the only
judicial authority.3 The settlers whom he induced to locate upon his estate were mostly Irish.
After the cession of Canada the great fortresses on the lake were allowed to fall into partial
decay, and were held by only small bodies of troops. Upon the receipt of the news of the com-
mencement of hostilities at Lexington, a small body of troops, known as "Green Mountain Boys,"
under Col. Ethan Allen, surprised and took both Ticonderoga and Crown Point in May, 1775.*
During the summer and autumn of the same year the expedition, under Schuyler and Montgomery,
against Canada, passed down the lake, and returned the next spring, unsuccessful. During the
summer of 1776, naval forces were organized upon the lake by both the British and Americans,
the latter under the command of Benedict Arnold. In an engagement that ensued, the Americans
were defeated, and their remaining vessels were obliged to take refuge under the guns of Fort
Ticonderoga. Crown Point was dismantled, and the stores removed ; and soon after it was taken
possession of by the British. Mr. Gilliland and the colonists ardently embraced the American
cause, and materially aided Montgomery's army in its advance on Canada, by furnishing provisions,
and, on its return, by affording relief to the sick and wounded.5 Mr. G.'s estate was wasted by
both friends and foes, and finally the whole settlement was broken up by Burgoyne.6
Burgoyne landed on the banks of the Boquet, June 21, 1777, and spent several days in con-
ferences with the Indian tribes ; and on the 27th the invading army advanced to Crown Point. On
the 30th they invested Ticonderoga ; and on the night of July 4 they took possession of " Sugar
Loaf Hill," (now Mt. Defiance,) and erected upon it a battery of heavy guns, completely commanding
the fort. On the night of the 5th the Americans hastily embarked their stores and munitions of
war upon bateaux, and sent them up to Skenesborough under convoy, and the main body of the
army escaped into Vt.7 Both parties were quickly pursued, and the tide of war slowly and sullenly
rolled southward, beyond the limits of the co.
In Sept. Gen. Lincoln, at the head of a body of militia stationed at Manchester, Vt., made an
attack upon these works, took Mts. Hope and Defiance, released 100 American prisoners, took 293
of the enemy, and captured an armed sloop, several gun boats, and more than 200 bateaux.8 The
fort was not taken. After the surrender of Burgoyne the place was dismantled, and the garrison
retreated down the lake. The rear division of their boats, with 50 men and a large quantity of
1 The fort and field works at Ticonderoga spread over an area
of several miles, and the fortress at Crown Point embraced
seven acres. The ruins of these works now visible still attest
their extent and magnitude.
2 Mr. Gilliland at first designed to lay the foundation of a
vast baronial estate ; and hence he sold no land, but leased it on
the most favorable terms.
8 A convention of the settlers was held March 17, 1775, (St.
Patrick's Day,) and a local, independent government was
adopted. The management of affairs w;.s intrusted to a mode-
• rator, two supts. of roads and bridges, three appraisers of dam-
ages, and a town clerk. Just before the Revolution, a scheme
was devised to form a separate colonial government, embracing
all the territory north of Mass. and between the Connecticut
and St. Lawrence Rivers. Philip Skene, the founder of " Skcnes-
bomugh" (now Whitehall,) is believed to have been the
leading spirit of this movement, and his appointment as gov.
of the forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point in June, 1775,
seems to give color to this belief. See Journals of Congress,
June, 8, 1775; Watson's Ag. Survey, Tr. Ag. Hoc, 1852, p. 694.
* The capture of these forts, and of the armed schooner upon the
lake, was of immense importance to the Americans, as it supplied
them with a great amouut of cannon and other munitions of war.
6 Gen. Carlton offered a reward of $500 for the delivery of
Gilliland in Canada. Sheriff White, of Tryon co., and a party
of Tories and Indians, who attempted to capture him, were
themselves captured and sent to Gen. Schuyler.
6 Mr. G. assisted Arnold in the prosecution of his designs to
the extent of his ability; and, in return for the kindness,
Arnold, by an arbitrary stretch of power, destroyed his dwell-
ings, mills, and stores, and nearly reduced him to poverty. In
a memorial to Congress in 1777, Gilliland held the following
truthful and prophetic language in regard to Arnold : — " It is
not in mine, but it is in your power to bring him to justice.
Bursting with pride, and intoxicated with power, — to which he
ever ought to have been a stranger, but which he has had art
enough to obtain from you, — he tyrannizes where he can. If
temerity, if rashness, impudence, and error, can recommend
him to you, he is allowed to be amply supplied with these quali-
ties; and many people think they ought to recommend him in
a peculiar manner to Lord North, who, in gratitude for hia
having done more injury to the American cause than all the
ministerial troops have had the power of doing, ought to reward
him with a generous pension."
7 A heavy chain, 1000 feet long, and an immense boom, erected
across the lake by the Americans at great labor and expense,
were cut through in 2 hours.
8 In this expedition the Continental standard left behind by
St. Clair was recovered.
300 ESSEX COUNTY.
military stores, were captured by a party of "Green Mountain Boys" under Capt. Ebenezer Allen.
In 1780, Gen. Ilaldeman, with a party of British soldiers, advanced to Ticonderoga and occupied
it for some time. Maj. Carleton here made a diversion in favor of Sir John Johnson, by an attack
upon Forts Anne and George. In 1781 the British fleet several times entered the lake, but retired
without accomplishing any thing.1 In 1784, Gilliland returned to his ruined settlement and
endeavored to retrieve his waning fortunes. Relinquishing his ideas of manorial greatness, he
offered his lands for sale; but adverse lawsuits and treacherous friends soon dissipated the rem-
nant of his wealth and brought his existence to a miserable close.2 The progress of settlement at
first was not very rapid. In 1795 there were in Clinton co. — then embracing Essex — but 624 legal
voters. From that time forward, however, settlement progressed with great rapidity, and several
public roads were opened to facilitate it.3 Soon after the war an arsenal was erected at Elizabeth-
town. During the patriot excitement it was robbed; and since, it has been sold.
CHESTERFIELD— was formed from Willsborough, Feb. 20, 1802. It lies in the n.e.
corner of the co., upon the shore of Lake Champlain. Its surface is broken and mountainous.
The Jay Mountains, a northern spur of the Adirondack Range, extend northward through the
w. part. This range is a continuous, high, rocky ridge, without a single pass, forming an almost
impassable barrier between Chesterfield and Jay. The main Adirondack Range extends through
the center of the town from s. w. to n. e., ending at Trembleau Point, a high, rocky bluff 1200 to
1500 feet above the surface of the lake. Bosworth Mountain and Poke-a-Moonshine, each
attaining an elevation of about 3000 feet, are the two principal peaks within the limits of the
town. The s. e. part is hilly. The x. e. part is a rolling table land, with a light, sandy, and
unproductive soil. There are several lakes in the interior, the principal of which are Augur and
Butternut Ponds. Not more than one half of the surface is susceptible of cultivation. The
principal valuable minerals that have been found are iron, graphite, and a beautiful light brown
marble. Schuyler Island, in the lake, belongs to this town. The Au Sable River, upon the n.
border, affords a large amount of hydraulic power, and some very attractive scenery. The falls
at Birmingham have a descent of 90 feet, including the rapids above the main fall.4 Keese-
ville (p. v.) is situated on both sides of the Au Sable River, its northern part being in Clinton co.5
It is the seat of extensive iron works and other important manufactures. The iron from the ore
is made into nails, horseshoes, merchant iron, edge tools, and machinery. The village has a bank,
an academy, and 5 churches. Pop. according to last census, 25G9, of which 1370 were in Chester-
field. Port Kent,6 (p. v.,) on Lake Champlain, contains 25 houses; Port Douglas 5;
Port Kendall G ; and Birmingham Falls 6. Matthew Adgate and sons came into
town about 1792.7 The first church was Cong. ; and the first preacher was Rev. Cyrus Comstock.8
(ROfl\ POUT— was formed March 23, 1786, and named from the old French fortress9
Bitnated on the lake. Elizabethtown was taken off in 1798, Schroon and Ticonderoga in 1804, and
Moriah in 1808. It lies upon the shore of Lake Champlain, s. e. of the center of the co. A
strip of nearly level land, about 4 mi. wide, extends along the lake shore. The central part of the
town i- broken, the hills gradually rising into tin: Kayadcrosseras Mts. in the w. Putnams Creek,
the principal Btream, takes its rise in the ponds and lakes among the mountains, and upon its
course an' numerous falls, furnishing an abundance of water power. The soil upon the lake
shore is a deep, rich, clayey loam; and in tlio interior it is of a light, sandy nature. Abundance
i r r i !:.••■■' - was a great mystery connected with
j the pnbli-
d of the negotiation* which I theGoT. of
Canada ari'l the \ ■ '
t For some time he was confli Ibr debt; tint, regain-
ing b , he retail of hie former enter-
Here meeting with n™ disappointments and treachery,
and becoming partially i ' rtnnes, ))<• wan-
dered Into the wilderness and perish I of o Id and exposure.
■Among these public roads wen one from Wlllsborough
FiilN to Pern; another, known ai ti Old State B id," from
Bandy Hill. along the Bchroon Valley, t.. Qsnada Line; and
another icroaa the ».w. corns* of the county from Cnnton to
the first bridge ami sawmill and kept the first store, in
! Erst called "Low/ Cutte." Ahout 1812 the pro-
caine into the hands of Richard and Oliver Keese and
John W. Anderson, who erected a woolen factory and iron
works In 1813. The namo was first changed to "Andersons
/■'ills," and afterwards to Keeseville. See Clinton co., town
of ,\u Bable.
c Koth Port Kent and Kecscvillo aro centers of extensive and
Imp irtant iron districts.
1 Alva Bosworth, Klihu Briggs, Edward Palmer, Levi Cooley,
T>r. Clark, John and Benj. Macomber, John I'ago, and
Norton, were among tho first settlers. The first child horn
was Thos. Kangnam, and the first death that of Abel
r. In 17!K>. Piatt 1; ibllshed a ferry nrr™< the Handy.
! d roads, and a bridge I 8 The census reports 5 churches; F. W. Bap., M. E., Presb.,
ov r the Boquel at WOUborOOgll Fall". Pot constructing Prot. E., and It. C.
these and other public works. Rogers and his associates received B The point which contains the ruins of this fortress is sup-
, grant of T.'i.OOO acres of unappropriated land.
I -
» The first settler of Keeeevillc was Robert Boyle, who built
posed to have been an important commercial mart previous
to the French War; but now it contains only a single farm
honse.
ESSEX COUNTY.
301
of rich iron ore is found; and in connection -with it are beds of natural phosphate (if lime.
Graphite and black clouded marble are also found in great abundance. On the shore of the lake
is a mineral spring, containing sulphates of lime and magnesia. The manufacture of iron is
carried on to a great extent; there are also establishments for the manufacture of lumber, shingles,
pails, sash and blinds, and woolen goods. Crown Point, (p. v.,) in the e. part, on Putnams
Creek, contains 2 churches and about GO houses. Hammond* Corners contains 35 houses,
and Irondale (late "Petifleld") 20. The French made the first settlement, at a very early period.
The country around Fort St. Frederick, upon the point, seems to have been once the seat of thriving
villages, the remains of which are still visible.1 All these settlements were obliterated during the
French War of 1755-60. During the peace which followed, settlements were again made, and in
1777 were again destroyed.* Keligious services were early held in the chapel of the fort, and
were continued during its military occupation.8
EL.IZABETIITOWW — was formed from Crown Point, Feb. 12, 1798, and was named in
compliment to Elizabeth, wife of Win. Gilliland. Parts of Moriah and Keene were taken off in
1808, and Westport in 1815. A part of Jay and Lewis were annexed Jan. 31, 1844, and a part
of Lewis, Nov. 11, 1854. It is an interior town, lying a little n. of the center of the co. The
Boquet Mts. occtpy the n. w. and the Schroon Range the s. e. corner of the town. Raven Hill,
an offshoot from the former range, in the n. e. corner, is 2,100 feet above tide; and the "Giant
of the Valley," the highest peak of the latter range, has an elevation of 2,500 to 3,000 feet. A
perpendicular precipice of 700 feet lies on the northern declivity of this mountain. The Boquet
River flows in a n. e. direction through near the center of the town. Its valley, one-fourth of a
mile to a mile in width, comprises the greater part of the arable land. Not more than one-
fourth of the surface is susceptible of cultivation. Extensive beds of iron ore are found in various
parts of the town. In the s. e. part, a hill, 200 feet high, covering 40 acres, is supposed to bo
nearly a solid mass of iron, except a slight covering of drift. An extensive bed of kaolin, or
porcelain clay, is also found in town. The manufacture of iron is one of the leading pursuits :
there are several forges in town. The soil is a sandy or gravelly loam. Elizabethtown4
(p. v.) is pleasantly situated upon the Boquet River, near the foot of several high peaks. It is
the co. seat, and a place of considerable trade. Pop. about 500. Hew Russia (p. v.) con-
tains about 100 inhabitants. Among the first settlers were Jonah Hanchett, Sampson Smith,
Herman and Joel Finney, Wareham Barber, Nathan Lewis, Hez. and Ira Phelps, Wm. Kellogg,
and Gardner Simonds, who came in about 1792. The first school was taught by Dr. Kincade.
The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1796 or '97.5
ESSEX — was formed from Willsborough, April 4, 1805. It lies upon the shore of Lake
Champlain, n. of the center of the co. The surface is rolling in the e. and mountainous in the
w. Boquet Mt., in the n. w. part, has an elevation of about 1,000 feet above the lake. Split Rock,
the extremity of the Schroon Mountain Range in the s. e. corner of the town, has already been
described.6 The Black River limestone crops out in this town, and is used both for building pur-
poses and for the manufacture of lime. The Boquet River flows northerly through .near the
center of the town. Upon it are several falls, affording abundance of water power. The soil is a
clayey loam upon the lake, and a light sandy loam among the mountains. Manufactures, con-
sisting of wrought iron, nails, spikes, lumber, and woolen goods, are carried on. Essex7 (p. v.)
has a population of about 700, Whallonsburgh (p. v.) 250, and Boquet 200. The town
was first settled by Wm. Gilliland, in 1765 .8 Wm. McAuley, a relative and coadjutor of Mr.
G., located upon the site of the present village of Essex.9 This settlement was broken up during
the Revolution.10 The first church (Prot. E.) was organized in 1805.11
1 The Swedish traveler Kalm mentions the existence of this
early settlement ; and the " Journal of Major Rogers" speaks of
Tillages, well filled barns, herds of cattle, and fields of grain.
Chimney Point, upon the eastern shore of the lake, derives its
name from the remains of early habitations found there by the
present race of settlers.
* Among the first settlers after the Revolution were George
Trimble, James Morrow, Aaron Townsend, Dennis Meagher,
Andrew Hardy, Saml. Foot, and Elisha Rhodes. The first mill
was a windmill, a short distance s. of the fort. James Morrow
erected the first mill and kept the first inn and store after
the Revolution. Washington visited Crown Point in 1784.
8 Benj. Wooster was the first preacher after the Revolution.
The first church (Cong.) was organized in 1804. The census
reports 4 churches; 2 Cong., M. E., Union.
* Elizabeth town was named "Pleasant Valley" by the first
eettlers, and is now locally known as " The Valley."
6 The census reports 3 churches ; Bap., Cong., M. E.
• See page 295.
1 A blockhouse was built in this village in 1797, in con-
sequence of the alarm occasioned by St. Clair's defeat ; and in
1799, upon the organization of the Co., it was used for a co.
courthouse, and continued as such until the erection of the CO.
buildings at Elizabethtown, under the act of 1S07.
» See pages 299, 305.
9 Among the first settlers after the Revolution weTe Danl.Ross,
(first merchant and mill owner,) Isaac and Benj. Sheldon, Benj.
Stafford, Danl. Murray, Hen. Van Ormand, Dr.Colborn Clemens,
(first physician,) David, Abram and Abner Reynolds, Xehemiah
Payn, and James Eldrich. The first school was taught by Miss
Towner. The first male teacher was Enoch P. Henry.
10 In Oct. 1777, in this town, the retreating British garrison
of Ticonderoga was attacked by a party of "Green Mountain
Boys," under Capt. Ebenezer Allen, and 50 men and all the
military stores were captured.
n The census reports 6 chs. ; M. E., Wes. Meth., 2 Bap., 2Pre8b.
302 ESSEX COUNTY.
JAY1 — was formed from Willsborough, Jan. 16, 1798. A part of Keene was taken off, in 1808, of
"Wilmington (as "DansviUe") in 1821, and a part of Elizabethtown in 1844. Parts of Peru (Clinton
co.) and Chataugay (Franklin co.) were annexed, March 22, 1822. It lies upon the n. border of the
co., w. of the center. The Au Sable Mts., extending through the w. part, gradually decline toward
the x. Mts. Hamlin, Clark, and Bassitt, each 2000 feet above tide, are the highest peaks; the Jay
Mt.-\. a .v. spur of the Adirondacks, lie along the E. border. The extreme s. angle of the town is oc-
cupied by some of the most lofty and rocky peaks of the Adirondacks. The e. branch of the Au
Sable flows through near the center of the town. Veins of black lead have been found, but not
worked. Iron ore is found in abundance. The soil is a light, sandy and gravelly loam. A
mineral spring, near Upper Jay, contains iron and sulphur. The manufacture of bar iron, nails,
and bloom iron is extensively carried on. Au Sable ForliS, (p. v.,) an iron manufacturing
village, contains 70 houses ; Jay (p. v.) 50, and Upper Jay (p. v.) 20. Nathaniel Mallory was
the first settler, about IT'JG.2 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1797; the first preacher was
Solomon Brown.3
KEE^TE — was formed from Elizabethtown and Jay, March 19, 1808. North Elba was taken
off in ly49. It extends from the center of the co. toward the n. and w. The Adirondack Mts.
extend through the center of the town and occupy nearly its entire surface, leaving little or no
arable land. The principal peaks are Mt. Marcy, 5467 feet above tide; Long Pond Mi., 3000 feet;
and Pitch Off,4 2500 feet. The Au Sable, flowing n., forms the principal drainage. The valley
is so narrow that there is scarcely room for a road between the mountain and stream ; and
freshets often occur that sweep every thing before them.6 Lake Golden, in the s. w. part, is 2,851
ft. above tide. Iron is found in numerous veins along the course of the river, and is manufactured
t some extent. Keene (p. v.) contains about 30 houses. The first settlement was made about
IT'.'T.6 The M. E. church was organized in 1800, and the Cong, in 1815.
LEWIS — was formed from Willsborough, April 4, 1805, and named in honor of Morgan Lewis,
then Governor of the State. Parts of Elizabethtown were taken off in 1844 and 1854. The Adiron-
dack Mts. occupy the x. w. and the Boquet Mts. the s. e. part of the town. The latter range is not
a continuous ridge through this town, but consists of several isolated peaks, the principal of which
i1- Mt. Discovery, 2000 feet above tide. The remaining parts of the town consist of steep rocky hills
nnd narrow valleys, and not more than one-third of the surface is susceptible of cultivation.
Numerous beds of iron ore are found; but none have been extensively worked. The soil is a
sandy and gravelly loam. In the n. w. part is a mineral spring of some repute. Eeivis (p. v.)
contains 130 inhabitants. Wm. Hinckley made the first purchase of land and the first settlement, in
17'.">. : The first church (Cong.) was formed in 1804; and the first preacher was Rev. Mr. Burbank.8
>II\ERVA — was formed from Schroon, March 7, 1817; a part of Newcomb was taken off in
1828. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a high, broken upland, bordered by
mountain ranges. The Boquet Range traverses the n. w. border, and the Schroon Range the s. e.
The intermediate portion is hilly, with a mean elevation of 1200 to 1500 feet above tide.
rf early the whole town is still covered with forests, the settlements being confined to the s. e.
Corner. Tin- -'.il is cold and hard, and only moderately productive. On Orrin West's farm is a cave
Of Considerable extent. Lumbering is the leading pursuit. Olllisteadville9 (p. v.) contains
. Minerva is ap.O. The first settlers were Ebenezer "West, and his sons Nathan,
1 r and John, in 18M.M The fir.-t ehnreh (Bap.) was formed in 1810, by Elder Fort.11
ilOIUtll — was fanned fp.m Crown Point and Elizabethtown, Feb. 12, 1808. A part of
' Nane A fr 'in J I • rn. r .f V « fork. T Anions tin' other early settlers wore Dea. Putnam. Samuel
* Anions I .: ph Bishop, Charles, Saml.. and Noah Lee, Ishmael II. Bolcomb,
D Purni..i-t. C.-tiftOtn.Kr.r'lii' I Loclrwood.NBthl.RaT,
Josuih Wiiy. on ivl'-r. Wm. Malhry built the first null.
.^.. nml 4 M. K.
* A ]"T|><n<Vnlar rlilT "n Hm north side of this mountain,
bet high, (rivm to it it« >in<rnlar name.
* A m -? Jaotiuilll I from cxoiwive rain", Sept.
30, 18M; nri'1 the rUtnac-' which thin occasioned was increased
by tie' breaking away of the Stat" -lam arrow the s. branch of
lli.- An SaMa, in thin town. Tin- testimony relating to till* a- I i-
d-nt (1 Tinine a vol. of 368 pp. y was printed by order of the Canal
B««rd. in I ■
* Among the firrt settlers wr» IVnj. Payne. Timothy Pang-
burn. Tho». Roberts. Zadork Ilurd, Kli Hall. Thos. Taylor
K-Yn.l.K and David Qravr*. Th» firM rhild bom was B
Booker and Timothy Woodruff, Ziba Westcott, and Ziba Plagg,
Tie- first child Isirn was Oliver Holcomb; the first marriage,
that of Timothy Woodruff and Eunico Newell ; and the firrt
death of nn adult, that of .Mm. John Smith. Levi Parsons taught
th«' first school.
* The- census reports 1M.E. church. A Meth. church was formed
in 1808.
B There is an extensive tannery at Olmsteadville, which makes
the village.
W Among the other first settlers were Wm. Hill, (first mill
owner. i Thos. I^-onard, Kichard M ill-r. Aimer Talman, James
. I'hilo Ilinvlev, and A. P. and Asa Morse. The first settle-
ments wan chiefly made along the line of the Canton and
( beater Rood. The first child born was Francis West; the first
Payne; the first marriage, that of Tie-. Dart and Cynthia firis- marriage, that of Richard Miller and West; and the first
and the first death, that of Kli !V«rtwick. Asa A. Andreas death, thai Of Elizabeth West,
taught the first school, and Zadock Ilurd kept the first inn. " The census reports 3 churches; Bap., M. E., R. C.
ESSEX COUNTY.
303
Newcomb was taken off in 1828, North Hudson in 1848, and a part of Wcstport -was annexed,
April 9, 184'.). It lies upon the shore of Lake Champhiin, s. of the center of the co. A narrow
strip of level land extends along the shore of the lake, from which the surface gradually rises to a
height of about 500 feet, where it spreads out into a hilly plateau region, rising into mountains on
the w. bonier. About one-half of the surface is susceptible of cultivation. The soil upon the lake
is a clayey loam, and in the hilly regions a light, sandy loam. This town is very rich in minerals.
Fourteen veins of iron ore have been opened, producing iron of a very superior quality:1 the supply
seems to be inexhaustible. Black lead, and a beautiful variety of verd antique serpentine, are also
found. The manufacture of iron forms one of the leading pursuits. Morlah (p. v.) contains
Moriah Academy and a pop. of 275, and Port Henry2 (p. v.) contains a pop. of 503. The first
settlers after the Revolution were Wm. McKenzie, Abel Butler, James McClane, Jabez Carpenter,
G. II. and John Havens, and Joseph Curtis.3 The first church formed was a Cong.4
NEWCOMB— was formed from Minerva and Moriah, March 15, 1828. It lies near the
center of the w. border of the co. The Adirondack Range extends through the center
of the town and occupies more than one-half of its entire surface. The principal peaks are Mts.
Goodwin, Moore, Sandanona, and Henderson, each 3,000 to 5,000 feet above tide. The remaining
part of the surface is a broken upland, with a hard, sour, unproductive soil. Among the gorges in
the mountains are numerous small lakes. The Preston Ponds, Lakes Henderson, Harkness, San-
ford, Harris, Dalia, Moose, and Ridge Pond, are within the limits of the town ; and Lake Catlin
and the Chain Lakes are on the line of Hamilton co. The Adirondack iron beds, near Lakes
Sanford and Henderson, are among the most extensive in the world. One of them has been traced
upon the surface for a mile in length, 700 feet in width, and has been penetrated to the depth
of 40 feet without any signs of diminution in quantity or quality of ore. It forms a bar across the
river, the water literally falling over an iron dam. This ore yields 75 per cent, of pure metal, is easily
worked, and makes an admirable quality of iron. For the manufacture of steel it surpasses all
other ores in America, and equals those of the most celebrated mines of Sweden and Russia. The
mountainous character of this town, and its remoteness from the great routes of public improve-
ment, have prevented the development of its immense mineral resources. There is very little
tillable land in the town. Adirondack, has about 15 houses. The first settlement was commenced
in 1S1G, by Joseph Chandler.5 A M. E. church was formed in 1843, and a Wes. Meth. in 1845.
NORTH ELBA — was formed from Keene, Dec. 13, 1849. It lies upon the w. border of the
co., n. of the center. The Adirondack Range occupies the s. part, and a branch of the Au Sable
traverses the a. e. part. At the foot of Whiteface Mt. lies Lake Placid, a beautiful sheet of water,
4 % mi. long by Ik broad, and nearly divided in the center by 3 islands. The noted Adirondack or
Indian Pass, partly in this town and partly in N. Elba, is a deep gorge between Mts. Mclntyre and
Wallface. The bottom of the pass is 2,800 feet above tide, and the mountains on each side are
1,000 to 1,500 feet higher. Wallface, forming the w. border of the pass, is bounded by a per-
pendicular precipice a mile in length and 800 to 1,000 feet in height. Mts. Mclntyre, McMartin,
and Sugar Loaf are each over 3,000 ft. high. Bennets, Connery, and Round Ponds are in the
immediate vicinity. Avalanche Lake, on the E. line, is 2,901 ft. above tide. The central portion
of the town is a hilly upland, and the n. w. part a rolling table land, known as "the Plains." The
Au Sable and Saranac Rivers form the principal drainage. The soil is a thin, sandy and gravelly
loam. The people are principally engaged in lumbering. North Elba and Saranac Lake
are p. offices. Settlement was commenced about 1800, by Elijah Bennett.6 The first church
(Cong.) was formed in 1824; and the first preacher was the Rev. Cyrus Comstock.
1 In 1852, 26,800 tons of ore were exported from Moriah to
Penn., Vt., Va., Me., and Md. The quantity contracted for ex-
portation from that town, in 1853, amounted to 107,500 tons, of
which 16,000 were to Penn., 10,000 to Mass., 3500 to Va., 1500 to
Ohio. 1500 to N. J., and 1000 to Me.— TV. N. T. S. Ag. Soc^ 1852,
p. 827.
8 The site and water power of Port Henry were granted to
Benj. Porter in 1766. It is supposed that lie erected a mill
soon after, which was destroyed during the Revolution. After
the war, he returned, and, in connection with Robt. Lewis, of
Albany, rebuilt the mill, which has remained up to a recent
date. One of the first furnaces in the co. was erected here
in 1S24, by Maj. James Dalliba. It was a cold blast furnace,
and was used for the manufacture of pig iron, and the casting
of hollow ware and agricultural implements. Several extensive
anthracite coal furnaces have lately been put in operation.
8 The first child born was Alex. McKenzie, in 1785 ; the first
marriage, that of John Ferris and Deborah Wilcox ; and the
first death, that of John Atwater, (by drowning.) Miss Abi
Collins taught the first school. The first authorized ferry was
granted to Robert Lewis, April 3, 1811. for 10 years.
4 The census reports 5 churches ; Bap., M. E., Presb., R. C,
Union.
6 James Chandler, Collins Hewitt, and Wm. Butler came in
to reside in 1818. Among the other first settlers were Elijah
Bissell. Ahner Belden. David Pierce, Cromwell Catlin, and James
Ramsey. The first child born was Nathl. P. Hewitt: the first
marriage, that of Abner Belden and Bershelia Butler; and the
first death, that of Eliza Butler. Harriet Chandler taught the
first school.
'Among the other early settlers were Isaac Griswold Eb'r
Mack, Jonathan Bliss and son, Iddo Osgood, Jerem. Kneeland,
James Porter, and Daniel McArthur. The first marriage was
that of Elijah McArthur and Electa Brooks ; and the first death,
that of Arnnah Taylor, who perished by cold in the woods.
Fanny Dart taught the first school.
304 ESSEX COUNTY.
IVORTII HFDSOX1— was formed from Moriah, April 12, 1848. It is an interior town,
lying a little s. of the center of the co. The Boquet Mts. occupy the central and w. portions, the
principal peaks of which are Dis Peak, 5200, and Nipple Top, 4900 feet high. The Schroon Mts.
traverse the e. border of the town. There are numerous small lakes in town, the principal of
which are Bull Pout, Mud, Boreas, and Clear Ponds. The soil is a light, sandy loam, and not
more than one-eighth of the surface is arable. The Moriah iron district extends into the e. part,
and the manufacture of iron forms a leading pursuit. Nortli Hudson (p. v.) contains 15
houses; and Dead Water Iron Works (p.o.) 10. The first settler was Benj. Pond.2 The
first church (M.E.) was formed in 1838.
ST. ARMAXD — was formed from Wilmington, April 23, 1844. It derived its name from the
old French name of the Saranac River. It is the n. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is
rolling and is inclined toward the x. w. The ridges extend in a n. e. and s. w. direction, and are
200 to 300 feet above the valleys. The average height of the town is 1500 to 1800 feet above
tide. The Saranac, flowing in a x. e. direction, forms the principal drainage. Moose Creek, a
tributary, flows through Moose Pond, a small lake covering an area of about 200 acres. The soil
is a sandy and gravelly loam. The people are ahiefly engaged in lumbering. ISlooming'dale,
(p. v..) in the x. w. corner, the only village, contains about a dozen houses. Settlements are of
recent date. Among the first settlers were Daniel Crouch, Thos. and Antrim Peck, Geo. Lowrie,
of recent date. Among the first settlers were Daniel Crouch, Thos. and Antrim Peck, Geo. Lowrie,
Wm. Srranahan, Aaron Brimhall, and Ellis and Milton Goodspeed.5 The first church (Bap.) was
formed in 1852.
SCTIROOA"*— was formed from Crown Point, March 20, 1804. Minerva was taken off in
1817, and a part was reannexed to Crown Point, Feb. 26, 1840. It lies near the center of the s.
border of the co. The w. and x. w. portions are occupied by the Schroon Range, and the s. e.
portion by the Kayaderosseras Range. Mt. Pharaoh, the highest peak of the latter range, is 3000
to 3500 feet above tide. There are great numbers of other elevated mountain peaks, that have
never been named. Not more than one-fourth of the town is susceptible of cultivation ; and the
greater part of the arable land is in the narrow valley of Schroon River. Schroon Lake is a
fine body of water, 10 mi. long. Near the foot of Mt. Pharaoh lies a cluster of small lakes, the
principal of which is Pharaoh Lake. Paradox Lake5 is near the center. The soil is a thin, sandy
loam. Iron is found in various parts, and black lead has also been found. Schroon Lake (p. v.)
contains 192 inhabitants. Schroon River is a p. o. Settlement was commenced in 1797, by
Samuel Scribner, Thos. Leland, Moses Pettee, Benj. Bowker, and Simeon Rawson, all from New
England.6 The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1830.7 Jehial Fox was the first preacher.
TKOXDEROGA8- was formed from Crown Point, March 20, 1804. It lies upon the shore
of Lake Champlain, and is the s. e. corner town of the co. The portion between Lakes George
arvl Champlain is the extremity of a mountain ridge ending in Mt. Defiance, 750 feet above the
surface of the lake. North of this a strip of level land, about 4 mi. wide, extends along the
lake shore, from which the surface gradually rises into the mountainous region which forms its
w. border. About three-fourtlis of the town is susceptible of cultivation. The outlet of Lake
<;^,r_'-\ ihf principal stream, in the course of a mile and a half descends 150 feet; and as the water
never frr-ozo-j, and its quantity does not materially change during the year, it furnishes one of the
valuable water-powers in the State. The soil is a stiff clay upon the lake, a clayey loam in
the contfT, and B Bandy loam in the W. p:irt. The manufacture of lumber,9 leather, and black lead10
is extensively carried on. TlCOBderoga^ (p. v.,) or Lower Falls, contains 325 inhabitants.
I'pper Falls i- a village of 40 h..n-.s and Ti Street of 30. Settlements were begun in this
town by the French, s<>on aftfr the commencement of the fortress in 1755; but they were soon
1 Named from iu location upon the upper branch'* of the
■n.
* Auionc the flr«t pettier* were Randall Farr. 'flr«t innkeeper.)
Wm. P ■ ' - ■■• Ml Norton, Benj. Cnmmings,
11 Walker, Wm. Mattery, Timothy rheiii«. Her.Ti Keep,
and Ti'u« Walker. The fir*t death wm that of Mn>. Ball
Janet Po«t tancht the first «chool.
•The fir»t child bom w»« Sila* <"Vmi-h : the fir«t marriage.
■ rian Storr« and I/rrina Hough ; and the fir«t death,
f Ooodap-
♦ Thi!i name i* said to he a corruption of " pcharon." and to
have been aopli'd in honor of the Ihjch«« of BchaiOO, f <
of Lotii« XIV. S"me say Schroon i< derived fr.'m an Adiron-
dack word, signifyine a child or dauchter of the mountain.
' The surface of this lake is M n'-ar the level of the Schroon
River, whi'-h f rm« it« outlet, that in seaaons of flood the water
Oawg into instead of out of it ; hence Its not inappropriate name.
• Among the other early settlers were George Moore, Elijah
Garfield, James Livingston, Geo. Whitney, Cornelius Travers,
At- 1 Tupp, and John Bowker. The first child horn was John T.
Leland; toe first marriage, that of John Scribner and Silence
Leland ; and the fir~t death, that of Mrs. Benj. Bowker. Clark
Bansom taught the first school.
7 The census reports 4 churches ; Bap., M. K., Presb.,
Union.
6 The Indian name " Tsinondrosie," or " Cheonderoga." sig-
nifying " Brawling Water," and the French name "Carillon,"
signifying a " Chime of Bells," were both suggested by the noise
of the rapids upon the outlet of Lake George.
* In 1852, 600,000 pieces of lumber were shipped from this
point.
10 Above 30 tons of black lead are manufactured per year;
and the rein of graphite Beems inexhaustible.
ESSEX COUNTY. ;' 3
broken up. During the French War many skirmishes1 and one general engagement2 took place in
the town. The subsequent history of the fortress belongs to the general history of the country.
Permanent settlement commenced immediately after the Revolution.* The first church was St.
Paals, Prot. E. ; and the first preacher, llev. Mr. Harwood.6
WESTPORT — was formed from Elizabethtown, March 24, 1815. It lies upon the shore
of Lake Champlain, near the center of the E. border of the co. The Schroon Mts. extend n. e.
and s. w. through the town, occupying nearly all of the w. half. A wide valley extends w. from
Northwest Bay, breaking the continuity of this range and completely separating the highlands
at Split Rock from the southern continuation of the chain. The Boquet and its branches drain the
N. part, and numerous small streams flowing into the lake drain the remainder. About one-half
of the surface is susceptible of cultivation. The soil is clayey along the lake shore and sandy
among the mountains. Iron, leather, and lumber are largely manufactured. Weslport, (p. v.,)
formerly "Northwest Bay," contains the Essex Academy and 456 inhabitants. Wadliams
Mills (p. v.) contains 25 houses. A small settlement was begun, and a mill built in the s. part
of the town, before the Revolution. After that period, settlement was commenced by Charles
Hatch, (first store and inn keeper,) Joseph Stacy, and Nathan Hammond.6 The first church (M. E.)
was formed in 1800, and the first preacher was Rev. Cyrus Comstock.7
WILX.SBOROUGH— was formed from Crown Point, March 7, 1788, and named from
Wm. Gilliland. A part of Peru was taken off in 1792, Jay in 1798, Chesterfield in 1802, and
Essex and Lewis in 1805. A part of Peru was reannexed to this town upon the formation
of Essex co. in 1799. It lies upon the shore of Lake Champlain, n. of the center of the co.
The surface is rolling and in parts hilly. A range of highlands and isolated hills marks the
course of the Boquet Mts., ending in the cliffs which overlook Perou Bay. The Boquet River flows
through the s. e. corner. East of the river the soil is clayey, and w. a sandy loam. The falls
upon the Boquet furnish an excellent water power. Iron is found in places ; and the Black River
limestone crops out, from which both quicklime and waterlime are obtained. Leather, lumber,
andiron are largely manufactured. Willsborougll Falls (Willsborough p. o.) contains 300
inhabitants. Settlement was commenced by Wm. Gilliland, a merchant of New York, in 1765. 8
Mr. G., in 1764, purchased a tract of 2000 acres, intending to convert it into a manor. He suc-
ceeded in laying the foundation of quite a flourishing settlement, which was broken up during
the Revolution. In 1784, Mr. G. returned, and commenced selling his land to settlers. Joseph
Sheldon and Abraham Aiken, from Dutchess co., became the first purchasers, and located in 1784.9
The first church (Cong.) was organized before 1800.10
WIL.MHVGTOM— was formed from Jay, March 27, 1821, as " Dansville." Its name was
ohanged March 22, 1822, and St. Armand was taken off in 1844. It lies upon the n. border of the
co., w. of the center. A branch of the Au Sable Mts. occupies the n. w. border of the town, and
another branch of the same range lies between the Au Sable Forks in the e. part. The highest
peaks, 2500 to 3000 feet high, lie in the s. part, and from them the surface declines toward the n.
Wilmington Notch, in the s. w. corner, is a place worthy of note.11 Copperas Pond, near the foot
of Whiteface, covers about 100 acres.12 Beds of iron ore are numerous. The soil is a sandy and
1 Bodies of rangers from the vicinity of Fort Wm. Henry
often carried their petty warfare up to the very walls of the
fortress. Among the partisan officers distinguished in this
warfare were Maj. Robert Rogers and Maj. Israel Putnam.
The former named officer conducted no less than 25 parties to
the invasion of this region. In 1758, at the head of a party of
180 men, ho was attacked by a large party of French and
Indians a short distance w. of the fort, and defeated, with the
loss of 125 men. The remnant of the party escaped, but suffered
great hardships before reaching a place of safety.
2 See p. 298.
8 When the fortress of Ticonderoga was surprised by Allen, in
1775, its garrison consisted of 48 men, commanded by Capt.
Delaplace. The military stores captured consisted of 120 iron
cannon. 50 swivels, 2 10 inch mortars, 1 howitzer, 1 cohorn, 10
tons of musket balls. 3 cart loads of flints, 30 new carriages, a
large quantity of shells, a warehouso full of materials for boat
building. 100 stand of small arms, 10 casks of poor powder, 2
brass cannon, SO bbls. of flour, 18 bbls. of pork, and a large
quantity of other provisions.
4 Among the first settlers were Charles Hay, Isaac Kellogg,
(first merchant,) Wm. Hurlbert, Wm. Wilson, (first innkeeper,)
Nathl., Charles, Noah, and Manoah Miller, John Kirby, John
»nd Robt. Hammond, Jedediah Ferris, Francis Arthur, Peter
Deall, Elisha Belden, Gardner Shattuck, and Samuel Cook.
5 There are 3 other churches ; Bap., M. E., and R. C.
20
6 Among the other first settlers were John Halsted, Jesse
Brayman, John Stringham, John and Bouton Lobdell. Aaron
Felt, Joseph Fisher, Abram Slaughter. Joseph Storrs,and Jacob
Southwell. The first death was that of Mrs. Webster F'elt.
7 The census reports 3 churches ; M. E., Cong., and Bap.
8 See pages 299, 301.
8 Among the first settlers were Aaron Fairchild, Jonathan
Lynde, Martyn Pope, Melchor and John Hoffnagle, John and
Wm. Morehouse, Hooker Low, Stephen Taj'lor, Elisha Higgins,
Peter Payne, and Daniel Collins. The first school was taught
by Scott, in 1787. The first death was that of Thos. Hyer,
in 1786. Jonathan Lynde and Stephen Taylor kept the first inn,
John Hoffman the first store, and Danl. Ross built the first mill.
1° The census reports 3 churches ; Cong.. M. E., and Union.
11 Here the Au Sable is compressed to a few feet in width, and
breaks through tho mountain barrier. Whiteface rises nearly
perpendicularly, upon one side, to a height of 2000 feet ; and
another mountain, upon the opposite side, is but a little less in
height. In the midst of its rapid and tortuous course through
this passage, the stream leaps down a perpendicular precipice
of 100 feet.
12 Its waters are strongly impregnated with sulphate of iron :
hence its name. Copperas is also found in the rocks in the
vicinity, formed by the deccniposition of iron pyrites; at some
future time it will probably be manutactured for commercial
purposes.
300
ESSEX COUNTY.
gravelly loam, and is moderately fertile. "Whiteface,1 belonging to the Adirondack Range, lias an
elevation of 4,855 feet above tide. Wi I m inert on (p. v.) contains 20 houses. Settlement was
commenced, near the close of the last century, by Thaddeus and Leonard Owen, and Paul Thayer.2
The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1799.*
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures of Essex County.
Names of Towss.
Acres of Land.
I
Chesterfield
Crowu Point
Elizabeth town. .
Essex
Jay
Keene
Lewis.
Minerva.
■h
V ireomb
N'.Tth Elki
North Hudson...
St. Armand
Schroon ,
Ticonderoga.
v. -port
Willsbo rough...
Wilmington
i
9,487 }
14.-.-,;
n
7,637
I . i ■
i
950
2,008
1.107*
15,712}
16,059
17,0774
14.31 6*
8.168
21,8 ■:
9.901
84,094
4,405
28,859
79.166
■27.J4I-.
143,215
27.511
-
-
31,433
131,485}
12,076
16,052
r.T4.;;
20.17-t
Valuation op 1858.
{442,920
361,535
138,905
: .- _ 16
209,21 4
71.316
165,108
97,459
57(1.310
164,142
73.795
51.S97
41,060
371.202
375.537
284.549
44.107
t
5148.950
23,800
24.M5(l
132,800
40.250
•r00
2,000
■V.'.M
20,700
2,000
800
11,376
4:.. 27 5
16,250
22.960
2,207
Total : 185.44.3f 1 774,195* i 4,042,211' 505,868
$591,870
385*335
162.955
471,036
255,514
71,816
1C7.10S
103.410
591.011'
150.142
74.595
51,897
41.000
202.208
416,507
391,787
307,509
46.314
POPULATION.
1.661
1,167
734
1.042
1,458
3S6
934
403
1,590
130
175
275
155
1,145
1.072
1.044
842
435
4.54S.079 14.048 13.S91
1,666
1,049
608
1.073
1,392
388
869
364
1,530
96
126
244
134
940
1,053
997
833
469
559
394
232
359
452
143
321
144
494
38
53
80
57
348
409
396
390
358
5,227
5
636
435
252
358
501
155
325
148
592
39
60
79
58
378
435
408
312
168
288
297
175
195
292
128
251
133
317
21
61
41
42
2S4
197
207
212
112
5,339 3,253 194 11,350
Schools.
1,339
998
595
730
1,070
380
717
309
1,224
72
117
161
98
776
878
814
654
418
Names of Towss.
Chesterfield
Crown Point
Elizabeth town..
Essex
•'•y
Keene
i
rni
ib
•ml>
North Elba
North Hudson..
nnand
■n
..-a.
..•b...
Willi.
Total
Live Stock.
I
537
702
304
528
401
162
443
139
651
26
67
15
42
426
623
44*
117
fe 5
902
1,900
690
1,172
1,396
625
1,071
376
1,152
76
234
102
1,087
l.i-
1,022
i -:
591
764
842
472
718
735
353
635
250
764
53
142
21
79
r;>
663
023
••■ I
343
S
2,281
7,589
1,620
6,340
2,325
1,673
4,159
782
3,316
73
344
1.508
4,497
.-..2-11
4. '.'11
965
'•.149 14.*- 7,664 6.504
£
492
778
297
456
657
201
427
184
485
30,
76
18
152
571
590
606
656
128
Agricultural Products.
Bosh, op Grais.
490
3,716
402
333
1,430
2:;2J
3,220*
148
651
124
457
200
605}
1.: 16
181
1,633
622
St
28,164
52,227
13,424*
35,598*
39,648*
10.816}
22,678*
11,941*
30,047*
2,360
7,447
4.901
29,528
17,209
81,468
87,661 :
7,477
3.591
3,991*
i.oonj
3,969*
2,597
1,315
2.2^71
1,134
3,253}
204
413
322*
3.121
4,169
8,047*
3.075
968
*.=
25,293
37.865
9,832
10.965
32,192
11,663
19,892
no:.;.
20.211
4,500
10,140
30.005
23,378
16,513
12.'.'". '9
19.729
9.9-9
16,8411 418^88* 39.139} 318.021
.5 3
3-W
1,088*
9,060
3.030
S.S12
1,598
884
3,599
2.171
4,092
3.385
7,995
6.815
Id. oos
1,027
04.200*
Dairy Products.
46,929
49,791
2\020
42,515
61,245
21,257
50.9"*:.
17,666
53,685
3,065
7,856
8,430
55,980
56,126
45,713
50.718
25,501
625,54".:
~
4.594
9,266
2,550
8,371
6,390
2.290
7,920
240
8,000
170
300
0.5ns
5,378,
8,877
22,430
810i
•Sad
^"^ t
93,594
43
450
198
589
1,117
1,012
471
407
186
792*
138
285
194
583
0.4OO \
> Whlffare d'riTo^ Its name frr.ni a landslide, which 1ms laid
bare the rocks upon lt« s.e. dope, gtTine it a whitbh gray
appearance. This mountain b nearly Isolated; anl fr^m Ita
summit l« obtained one of the finest and vi-ws
in Refthan N. Y.
* Among the other early «ettlors were Cyrn* WOaOD, lunar
Peck. I;. o(- 1, nr,.| DMJ ; Hi- ;■, DuL Bay, John Blanchard,
7,. C,rny. and Nathl. Warner. The first marriage wns that of
DanL Buvmblin and Keztafa Ray; nnd tho first death, that of
John Blanchard. Ksther Kellogg taught the first school; Ken
ben Banfbrd kept the first inn, Elias Wilson the first store, and
Leonard (twin built the first mill.
8 The census reports 2 churches; Cong., M. E.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
This county was formed from Clinton, March 11, 1808, and
named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. A small portion wan
annexed to Essex co. March 22, 1822. It contains an area of 1,718
sq. mi., and is centrally distant 130 mi. from Albany. It lies upon
the northern frontier, between St. Lawrence and Clinton counties.
Its surface is mostly level in the n., undulating and hilly in the
center, and broken and mountainous in the s. The Au Sable
Mts. occupy the s. e. portions; Mt. Seward, 5,100 feet above
tide, is the highest peak. There are several other elevated
peaks; but their heights have never been ascertained by actual
measurement. The plateau of the central and the valleys of the s.
part of the co. have an elevation of about 1,600 feet above tide.
The n. w. corner, including the townships of Bombay, Fort Covington, Westville, and portions
of Constable and Moira, is underlaid by calciferous sandstone. The 6oil upon this rock is
generally a heavy clay. Next s. of this region is a belt about 8 mi. wide, extending n. e. and
s. w., underlaid by Potsdam sandstone. A strip next to the calciferous sandstone, about 4 mi.
wide, has a sandy soil, and the remainder a fine fertile loam, mixed with clay. The underlying
rock in the central and s. portions of the co. is gneiss ; and the soil is of a light, sandy nature,
nearly unfit for cultivation. Upon approaching the mountainous region toward the s. the soil
becomes more and more sterile, and large tracts are valuable only for their timber and iron ore.
Bog iron ore is found in considerable quantities along the line of junction of the calciferous and
Potsdam sandstones, and in times past it has been quite extensively used in the manufacture of
bar iron.
The co. is mostly drained hy tributaries of the St. Lawrence, the principal of which are the
Chateaugay, Salmon, Little Salmon, Deer, St. Regis, and Racket Rivers. The Saranac River
flows through the s. e. corner. In the southern wilderness are immense numbers of lakes, some
of which are several miles in extent. Their general elevation is about 1,600 feet above tide, and
they are so located that slight improvements only are needed to connect them, and to form a com-
munication between the head waters of streams flowing in opposite directions. In the n. part the
people are engaged in the various branches of agriculture, the soil yielding a good return in spring
grain, and in potatoes. The whole region, however, is best adapted to pasturage, and dairying
forms the leading pursuit. In the central and s. parts the people are mostly engaged in lumbering.
The manufacture of starch has become an important business within the last few years.1
The principal work of internal improvement in the co. is the Ogdenshurgh R. R., (formerly
Northern R. R.,) extending through Moira, Bangor, Malone, Burke, and Chateaugay. This road
was completed in 1850, and has been of immense value to the co., though a total loss to the stock-
holders. Steamboats from the St. Lawrence land regularly at Fort Covington, and occasionally at
Hogansburgh, during the summer. The Salmon River has been improved for log navigation, and
a portion of the Au Sable improvement is within the limits of the co.
The co. seat is located in Malone Village.2 A courthouse and jail, in one building, was
erected on the w. bank of Salmon River in 1811-13, and a new stone jail in 1852.s The co. poor-
house is located upon a farm of 110 acres, 2 mi. s. w. of the village. It was built in 1826, at a cost
of $1,200 and has since been burnt and rebuilt. There are two newspapers in the co., both
published at Malone.*
i Within 10 years, 40 factories for the manufacture of starch
from potatoes have been erected in the co. When potatoes are
less than 30 cts. per bushel, the business is considered profitable;
but since the completion of the R. R. they have at times been
worth much more to transport to the city markets.
2 The first co. officers were Ebenezer Brownson, First Judge;
Wm. Bailey, Joshua Nichols, and Asa Wheeler, Judges; Jas. S.
Allen, Clerk; John Wood, Sheriff; Joshua Nichols, Surrogate;
and Ezekiel Payne and Oliver Brewster, Coroners.
s Before the court house was completed, courts were held in
the academy.
* The Franklin Telegraph was the first paper published in the
co. It was first issued at Malone, in 1821. by Francis
Burnap, and in 1829 it was removed to Potsdam.
The Northern Spectator was published at Malone from 1S30 to
1835, successively by John G. Clayton, Geo. P. Allen,
and F. P. Allen.
The Palladium was begun in March, 1835, at Malone, by F. P.
Allen. It is now published as
The Frontier Palladium, by F: T. Heath and J. K.
Seaver.
The Franklin Republican was begun in 1S2T, at Fort Covington,
by J. K. Averill, and continued under several owners
till 1833.
The Franklin Gazette was begun in 1827, at Fort
Coviugton, by F. D. Flanders. In 1847 it was removed to
Malone, where it is still published by the original owner.
The Salmon Biver Messenger was begun in 1S50, at Fort Coving-
307
308
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
A tract 10 mi. by 40, on the e. side of this co., formed a part of the old Military Tract ;J a
portion in the N. w. corner, of 24,000 acres, was reserved by the St. Regis Indians,2 and the
remainder of the co. was included in Great Tract No. I. of the Macomb Purchase.3 Wm. Con-
stable, agent and part owner of the last mentioned tract, and the executors of his estate, sold the
northern part, and actively assisted in promoting settlement.4
The earliest settlement in the co. was made at St. Regis, by a colony of Indians from Caughna-
waga, on Lake St. Louis,5 and from Oswegatchie, under Father Anthony Gordon, a Jesuit, about
1760. They are now known as the St. Regis Indians, and number about 1,000, of whom 420 reside
in this co., and the remainder on the N. side of the national boundary, which passes through
the village.6 During the Revolution a portion of the Indians joined the Americans; and Louis
Cook, one of their number, received a colonel's commission from Gen. Washington. In the war
of 1812 a part of the tribe joined the British and a part the Americans; and they are thus historic-
ally divided into British and American parties.7 This tribe is gradually increasing in numbers,
although, from their filthy habits, they are frequent sufferers from virulent epidemic diseases.
They are mostly Catholics, — a Catholic mission being supported among them. A few profess to be
Methodists.8 Two schools are sustained by the State, though they are thinly attended, and appa-
rently of little benefit. The first white settlements were made in Chateaugay in 1796, and in
other towns in the two northern ranges in 1800-02, by emigrants from Vermont. At the commence-
ment of the war of 1812 the population of the co. numbered about 2,500. In 1813-14 it became
the seat of important military events, in the abortive attempt to invade Canada. Upon the with-
drawal off the troops from French Mills in Feb. 1814, the co. was overrun by the enemy, who visited
Chateaugay, Malone, and Hopkinton, and seized a considerable amount of military stores.9
In 1832, the cholera appeared at St. Regis, spreading a panic throughout the whole region. Since
the completion of the r. r., systematic efforts have been successfully made to bring into market
the valuable timber in the central and southern parts of the co.
BA.VGOR10 — was formed from Dickinson, June 15, 1812. Brandon was taken off in 1828.
It is an interior town, lying >\ w. of the center of the co. Its surface is gently undulating,
with a general northerly inclination. The principal streams are the Little Salmon and Deer
Rivers. The underlying rock is Potsdam sandstone, appearing only in the valleys of the streams.
The soil is sandy in the n. and a clay and loam in the s. South Bangor, (Bangor p. o.,)
Vol til Bangor, (p. o.,) and "West Bangor, (p. o.,) are small villages. The first
settlement was made in 1806, and the town was rapidly settled along the Central Road and St-
ton, by Jaa. Fisk. During the year it passed into the
hands of J. S. Sargent, and was published as
r a few months.
TV J.'T. nrminn was b-irun in 1 V .".. at Malnne, by J. R. Flanders,
and wm ii.-m.Hl aljout 2 years.
• the present towns of Chafn.ingay, Rnrke, TV11-
mont, and Franklin. Township 7 was patented to Jaa. Cald-
'.i and in, t" iliiTi-ront parties
ill latT tinv«. — Hounh'i BisLof S'. Tsnnrfnrr ami Franklin Ons.
' i i the Indiana . eded 10.000 acres of this re-
mr-v at • -■ The remainder of the lands are held in
ootnmoD. and are managed by triist'-es elected annually.
' \ directly proprietor! nnder tl>i-<
ttti<- wan John Mi Vickar, Hoaeklan it. Plerrepont, (executor of
Wm Smith, Ahtjah Hammond, Richard
TJarr i . . . |, Ki'b'rt Oil-
nlir -t, and Janif* It I/" I.
• 1: named and tmmlxred as foil"--
Oi" oriais il proprii • in : —
19. Cheltenham.
itO.
-l. Harriets town.
i
. Qlarney.
24. Barrymore.
Mt M'.rria.
28. Oorchill.
1. Mwimii. 1". WDliamarillo.
2. Oermacbua. 11. Westerly.
3. Constable, taville.
4. H
5. Bangor. nil»
6. Mai ii-.
7. Annastown. 1 •' hn-manor.
Patrick. IT. Ollcbrist.
.•■lah. 18. Brlfd npperary.
* An expansion of the St. Lawrin-<' an-^o the Lachlne Rapids,
ida.
I Thi- lirir. w.i« FiirT<-Tfd after »hn treaty of 1796, and Intended
to be run on 1 1 1 • ■ 4.1th degree of *■ latitude; bnl ■ new survey
hi l- : that the Una m fj By 1 1 1 ■ - treaty
of 1842, th» old Hn- wai Helmed, and permanent monnmenta
were j.l ■ >i at the Creaatng of roads, and navigable streams,and
at Interval! of one mil- thrmgh the forests.
I Tlii« distinction i« broditary from n n. and th<-
Bonuitits of each govr>rnm*nt are bestowed accordingly, without
. '■ to the 1 -cality on either side of the line.
8 The Black River Conference has supported a mission at
Hogansburgh since 1847.
9 There is good reason to believe that some of the inhabitants
were traitors to their country, and supplied the enemy with
cattle and provisions and kept them informed in regard to
public movements. Kxh-nsive frauds were perpetrated upon the
National Treasury, soon after the war, in the way of claims for
alleged damages and loaaea in Wilkinson's campaign; but the
plot waa detected, and some of the guilty ones were lodged
in the State prison. A most remarkablo scheme to defraud the
State and non-resident landholders was devised about 1818, and
continued until effectually ended by law in 1822. This con-
sisted in the voting of excessive bounties for the destruction of
wolves and other noxious animals, to be paid by the towns and
00. Ah the law then existed, tho State allowed as much bounty
as the co.; and tin- n-Hiilt of the scheme was to throw almost
the entire burden of the tax upon non-residents and landholders;
hut. to nnder the home linden endurable, largo sums were re-
mitted by the I laimantS toward paying the residents taxes. The
bounties amounted on grown wolves to $60 per head, and led
to shameless frauds, and the issue of great numbers of certifi-
i it' - upon the heads of dogs and other animals, and upon the
- him head several times over. In one instance a deer's head
u.i- | ,.,.-. ,| for that Of a wolf. Theso certificates wero bought
by co. officials, and passed the co. audit. A commission was ap-
pointed by law to visit tho locality and search into the fraud ;
and, although no convictions wero obtained, a largo sum waa
I iv. I to the State. The commissioners stated that they found
these Certificates, to some extent, the " currency of tho co." Tho
total number of bounties issued and sums allowed, in 1820-21-
22, wereaa follows :— Wolves, '.iJ9, $51,685 ; panthers, 25, $1075:
foxes, 687, $1852.50; bears, 93, $243; besides small sums for minor
animals, amounting, iu all, to $55,521.50, or nearly $12.25 to
every man, woman, and child in the co. Those who had been
concerned in this affair quickly sunk into merited obscurity,
and have since remained objects of public contempt.
10 This town embraces township No. 5 of Croat Tract No. II. of
the Macomb Purchase.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
309
Lawrence Turnpike.1 Religious meetings were first held by Alexander Proudfit, in 1808. A
Cong, society was formed at N. Bangor at a very early period.2
BELLMONT3 — was formed from Chateaugay, March 25, 1833. Franklin was taken off in
1830. It occupies a wild, rocky region on the e. border of the co., N. of the center, and has a
general inclination toward the n. The Owls Head is a prominent elevation upon its w. border.
Its streams are Chateaugay, Trout, and Little Trout Rivers, and the e. branch of Salmon River.
Among the hills are several beautiful lakes, the principal of which are Lower Chateaugay ami
Ragged Lakes, and Ingraham and Round Ponds. A considerable portion of the town is unfit for
agricultural purposes, and valuable only for its timber. The settlements are chiefly confined to the
vicinity of an e. and w. road extending through the n. part.* Chateaugay Lake is a p. o.
in the n. e. part. There is a Presb. society in town, formed from the church at Malone.
BOMBAY5 — was formed from Fort Covington, March 30, 1833. It lies in the n. w. corner
of the co., and one corner borders upon the St. Lawrence. The surface is generally level, and the
soil is sandy in the s. and a deep, fertile, clayey loam in the n. The principal streams are the
Racket, St. Regis, and Little Salmon Rivers, and Pike Creek. The St. Regis is navigable to
Hogansburgh, at which place is a good water power.6 Hogansburgh7 (p- v.) lies at the head
of navigation on the St. Regis River, 2 mi. from its mouth. Pop. 250. St. Regis is an Indian
village, in the Indian Reservation,8 lying mostly in Canada. Pop. in this co. 200. Bombay
Corners (Bombay p. o.) and South Bombay are hamlets. The first improvement was made
in 181 1, by Michael Hogan, who had acquired the title to Township No. 1 of Macomb's Purchase.9
In 1818, Hogansburgh was laid out as a village and considerable improvements were made. In the
same year a road was laid out across the Indian Reservation to Fort Covington. The title to the
township passed from Hogan to Robert Oliver, of Baltimore. In 1822, settlers began to arrive quite
rapidly, and in two or three years most of the land not covered by the Reservation was taken up.
There are 3 churches in town; 2 M. E. and R. C. A Prot. E. church was also commenced • some
years since, but is not yet finished.
BRilVDOlV10- was formed from Bangor, Jan. 23, 1828. It lies w. of the center of the co.,
and embraces a territory 6 to 8 mi. wide and 47 mi. long, extending to the s. border of the co. The n-
part is moderately hilly, and has a general inclination toward the n. ; the s. part is broken and
mountainous, and mostly unfit for cultivation. The principal streams are the Little Salmon,
Deer, E. Branch of the St. Regis, and Racket Rivers, all flowing across the town in a n. w.
direction. A great number of lakes and ponds lie among the mountains in the central and
southern parts. The waters of the Saranac Lake and Stony Creek Pond are separated only by a
narrow strip of land, forming the only portage for canoes between Lake Champlain and the Racket
River. The soil is generally light and sandy and poorly adapted to cultivation. Along the river
courses and borders of the lakes the soil may be cultivated at some future period. The settlements
are confined to the extreme n. border. Within the past few years the lumber trade has received
considerable attention here, and large numbers of pine logs have been floated down the Racket
River. The first settlement was made in 1820.11 There is no village, p. o., or church in town.
BURKE12 — was formed from Chateaugay, April 26, 1844. It lies on the n. border of the
co., e. of the center. Its surface is undulating and has a general inclination toward the n.
It is watered by Trout and Little Trout Rivers. A swamp extends along the n. border. The soil is
clay, sand, and loam. Burke (p. o.) is a hamlet on Little Trout River. Burke Hollow,
(Andrusville p. o.) is a small village on the O. R. R. North. Burke is a p. o. The first
1 Among the first settlers were Benj. Seeley, Joseph Plumbs,
Jehial and James Barnum, Chester Tuller, Robert Wilson, Joel
Griffin, G. Dickinson, H. Conger, J. Boweu, and L. Sylvester.
At this time Daniel McCormack owned the n. half of the town,
Wm, Cooper the 8. E. quarter, and Asahel Baker the s. w. quarter.
Samuel Russell taught the first school, in 1S08.
2 Two buildings, erected by the town in 1834-35, are used
for religious meetings. A Christian church was formed in
1818.
s Named in honor of Wm. Bell, an early proprietor. It includes
township 8, and parts of 7 and 9, of the old Military Tract.
* Recently settlement has commenced upon No. 9, in the s. part.
6 Named by Hogan, whose wife had resided at Bombay, in
India. It embraces " Macoipb." or No. 1 of Great Tract No. I.
of Macomb Purchase, and the St. Regis Indian Reservation.
6 A controversy in regard to title has prevented the full im-
provement of this power.
I Formerly " Gray's Mills." It was the residence of the late
Rev. Eleazar Williams, the reputed Bourbon Louis XVII.
8 The lands of this reservation are partly leased to whites: bul
the cultivation of all is extremely slovenly and improvident.
9 Previous to the settlement, most of the valuable timber had
been stolen by parties from Canada.
10 Named from Brandon, Vt., from which place the first settlers
emigrated. It embraces the townships of " St. Patrick," " Wes-
terly," "Ennis," "Gilchrist," "Margate," "Killarnev," and
" Cove Hill," or Nos. 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26, of Great Tract
No. I.
II Josiah Hastings, Aaron Conger, Wilson Spooner, Luther
Taylor, and John Thomas, settled in town in 1S20: and Andrew
and Henry Stevens, Levi Conger, G. W. Taylor, Clark Adams.
Daniel K. Davis, Jonathan H. Farr, and Orrin Wellington, in
1821.
13 Named in honor of Edmund Burke, the British statesman.
310
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
settlement was made in 1796-98, by Jehial Barnum, Noah Lee, and others,
churches in town.1
There are 3
CIIATEAIGAY-— was formed from Champlain, March 15, 1799. "Harrison" (now Ma-
lone) was taken oil" in 1S05, Bellmont in 1833, and Burke in 1844. A part was annexed to Jay,
(Essex co.,) in 1822. The surface is rolling, with a northerly inclination. The principal streams
are the Chateaugay River and its branches. The river has worn a deep channel through the drift
deposits and Potsdam sandstone, forming a wild and peculiar feature in the landscape.3 Half a
mi. e. of the village of Chateaugay is an intermitting spring, rising from the sand, sometimes
flowing in sufficient quantities to carry a mill, and at others perfectly dry. It has no regular
periods of intermission, sometimes flowing steadily one or two years, and again only a few weeks.
Bubbles of nitrogen gas are emitted with the water. There is a constant gas spring 1 mi. n. e.
of this. The soil is a clayey Loam interspersed with clay. Chateaugay4 (p. v.) lies on the
plain, a little e. of the deep, narrow valley of the Chateaugay River.5 Pop. 360. The first settle-
ment was commenced in 1796, at the village, and was the first in the co.6 Within the next five
years many families came in from Vermont. In 1812 a blockhouse was built for protection
against invasions by the enemy. In the fall of 1813, Gen. Hampton was encamped here for
several weeks, with a force designed to co-operate with Gen. Wilkinson in the invasion of Canada ;
but late in Nov., he returned to Plattsburgh without accomplishing his object. In the spring
of 1814 the enemy invaded the place, pressed teams, and took away a considerable amount of pro-
visions left by the American army. There are 4 churches in town.7
C'OXSTABLE5- was formed from "Harrism," (nowMalone,) March 13, 1807. Fort Covington
was taken off in 1817, and Westville in 1829. The surface is rolling, with a northerly inclination.
The streams are Trout River and its tributary Little Trout River. The soil is principally a light,
sandy loam. A strip of sand lies along the s. border, and of swamp along the n. Constable
(W. Constable p. o.) is a small village upon Trout River. Trout River (p. o.) is a hamlet
near the n. line, and East Constable is a p. o. The first settlement was commenced near the
s. line, in 1800.9 The first church (Presb., organized as Cong.) was formed in 1817.10
DICKI^TSO^r11— was formed from "Harrison," (now Malone,) April 4, 1808. Bangor was
taken off in 1812, and Moira in 1828. It lies on the w. border of the co., and is 47 mi. in length.
The n. part is rolling and hilly, and has a soil of sandy loam of good quality ; the central and s.
parts are mostly sterile and rocky mountain regions. It is watered by the same streams as Bran-
don, and among the hills are great numbers of small lakes. Dickinson (p. o.) is on the St.
Lawrence Turnpike. East Dickinson and Dickinson Center are p. offices. Tlio-
masville is a small settlement on Deer River, founded by John Thomas in 1839. The principal
settlements are in the sr. part.12 There are in town 2 churches ; M. E. and F. W. Bap.
DI'l\En — was formed from Malone, Jan. 24, 1828. Harrietstown was taken off in 1841.
Brighton was taken off in 1858. It is an interior town, lying s. E. of the center of the co. Its
Surface i1- broken and mountainous, and the soil is light and sandy. Much the greater part of the
town is unfit for cultivation. The principal streams are the Beer River and the E. branch of
St. Regis River. Magnetic iron ore has been found in considerable quantities. There is no village
in town. lluaiM- i- a p. o. Jat. iMiane, of Schenectady, son-in-law of Wm. Constable, acquired
by marriage the title, to this town, and l.c-uii settlement here in 1823-24. A forge was built in
1828, and a high furnace in 1838, both of which were run a few years and supplied with ore found
l H.ip.. l'rf-«b.. and M 1'
' Prone n-gbe; probably Of French origin.
* About a mil* above t) la rmrineil 200 foot •
an'l in it L« ft waterfall of •''
i On the Both of Jo ; iMedoVer
the village, moi ■ ry bnflding In it. In the
count" "f '"' mi. 1*5 biiiMin.:- w • I, or moved
frmi their foundations; lUOTinl Urns wan
'Th'R. i n an emUtnkm'-nt 160 feet above
the river, and 800 hot long.
' Tip tir-i n ttlen were BenJ. V- '- rta, Saml. and Nathan nee-
man, I>-vi Trumbull, Joshua ami h mberlain, Bthan
a. Boberta, and Jama Monaco. Nathan c- ■ mm In hi* youth
I neai Tioonderoga, and acted a/> guide to Ethan Allen
•ben ha surprised that plan in Kay, 1776. He dledtnthli
town In 1860. David KaUorvbnfll the ftr-r grW null In the
co., on Marble River. U mi', v. r. of the village. Tn 1803-04
a fore* w:is l.nilt. by Wm. lUihy. B mi above the village, and
run a short time, Wing supplied with bog ore.
t Hap., M. E., I'resb., and R. C.
8 Nnmed from Wm. Constable, fluent and part proprietor. It
embraces the r.. part of township No. 3 of Great Tract No. I.
* Among the first settlers were Jona. Ilapgood, (1800,) Chris.
Aiintin, (1800,) Wm. Cooper, Solomon Cook. Eli Titus, Saul
l lark, ami James Welch. A. Mead taught the first schjol, in
the summer of iNOn. I>r. Solomon Wyman was the first ] . 1 1 y -
sician. Tho first sawmill was built by James Welch, in 1803,
and tho first grist mill, soon after the war, by Joseph Col-
burn.
10 There are in town 3 churches ; Presb., Tiap., and M. E.
11 This town embraces the townships of " Annastown," '• Wil-
li.un~\iii.'," •• Dayton," " Johnamanor," "Cheltenham," " Lough -
DeagVand Mount Morris, "or Noa. 7, 10, 13, 16, 19,22, and 25,
Of Ureal Tract No. I.
15 Among the first settlers were William Thomas, Jonathan and
Jesse D. Bice, and Reuben Cady.
13 Named from James Duane, proprietor and first settler. It
embraces the townships of " Kwercttaville," "Fowler," and
" Brighton," or Noa. 12, 15, and 18 of Great Tract No. I.
F R AN KLIN COUNTY.
311
in the town.1 After making about GOO tons of iron, the works were abandoned, with the loss of the
entire capital invested in them. There is but one church (M. E.) in town.
FORT COVUVGTOHf2— was formed from Constable, Feb. 28, 1817. Bombay was taken
off in 1833. It lies on the n. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is level, or gently
undulating. Salmon River, the principal stream, is navigable to Fort Covington Village.
The soil in the n. is a rich, clayey loam, and in the s. a light, sandy loam. Fort Covington*
(p.v.) is situated in the n. w. part of the town, upon Salmon River. Pop. 894. The first settlements
were made by French families, about 17%, around "French Mills." Settlers from Vt. began to
arrive about 1800.4 Much of the timber near Salmon River was stolen before this, and sold in the
Montreal market. Soon after the battle of Cryslers Field the American army passed up Salmon
River and took up winter quarters at "French Mills."5 In Feb. the place was evacuated,6 and im-
mediately taken possession of by the enemy.7 The Fort Covington Academy, incorp. April 21,
1831, has been changed to a district school. The census reports 4 churches.8
FRAJfKLII9-was formed from Bellmont, May 20, 1836. It lies on the e. border of the
co., s. of the center. Its surface is broken and mountainous, and it has an elevation of 1200 to
2000 feet above tide. The principal streams are the Saranac, which flows across the s. e. corner,
and the head branches of the Salmon River. Among the mountains are numerous ponds and lakes.
The soil is sandy, and scarcely fit for agricultural purposes, except along the streams. Iron ore
abounds, and has been worked to some extent. The settlements are mostly confined to the s. e.
corner, and the people are chiefly engaged in lumbering. The old Port Kent and Hopkinton
Road passes diagonally through the town, and a plank road extends from Franklin Falls to Keese-
ville. Franklin Falls10 (p.v.) contains 12 houses, and Vermontville 20. Alder
Brook and Mcrrillsville are p. offices. The first settlement was made at Franklin Falls,
in 1827, at which time a forge and sawmill were erected.11 In town are 5 large gang sawmills,
and several small manufactories of buckskin leather, mittens and gloves. There are 2 churches in
town,— M. E. and R. C.
IIARRIETSTOWIV12— was formed from Duane, March 19, 1841. It is the s. e. corner town
of the co. Its surface is very rocky and mountainous, and its soil a light, sandy loam, generally
unfit for cultivation. Mt. Seward lies along the s. border.13 It is the least populous and wealthy
town in the co. It is principally drained by the Saranac. Among the mountains are a great
number of small lakes, the principal of which are the Lower Saranac, Big Clear, and St. Regis.
There are no villages or churches in town. Saranac Lake, on the line of Essex co., is a p. o.
The first settlers located on the North West Bay Road, about 1812.14
M ALiOIVE15 — was formed from Chateaugay, March 2, 1805, as " Harrison." The name was
changed to "Ezraville," April 8, 1808, and to Malone, June 10, 1812. Constable was taken
off in 1807, Dickinson in 1808, and Duane in 1828. It is an interior town, lying n. of the geo-
1 By an act of May 20, 1841, a company was chartered by the
name of " The Franklin Native Steel Manufacturing Co.;" but it
was never organized. The making of steel directly from the
ores of this region has proved to be practically a failure. A few
years since, silver was said to be discovered ; but it has never
been successfully worked.
2 Named from Brig. Gen. Leonard Covington, who was mor-
tally wounded at Cryslers Field and buried here. It embraces
the w. part of the township of " Cormachas," or No. 2 of Great
Tract No. I., and a part of the original St. Regis Reservation,
since ceded to the State.
5 Formerly called " French Mills.'" It is situated on a mile
square reserved by the Indians in 1796. This tract was leased
by the Indians to Wm. Gray, in 1793, and assigned to Jas.
Robertson, of Montreal, in 179S. These Indian leases occasioned
much difficulty concerning title, which was finally settled by
commissioners, after the purchase of the E. part of the reserva-
tion, in 1S16-18. — Hough's Hist, nf St. Law. and Frank. Co's.
* Mills were built at a very early period, and were swept away
by a flood in 1S04.
6 Here a fearful mortality occurred among the troops, on
account of exposure to the rigors of a northern winter in tents
and slight board shanties. The medicines and hospital stores
had been lost or destroyed on the passage down the St. Lawrence,
nor could fresh supplies be obtained nearer than Albany. The
surrounding country was mostly a wilderness : and the army of
Gen. Hampton the fall previous had exhausted the resources of
the inhabitants, and. consequently, provisions were of a bad
quality and were procured with difficulty.
6 As an appropriate finale to an imbecile enterprise, the re-
treating army destroyed the boats on the river, sunk 60 tons of
biscuit, and destroyed all the public property too heiivy for
transportation. The enemy soon completed the work of de-
struction.
7 A few years after the war, an extensive series of frauds upon
government was perpetrated at this place. They consisted of
fictitious claims for damages, in which the documents were
forged, and the parties, witnesses, and magistrates were perjured.
8 Asso. Ref. Presb., (Scotch,) Wes. M., Bap., and R. C., (St.
Mary's.)
9 This town includes No. 10, and a part of No. 9, of the old
Military Tract.
10 Formerly called " McClenathans Falls" from the proprietor.
On the 29th of May, 1852, the entire village, consisting of 23
houses, store, tavern, extensive lumber mills, and a large
amount of lumber, was destroyed by running fires. Loss. $30,000.
11 Among the first settlers were Wm. McClenathan, Jas. Mat
lory, Horace Gould, John Griffin, Harry Wood, Richmond and
Davis Spaulding, Simeon French, and John Hough. The first
birth was that of Sanford Hough; and the first death of an
adult, that of Mrs. H. Wood. McClenathan kept the first inn
and store and built the first mill and forge.
12 Named from Harriet, daughter of Wm. Constable and wife
of Jas. Duane. It embraces the townships of " Harrietstown."
" Barrvmore," and " Tipperary," or Nos. 21, 24, and 27 of Great
Tract No. I.
13 Mt. Seward, named from Wm. H. Seward, was called by the
Indians " On-no-wan-lah," the big eye.
l* Among the first settlers were Isaac Livingston, Isaiah C.
Flanders, Pliny Miller, Wm. Kelly, and Nehemiah White.
is Named "Harrison" from Richard Harrison, proprietor;
" Ezran'IU" from Ezra L'Hommedieu, of Suffolk co. ; and Malone
from a family related to Harrison. It embraces the townships of
" Malone" and " Sbelah," or Nos. 6 and 9 of Great Tract No. I.
312
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
graphical center of the co. and s. of the center of population. Its surface is level in the n.
and broken and hilly in the s. The principal stream is the Salmon River, which flows northerly
through the town in a deep valley worn by its waters, and nearly its whole course in town is a
succession of rapids and cascades. Along the n. border are extensive pine plains. The soil in the
n., where not covered by light drift deposits, is fertile and well improved, but in the s. it is sandy
and unproductive. An iron ore, from which a paint resembling sienna is manufactured, has
been discovered in the s. part. Potsdam sandstone, of an excellent quality for building, has been
extensively quarried near the village. Dial one1 (p. v.,) the co. seat, and the only incorp. village
in the co., is pleasantly situated on Salmon River. Pop. 1993. It is the seat of the Franklin
Academy,1 and is the most important intermediate station upon the Ogdensburgh R. R.3 The vil-
lage is supplied with spring water by an incorp. company.* Titusville (p.o.) is a small village
at the Great Falls, on Salmon River in the s. part of the town.6 The first settlements were made
near Malonc Village, ab"iit the Inhuming of the present century, by emigrants from Vt.6 An
arsenal was built at the village in 1812, and sold in 1850.7 In 1813-14 the place was visited and
plundered by the British. The first church (Cong.) was formed in 1806-07, by Ebenezer Hibbard
and Amis lYtteugill. Rev. Ashbel Parmelee was the first pastor, and the first settled minister
in the co.8
MOIRA9 — was formed from Dickinson, April 15, 1828. It lies on the w. border of the CO.,
H. of the center. The surface is generally level, with a slight inclination toward the n. The
principal streams are Little Salmon River and Lawrence Brook. The soil is a sandy loam, gene-
rally fertile. DIoira Corners (Moira p.o.) is a small village near the center. Bruslis
Mills.11 (p. v..) on Little Salmon River, is an important wooding station on the r. k. This
town fell to the share of Gilchrist and Fowler, upon apportionment, and was first settled by
Appk'ton Foote, as agent, in 1803. u Luther Bradish,12 Robert Watts, and Peter Kean afterward
became the owners respectively of the n., middle, and s. thirds of the town. There are 3
churches in town.13
TVESTVILX.E14— was formed from Constable, April 25, 1829. It lies near the center of the
n. border of the co. The surface is nearly level, with a slight inclination toward the n. It is
drained by Salmon River, upon which are several falls, affording a good supply of water power.
The soil is a fertile, clayey loam. Bog iron ore, found on the s. border, has been used to some
extent in forges in the town. A sulphur spring, of some local notoriety, lies near the center of the
>-. border. Westville ("W. Constable p.o.) is a small village on Salmon River. This town was
held by the Constable family ; and for many years Wni. Bailey, of Chateaugay, and Albon Mann,
were agents. In 1822 the unsold portions were sold to Edward Ellice, of London. The first
settlements commenced about 1800, by emigrants from Vt.15 There are 4 churches in town.16
' Incorp. I
* The academy building is finely located in the w. part of the
Till ■
3 Hi- machine rod repair shops of the b. r., located here,
ii". and are fitted up in a superior style.
Tie- un and Watertown B. R. rolling stock
ar>' »l
* The M 1 ne Water Works f'..„ Incorp. March 23, 1867
Capital, fl: '
* Ili-iiry ii. Tiin" commenced Improvements in this pari <.f
th" town, by building mills and a scythe factory, In 1881. After
• »lon, irnj.r ttli mi nti bare
red under Jam< i II. 1 S. V.
* Among I ' ithan and John W
Howell ' '■-' r- I "' '
Sparry. Th" iir-t • hud
born was Malone, daughter of I. Window. The first sawmill
iOI in ISM i '•'• i
t Th" pi I tiii« "«i" wan nppiir-d to th» improve-
ment of the nrwtitl frr^n and parade gTOtmd; and a
further «nm of $600 was ■] I forth* Mine puqxwc in
* The census reports 6 churches; On L., DnJon, M B :..
Bap., and R.C. In Nov. 1857, Rev. Barnard McCabe, Catholic
priest, was accidentally burin d to death.
0 Named from the Karl of Moira. Embraces "Moira," or No.
4 of (treat Tract No. I. The name was applied to the township
long before the Incorporation of the town.
Is Nane.l from Henry N. Brush, an extensive proprietor of
land- in tlii- vicinity and resident of the village.
11 Among the Orel .-"tilers were Jienj. Seeley, Jonathan Law-
Joseph Plumb, and David Bates. Schools wcro esta-
blished In 1807.
12 Mr. Rradi-b resided here f. .r several years. lie represented
the co. in the Assembly in 1828-29-30-36-37-38, and was a
resident here when elected Lieut. Gov. in 1838.
U Com;., ]{.(".. and Union, (the last belonging to tho M.E.and
Christian denominations.)
l< Named from the village, so called from its location in tho old
town of Constable.
1* Among the first settlers were Amos Welch. Ilaskins,
Kli-ba Habins. Saml. Fletcher, John Heed. Alex. MeMillen. Silas
Cii-liman. John Livingston, Jas. and Thoe. Wright, and Alric
and Albon Mann. Tie lir-t sawmill was built by AJnim Welch.
Tie lirst School was taugbt by Samuel KusscH. 1ft i8<K>
l" Presb, M. E., Univ. and Union.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
313
BRIGHTON — was formed from Duane, Nov. — , 1858. It embraces Township 18 and the s.
half of Township 15 of Great Township No. 1 of Macomb's Purchase. The settlements are
chiefly in the e. part. The inhabitants are mostly engaged in lumbering. There is no village or
p. o. in town. (This town was formed after the remainder of the letter-press of this co. was stereo-
typed ; and hence it is inserted in this place.)
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Franklin County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
Population.
oo
•5
D
£
395
g
<
Schools.
I
i
I
c
'1
ft?
It
si
&,fti
1
•0
1
1,101
1
1,053
i
1
©
1
0.1
11
£4
■8*3
el
942
13,931
15,609
$352,656
$49,645
$402,301
421
335
5.345
82.7084,
131,913
2,875
134.78S
463
■ 410
160
62
135
8
437
13,177J
9.SMJ
224,924
20,500
245.424
1,168
1,144
376
377
229
11
981
4.957
177.890
144.571
2.450
147,026
361
367
135
141
228
8
339
9,175
9,115
264,66:
5,400
270.062
957
943
339
339
278
14
875
13,840
12,682
346,484
346,484
1,344
1,332
460
440
283
16
1,231
9,473f
11.005
172.02s
5.507
177.535
746
697
254
259
198
9
586
8,651
181,017
211,504
4.750
216,254
654
601
230
241
230
10
695
2,015
89,790
60,848
60,848
171
154
44
44
43
4
98
14,290
5,759|
388,275
27,405
415.680
1,252
1,307
430
448
312
12
1,033
4,170
97,088
128,258
1,000
129,255
503
444
165
169
136
9
391
8421
83,613
68,207
68,207
158
148
58
66
56
2
96
25,563
33,546
9S5,45t
259,950
1,245,406
2,598
2,588
871
943
653
24
2,399
11,0311
16,4521
297,188
13.500
310.6S8
747
712
274
295
203
11
585
8,165
8,800
175,576
5,976
181,552
704
650
12,550
247
247
4,492
223
8
157
702
11,360
Total
144,6271
834,964*
3,952,555
398,958
4,351,510
12,927
4,444
3,542
Names of Towns.
Lite Stock.
Agricultural Products.
■s
Bush, op Grain.
i
"5- •
*§•
Daisy Products.
8
Working
Oxen an
Calves.
i
5
$
S5
1
578
e
i
BOO,
if
"§ -'
c -2
c a
ft. =5
6,5
55S
1,249
1,00:
! 2,040
853J
83,483}
3,156
65,963
2,822
80.438
8,685
1.740
195
428
33E
692
243
124
9,6621
1,334
12.631
165
29,550
2.160
1.222
591
1,461
1,15!
2,551
702
1,0561
35.1961
3.612
21.849
1,054
2.;i^.i"i71
10.715
2.482
123
312
25.'
> 706
169
430
7.2S1
771
33,962
66
17.NS.3
1,750;
603
511
987
86f
> 1,886
534
1,287
19.002
2.9381
30,221
2.626
61,065
13.620
2.2831
670
989
99(
1 2,194
755
1,293
22,760
3.385
58,716
2.349
66,145
4,752
2,136
382
620
53?
i 1,368
471
2,7S41
14,018
3.4811
28,356
4.048
46,885
4,861 1
1.404
314
703
65:
! 1,666
3S9
2,473
20,258
1,755
29,950
440
67.400
12,344:
2,292
66
159
9
191
85
193
7,5051
304
6,233
7.44s
92
634
1,424
1,42'
! 2,250
1,111
607
41,889
4,768
18,843
4,042
123.055
2,S49.
1,9461
114
329
25-
L 179
218
2,3911
11,0671
890
20,559
17,966
440 1
1651
24
1,084
391
92
1,879
1,1S3
7;
1,84:
875
> 139
! 4,452
59
1,342
420
35
4,695
5,1111
57,S22
285
6,224
6,365
94,772
7,619
5,010
58
2.025
135,952 57.190
! 1,548
1,183
21,5311
2,9111
33,581
635
77,876
22,430
2,604
372
944
57i
10,91<
! 2,096
459
2,139
24,931
1,779
22.924
407
64.696
2,120
2.101
Total
6,029
12,759
) 23,958
7,535
21,5451
331,5191' 37,5941
484,425
26,273
1,050,040
143,916
23,2141
FULTON COUNTY.
Tins county was formed from Montgomery, April 18, 1838.1 It
lies x. of the Mohawk, e. of the center of the State. It is centrally
distant 45 miles from Albany, and contains 544 sq. mi. Its surface
is a rolling and hilly upland, rising into a mountainous region on
the N. border. The highland region is divided into three general
ridges, extending n. e. and s. w. The most eastern of these ridges,
occupying the s. E. corner, consists of rounded drift hills of moderate
elevation, bounded by gradual slopes, the highest summits being
all 'lit 400 ft. above the Mohawk. The second ridge extends through
near the center of the co. and occupies a wide space along the N.
border. The declivities in the n. are usually steep and rocky; and
the highest summits are 800 to 1,000 ft. above the Mohawk. Tho
third ridge, similar in character to the second, extends through the w. part of the co. Its highest
summits are L,200 ft. above the Mohawk.
Sacondaga1 River Hows s. e. through the n. e. corner of the co. It receives from the w. May-
field Creek, winch has fir its tributaries Fondas Creek and Cranberry Creek. The Chuctenunda
flow- through the s. e. corner. The Cayadutta flows s. w. through near the center, its valley
separating the central from the eastern ranges of hills. Garoga Creek flows s., a little w. of the
center. it> valley separating the western and central ranges of hills. Stony Creek, a tributary of
the Sacondaga, flows n. e. in the northerly continuation of the Garoga Valley, and breaks through
the central ranges of hills. East Canada Creek forms the greater part of the w. boundary, re-
ceiving as tributaries North, Fish, and Little Sprite Creeks. The other streams are branches of
the foregoing or of the Mohawk. They are mostly rapid streams, frequently interrupted by falls,
and affording an ample supply of water-power.
Among the hills in the x. part of the co. are many of the small lakes forming a characteristic
feature of the wilderness region of Northern N. Y. Along the Sacondaga, near the mouth of
Mayfield Creek, and occupying portions of Northampton, Broadalbin, and Mayfield, is an extensive
swamp or vlaie, said to contain an area of 13,000 acres.3
The greater part of the surface of the co. is covered with drift deposits. The southern part
of the central and w. ridges are principally composed of calciferous sand rock; and farther n.
Potsdam sandstone and gneiss appear and cover a considerable portion of the surface. Black
River limestone, Trenton limestone, and Utica slate are also found in different localities. Quarries
of gneiss and of birdaeye limestone have been opened in Johnstown and Mayfield. An excellent
building Btone is found in all the n. part of the co.
Tin- soil iii the s. part and along the valle}rs is mostly a gravelly and clayey loam, derived from
the drift deposits. It is well adapted to pasturage, and in the most favorable localities produces
good or tain. A large portion of the n. part is too rough and broken for profitable cultiva-
tion.* The mannfactarea consist principally of leather, Lumber, and buckskin gloves and mittens.5
TIm • i- located at Johnstown.8 The courthouse is a brick building in the N. part of
the vil! in 1772, by Sir Win. Johnson, for the courthouse of" Tryon" co.7 The jail, a
stone building, rituated in the s. e. part of the villa.tr*-, contains the usual jail accommodations, and
the residence of the jailer. The clerk's office is a fireproof brick building, in the vicinity of the
oourthonse. The i irhouse hi rituated upon a farm of 94 acres atWest Bush, 6 mi. n. of the
1 A dhnmtialfcction arising from th< ' the c .in,:
of >!•■ II tin- Immi
cause of the dlvM on of 1 1 . U
* Tliii name I ■" from the
great mar^h which li<>« ■long III
■ Tin- v l . ■ wma »i i- • ■ ■ ' :• ' Mm Rt n" r' mote period. It is
now covered irttfa a nnall growth od Ita
bordV r. and i wet prairie in tl Mr. where hundreds o
: p-.ir quail . ' annually.
* 'I inooj porti n in the f rm«
the a. extremity of the Great Northern wfldern fN V. The
! t. irr iw raueys
of the streams. The hill- ed with a light growth of
forest tree*: andwhei ired, the tofl U too light and thin
ii ■ any thing •
6 More lank-kin gloree anil mittens arc manidactured in this
014
■ i. than in all Other parts of the U.S. The center of the maiiu-
BisatGloverrnlle, though it i- largely carried on at Johns-
tow M and other Tillages. Work Is given out to families through
a lar^. section oi country, forming the most productive brunch
of labor In the co.
• The first officers of "Tryon co." wire Guy Johnson, First
Judge; John Butler and Peter Congue, Juntos; and Hr John
Johnson. Kt.. Daniel Clans, John Wells, and Jellis Fonda, Aa-
.' Judfftl. Tie- first CO. court was organized Sept. 8, 1772.
l p n tl rganization of Fnlton co., the Brat co. officers were
Donald Mi tut vie. Fir, I ./«</./. ,■ John W. ("'adv. Ditt. Attorney;
T. A. Stoutenburgh, Clerk; David J. McMartin, Sheriff; nud
Archibald McFarland, surrogate.
' The Johnson family retained a lien upon the building until
annulled by tho forfeiture of their estates.
FULTON COUNTY.
:;i:
courthouse. The average number of inmates is 50, supported at an average cost of $1.25 per week
each. The children attend the public school. The farm yields a revenue of $200.
Four weekly newspapers are now published in the co.'
The history of this co. is intimately connected with that of Sir William Johnson and his family.
At the a"-e of 21, Johnson came to America as agent of his uncle, Sir Peter Warren, and located
in the .Mohawk Valley, lie soon became identified with the interests of that section of the colony,
and a zealous promoter of its prosperity. He was appointed Indian Agent, learned the language
of the natives, adopted with facility their habits when it suited his interests, and gradually ac-
quired an ascendency over these people which his official relations served to strengthen. His suc-
cessful management in the expedition to Lake George in 1755 gave him a high position in the
esteem of the home Government, and secured him, as an especial favor, the grant of a large tract
of land n. of the Mohawk, as a direct gift from the king. He was also honored with knighthood.
His first residence was fixed at what is still known as Fort Johnson, on the Mohawk, in the town
of Amsterdam ; but about 1761 he removed to a new mansion, near the village of Johnstown, still
standing, and known as Johnson Hall. At this time be possessed an estate that had few rivals in
extent and value in the country; his tenants were numerous and attached to his interests, and the
prospects of future greatness to his family were most flattering. On the approach of the Revolu-
tion he is supposed to have been liberally inclined ; but his duty to the Government, whose offices he
held, forbade him from favoring the cause of the colonies, while his attachment to his neighbors
and the inhabitants of the colony rendered the thought of any measures tending to their ruin
extremely painful to his feelings. It was apparent that a struggle between the mother country
and the colonies must ensue ; but, with the prescience that foreshadowed the significant purpose of
his mind, he intimated to his friends that he should never live to see it, and he besought the British
Government to appoint his son to his office, — that of Indian Agent. He died suddenly at Johnson
Hall, on the afternoon of June 24, 1774, at the age of nearly sixty years.2
1 The Johnstown Gazette was published in 1796.
The Montgomery Advertiser was published at Johnstown in 1796
by Jacob Doxtader. It soon passed into the hands of
Jas. Smith, and subsequently into the hands of Alvin
llomeyn and Clark. It was afterward continued
several years by David Holden.
The Montgomery Republican was commenced at Johnstown in
Aug. 1806, bj Win. Child. His brother, Asa Child, soon
after became editor. In 1823 Wm. Holland became
owner, and published it 2 years. Peter Mix continued
it until 1834, when the office was burned. The paper
was revived by him; and in Nov. 1836, the office was
again burned, and the publication of the paper was
discoutinued.
The Montgomery Intelligencer was commenced in 1806, and dis-
continued in 1807.
The Mbntgonu ry Monitor was commenced at Johnstown in 1808
by Robbins & Andrews. It soon passed into the hands
of Russell Prentice, who sold it in 1824 to Duncan and
Daniel McDonald. In 1828 they removed it to Fonda,
thence to Canajoharie, and finally to Schoharie.
The Johnstown Herald was removed from Amsterdam in 1824
by Philip Reynolds. It had been published there as
the " Mohawk Herald." In 1837 it was removed to
Fonda and published as the "Fonda Herald."
The Montgomery Freeman was published at Johnstown by
Yates & Co.
The Nortliern Banner was commenced at Union Mills, Broad-
albin, by John Clark. It was removed in a few months
to Johnstown and published as
The Nortliern Banner and Montgomery Democrat. In 1837 its
mime was changed to
Tiie Montgomery Republican. It was soon afterward sold to
Wm. S. Hawley, who changed its name in 1838 to
The Fulton County Democrat. In 18 — it passed
into the hands of A. T. Norton; and in 1S42 it was pur-
chased by Walter N. Clark, its present publisher.
The Cliristian Palladium, semi-mo., was published in 1836 by
Joseph Badger. It was removed to Albany in 1S46
or '47.
The Fulton County Republican was commenced at
Johnstown in 1838 by Darius Wells. In 1840 Alexander
U. Wells became proprietor; and in 1842 he sold it to
■George Henry, its present publisher.
The Garland, semi-mo., was published at Union Mills by Wm.
Clark. It was afterward issued a short time at Johns-
town.
The Literary Journal was published at Kingsboro' in 1S43 by
. S. R. Sweet.
The Johnstown American was commenced in Jan. 1856, by N.J.
Johnson. In Feb. 1857. it was sold to J. B. Houghtaling.
In April. 1858. its name was changed to
ThcJohnstowii Independent, under which title it is
now published.
The Gloversville Standard was ..Niimenced in Sept.
1856, by W. H. Case, and is still published.
2 It has been the general belief that Sir William ended his
own life; and there is not much doubt but that he hung him-
self in his garden. His gardener, who found him and took
him down, intimated, in his old age, facts which confirm this
belief; and his will — dated Jan. 27, 1774 — Indicates that the
near approach of death was a familiar thought, as his burial
was an event for which he gave the most minute directions. In
this instrument — after commending his soul to God, who gave it
— he directs his body to be buried in the place he had selected
by the side of his wife, Catharine. He directs mourning for his
housekeeper, Mary Brant, and her children, and for young
Brant and William, half-breed Mohawks, and for his servants
and slaves. The sachems of both Mohawk villages are to be
invited to his funeral, and to receive each a black stroud
blanket, crape, and gloves, which they were to receive and wear
as mourners next after his family. The bearers are to have
white scarf, crape, and gloves; and the whole cost of the funeral
is not to exceed £300. The funeral debt is to be first paid by
Sir John, out of his 3 per cent, consolidated annuities, within 6
months. He bequeathed to Peter £300, and to the other
children of Mary Brant (7 in number) £100 each. — the interest
to be expended on their education. To young Brant, alias
Kaghyieghago, and William, alias Tagawirunta, two Mohawk
lads, £100 York currency each ; to Sir John, his son. one-half
of the rest of his money; and to Daniel Claus and Guy Johnson,
his sons-in-law, each one-half of the remainder. He then gives
his library and plate, slaves, stock, and personal estate, (certain
portions excepted.) to Sir John; and his landed estate is divided
between his children and friends, specifically naming to each
the lots they are to receive, and especially enjoining upon his
children never to sell or alienate any portion of the Royal Grant,
as he had received it as a free gift from the king. The legatees
of his lands were Sir John and Col. Guy Johuson, Daniel Claus,
each of the children of Mary Brant, and her brothers, Joseph
and William, Mary McGrah, John and Warren Johnson, his
brothers, and Dease, Sterling, Pluuket. and Fitzimons, brothers-
in-law, and John Dease, his nephew. To Robert Adams, Joseph
Chew, and Wm. Byrne, old friends, and Patrick Daly, a servant,
he gave the free use for life of certain lands. And he provided for
the further division of his estate in case Sir John died without
issue. He appointed as his executors, his son, two sons-in-law,
two brothers, and Dan'l Campbell, of Schenectady, John Butler,
Jellis Fonda, Capt. Jas. Stevenson, of Albany. Dr. John Dease,
Henry Frey, and Jos. Chew. The guardians of the children of
Mary Brant were John Butler. Jellis Fonda, John Dease, -hunts
Stevenson, Henry Frey, and Joseph Chew. Bach executor and
guardian was to receive a ring, as a memento fiom their once
sincere friend. Sir William was buried in a vault under the
Episcopal church in Johnstown. About 1793 the vault was
filled up; and Nov.26,1836. the church, with its bell and organ,
(the presents of Sir William,) were burned. The spot of his
| burial is just outside of the present church edifice.
516
FULTON COUNTY.
The active interest in the royal cause taken hy Sir John Johnson and all whom he could influ-
ence, is well known. He fortified Johnson Hall late in 1775, armed the Scotch Highlanders on
the Kingsborough Patent, and spread discontent among the Indian tribes under his control. His
conduct could not be tolerated ; and in Jan. 1776, Gen. Schuyler was sent with an army of 700
militia to disarm the tenants and to secure a strict neutrality on the part of Sir John and hia
friends. After several days' negotiation, a feigned acquiescence was received, and on the 19th the
Scotch surrendered their arms, and Sir John gave his word of honor to abstain from further hos-
tile measures. His intrigues continued notwithstanding ; and in May, 1776, a patriot force, under
Col. Dayton, was sent to apprehend him. Upon their approach, he left his family papers, money,
and plate to be buried by a faithful slave, and, attended by large numbers of his dependents, he
fled through the woods northward to Canada.1 In May, 1780, Sir John made his appearance with
500 troops from the Northern wilderness, to recover his buried treasure and take vengeance upon
his old neighbors. The settlements were surprised, and the Mohawk Valley, from Tribes Hill
upward to The Noses, was ravaged. Many houses were burned, 11 persons were slain, and several
others were left as dead but finally recovered. An ineffectual rally was made for pursuit ; but the
invaders returned without molestation. In the fall of the same year, Sir John, with 800 men, in-
vaded the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys with fire and sword, while an army advanced by way
of Lake Champlain to create a diversion on the northern frontier. In returning, he was pursued
by a body of troops under Gen. Robert Van Rensselaer, and would have been overtaken and cap-
tured had not the cowardice or treachery of that officer prevented.2 The battle of Stone Arabia
was fought upon this occasion. In Aug. 1781, Major Ross and Walter N. Butler, with a band of
tories and savages, appeared by way of Sacondaga with 607 men,3 and encamped a little n. of
Johnson Hall. Col. "Willett moved from Fort Plain on the 22d, with 300 men, to attack the enemy,
and, upon approaching, detached 100 men, under Col. Harper, to make a circuit and attack the rear
of the camp. A short distance above the Hall, Willett's forces met those of Ross, and the former
retreated ; but at the village they rallied, and were joined by 200 militia. The enemy were finally
driven from the ground, with a loss of 17, while the Americans lost 13. Ross retreated all night,
and was followed. At West Canada Creek the infamous Butler was killed.4
The estates of the Johnsons were forfeited, and a race of New Englanders succeeded the Scotch
Highlanders in this co. No further event of especial interest has since disturbed the even current
of events.
RLEECKER5 — was formed from Johnstown, April 4, 1831. A part was re-annexed to that
town in 1841, and a part of Caroga was taken off in 18-42. It is the central town upon the x.
border of the co. Its surface, is a hilly and mountainous upland, the highest summits upon the
n. border being 2,000 ft. above tide. The streams are head branches of West Stony6 and Garoga
Creek". In the valleys are several small lakes, the principal of which are Chases Lake, in the n.,
and Wood worth Lake, on the s. border. The soil is thin and light, and the surface is very stony.
Lumbering and tanning7 are the leading pursuits. Blcecker, (p. v.,) near the s. border, con-
tain- a church, a sawmill, a large tannery, and 20 dwellings. The first settlements were com-
mence 1 ab >ut 1800.8 The census reports 3 churches; M. E., Germ. Meth., and R. C.
RKOtniliRn'' — was formed from "Cattghnawaga," (now Broadalbin, Johnstown, and
yfleld,) March 12. 17'.':;. Northampton was taken off in 1799, and a part of Perth in 1842. It is
the central town on the b. border of the co. Its surface is rolling and mostly susceptible of cultiva-
tion. Chuctenunda Creek flows through the s. B. corner. Fondas Creek flows w. through near
the cent.-r: Frenchman! Greek through the \. pari ; and Mayficld Creek through the n. w. corner.
The soil is mostly of the drift formation, inclining to sand. The n. part extends into the great
Sacondaga Vlaie, which is annually overflowed, and in which the soil is alluvial. Fondas
flush. (Broadalbin p.O.,) on Fondas Creek, near the w. line, was incorp. April 17,1815, as
1 TIih slave was sold among I of Sir
John. Hi* pun ' " ' Induce him
" iy tbe secret* of hi' maatsr. 1I<" wa» rabaaqnonUj n-
>ha, wi'l *' Tii' papers
-., tli" m •■■ forward band to >•••
mini '1.1 nt th.T.,irinnd|'l.itc w. r-r. <-..T. r- <l«ri'l lakes t-i Canada.
2 St* page 411.
i (if Ititli 477 wito British and t"rii*« and 180 Wl n Indians.
* - pag 411.
s Hamad from Rutger Bleerkr.r. nf Albany. a patentee. Th.>
town Chase's, Glen's, Bleecker's, Lansing's,
mod Mayfield's Patents.
'■ {Tamed Des-kon-ta on Southier's map, pub. in 1779.
7 There arc 3 large tanneries in town.
8 Among tli'' early settlers were James Morse. Wm. Rood,
Bphraim I.indsley, .lames Landon. Samuel Shaffer, Wm. Eglan,
Frederick Mills. Good well, and <n ■■>. Hamilton, — all from New
England The first death was that of Good well, about
1 son. Win. Chase, the patentee, built a gristmill on the R. brauch
>y Creek, in 1804-05.
■ Named from a place in Scotland, by James Mclntyre, one
of the early settlers. This town comprises parts of Sacondaga,
Kayaderosseras, and Stone's Patents.
FULTON COUNTY.
317
"Rawsonville." It contains 3 churches, 3 buckskin dressing mills, a saw and grist mill, and 3
mitten factories. Pop. 651. Mills Corners, (p. o.,) in the e. part, is a hamlet. Union
IMillS (p. o.) contains a sawmill, paper mill, a peg factory, and 10 bouses. Worth Broadal-
bln, (p. o.,) in the N. e. part, contains a church, saw and grist mill, and 10 houses. The first
settlement was commenced before the Revolution.1 The census reports 5 churches in town.''
CAROOi9 — was formed from Stratford, Bleecker, and Johnstown, April 11, 1842. It lies on
the n. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is rolling in the s. and broken in the x. by
small, sharp mountains. A large hill lies w. of Garoga Creek ; and a swell of land rises about 300
ft. between the principal branches. Numerous clusters of lakes lie in the center and n. part of
the town, the principal of which are E. and W. Eish Lakes, Garoga Lake, the Stink Lakes, Bellows,
Prairie, Green, and Pine Lakes. Garoga Creek flows s. from Garoga Lake. A small portion of
the area only is susceptible of cultivation. Lumbering is the principal business. IVewkirks
Mills (p. v.) contains a church, (Ref. Prot. D.,) a large tannery, and 30 houses. The first settle-
ment commenced about 1790.4
EPIIRATAII— was formed from Palatine, (Montgomery co.,) March 27, 1827. A part was
re-annexed to that town on the division of the co. in 1838. It lies on the s. border of the co., w.
of the center. Its surface is mostly a hilly upland, 400 to 1,500 ft. above the Mohawk. Garoga
Creek flows s. w. through the town, in a deep valley, the hills on either side rising about 800 feet
above the creek. The soil is sandy, and in the s. e. a clayey loam. Ephratah, (p. v.,) in the
S. part, contains a church, gristmill, a large tannery, and 359 inhabitants. Garoga, (p. v.,) in
the n. part, contains a saw and grist mill and 12 houses. Rockwood, (p. v.,) in the n. e.
corner, contains 2 churches, 2 sawmills, a gristmill, 2 tanneries, a buckskin dressing mill, and 196
inhabitants. Eassellsville, (p. v.,) in the w. part, contains 2 churches and 20 houses. The
first settlement commenced under the auspices of Sir Wm. Johnson, in 1765.5 The census reports
6 churches in town.6
JOIIWSTOWIV7 — was formed from " Cauglinawaga," (now Broadalbin, Johnstown, and
Mayfield,) March 12, 1793. Lake Pleasant was taken off in 1812, Bleecker in 1831, Mohawk in
1837, and a part of Caroga in 1842. A part of Bleecker was re-annexed in 1841. It lies on the s.
border of the co., near the center. A series of hills occupy the n. part. A high ridge extends
through the w. ; and the remaining parts of the town are rolling. Cayadutta Creek flows s. w.
through the e. part ; Garoga Creek flows through the N. w. corner ; and Garoga Creek through the
w. part. The soil is a clayey and sandy loam. The manufacture of buckskin gloves and mittens
forms an important item in the business of the town. Johnstown (p. v.) was incorp. April 1,
1808. It is situated on the Cayadutta, s. e. of the center ; and it contains the co. buildings, 7
churches, the Johnstown Academy,8 3 printing offices, a bank, 2" gristmills, a sawmill, planing
mill, and gas works. Pop. 1,661. Gloversville, (p. v.,) on the Cayadutta, 4 mi. n. of Johns-
town, is noted for its manufacture of gloves and mittens.9 It was incorp. in April, 1853, and
contains 3 churches, the Gloversville Union Seminary, a printing office, a bank, a paper box fac-
tory, machine shop, and gristmill. Pop. 1,965. Kingsborough, (p. v.,) in the E. part, con-
tains a church, an academy, 10 mitten factories, and 300 inhabitants. Sammonsville, (p. v.,)
in the s. w., contains a paper mill, gristmill, and 15 houses. West Bush, (p. o.,) in the n. part,
Kecks Center, (p. o.,) in the w. part, and McEwens Corners are hamlets. The first
i Henry Sterner, Joseph Scott, Benj. Deline, Philip Ilelmer,
Andrew Bowman, Herman Salisbury, John Putnam, Joseph
Deailver, John Iloraan, Elias Cady, settled near Fondas Bush
before the Revolution. — Simms's Trappers of N. K, p. 21. James
Mclntyre, Alexander Murray, Alexander Oliver, Daniel Mcln-
tyre, and Nathan Brock way, from Scotland, Peter Demarest
and Derrick Banta, from N. J., Abram Manchester, Reuben
Burr, and Enoch Cromwell, from New Eng., settled soon after the
Revolution. Rev. Ronieyn held the first religious services,
after the war, in 1790-9'2.
s Presb., M. E., Bap., Christian, and Union.
* Named from the principal stream. Custom has applied the
name '•Garoga" to the latter, and "Caroga"' to the town.
4 David, Robert, and Solomon .Teffers settled in 1798; Samuel
Gage, Reuben Brookins. Wm. Jefferson, Abram Carley, Anthony
Stewart, Nathan Lovelace, Isaac Peckham, Elijah Gardner, Ira
Beach, John Mead, Jas. McLellan, Titus Foster, Lemuel Lewis,
and Daniel Goff, were also early settlers. The first marriage
was that of Francis Vandercook and Lucy Jeffers, in 1800. The
first death was that of Mrs. Amy Mead, in 1S04.
6 Frederick Getman, Jacob Empie, and Jacob Schell settled
near the village. Nicholas Rector, Jacob Fry, Flenry Herring,
Philip Kreitzer, Wm. Cool, Deutzler, Johannes Winkle,
Wm. Smith, Henry Hart, Zachariah Tripp, John Cassleman,
Peter Schutt, and Jacob Eplie, from Germany, came in from
Schoharie, mostly before the Revolution. The first German
school was taught by Moot, and the first English school by
McLean. A gristmill was built by Sir Wm. Johnson soon
after the first settlement. It was afterward burned by the
tories. Johannes Winkle built the first mill after the Revolu-
tion.
« 2 M. E., 2 Union, Bap., and Ref. Prot. D.
1 Named from Sir William Johnson. The town embraces the
Kingsborough Patent, granted June 23, 1753, a part of Stone
Arabia, Butler's, and the Sacondaga Patents.
8 This academy was built in 1798-99, by Wm. Van Vort. Sir
Wm. Johnson set apart a portion of the Kingsborough Patent for
the benefit of a free school. This reservation was respected by
the courts of forfeiture, and trustees were appointed to take
charge of the trust. The proceeds were appropriated to the
use of this academy.
9 There are in this town over 100 establishments for the maun
facture of gloves and mittens, and 10 mills for dressing the
skins. This business was first commenced by Ezeklel Case, in
1803, and has grown from a small beginning, until now it is
said that over $500,000 capital is invested in it.
318 FULT OX COUNTY.
settlement was commenced under the auspices of Sir Wm. Johnson, in 1760. lie removed to " John-
eon Hall." about f of a mi. x. w. of Johnson Tillage, in 1701 or '02. There -were then about a dozen
houses in the village, and 100 tenants on farms adjacent. The lands were leased by him with the
evident intention of establishing a baronial estate for his family.1 The census reports 11 churches
in town.2
M.iYFIELiD3 — was formed from "Caur/hnaicaga," (now Broadalbin, Johnstown, and May-
field. ) March 12, 1793. Wells was taken off in 1805, and another portion of Mayfield was annexed to
that town in 1812. A part was annexed to Perth in 1842. It lies on the n. border of the co., e. of
tin1 center, and extends nearly to the s. line. Its surface in the n. part is broken by mountains rising
1,500 to 2,000 ft. above tide. These elevations are of primary formation, with rounded summits,
the higher peaks having steep declivities. The central and s. parts are rolling and generally
susceptible of cultivation. Stony Creek flows through the N. w. corner ; Mayfield Creek through
near the center; Fondas Creek* through the s. e. part; and Cranberry Creek in the e. part.
The soil is sandy and gravelly, iu some places strewn with boulders. The valleys are alluvial,
with some clayey loam. Mayfield (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a saw and grist mill, and 600
inhabitants. Vails .Hills, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains a sawmill, a gristmill, a tannery,
and 20 houses. Jackson Summit is a p. o. The first settlement was commenced about 1760
or '61, under Sir "Wm. Johuson, on the old road from Tribes Hill to the Sacondaga, and was then
called "Philadelphia Bush."s There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Presb.
XORTIIAMPTOX6— was formed from Broadalbin, Feb. 1, 1799. It is the n. e. corner
town of the co. Its surface is hilly in the n., the hills rising about 1,000 ft. above the valley.
In the s. part the Sacondaga7 Ylaie occupies several thousand acres, which cannot easily be drained.
Sacondaga River flows s. e. through the center of the town, in a valley J to 1^ mi. wide. Mayfield
Creek flows e. near the s. border. The soil in the valley is a rich alluvium, and on the upland a sandy
I 'am. In places it is stony and rocky. Shell marl abounds in the bed of the Ylaie. jYortliville,
(p. v.,) in the n. part, contains 3 churches, 4 mitten factories, and 450 inhabitants. Northamp-
ton,8 (p. v.,) in the s. E. corner, contains 2 churches, a large tannery, and 210 inhabitants; and
Osborng Bridge (p.o.) a church and 10 houses. Cranberry Creek, is a p. o. The first
settlement commenced under Sir Wm. Johnson, about 1770.9 The census reports 5 churches in
town.10
OPPEXIIEI3I— was formed from Palatine, (Montgomery co.,) March 18, 1808. St. Johns-
ville (Montgomery co.) was token off in 1838. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. Its surface
is a hilly upland, inclining gradually to the s. w. In the n. e. part the hills rise 1,200 to 1,500
ft. above the Mohawk. East Canada Creek flows s. along the w. border. Fish Creek flows
through the w. w. corner. Little Sprite, Crum, Zimmerman, and Fox Creeks all flow s. w. The soil
in the B. w. is clay, in the s. e. a clayey loam, and in the center and n. a light, sandy and gravelly
1 ;tn. Boulders are scattered over the surface in profusion; and primary rock appears in the n.
Limestone h:i- horn extensively quarried in the s. w. part, for the Erie Canal and for private use.
OptM-iilH'im. (p. v.,) near the center, contains a church, a sawmill, and 59 inhabitants.
BrOCltetf Uridine, (p. o..) in the w. part, on the line of Herkimer co., Lottville, (p. o.,) in the
1 Among tho tenants were I>r. Wm. Adams; Gilbert Tin-, inn-
[, miller; William Phillips, wagon maker;
Jn«. I>nvi«, batter; Peter 1 t, tanner; Adrian Van Slckli
John i.itn. . tad Zephanlah Bachelor. The Bnrl school
taught by RsJworth, and tl I byQ.B. Tbroop. The
ibued with the ] nUmcnte of the John-
•nilv, and lb rod Ita fortnj |
during ti>" Berolatlon; and many fr m New England settled
there after the war.
s The fir«t clergyman, aooonUng to the records, «m< Nov.
ley. in 177".' Tl." •-imr I M. K. 2 Preeb- Bap,
] i ii. I I.ul;.' Woodwnrth. ami Jonah Rartlett were also parly
settlers. The Oral birth was that of Mary Cough, in 1766.
Christian Furtenbaok taught a German school iu 1771. Mills
wi re built for Sir Wm. Johuson in 1773.
0 Clamed from the patent granted to Jacob Mase, John R.
Blcecker, and others, Oct. 17, 1741.
' Local pronunciation, Sock-na-daw-gBr.
8 Locally known an " Fishhotifie."
■ Godfrey Shew was the first settler; John Eikler, Lent and
Nicholas Lewis, !:• l.» rt Martin. Zebulon Alger, families of
Kctchumi and Cliadwiek*. Asahel Parker, John Trumbull,
in. Luth., A*»". Preab., Pi I t . !:■ t. Pn it !>., and John Roserelt, Alexander St. John, and John Fay, were among
B ' the other early settlers. Soon after the Revolution, Zadoc Sher
' Named from the Mayfield Patent, granted June 27, 1770. The
t '\vn comprises |.art« of this and lib •« ker, Kingtborough, Bacon-
Kayaderosai ra.«.Glcn, Dan'l Class's, and Si rm.m McLeods
Pat nts.
* Called by th« Indian* Ken-ne-at-too.
6 Nathaniel Conner?, Michael <r man. two families of Wal-
ters, Peter Whitman. .-rhntt. (irraman. Michael
llayi. Cough, Sim .n Christie, and John An d
settled before the Revolution. WUllam and Robert Jackson,
I>avid Knapp. Alvin MoDougsJ, Petal and John McKlnley,
I'uni-nn Anderson. Isaac Besnasj, Captain and Major Van
tkureu, Douw and Jellis Fonda, Samuel Leflerta, William Vail,
srood and Samuel Olmsted settled at Northville. They were
followed by Thou. Foster, Daniel and Timothy Ressequle, John
Mi N«-il. Calvin Voting, Adam Olmsted, Cornelius Kichardson,
l'.lihu Coleman, Sylvanna Sweet, Robert Palmer, John Bnndnll,
Kli Sprague, Green Wells, Cornelius Harving. Kelix Porter, and
John Ilenison. — mostly from New England. The firtd birth was
that of Godfrey Shew, about 2 years before the Revolution; fhe
first marriage was that of Alexander Bt, John and Martha
Scribner, about 1708; and the first recorded death, that of Gideon
01in«ted.
>• 2 l'rceb., 2 II E., and Bap.
FULTON COUNTY.
310
n., and d'tllll Creek, (p. 0.,) in the a. part, arc hamlets. The first settlement was commenced hy
Germans, before the Kevolution.1 Rev. Jacob Frieband held the first religious services, about L800.1
PERTH1 — was funned from Amsterdam, (Montgomery eo.,) April IK, JS.'I]. Parte of May-
field and Broadalbin were annexed Feb. 17, 1842. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its suriaco
is gently rolling. Chuctonunda Creek flows through the extreme e. part of the town. The soil is
mostly a clay loam. Limostone crops out in several places ; but the prevailing rock is slate.
West Gal way, (p. v.,) in the n. e. corner, on the line of Saratoga CO., contains a church and
20 houses, Perth, (p. o.,) in the n. part, contains a church and 8 houses. West Perth
(p. o.) is a hamlet. The first settlement commenced on the road from Tribes Hill to Sacondaga,
about 1760.4 The census reports 2 churches in town ; Presb. and Asso. Itef. Presb.
STRATFORD5 — was formed from Palatine, (Montgomery co.,) April 10, 1805. A part of
Caroga was taken off in 1842. It is the .N. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is a high, rolling,
and hilly upland, 800 to 1,200 ft. above the Mohawk, and in the extreme n. 1,800 to 2,000 ft. above
tide, with a general inclination to the s. w. East Canada Creek flows through the n. w. corner and
forms a part of the w. boundary. North, Ayers, and Fish Creeks are the principal streams. In
the n. part are several small lakes, the principal of which are Dexter, Spectacle, North Pleasant,
and Ayers Lakes. The soil in the s. w. and in the valley of East Canada Creek is a clayey loam ;
and in other parts it is light, sandy, and gravelly. Nicholsville, (Stratford p. o.,) on the w.
border, partly in Herkimer co., at the junction of Ayers and East Canada Creeks, contains 2
churches, 4 sawmills, a gristmill and tannery, and 32 houses. WlfiitesburgBl (p. o.) is a hamlet,
in the s. w. corner. The first settlement was commenced by Samuel Bennett, in 1800.6
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Fulton County.
Names of Towns.
Bleecker
Broadalbin....
Carcga
Ephratah
Johnstown
Mayfield
Northampton.
Oppenheiin...,
Perth
Stratford
Total.
Acres of Land.
2,638$
17,413
2,306
12,389i
2'.i..V.MI
is,iooi
12,9324.
20,2891
12,505£
6,250|,
t§
35,138
6.972
12.343
8,896
10.75H
16,546$
5,308
11.760
3.993
35.363
Valuation of 1858.
8
5
$71,292
339,765
67,556
300,098
1,5S4.374
365,594
162,983
438,199
286,836
127,827
133.415? 147,070$ 3.744.524
if
si
ft, a<
$1,745
44,545
5,874
27,940
440.092
26.975
14.875
14.525
32,517
4,510
613,598
e
$73,037
384,310
73,430
328.038
2.024,406
392,569
177,S58
452,724
319,353
132,337
4,358,122
Population.
5
479
1,248
378
1.117
3.S29
1,170
983
1,250
569
550
11,573 11.711
425
1.398
336
1,066
4,083
1,223
960
1,162
562
496
173
506
125
875
1,287
471
406
436
206
194
3
182
559
142
393
1.500
503
406
450
214
211
4,179 4.560
.Schools.
150
397
83
288
74s
:;>
286
369
169
148
3 ?
5l
401
982
248
1.130
3.210
1.086
753
1.1.1..
449
393
2,996 111 9.761
Names of Towns.
Bleecker
Broadalbin
Caroga
Ephratah
Johnstown
Mayneld
Northampton
Oppenheim....
Perth
Stratford
Total....
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
«s
e»1
■1 e j
Bush, op Grain.
8
0
'3"
Of V
15
Dairy Products.
jjj
o>
"8 C
8
^ S p
«0
tf
s
•s
CO
^ 8
•SIS,
£ £
^ ^j
£
a
§
b
&
6
R*ft<
s a.
EST
1,110
a. a;
£S
95
136
177
98
113
255
2,326$
490
5.968
12.670
644
1,335
1,121
2,487
1,220
952
73,389
4,063|
29.938
11,512
99,405
10,015
115
139
177
149
186
50
4,871
506
4,487
490
13.325
87
606
956
1,011
1.374
1,135
7,619
53,804
3.085
16,998
4,400
83,525
52,900
1,231
1,936
2,250
4,703
3,356
10,3631
183,495
7.713
38,673
27,844
242.117
10.114
1,389
1,370
1,287
2,601
1,232
3,76S£
80.963
4.13H
24,016
18,136
102.631
27,3061
357
972
509
1,764
507
268
36,195
2,825
17.193
6,441
53.198
6,045
731
1,452
2,345
1,501
1,373
694
67,899
7,116J
22,199
15,435
127,741
433,971!
491
975
892
1,965
1,119
2,026
100,324
2,607
15,601
11.902
80,575
9,816
170
3S3
499
327
273
42
15,248$
1,365$
7,891
182,964
2,872
100,142
25.210
28,825!
5,829
9,654
10,268
16,969
10,514
26,02S
618,514$
33,903
840.397
579,079^
Gl.§
7,477
1 Rudolph Yonker was the first settler ; John Shaver, Jacob
Youron, Moses Johnson, Daniel Dickman, Win. Alterburgh,
Henry Burkdorf, Frederick Bellenger, and Simeon Schuyler
settled in the s. part; Benjamin Berry, Peter Clive, Jacob
Ladue, James Johnson, Win. Bean, Richard Hewett, and Daniel
Guile, from New England, settled in the central part in 1797.
William Alterburgh kept the first inn; Andrew Zabriskie the
first store; and John Beardsley built the first mill. Mr. B. was
the pioneer millwright in Central New York, and took an active
part in the first improvements of this class.
2 There are 4 churches in town ; 2 Univ., M. E.. and Ref. Prot. D.
8 Named from Perth, in Scotland, by Archibald McFarlane.
This town contains parts of the Kayaderosseras and Sacondaga
Patents.
* Charles Mereness, Richard Bowen, Marcus Reese,
Davis, Michael Swobe, and Francis Frey settled before 1770.
Lawrence E. Van Allen, Henry Van Valkenburgh, Ira Benedict,
Conrad and Francis Winne, Derby Newman, James and Wm.
Robb, and Peter Vosburgh. settled soon after the Revolution.
5 This town comprises parts of Glen, Bleecker & Co.'s Patent,
one tier of lots of Lott & Low's Patent, and a part of the Jersey-
field Patent, granted to Henry Glen and others, April 12. 1770.
8 John Wells, Amos Kinney, Eli Winchell. Nathan Gurney,
Eleazer, Levi, and Samuel Bliss, Abial Kibbe, and Daniel
Shottekirk settled on the Johnstown road, and Stephen and
John Wilcox. Amasa Chappell, and Abiathar Mtshur in other
parts of the town. The first birth was that of Lansing Wells, in
1800: the first marriage, that of Samuel Kllis and Polly Gurney;
and the first death, that of Jesse Wilson, killed by the fall of a tree,
Dec. 25, 1802 or '03. S. Bennett kept t he first inn ; Sanders Lansing,
son of one of the patentees, built the first gristmill, on Fish Creek,
in 1810; and Daniel Cross built the first tannery, in 1S12.
GENESEE COUNTY.
This county was formed from Ontario, March 30, 1802. It origin-
ally comprised all that part of the State lying w. of Genesee River,
and a line extending due s. from the point of junction of the Gene-
see and Canaseraga Creek to the s. line of the State. Allegany
was taken off in 1806, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Niagara in
1808, parts of Livingston and Monroe in 1821, Orleans in 1824,
and Wyoming in 1841. A part of Covington -was annexed to
Livingston co. in 1823, and Shelby was added to Orleans in 1825.
It is one of the -western cos. in the State, separated by Orleans from
Lake Ontario and by Erie from Niagara River. It is centrally dis-
tant 229 mi. from Albany, and contains 507 sq. mi. The surface
is mostly level or gently undulating. The s. border is occupied by
ranges of hills which extend n. from Wyoming co. and attain an elevation of 200 to 300 feet above
the valleys and about 1000 feet above tide. A limestone terrace, bordered in many places by
nearly perpendicular ledges, extends e. and w. through the co., n. of the center. At each extre-
mity in the co. this terrace ranges in height from 50 to 100 feet, but it declines toward the center
to a height of 20 to 40 feet. Tonawanda Creek1 enters Alexander from the s., and flows in a n.e.
direction to the village of Batavia, thence turns and flows in a general x. w. direction to the w.
border of the co. Its course is very tortuous, and its current generally sluggish.2 Its principal
tributaries are Little Tonawanda and Bowens Creeks. Oak Orchard Creek takes its rise near the
center of the co. and pursues a winding course to the n. e. corner of Elba, thence turns w. and
flows through the great Tonawanda Swamp, which occupies the n. part of Elba, Oakfield, and
Alabama. Black Creek3 flows n. through near the center of Bethany, Stafford, and Byron, thence
easterly through Bergen into Monroe co. Its tributaries are Bigelow and Spring Creeks. Oatka
Creek flows across the s. e. corner of the co., and Murder4 and Eleven Mile5 Creeks across the s. w.
corner. Tonawanda, Black, and Oatka Creeks form a series of fine cascades in their passage down
the limestone terrace near the center of the co. The lowest rocks in the co. belong to the Onondaga
salt group, extending along the n. border. Gypsum is quarried in Le Roy, Stafford, and Byron.
This is succeeded by the hydraulic, Onondaga, and corniferous limestones, which form the lime-
stone terrace extending through the co. Lime and building stone are extensively obtained from
the outcrop of these rocks.
Succeeding the limestone in order are the Marcellus and Hamilton shales, occupying the whole
s. part of the co. The surface generally is covered thick with drift deposits, and the underlying
rocks only appear in the ravines of the streams. Nearly all the swamps contain thick deposits of
murk and marl, furnishing in abundance the elements of future fertility to the soil. Many of the
spring- .:: 1 -treams are constantly depositing lime in the form of marl. Along the N. border are
DOmei Ufl yielding water strongly impregnated with sulphuric acid, and known as "Sour
Spring*." The «-=' -il is generally a very deep and fertile sandy or gravelly loam intermixed with clay
and mostly underlaid by clay or limestone. Tlii- en. embraces a portion of the "Genesee Country,"
which from the first settlement 1ms been famed for its fertility. The people are almost exclusively
ged iii agriculture. For many years wheat formed the staple product; but of late the ravages
of the midge have led to thrMie.re genera] raising of the coarser grains, and have turned the attention
of farmers to the cultivation of fruit, wool growing, cattle raising, and dairying.
The co. seat U h>catcd at the village of Batavia.8 The courthouse is a fine stone edifice, 3 stories
high, containing the eo. clerk's office and the other co. offices.7 The jail is a new brick building, a
few rods w. of the courthouse.1 The poorhouse is situated on a farm of 133 acres in Bethany, near
i Pignlfytag "s>wift running water," Bran t !.»• rapid current
f.r ll> lui. I" WW Batavia.
• Betw.vn Attica i Wyoming m.) and RitAvia this stream flOWl
batman two paxalla it 1 mi. ajwrt. The distance by
th>- highway is 11 mi., ami by the stream 4-3 mi.
» Indian name "Checkanai
« ,-v, niii. il." I •• of Of a man *upp«^«ed to have been
murdered was Grand in it by Joseph Paten, t - . rDi
» Bo named from crossing the old Buffalo Road 11 mi. from
do.
• By the act of organization, the Holland Land Co. were rc-
320
quired to donate 1 acre of land for co. purposes and erect the
ary co. buildings. Joseph Ellicott, agent of the company,
complied with the requirement "f the law, and erected the
buildings in 1802. The first officers of the co. were Joseph Elii-
o. /-'-.- I Juilqr : Daniel I). BrOWS, District Attorney; .lames
W. Bterens, Oo. Clerk; Kichard M. Stoddard, Sheriff; Jeremiah
It. Hunson, Surrogate,
' The new courthouse was erected in 1841-42, at a cost of
|17,0O0.
8 The new jail was erected in 1851. The average number of
inmates is 5.
GENESEE COUNTY.
321
the s. line, and 9 mi. s. e. of Batavia. The average number of inmates is 90, supported at a weekly
cost of $ .72 each, in addition to the income of the farm, which is about sliJOO. A school is main-
tained 7 months in the year, and at suitable age the children are bound out. The general manage-
ment is creditable to the co., and is far better than that of a large majority of similar establishments
in the State.1
The N. Y. Central R. 11. extends in a s. w. direction through Bergen, Byron, Stafford, Batavia,
Pembroke, and the n. w. corner of Darien. A branch of this road extends s. from Batavia through
Alexander to Attica. The Canandaigua and Niagara Falls Branch extends w. through Le Roy,
Stafford, Batavia, and Pembroke, crossing the main line at Batavia. The Buffalo, New York
& E. 11. II. extends through Le Roy, Stafford, Batavia, and Alexander.2 Several plank roads have
been built in the co. ; but most of them have been abandoned. An important canal feeder extends
from Tonawanda Creek through the n. w. corner of Alabama. There are 5 newspapers published
in the co.3
This co. embraced within its original limits all that portion of the State included in the purchase
of Robert Morris. Phelps and Gorham, the original purchasers of the whole of Western N. Y.,
failed to meet the obligations to the State of Mass., and a large share of their tract reverted, and
was purchased by Samuel Ogden for Robert Morris, May 12, 179 1.* Morris sold the w. portion
of the tract, constituting about seven-eighths of the whole, to the Holland Land Company, July 20,
1793,5 reserving to himself a strip of an average width of 12 mi., lying between the Phelps and
Gorham and the Holland Purchases, and known as the Morris Reserve.6 The Holland Land Com-
pany, an association of capitalists in Holland, made this purchase through agents who were citizens
1 The poorhouse is a brick edifice, with a stone wing for the
accommodation of the insane.
* A few years since, a route for a R. R. was surveyed from
Batavia to the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek, on Lake Ontario.
8 The Genesee Intelligencer was commenced in the spring of
1807, at Batavia, by Elias Williams, and was the first
paper published w. of Genesee Kiver. It was suspended
in Oct. of the same year. In the spring of 1808 Benj.
Blodgett and Samuel Peck commenced
The Orrnucopia, and continued it until 1811.
The Republican Advocate was commenced in 1811, by Benj.
Blodgett and David C. Miller. It soon passed into the
hands of Mr. Miller, and was published by him until
1828. It was then successively in the hands of Charles
Sentell, Chas. W. Miller, Edwin Hough, Andrew W.
Young, Lewis & Brown, C. C. Allen, Waite & Cooley,
and Daniel D. Waite. In 1S54 it was merged in the
Genesee Co. Whig, and was issued by Kimberly & Good-
rich as the
Republican Advocate and Genesee Co. Whig. In 1855 Mr. Good-
rich withdrew, and the name was changed to
The Republican Advocate, and was continued by J.
II. Kimberly until 1S57, when the office passed to D.
D. Waite, one of its former proprietors, by whom the pa-
per is still published.
The Daily Advocate was commenced in May, 1859, by
D. D. Waite.
The Spirit of the Times was commenced at Batavia, Feb. 3, 1819,
by Oran Follett. In May, 1825, it was sold to his bro-
ther, Frederick Follett, who continued the publication
until Aug. 1836. It was successively published by
Nelson D. Wood, Fred. Follett, Lucas Seaver, Wm.
Seaver & Son, and Charles Hurley, until 1856.
The reoi>le's Press was commenced at Batavia in 1825, by an
association, Benj. Blodgett. editor. It was afterward
issued by Martin, Adams & Thorp. Adams & Thorp, and
Adams & McCleary, and was subsequently merged in
the Spirit of the Times, and for some years was pub-
lished as
The Spirit of the Times and The People's Press.
The Morgan Investigator was published at the office of the
Republican Advocate during the Morgan excitement
in 1X27, and continued about a year.
The Masonic Intelligencer, instigated by the same excitement,
was published for about the same period from the office
of the People's Press.
The Farmers and Mechanics Journal was commenced at Alex-
ander, Nov. 4, 1S37, by Peter Lawrence. In June, 1S40,
it was moved to Batavia and issued as
The Batavia Times and Farmers and Mechanics Journal, by
Frederick Follett and Peter Lawrence. Soon after, Fred.
Follett became the sole proprietor, and published it
until Sept. 1843, when it was sold to Lucas Seaver and
was merged in the Spirit of the Times.
The Temperance Herald, mo., was issued from the office of the
Spirit of the Times, by Lucas Seaver, for one year from
March. 1842.
The Le Roy Gazette was commenced in 1S26, by .T. 0.
Balch. It was successively issued by Starr & Hotchkin,
Ilenry D. Ward, Richard Hollister, Rufus Robertson, F
Goodrich, Seth M. Gates, Martin 0. Coe, and Cyras
Thompson, until 1840, when it passed into the hands
of C. Ii. Thompson, its present publisher.
The Genesee Republican and Herald of Reform was commenced
at Le Roy in 1829, and was published for 1 or 2 years
by Freeman & Son,— OresteB A. Brownson, editor.
The Genesee Courier was commenced at Le Koy in the spring of
1844, by Edw. Bliss, and was published about a year.
Mr. B. resuscitated it in 1853, and published it a short
time.
The Genesee Herald was commenced at Le Roy in 1854,
by Wm. C. Grummond. In Jan. 1857, it was removed
to Batavia, where it is now published by A.J. McWain.
The Genesee Daily Herald was issued from the same
office in 1858, and is still published.
The Le Roy Democrat was commenced iu Dec. 1852, by Henry
Todd. In Nov. 1853, it was removed to Batavia and
its name changed to
The Batavia Dimncrat. In Dec. 1856, it passed into the hands
of John Bt-rgen, by whom it was changed to
The Genesee "VVeekly Democrat, still published.
The Genesee Co. Whig was commenced at Batavia in 1852, by
Kimberly & Tyroll. and was published by them until
1854, when it was merged in the Republican Advocate.
The Le Roy Advertiser was commenced April 1, 1857, by Thos.
B. Tufts. It was discontinued in July, 1858.
* The E. line of the Morris Purchase commenced upon the
Penn. line, 44 78-100 mi. w. of the pre-emption line, and ran due
N. to an elm tree at the forks of the Genesee River and Cana-
scraga Creek, thence northerly along that river to a point 2 mi.
N. of the Canawagus Village, thence due w. 12 mi., thence N. 24°
E. to Lake Ontario.
6 The line forming the division between the Holland Purchase
and the Morris Reserve commenced upon the Penn. line, 12 mi.
w. of the w. line of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, and from
thence ran due N. to near the center of Stafford, Genesee CO.,
thence due w. 2.07S75 mi., and thence due N. to Lako Ontario.
This line is known as the Transit Line, from its being run by a
transit instrument, then first used in surveys. The offset was
made in this line to prevent the Holland lands from overlapping
the Conn. Tract. The names of the members of the Holland
company were Wilhelm Willink, Jan Willink, Nicholas Van
Stophorst, Jacob Van Stophorst, Nicholas Hubbard, Pieter Van
Eeghen, Christian Van Eeghen, Isaac Ten Cate, Houdrick Vol-
lenhoven, Christina Coster, (widow,) Jan Stadnitski, and Rutg?r
J. Schimmelpennick.
6 This Reserve was sold out in several large tracts to different
purchasers. A tract containing S7,000 acres, lying immediately
w. of Phelps and Gorham's " Mill Yard" was sold to Le Roy
Bayard and M. Evers, and is known as the Triangular Tract
The Connecticut Tract lies immediately w. of the Triangle, and
contains 100,000 acres. It was purchased by the State of Conn,
and Sir Wm. Fultuey and was divided between them. The
Cragie Tract, containing 50,000 acres, joins the Conn. Tract on
the s., and immediately e. is the 40,000 Acre Tract. South of
these are successively the Ogden Tract, of 50.000 acres, the Cot-
tinger Tract, of 50,000 acres, the Sterritt Tract, of 150,000 acres,
and the Church Tract, of 100,000 acres. A small tract joining
the 40,000 Acre Tract on the 8. is known as Morris's Honorary
Creditors' Tract.
21
322 GENESEE COUNTY.
of this country, as at that time aliens could not hold real estate. Immediately after the passing
of title, measures were taken to extinguish the Indian titles and to survey the tract. A council
of the Senecas was held at " Big Tree," now Geneseo, in Sept. 1797, at which time the Indians
ceded most of their lands to the whites.1
The general office of the Holland Land Co. was located at Philadelphia. Theophilus Cazenove,
the first general agent, took charge of all the business relating to the company from the first pur-
ohase of the lands until 1799. He was succeeded by Paul Busti, who took the chief management
of affairs until 1824, — a period of 25 years. His successor was John J. Vander Kemp, who con*
tinued to manage the affairs of the company until their final settlement. In July, 1797, Joseph
Ellicott was engaged as principal surveyor of the Holland Land Co.2 In 1798, Mr. Ellicott and his
assistants ran the e. line of the territory — since known as the Transit Line — from Penn. to Lake
Ontario, forming the basis for the future surveys and divisions of the territory. The surveys were
continued until the whole territory was divided into ranges and townships. The former numbered
from e. to w. and the latter from s. to n.
In 1798 the first State roads were laid out from Conewagas, on Genesee River, to the mouth of
Buffalo Creek, and to Lewiston, on Niagara River. A few settlers located in various places in
1798-99, but the settlements did not progress with great rapidity until after the opening of the
Land Office in Oct. lHjn. The first place of business opened was the "Transit Store House,"
located on the present site of Stafford Tillage, in 1798, to furnish supplies to the surveyors engaged
in running the Transit Line. The land office was first established at "Pine Grove," the residence
of Asa Ransom, on the present site of Clarence Hollow, Erie co. Upon the organization of Genesee
co., in 1802, the office was transferred to Batavia, where it continued until the final closing up of
the affairs of the company. In 1821, Mr. Ellicott resigned his agency, and was succeeded by Jacob
S. Otto, who held the office until his death, in 1827. His successor was David E. Evans, who con-
tinued in charge of affairs until 1837, when the business of the company was closed.3 In 1811,
Ebenezer Mix entered the service of the company as clerk, and for 27 years he had control of the
entire sales and subdivisions of lands, — a post for which his mathematical abilities, a tenacious
memory, and habits of order admirably qualified him. In 1835 the Holland Company sold all their
remaining lands and all their interests to a new company, principally of Batavians, and a new order
of things was established. Difficulties at once arose between the new company and the settlers in
various parts of the purchase ; and, finally, mobs collected to destroy the land offices.4 The opening
of this new region to settlement, under the auspices of a liberal and wealthy company, instituted
a new order of things in the general history of the co., and was of incalculable benefit to the settlers.
Mills were erected, costly roads opened, and every thing done to facilitate settlement and to remove
difficulties in the path of settlers. The lands were sold at fair prices and on the most liberal terms.
The affairs of the company, both at their general and local offices, were conducted by gentlemen of
liberal culture, enlarged views, and humane hearts, In consequence of the richness of the lands
and th«' liberal terms offered by the company, the whole region rapidly filled up with an industrious,
i^'fnt, and enterprising population. Many of the early settlers afterward occupied high official
positions and became known throughout the State for their ability and integrity.
l Th- tracts reserved by the Indians were, the Cannawagus
ItllM Ulliill, of - M). mi., <>n the Oenosce, W. i>f Avon; Little
Beard* and B -• Tr •■•• Reservation, of 4 sq. mi., on the (iem-sis-.
opp<> - |Uakie Hill !:• -'rviti .n, Of 2 fi|. mi., on the
Oeunve. u. of >|t. M I I: -•■rvation, of 88 so,, mi.,
on botil ddM Of lbs. <;■ tnesee, in Castile and Mt. Morris; the
CuieadtA Reservation oflfl M). ml., on bOttl ridM of theCenescc,
In Allegany CO.; the Oil Spring Benin laUon, of 1 sq. mi.. OH
the line ' II and Allegany; the Allegany
I; ( tlii- Allegany River,
••". fr in th" IVnn. line : II ration,
of 4 j ridMof tli" moBtb of OattMaagnj Drank ;
the llufTil .. !:••■ rWl - |. mi. OH both side- of BoBUO
la Reservation, of To |q. ml., 00 l"'tli
of Tonawanda ' m co.; and the Tnncnrara
Reacrviiti <n. of 1 » |. mi. I mi. r. of LawWon, Niagara co. The
il these reservation., <■*.. it the T.nawanda. Buffalo,
Cattaraugus Tuscarora, and Allegany, have sinco been ex-
tinguished.
• Mr. Klli' -ft took entire chare* of th« larTnya of these lands,
and rompl't-l them in 10 or U years. In 1800 he raoetved the
appointment of local agent, and f.r a period of more than 90
years he bad almost exclusive OOBKtol Of the company's local
business. Under bit management an immense tract of Wilder-
neas was oonrorted into on ■ «t agricultural ragknu in
the world. From bis first advent into Western N. Y., be t.».k a
high position as an enterprising citizen. \ftfaaaoSm I of hi-
connection with the land office. Ho conducted the large and
complicated business committed to his charge with marked
ability, and he left a name highly honored throughout the ex-
t' n-ive domain over which he exerted so commanding an influ-
ence.
* In 1S50 an act wag passed directing the original field notes
and maps to be deposited in the secrctar3''s offico for preserva-
tion and as legal proofs. In closing the affairs of the company,
it was found necessary to obtain evidence of the death of certain
original proprietors; and an act. passed May 13, 1846, directed
tho appointment of a special commissioner to visit Europe.
Julius Ithoades was intrusted with this duty.
4 One of the principal causes of disturbance was a rumor that
tho new company intended to exact a certain sum for the re-
newal or extension of every contract. This rule became very
obnoxious; the extra payment received tho name of tho "Gene-
sen Turin*'," and opposition to it was extensively resolved upon.
Tho office at Mayville, Chautauque CO., was broken open Feb. 6,
l^.'io. and the books and papers were seized and burned in tho
public highway. On the 13tb of May, a report reached Butavia
that 700 armed men were on their way to burn the land office
at that place. Mr. Kvans. the agent, at once fortified the office,
and collected a force of 60 men, well armed, to protect it. The
militia were also called out. The mob soon camo into town ;
but. learning the preparations made to give them a warm re-
ception, and well knowing tho resolute character of Mr. Kvans,
they concluded that " discretion was the better part of
valor," and went away without offering any violence. Be-
tween 50 and GO of the ringleaders were arrested ; but the diffi-
culties were afterward amicably adjusted, and the prosecutions
were dropped.
G E N E S E E C 0 U N T Y. 323
The location of the principal land office of the company at Batavia converted it at once into a
place of business and consequence; and tho subsequent selection of the village as the co. seat of
Genesee co. made it for many years one of the most important places in Western N. Y. Several
other land offices were afterward established, but they were ad subordinate to the one at Batavia.
In the summer of 1820, William Morgan, of Batavia, a mason, commenced the preparation of
a work disclosing the secrets of freo masonry, to be published by David C. Miller, a printer
of the same place. When this fact became known, members of the masonic order became excited,
and took measures at once to suppress the book. A stranger was introduced to the printer, who,
under the pretense of friendship, labored to gain an interest in the publication, and thus get pos-
session of the MS. Morgan was arrested on a civil suit, and gave bail ; but in Aug. 1820, his bail
surrendered him to the sheriff, and he was imprisoned over the Sabbath, while his lodgings were
searched, and it is said some of his papers were seized. An attempt was also made to burn the
office where the book was to be printed. On Sunday, Sept. 10, a warrant was obtained at Canan-
daigua, by Nicholas G. Chesebro, for the arrest of Morgan at Batavia, 50 mi. distant, on a charge
of stealing a shirt and cravat, which he had borrowed of one E. C. Kingsley. The next day he
was arrested and taken in a stage coach to Canandaigua, but was discharged by the justice who
had issued the warrant. He was immediately re-arrested, at the instance of Chesebro, on a claim
of $2 for a tavern bill assigned to him by one Ackley ; and, although he took off his coat that tho
officer might levy upon it for payment, he was lodged in jail. On the evening of the 12th, while
the jailer was absent, his wife, acting under the advice of Chesebro, released the prisoner, as the
claim upon which he was held had been paid by Loton Lauson, a pretended friend. As Morgan
passed out of the jail, he was seized by Lauson and a man called Foster, gagged, thrust into a
carriage, and driven toward Rochester. This was the last that was seen of him except by masons;
and whatever else is known was ascertained by judicial inquiry. Various theories were advanced
as to his fate, the most prevalent one being that he was drowned in Niagara River.
The disappearance of Morgan excited suspicion, and led to an investigation. Citizens of Ba-
tavia, Le Roy, and other places along the route of the abduction, held meetings, appointed com-
mittees which brought to light the facts above stated, and an intense excitement followed. Several
persons were tried for participating in the abduction. Some plead guilty, and were imprisoned,
and others escaped conviction. The delays finally barred new prosecution, by the statute of limita-
tion, except for murder. The excitement following the investigation, at first directed against the
immediate participants in the outrage, was soon turned against the masonic fraternity. The belief
that a powerful organization, bound by secret oaths, with their members occupying high official
positions, would perpetrate a crime of this magnitude, excited alarm, and led at once to the forma-
tion of anti-masonic organizations as a political party. The excitement spread through the State
and country, members of the fraternity seceded in large numbers, and a systematic effort was made
to crush the order. The intense feeling continued, and the mutual recriminations of the two
parties entered into all the political, religious, and social relations of society until about 1832,
when other political questions arose, and the excitement gradually died away, and now it is
understood that members of the masonic order generally condemn the deed as heartily as others.1
Immediately after the abduction of Morgan, an attempt was made to obtain the MS. of Mor-
gan's "Revelations," then in the hands of Miller the printer, but without success.2
1 In 1828, a law was passed authorizing the Governor to ap-
point a commissioner to make a full investigation of the Morgan
affair. Daniel Moseley, of Onondaga co., was appointed to this
office; but upon receiving the appointment of Circuit Judge, in
1829, he resigned, and was succeeded by John C. Spencer, who
made a report to the Legislature in 1830, containing all the in-
formation upon the subject then known.
The personal characters of the two men who were made the
victims of these outrages would have ruined their schemes had
they been made publicly known. Morgan was a bricklayer and
stonemason of damaged reputation, and Miller a refugee debtor
from N.H., and finally left Batavia under circumstances ex-
tremely inconsistent with honor. For details, see Hammond's
Political Hist. N.T., chap, xxxviii; Assembly Jour., 1828, p. 961;
do. 1829, p. 4C9, and Appendix F; AsstTi. Docs. 1830, No. 67-
186; Anti-Masnnic Almanacs, 1828-32, Brown's Narrative of
Anti-Masonic Excitement, <fc,
conspicuous among whom were Wilcox and Hurlburt. At Staf-
ford he was taken into a masonic lodge room, where efforts
were made to frighten him, and he was threatened with tho
fate of Morgan. When taken out of the lodge room, a large
number of his friends had collected, and he was there first per-
mitted to see counsel, and to know the nature of the suit
against him, which was a civil action tor debt. Bail was re-
fused, and repeated demands to be taken immediately before
the magistrate were unheeded. From Stafford to Le Roy ho
was closely guarded by a large number of armed men and
attended by an equally largo number of his friends. Upon hi8
arrival at Le Roy he resolutely insisted upon going before the
magistrate, and, assisted by his crowd of friends, he was enabled
to do so, taking the unwilling constable along with him. After
a short delay lie was discharged. On his way back to Bata-
via, under escort of a number of his friends, who had followed
him to Le Roy, efforts were made to re-arrest him, which his
2 In Sept. 1827, Jesse French, Roswell Wilcox, and James . friends prevented. It is said that a portion of the M3,
Hurlburt were tried and convicted for assault and battery upon
David C. Miller, and for false imprisonment and riot. In the
evidence before the court it appeared that, on the 12th of Sept.
1826, French, then holding the office of constable, came into the
printing office of Miller, and arrested him upon a writ issued by
Justico Bartow, of Le Roy. Miller was taken into a carriage
and driven off, attended by a large party armed with clubs,
was preserved by the wives of some of the masons who were
most prominent in their efforts to destroy it. French was
sentenced to one year's imprisonment in the co. jail, Wilcox
to 6 months, and Hurlburt to 3 mos. James Granson was tried
and acquitted.
Great excitement followed these events, and a civil war wag
anticipated. At the celebration of Saint John's Day following
324
GENESEE COUNTY.
ALABAMA1 — was formed from Sholby (Orleans co.) and Pembroke, as " Gerrysville,"2 April
17, 1826. Its name was changed April 21, 1828. A part of Wales was annexed in 1832. It is
the N. W. corner town of the co. The surface is level or gently undulating. The n. and w. por-
tions are covered by marshes, forming a part of the Tonawanda Swamp. Oak Orchard Creek flows
across the x. e. corner, and Tonawanda Creek across the s. w. corner. A limestone terrace, 50 to
75 ft. high, extends across the s. part of the town. Tonawanda Creek flows down this declivity in
a perpendicular cascade known as Tonawanda Falls, furnishing a fine water power. Near the
center of the n. part of the town, a few rods from the banks of Oak Orchard Creek, are the " Oak
Orchard Acid Springs."3 The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam with a clay sub-soil. Alabama
Center (Alabama p. o.) contains 2 churches and several mills. Pop. 166. Wheatville (p. v.)
lies in the >'. e. part of the town. Pop. 93. Sniithville (South Alabama p. o.) lies near the e.
line. Pop. 147, The first settlement was made in 1806, by James Walsworth.* The first church
(F. W. Bap.) was formed in the e. part of the town, in 1824, by Elder Samuel "Whitcomb, the first
preacher.5 The Tonawanda Indian Reservation occupies a section of land 2 mi. wide, lying on
Tonawanda Creek and comprising about one-fourth of the area of the town.
ALE\A\DER6 — was formed from Batavia, June 8, 1812. It lies on the s. border of the co.,
w. of the center. Its surface is hilly in the center and s. and rolling in the n. The summits in
the s. w. are 200 to 250 ft. above the valleys. The streams are Tonawanda Creek, flowing n.
through the center of the town, Little Tonawanda, Huron, and Bowens Creeks, and several smaller
streams. The soil upon the hills is a gravelly loam with a clay sub-soil, and in the valleys it is a
rich alluvium. Alexander, (p. v.,) incorp. April 24, 1834, is situated upon Tonawanda Creek,
near the center of the town. It contains a flouring mill, seminary,7 and 3 churches. It is a station
upon the Attica branch of the Central R. R, and also upon the B., N. Y. & E. R. R. Pop. 345.
Brookville (p. o.) is a hamlet. The first settlement was made by Alexander Rea, in 1802.8
The first church (M. E.) was formed in 1835.9
BATAVIA — was formed March 30, 1802. Alexander, Bergen, Bethany, and Pembroke were
taken ofF in 1812, and Elba and a part of Stafford in 1820. It is the central town of the co. Its
surface is level or gently undulating. A limestone ridge, forming a terrace 20 to 50 ft. high,
extends e. and w. through the K. part of the town. Tonawanda Creek flows northward from the
line of Alexander to Batavia Village, where it turns westward and flows centrally through the
town to the w. border. Bowens Creek is the only other considerable stream. The soil is a deep,
fertile, sandy and gravelly loam with a clay sub-soil. Batavia, (p. v.,) the co. seat, was incorp.
April 23, 1823. Besides the co. buildings, it contains a female seminary,10 union school,11 bank, 3
tho ul. -liirti'-.n, an incident occurred which showed the excited
8t.it" of feeling that pervaded tho community. During the day,
I r lerick PoUett, late Canal Commissioner, a mason, while at-
tending to his duties as marshal of the day. suddenly found
liini- If surrounded by an infuriated crowd of armed men, ovi-
il-ntly determined to kill him. He drew his sword, put spurs
t. In - ■ li d in throwing off the grasp of two men
upon the bridle, and escaped from the crowd.
1 S used from the State of Alabama, and said to signify "Hero
we r-
* Intended t«-ili<> named in honor of David Gary. on«' of the early
settlers; but through a rhi-at it was called " OerrytvOie," from
Klin . Kx Vlee-Preddent.
■ Then (prillgS are 9 in niimlwr, and are all found within a
> r-l«. They Issue from mounds, evidently formed
by th" »ni>.n of th<- water, 2j t'l 4 ft. tbore the unrounding
mirf.i'-". No twnof thnw (■print,'" are alik<- ; and in on" Instance
fprfow if«ti« fmm a risgls mound within 10 ft. of each
other, and tii" a lien are essentially dissimilar. The following
i« en analysts of th« waten of the three prim Ipal ipi
SxUiman and
Bulphuric a<"i'l
-sulphate Imn -
Sulphate alumina. 21.600
linm
" tuagnoiia. 36.696
" potash 6.619
soda
Chloride sodium 2 4.14
silica 4.692
Grains 314.420
by I'ni. E. sm
Sulphate iime..". L652
iron
" magnesia, 0.828
Free sulphuric arid 16.132
" organle matter 1.880
" silica 0.230
TotAlNo.ofgrs. inlpt. 24 - 01
ITo. .",.
Free sulphnric acid 12.414
Sulphate lime 0.786
Iron 3.920
" magasata 1.288.
Or?anl<- matter 0.100
Silica, a trace. 0.000
ToUlNo.of grs.inlpt 18.400
Large quantities of this water arc annually bottled and sold for
medicinal purposes.
■* Among the otherearly settlers were Robt. Harper, Jesse Lund,
Dr. Smith, (from Vt.,) and Peter, Joseph, and James nolmes,
(from Delaware co.) The first births were those of twin children
of James Walsworth, in 1S06; the first dsath was that of an un-
known traveler, at tho houso of Mr. Walsworth, in 1S08. Ho
was buried without B coffin or religious services. The first
school was taught by Henry Howard, in 1817; tho first inn was
kept by .bum's Walsworth. in 1S0S ; the first store, by Nalium
Loring. in 1828; and the first sawmill was erected in 1824, by
Sam'l Whitcomb. at Wluatville.
6 The census reports 4 churches; 3 Bap. and 1 M. E.
0 Named from Alexander Ilea, the first settler, and for several
years a Bteta Senator.
' The Genesee and Wyoming Seminary was founded in 1834,
through the efforts and liberality of Samuel Benedict and Henry
Hawkins. In 1S4">, Mr. Hawkins bequeathed to the institution
$4000, his private library, and a geological cabinet. It has now
a respectable library and cabinet of natural history; and its main
building, erected of stono in 1837, has tho capacity of accommo-
dating 800 students.
8 John Oncy. Lewis Disbrow, Geo. Darrow, and Mr. Blackman
settled in the town In 1802-03. The first death was that of Wm.
Whitney, in 1803, by the fall of a tree. The first school was
taught by Mr. Jones, in the winter of 1805-00, at Alexander Vil-
lage. Harvey Hawkins kept the first inn, in 1800, and the first
store, In 1807. Alexander Ilea and Joseph Fellows built tho
first sawmill, in 1804; and Wra. Adams tho first gristmill, in
1807.
8 The census reports 3 churches in town ; Prcsb., M. E., and
Univ.
10 Mrs. Bryan's Female Seminary, a boarding school for young
ladies. The school building is the former mansion of David E.
Evans.
11 The Batavia Union Schoolhouso was erected in 1847, at a
cost of $7000. It includes a higher English and classical de-
partment.
GENESEE COUNTY.
325
newspaper offices, 5 churches, an arsenal,1 and a numher of manufacturing establishments.' Pop.
2868. Bushville is a hamlet. In 1800, Joseph Ellioott fixed upon the site of Batavia Village
as the most eligible place for the location of tho office of the Holland Land Co., and in the spring of
1802 the office was removed to this place. The land office building is still standing. The old court-
house and jail is now occupied as a public hall. In March, 1801, Abel Rowe came to the place
and erected tho first building, and immediately opened it as an inn.3 The first church (Cong.)
was formed by Rev. Royal Phelps, in 1809. Rev. Ephraim Chapin was the first preacher.4
Bataviawas the focus of the great anti-masonic excitement which followed the abduction of William
Morgan in 1826.5
BERGEN — was formed from Batavia, June 8, 1812. Byron was taken off in 1820. Its
surface is gently undulating, and has a slight inclination toward the n. Black Creek flows E.
through the town a little N. of the center. The soil is a gravelly and clay loam. Hereon Cor-
ners, (Bergen p. o.,) on the e. border of the town, contains 3 churches and 30 dwellings.
Wardville, formerly called " Cork," on the Central 11. R., £ mi. n. of Bergen Corners, contains
443 inhabitants. Stone Churcb (p. o.) is a hamlet on the line of Le Roy. \oi (la Bergen
(p. o.) and West Bergen (p. o.) are hamlets. East Bergen is a p. o. The first settlement was
made at Bergen Village, by Samuel Lincoln, from Conn, about 1805.6 The first religious meeting
was held at South Bergen, in Sept. 1807; Rev. Calvin Ingals (Presb.) was the first settled
minister.7
BETMAHTY — was formed from Batavia, June 8, 1812. It lies on the s. border of the co., e.
of the center. Its surface is hilly in the s. and rolling in the n. Black Creek flows n. through
near the center of the town, and Little Tonawanda Creek through the s. w. and n. w. corners. The
soil in the e. is a dark, gravelly loam, and in the w. a heavy, clay loam. Weak brine springs have
been found ; but all attempts to procure salt water by boring have proved unsuccessful. Bethany
Center (Bethany p.o.) contains 2 churches and 35 dwellings, East Bethany (p. v.) a church
and about 20 dwellings, and Linden, (p. v.,) a station on the B. & N. Y. City R. R., a flouring
and sawmill, a furnace, and 40 dwellings. "West Bethany Mills is a p.o. Canada (for-
merly "Bennetts Settlement") is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in the n.e. part of the
town in 1803, by John Torrey, from Cayuga co.8 The census reports 5 churches in town.9
BYROIV — named from Lord Byron — was formed from Bergen, April 4, 1820. It lies on the
N. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is gently undulating, with a slight inclination to
the n. Black Creek flows n. to near the center of the town, receiving the waters of Bigelow and
Spring Creeks, then turns n. e. and flows into Bergen. The soil is a fine quality of gravelly and
sandy loam. A sulphur spring, from which issues carburetted hydrogen gas, is found on Black
Creek a little n. of Byron. An acid spring, known as the " Sour Spring," is found in the s. w.
part of the town.10 Byron, (p. v.,) located near the center of the town, contains 2 churches and
about 150 inhabitants. South Byron11 (p. v.) is a station on the Central R. R. Pop. about 200.
Pumpkin BSill1- is a hamlet. Benham Preston, from Batavia, was the first settler, on lot 197,
1 This arsenal was erected by the State, at Batavia, under an
act of 1S08 for the protection of the northern and western fron-
tiers. It continues in use as a depository of arms and military
equipage.
2 This village is one of the most important R. R. stations in
Western N.Y. From it three branches of the N. Y. Central R. R.
extend w. and s. w., — one to Niagara Falls, one to Buffalo, and
one to Attica ; and two toward the e., — one to Rochester and one
to Canandaigua. The Buffalo, N. Y. & Erie R. Road also passes
through the place.
* The village was named by Mr. Ellicott in 1802. the locality
having previously been known as " The Bend." The first road
was opened through the village in Feb. 1802. Among the early
settlers were Stephen Russell, Isaac Sutherland, Gen.Worthy L.
Churchill, Col. Wm. Runisey, John Thomson, John Lamberton,
David E. Evans, James Brisbane, James W. Stevens, Richard
Abbey, Jedediah Crosby, Gideon Elliott, Cotton Leach, Samuel
F. Geer, Benajah Worden, and Munger. The first marriage
was that of Wm. Leston and Lavinia How; and the first death,
that of Harris, in 1807. Hannah Austin taught the first
school, in 1806; Stephen Russell opened an inn, in 1S01; James
Brisbane kept the first store, in 1802 ; and Jos. Ellicott erected
the first sawmill, in 1801, and the first gristmill, in 1804, on the
Tonawanda Creek, for the Holland Land Co.
* The census reports 6 churches ; 2 Presb., Prot. E., Bap., M.
E., and R. C.
6 See page 323.
* Among the early settlers were Jedediah Crosby, David Pot-
ter, Wm. White, Jas. Landen, and David Franklin, (from Conn.,)
who came in 1805-06; and Simon Pierson, (also from Conn..) in
1S08. The first child born was Luthei Crosby, in 1806; the first
inn was kept at Bergen Corners by Samuel Butler, in 1810; the
first store by Levi Ward, in 180S. Jared Merrill erected the first
sawmill, in theN. w. part of the town, in 1811; and Titus Wilcox
(from Conn.) taught the first school, in the winter of 1S07-0S, at
Bergen Corners.
7 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 Cong., and 1 each Presb.,
M. E., and R. C.
8 In the same year Capt. Geo. Lathrop, from Conn., settled on
lot 40, in the N. part of the town, and Orsemus Kellogg, from
Sheffield, Mass., in the E. part. Lyman D. Prindle, from Hoosick,
settled at East Bethany in 1805; Joseph Adgate, from Ulster
co., and Mather Peck, from Lyme, Conn., near East Bethany in
1806. The first birth was that of a child of Orsemus Kellogg, in
1S03; and the first death, that of Solomon Lathrop, in 1806.
Matilda Wedge, from New England, taught the first school, in
1808. Sylvester Lincoln kept the first inn ; Elisha Hurlburt,
from Yt., the first store, in 1808 ; aud Judge Wilson built the
first gristmill, in 1811.
» 2 Presb., and 1 each M. E., Bap., and F. W. Bap.
10 The acid spring issues from a hillock about 230 feet long and
100 broad, elevated 4 or 5 feet above the plain. The strength
of the acid is increased by drouth, and iu some places it is quite
concentrated and nearly dry in its combination with the charred
vegetable coat which everywhere covers the hillock to a depth
of from 5 to 40 inches. — Beck's Mineralogy W, T., p. 149.
11 Locally known as " Brusselville."
18 Named from the fact that an early tavern sign at that place
was painted yellow and resembled a pumpkin.
326
GENESEE COUNTY.
in 1S07.1 The first religious services were held by Rev. Royal Phelps, (Presb.,) from Cayuga co.,
in 1809. The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1810, by Elder Benjamin M. Parks.2
DARIEX — was formed from Pembroke, Feb. 10, 1832. It is the s.w. corner town of the co.
The surface is hilly in the s. and rolling in the n. The streams are the Eleven Mile, Crooked, and
Murder Creeks. The soil in the m. is a sandy and gravelly loam, and in the s. a clayey loam under-
laid by limestone. Darien Center, (p. v.,) formerly "Kings Corners," contains a church,
seminary,3 and 20 dwellings. Darien City, (Darien p.o.,) in the e. part of the town, contains a
church and 50 dwellings. The first settlement was made near Darien City, by Orange Carter, from
Vt., in 1803.* The census reports 4 churches in town.6
ELBA— was formed from Batavia, March 14, 1820. Oakfield was taken off in 1842. It is the
central town on the N. border of the co. The surface is level or undulating. Oak Orchard Creek
flows x. e. through the center of the town to the n.e. corner, and thence turns w. and flows through
the tf. part into Oakfield. The Tonawanda swamp extends along its course in the n. part of the
town. The soil is a fertile, sandy, gravelly and clayey loam. Pine Ilill (Elba p. v.) lies near
the center of the town. Pop. 400. Transit,6 on the line of Byron, is a hamlet. Langtons Cor-
ners, Mills Corners, (East Elba p.o.,) and Daws Corners are farming neighborhoods.
The first settlement was made at Daws Corners in 1801, by Samuel and Amos Ranger, from Vt.T
The first religious meetings were held by Rev. Mr. Mitchell, (M.E.,) in 1807. The first church
(Bap.) was formed by Elder John Miner, in 1821. 8
LE ROY9 — was formed from Caledonia (Livingston co.) as " Bellona," June 8, 1812. Its name
was changed April 6, 1813. A part of Stafford was taken off in 1820, and a part of Pavilion in
1>42. It is the central town on the E. border of the co. Its surface is level or gently undulating.
A limestone ridge, 40 to 100 feet high, extends through the N. part of the town. Oatka Creek, the
principal stream, flows from the s.w. corner of the town n.e. to a point a little n. of the center,
thence turns and pursues a s. e. course to the e. border. Buttermilk Falls, 90 feet high, marks its
descent over the limestone terrace.10 The soil is generally a sandy or gravelly loam. Gypsum and
Onondaga limestone, for building purposes, are obtained in this town. In the e. part, s. of Oatka
Creek, is an extensive tract of oak openings, covered thickly with stone and hard of cultivation.
L.e Roy (p.v.) was incorp. May 5, 1834. It is finely located on Oatka Creek, and contains a
bank, 1 newspaper office, a female seminary,11 6 churches, and several manufacturing establish-
1 Among the other first settlers were Hoskins, in 1S08;
Eli-ha Taylor, from Otsego co., (on lot 186;) Thester T. Hol-
Ir-ik. from Cayuga Co.; Wbeaton Carpenter, from R.I. ; and
Kli-ha Miller, from Penn., on lot 2, in 1809; Nathan Holt, from
1 i co, in 1S10: and Asa Merrills, from Oneida co., in 1811.
Tli- first child liorn was a son of Eli.-ha Taylor, in 1809; the
'hat "f Sand. Montgomery and Polly Parks, in
1811; and the fir-' death, that of a son "f Mr. Hoskins. Thester
T Hoibrook taught the first Bchool, in 1810-11; Ira Newbury
the tir-t inn. in 1816; Amos Hewett. the first Store, in l-l";
erected the first sawmill, in 1813; and Asa Wil-
li inn the fir^t gristmill, in 1*14.
i Tli'- r,-n-n« reports 4 churches in town ; 2 M. E., and 1 each
I w I:, p.
* Th- Darien Seminary was established In 1850, by Robert
Bl-nn-rlm-
* base Cbaddock, fn.m Vt . nttled n-ar Darien City in 1804.
Tb- fir«t child i>-irn was Harriet Carter, in ism.-,.' Btephen
: t id" fir, i inn. in 18< in ('ity : and Btephen
I titer. Tli- tir-t saw-
mill «.u er-<-t~l 1'T Anioa lluinphr-y, In 1809, on Kb v. n Mile
Cr.-k.
u : m B
* Vam-d fr"m it« -. the r.. transit meridian of tho
npaar'i sunr-v.
I - im'l (lurk, from Ma.""., and bi« - n -irn'l. =• tthd in 1802,
and .-atmi' 1 Hall, (r I John V"iing. < am- s'^n
after. lh- fir«t bhi White, in 1802; the
tir-t death, tbat •■( DarM Klngslcy, in I'l. Haaon Tamer
••r. it, 1-11 ; -|. | hen llar-
k | t the first inn. in 1816; and Sam I Uum the ln-t st< r-.
m 1-1 •. at Pine Hill. II : ted the Bra) sawmill,
• •ii . I ii. in 1810;
nnr) Comfort Smith th- flr«t gri«tmill, r.n th- same mr-am, in
1-1 '■. The widow of .l"bn Young gives the following account "f
fthtrii r life :—" My hue band harlni the year
•i "lit an I pnn-h.i»*d hi« land njvn th- Holland Pur-
chase, in tb- fill Of 11 from ■•ur home in Virginia,
on horseback, fr our DM IBM through Mary-
lm 1. crowing the Sn»iu-hann» at Milton, thence -it Tioga
Point and tb- then niiial rait-. In Towing th- Alleghany Mts.
nbjhl came upon at: the hor»c« iMcam* brightened by wild
•-.and r-fused to proceed. We wrapped ourselves in our
cloaks and horse blankets, and attempted to get some rest, but
had a disturbed night of it. Panthers came near us. often giv-
ing terrific screams. The frightened horses snorted and stamped
upon the rocks. Taking an early start in the morning, we soon
came to a settler's house, and were informed that we bad stopped
in a common resort of the panther. My husband built a shanty,
which was about 10 feet square, flat roofed, covered with split
ash shingles; the floor was mad- of tb- halves of split basswood;
no chimney. A blanket answered the purpose of a door for a
while, until my husband got time to make a door of split plank.
We needed no window : the light came in where the smoke went
out. For chairs we had benches, mad- by splitting logs and set-
ting tli- sections upon 1-gs. A bedstead was made by boring
holes in tbe side of the shanty. Inserting pieces of timber which
rested upon two upright posts in front, a side piece completing
tructnre, peeled basswood bark answering the place of a
cord. We of coarse bad brought no bed with us on horseback:
toone had <•■ be procured. We bought a cotton bag of Mr. Bris-
I ii- . and. stuffing it with cat-tail, it was far better than no bed.
Th- second year we wore in. I had an attack of the fever and
ague, which confined in- for nearly a year. That year my hus-
l.atiil -l-ar-d fmir acres, besides takingcare of me and doing the
Cooking. It was DO uncommon thing, in the first years of scttlo-
m-nt. fur women in childbirth to be deprived of the aid of a
physician; and often the attendance of their own sex bad to be
dispensed with. Mr. Tonne; died in 1836." Turner's Pion. Hist.
8 The census reports 5 churches in town ; 1 each Bap., Cong-
M. K... Prot. M„ and Friends.
9 Named in honor of Herman Le Roy, ono of the original pur-
chaflert of the " Triangle. TVaW."
>" When tbe water is low. it disappears In the bed of the
stream about 2 miles above the falls, and finds its way to the
lower channel through a Bnbterranean pa-sage.
11 The Ingham University, late Ingham Collegiate Institute,
was InCOrp. 1 B67. The institution was first established at Attica,
in IV,;,, i,v Miss Marietta Ingham, and a younger sister, Emily
K. Ingham, (now Mrs. Phineas Stanton,) from Mass. In 1837 it
was r-nioved to l.e Hoy. and was established as the "Lo Roy
F-male Seminary" by the founders, aided and supported by
Messrs. Kami. Comstock, Jonathan P. Darling. Setb M. Cates,
Albert Brewster. A. S. Upham, Enos Bachelder, A. P. Ha.— all,
Lee Comstock, Israel Rathbone, Richard Hollister, and Wm. S.
Bradley. It was chartered in 1841; and in 1805 tho whole
GENESEE COUNTY.
327
vents. Pop. 2081. Fort Hill1 is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in 1707, by Charles
Wilbur, near Le Roy Village.'2 The first religious sorviees (Prot. E.) were held at the village by
the Rev. Davenport Phelps, in 1802.3
OAKFIEL.D4 — was formed from Elba, April 11, 1842. It lies on the n. border of the co.,
w. of the center. The surface is level or gently undulating. Oak Orchard Creek, the principal
stream, flows w. through the N. part of the town. A marsh, forming a portion of the Tonawanda
swamp, extends along its course. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam underlaid by clay. Brine
springs, from which salt was formerly manufactured, are found near the center of the town.
Caryville5 (Oakiield p. o.) was incorp. in July, 1858. It contains an academy6 and 2 churches.
Pop. 500. Oakfield and Mechanicsville are hamlets. Most of the town was an Indian
Reservation, and the lands were not sold to the whites until subsequent to 1832. The first settlers
were Erastus Walcott, Gideon Dunham, and Christopher Kenyon, who came in 1801. 7 One mi. w.
of Caryville are the remains of an ancient fortification known as the " Old Fort," consisting of a
ditch and breastworks, including about 10 acres of ground. There are 2 churches in town ; Presb.
and M. E.
PAVIL.IOJV — was formed from Covington, (Wyoming co.,) May 19, 1841. Portions were
annexed from Le Roy and Stafford, March 22, 1842. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. The
surface is hilly in the s. and undulating in the N. Oatka Creek, the principal stream, flows n. a
little w. of the center of the town. The soil is a fertile, gravelly loam underlaid by clay. Fruits
are extensively cultivated. Pavilion (p. v.) is situated on Oatka Creek, near the s. border of the
town. Pop. 216. Pavilion Center, (p. v.,) formerly " South Le Roy," contains a church
and 20 houses. Union Corners is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in 1809, by
Peter Crosman.8 The first church edifice (Univ.) was erected at the village of Pavilion, in 1832.*
PEMBROKE — was formed from Batavia, June 8, 1812. A part of Alabama was taken off
in 182G, and Darien in 1832. It is the central town upon the w. border of the co. Its surface is
level or gently undulating. Tonawanda Creek flows through the n. e. corner, and Murder Creek
through the s. and s. w. parts. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam intermixed with clay.
The Tonawanda Indian Reservation occupies a portion of the n. part of the town. East Pem-
broke, (p-v.,) on the line of Batavia, contains an academy,10 2 churches, and 35 dwellings,
Ricliville,11 (Pembroke p. o.,) 1 church and 40 dwellings, Longs Corners, {Corfu p. o.,) in
the s. part of the town, 2 churches and 45 dwellings, and Mogadore, (North Pembroke p.o.,)
20 dwellings. Prospect Hill is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in the town in
1804, by David Goss, from Mass.12 The first church (Cong.) was formed by Rev. Joshua Spencer,
first minister, in 1810, at Longs Corners.13
STAFFORD— was formed from Batavia and Le Roy, March 24, 1820. A part of Pavilion
was taken off in 1842. It is an interior town, lying e. of the center of the co. Its surface is undu-
lating, with a general slight slope to the n. Black Creek flows n. through the center of the town,
and Bigelow Creek rises in the w. and flows in the same direction. The soil is a productive, sandy
establishment, costing over $20,000, was donated by its founders
to the Synod of Genesee, upon the conditions that a full colle-
giate course should be established, and a permanent fund raised
for its support. The gift was accepted by the Synod, and the
present name bestowed.
l On the brow of the hill at this place are the ruins of an old
fort. — Smithsonian Contributions, vol. II., art. 6, p. 48.
* Capt. John Ganson, and his 2 sons John and James, settled
near Le Roy Village in 1798, and Gideon Fordham, Alexander
McPherson, and Hines Chamberlin in 1800-01. The first child
born was Neoma Wilbur, in 1799; and the first after the town
was named Le Roy was Wm. Le Roy Annin, in 1814. Geo. A.
Tiffany kept the first store, in 1806 ; and the Holland Land Co.
built the first mill, in 1804.
8 The census reports 6 churches in town ; 1 each Prot. E.,
Presb., Cong., Bap., M. E., and R. C.
* Named from the fact that the lands of the town were mostly
" Oak Openings."
5 Named from Col. Alfred Cary, an early settler and prominent
citizen.
« The Cary Collegiate Institute was founded in 1840, mainly
by the influence and means of Col. Alfred Cary, who died in
this town Sept. 17, 1858, aged 79. The building (which is of
stone) and apparatus cost $15,000. The institution has accom-
modations for 200 students. Resides large contributions to its
establishment, Col. Cary has endowed the institution with
$20,000. It is now under charge of the Prot. E. Church.
I The first store was kept in 1833, by Col. Cary, at Caryville ;
and the first inn by Gideon Dunham, at Duuhums Corners, in
1805. The first saw and grist mill were erected by Christopher
Kenyon, in 1811.
8 Among the other first settlers were James McWithey, Solo-
mon Terrill, Reuben Burnham, and Joshua Shumway, in 1810;
Sylvanus Young, Elijah Phelps, Amasa Allen, and several bro-
thers of the name of Burgess, in 1811; and Isaac Storm, in 1812,
most of whom located in the E. part of the town. The first death
was that of a child of Reuben Burnham, in 1812. Laura Terrill
(from Vt.) taught the first school, in 1813; Seth Smith kept tho
first inn, in 1815; and Horace Bates the first store, in 1817, at
the village of Pavilion. The first mill was erected by Bial La-
throp, on Oatka Creek, in 1S16.
8 Tho census reports 7 churcheB in town; 3 M. E., and 1 each
Presb., Bap., Union, and Univ.
10 The Rural Academy was incorp. by the regents in 1856
Average number of students about 100.
11 Named from Charles B. Rich, a prominent man in town.
12 John Long, Dr. David Long, (from Washington en..) and
Samuel Carr settled in the town in 1808, and Joseph Lester (from
Conn.) in 1S09. The first child born was Jonathan Hastings, jr.,
in 1810; and the first marriage, that of Ansell Hastings and
Polly Long, in 1812. Anna Horton taught the first Bch ml. at
Corfu, in 1811; Samuel Carr kept the first inn, at W. Pembroke,
in 1809; John Ball the first store, at tho same place, in 1812;
and Samuel Carr erected the first gristmill and sawmill, in
1808-09.
13 The census reports 6 churches in town: 2 Bap., and 1 each
Presb., M. E., Prot. M., and Christian.
328
GENESEE COUNTY.
loam intermixed with clay. Stafford fp. v.) lies on Black Creek, near the center of the town.
It is a station on the C. & N. F. branch of the N. Y. C. R. R., and contains 3 churches, a private
seminary, and a pop. of 350. Morgan ville1 (p. v.) contains 2 churches, 2 sawmills, a flour-
in" mill, a brown earthen ware factory, and 200 inhabitants. A fall in Black Creek at this
place is 30 ft. perpendicular and 30 ft. in rapids, affording a fine water power.2 Roanoke,3
(p. v.,) formerly " Orangeburgli," contains a church, several mills, and 20 dwellings. The settle-
ment was commenced in 1801, by Col. Wm. Rumsey and Gen. Worthy Lovel Churchill, (from Vt.,)
who located on the Buffalo Road, w. of Stafford.* The first religious services were held at the
house of Col. Rumsey, by Rev. Mr. Green. The first church (Bap.) was formed by Rev. Amos
Lampson, in 1815.5
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Genesee County.
Namxs of Towns.
Alabama...
Alexander
Bataria
- n
Bethany....
Byron
Darien
Elba
Le liov
Oak field....
Pavilion....
Pembroke.
Stafford
Total..
Acres of Last.
Vaii
■2
83
•a
O
k
S
5,
8
3
£
ft;
18.3451
10.1941
805,535
lT.i'U
4.539
769.370
20.S03J
5.3201
2.371.128
12.504
4.126
684.266
18.118
4&821
517,316
15.409
4.1 62
775,776
23.527
6,907
696,870
15.014
6.535
678.131
20.427
5.S72
1.266,937
9.20SJ
3.4761
398,916
16,986*
4.3221
606,308
15.1^74
12.2971
814,001
15.G4S
3,098
773,125
219,0121
75.732
11.157,679
Valuation of 1858.
t,i.
43,350
66,650
723,600
40,410
48,338
151>:;5
71.282
112.130
392,770
36.600
81,400
38,600
151,099
1,958,064
84S.SS5
836,020
3.094.728
724.676
565.654
927.611
76S.152
790,261
1,659,707
435.516
6S7,70S
852,601
924,224
13.115,743: 15,821
Population.
I
1,159
911
2.653
905
925
843
1.112
959
2,117
817
915
1,432
1,073
2
s
1,035
887
2,651
895
954
798
1.064
910
2,098
693
843
1,412
982
15,222
416
351
924
366
356
313
418
375
716
286
323
549
360
5,753
436
378
990
363
382
329
435
384
532
279
333
566
3S5
5,792
315
268
723
303
327
272
302
251
511
178
280
452
186
4.428 152
Schools.
52
903
585
1.705
'638
604
562
822
616
1,363
589
536
977
744
10.644
Names of .'owns.
Alabama...
£ jder .
1 .'ia
• Pfn
■th.my
Byron
Darien
Hba
Le Roy
Ookfi.il....
Pavilion
r..k.\.
Total.
Live Stock.
1,049
700
1,229
683
803
970
978
»"
1,246
Ml
Mi;,
7-1
702
IN
I.J"
1.279
1.340
832
1.122
1.314
1.300
979
1,155
6 L">
1,206
1,024
855
<S
927
781
1,240
'589
832
746
1,095
739
97ii
329
842
sss
563
65
8,844
11.530
7,802
4,667
9,304
5,429
14,729
4,618
7.714
:;.nu:
11.221
6,594
4,932
11,395 14.211 10,641 100,891 19,2^
•s
«5
2.209
991
2,198
1,312
1.277
1,752
1,010
1.7Mi
1.972
9*2
1,118
i:i75
1.4^7
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
5
76.574
39.795
85,868
43,805
48,063
57,538
21.052
63,564
112.421
35.175
:,:,.( i'.h;
33.073
V'..M.>.
c
91,094
65.907
87.350
49,366
54.21 H|
66,597
70.3981
76.1,16
66,2584
47.643
57,7824.
62.103
44,848]
M".H,.-i
3
=;
_e_
1,821
4.859
3,6S4|
2.106
4.406
2.309
6.411J
2.690
3.266J
1 ,855
3.008
3.423
1.399
41. .",9^
"S,
k;^
12.S92
11.351
18,350
7.052
12,991
8.440
17,604
11.567
13.142
4,834
10.44s
25.034
12,969
167,274
.2 o
C|T)
10.355
33.644
18,436
15,872
41,912
12.300
34,858
29,041
26.180
9.818
32.S1I6
17.585
13,168
Daisy Pkoddcts.
74.517
74.925
SS.34S
59.907
77.271
62,820
88,117
71.340
89,247
18.574
80.087
93.497
40,480
296,121 919,130 105.873 4,645i
II
12.248
12.885
4,825
4.686
16.179
7.345
11.528
1.325
6,980
1,298
15.140
8,438
3.501
992
511
223
295*
20
307
700
332
159
73
5984.
401 i
33
1 {famed from the wife of Wm. Morgan, of masonic notoriety-
» Two I aTei are found in tho w. bank of tho creek a few rods
below the f»ll».
• Named from the residence of John Randolph by Major Jos.
Gannon.
i I ndaga co.) settled In 1802. Beitf. Gan-
non and .b.hn Anni« wer- the I in the I. pari of tie-
fciwn. 'on W. I.. Churchill seiro.1 Wlth credit In the War of
1812, and «nl*- qnentlv a» »h'ri(T of Qroe'i*. ro. fr,,tn 1*2" to
Th„ fimt birth 'wan that of a child of W. I, Churchill,
Hatch '. U08; and the fimt death, that of the Wlft of W. L.
Chun hill, at about the same time. The first school was taught
by Ksther Hprout.in 1806. Frederick Walthcrs kept the first inn,
it Stafford \ iliage, In 1799; and this was one of the first three,
taverns kept On the Holland Purchase. The village was then
known ii« the " Transit Store. Ilrnisc" from its being the principal
supply station for tho surveying company while running the
• TnauU Line." The first sawmill was built on liigelow Creek,
in 1810, by Amos Stow; and tho first gristmill, on the samt
stream, in 1811, by Seymour Ensign.
6 The census reports 7 churches in town ; 2 M E., and 1 each
I'n t. E., Cong., Bap., Christian, and Univ.
GREENE COUNTY.
Tnis county was formed from Albany and Ulster, March 25, 1800,
and named 5n honor of Gen. Nathaniel Greene, of the Revolution.
Parts were annexed to Ulster co. May 2G, 1812. It lies upon the w.
bank of Hudson River, centrally distant 32 mi. from Albany, and
contains 686 sq. mi. Its surface is very broken and mountainous.
The main range of the Catskill Mts. commences 8 to 10 mi. w. of the
Hudson and extends along the s. border of the co. to Delavrare co.
These mountains are 3000 to 3800 feet above tide.1 Their summits
are broad, wild, and rocky, and their declivities steep and often pre-
cipitous. A branch from the main ridge extends in aN. w. direction
through the co., separating the towns of Durham and Cairo from
Windham and Hunter and dividing the co. into two nearly equal
parts. This ridge is 2500 to 3000 feet above tide. It has a steep and wall-like front on the e., and
on the w. it sends off numerous spurs, which extend to the valley of Schoharie Creek. The whole
intermediate territory consists of high, rocky ridges separated by narrow valleys. The declivities are
generally steep on the n., but more gradual on the s.2 Another branch from the main ridge extends
northward through the extreme w. part of the co., between the towns of Halcott and Lexington, and
forms the series of highlands that rise upon the w. bank of Schoharie Creek. This range forms the
watershed between Schoharie Creek and Delaware River. The e. half of the co. is hilly and broken.
An irregular line of bluffs extends along the Hudson, with an average elevation of about 100 ft.
Parallel to these bluffs, and 2 to 4 mi. further w., is a range of hills 500 to 700 ft. above the river.
These highlands are known as the Potick Hills in the town of Athens. Between this ridge and the
E. foot of the Catskills the surface is moderately hilly, gradually sloping toward Catskill Creek.
The principal streams of the co. are Hudson River, forming its e. border, Schoharie Creek and
its tributaries, draining the w. slope of the mountains, and Catskill Creek3 and iti principal
tributary the Kaaterskil, draining the e. slope. Small branches of these streams £ ,V through
narrow, rocky ravines, which break entirely through the mountains and form passes locally known
as " cloves." The principal of these cloves are the Kaaters Kil, opening westward from the Hudson
into the valley of Schoharie Creek, and the Bushkil Clove, Stoney Clove, Mink Hollow, and P'atte-
kil Hollow, opening southward from Schoharie Creek into the valleys of Ulster co. In ny
places these ravines are bordered by naked cliffs, nearly perpendicular, and 1000 to 1700 ft. a, e
the streams. The small streams that drain the w. slope of the range in Halcott form branches
of the Delaware. Schoharie Creek rises in the town of Hunter, within 12 mi. of the Hudson,
flows w. and n., and forms a branch of the Mohawk. The streams are mostly rapid, and are subject
to sudden and violent freshets. The e. slope of the mountain and the outcropping strata of the
Catskill and Kaaterskil Creeks present to the geologist one of the most interesting and compre-
hensive fields of investigation to be found on the continent. Within the distance of 12 mi. from
the village of Catskill to the Mountain House may be seen nearly all the strata composing the New
York system. The gray grits and conglomerates forming the floor of the coal measures are found
110 ft. deep at the summit of the Pine Orchard. The depth of the whole series, within the 12 mi.
referred to, is scarcely less than 4000 feet. Few or no metallic veins or valuable minerals, except
building and flagging stone, are found in the co.
The soil on the w. slopes of the Catskill is chiefly a reddish, gravelly or shaly loam extensively
underlaid by hardpan. The surface is stony, except upon the river bottoms, where the soil is
fertile and productive. North and e. of the mountains the soil is greatly diversified by sections
of gravelly, shaly, clayey, and sandy loams ; but a stiff clay predominates. Where properly culti-
vated, it is moderately productive. The whole region is best adapted to grazing ; and the principal
agricultural exports are butter, cheese, and pressed hay. Oats, barley, and potatoes are extensively
cultivated, but, like most of the other eastern course, the grain grown is insufficient for the consump-
1 High Peak has an elevation of 3S04 feet ahove tide, Round
Top 3718 feet, and Pine Orchard 3000 feet. The Catskill Moun-
tain House is situated upon the last named mountain.
4 The N. sides of these spurs are generally rocky and bare, and
the 8. sides covered with vast deposits of drift, indicating that a
great current of water from the n. once swept over them. Nearly
all the valuable land in this section lies upon the N. side of the
valley.
8 Named by the Dutch from wild cats found in this vicinity.
Kaaters Kil has a similar signification, but is limited to the male
animals.
829
330
GREENE COUNTY.
tion of the population. The principal manufactured products are brick, leather, and paper. Brick
are extensively made on the hanks of the Hudson, in Catskill, Athens, and Coxsackie, for the New
York market. The co. has a considerable interest in the commerce of the Hudson, but less, per-
haps, than it had many years ago. No co. has been more seriously damaged in its commercial and
manufacturing prospects by the public works of the State than Greene. Before the Erie Canal
was completed, Catskill, the co. seat, commanded the trade of the adjacent cos. w., and of the s.
tier through to Lake Erie, and some portions of Northern Penn. It was a large wheat market;
and at the falls of Catskill Creek, 3 mi. w. of the village, were the most extensive flouring mills in
the State.1 The canals and railroads have limited the commercial transactions of the co. strictly
to home trade. A change scarcely less marked and important has taken place in the industrial
pursuits of the mountain townSi Aboul 1*17, upon the discovery of improved methods of tanning
leather, tanners rushed into the Catskill Mts., purchased large tracts of mountain lands covered
with hemlock timber, and erected extensive tanneries. The valleys of Schoharie Creek, Batavia, and
West Kils soon teemed with a numerous, active laboring population, and the solitude of the deep
mountain glens was made vocal by the hum of industry, the buzz of the waterwheel, and the
rattling of machinery. Villages of considerable magnitude, with churches, schools, stores, and
tavern-, rose up in the wilderness as if by magic. Thirty years ago Greene co. made more leather
than all the Suite beside. The supply of bark in this region was soon exhausted, and the pro-
prietors gradually abandoned their establishments and followed the mountain chain s., erecting
new factories in Ulster and Sullivan cos. ; and their successors are now pursuing the hemlock into
the heart of the Alleganies. The result of all this was to facilitate the occupation of the lands in
the mountain towns, and in many cases to carry cultivation to the summits of the most lofty
ranges, thereby opening one of the finest dairy and wool growing regions in the State.
The county seat is located at Catskill, on the Hudson.2 The first courthouse was a wood building,
erected under act of May 26, 1812.3 Some years since, this building was burned, and a new brick
edifice was soon after erected in its place. It contains the court and jury rooms, and district attorney
and co. clerk's offices. A stone jail was erected in 1804, and a fireproof clerk's office in 1812. The
co. poorhouse is located on a farm of 130 acres in Cairo, 10 mi. w. of Catskill. The farm yields a
revenue of $900. It has on an average 130 inmates, supported at a weekly expense of S .75
each. A school is taught in the house most of the year. The condition and adaptation of the
building, and the management of the inmates, are not thought creditable to the co. authorities.
Six weekly newspapers are published in the co.4
More than two centuries have elapsed since the settlements in the valley of the Hudson com-
menced at various points between New York and Albany. It was 150 years later when a few,
1 Of this place Spafford's Gazetteer (ed. of 1813) says, "Cats-
kill has considerable trade already, and must probably expe-
r e a rapid growth as the market town of an extensive back
tountry. At aome place in this vicinity, and "n the w. bank of
lh<- river, future agee will probably Dnd the (bird, if not the
i the Hudson, in wealth, population, and com-
mercial Imp ir-tance."
• Ira Ihiy. Ifwic Dubois, Orin Day, Jo* pb Klein, Ezra Ilaw-
! od l.\ m in Hall, baring executed to the supervisor! a bond,
under a penalty of $18/100, to proenrea lol and build a court-
Hay 26, 1812, allowing the jud
mpleted. < but i- were previously
held at the* i- my, and the prisoners confined In Albany co. Jail.
I Hm first i nard llronk, First Judge; Kl» n-
n>t> [/mey; Jamas BUI, CI I . Oh irgeHale,
hn II. f',n|. r, Sum .
\ r ■ . v.ih published
TktOoiid ■ r wa« ntart'd In 1801 I swell.
In 1" T E In In Ct »W( II n«.tini'
■ was published I
A I
The Cbiafa ! r onW Orrent 0>. 1%'rpubliean, by Taxton,
Elliott A Ostee. In 1848 It was united with rite Demo-
'. and ItSOed a»
The C'ntdklll llrrorilrr nml I >■ in or rnl, undir
. nam il i« "till publish d hj Joseph Joeebury.
The Am' r • was publi- kill in 1810 by N. El-
liott I
The Cb&MB Wmemiatar vm cotnmonrrd in 1 118, and continued
a short tim«.
The Qrrr-nr nwi l>/lnwnr' Wi.ihirijl n.'i wiu mm men
Cetekfll in 1M1. by Micha<l J. Kaj.i- 1. In 1810 it Wai
cbane<-d to
The MVUlle Thttr and pnbli«h.d by Wm.I.. Stone.
The Qntm Ob, Btp*Uiam wm e«t»Mi«h«Mi at Cat«kiii in Nov.
1838, by llv»r. Id 1833 Id to Ralph John-
Ma; in 1*28, to C. Hull; and in 1829 it was merged in
The Catalan, Recorder.
The Catskill Messenger was started in 1*30. by Ira Dubois. It
was subsequently issued by Wm. Bryan, C. 11. Cleve-
land, and Trowbridge <fc Gunn. In 1849 it Mas
Changed to
ten ' "■ Whip : and in 1S5~ to
The < iii -kill Examiner, by which name it is now
published.
The Oihi.iU Democrat was started in l1-!-"? by Joseph Josebury,
and in lsl'.i it was united with The Recorder.
The American Bagl was -t n-t.-<l at I'rattsviiie in 1854 by E. &
II. Baker, who removed it to Catskill the same year.
In 1866 its name was changed to
Tht lUnwr of Tniluslry. and published by.Tas. IT. Van Gorden.
In 1867 it was sold to Henry Baker, by whom it is now
published as
Tin- Catskill Democratic Herald
'Ihr Q Co. Advertiser was Btarted .-it foxsackio in 1832,
nml published fur a time by Henry Van Dyck. In 1S36
it was changed to
Tin- Standard, and published by Thomas B. Carroll. It was
subsequently issued a short time as
The Coxsackie Standard,
The Coxsackie Union was established in 1S51 by Fred,
w . Hoffman. In Jan. 1857 it passed into the hands of
l>. M. A I!. B, Slater, by whom it Is still published.
Thr PrattsvOli !;■■ was started in 1852.
The Baptist Library was started at I'rattsviiie in 1S43 by L.
I,. & It. II. ilill. In 1S45 it was removed to Lexing-
ton.
The Pratt trille Advocate was established by John L. Hackstaff
in lSlti. and was discontinued in 1S58.
Thr. Mountains r was published at I'rattsviiie in 1853 by Chas.
II. Cleveland.
Thr i: Journal was started at Windham Center, March
21, 1867, by W. I:, ,-t.- le.
The Athens Visitor was commenced in 1858 by B.
Denton.
GREENE COUNTY.
531
email, isolated settlements were made in the valleys of the streams in the interior of Greene co.
The great Hardenburgh Patent, granted by Queen Anne, covered nearly all of that portion of the
co. lying \v. of the mountains. The n. line of this grant commenced at the headwaters of the
Kaatcrs K.il, being the head of the upper lake at Pine Orchard, and ran a n. w. course to the head-
waters of the w. branch of the Delaware, in Stamford, Delaware co. This line was run at three
different periods, near the close of the last century, by three different surveyors, no two of them
agreeing by the width of whole farms. This disagreement has proved a prolific source of litigation
in the courts of the State for 50 years. The patent included all that part of Delaware co. lying e.
of the w. branch of Delaware River, and nearly all of Ulster and Sullivan cos. When the settle-
ments commenced, the tract was owned by a great number of individuals, who had purchased by
townships. At an early period, Stephen Day (from Conn.) purchased a large tract in Greene CO.,
embracing a considerable portion of the old town of Windham, now forming the towns of Wind-
ham, Ashland, Jewett, and a portion of Lexington and Hunter. This tract was principally settled
by immigrants from Connecticut.
ASHLAND — named from the home of Henry Clay — was formed from Windham and Pratts-
ville, March 23, 1848. It lies in the n. w. part of the'eo. Its N. and s. borders are occupied by two
parallel spurs of the Catskill Mts., 800 to 1000 ft. above the valley. Batavia Kil flows westward
through the town at the foot of the s. range. This stream is bordered upon the n. by steep bluffs 150
to 200 ft. high ; and from their summits the surface gradually slopes upward to the s. foot of the N.
rid"-e near the n. border of the town. Lewis Creek and several smaller streams are tributaries of
Batavia Kil. About two-thirds of the land in the town is improved. Ashland, (p. v.,) on Batavia
Kil, in the s. part of the town,contains 2 churches and a collegiate institute.1 Pop. 400. East Ash-
land is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in the valley of Batavia Kil, previous to the Revo-
lutionary AVar, by a few Dutch families from Schoharie co. During the war, being harassed by the
Indians and tories, the settlers returned to Schoharie co. The first permanent settlement was made
in 1788, by Elisha Strong and several brothers named Stimpson.2 There are 0 churches in town.3
ATHENS — was formed from Catskill and Coxsackie, Feb. 25, 1815. It is situated on the
Hudson, near the center of the e. border of the co. Its surface is broken by several rocky hills
and ridges lying parallel with the Hudson, with uneven or undulating intervales between. A
range of high clay bluffs borders upon the river; and a high rocky ridge, known as Potick Hill,
extends through the w. part of the town. Several small streams flow southerly through the town,
and Potick Creek forms its w. line. In the w. part of the town are 3 small lakes. In their vicinity,
4 or 5 mi. w. of the Hudson, are extensive beds of the Helderbergh limestone, large quantities
of which are quarried for building purposes and for the manufacture of lime. Near the river the
soil is a tough clay, bordered by sand ; elsewhere it is a sandy and gravelly loam of a good quality.
Brick and lime are the principal articles manufactured, and these, with hay, form the exports
of the town. Athens,4 (p. v.,) incorp. April 2, 1805, is situated on the Hudson, opposite the city
of Hudson. Pop. 1747. The e. part of the town was settled at a very early period by immigrants
from Holland.5 There are 5 churches in town.6
CAIRO — was formed from Catskill, Coxsackie, and "Freehold," (now Durham,) March 20, 1803,
as "Canton," and its name was changed April 6, 1808. It is situated at the e. foot of the Catskill Mts.r
the crest of the mountain forming its w. boundary. Its central and e. parts are broken by several high,
rocky ridges. Round Top, also called the Dome Mountain, is a rocky, isolated hill 500 ft. high. The
Catskill Creek flows s. e. through the town, and receives from the n. John Debackers Creek and
Platte Kil, and from the s. Shingle and Ilagel Kils. The soil is a clayey, gravelly, and shaly loam,
fertile in the valleys and ofmedium quality among the hills. Cairo, (p. v.,) situated near the center
of the town, on the Old Susquehanna Turnpike, contains 4 churches and several manufacturing estab-
lishments. Pop. 353. Act a. (p. o.,) in the w.,S.Cairo,(p.o.)and Cairo Forge, about 1 mi.
s. of Cairo, are hamlets. Settlements were made on the Shingle Kil previous to the Revolution.7 A
Presb. church was organized May 22, and a Bap. May 25, 1799. There are 7 churches in town.8
1 The Ashland Collegiate Institute was founded in 1S54, under
the care of the M. E. denomination. The present number of
boarding pupils (1S5S) is 100.
2 Among the early settlers were Agabus White, John Tuttle,
.Tairus Strong, Solomon Ormsbee, Dr. Thomas Ben ham, and
Medad Hunt, most of whom were from Connecticut. The first
birth was that of Deborah Stone, in 1789. Sandtord Hunt kept
the first store, and Medad Hunt the first inn, in 1795. Ex Gov.
Washington Hunt, son of Sandford Hunt, was born in this town.
» 3 M. E., Prot. E., Presb., and R. C.
* Formerly called " Loonenburgh" and "Esperanto." Tho
steamer Swallow, on her way to New York with a large number
of passengers, was wrecked in the river opposite this place on
the eveniug of April 7, 1845, and about 20 persons were lost. —
Senate Dae, No. 102, 1845.
6 A tannery was erected in 1750 by Nicholas Perry.
6 Bap., Friends. Luth., Prot. E., and Ref. Prot. D.
' A family by the name of Strobe, living on the Shingle KU,
were murdered by the Indians during the war.
» 3 M. E., Bap., Presb., Prot. E., and Union.
332
GREENE COUNTY.
CATSK.IL.Ij1 — was formed March 7, 1788, as part of Albany co. It was annexed to Ulster co.
April 5, 1798. A part of Woodstock (Ulster co.) was annexed March 25, 1800 ; a part of Cairo was
taken off in 1803 and a part of Athens in 1815. It lies upon the Hudson, in the s. e. corner of the
co. The surface is broken by several rocky ridges parallel to the Hudson : these ridges are principally
composed of shales and gray grit. In the latter formation are extensive quarries, from which a fine
quality of flagging stone is obtained and largely exported. A swamp, covering an area of several
hundred acres, extends along the Hudson below Catskill Village. The Catskill Creek flows s. e.
through the N. E. corner to the Hudson, and receives the Kaaters Kil after the latter has pursued
an irregular course through the center and s. w. part of the town. The other streams are Kiskatom
Creek, and Jan Yosent Kil. The soil is principally tenacious clay, with sections of gravelly
and shaly loam. Hay is the principal agricultural export. Large quantities of brick are manu-
factured and exported. Catskill Village being the chief entrepot for the co., commerce forms one
of the leading pursuits of the people. Catskill, (p. v..) the co. seat, was incorp. March 14, 1806.
It is situated on the Hudson, at the mouth of Catskill Creek. It contains 5 churches, 3 newspaper
offices, 2 banks, and a large number of mercantile and manufacturing establishments. Pop. 2520.
Leeds, (p. v.,) situated at the falls on Catskill Creek, contains 2 churches and several manu-
factories. Pop. 450. Palensville, (p. v.,) on the Kaaters Kil. in the w. part of the town, con-
tains 2 tanneries, a woolen factory, and 18 dwellings. Kiskatom is a p. o. Settlements were
made upon the banks of the Hudson, at a very early period, by immigrants from Germany. The
flats in the valley of Catskill Creek w. of Leeds were first settled by Martin G. Van Bergen and
Sylvester Salisbury, who in 1G77 purchased the Indian title to an extensive tract. There are 9
churches in town.2 The Catskill Mountain House is on the line of Hunter. See page 333.
COXSACKIE3— was formed, as a district, March 24, 1772, and as a town, March 7, 1788. Dur-
ham was taken off in 1790, a part of Cairo and Greenville in 1803, New Baltimore in 1811, and a part of
Athens in 1815. It lies upon the Hudson, n. e. of the center of the co. A range of clay bluff3 about
100 ft. high extends along the course of the river, and a range of hills 500 ft. high through the center
of the town. The surface is level or undulating in the e. and is hilly and broken in the w. The
principal streams are the Coxsackie, Potick, and Jan Vosent Creeks. The soil in the e. is clayey
and sandy, and in the w. it is a gravelly, shaly, and clayey loam. Brickmaking is extensively pur-
sued. Coxsackie, (p. v.,) situated near the Hudson, contains 6 churches, an academy, a news-
paper office, a bank, and several manufactories.4 Pop. 1,800. Coxsackie Landing' is 1
mi. e. of the village. Jacksonville, in the w. part, is a hamlet. The Dutch settled in town
about 1052, on a tract about 6 mi. sq. purchased of the Indians. There arc 8 churches in town.5
DI'KliAM — was formed from Coxsackie as "Freehold," March 8, 1790, and its name was
changed March 28, 1805. Parts of Cairo and Greenville were taken off in 1803. It lies near the
center of the s. border of the co. Its surface is hilly and broken, the N. e. corner being occupied
by the s. slopes of the Helderhergh Mrs., and the w. border by the Catskills. The principal
Mi'-am- an- • 'atskill Creek, flowing s. e. through the e. part, and its tributaries Fall, Bowery, Posts,
and Brink Street Creeks. The soil is generally a heavy clay, with occasional sections of gravel.
There are several mills and tanneries on Catskill Creek, which stream affords a fair amount of water
power. Oak Hill, (p. v.,) on Catskill Creek, has a pop. of 320. Durham, (p. v.,) 1 mi. w.
Of I >ak Hill, contains 'J churches ami oil houses, Insist Diirlia in (p. v.) 17 houses, Coinwall-
ville. (p. v.. i in the central pari of the town, 15 houses, ami South Durham (p.o.) 10 houses.
< teuton Hie i- a hamlet. The settlement of the town was commenced in 177G. Capt. Asahel
Jones and Rose! Post, from < '■ ■nu.. settled in 1788.8 There are 7 churches in town.7
CWEKlH ▼ IMJLE — was formed from Coxsackie and "Freehold," (now Durham,) March 26,
1803, as "I I - name Wftfl changed to "Freehold" in 1808, and to Greenville, March 17,
1800. It lies on the ir. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is hilly, — the southern
extremity of the Belderbergfa Bite, occupying the central and w. parts of the town. The principal
Btreanu are Potick, John Debackers, and Basic Creeks. The soil is chiefly a heavy, clay loam,
well adapted to grating; bat much of it has been exhausted by too frequent croppings with hay.
About 1 mi. w. of Greenville Center is a sulphur spring. Greenville, (p. v.,) n. of the center
l Ore I Imtocht Dijtrkt, including thin town, »u formed
124, 1772.
» 8 M. B- 2 Ret Prot. !>.. 1'np.. V'<-^.. P I I . tod T'ninn.
• Pron. Gook-mckArjr. Doriwl m>m an Indian word signify-
I
* .-bipbuilding wis A-.-rw'.y ^Lficd on at the lower landing,
near this place ; and several of tho early Hudson River steam-
boats were built here,
* J Ret Prot. I).. 2 ML E., Prot. E., R. C, Union, and Af. M. B.
6 .Mr. De Witt built the first gristmill, in 1788, and Jared
Bmltfa the lir^t sawmill, about the same time.
' 2 Cong., 2 ML £., Bap., l'rcsb., and l*rot. E.
GREENE COUNTY. 333
of the town, contains 3 churches, the Greenville Academy, and 35 houses; Freehold, (p.v.,) in
the s. w. part, 1 church and 24 houses ; Norton Hill, (p. v.,) in the N. w. part, 16 houses ; Green-
ville Center 15 ; and East Greenville 1 church and 10 houses. €iay Head is a p.
office. In I7G8 the British Government granted 2 patents — one for 2000 and one for 5000 acres, located
together in the w. part of the town — to Major Augustine Prevost, of the Gth British infantry, who
served in this country during the Old French War.1 Stephen Landman, Godfrey Braudow, and
Hans Overpaugh, who settlod in the town in 1774, were among the earliest settlers.2 There are 7
churches in town.8
IIALCOTT — was formed from Lexington, Nov. 19, 1851, and named from George W. Hal-
cott, then sheriff of Greene co. It is situated in the s. w. corner of the co., and is separated from
the other towns of the co. by a mountain ridge 1000 feet high. This ridge is crossed by difficult
and unfrequented roads. A considerable portion of the territory is covered with forests. The sur-
face is mountainous, comprising four valleys, in which rise the sources of the e. branch of tin-
Delaware. The soil is chiefly a gravelly loam of medium quality, and stony, but is well adapted
to grazing. From its isolated position among the mountains,* the chief avenue of communication
with the outside world is on the s., by way of Middletown, Delaware co. West Lexington
(p. 0.) is in £he central part of the town. The first settlement was made on the Bush Kil, in 1790,
by Reuben Crysler, Thurston, Joseph Brooks, and Timothy Tyler.5 There are 2 churches in
town ; O. S. Bap. and M. E.
HUNTER6 — was formed from Windham as " Greenland," Jan. 27, 1813. Its name was
changed April 15, 1814, a part of Saugerties was taken off in 1814, and a part of Jewett in 1849. The
surface is rocky and mountainous, not more than one-fourth being susceptible of cultivation. Several
of the highest peaks of the Catskills — among which are High Peak, Round Top, and Pine Orchard —
lie within the limits of this town.7 Two narrow valleys extend quite through the mountains and cross
each other at nearly right angles near the center of the town. The first of these is the valley of Scho-
narie Creek and its southerly continuation, that of the Platte Kil ; and the second, that of the Kaaters
Kil and Stony Clove. The soil is generally a heavy, clayey and shaly loam, very stony, and poorly
adapted to agriculture. Hunter, (p.v.,) situated on Schoharie Creek, in the n.w. part of the
town, contains 2 churches and several manufacturing establishments. Pop. 393. Tanners-
ville, near the center, is a p. office. Settlements were made during the Revolution, by "cowboys"
from Putnam co. Their property was confiscated by the Whigs.8 Col. Wm. W. Edwards and his
son Wm. W., from Northampton, Mass., moved into town in July, 1817, and erected the first ex-
tensive tannery in the State in which the then new method of tanning was adopted. Within a few
years after, other tanneries were built, and a very large amount of leather was made in the town
annually for a long series of years, until the hemlock bark was exhausted. Most of the establish-
ments are now abandoned. There are 3 churches in town; Presb., M. E., and R. C.
JEWETT — was formed from Lexington and Hunter, Nov. 14, 1849. It lies near the center
of the w. half of the co. Its surface is principally occupied by high and rocky spurs extending w.
from the principal n. branch of the Catskills. A high and almost precipitous ridge extends along
the s. w. border of the town. Schoharie Creek and its tributary East Kil are the principal streams.
The soil is a heavy, reddish, gravelly loam of medium quality, often stony and rocky, and largely
underlaid by a tough hardpan. Jewett,9 (p.v.,) in the n.w. part of the town, contains 2
churches and 14 houses. Jewett Center, at the junction of East Kil and Schoharie Creek,
1 Major Prevost erected a fine mansion on one of these tracts,
a little \v. of the village of Greenville, in which he resided until
his death.
* Abraham Post, Eleazar Knowles, Bethnel Hinman, Peter
Curtis, and Edward Lake, from Conn., settled in the town in
1783. David Ilickock and Davis Denning erected the first grist-
mill, in 1785.
» 2 Bap., 2 SI. E., Prot. E., Presb., and Christian.
* Wild game is still found in the mountains, and the pure,
limpid streams abound in trout.
6 Kalph Coe and Henry Hosford built the first sawmill, in
1820. Kalph Coe kept the first inn, and Henry Ilamican the
first store. There is now no tavern, lawyer, nor doctor in town.
* Named from John Hunter, an early proprietor of a part of
the Hardenburgh Patent.
* The Catskill Mountain House, upon Tine Orchard, is situated
upon a precipice overlooking the Hudson, and is 2212 ft. above
tide. It was built by the Catskill Mountain Asso'n, at a cost of
$22,000, for the accommodation of visitors. Among the hills, i mi.
w. of the house, are 2 small lakes, each If mi. in circumference,
— their outlet forming the Kaaters Kil. Upon this stream, a little
below tha lakes, are the Kaaters Kil Falls, where the stream
plunges down a perpendicular descent of 175 ft., and, in a few
rods, another of 85 ft., falling into a deep, rocky ravine or clove,
and finally finding its way into Catskill Creek. The views from
the Mountain House, and the scenery among the mountains, are
among the finest in the country, and the place is visited annually
by thousands of tourists.
8 Samuel, Elisha, and John Haines, and Gershon Griffin, en-
tered the mountains by way of Kingston and Mink Hollow, and
settled on Schoharie Kil. Their location was discovered a year
or two after by some Dutchmen from the E. side of the moun-
tain, while hunting bears. They were followed, in 1786, by a
number of Shay's followers, from Mass., who, on the suppression
of his rebellion, fled to the mountains. James and Jacob Carl
settled in the town in 1785; Saml. Merritt, and Saml. and Wm.
Hayes, in 1791. Roger Bronson was the first settler at the village
of Hunter. The first birth was that of John Haines. Mr. Olm-
sted built the first gristmill, in 1794, and subsequently the first
tannery, and kept the first store and inn.
9 Formerly called " Lexington Heights."
334 GREENE COUNTY.
and East Jc%vett, are p. offices. The first settlement was made near Schoharie Creek in
1783-84, by Wm. Gass, a Scotchman.1 There are 4 churches in town; 3 M. E. and Presb.
L>E\LI\GTO!V — was formed from Windham as " New Goshen,'" Jan. 27, 1813, and its name
was changed March 19, 1813. A part of Jewett was taken off in 1849, but reannexed in 1858, and
a part of Halcott was taken off in 1851. It lies on the s. border of the co., w. of the center. More
than one-half of the surface is occupied by the lofty peaks and ridges of the Catskills. Schoharie
Creek, flowing through the n. e. corner of the town, is bordered by high and steep rocky ridges.
West Kil, its principal tributary, drains a valley 9 mi. in length, everywhere bordered by lofty
mountains except on the w. Bush Kil Clove is a natural pass in the mountains, extending from
the Schoharie Valley s. into Ulster co. The soil is a slaty and gravelly loam. Only about two-fifths
of the surface is susceptible of cultivation. Lexington, (p. v.,) on Schoharie Creek, n. of the
center of the town, contains 2 churches and 27 dwellings, and West Kill (p. v.) 1 church and
31 dwellings. Bushnellsville is a p. o. on the line of Ulster co. The first settlement was
made in 1788, on the flats of Schoharie Kil.2 There are 3 churches in town ; 2 Bap. and M. E.
NEW BALTIMORE- was formed from Coxsackie, March 15, 1811. Scutters, Little, and
Willow Islands were annexed from Kinderhook April 23, 1823. It lies upon the Hudson, in the
N. e. corner of the co. The general surface is hilly and broken. A line of high, rugged clay and
slate bluffs rises from the river to a height of 100 to 200 feet, and a range of high, broad hills ex-
tends s. through the center of the town. The w. part is comparatively level. The principal streams
are Ilaanakrois Creek in the N. w. corner, Deep Clove Kil, Cabin Run, and the E. branch of Potick
Creek. Nearly all these streams flow through narrow and rocky ravines. The soil is chiefly a
heavy, clay loam, with limited patches of sand and gravel. IVew Baltimore, (p. v.,) on the
Hudson, in the bT. part of the town, contains 2 churches, and has a pop. of 709. Medway is a p.
office. Settlement was commenced upon the Coxsackie flats at an early period. The Broncks,
Houghtalings, and Conyns were among the first settlers. There are 9 churches in town.3
PRATTSVIEEE— was formed from Windham, March 8, 1833, and named from Col. Zadock
Pratt. A part of Ashland was taken off in 1848. It is the n. w. corner town of the co. Its sur-
face is principally occupied by broad mountain uplands bordered by steep and rocky slopes.
Schoharie Creek and Batavia Kil flow through wild and narrow mountain gorges. The soil is a
heavy, reddish, gravelly and clayey loam, moderately fertile and profitable only for grazing.
Prattsville, (p. v.,) on Schoharie Kil w. of the center of the town, contains 3 churches and
several manufactories.4 Pop. G17. Red Falls, (p. v.,) on Batavia Kil, contains a cotton fac-
tory, a paper mill, and several other manufacturing establishments. Pop. 231. Settlements were
made on the flats at Prattsville by Dutch immigrants from Schoharie co., during the period between
the close of the Old French War in 1763 and the breaking out of the Revolution in 1776.5 During
the latter war the settlement was attacked by a body of Indians and tories led by a British officer.
The inhabitants rallied, and a battle took place upon the bank of Schoharie Kil, a little below the
Windham Turnpike Bridge, N. of the village, in which the Indians and their allies were routed.
Rev. C'< .melius D. Schermorhorn was the first settled preacher. There are 3 churches in town;
Ref. Prot D., Prot. E., and M. E.
li\ I \ I>II 1 M — was formed from Woodstock, (Ulster co.,) as part of Ulster co., March 23, 1798.
"QreenlaneF' (now Hunter) and Lexington were taken off in 1813, Prattsville in 1833, and a part
of Ashland in 1848. A part of " Freehold" (now Durham) was annexed March 26, 1803. It lies upon
the w. declivities of the Catakille, n. w. <>f tlio center of the co. Its surface is very broken and hilly.
A hi^'li range "f mountain! extends along the b. border, at the n. foot of which flows Batavia Kil,6 in
a deep, rocky valley. Tlio central and n. parts an- occupied by mountain spurs divided by narrow
ravines. The soil is a heavy, gravelly and clayey loam, of which disintegrated shale forms a large
1 ZephaniAh fhiiw, from Martha* Vineyard. iMhm.,1 wttled
In the town in 17*7 ; and Chester Hull, from Wallingford, < •im..
a soldier of the BafuiiU n, in I7M Among til who nettled
mod after were Zadock Pratt, n» p indSaai Pi '•.. 1:1 'r David,
and SI a Johnson, Lnbaa, |r|ia>»«1. Abraham. Bnd Amherst
Andr.-w.". l:> najnh. John, and Jared Hire. Henry ftoslee, Junius
Bqniree, Denial Miles. Adnah fVach, i«a.v and Mnnson Bad,
Gideon. Ri uben, »»■! rd. and Samoel an. I Daniel Mar-
vin. Th" lir»t l.irth woe that of II. nry 0Dtiea,Jr. ffm.Uim k.pt
the net inn, in 1790, Klisha Thompson the ftrM More, in 1795,
and Laban Andrews built the fl^t criMmill the name
' An1.11/ the early Mttb n. Saml. Amos,
Richard Peck, David and Benj. Bailey, and lU.nj. OrinalL John
T. Bray built the first tannery, in 1791 or '92; Tbaddeus Bron-
son the first gristmill, in 1792; and Richard Peck opened the
first inn, in 179.r>.
» 8 Mends, 2 M.K., Bap., Christian, Ref. Prot.D., and Prot. Moth.
1 At this place, nt the extensive tannery of the lion. Z.idock
Pratt. 60,000 sides of sole leather wero tanned and 6,000 ci Tela
of bark consumed annually for 2.i yenrs.
6 Among the first settlers were John Laraway and his sons
John, Jonas, Derick, and Martinus, Isaac Van Alstyne,
Vrooman. John and Peter Van Loan, John Becker, and a family
by the name of Scboonmakcr. The first school was taught by
Mr. Banks, in 1790. Martinus Laraway kept the first inn, soon
after the Re%-olution, and, with hia brother John, erected the
first gristmill.
• The Indian name of this stream wag Chough-tig-hig-nick.
GREENE COUNTY.
335
part. Windham Center, (p. v.,) on Batavia Kil, in the w. part of the town, contains 3
churches, and has a pop. of 350. HenNonville, (p. v.,) on the same stream, s. of the center
of the town, contains 124 inhabitants, and Big Hollow, (p. v.,) in the s. part, 2 churches and 12
houses. East Windham and Union Society are p. offices. The first settlement was
made in 1790, by Geo. Stimpson, Abijah Stone, and Increase Claflin.1 Rev. Henry Stimpson was
one of the earliest settled ministers. There are 5 churches in town.2
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Greene County.
Names of Towns.
1 Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1S58.
Population.
i
4*l
o
1
Schools.
Pa
O
p.
•a
B
a
£
a3
B
si
1
oj
O
S
1
a
1
•5-
4
•5
c C
= •2
7
7
15
19
13
15
16
4
12
10
11
15
8
12
161
£ .
.■~'oi
-= 2
^■2
503
1,046
827
2,020
1.354
935
909
207
735
491
601
865
665
531
Catskill
9,846!
10,351 !
22,541
19,146|
17,698!
23,166!
20,273$
7,137
10,264|
15.167
14,7 27 J
18,279!
8,784
14,840!
4,198
4,502!
10,9*2
17,613
4,516
5,855
5,535!
4,007
40,456!
10,468f
21,600
6,124*
4,854
9,892
$135,080
499,308
555,377
1,437,035
782,710
394,145
580,315
' 84,775
135,395
136,200
227,539
804,599
111,200
244,283
$9,500
54,050
88,175
532,312
165,334
68,300
70,632
9,900
10,642
25,620
41,150
103,820
29,250
41.HHI
$144,580
553,358
643,552
1,969,347
948,044
462,445J
650,947
94,675
146,037
161,820
268,689
908,429,
140.450
285,383
555
1,470
1,290
2,812
1,891
1.239
1,088
246
833
57S
788
1,248
746
807
584
1,400
1,267
2,898
1,791
1,301
1,085
228
761
551
807
1,154
842
877
217
438
448
930
592
482
415
86
258
205
319
425
267
327
235
551
478
1,094
603
491
450
89
276
220
217
455
290
258
140
343
341
544
432
393
342
79
207
176
235
306
225
188
3,951
Total
212,223!
150,604*
$6,127,961
$1,249,795
$
7,377.756
15,591
15,546
5,409
5.707
11,869
Names of Towns.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
09
o
•S »
II
° -
Q.g
■s<\
202!
,1.114
617
590
711!
1,011
1,164
584
146
779
720!
385
244
8,611! J
i
fe £-5
COO
S
6
962
164
1,069
1,615
397
3,507
1,779
1,390
1,205
1,869
2,013
1,248
60S
1.556
5
63
Bush. <
)P Grain.
1
so
K
1
OJ -VJ
tqft.
Daisy Products.
s
1
fj
3 33
SO
•c oi
2 5
6,5
1 J i2.-
30C
937
6.876
2,079
5C
130
4.92"
1,285
5C
3.657
251
393
714
713
635
745
698
152
192
236
354
610
239
271
897
349
998
910
523
1,299
741
496
1,019
1.401
1,657
517
6S0
1,160
727
509
1,040
l,07h
791
1,352
1,051
526
605
1,163
1,144
991
750
867
487
886
1,663
1,723
1,565
2,244
1,443
200;
286
467 i
591 ;
1,569
384
566
1,93
4,28
13,80
H
4i
12,252
23,373
27,991
39,337!
:;t'i.i>'.tiJ
35,0S7J
37,193
11,917
3,610
8,978
13.176J
35,093!
5.461 i
1 1.651 i
301,213:*
2.SUI
4.493J
4,350
7,592
6,699
3,998
6,067
1,907
2,495;
3,391
4,468
5,498i
1,834
3,386
7.524
5.099
8,254
9,245
17,009
5,821|
5,679
1.348
8,264
5,864!
6,902
21,789
3,536
10.536
11.366
10,935
22.771
15,153
Ik.:hs
25,S05
25.703
2,490
2,540!
13,611
13.128
19,361
3,380
8,253
69.815
42,776
96,675
90.720
83,735
121.917
109.906
60.916
52,311
113,520
105,290
90,589
73,780
79,980
12,538!
8,705!
7,064
7,665!
830
870
1,869
2,449
13,471!
2,075
2,019!
Prattsville
Total
6,203
12
,647
12,592
19,382
14,074'
79,578
58,524,
• 116,87
1
192,S14!
1,191,930
21,317
1 Perez Steel and his eon Perez, from Tolland, Conn., settled
in town in 1795, and Joshua Jones, Wm. Henderson, and Lemuel
Hitchcock (from New Haven co., Conn.) in 1796. The first
marriage was that of Daniel Terry and Mamva Hitchcock ; and
the first death was that of Mrs. Lemuel Hitchcock, in 1804.
Nathan Blanchard taught the first school, in 1809; Tohias Van
Dusen built the first gristmill, in 1793 ; Van Orden kept
the first inn, in 1796; and Bennett Osborn built the first tan-
nery, in 1822.
2 2 Presb., 2 M. E., and Prot. E.
HAMILTON COUNTY.
This county was formed from Montgomery, Feb. 12, 1816; but its
independent organization has never been fully completed.1 It
occupies the central portions of the great wilderness region in the
n. E. part of the State ; is centrally distant 80 miles from Albany,
and contains 1,745 sq. mi. Its surface is a rocky, mountainous, and
hilly upland and is still mostly covered with the original forests.
The highlands are divided into several ranges, generally distinct,
jut in many places sending out spurs that interlock with each other,
and all extending n.e. and s.w. The Schroon Range — called in
Fulton co. the Mayfield Mts. — crosses the s.e. corner of Hope. This
range ends upon Lake Champlain at Crown Point, the highest
point being Mt. Crane, in Warren co. The Baquet Range, parallel
to the first, extends through the co. between Wells and Lake Pleasant. This range terminates
upon Lake Champlain at Split Rock, the highest peak being Dix Peak, in Essex co. The Adiron-
dack Range, next x., extends from the Mohawk, at Little Falls, n.e. through Morehouse, Arietta,
Long Lake, Gilman, and Wells, ending at Trembleau Point, on Lake Champlain, Mt. Marcy being
the highest peak, and the highest point in the State. Its course is in a wave or undulating line
occupying a space of 4 to 6 mi. in width. Next N. is the Au Sable Range, extending n. of the
Fulton chain of lakes and Long and Racket Lakes. The highest points are Mt. Emmons, in this
co., and Mt. Seward, in Franklin co. Spurs from this range occupy the entire N. part of the co.
and extend into St. Lawrence and Herkimer cos.2
Within the valleys between these mountain ranges are several remarkable chains of lakes, many
of them connected by considerable streams and all affording a large amount of boat navigation.
These lakes are generally long and narrow, are bordered by steep banks and high mountain peaks.
Their waters are clear and cold, and they form the most interesting features of the landscape.
Although flowing in different directions, separated by high mountains, and extending over an area
of more than 60 mi., they have a nearly uniform elevation.3 The first chain on the s., commencing
in Stratford, Fulton co., includes several small ponds in the s. e. corner of Hope, several ponds in
Johnsburgh, Warren co., and Schroon and Paradox Lakes in Essex co. The second chain em-
braces Jerseyfield Lake and several others in Herkimer co., flowing s., Piseco, Round, Spy, and Ox
Bow Lakes, Lake Pleasant, and a great number of smaller ones, all flowing into Sacondaga River.
The third chain, lying between the two highest ranges of mountains, is composed of lakes less in
at than either of the other chains. It comprises Woodhull Reservoir and about 20 small lakes,
principally in Herkimer co., flowing into Black River ; a large number of small ponds in the immediate
vicinity, flowing into West Canada Creek; Indian, Square, Beaver, Wilmurt, and a dozen smaller
ones, in Hamilton co., flowing into Black and Indian Rivers; and the Indian Lakes, flowing into
the Hudson. In Essex co. this chain embraces Lakes Rich, Sanford, and Henderson, and numerous
< >t lir-r near the foot of Mt. Marcy. The fourth or n. chain is the most extensive of all. Itcom-
prises Brantinghain and other Lakes in Lewis co., flowing into Moose and Black Rivers; the Fulton
chain and al ither hikes in tin' n. part of Herkimer, respectively flowing into Beaver and
M<. •-■ B '•■• n : I Jranherry Lake and many othors in the s. part of St. Lawrence, flowing into Oswe-
gatchic and Grease Rivers; Tappers, Racket, Forked, and Long Lakes, and 50 others, in Hamilton
..... and a large number in Franklin, flowing into Racket River; St. Regis Lake, Osgoods Pond,
ami numerous Others, ii I St Regis River; Ragged Lake, Round and Ingraham Ponds, into
Salmon Kivrr: Lake Placid, into the Au Sable; the Chateaugay Lakes, into Chatcaugay River;
and the ("hazy Lakf«, int.. Ohasy River. All these last named lakes are in Hamilton, Franklin,
l Named in honor of AWandT Hamilton. Tli<- territory was
Included in Herkhm mnexed to
V tgnmery Maith 81, 1797. It ran OOmplete its organisation
wh«ti it linn a sufficient population to entitle it to i member of
•iitly. Tt rrmained appended to Montgomery until
when it wag annexed t>. Fulton on the erection of tin laterco.
Courti ■ Hahcd in
* This rcpion was called by the native Conchsaragc. "the
diamal wild-rn. -•.." Tli" fallowing entry OB % map published
about the period of the BofOtnttoB, or soon after, triv. ■ Hi" pre-
vailing opinion of that day concerning theee landj :— "Through i
aas
this tract of land runs n chain of mountains, which, from Lake
Champlain on one Bide and the river St. Lawrence on the other
ride, HOW their tops always white with snow: hut altho' this
One unfavorable circumstance has hitherto secured it from the
clawi of the harpy land jobbers, yet no doubt it la as fertile as
the land on the east side of the lake, and will in future, fur-
nish a comfortable retreat for many industrious families."
8 The eighth lake in the N. chain, flowing w.. is 1,678 feet
above tide; Kacket Lake, 2 mi. N„ flowing k., 1,748 feet; the
Upper Snranac. flowing s., 1,667 feet; and Lake Sanford, flow-
ing s., 1,826 feet.
HAMILTON COUNTY. 337
Essex, and Clinton cos., in close proximity to each other. The streams, forming the outlets of the
lakes, are mostly small. The whole region being a mountainous plateau higher than the surround
ing country, the streams that rise here flow in all directions and form tributaries of the St. Lawrence,
Lake Champlain, the Hudson, Mohawk, and Black Rivers. Several of the rivers have the same
name as the lakes which respectively form their headwaters ; as the Racket, Chazy, and Chateaugay.1
This wholo region is primitive, the rock heing principally gneiss. Calciferous sandstone and
Trenton limestone are found upon Sacondaga River. White limestone is also found in several
localities. Peat is found in great abundance in the vlaies, or natural meadows, which extend along
the valleys. Iron ore and graphite are both found, — though no surveys have been made to ascer-
tain their extent. A large amount of labor has been expended in mining for silver; with what
success is unknown. The soil is a light, sandy loam, and, except in the valleys, is not susceptible
of profitable cultivation. The mountain sides are covered with a thin growth of forest trees, and
when cleared seem incapable of supporting vegetation. The valleys at first are productive, but,
being deficient in lime, as soon as the vegetable mold is exhausted they become barren.
The county seat is located at Sageville, in the town of Lake Pleasant.2 The co. buildings, con-
sisting of a courthouse, jail, and clerk's office, were erected in 1840. Each town supports its own
poor, and the co. poor are provided for by the Superintendent at the most convenient place. There
has never been a paper printed within the co.3 The public works are entirely prospective.* Most
of the territory of the co. is included in the Totten and Crossfield Purchase of 1773.5 Grants
within the limits of the co. were made in colonial times to Sir Jeffrey Amherst, Henry Balfour, and
Thomas Palmer. Arthursboro, in Morehouse, was granted to Arthur Noble. The first settlement
was made about 1790.
ARIETTA6 — was formed from Lake Pleasant, May 13, 183G. A part of Long Lake was
taken off in 1837. It extends from the s. w. border northward nearly across the co., a little w. of
the center. Its surface is much broken, and it contains a great number of wild, picturesque lakes.
Of these, Racket and Forked Lakes, in the n. part, and Piseco,7 in the s., are the most important.
The principal streams are the w. and s. branches of Sacondaga River. A considerable amount of
lumbering is carried on.8 IPlseco, formerly a p.o., and once a busy village of Bome 250 inhabit-
ants, is now nearly deserted, aud contains but 4 families.9 There is no p.o. in town. The first
settler was Shadrack Dunning, at the e. end of Piseco Lake, in 1827, and David Woolworth, in
the s. part, about the same time. Rensselaer Van Rensselaer, of Albany, settled in 1834.10
GILMAU11- was formed from Wells, April 23, 1839. A part was annexed to Wells in 1858.
It is an interior town, extending in a long, narrow strip near the e. border of the co. Its surface
is much broken by mountains and diversified by small lakes. Several of the highest peaks in the co.
are in this town; but their elevations have never been ascertained. It is the least populous town
in the State. Gilman (p.o.) is in the s. border. Most of the settlers are in the s. part, a few
only living on the extreme n. border, quite isolated from their fellow townsmen. Philip Rhine-
lander, a wealthy merchant of New York, began the first settlement.12
1 If this system of naming lakes could be extended, it would
greatly assist those who wish to understand the geography of
this region. To make it complete, the eighth lake in the Fulton
chain should be named Moose Lake; Cranberry Pond, Oswe-
gatchie Lake; Messewepie Pond, Grasse Lake; Ragged Lake,
Salmon; Colden Lake, Hudson; and Piseco Lake, Sacondaga;
and then the direction of the flow of the waters would be at once
apparent from the names of the lakes.
2 The first co. officers were Richard Peck, First Judge ; Saml.
Call, County Clerk; James Harris, Sheriff: G. R. Parburt, Dis-
trict Attorney; and Thos. II. Kline, Surrogate.
'The Hamilton County Sentinel, printed at
Johnstown and edited at Sageville, was started in 1S45
by Clark & Thayer. It was subsequently in the hands
of Clark & Holmes, and is now issued by Clark &
Fish.
* The route of the Ontario & Hudson R. R., from Saratoga to
Sackets Harbor, extends through the N. part of the co. The
route is located; but no grading has been done within the co.
Several surveys have been made to test the practicability of
connecting Piseco Lake with Lake Pleasant, the Fulton chain
with Racket Lake, and Uackot River with the Upper Saranac
Luke, for the purpose of forming a slackwater navigation through
the co. These schemes have been pronounced feasible. Con-
siderable sums have been expended upon some of the streams so
Hall, in July, 1773. It was estimated to contain 800,000 acres.
— Council Minutes, XXXI, p. 31.
It was surveyed by Ebenezpr Jessnp and associates.
6 Named by Rensselaer Van Rensselaer, in honor of his
mother.
7 Named by Joshua Brown, a surveyor, from an Indian chief
of his acquaintance. It is about 5 mi. long and 1 to lj wide.
It is one of the most picturesque sheets of water in the co. Tho
mountains around it are over 500 feet above its surface.
8 Henry Devereaux. some years since, began lumbering on a
large scale in the s. part, and built a tram R. R. some 8 or 10 mi.
long. He also spent many thousand dollars in buildings and
machinery ; but the enterprise proved a failure.
9 In 1838 Andrew K. Morehouse, an extensive landholder,
built at this place a gristmill, sawmill, machine shop, a large
hotel and boarding house, and some half dozen dwellings.
Strong inducements were offered to settlers; but they became
dissatisfied with the title, and one by one dropped off. In 1843
he again tried to retrieve his fortunes by the formation of a
joint stock Co. and induced some 200 settlers to come in. Some
returned the same day; others remained a week or a month.
10 Eli Rood, of Saratoga, settled on the beech flats s. E. of Piseco
Lake; R. Dibble and Seth Whitman near the foot of the lake;
and Zadock Ross, from Clifton Park. s. of the lake. The first
birth was that of Miss M. M. Dunning, Aug. 28, 1829; the first
that logs might be floated down. marriage, that of Amos Dunning and Ann Eliza Plummer; and
5 A large share of this tract has reverted to the State by es- the first death, that of Seth Whitman. A school was taught by
cheat, confiscation, and tax sales. It was purchased, at the re- Ann E. Plummer, in 1833.
quest and expense of Joseph Totten, Stephen Crossfield, and i U Named from John M. Gilman, an early settler, from N. H.
others, from the Mohawk aud Canajoharie Indians, at Johnsons ! 12 >ir. Rhinelander cleared 300 acres for a stock farm, and built
22
338 HAMILTON COUNTY.
HOPE1 — was formed from "Wells, April 15, 1818. A part of Lake Pleasant was annexed May
10, 1S47. It lies upon Sacondaga River, in the s.e. corner of the co. Its surface is broken and
mountainous. It is the most populous town in the co., and the settlements are chiefly in the e.
part. The w. portion is still a wilderness, known only to hunters. The mountains are very irre-
gular; but in general they extend upon both sides of the river, and, as usual in this region, have
their longest slope to the s. w. The principal tributary of the Sacondaga is East Stony Creek ; and
the main range of mountains lies between this stream and the river.2 Lumbering and tanning are
extensively carried on. Hope Center, Benson, and Benson Center are p. offices.
Hope Falls (p. o.) is a hamlet. Settlement was begun in 1790, in the s. border of the town.3
1\I>I i\ LIRE— was formed from Oilman, Long Lake, and Wells, Nov. 13, 1858. It lies
upon the e. border of the co., >*. of the center.4
LIKE PUEASAWT— was formed from Johnstown, Fulton co., May 26, 1812. Parts of
Stafford, Johnstown, and Salisbury were annexed at the time of the formation of Hamilton co.
Morehouse was taken off in 1835, Arietta in 1836, and a part of Long Lake in 1837. A part was
annexed to Hope in 1847, and a part to "Wells in 1858. It is the central town of the co., and in-
cludes a long tract extending from n. to s. to within a few mi. of each extremity of the co. Its
surface is broken and mountainous, and most of it is still a wilderness. Lake Pleasant, from which
it derives its name, is about 4 mi. long by 1 wide. Round Lake, $ mi. from this, is very irregular
in form, and about 1$ mi. across in the widest part.5 The Eckford chain of lakes, in the n. part,
are in the midst of wild mountain solitudes. The upper of these is named Janet Lake.6 The
principal streams in the s. are the n. and w. branches of the Sacondaga, and in the n. the Racket
and its tributaries. A mine of graphite has been opened 4 mi. x. of Sageville. Limestone mixed
with silex and mica, from which quicklime is obtained, is found s. of Lake Pleasant. Lumbering
and shingle making are carried on to a considerable extent. Lake Pleasant, (p.o.,) at the
foot of the lake, contains a hotel and 2 dwellings. Sageville7 (p. v.) is situated on a beautiful
elevation 50 feet above Lake Pleasant8 and Round Lake, about one-fourth of a mi. distant from
each. It contains the co. buildings, a large hotel, a church, and several dwellings. Settlement was
commenced about 1795, by Joseph Spier, of Columbia co.9 Meetings were first held by Rev. Elisha
Yale ; and the first settled minister was Rev. Ryan Bristol.
LO\G LAKE — was formed from Arietta, Lake Pleasant, Morehouse, and "Wells, May 4,
1*37. It extends across the x. end of the co., and is named from the principal lake within its
b<>r<lcrs. Its surface is very broken, and numerous small lakes are scattered through its forests.
Settlement was begun in Township 21, a few years before the date of its organization.10 There is
no p.o. in town.
MOREHOUSE11 — was formed from Lake Pleasant, April 13, 1835. A part of Long Lake was
taken off in 1837. It extends along the w. border of the co., from the s. extremity to Long Lake.
a costly mansion on Elm Lake, in Township 9, several mi. dis- \ making tho geological survey of the 2<1 district. She was tho
tan" phbors. II- remained here until tho death of his ! daughter of Henry Eckford, the celebrated shipbuilder, from
wife, in lM1* or 19, and -o u ifter, being struck with paralysis,
was obliged to return to New York, the property^ after ra
sales. i« DOW o«!i 1 DJ Dr. Elliott, an Oculist of \i w York I'ity.
n and lii-i - ns wen the next settlers. John Carter, An-
<!r •■•* Mr- - -l Johnson, Jr, Wo. B. Peck, Win. Orcutt,
and others w re early sctth r-*. Mrs. Rhlnelandar wai the iir-t
'm1 man taught the first school, in 1823.
No inn ha* STSi In town.
1 BaftS arc 2 large tuaarii I In tOWD, and several sawmill*.
1 Theno mountain" are entirely primitive, and Incline to the
--'tune and feldf]
fOldCDD. and Jeremiah Otmstead, from Ma*"., were the first
sutlers. Issachar BoMnson, i . I at Derflle, Jacob
Bob -:. John <.r*!T. Ill 1 rii-.lv> Wright settled about 17P1-92, n
little H. Of tike Center of tbt town. 7.v|ock Bass, Conklln,
Elk.vnah. Amos, and I«.w Mason cai • z. part In 1605.
Tic fir«t birth was that f I instead; and the flr-t
whom the chain of lakes was named.
I K Down for several \ • an 01 " Lake rUatatti" until changed
throng!) the agency of llezekiafa Sage, of Chittenango, who built
a large hotel and attempted to establish an extensive business
there. Efforts have been made to procure a change of the pre-
sent name, but without sua
8 A lew years since. Abraham R. Lawrence, of New York City,
built a large hotel for summer resort at the head of Lake Pleasant
As a speculation it proved a failure.
9 Herd. Macomber, John Barnes, Joseph Davis, Joshua and
Jonathan Rich. Jesse Gallop, Caleb Hlchols, Geo. Wright, Ephraim
; Daniel Pish, Henry Burton, Lemuel Holmes, and B. Satcr-
lce settled in town before 1806. Tho first birth was that of
Olivia Spier, InlSOO; and the second, that of Eleanor Macomber,
who died a missionary in Burmah. Geo. Wright kept the fiist
inn. In 1806, and YVm. B. reck the first store, in 1817. A saw-
mill was built by Foster, in 1705; and a gristmill, by
• . that of Mr«. Conklin, about I***). Wilson, a Scotch- .b i b Spier, in 17!*7.
man. kept the fir»t id ,0 David Keller. James Sargent. Owen Skinner, Zenas Parker
« Thi« town has l*-n formed BUMS BBS statistics were collected ; , Joel l'lumley, and John Cunningham were first settlers. The
andltsdescilptlunaad Motorjran : m those of the towns , first death ocenrred In 1838. A school was first taught in 1840
from which it was ftWBBSd. by Lochia Bissell. There are now 3 schools in town. A Cong
* Tb<- summit kftaj bstll.1l Bound Lake and Little Long church was formed in 1*42, by Ilev. John Todd, of Pittsfield,
Lake is but a few feet above th" water. In Vol season" water Mass.. and placed under the charge of Rev. M. Parker. This is
rnru b-ith ways, and 2-'> mi. of slackwater navigation might 1* the most secluded town in the State. It is usually reached from
made at comparatively small expsfJtB. Bound Lake Bowl into Essex co., to which the settlers resort for their mails and trade,
the y. branch of the Sacondaga. and Little I>,ng Lake Into the ■ Schroon River p.o., Essex co., is the nearest and most
w. branch, — so that, after running 25 and 35 mi. respectively, r msBMDt office for receiving mails,
their waters again unite. " Named from the first settler.
• Named from Mrs. James E. De Kay, by Dr. Emmons, while
HAMILTON COUNTY.
[OQ
Its surface is hilly and mountainous. In tho several valleys which extend across the town are
numerous lakes. Jerseyfield Lake, upon the s. border, is the principal lake in the 8. part. The
5th, Gth, 7th, and 8th lakes of the Fulton chain, in the n. part, discharge their waters into Moose
River. Jones, Deer, Goose, and several other lakes flow into West Canada Creek. Morcliousc-
Ville in the s. part, is a p.o. The Arthurboro Patent was mostly within the limits of this town.
The tract of 50,000 acres purchased by Jonathan Lawrence was also partly in this town.1 The
first settlement was commenced, under the agency of Andrew K. Morehouse, in 1833.2
WElil<Ss was formed from Mayfield and Northampton, Fulton co., May 28, 1805. Hope was
taken off in 1818, a part of Long Lake in 1837, and Gilman in 1839. A part of Mayfield was
annexed June 19, 1812; parts of Mayfield and Northampton in 1816; and parts of Gilman and
Lake Pleasant in 1858. It lies along the e. border of the co. and forms a part of the hunting
grounds of Northern N. Y. Its s. part is inhabited by a few families on Indian Lake. It is intersected
by mountain ranges separated by deep, narrow valleys. The highest peaks are 2,000 to 2,500 feet
high and are covered by masses of naked rock. The three branches of the Sacondaga unite in the
s. part, forming a large stream. Jessup and Cedar Rivers, in the n., are large streams. Indian
Lake is a sheet of water about 6 mi. long ; and further n. is a cluster of small lakes flowing into
the Hudson. There are numerous other small lakes in other parts, known only to hunters. The
soil is light and sandy. Calciferous sandstone appears in situ above Wells Village. "Wells (p. v.)
contains a large tannery, gristmill, sawmill, and 15 dwellings; Pickleville, one-half mi. above,
contains 2 churches and 15 dwellings. Settlement began in 1798.*
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Hamilton County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
POPULATION.
to
ft
e
*>
V
05
h
*o
fC
<u
<S
18
19
116
33
22
51
93
Schools.
■e
B
©
|
5
E
s
*>
JO
"3
B5
1 1
s
to
1
s
1
5
i
1
i
32
21
148
53
29
59
146
vf
6
1
8
5
3
2
7
32
E .
674
803
6,729
2.737
744
l,186i
3,802 i
197,760
90.902
56.168
150.418
150.835
6,7964
114.099
$75,015
46,559
65,231
99.046
49.937
39,276
96.313
$380
1,028
550
1,420
3,378
$75,395
46.559
66,259
99,596
49.937
39,276
97,733
77
52
451
162
71
147
430
72
38
371
138
68
128
338
32
21
135
52
28
56
137
31
21
351
147
60
89
318
Wells
Total
16.6751
766.9781 :
471,377
474,755
1,390
1,153
461
488 352
1,017
Names or Towns.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
11
i
1
e>2
III
g
6
a,
03
E
03
Bush, of Grain.
1
1
444
229
\ 1,7511
' 586
141
l 4564
666
S|tt(
2 a>
45
2,326
128
953
Daisy Products.
fc
i
a. a;
3.770
2.900
28,803
16,935
3,622
8,202
19,050
to
II
1,300
570
800
16
17
164
35
7
16
83
92
109
585
193
59
175
391
5
1
30
12
3
9
22
~ 85
2 7
3 861
5 155
5 38
3 116
1 304
27
16
6
871
652
12,475
3,348
1.509
1,976
6,515
27,347
1,450
1.247
9,916
2,641
2,226
3,188
4,589
20
i
374
70
317
682
205! 24
89 31
39 1 152
25 '
Wells
109
510
70
Total
338 1 1,604
2 1,481
283
fc 4,274
25,2
57
3
459
83,282
2,670
1,463
1 The Arthurboro Patent included 3 townships, one 10 and
the others each 8 mi. square. It was granted to Arthur Noble,
Feb. 15. 1787, for 1 shilling per acre. He endeavored to effect
the settlement of 100 families, but failed. The tract to Mr.
Lawrence wa9 granted for 3£ shillings per acre.
2 Mr. Morehouse bought a tract of land, built a sawmill, store,
and dwelling, and came in with his family early in Aug. 1834.
He began a small village 1 mi. w. of Morehouseville, called
'■ Bethnneville ;" but the project failed. Dennis and Henry
Tucker, Theodore Marnche, Ezra Combs, Jonathan Tift, Chris-
tian Weaver, Elias Rickard. J. B. Reily, and B. Bennett were
early settlers. The first birth was that of a son of Wm. Baker;
the first marriage, that of David Bushnell and Miss Squires ;
aDd the first death, that of a son of Christian Weaver, by a fall-
ing tree. A gristmill was first built in 1843, by John Cum-
mings ; and the first tannery, in 1854, by Henry and Theodore
Larken.
8 Named from Joshua Wells, the first settler.
4 Joshua Wells, a native of Long Island, who came on as agent
for the proprietors of Palmer's Purchase, in 1798, built the first
mills. Isaac and Joshua Brown came with Wells, and kept
" bachelors' hall" several summers before any families came in.
Amasa Gage, Giles ATanderhoof. Nicholas Bradt, John Francisco,
Elnathan Lacy, Michael Overacken, Isaiah Whitman, Rose,
and others, were early settlers. Van Zandt kept the first
store; and Piatt Whitman built the first tannery, in 1825.
HERKIMER COUNTY.
This county waa formed from Montgomery, Feb. 16, 1791.1 Onon-
daga was taken oft" in 1794, Oneida and a part of Chenango in
1798; the present territory of Hamilton co. was taken off and an-
nexed to Montgomery in 1797; parts of Montgomery co. were
annexed April 7, 1817 ; and parts of Richfield and Plainfield, Otsego
co., were annexed in forming Winfield in 1816. It is centrally dis-
tant 80 mi. from Albany, and contains 1,745 sq. mi. Its surface is
a hilly upland, with a series of ridges extending in a general x. and
S. direction. Mohawk River flows e. through the co. in a deep
valley which cuts the ridges at right angles and separates the high-
land into two distinct parts. A broad ridge extends from the s.
border to the Mohawk, and thence x. of that river along the w.
bank of East Canada Creek to the x. line of the co. The Ilasenclever Mts., another broad ridge, lie
along the w. border of the co., x. of the Mohawk. From the Mohawk the highlands rise toward
the s. in a series of hills, the declivities of which are steep and their summits 500 to 1,000 ft. high.
North of the river the surface gradually rises to a height of 1,000 to 1,500 ft., where it spreads out
into a rocky and broken plateau region, the highest summits being 2,500 to 3,000 ft. above tide.
Mohawk River breaks through a mountain ridge at Little Falls, the valley forming a natural
channel of communication between Lake Ontario and Hudson River. At this place the mountains
on each side of the river are masses of naked rock rising nearly perpendicular to a height of 500
to 600 ft. An intervale, with an average width of 2 mi., extends along the river w. of the pass,
and from it the land rises on each side in gradual slopes. East of this point the Mohawk flows for
some distance through a valley bordered by steep and nearly perpendicular hills. The river re-
ceives from the x., Sterling, West Canada, Cathatachua, and East Canada Creeks; and from the s.
Furnace, Browns Hollow, and Nowadaga Creeks. East Canada Creek2 forms a portion of the e.
boundary of the co., and receives as tributaries Trammel, Spruce, and several other small creeks.
"West Canada Creek flows s. w. through Wilniurt, Ohio, and Russia, thence s. e. along the w. border
of Russia, thence s. through Newport, Fairport, and Herkimer, to the Mohawk. It receives from
the e. Black, White, and North Creeks, and from the w. several small brooks. Several small
Streams take their rise in the s. part of the co. and form branches of the Unadilla. The n. part
of the co. is yet an unbroken wilderness. It is a wild, mountainous region, with very little land
susceptible of cultivation. The streams, usually flowing in deep, rocky ravines, form headwaters
of Black, Moose, Beaver, and Oswcgatchie Rivers.
The portion of the co. lying n. of a line extending w. of Brocketts Bridge, on East Canada Creek,
U covered with primary rocks.3 This same formation also outcrops at Little Falls on the Mohawk.
H -surely above the primary are the Trenton limestone, appearing in Norway and
Russia; the Utica slate, appearing upon the summits of all the hills immediately n. of the Mo-
hawk; the Frankfort Blate, appearing immediately s. of the river; the Oneida conglomerate and
Clint'. n group, extending in a belt through near the center of the s. half of the co. ; the Onondaga
gronp, waterliine, < Innn laga and enrniforous limestones, appearing in thin layers next s. ; and
the Marcellufl shales and limestones of the Helderbergh Range, covering the summits of the s. hills.
These rocks yield an abundance of lime, waterlime, and building material in nearly every part
of the 00. ; and for these purposes they are extensively quarried. Drift is found in deep deposits
in many parts of the oo. The useful minerals are few in number.*
riculture f"rms the leading pursuit. The hilly character of the surface particularly adapts
this 00. SO pasturage ; and dairying lias lung ]>een the leading branch of industry.5 Hops are
'This n.im" was nrieiml!y " Bryhtwtar ;" and it has
i -, . I y written, m H«rcnk«tiD«r, Barenlger, Barketnetr,
Bar h ini r. Ban ban r. ilarkemar, and II- r* a r — Iknton't
II
in..' Canada Creek m ■ tha Indium ftugb-tagn-
ra-row, nn.l the I Cto-havoa.
* Tho rocks | •< «ro granite. frn»i«. feld-
uparaad hornblende, c.il. if-rona eandny-k i« f"iuil s-» ■
\»ith goda at Utile Fall«.
•Gvp«nm is found in small quantitie* ; and this co. U laid to
8tf
I-1 the tiK"<' easterly point in tho State where it can he ob-
tained. The discovery of small particles of anthracite, found
aaaocint'-d with sandstone near Little Falls, has led to the erro-
neous supposition that coal might bo obtained in tho vicinity.
Among the ether minerals (bond are crystals of quartz, adapted
to optical instruments. Iron sand, iron and copper pyrites, lead
or-', heavy spar, graphite, alum, and alum slate.
s The amount of cheese produced in this co. is three times as
ercat as in any other co. in tho State.
II E R K I M E It COUN T Y.
largely produced. At Little Falls, and a few other localities, considerable manufacturing is car
ried on.
The county seat is located at the village of Herkimer.1 The courthouse is a fine brick building
fronting Main St., near the center of the village. The jail is a stone building, on the opposite side
of the st. from the courthouse. The clerk's office is a fireproof brick building, upon the courthouse
lot, fronting Court St. The poorhouse is located upon a farm of G5 acres Gi mi. n. of the court-
house. The average number of inmates is 130, supported at a weekly cost of $1.30 each. The farm
yields a revenue of about $700. A school is taught about G months in the year. The institution is
in good condition and seems to be well managed.2 The works of internal improvement within the
co. are the Erie Canal and the N. Y. Central R. R., both extending along the valley of the Mohawk.
Four weekly newspapers are now published in the co.s
The lands of this co. adjacent to the river were granted mostly in the first half of the last cen-
tury, and the greater portion now settled was conveyed before the Revolution. The N. portion
and small tracts in other sections remained in possession of the State Government until conveyed
to Macomb and others.4
1 The first courthouse of the co. was located at Whitesboro,
now Oneida co. The first courthouse and jail at Herkimer was
burned Jan. 25, 1834. The first co. officers were Henry Staring,
First Judge; Michael Myers, Hugh White, and Abraham Har-
denburgh, Judges; Jonas Piatt, Clerk; Wm. Colbreath, Sheriff;
and Moses De Witt, Surrogate.
2 The two main buildings of this institution are of stone, and
are each 30 by 46 feet.
8 The Telescope was commenced at Herkimer about 1S02 by
Benj. Corey. It was purchased by David Holt and J. B.
Robbins, and discontinued in Jan. 1805.
The Farmers' Monitor was commenced in the same office in
1805 by Holt & Robbins. It was discontinued in 1807.
The Herkimer Pelican was commenced in 1807 or "OS by Benj.
Corey, and was discontinued about 1810.
The Herkimer American was commenced in 1810 by J. II. & II.
Prentiss. Wm. L. Stone afterward became the pub-
lisher. In 1813 or '14 he sold it to Edward P. Seymour,
who continued its publication until 1831, when it was
discontinued.
Bunker Hill was commenced at Herkimer in 1810 by G. G.
Phinney. Its name was changed in 1812 to
The Honest American, under which title it was published a few
years.
The People's Friend was commenced at Little Falls in Sept.
1821, by Edward M. Griffin. It was successively pub-
lished by Joseph A. Noonan. Horatio N. Johnson, and
E. G. Palmer & H. N. Johnson. In 1830 it was pub-
lished as
The People's Friend and Little Falls Gazette. In July, 1834. it
passed into the hands of N. S. Benton & Co., who
changed its name to
The Mohawk Courier, under which title it is now pub-
lished by A. W. Eaton.
The Herkimer Herald was commenced in 1828 by John Car-
penter. It was removed in a few years to Oswego.
The Republican Farmers' Free Press was commenced at Herki-
mer in 1830 by Holt ; B. B. Hotehkin, editor. In
1834. it was removed to Little Falls and its name
changed to
The Herkimer County Whig, under which title it was published
about 2 years by Lamed W. Smith.
Tlie Ine/uirer was published a short time at Little Falls by
Larned W. Smith.
The Herkimer County Journal was commenced in
Dec. 1837, by a company: J. C. Underwood, editor. E.
P. Seymour, printer. In 1838 it passed into the hands
of O. A. Bowe. and in 1849 to Orlando Squires, who re-
moved it to Little Falls. He was succeeded by Daniel
Ayer, by whom the paper is now published.
I" Small papers. A few numbers were issued
Key of David, Jin 1853 or '54 by O. Squires. The latter
Eclectic Bulletin,) paper was designed as a daily, but was
[issued only tri-weekly.
The Watchman was issued by Squires about 6 months in 18 — .
Tlie Democratic Vindicator was issued by Squires about 2 weeks
in IS—.
The Enterprise was issued at Little Falls in 1839 by E. M.
Griffin. In 1841 it was succeeded by
The Mohawk Mirror, semi-mo. This paper was discontinued in
1S44.
The Tribune and Spirit of '98 w -e published at Little Falls a
short time in IS— by EL vT. Johnson.
The Herkimer Freeman was commenced at Little Falls in July.
1844, by 0. A. Bowe. In 1850 he removed it to Mohawk
and changed the name to
Tlie Mohawk Times. It was soon after discontinued.
The Frankfort Democrat was commenced in 1842 by J. M. Lyon
& W. B. Holmes. In 1844 it was removed to Herkimer
and its name changed to
The Herkimer County Democrat. In 1848 Mr. Lyon was suc-
ceeded by Robert Earl. In 1850 C. C. Witherstine be-
came interested in its publication, and in March, 1854,
he became sole proprietor. In Sept. 1854, J. L. Hayse
was associated with Mr. Witherstine, and in Dec. 1855,
the name of the paper was changed to
The Herkimer American. In May, 1S56, Mr. Hayse withdrew ;
and in July following the paper passed into tho hands
of R. W. Crain & J. T. Stevens, who clianged its name to
The Herkimer County Democrat. Withers-
tine soon after became proprietor; and in June, 1859,
the paper passed into the hands of H. G. Crouch, its
present publisher.
The llion Independent was commenced in Jan. 1855; G. W.
Bungay, editor, Wm. L. Fish & II. W.Lyman, publishers.
Tn Jan. 1858. it was removed to TJtica.
Tlie Mohawk Valley Sentinel was commenced at
Mohawk in Jan. 1855, by L. W. Peters & G. W. G^uld.
In May following Mr. Peters became sole proprietor,
and is its present publisher.
4 List of Patents, Tracts, and Grants of Land in Herkimer County.
Tracts.
Adgate's Patent*
Brown's Tract*
Burnetsfield Patent*
Golden, C, Patent
Colden, N., Patent
Cosby's Manor*
Fall Hill Patent
Free Mason's Patent*
Glen's Purchase
Hasenclever's Patent
Henderson's Patent*
Jerseyfield Patent*
Johnson's, Guy, Patent
Kast's Patent
Lansing's Patent*
L'Hommedieu's Patent
Lindsay's Patent
Lispenard's Patent*
Livingston's Patent*
Machin's Patent*.....
Patentees.
Date.
Mathew Adgate
Part of Macomb's Purchase
John Joost Petrfe and 93 others
Cadwallader Colden and C. Kightmeyer
Alexander Colden and 3 others
Joseph Worrell, Wm. Cosby, and 9 others
John Joost and Hendrick Herkimer
Wm. and Robert Bayard and 53 others
Jacob Glen and others
Peter Hasenclever and 17 others
.(as. Henderson and 2 others
Henry Glen and 93 others ,
<! uy Johnson (forfeited)
Johan .luigh East ami others, — his children...
Jacob Lansing and 2 others
Ezra L'Hommedieu and N. Piatt
John Lindsay and Philip Livingston
Leonard Lispenard, sen. and jr.. and 13 others
Philip Livingston and 19 others
Thomas Machin
1798
48,907
1792"
210.000
1725
9,400
1738
3,000
1761
4,000
1734
22,1 .11
1752
2,324
1771
1736. '39, 'GO
2.'..477
1769
18,0 0
17.39
1770
9-1 1
1765
2.000
1724
1.100
1758
6,1 I 0
17m',
4,000
1730
8.
1770
9,200
1762
20,000
1786
1,600
Acres.
342
HERKIMER COUNTY.
The first settlements were made upon the river intervales above Little Falls, about 1722, by a
colony of Palatinates. Accessions were made to their number from time to time, and up to the
close of the Revolution they constituted almost the sole inhabitants of the co. During the French
"W ar of 1750, this colony was twice invaded, and numbers of the people were killed or carried
away prisoners.1 During the Revolution also it was repeatedly invaded : the buildings and crops
were destroyed ; and at last the inhabitants were obliged to abandon their homes and seek protec-
tion in the lower part of the valley. The German Flats were invaded by a body of 300 tories and
152 Indians, under Brant, in Sept. 1778. This party burned 03 dwellings, 57 barns, 3 gristmills,
2 sawmills, and killed or took off 235 horses, 229 horned cattle, 209 sheep, and 93 oxen. Only 2
persons lost their lives ; and the forts were not attacked. A party of militia pursued them on
their retreat, but without effecting any thing. Andrustown, in Warren, was burned in July
of the same year. A stockade fort was built at the German Flats, and another at Danube, a short
time previous to the commencement of the French War. In 1770 another fort was built at Her-
kimer, ft. of the Mohawk : and strung blockhouses were erected in several other parts of the co.2
This co. shared in the loss of men at the battle of Oriskany. Gen. Arnold came as far as Ger-
man Flats in the summer of 1777, on his way to relieve Fort Schuyler ; and from this place was
sent the tory Ilan Yost Schuyler, to spread alarm among the savages in St. Leger's camp and
hasten the abandonment of the siege.
After the war the settlements rapidly spread, and within 15 years over 10,000 persons from New
England and the eastern cos. of the State located in the central and s. portions of the co. From
that time its progress has been gradual and continually prosperous.
COLl'MBIl3 — was formed from "Warren, June 8, 1812. It lies on the s. border of the co.,
w. of the center. Its surface is rolling and moderately hilly, with an average elevation of 500 to
000 ft. above the Moh> svk. The streams are small brooks, a portion of them flowiug n. to the
Mohawk and the remainder flowing s. to the Unadilla. The soil is a clayey loam and generally
fertile. Columbia Center (Columbia p. o.) contains 98 inhabitants; Cedar ville, (p. v.,)
on the line of Litchfield, 2 churches, a tannery, and 1-15 inhabitants. South Columbia, in
the s. e. part, is a p.o. The first settlement was commenced before the Revolution, by families
From the Mohawk;4 but their improvements were abandoned during the war. The first religious
services (Ref. Prot. D.) were held at an early period. Abram Rosegrantz was the first preacher.5
DAM'BE8 — was formed from Minden, (Montgomery co.,) April 7, 1817. Stark was taken
Tbacts.
Patentees.
M. ami- Patent*
River Tract*
P ■ •*
- Pan base
htmr.-ti Patent*
:;t
■t
Bnell .1 Zlmmen trl
• s Patent, Island Jd Tnu-t.
•• ' ■ Trart.
-•f:- 1 !'- Pop liase*-.
•it
tent
\ U !
' ■
ract«
Young*! Patent*
John McNeil and 3 others
Ansun Blake
Arthur Noble
Philip Livingston and 2 others
Henry Item-in ami .'i others
sir Wm. Johnson, after 1766)
Abraham Lynsen and 21 others
Jacob Zimmerman and .'. J. Schnell
Rndolpb Btalpy and 17 others
Ooenradl and Fr.-l Frank and -4 others..
Zepfa intah Piatt
John Van Driessen
Vim hri' Hen
At i. ill mi \ in Hoi ne and •"• "thcrs
John \ > i 7 others
■ oman
Wm. Wilt. .ii. jr.. and 11 others
M ■■Hi.'- Pun haw
Tbeot-ald Y'.uiii; and 10 "tliers
Date.
J< T.J\
17fil
4,000
1S47
13,080
1787
40.960
1717
i',.noo
1787
•Knnii
1766
43.000
1755
3.C00
1755
84,000
1766
5,000
1786
25.200
17m;
42S
1737
1.000
1731
8,000
1770
8,000
■SO. "90
14,108
1708
12.000
1792
1752
14.000
Th— • marked with a iter extci - •• may thin overlap. For a full statement of titles, see B'liton't
tract* reverted I . ! // rl tmer, pp. 2iX), 475.
■ my in th- Hi trantu |
■ 344.
2 fort H-rklmor wn t.nilt In t). War. and Poll
- d jn-t before the Bi former rtood around
• stone church »nl other buddingi In Oerrnan Flats.
and th- latter a lew rode Drom the Ms of the preaenl court-
honee, iu Beridmar VOlaga. At the 1 lotion
were but (Welling* • forts, bul there
rge populati"ii it th- tiuml>«r of dwelling;* in the
cuntrv around.
•This town cmbrar.-s BtalerV
■floti t.n the w.. — a umall triangular piece Drom th" ».w. corner
,,f g - Patent, and all of the patent to Cocnradt Frank
and others, except 7 lots on the e.
* Among tho early si-t tiers were Conrad Orendorf. Oonrad
Frank, Ooniad Palmer, Frederick Christian, Timothy Frank,
Nicholas LighthaU, Joseph Mover, and Henry Prank. Tho
settlement wan named "Cbonrtx/stoyi" at an early day. — Bmtm'i
•r. />. 390.
PbfJjD Amman taught the first school, (Herman,} in 1 7 1 > r, . and
• I I Phelps :m Kiil-Ii-Ii sal 1, ill 1706. I'll" first store was
by David W. Golden and BenJ. Mix. In 17'."'.. The first
Ln-tiiiill was Imilt in 1791-92, hy Andrew Miller and Geo. Bell,
at Millers Mills.
'- There nro 2 churches in town ; Ref. Prot. D. and F. W
Ban.
6 Named from the river Danube.
II E It K I M E R CO U N T Y.
off in 1828. It lies on the e. border of the eo., s. of the center. Its surface is hilly in the center,
rising 400 to 800 ft. above the Mohawk; and it is broken by ravines on each side of the volley of
the creek. Fine flats extend along the Mohawk on the n. border. Th" principal stream is Nowadaga'
Creek, which flows n. e. through the town near the center. The soil is gravelly in the .v. and a sandy
loam in the s. In the x. part arc two sulphur springs. Newvillc (p. v.) contains 1 church and
20 houses, and Indian Castle* (Danube p. o., a hamlet) 1 church. Settlements are supposed
to have commenced as early as 1730 ; but no records have been preserved. During the Revelation the
settlements were broken up, and did not commence again until about 1780.' The first patents are
dated 1730—31.* A mission church was established here by Sir 'William Johnson in 1708. This
church had a bell, which the Indians attempted to carry off in the war, and for that purpose
secreted it. Search was made in vain. After sufficient time had elapsed the thieves, on returning
by night to bear away the coveted treasure, had their presence and business betrayed by tho
unruly member which they neglected to muffle. As it was borne along on a pole, its ringing
brought the Germans to its rescue with such weapons as they in their haste could snatch, and the
bell was recovered. The present church occupying the site of the old Mission Church is known as
the " Indian Castle Church." There are 2 union churches in town. This town was the residence
of King Hendrick5 and Joseph Brant,6 the celebrated Mohawk chiefs, and of Gen. Nicholas Her-
kimer.7 King Hendrick sustained a high character for sagacity and integrity, was warmly at-
tached to the English, and especially to Sir Wm. Johnson, whom he accompanied to Lake George
in the summer of 1755, where he was killed. He was recognized as a chief as early as 1097.
FAIRFIELD8 — was formed from Norway, Feb. 19, 1796. A part of Newport was taken off
in 1806, and a part of Little Falls in 1829. It lies in the interior of the co., near the center. Its
surface is a hillyupland, the center rising into a ridge 800 to 1,000 ft. above West Canada Creek.9
The streams are small. West Canada Creek flows s. on the w. border. The soil on the uplands is
mostly clay, and in the valleys it is gravelly, with local drift deposits of sand. Several fine quar-
ries of limestone are found in different parts.10 Fairfield, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 3
churches, an academy,11 a cheese box factory, and 60 houses ; Middleville, (p. v.,) on the line
of Newport, 1 church, a woolen factory, tannery,12 chair factory, grist and saw mill. Pop. 295.
Settlements were first made in 1770, by 3 German families named Maltanner, Goodbrodt, and Shaf-
fer, who located upon the Royal Grant.13 The first preacher was Rev. Fields, (Presb.,) in 1791."
1 Called by the Indians In-cha-nan-do.
2 Named from the upper Indian castle, or fort, built in 1710
on the flat just below the mouth of Nowadaga Creek. It was built
as one of the chain of defenses that guarded the approach to
Canada, and was armed with small cannon. The Indians lived
in clusters of huts around it.
* An inn was kept by Cornelius C. Van Alstyne, in 1795, and
a store by Peter Smith, at the same time. Andrew Nellie built
the first gristmill, near the mouth of Nowadaga, in 1800.
* Small portions of Fall Hill. Vaughan's, and L'Hommedieu's
Patents, the whole of Lindsey's. and parts of J. Vrooman's, C.
Colden's, Van Home's, and Lansing's Patents are in this town.
6 The dwelling of King Hendrick stood upon the high
ground near the site of the present Indian Castle Church.
On one occasion he remarked to Sir William Johnson that he
had dreamed a dream. On being questioned, he related that
the English agent had in his slumber appeared to present
him a suit of new clothes. Johnson fulfilled the dream, and
not long after had in turn a dream to relate to the chief, in
•which he thought the latter had presented to him a large tract
of land. The Indian was caught in his own trap. He, however,
gave the necessary title, but hinted, as he conveyed the lands
described, that they would have no more dreaming. This tract
was afterward known as the Royal Grant.
8 Brant lived in the same place that had been occupied by
Hendrick. Port Hendrick stood on land now owned by Abram
Owens, w. of the Nowadaga, on a small eminence overlooking
the flat. The fort was built in the French War.
1 General Herkimer's house is still standing, 3 mi. below
Little Falls, s. of the canal. It is of imported brick, and was
built in 1763, at a cost of $7,500 to $8,000. Some of the rooms
■were finished in panel work and were plastered on the brick
walls; and in its day the house was surpassed by none in this
section. It is now owned by Daniel Conner. Efforts were
made to buru it in the Revolution by throwing combustibles
upon the roof; but further attempts of this kind were prevented
by covering it with a layer of clay. Gen. Herkimer's grave is
25 rods s. E. from the house, on a knoll, and is marked by a
plain white tombstone inscribed as follows : —
"Gen.
NICHOLAS HERKIMER.
Died
Aug. 17, 1777,
Ten days after the battle of Oriskany. in which engagement ho
received wounds which caused his death."
Attempts have been repeatedly made to obtain the means to
erect a suitable monument ; but, notwithstanding the resolution
of Congress on the 4th of October, 1777, " that the Governor and
Council of New York be desired to erect a monument, at Con-
tinental expense, of the value of $500, to the memory of the late
Brigadier Harkemer, who commanded the militia of Tryon co.,
in the State of N. Y., and who was killed fighting gallantly in
defense of the liberty of three States," this order has been neg-
lected, and the citizen chief lies forgotten by the country tor
whose cause he gave his life. He was chairman of the Tryon
co. committee of safety. At the time of his death he was about
50 3'ears of age.
8"This town included nearly all of the Glen Purchase and the
first allotment of the Royal Grant.
9 The s. w. corner of the old college building is 1.276.8 ft. above
tidewater at Troy. The chapel threshold is 727 feet above low
water at W.Canada Creek at Middleville, and Barts Hill is 1,177
feet above the same.
10 Near Middleville are found beautiful crystals of quartz.
Most of them are perfectly transparent; and sometimes they
inclose a few drops of water or small pieces of anthracite
coal.
11 Fairfield Academy was established in 1S03. A medical de-
partment, incorp. as the College of Physicians and Surgeons,
was founded in 1809, and continued until 1S40. A conditional
college charter was granted to the academy in 1812, under the
name of •• Clinton College;" but the conditions were not com-
plied with.
l- This establishment manufactures $40,000 worth of calf-
skins and upper leather annually.
13 These settlers, though Royalists, were attacked by the In-
dians in 1779. Two members "of the families were killed, and
the others were carried into captivity. Families named Keller.
Windecker. and Pickert settled near the Manheim line, and
others settled on the Glen Purchase, before the war. Cornelius
Chatfield settled in March, and Abijah Mann in May. 17>,">.
Josiah, David, and Lester Johnson. John Bucklin. Benj. Bowen,
John Eaton. Nath'l and Wm. Brown, Sam'] Low, David Benae-
ley, Elisha Wyman, Comfort Eatou, Jeremiah Ballard. Wm.
Bucklin, Arnold, Daniel Tenner, Nathan Smith. Nahum
Daniels, Amos and Jas. Haile, Neely. and Peter and Beta
Ward, all from New England, settled soon after. The first
store was kept by Smith & Daniels, in 1792-93. The first
gristmill was built by Empie. and the first sawmill by
Samuel & Paul Green. A school was taught in 1795. by Win.
D. Gray; but others had been previously taught in the N. part
of the town.
w There are now 6 churches in town ; 2 fit E., Bap., Prot. E.,
Presb., and Cong.
344 HERKIMER COUNTY.
FRAXHFORT1 — was formed from German Flats, Feb. 5, 1796. It was divided in the forma-
tion of Oneida co. in 1798, and a part annexed to Deerfield. It lies on the w. border of the co., s.
of the Mohawk. Its surface is a broad intervale, rising into hills of moderate elevation on the
s. w. border, the highest points being about 500 ft. above the river. The Mohawk flows s. E. on the
n. border. The streams are small brooks and creeks. The soil on the uplands is a clayey and
slaty Loam, and on the flats an alluvial loam. Limestone ledges are found in the s. w. The most
important of these is called Ilorscbone Ledge. The stone is whitish and makes excellent lime.
Slate and calciferous sandstone are also found in some places. Frankfort, (p. v.,) in the n.e.,
near the Mohawk, contains 4 churches, 1 bank, a grist and saw mill, woolen factory, and distillery.
Pop. 1,150. Kew Gracfonbcrg' (p. o.) is the seat of a water cure, 4£ mi. from Utica.
Howards Rush (Frankfort Hill p. o.) is w. of the center. Jacob Folts made the first settle-
ment, on Lot 3, Burnetsfield Patent, before the Revolution.2 The census reports 7 churches in town.3
GERM AX FEATS4— was formed, as a district of "Tn/on co.," March 24, 1772. Its name
was exchanged with the Kingsland District, March 8, 1773. It was recognized as a town March 7,
1788. Frankfort, Litchfield, and Warren were taken off in 1796, and a part of Little Falls in
1829. It lies upon the s. bank of the Mohawk, s. of the center of the co. A fine intervale extends
along the river, and from it the surface gradually rises to a height of 300 to 400 ft. and spreads
out into an undulating upland. The valley of Fulmer Creek divides this upland into two nearly
equal parts. The other streams are small brooks. The soil is a clay and slaty loam upon the
hills, and a gravelly loam and alluvium in the valleys. Mohawk, (p. v.,) a canal village, in
the rr. w. part of the town, was incorp. April 16, 1844. It contains 3 churches, a bank, and news-
paper office. Pop. 1,355. Ilion (p. v.) is a canal village, 1$ mi. w. of Mohawk. It contains 2
churches, a bank, and Remmington's rifle factory. Pop. 813. Fort Herkimer, upon the
Mohawk, in the e. part, contains 2 churches and 20 houses. Denilisons Corners (Dennison
p. o.) and Fains Hollow are hamlets. The first settlements were made in 1722, by a colony
of Palatinates who had previously located upon the Hudson.5 The population rapidly increased
until 1756, when the whole settlement was laid waste by a party of Canadians, French, and Indians.6
A council was held with the Indians at this place, June 28, 1775, at which the Oneidas and Tus-
caroras agreed to remain neutral.7 During the Revolution the Indians committed many murders
in town ; and in July, 1782, they destroyed nearly the whole settlement.8 The German inhabitants
early espoused the Patriot cause ; and the first liberty-pole in the Mohawk Valley, erected here,
was cut down by Sheriff "White and a body of militia, who came up from Johnstown for the pur-
pose, in the spring of 1775. At the close of the war the settlements progressed with great rapidity.
A treaty was held with the Indians at Fort Herkimer, June 28, 1785, at which time the Oneidas
and Tuscaroras ceded to the State the territory lying between Unadilla and Chenango Rivers.
The first church was built of logs, in 1725 ; it was superseded by one built of stone, in 1707. The
building i< still standing, and is the most ancient structure in the co. It was commenced under a
permit granted in 1746, but from apprehension of Indian troubles it was delayed, and a new per-
mit was granted Oct. 6, 1751. It was not fully completed for use until 1767. Ou the 24th of
Sept. IT.;1'. Nicholas Wolever deeded Lot 30 of Burnetsfield Patent for church and school purposes.
A society was firmed soon after, and the conveyance was perfected April 26, 1733. Lotj 45, 46,
and 17 in German Flats were conveyed Sept. 18, 1755, by Hans Dedrick Stelly, and others, to
Peter Remsen, for the support of the Ref. Prot. D. church at this place. The first preacher was
\ grants.'
i Named from • !ik. mi early settler. A large
part of I 1 . ■ t - • l'i Patent,
4 lot* in Burn hi. | "f 1 lot In Prank's, H lob In
StaIoy'e,and i ; n't Patent,are In thli town. — Benton's
Jlrrkimr, ;
* Anvme the other early aettlera I Folta, Lndraw
rifxT. Dai I ; ' an K» m-.
ti Harris, John M'.rri«. John Myers, and Adam Weber.
in persona were killed, aud 150 taken prisoners. These nu.n
i re di abtless much .x.i^p.-i-.it. d. A small stookml.-.l fort,
called Port Konorl, was garrisoned at this time, and afforded
sbeltor for a portion of the Inhabitants. <>n the 80th of April.
it..--, ih" Prencl I Indiana made another attack upon tho
settlors, imii killed 80, losing 16 of their own number.
I On the 16th and 16th of Aug. 1776, another council was held
here by Turbo! Prancls and \ alkert P. I n, on the pari ol the
tl Welsh fniniii • 1800. The Aral Inn wat Commissioners for the Northern Department, to induce tin? In
feppt by John Myers. In 1795: the tir-t sawmill waa built by
John M ■■iii-t.r. iii 1794; and the • • Unill by Adam J.
Cam|il»ll. in 1-
» 4 M. V... Rap .. Ref. Prot !>.. nml 1'nlv.
• Named from the German aettlera who locate! on tli
hawk Rata Bt tlii- H
dlana to go tn Alimny t<> lmiii a greal council. They attended
at Albany soon after; bul sufflcdenl Inducements could not be
offered to detach them from (he royal cause.
* In July, 1782, a party ol 600 Indiana and tories entered the
mi ni. and were discovered by Peter Wolever, who, with
Augnatlnna Bess, lived about 60 rods from the fort. Both fami-
mg tli- early aettlera were lamfllfa named Krjjhemar, lies escaped to the fort, except Qees, who was killed at the picket
Herkimer, Fox, Edltch, Bell ng, Wolever, and Herter, gate, valentine Starring was tortured within hearing of the
— nnnic* still common iii tli fort, wiiiih w;n too fi i.Oile to attempt a rescue. — Bentim's Iter-
• Thi" nttark waa made Nov. Il| ITT'". The settlers were fdmer, p. 406.
totally nnprepare I. and the ordered or cap* • Thin- are now" churches In town; 2 Ref. I'rot. D., Bap., Ev
without resistance. The Preni I atatea thai a I.utli., P. W. Bap., i.'niv., and Union.
mill, 60 lmu.-a. ami a large number of bans, wan destroyed,
nEHKIMER COUNTY.
345
IIERKIMER' — was formed from Kingsland District, March 7, 1788. A part of Palatine
(Montgomery oo.) was annexed in 1791. Norway and Schuyler were taken off in 1792, a part of
Newport in 1800, and a part of Little Falls in 1829. A part was annexed to Schuyler in 1808, and
restored in 1811. It lies on the N. bank of the Mohawk, near the center of the settled portions of
the co. A wide intervale extends along the river, and from it the surface gradually rises to the ft.
line of the town. West Canada Creek flows s. through near the center, dividing (lie uplands into
two distinct ridges. The Ilasenclever Mts., w. of the creek, are 000 to 800 ft. above the Mohawk.
The soil upon the hills is a gravelly loam, and in the valleys a deep, fertile alluvium. Iler-
kfmcr,2 (p»T.,) upon the Mohawk, w. of the mouth of West Canada Creek, was incorp.
April G, 1807. It contains the co. buildings, 3 churches, a bank, newspaper office, paper
mill,5 and gristmill. Pop. 1,371. It is a station upon the N. Y. C. II. 11. l^atonvillc (p.o.)
is a hamlet, in the n. e. corner, on the line of Fairfield and Little Falls. The early history of the
town is blended with that of German Flats, of which it formed a part until its organization as a
town. The first settlements were made by Palatinates, under the patronage of Gov. Hunter, in
1722.* It had its share of suffering during the Revolution ; and all the patriot families that re-
mained during the war were those sheltered by Fort Dayton. This fortress stood upon a point of
the stone ridge about 30 rods above the present site of the courthouse. After the destruction of
Fort Schuyler by flood and fire, in May, 1781, Forts Dayton and Herkimer became the frontier
defenses of the Mohawk Valley.5 After the war, many of the Indians and tories who had been
actively engaged in hostilities returned to the settlements ; but they were received by the settlers
in a way little calculated to inspire sentiments of friendship, and the greater part emigrated to
more congenial places.6 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed at an early period, by Rev.
A. Rosegrantz ; but the precise date has been lost.7
L.ITCIIFIE1L08— was formed from German Flats, Feb. 5, 179G. A part of Winfield was
taken off in 1816. It lies on the w. border of the co., s. of the Mohawk. Its surface is elevated
and moderately hilly, its mean elevation being about 500 feet above the river. A series of ridges
in the' w. and s. are known as the " Dry Lots,"9 no water being found upon them. The streams
are small ; some flow s. into the Unadilla and others n. into the Mohawk. In the e. part is a
sulphur spring.10 Liitfclifield (p. v.) contains 1 church and about 15 houses; Cedar Lake
(p.o.) 1 church and 9 houses ; Jerusalem, a hamlet near the center, 2 churches and 7 houses.
The first settlement was commenced about 1789, by Jabez Snow, on Snow Hill.11 The first reli-
gious services were held in 1794 ; Rev. Spaulding was the first preacher.1"
L.ITTI.E FAL.1LS— was formed from Fairfield, Herkimer, and German Flats, Feb. 16, 1829.
It lies in the interior of the co., s. of the center. Its surface is a broken upland, divided by the
1 Named in honor of Gen. Nicholas Herkimer. It was intended
to apply the name to the territory including the old residence
of the General, but by mistake it was given to this town. The
Kingsland District was one of the divisions of Tryon co. formed
March 24, 1772. Its name was exchanged with that of German
Flats District, March 8, 1773. It included all that portion of the
co. lying w. of Palatine District and N. of the Mohawk. This
town embraces the wholeof Winner's and a part of Burnetsneld,
Ilasenclever's, Colden's, and Willet's Patents, and small por-
tions of the Royal Grant and Glen's Purchase.
2 Originally called "Stone Ridge."
8 This paper mill was established inlS49; it gives employment
to 120 hands.
4 Among the early settlers were Johan Joost Petrie, Frederick
and A. M. Pell, Jury Docksteder, Nicholas Feeter, Melgert Fols,
Henry Heger, Lendert, Frederick Johan, Adam and Philip
Helmer. and families named Schmidt, Weaver, and Bellinger.
The first schools wero German. Robinson taught the first
English school, at the village.
5 Lieut. Solomon Woodworth was stationed at Fort Dayton
with a small force of Continental troops. He rendered great
Service to the settlers in this part of the valley. In the summer
of 1781. with 40 men, he went out to reconnoiter; but about 3
mi. x. of Herkimer the party fell into an Indian ambuscade, and
only 1.". escaped. The commander and 20 men were killed. A
Mrs. Smith, scalped by the Indians during the war, recovered
and lived to a good old age. On the 6th of August, 1781, a party
of tories and Indians, under Donald McDonald, a Scotch refugee,
from Johnstown, made an attack upon the settlement at Shells
Bush. The inhabitants mostly fled to Fort Dayton ; but John
Christian Shell and his family, consisting of his wife and 6 sons,
took refuge in their own house, which was a strong blockhouse.
His two little sous, twins, S years of age, were taken prisoners;
but the remainder of the family escaped within and secured the
entrance. In trying to force the door, McDonald was wounded,
and made prisoner. The attack continued until dark, when the
tories fled, with a loss of 11 killed and 6 wounded. McDonald
died of his wounds the next day. The two little boys were re-
turned after the war. — Benton's Herkimer.
6 John Adam Hartman, an active and successful ranger, was
engaged in perilous service through the war. Soon after the
peace, an Indian came into an inn, in the w. part of this town,
where Hartman was present, and, getting intoxicated, began to
boast of his exploits, and showed a tobacco pouch made from the
skin of a white child's arm and hand, with the nails still on.
When the Indian left, Hartman found business on the same
road. They both passed into a swamp; and the Indian never
came out. In reply to questions put to him, Hartman said that
he last saw the Indian, some distance ahead, standing on a log ;
and that he fell as if hurt. Hartman was tried for murder, but
was acquitted. He lived in town till his death, in tho spring of
1836.— Benton's Herkimer, p. 409.
I There are 3 churches in town ; 2 M. E., Ref. Prot. D.
8 Named from Litchfield, Conn., whence many of the early
settlers came.
9 These hills have limestone ledges belonging to the Helder-
bergh series. These lots, 2 in number, contain about 1,600
acres each. Water is obtained by wells at great expense.
10 The Columbian Springs, in Browns Hollow, have been
brought to public notice, but have yet gained only a local repu-
tation.
II Among the other early settlers wore John Everett. Nathaniel
Ball, and Ebenezer Drury, from N. II.; and Ezekiel GoodeD and
S. Sherry, from Conn. Selah Holcomb settled 2 mi. E. of Jeru-
salem. Wm. and Thos. Jones, Oliver Rider, Joseph Crosby, and
others, were also early settlers. The first birth was that of
Luke Andrews, in 1790; the first marriage, that of Joseph Day
and , in the same year. Jeremiah Everett taught
the first school; Joseph Shepard kept the first inn ; David Davis
kept the first store; Talcott built the first sawmill, and
John Littlejohn the first gristmill, in lHHi-07.
12 The census reports S churches in town ; 2 Presb.. 2 51. E., 2
Univ., Bap., and Wes. Meth.
346 HERKIMER COUNTY.
deep, narrow gorge of the Mohawk. A range of hills extend >\ and s. from the village. They
are rocky and precipitous near the river, but less rugged on the n. and s. borders.1 The Mohawk
flows K. e. through near the center of the town in a series of cascades and rapids. Its banks are
rocky and in places precipitous. The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam. Little Falls, (p. v.,) in
the e. part, on the line of Manheim and Danube, was incorp. March 30, 1811. Its name was
changed to "Rockton," April 1G, 1850, and again changed to Little Falls, April 16, 1852. It is an
important station on the N. Y. C. R. R. It contains 9 churches, a bank, 2 printing offices, the Little
Falls Academy, a union school, and a large number of manufactories.2 Pop. 3,98-4. Jaclison-
burgli, in the w., on the canal, has 206 inhabitants ; and lleUicl, in the s., 1 church and 15 houses.
Faines HollOW is a p.o. Lots 12 and 13 of BurnetsfieM Patent, embracing all the water-
power x. of the river, were owned before the Revolution by Petrie. This town also embraces
portions of several other patents issued at an early period.3 The first settlements were made by
a colony of Palatinates, in 1722.* The settlers suffered much during the war, and most of them
were driven off.5 The first settler at the village after the war was John Proteus, in 1790.6 A
great impulse was given to the business and population of the place by the construction of the
locks of the Western Navigation Co. in 1796. 7 The first church was built about 1815. It was
octagonal, with a steep roof, and surmounted by a cupola. The census reports 10 churches in
town.8
]rl A\'IIEI3I3 — was formed from Palatine, (Montgomery co.,) April 7, 1817. It lies on the K.
bank of the Mohawk, upon the e. border of the co. Its surface gradually rises from the intervales
along the Mohawk to the N. border, where it attains an elevation of 500 ft. above the river. East
Canada Creek forms its e. boundary.10 Cathatachua Creek flows s. through near the center, and
Bennett Brook flows s. e. through the n. e. corner. Upon East Canada Creek, 1 mi. above its
mouth, is a series of cascades, where the water descends 180 ft. in three-fourths of a mi. The soil
is a gravelly loam upon the upland, and a fine, fertile alluvium in the valleys. JHa*oefl4etts
Bridge, (p. v.,) upon East Canada Creek, in the n. part, contains 2 churches, a large tannery,11
gristmill, and 50 houses; and Ittgiiams Mills, upon East Canada Creek, 3 mi. below Brock-
etts Bridge, a church and 25 houses. East Creek (p. o.) is a hamlet and station upon the
X. Y. C. R. R., near the mouth of East Canada Creek. Maiakeim Center is a p. o. The first
settlements were made by Germans, probably in about the year 1736. 12 During the Revolution they
were frequently attacked by the Indians and were mostly destroyed. On the 30th of April, 1780,
a party of 60 tories and Indians fell upon the settlements at Rheimen Snyder's Bush, burned a grist-
mill, and carried 19 persons away into captivity.13 The first church, built in 1774 or ;75, was
burned during the war, and was rebuilt soon after. The census reports 5 churches ; 2 M.E.,
2 Union, and Ref. Prot, D.
1 T)i" rocks at Little Falls arc chiefly hypersthene and gneiss, ] Wm. Carr. Wm. Morales, Washington Britton, Alpheus Park-
: tferona sandstone on the 8. side of the river, hurst. John Drummond. Kben Uritton. and .losi:ili Skinner, — all
i - Hi".. -. of the village, is 61s feet above tbe canal, and Boll i of whom came in town hetween 1 T'.m and lsoo.
w.iv Bluff, n. of the village, is little less in height. In the im- 1 i These locks were planned by Boswel) Weston, an English
Idnlty of the village are quarries of limestone, from engii r. and huilt under the direction of Philip Schuyler. The
which ij it oii'-d line- and a food building material. Small Bret locks, bull t of wood, were replaced by stone in 1804.
cav.- and pot boles are numerous among the neks mar tho * Bap., I'.v. I.nth.. M. V... Af. Meth., Meth. Prot., Prcsb., Prot.
i tofthelattei Is 28 feet in diameter and 87 feet I Episc., B. C., Oniv., and Union.
deep. The break through the mountains al this place was one | " Named from Blenheim, in Baden, the native place of the
of than -' formidable barriers in tbe construction of the Erie earlj settlers. The town embraces 6 lots of Glen's Purchase, a
Canal, i A with I'tica slate, ami part of the fourth allotment of the Royal Grant, the Patents of
tie -. pari by the lludi m River and Clinton gt j John Van Driessi n and of Snell and Zimmerman, a part of tho
* Am • L] ; i mills, turning out I patents of Bov. Peter Van Driessen and of Vrooman, and several
fl.Vi. |>er annually ; 2 woolen fact re .producing minor tracts granted since the Revolution,
about |250jMO w, rtb of B •■ l» annually ; a stocking yarn mill, ] '"This stream was called by the Indians Ci-o-ha-na and Sag-
j • • £30.000, nid i itarch fai tory, o-ba-ra,
usii if tally, lie, lies those Bro 2 " This is the largest tannery in the co. It has a capital of
floiirtue mills, a mufactorics, and
an extensive carriage shop.
» This town lofilud
Guv. i ho i P ' ot. granb d
in 1770; Kail Hill Patent, gi inled In of Butterflcld's
Patent, granted in iTJ-'/. and small portions ,.f - . •..■i.d ■ •• !>■ r
pntei
* Among these early settlers wr* T< month. Mary
Beenn.m. Nicholas Keeler, Johann - P tradt, ind Christian
I i John Petrie kept the first lDH,befon thi Revolution, A
gristmill built on r I the town, was
Id during the war.
6 In .Tuiv. i;-j. a party of t rial and Indians Invaded the
town, bum- I , .-! i-i mill on Furnace Creek, kilted Daniel petrie.
and carried away several priaonera.
0 Ammiff the t j r - 1 settlen nfter the wai were Wm. Alexander,
Bicbard Phillips, Thoa. Smith, Joel Lankton, Itichard Winsor,
|2S0,000, consumes a. t'Min cords of bark per annum, and manu-
facture* sole leather exclusively.
'- Among tl arly settlers were families named Snell. Zim-
merman, and Van Dnessen. Bnell was the patent f a largo
tract Seven of the name, including several of bis sons, were
killed at the 1 at He of Orisknny. John lieardsb-v built the first
mill, in 1793. The first school (German) was iau ■■hi by
Kaufman.
™ A blockhouse stood at this phicc, and many of the inhabit-
ants took refuge in it. Twelve ,,f the prisoners were taken at
one lions,, by half the number of Indians, without resistance.
The captives all returned after the war, excepl om "bodied
in Canada, and one that escaped. John G. Snell, while searching
for cattle jn the w 1-. WaS Surprised by the Indian- and shot
through the body. lie recovered, however, and lived to an
advanced age. The town was deserted after this by all but
tories.
II E II K I M E R COUNT Y.
::I7
NEWPORT1— was formed from Herkimer, Fairfield, Norway, and Schuyler, April 7, 1806,
It lies on the w. border of the co., near the center. Its surface is broken by ridges of highlands,
which rise 400 to 500 ft. each side of the narrow intervale of Went Canada Creek. This stream
flows s. e. through the town, near the center. White Creek flows s. through the e. part. The soil
is a clayey loam, with some gravel on the hills. It is chiefly underlaid by limestone, which is
quarried in some localities. Newport, (p. v.,) near the center, incorp. March 20, 1857, contains
3 churches, 1 bank, a gristmill, cotton factory,2 and 071 inhabitants. Settlement was commenced
in 1791, by Christopher Hawkins, from 11. I. ;3 Rev. David Haskell (Bap.) held the first meetings,
in 1796.*
NORWAY5 — was formed from Herkimer, April 10, 1792. Fairfield was taken off in 1790,
Russia, as "Union," and a part of Newport, in 1806, and Ohio in 1823. It lies in the interior of the
CO., N. of the Mohawk. Its surface is elevated and rolling. It is drained by several small streams,
tributaries of West Canada Creek. The soil is sandy in the n. w., and loam and gravelly in the
E. and s. Limestone is quarried in several places ; and fossils have been found near White Creek.
There is a sulphur spring 1 mi. n. of the village. Norway, (p. v.,) near the center, contains
3 churches, a cheese box factory, tannery, and 30 houses ; Graysville,6 (p. v.,) on the line of
Ohio, contains an extensive tannery and 30 houses.7 The first settlement was made by Whip-
ple and Christopher Hawkins, from R. I., in 1786 ; but it was soon abandoned.8 The first religious
meetings were held by Rev. Robertson, in 1792.9
OHIO10 — was formed from Norway, as " West Brunswick," April 11, 1823. Its name was
changed May 3, 1836. A part of Wilmurt was taken off in 1836. It lies in the interior, on the
N. border of the settlements. Its surface is moderately hilly, with an elevation of 700 to 900 ft.
above the Mohawk. A range of high, steep hills extends through the n. part. It is drained by
West Canada and Black Creeks and their tributaries. The soil is a sandy loam, with some clay.
A large portion of the town is still a wilderness. Graysville, (p. v.,) on the line of Norway,
contains 1 church, a tannery, and 30 houses. Olaio City, (Ohio p. o.,) in the w. part, contains
10 houses. A few scattering settlements were begun before the Revolution, but were broken up
during the war.11 Religious services were first held at Ohio City, in 1808.1S
RUSSIA13 — was formed from Norway, as " Union," April 7, 1806. Its name was changed April
6, 1808. A part of Wilmurt was taken off in 1836. It lies on the w. border of the co., n. of the
Mohawk, its n. part extending into the border of the great northern wilderness. Its surface is
rolling and moderately hilly, and on the w. descends abruptly to the valley of West Canada
Creek. The hills are 800 to 1,000 ft. above the Mohawk. West Canada and Black Creeks flow
w. through the n. w. part, the former forming a part of the w. boundary. On it are some extensive
lumber works.14 Trenton Falls, upon West Canada Creek, is on the w. border. The soil is sandy
1 Named from Newport, R. I., the former residence of many
of the early settlers.
2 A cotton factory was built in 1808, by Benj. Bowen. The
Herkimer Manufacturing Co. was formed in 1814, with a capital
of $4:0,000. In 1844 V. S. Kinyon became proprietor by pur-
chase, and at present gives employment to 80 persons, and turns
out $45,000 to $50,000 worth of sheetings annually.
8 Among the other early settlers were Benj. Bowen, John C.
Green, Israel Wakely, and Geo. Feneer, all from E.I.; Dr. Westel
Willoughby, and Sherman Wooster, from Conn. Joseph Beuse-
ley, A. SI. Daniels, Geo. Cook, and Wm. Whipple were also early
settlers. The first death was that of Silas Hawkins, in 1703.
Ahby Justine taught the first school, in 1795. Wm. Wakely
kept the first inn, in 1793, and Geo. Cook the first store, the
same year. Benj. Bowen built the first sawmill, in 1793, and
the first gristmill, in 1794. The first settlers derived title from
parties who had purchased from the courts of forfeiture.
* The census reports 7 churches in town ; Bap., M. E., Calv.
Metli., Presb., Union, Univ., and R. C.
6 Named from Norway, in Europe. This town is included in
the second and third allotments of the Royal Grant.
6 Named from Lathan Gray, a resident of the place.
1 La Dew's tannery, established in 1853, with a capital of
$150,000, employs 75 men, and produces $150,000 worth of sole
leather annually. The works are driven by a steam engiuo of 50
horse power.
8 Jeremiah Potter and his son, Fisher Potter, came in with
their families from R.I. in 1788. Their whole store of provisions
to carry them through the first winter was a crop of potatoes
and some salt. For meat they depended upon hunting. Thos.
Manly settled in 1789. John, Andrew, and Simeon Coe ; Capt.
Hinman. from Conn.; John and David Corp, N. Fanning. David
Underbill, 5 families of Braytons, AngeU, Lemuel, and Philip
Potter, Edward Henderson, Uri H. Cook, Henri Tillingbart,
Abijah Tombling, and WesteP Willoughby, were early settlers.
The first birth was that of a child of Gideon Brayton ; and the
first death, that of the wife of E. Hinman. The first school was
taught by Jeanette Henderson, in 1793. Amos Coo kept the first
inn ; Thaddeus Scribner & Bro., the first store, in 1793 ; Capt.
Hinman built the first sawmill, iu 1793; and Carpenter Cole
the first gristmill, the same year. Vale & Eddy built a fulling
mill, in 1793. — Benton's Herkimer, p. 450.
9 The census reports 5 churches ; Bap., F. W. Bap., M. E., Presb.,
and 1'rot. E.
10 Named from the State of Ohio. This town includes the
Jersey-field and a small part of the Remsenburgh Patents.
11 Mount settled on Lot 50 of the Jerseyfield Patent some
years before the Revolution. During the war. Mr. Mount was
attacked by Indians; his two sons were killed, and himself,
wife, and daughter fled to Little Falls, a distance of 20
miles. He did not see his wife and daughter after leaving his
house until they met at Little Falls. — Benton's Herkimer, p.
455. John Miller settled in 1789-90. Warner, David
Thorp, Aaron Thorp, Harmanus Van Epps, and others, were
early settlers. David Thorp kept the first inn, Ephraim Ash
the first store, iu 1820. Mount built the first mills, before
the war. They were burned at the time, or soon after, he was
driven off. The infamous Walter N. Butler was killed about 2
miles above the junction of Black and West Canada Creeks, on
or near the line between this town and Russia, Dec. 30. 1781.
12 The census reports 3 churches iu town; Evan. Luth., Ger-
man Meth., and R. C.
13 This town contains a part of the third allotment of the
Royal Grant, portions of Jerseyfield, Remsenburgh. and Ma-
chin's, and the whole of Lush's, Marvin's, and Jacob's Patents.
14 Hinckley & Ballou have an extensive sawmill, planing mill,
blacksmith shop, trip hammer, and edge tool manufactory,
employ 100 meu, and turn out work to the amount of $SO,000
annually.
348 HERKIMER COUNTY.
loam and clay. Russia, (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains 2 churches and 140 inhabitants;
Gravesville, (p. v.,) in the s. w., a church and 20 houses ; Poland, (p. v.,) near the s. line,
a church and 179 inhabitants; Cold Brook, (p. v.,) in the s. e., a saw set factory, cheese box
factory, gristmill, and 218 inhabitants; Booth, (p. o.,) on Black Creek, a church, grist and saw
mill, taunery, and 10 houses. Prospect is a hamlet, and contains — sawmills. The first
settlement was commenced in 1792, by Stodard Squires, from Conn.1 The first religious meetings
(F. W. Bap.) were held by Rev. Bcnajah Corp.*
SAJLISBCRY3 — was formed from Palatine, (Montgomery co.,) March 3, 1797, and annexed
from Montgomery co., April 7, 1817. It lies on the e. border of the co., and extends n. into the
great wilderness. Only about one-fourth of its surface is cultivated. It is a broken and moun-
tainous upland in the N. and hilly in the s. The principal streams are East Canada Creek, which
forms a part of the e. boundary, and Spruce Creek, which flows through the s. w. and s. parts.
The soil is a sandy and clayey Loam. A bed of iron ore has been worked to some extent on Lot
105, fourth allotment of the Royal Grant. Salisbury Center, (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains
2 churches, a tannery, and 319 inhabitants; Salisbury Corners, (Salisbury p. o.,) in the
s. w.. 2 churches and 30 houses; Diamond Hill, 25 houses; Oevereaux, 15 houses.
Whitesburgli, (p. o.,) on the line of Fulton co., is a hamlet. Settlement was begun before
the Revolution, by tenants of Sir Wm. Johnson, who followed his lead during the war, and shared
his fate at the hands of the Commissioners of Forfeiture.4 The census reports 4 churches in town 5
SCHUYLER6— was formed from Herkimer, April 10, 1792. Trenton was taken off in 1797,
Deerfield (Oneida co.) in 1798, and a part of Newport in 1806. A part was annexed from Herki-
mer in 1808, and re-annexed to Herkimer in 1811. It lies on the w. border of the co., n. of the
Mohawk. Its surface is hilly. The Hasenclever Mts. extend through the center, attaining in this
town an elevation of 1,000 to 1,200 ft. above tide. A wide intervale extends along the Mohawk,
which forms the s. boundary. Its streams are tributaries of the Mohawk and generally flow
through narrow ravines. The flats bordering the river are annually overflowed. The soil upon
the hills is slaty and gravelly. East Schuyler, (p. v.,) in the s. e., contains 25 houses; and
West Schuyler, (p. v.,) in the s. w., a church and 25 houses. Settlement was commenced
previous to 1775, by several German families.7 There was a good carriage road in 1757, on the
bank of the river, from the crossing, where Utica now stands,8 to the Palatine village, German
Flats. There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Meth. Prot.
STARK.9 — was formed from Danube, March 18, 1828. It is the s. e. corner town of the co.
Its surface is hilly and broken, with a mean elevation of 500 feet above the Mohawk. The prin-
cipal streams are Otsquago and Nowadaga Creeks. Otsquago Creek flows through a narrow valley,
bordered by steep banks 150 to 200 ft. high. The soil is generally a sandy loam in the valleys,
iin<] Bandy and gravelly on the hills. Stark. ville, (p. v.,) in thex. e. part, contains 2 churches,
a gristmill, and 190 inhabitants; Van Ifornesville, (p. v.,) in the s. part, 1 church, a cotton
factory, (not in operation,) a grist and saw mill, and 228 inhabitants. Smiths Corners is a
i.! ■ from Vt, Smith, Farley Fuller,
I Slocum, Au-tin .'. .-cm. Win. Buck,
-TTlitll. Jotl Ht'T. I I 01
Iter : and. In 1794, many other* came in. The flrsl mar-
. y Fuller and Minerva Smith, in 1704; the
• f Alien, and the second, that of
v Tli« nr«t school »a< tanghl by
1, - II How, nnd another, ab nt (he ■ una time, by
- ■ inn ww k it' r.
by Bwintbum, il Hollow, In 1787.
'wmill w.n boill in M 17, rittmlll 1-y
A r..it..n I,, tory was trail! at
p
a 'i ■ rts 4 churrh<>* in town; M. I'.. Prcab.,
i ii. and Univ.
» \ i Pili-t.iit-T. finn.. »h"ti'-" many of the early
ran. purchasers nnder the Commissioners of Forfeiture, to re-
ceive from the treasury the part of the purchase money which
they bad paid and convey back the lands.
* .l"hn Kuvilli' an. I Cornelius I.ainlierson settler! ahout 1778,
•in ill- Corners; Asa Sheldon and Abijah Ford about 1793.
Abial Pratt, Stephen Todd, Jabez Ayers, Jonathan Cole,-- —
Bldwell, Ira Bartholomew, Atwater Conk. Ann is Iv-. Moses
ii \vitt.- — — Low, Jonathan Mallet, and others, were early
settlers. John Pord was the first child born: Elizabeth nice
tanghl the firsl school; Aaron Haokley kept t lie first iun and
■tore, »t Bnrrill'a Corners.
i 'J If. ]'... Hap., and Union,
6 Thi-- toil n contains the whole nf Kast's Patent ami parts of
~ Man Taml I [asenclever's and Walton's Patents.
' Imong ih' Ij Bottlers were families named Easts, Star-
rin.'s. Wid vig, Rymour, Lintz, and Bridenhecker. Jndge Henri
~- - . .- •
Botti ■: ■ • rring who Is Bnid to have granted the celebrated Yankee
ind fourth allotment for rly resided in this town. A store was kept on Cosby's
• ■ '.-.an ctiildr a ' - r N m M inoT in 1766,
.' it ..f the f In 1T.*.7. M.De Belletre, with a body of French and Indians,
'.niie. traversed this road and burned every house upon it within the
2.000; J town . — Benton's Herkimer, p. 461.
i..n. . and Elizabeth. Of these children, the "Named in honor of Gen. Stark, of the Revolution. Parts
ja^t thi ted of adherinir to the enemy; bat, no of Henderson's, t/Hommedieu'e, Vaughan's, McNeil's, J. Vroo-
I of e nvirti ii existing asain«t th man's, C. Colden's, Livingston's, nnd Lansing's Patents are in
1 by the Legislator '7''-.
authorizing John BoMnaOD, 'ieorgo Pearson, and James I
tliis t,,\vn.— Senton'l llrrl inter, p. 453.
HERKIMER COUNTY. 349
hamlet. Small settlements were commenced before 1775, but were broken up during the Revolu-
tion.1 The census reports 4 churches in town.2
WARREX3 was formed from German Flats, Feb. 5, 1790. Columbia was taken off in 1812.
It lies centrally on the s. border of the co. Its surface is hilly, the highest points being 500 to
800 feet above the Mohawk. The principal stream is Fish Creek, which flows s., and is bordered
by steep banks 100 to 200 ft. high. Mud Lake, in the e., and Weavers and Youngs Lakes, in the
s. are email bodies of water. The soil is a sandy and clay loam. There are 2 small sulphur
springs in town. Jordanville (p. v.) contains 2 churches and 125 inhabitants; Pages
Corners (p. v.) a gristmill, sawmill, and 82 inhabitants; Little Lakes/ (Warren p. o.,) in
the s. part, 1 church and 117 inhabitants, trains Corners is a hamlet. Some settlements
were commenced before the Revolution, by Germans from the Upper Valley.5 Elder Phineas
Holcomb was the first settled minister in town, about 1793.6
WILMURT' — was formed from Russia and " West Brunswick," (now Ohio,) May 3, 183G.
This is the largest town in the State, and is one of the least populous. It includes the whole x. part
of the co., extending nearly 50 mi. in length, by about 16 mi. in breadth, entirely within the wild
primeval forests of Northern New York. Its surface is rocky and mountainous, and the greater
part is unfit for cultivation. In the deep valleys among the mountains are numerous beautiful,
picturesque lakes, forming one of the finest features of the landscape.8 The soil is a sandy loam.
The hills are usually covered with a thin growth of forest trees ; but in the valleys only is found
soil fit for profitable pasturage. The settlements are confined to the s. part. There is no p. o.,
village, store, church, or gristmill in town. The lumber cut in this region is mostly floated down
West Canada Creek, and manufactured at Prospect in the town of Russia. An attempt was made
to settle the town in 1790, by Arthur Noble, the patentee, and a sawmill was built at that time ;
but the project failed. It was again tried in 1793, with no better success. Toward the close of
the last century, John Brown, a wealthy capitalist of Providence, R. I., who owned a large tract in
this town, made an attempt at settlement ; but his project failed. In 1812 his son-in-law, Chas.
T. Ilarrisoff, made another attempt to settle upon this tract. He built a forge and sawmill, and
cleared 2,000 acres ; but, the outlay bringing no return, and his supply of money from the e. being
cut off, the project was abandoned, and the colonists returned to their respective homes.9
WIIVFIEED10 — was formed from Litchfield, Richfield, (Otsego co.,) and Plainfield, (Otsego
co.,) April 17, 1816. The bounds of the co. were enlarged upon the formation of this town. It
is the s. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is moderately hilly, and forms the dividing upland
between the Mohawk and Unadilla Valleys, the general elevation being about 500 feet above the
Mohawk. A range of hills in the s. e. rises about 200 ft. higher. The e. branch of the Unadilla
flows s. through a deep valley in the w. part. Browns Hollow Creek, a branch of the Mohawk,
rises on the n. border. Near East Winfield is a sulphur spring ; and several limestone quarries are
found in different parts of the town. East Winfield (Winfield p. o.) contains 30 houses;
West Winfield (p. v.) 2 churches, the West Winfield Academy, a bank, 2 gristmills, 2 saw-
i One of these settlements was on Otsquago Creek, and | 6 The census reports 6 churches ; 4 M. E., Bap., and Kef.
enlisted of the families of John Shull, John Bronner, j Prot. D.
Tetherly, and others. Another settlement was commenced at i 7 This immense town embraces parts of the Remsenburgh and
The Kyle, so called. — Bentrm's Herkimer, p. 463. The families ( Vrooman's Patents, Adgate's, Brown's, Nobleborough. Moose
of Walwrath, Adam Young, and others, were early settlers. | River, and Watson's Tracts, and Totten and Crossfield's Pur-
Abraham Van Home, from N.J., settled in town in 1791, at ! chase. Brown's tract, owned by L. R. Lyon and others, embraces
what is now Van Hornesville. The first German school was I 210,000 acres, and extends across the co. into Hamilton and
taught by Garner, and the first English school by Lewis cos
Haight. Abraham Van Horns built the first mills, soon after
his settlement, and his sons kept the first store.
2 Bap.. Bap. and Luth., M. E.. and Union.
8 Named from Gen. Joseph Warren, of the Revolution. This
town embraces the principal part of Henderson aud Theobald
Young's Patents.
* Called by the Indians Wa-i-on-tha.
6 Andrewstown, in the N. part, — then containing 7 families, —
was plundered and burned by Brant in July. 1778. A part of the
inhabitants were killed, and the remainder carried away captive.
Young's settlement at the Lakes was spared by the Indians on
account of the tory principles of the proprietor; but the Ameri-
cans soon after plundered and burned this place in retaliation.
In March. 1792, Samuel Cleland, from Mass., and his sons Norman,
Salmon. Jonas, Martin, and Moses, settled in town. Danforth
Abbott. Hugh Panell. Amos Allen, Elder Phineas Holcomb, Rich-
ard Schooley Hull, Thomas, James, and Garret Abeel, and
Thayer were early settlers. Stephen Luddington kept the first
inn, Outhout & Vrooman the first store, and Isaac Freeman built
the first gristmill, in 1795.
8 Nos. 1 to 4 of the Fulton chain of lakes are sources of Moose
River; Transparent, Woodhull, Bisby, and Chub Lakes flow
into Black Kiver. Several of these lakes are used as reser-
voirs for the canal. Upon the shores are large quantities of
iron sand, derived from the abrasion of the rocks containing
iron ore.
9 Harrisoff continued upon the land until Dec. 19, 1S19, when,
disappointed at his immense losses and the utter ruin before
him. he committed suicide. It is said that the day before his
death he made preparations for going to Providence, and gave
particular orders for his men to go out the next morning after
he left and fill up a large hole that had been dug tor ore. They
went out to perform their labor; but one of them went down to
see if any tools had been left, and at the bottom he found Har-
risoff, who had secreted himself there, intending to be buried.
The next day he accomplished his object by a pistol shot.
10 Named from Gen. Winfield Scott. This town comprised
within its limits parts of Bayard's, Lispeuard"s, and Schuyler's
Patents.
350
HERKIMER COUNTY.
mills, a clover mill, and tannery. Pop. 381. Xortli TVinfield is a p
■was commenced in 1792.1 The census reports 3 churches.2
o. The first settlement
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dieellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Herkimer County.
Names of Towns.
Columbia -
Danube ,
Fairfield
Frankfort
German Biota.
Herkimer
LiK-hfleld
Little Palis
Mnnhiim
Newport
Norway
Orii-.. ..*
Salisbury
Schnvler.
Stark
Warren
WQmurt
Winfield
Acres op Laxd.
15,668
13.719
18,443]
1.-...MU
■
13.371
13.329
12.359
14,657
15.233
14,604*
6351*
20,360
':.-!-.
17.507
14,187
17,1191
705
12,665
b
I
s
Valuation of 1858.
4
5.1341
6,402
6.058
5.429
4.9i:.;
4.118
3.C86
2,741
4.2V
5.477J
14:201
14.869
47,698
4.-71
3.903
6:954*
361.859
2.788
$303,103
402,033
H •
- !
488.203
5:;v.'0o
1.115.564
694,744
365.130
245.470
128,225
369.052
541,594
565.741
286,753
433.404
273.708
74,624
Tnl 207.4141 505.657 1 8,160,129
If
6,6,
$.-.9,390
74.567
157.523
ur,.s.-,u
324:940
151.527
385,338
44.701
78,555
105.550
66,530
4,089
78,754
72,000
32,005
64,697
194.218
165.410
Population'.
302.49;;
476,000
741,881
589.2H7
813.143
690,487
1,500.902
301.867
773,299
470.080
312.000
132,314
447.806
613,594
597.746
351.450
627,622
439,118
74.624
742
9S7
746
1.639
1,983
1.447
829
2.424
858
995
535
5S2
1.175
1.204
'842
744
890
180
691
2.156.704 10.316.833 119.693 18,873
889
804
747
1.57S
L872
1,419
753 I
2.:.M0
814
1,020
524
505
1.113
1,102
848
734
851
88
706
352
295
266
658
725
447
298
726
304
:;oy
182
194
424
448
295
272
335
38
270
fi.V.S
397
296
265
648
783
487
319
922
315
407
207
191
448
466
317
303
297
42
286
304
188
440
407
506
303
207
413
207
2S3
150
185
374
336
196
224
281
29
186
Schools.
ii
9
13
14
11
12
10
10
8
9
10
7
17
14
11
9
11
2
9
8*
5 5
657
671
470
1,249 i
1.340
968
611
1,958
536
652
410
483
817
834
658
483
5S8
73
629
7,396 5.219 187 I 13,887
Bugs of Towss.
Columbia
D.inulie
Id.
Frankf'Tt
German Flats.
H'-rkimer
Litchfield
Little Kails....
M mhebD
■ it
Norway
Ohio....
ory
Bctmyiet
Stark ,
ii
WDmii
I
] ■
Lite Stock.
706
539
429
679
667
614
436
409
451
374
257
219
526
453
644
603
673
29
331
3 ^ |
= £-5
8021
8401
7231
893
1.095
703
832
711
713
517
389
392
729
842
717
742
B72
34
621
l.sol
1.937
3.753
1,359
1.524
2.266
1.676
2,176
3.320
2,688
2,137
500
2.326
1.827
2J296
1.540
1,917
40
1.664
65
2,134
1.224
621
1.576
1,105
862
952
449
363
340
154
331
1.062
491
1.009
1,321
2.904
39
769
«
893
1.2i is
1,485
1.247
1,004;
1,387!
930
1.271
1,390;
1.2631
i;:.2
201 j
821 !
734
1,461
919
835
19
607
Agricultural Products.
Bush.
5P Grain.
&
at
c
5
£
516
3.101
94
1.303
5,381
3,803
60
1,596
573
505
280
92
1.417
187
2.900
1,2411
109
60
246
9,098 13,107 36,653'17,706 18,227 28,464, 1.170,2774
81.0131
76,929
44,811
94.5361
63.435
65.234
67.191
47.5421
44.42-*
49.227*
27.596}
19.143 i
73.079
48.8231
146,610
9u.:!n9j
76.403
2.349
55,115
€
4.500
3,9311
6.982
4,610
3,649
4.201
3,880
4,939
7.234
3.786
3.2941
1.14'.»i
3.978
5.283±
4,181
2.8411
byBoe
871
4,421
"S.
15
2 O
18.572
10.794
8,609
21,008
12,053
10,338
18,623
10,412
n.:;i4
12.598
11.751
11,101
24,888
16,298
18.370
7.563
17.009
1.021
161)28
*.
It
27.029
14.416
37.772
21,828
17,6S7
20.026
36.411
17.515
15.174
21,256
8,635
33
17.17:.
9.310
14.224
16.586
19.782
18.442
DilKY PbODCCTS.
■e ^
a<eq
79.985
62,090
76,523
111,708
54.377
93.541
73.825
59.270
87.533
70,530
38.145
30.550
94,661
65.219
76,000
90.140
83.135
3,350
64,805
6 5
6.5
353,309,
343.125
1,238,820 1
78,365,
285.500 1
379,200;
395.679
587,500
1.087,200
829.9V.)
649,623
68.220]
661,425
694,600
685,450
14o.2o5
374.299
700
625.210
78,264| 257.876 333,901 1,305,377 9,068,519
34
8 1
EH*
1.237
1.045
5454
1.002}
759
1.300
340
204
605
620
530
758
1.483
1.001
7551
660
1,1581
40
14,110*
1A: were J i. Walker, Timothy Walker,
rown.OllTcr Barwood, < tlw Oorbit, BanJ.Oole,
•\ Tom Mam. AN-l Brace came in from Conn, in
17 • J - ib Harwood Uught ' bed, in 1794; Charlca
Brace kept the fint inn, in 1794; John iMlhngham the first
store, In 1790. Joseph Walker built tho first saw and grist
mill, soon after nil settlement ; BenJ. Harrington built tho first
clothing works, at Weal Winfield, about 1800.
1 M. Ii., Cong., and Hap.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Tnis county was formed from Oneida, March 28, 1805, and
named in honor of Thomas Jefferson. Its hounds have heen
changed by setting off a portion of Hodman to Lewis co. in 1809,
and by annexing a portion of Lewis co. to "VVilna in 1813. It lies
in the angle formed by the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario,
is distant 145 mi. from Albany, and contains 1808 sq. mi. The
s. w. part is marshy, but at a short distance from the lake the land
rises in gentle undulations, and, farther inland, by abrupt ter-
races, to the highest point, in the town of Worth. A plateau, about
1000 feet above the lake, spreads out from the summit, and
extends into Oswego and Lewis cos. An ancient lake beach, 390
feet above the present level of the lake, may be traced through
Ellisburgh, Adams, "Watertown, and Rutland. North of the Black River the surface is generally
flat or slightly undulating : in the extreme n. e. corner it is broken by low ridges parallel to the
St. Lawrence. With the exception of a few isolated hills, no part of this region is as high as the
ancient lake ridge mentioned above.1
The rocks of the co. belong to the primary formation and the lower strata of the N. Y. system.
Gneiss is the underlying rock of the e. border in Wilna and Antwerp, of the Thousand Islands
and the shore at Alexandria Bay, and of two strips of land extending from the e. border, one
toward Theresa Falls, and the other toward Evans Mills. Next above this is a thick deposit
of Potsdam sandstone, extending through Wilna, Antwerp, Philadelphia, Theresa, Alexandria,
Orleans, and Clayton, the margin of which may be traced along its entire extent by a low mural
precipice. The soil upon this rock is thin, and principally derived from drift deposits. The
rock itself is almost indestructible, and preserves diluvial scratches and marks with great distinct-
ness. Above this is a thin deposit of calciferous sandstone, extending through parts of Cape
Vincent, Lyme, Clayton, Orleans, and Le Ray. The soil upon this rock is deeper than that
upon the Potsdam sandstone, and is derived principally from disintegration. The Black River
limestone overlies this, and forms the surface rock in most of the remaining parts of the co. n.
of the river, and in a part of Champion and Rutland, s. Above this is the Trenton limestone,
appearing on the lake shore at Cape Vincent and extending in a s. E. direction through Lyme,
Brownsville, Watertown, Rutland, and Champion. This rock is of great thickness, and it forms
the principal declivities of the plateau in the s. part of the co. About midway in this strata is
found the ancient lake ridge before noticed. The caves near Watertown are in the lower strata
of this rock. Next above come the Utica slate and Lorraine shales, forming the summit of the
irregular table land which covers the s. " peak" of Champion, the s. border of Rutland, the
greater part of Rodman, a corner of Adams, the e. part of Ellisburgh, and the whole of Lorraine
and Worth. These shales are easily decomposed, and produce a deep, rich soil. Along the streams
that flow from this formation the water has worn deep and often highly picturesque ravines,
sometimes miles in length, and almost through the soft and yielding strata. The rounded outline
of the slate hills, the abrupt terraces of the limestone, and the sharp, wall like margins of the sand-
stone, afford characteristic features to the country underlaid by these several formations. Alluvial
deposits uniformly occur where the streams from the slate flow out upon the limestone ; and drift
deposits are scattered promiscuously over the whole co. The most remarkable of these is the
" Pine Plains," a sand barren several miles in extent in Wilna and Le Ray. The lake shore in
Ellisburgh consists of drifting sand, behind which are marshes. From Stony Point to Cape
Vincent the shore is bordered by the level edges of the Trenton limestone ; but farther down the
river it presents that alternation of rounded ridges of rocks, intervales, and marshes peculiar
to the primary formation. The highest point in Worth is about 1200 feet above the lake. The
streams are Black,2 Indian, and Perch Rivers, the two Sandy Creeks,3 Stony, Catfish, Kent,
French, Pleasant, and Black Creeks, and their tributaries. Hungry Bay* (including Henderson,
1 An isolated hill in Pamelia formerly bore a crop of red
cedar; and, as this timber is now only found upon the islands in
the lake, it is supposed that the hill was an island at a time
when at least three fourths of the county was covered by water.
2 Indian name Ka-hu-ah'-go, great or wide river.
8 Called by the Indians Te-ka'-da-o-ga'-be, sloping banks.
* Called by the French " La Famine."
251
352
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Black River, and Chaumont Bays) has a coastline of great length; and the Thousand Islands
present many attractions from their romantic scenery and historical associations. Several small
lakes, filling deep gorges, in Antwerp, Theresa and Alexandria, — one in Rutland, two in Hen-
derson, Perch Lake in Pamelia and Orleans, and Pleasant Lake in Champion, constitute the other
waters of the co. Iron ore abounds in Antwerp. Traces of lead and copper are found in the
primary region ; limestone, capable of a great variety of uses, water limestone and barytes are
also abundant. The Black River enters the co. at Carthage, where commence a series of cas-
cades and rapids which continue almost to the lake, with a total fall of 480 feet. Indian River
affords water power at half a dozen places, and most of the streams s. of Black River are available
for the same purpose.
The flat country along the St. Lawrence at times is affected by drouth, which is never felt on
the uplands ; while the latter are somewhat noted for the great depth of their snows. The mirage
has been frequently seen on the lake, bringing into view places beyond the horizon. One form
of this refraction, in which a line of clear sky appears along the shore, is almost a constant
attendant upon clear, pleasant days in summer. Waterspouts, attended with dark clouds and a
roaring noise, have been seen upon the lake and its bays. In the primary regions the intervales
are remarkably fertile, while the ridges are often naked rock. The soil over a part of the sand-
stone is too thin for cultivation, but the barren region is comparatively limited. The limestone and
slate districts are exceedingly fertile, and particularly adapted to dairying and the raising of
spring grains. Of these, barley, within a few years, has become the most important. Winter
wheat is raised less than formerly; oats, corn, rye, and peas are staple products. For many years
manufactures have received much attention and employed a large amount of capital. They
consist of iron from the ore, castings, machinery, cotton and woolen fabrics, paper, leather, and
flour, and have been chiefly carried on along the line of the Black River, and in Antwerp,
Theresa, Philadelphia, Adams, and Ellisburgh. Rafting, shipbuilding, and lake commerce form
prominent pursuits at several points along the St. Lawrence.
Upon the erection of the co., in 1805, Watertown was selected for the co. seat.1 A com-
bined courthouse and jail was erected in 1807 and burned in 1821. Soon after, separate build-
ings, of stone, were erected, which are still in use. In 1816 a fireproof clerk's office was built,
and occupied until 1831, when the present one was erected. The jail having become unfit for use,
and having been officially complained of, a writ was issued, Dec. 1, 1848, by the Supreme Court,
ordering its immediate improvement.2 This led to the erection of an additional building, with ex-
cellent arrangements for both the security and convenience of prisoners. The first poorhouse was
erected on the Dudley Farm, in Le Ray, about 5 mi. n. of Watertown, in 1825 ; and it was used
until 1833, when the present spacious buildings were erected in Pamelia, 1 mi. below Watertown.
In 1>">2 a special act was passed for the supervision of the poor in this co.
The first newspaper in the co., called the "American Eagle," was established at Watertown,
in 1 > 1 4 , by Henry Coffeen. Its name was soon after changed to the "American Advocate."3
1 TTi'- commissioners appointed fir the Selection of the co. Beat
by tb« Gov. and Council wen- Matthew Dorr, David Rodp-rs,
and John Van BenttlUyMD. The first court and the first board
of sup- tvi- n ni't at a •"-hoolhonne on tho site of the present
Church. The Bret co. officers were Augustus Backet,
IJudge; .' - and Perley Ktjm, Judges; Thomas
Win- i.iin. Win. Hunter, and BthnJ Bvana, Assistant
. Henry Coffeen, Citric; Abel Sherman. Sheriff; BenJ.
Skinner. .' tr; and Bar) M i ■ Unbr —
Pease, and surchild Hubbard, Coroner*. At tli" Hi
of tho taxes of tho co. 1 by non-
DtS.
* In 1807 th« Jail lilxTti^ wt" first establish"!, which WOW
so extraordin.ir . .and a passing DOtfe . •■'II,'-. covered
around the courthouse and part of the public
'!«<•<. of ill" village; while
calitiea, el
limes in the center, were pa/As, fr -m 4 to *< feet wide, with oc-
casional crossings; so th I tally observing his r^nt-,
turning right angles, and k • ■ x i ri ^ himself in the strict i
which iti- ' • .nrt had established, a prisoner might visit nearrj
. building In the village; bat if the route wee. by any a*--
eident, obstructed, by a pita of lumt*>r, a pool of mud, ot a
be must paw over, through, or under, or else
iself to tl alng thii
m Imprisonment, and subjecting his bail torn secution
■■ violation of his tro ;>• 31.
j 7 tarted at Watertown in
1-17 by D. Abbey A .'. EL Lord, Jr„ and continued nntfJ
The Independent Rtpul Venn, commenced In 1810 by S. A. Abbey,
was continued until 1825.
The Herald of Salvation, semi-mo., (Univ.) was commenced in
1822 by Kev. l'itt Morse, and continued 2 years.
The Wnte.rtnvn Freeman was established in 1824, and continued
until 1888, and was then changed to
The. Democratic Standard, In July, 1S35, it was united with tho
Watertown Eagle, and becamo
The Eagle and Standard,
Thursday's J'ust w:n commenced in 1826 by Theron Parsons &
Co, and in 1828 Bold to Henry L. Harvey, who changed
it to
The Segi U r. It was afterward united with the Genius of Phi-
lanthropy, and in 1830 it became tho
Waterioum Register and General Advertiser. In 1831 it passed
into the hands of R. Cory, and in 1835 it was changed
to the
North Ameriran. It was published by .T. Iluxton a short time,
and afterward by II. S. Noble, by whom in 1839 it was
Issued as
The }\'atertenvn Regttter. In 1843 Joel Green became proprietor,
and changed it to
The Black Hirer Journal, and continued it until 1846.
Tht Qemui of Philanthropy was started in 1828 by Henry L.
Harvey, and was afterward united with The Register.
The Censor was started at Adams in IS'JS, by Theron Tarsong,
and was soon after removed to Watertown. In 1830,
Bnoch K. Camp became its proprietor, and changed it to
The Anli-Mi mic Sun. Shortly after, Dr. R.Ooodale, becoming
proprietor, changed it to
FAl Constellation, and continued it until 1832, when it passed
into the hands of Abner Morton, who published
it as
Tht Jefferson Reporter until 1834. It was then discontinued.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
353
This co. is all embracod in the Macomb purchase1 of 1791, except the islands in the lake and river,
a small reservation at Tibbctts Point near Capo Vincent, and a tract 10 mi. square, with one corner
extending to the St. Lawrence at French Creek, reserved by the Oneida Indians in the treaty of
1788 for Peter Penet, and called "Penets Square." That part n. of a line running e. from
Chaumont Bay, in the line of the s. bounds of Diana, was known as Great Tract No. IV., and
was sold to the "Antwerp Company," of Holland. Gouverneur Morris became the first agent,
and afterward Jas. D. Le Ray de Chaumont became extensively interested in the title, and under
him much of it was settled. The land between No. IV. and Black River (210,000 acres) was
purchased by Peter Chassanis, of Paris, for a company of capitalists ; a romantic scheme of colo-
nization was formed, and settlement begun at its southern point, near the High Falls, in Lewis co.
A few years after, the emigrants returned to France. Ellisburgh was mostly purchased by Marvel
Ellis, of Troy, in March, 1797, but it afterward reverted to Constable. A tract known as the
" Eleven Towns" was purchased in 1795 by Nicholas Low, Win. Henderson, Richard Harrison,
and Josiah Ogden Hoffman : it was divided by them and sold by their agents. Penets Square was
mostly settled by squatters, with whom the owners afterward had much difficulty. With the
exception of Carlton Island, the first settlement in the co. was made in Ellisburgh, in 1797, and
within 10 years nearly the whole of this town and of the "Eleven Towns" was taken up by actual
settlers. Settlement commenced under Le Ray in Wilna, Antwerp, Le Ray, and Philadelphia,
about 1806, and in the n. part of the co., along the St. Lawrence, after the war of 1812-15. But
a small part is now owned by the original purchasers or their heirs, much the greater portion
having long been owned in fee by actual settlers.2
The embargo and non-intercourse laws were quite unpopular along the n. frontier, and met
with open hostility or secret evasion in many cases. The declaration of war filled the co. with
alarm, and some families hastily prepared to leave. Ft. Carlton,3 within the American bound-
ary, had been held until this time by the British, and was immediately captured by a small
volunteer party and the buildings burned. A regiment of drafted militia, under Col. C. P. Bel-
linger, was stationed at Sackets Harbor in May. A fleet of 5 sail of the enemy was repulsed from
that place July 19, with loss. On the 30th Capt. Forsyth was stationed there with a fine company
The Independent Republican and Anti Masonic Recorder was
published at Watertown, from 1828 until 1830.
The Voice of Jefferson was published during the summer and
fall of 1828.
The Watertown EagU was commenced in Sept. 1832, by J. Cal-
houn. In 1833 Alvin Hunt became associate editor;
and in 1835 it was united with the Democratic Standard,
and issued as
The Eagle and Standard. In 1837 it was changed to
The Jeffersonian, and afterward to
Tlie Watertown Jeffersonian, and continued until 1855, when it
was united with the Democratic Union, and appeared as
The Jefferson County Union. By this title it is
now published by E. J. Clark & Co.
The Veto was published during the campaign of 1832.
The Spirit of Seventy Six was published a few months in 1834.
The Patriot and Democrat was published during the campaign
of 1838.
The Aurora was published by Alvin Hunt during the campaign
of 1840.
The Daily Journal was started in 1843, by Joel Greene. It was
soon after changed to
The Watertown Journal, tri-w., and continued until 1846.
The Democratic Union was started in 1846, by T. Andrews, and
continued until 1855, when it was united with The
Jeffersonian.
The Northern State Journal was started in August, 1846, by
Ambrose W. Clark. It was afterward changed to
The Northern New York Journal, and is now
published by A.W. Clark.
The Watertoivn Spectator was established in Jan. 1847, by Joel
Greene, and continued until 1849.
The New York Reformer was commenced in Aug.
1850, by Ingals, Burdick & Co., and is now published
by Ingals & Haddock. They also publish
The Daily News, commenced in March, 1859.
The Daily Jeffersonian was published about 6 mo. in 1851.
The Monitor and The Student were issued a short time. All of
the above were published at Watertown.
The Sackets Harbor Gazette and Advertiser, the first paper pub-
lished at Sackets Harbor, was commenced in March,
1817, by Geo. Camp. In Feb. 1821, it was changed to
T\e Jefferson Republican, and was continued about a year.
The Farmers Advocate was started in 1824, by Truman W. Has-
call, and continued until 1828.
The Courier, afterward called
The Sackets Harbor Courier, was published by J. Howe.
The Jefferson County Whig was published in 1837, by E. H.
Purdy.
23
The Sackets Harbor Journal was established in Oct. 1838, by E.
M. Luff, and continued until 1851.
The Harmsonian was published by E. M. Luff during the cam-
paign of 1840.
The Sackets Harbor Observer was founded in March, 1848, by
O. H. Harris. In 1852 it was changed to
The Jefferson Farmer, and continued 2 or 3 years.
The Carthaginian was started at Carthage in Dec. 1839, and in
1843 it was changed to
The Black River Times. It was discontinued soon after.
The People's Press was commenced in 1847 by M. F. Wilson.
The Carthage Standard has been published since Jan.
1858, by W. R. Merrill.
Tlie Jefferson County Democrat was established at Adams in
June, 1S44, by E. C. Hatch. In 1847 it passed into the
hands of E. .1. Clark. It is m>w published, as
The Jefferson County News, by J. Eddy.
The Theresa Chronicle was started Jan. 14, 1848, by E. C. Burt,
at Theresa, and continued about 6 months.
Lie Phare des Lacs (the Ueaeon of the Lakes) was com-
menced at Watertown, in May, 1859, by Petit & Grandpre.
The Cape Vincent Gazette was commenced in 1858
by P. A. Leach.
1 Alexander Macomb, Daniel McCormick, and Wm. Constable,
of New York, were the parties owning this purchase. The first
two failed, and Constable became chief agent and party to the
sales that were subsequently made. — Hough's Hist. St. Law. Co.
" The present names of these towns are in most cases different
from those applied by the landholders. Their names, numbeis,
and owners under the allotment of 1790 are as follows. Harrison
and Hoffman held their interests in common several years later.
Present Karnes. Otvners
Hounsfield. Har. & Hoff.
Watertown. Low.
Rutland. Henderson.
Champion. Har. & Hoff.
Denmark. Har. & Hoff.
Henderson. Henderson.
Adams. Low.
Rodman. Har. & Hoff.
Pinckney. Henderson.
Harrisburgh. Har. & Hoff.
Lowville. Low.
The several tracts were appraised by Benj. Wright, of Rome,
the surveyor, and their value equalized from a part of Worth.
8 On Carlton or Buck Island. It was built by the Fronch,
and during t^he Revolution was an important rendezvous for
scalping parties of tories ar.d Indians.
No.
Original Na7nes
1.
Hesiod.
2.
Leghorn.
3.
Milan.
4.
Howard.
5.
Mantua.
6.
Henderson.
7.
Aleppo.
8.
Orpheus.
9.
Handel.
10.
Platina.
11.
Lowville.
35-1
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
of riflemen, and, Sept. 20, made a descent upon Gananoqui, Canada, and destroyed a large quantity
of provisions. The details of the operations upon the N. frontier belong to general history.
Sackets Harbor became the principal seat of military and naval preparations, and from this post
were fitted out the armaments that captured Little York and Ft. George, and the disgraceful expe-
dition, under Gen. Wilkinson, that descended the St. Lawrence late in the fall of 1813.1 Large
bodies of troops were stationed here during most of the war; and a fleet of frigates of the largest
class was fitted out at this point, to cope with one, equally formidable, built at Kingston. The
enemy were repulsed in an attack upon Sackets Harbor, May 29, 1813, and were subsequently
defeated at Cranberry Creek and Sandy Creek and in several minor cnKajrements. After the war
the costly navy was left to rot, or was sold for commercial purposes ; and, in accordance with the
provisions of the convention of April, 1817, but one armed vessel was left afloat upon the lake.
Extensive barracks were built in 181G-19 at Sackets Harbor. A considerable body of regular
troops was stationed here until withdrawn for service in the Indian wars of the Northwest and
of Florida. In the abortive scheme known as the "Patriot "War," in 1837^40, this co. became the
scene of intense excitement, and the seat of many grave as well as ludicrous events. "Hunter
Lodges" were formed in every village to promote the Patriot cause, and large sums raised for the same
purpose found their way into the pockets of the leaders, most of whom evinced a cowardice as little
creditable to their honor as was their financial management to their honesty.
The earliest market of this co. was down the St. Lawrence, which has ever been the route of the
lumber trade. Several State roads were built through the co. before the war, and a military road
was laid out and partly worked from Sackets Harbor to Plattsburgh. Soon after the introduction
of canals and railroads many projects of internal improvement were formed, and surveys were
made in this co., without result. The Watertown and Rome R. R. extends from Cape Vincent s.
through Lyme, Brownville, Pamelia, Watertown, Adams, and Ellisburgh, connecting with the
X. Y. Central at Rome. The Sackets Harbor and Ellisburgh R. R., a branch of the preceding,
extends from Sackets Harbor through Henderson to Pierrepont Manor. The Potsdam and Water-
town R. R. extends n. e. from Watertown through Pamelia, Le Ray, Philadelphia, and Antwerp,
funning a connection with the Ogdensburgh R. R. in Potsdam. In 1848-51 about 170 mi. of plank
n tad were built within the co., by over 20 companies ; but most of the lines have been surrendered
to the towns in which the roads were laid. Steam navigation commenced upon Lake Ontario in
1810, and commodious lines have since been run, touching at Sackets Harbor, Cape Vincent,
Clayton, and Alexandria Bay, within this co.
1 Tlio following is a chronological list of the principal events
which took place at Sackets Harbor and vicinity during the
war : —
1-1-, M:iy. — The Lord Nelson, a British schooner, was taken,
and condemned, for violating the revenue laws.
Her name was changed to " Scourge."
Col. C. I'. Bellinger was stationed here with a
regiment of militia.
'• Jim- 1 1. S'hoonor Ontorin taken, and discharged.
" July 19, Villas- attacked by -i vessels of the enemy. No
injury done to the Americana, and the British
retired with i
•• July 30, Capt. Bcnj. fore] th arrived with the first regular
tr - ] -.
" Jnly 31. Sch ■ mar Julia nailed tor Helensburgh, and en-
oonntered J boatila reaeels at kforrtotown.
'.. Belilnger'i regiment wan disbanded bofore
they (fan
" Sept. 20, Capt. rorsytb started upon an expedition against
Oannno^iil.
• >. | • - In arrived, and ordered Gen. Brown to
proceed to Ogdemburgh.
" Oct. Coi!im.«l"re fjnaanoay and Gov. Tompkins ar-
rived, the tonnac baying bean sptMrinted com-
mander Of the DM l the lake.
" Oct. 12, Capt. tort} th'- Company and others were sent to
i tgdi nsl nrgh.
" Nov .8-14, Com. CfaaODOCjr rnil«d DBOn the lake before
Kingston, and ' — 1«.
" Nov. 26, Ship.WiWiJ-n *«i la todayaaftaroi .nmvnr-
ment. Part Ibmpkina and 1 arracks were com-
pleted ni-'Ut th' - 1- ■ time.
lM3,Mar< h. — G-n. Dearborn arrivi I and took command.
April 7, Urig J'fl'Tirm Linn
" •• 1". Drig Jrm/j launrh.-l.
'• 19, Ti,.' rirmrUr Baffled t- reOODS 'iter.
" " 22, Oen. ViU embarked tor Uttlc York.
" " 25. Expedition sailed.
" May 13, Expedition returned lad^n with »t
.. i4 22, Oom. Cbanacaj eaffled wttk tba fleet tor Niagara.
" " 29, Sackets Harl«>r attacked hy the enemy, who
were repulsed with the low of 150 men. The
Americans lost a large quantity of military
stores, including the spoils of Little York, from
the accidental burning of the storehouse.
1813, Juno 1, Com. Chauncey returned with the fleet.
" " 12, Ship Pike launched.
" " 14, Lieut. Wolcott Chauncey went on a cruise, and
took a schooner laden with stores and arms.
" July 2, — Maj. Gen. Morgan Lewis arrived and took com-
mand.
" " 3, A secret expedition to burn the Pike was defeated.
" " 14, The Xrptune and Fox sailed on a privateering
expedition down the St. Lawrence. (See p 355.)
" " 20, Com. Chauncey, with the Pike, sailed for Nia-
gara. The Sylph (built in 33 days) accompanied
film.
" Aog. 20, Gen. Wilkinson held a council to decido upon
offensive measures.
" Sept. 6, Gen. Armstrong, Sec. of War, arrived.
" Oct. 26, Gen. Wilkinson sailed on an expedition down
tlio St. Lawrence, with disastrous results.
" Nov. 2, The Pike, and other armed vessels sailed on a
eruise among the Thousand Islands.
Dec. and Jan. The remaining part of the fall and winter was
spent in ship building and in strengthening
fortifications.
1M1. Mayl. — Frigato Superior, of 66 gnns, was launched in SO
days from the commencement of building.
" June 15, The crew of the ship Congress began to arrivo
from Portsmouth.
" " " An expedition under Lieut. Gregory sailed, and
a few days after captured the gunboat Block
Snake in tie St haw rence, for which act Congress
awarded $3000 in 1834.
" " 26, Another expedition, under tho same, sailed, and
in a few days burned a vessel on the stocks and
a quantity of stores near Prescott.
" Jnly 31, Tlio American fleet sailed for Niagara.
" Sept. 14, Gen. Izard arrived from Lake Champlain.
" " 30, A gig belonging to the Superior captured several
boats laden with goods for Kingston.
" Oct. Great alarm was felt for the safety of the harbor,
which led to tho assembling of large bodies of
militia.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
>■)■>
ADAMS1 — was formed from Mexico, April 1, 1802, and named in honor of John Adams, Ex-
President. Rodman was taken off in 1804. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the center of the oo.
Its surface is rolling, and generally inclined toward the hike, and, with the exception of its B< t.
border, is underlaid by Trenton limestone. Several remarkable upheavals of this formation occur
along; its n. and w. borders, and a bold terrace extends into Watertown and Rutland. It is well
watered by the N. Sandy and Stony Creeks. The soil is a clayey loam, with occasional sand and
gravel, especially along the ancient lake ridge, which may be traced through this town. It is very
productive, and equally adapted to dairying and the cultivation of grains. Manufactures are car-
ried on to some extent. Adams, (p. v.,) situated on North Sandy Creek and theW. &R. It. R., c m-
taius 4 churches, a bank, a seminary, printing office, and several small manufactories. Pop. 1,268.J
Ada mbs Center (p. v.) and Smithvillc (p. v.) have each about 250 inhabitants. \pp!i:!U'
and North Adams (p. o.) are hamlets. The town was mostly settled under Isaac W. Bostwick,
agent of Nicholas Low, the proprietor.4 The first sermon was preached in 1802, by Rev. Mr. Wood-
ward, a missionary.5 A private academy — now called the Philharmonic Institute — has been taught
at Adams Village for many years. The remains of several ancient fortifications are found in town.
ALEXANDRIA — was formed from Brownville and Le Ray, April 3, 1821, and named from
Alexander Le Ray, a son of the proprietor. Theresa was taken off in 1841. It lies on the St.
Lawrence, in the n. extremity of the co., and embraces the e. part of Wells Island and a con-
siderable portion of the Thousand Islands. The surface underlaid by gneiss is rough and rocky,
but that portion underlaid by sandstone is level, with a thin, clayey and sandy soil. A vein of lead
has been discovered near Redwood, and examined to the depth of 40 feet. Alexandria Bay6
(Alexandria p. o.) contains 24 houses, Plessis7 (p. v.) 32, and Redwood8 (p. v.) 429 inhabit-
ants. Settlement commenced in 1811, under Le Ray. An engagement took place within the
limits of this town during the war of 1812.9 An elegant Ref. Prot. D. church was erected at Alex-
andria Bay in 1848-5 1.10
ANTWERP — was formed from Le Ray, April 5, 1810, and named from the Antwerp Com-
pany.11 It is the extreme e. town in the co. The n. and e. portions are broken by low rocky
ridges parallel to the river. The s. w. part is more level. The soil in the valleys is a clayey loam,
and is very fertile.12 The ridges are made up of masses of gneiss,13 white crystalline limestone,1*
and sandstone.15 Between the gneiss and sandstone in this town are several of the richest iron
mines in the State. The "Sterling Mine"16 lies about 3 mi. n. of Antwerp Village; another,
of less extent, 1 mi. n. ; a third, known as the " Keene Mine,"17 on the borders of St. Lawrence
co.; and a fourth, known as the " Parish Mine,"18 immediately adjacent. In this same range are
found the mines of Rossie and Gouverneur, which have furnished most of the ore used at the
furnaces in this region. Bog iron ore is found near Ox Bow.19 One or two sulphur springs are
found in town. Antwerp, (p. v.,) on the P. and W. R. R,, was incorp. July, 1853. It contains
1 Aleppo, or No. 7 of the Eleven Towns.
2 This village was first settled by David Smith, about 1800, and
for many years it was known as " Smiths Mills." Incorp. Nov.
11, 1S51.
8 Named from Maj. Daniel Appling, the hero of the battle of
Sandy Creek.
4 The first settlers came on for permanent residence in 1S00;
among them were Nicholas and Alexander Salisbury, Solomon
Smith, Daniel Comstock, Daniel Smith, Abram Ripley, Jonathan
Cable, Stephen Shippey, and Enon D'Estaing. The first inn was
kept by Abel Hart, and the first store by Jesse Hale. Daniel
Smith erected the first grist and saw mills in 1801-02, the former
superseding the stump mortars of the first season. The first
birth was that of Edmund Salisbury; the first marriage, that
of Daniel Ellis to Mrs. A. Salisbury, widow of Alexander Salis-
bury, in 1S02; and the first death,*that of Alexander Salisbury,
drowned in 1801. Schools were first taught in 1803.
6 Rev. Chas. G. Finney, Pres. of Oberlin College, was a law stu-
dent in this town. The census reports 9 churches; 3 Bap., 2
Seventh Day Bap., 2 Cong., M. E.. and Prot. E.
8 This place was surveyed and laid out as a village for Le Ray
in 181S. A custom house was established here in 1828. Sunken
Rock Lighthouse was built in 1847. It is an important wooding
station for steamers, and within a few years has become a favor-
ite resort for fishing and excursion parties among the Thou-
sand Islands.
1 Named from a town in France. Formerly called " Flat Hock,"
from the naked sandstone in the vicinity. A grist mill was built
here in 1817 for Le Ray. Wm. Merrill," the first innkeeper, was
murdered in 1826.
8 A glass factory was established at this place In 1833, by
John S. Foster. It is devoted to the manufacture of cylinder
glass, and is now carried on by a joint stock company known
as the Redwood Manufac. Co. A stream a few rods in length,
flowing from Mud to Butterfield Lake, has here a fall of 91 feet,
and furnishes water power to a grist and saw mill.
9 The " Neptune" and " Fox," two small American armed
vessels, captured a brigade of bateaux belonging to the enemy,
July 20, 1813. and took their prizes into Cranberry Creek, iu
this town. They were pursued, and a sharp skirmish ensued,
resulting in the retreat of the British with considerable loss.
1° This church was built through the agency of Rev. G. W.
Bethune, of Brooklyn, and is called " The Church of the Thou-
sand Isles." A parsonage was built in 1852. The sites for
both edifices were given by Francis Depau. The census reports
6 churches; 2 Prot. E., Bap., M. E„ Presb., and R.C.
11 This land company, formed iu Holland, bought Great Tract
No. IV., within which this town is situated. For particulars seo
Hough's Hist. Jeff. Co., p. 58-61.
12 According to the last census, this town produces more butter
than any other town in the co.; and, with one exception, it
has the greatest number of cows of any town in the State.
13 From 1805 to 1828 about 100 pairs of millstones were manu-
factured from this rock in this town.
14 This limestone is especially valuable for lime and as a flux
for iron ore.
16 This sandstone furnishes an excellent building material, and
is used for the lining of furnaces.
16 Discovered by Hopestill Foster ; owned and worked by Jas.
Sterling.
17 On the farm of Hiram B. Keene. and owned by a company.
18 Owned by Geo. Parish, of Ogdeusburgh.
19 This ore is of the red specular variety. The region in which
it is found is one of the richest in the country for specimens of
rare minerals.
356
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
The Antwerp Liberal Institute1 and 3 churches. Pop. 621. Ox Bow2 (p. v.) is situated on the
Oswegatehee River. Pop. 240. Sterlingburgh,3 1 mi. above Antwerp, and Spragues
Corners, on the line of St. Lawrence co., are hamlets. The first improvements were
made in 1803, at the Ox Bow, under the direction of Lewis R. Morris, the original proprietor.*
In 1808, Morris sold 29,033 acres to George and David Parish, under whose agents the greater
part of the settlements were made. A party of militia was stationed here in 1808, to enforce the
embargo, and a blockhouse was built at the village in 1812. The first church was built, in
1816, by Parish.6
BROWWILLE — was formed from Leyden, April 1, 1802, and was named from Gen. Jacob
Brown, its founder. Le Ray was taken off in 1806 ; Lyme, in 1818; Pamelia, in 1819; and
Orleans, and a part of Alexandria, in 1821. It is situated on the n. side of Black River and
Black River Bay. Its surface is level or gently undulating. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam.
Sulphate of barytes is found on Pillar Point, and the vein has been worked to some extent for
lithic paint. Upon the w. bank of Perch River, a few rods below Limerick, is a cave extending
150 yards into the bank and 30 feet below the surface. Manufactures receive considerable
attention. Rtonin i 1 1 « - . (p. v.,) on Black River, 4 mi. below Watertown, was incorp. April 5,
1828. It has a valuable water power, and contains 3 churches, a cotton factory, and several
foundries and machine shops. Pop. 621. Dexter6 (p. v.) is situated at the head of navigation
on Black River. It is the seat of an extensive woolen factory built in 1836.7 Pop. 429.
Limerick (p.o.) and 3Ioffatville, (Perch River p. o.) contain a dozen houses each. Pillar
Point (p.o.) is situated across the bay from Sackets Harbor. Pop. 50. Gen. Jacob Brown
began the settlement of the town in 1799, as proprietor and agent.8 During the war Brownville
village became the seat of a hospital ; and on different occasions large bodies of troops were
posted in the vicinity. For several years it was the residence and headquarters of Maj . Gen. Brown,
commander in chief of the >". department, and afterward of Col. Edward Kirby,9 his son-in-law.
There are 10 churches in town.10
CAPE VIXCEXT — was formed from Lyme, April 10, 1849, and named from Vincent Le Ray,
son of the proprietor. It is the x. w. corner town of the co., and embraces Carlton, Grenadier, and Fox
Islands in the St. Lawrence. The surface is level, or slightly undulating, and the soil is a clayey loam.
Kent Creek is the principal stream. There are 2 or 3 sulphur springs in town. Considerable
attention is paid to ship building. Cape Yincent,11 (p. v.,) the terminus of the TV. and R.
R. R.. near the head of the St. Lawrence River, is a thriving commercial village. Pop. 1026.
Saint Lawrence and Milieus Bay are p. offices and hamlets. The first settlement in the
town and co. was made upon Carlton Island,12 at about the time of the Revolution. A regular forti-
fication, known as " Fort Carlton,"13 was erected upon the island, and a tract of 30 acres was cleared
and cultivated, and Ion;; known as the "Kings Garden." The first settlement upon the main-
land was commenced in 1801 at Port Putnam, 2 mi. below Cape Vincent, by < 'apt. Abijah Putnam.14
Count Real, Chiof of Police under Napoleon, and other French families of note, resided in this town
for some time. A custom house was established in 1819. Upon the shores of Grenadier Island,15
1 Tin* institution i« not r< t fnlly 'Tznrt'\7' I.
* This name i« dertn ■! (ran :i r- inarkal']" bend in 1 1 1 - • O-w.-
gatr' j^n which the village issituate. I. The village was
iettl- I b] - tl ti emigrants,
;h, 1 ml. -it 'T« Antwerp Village, is the w
an iron furnace boll! rung In 1846. A forgo was bnilt
here for tmvid I'nri«h in 1M7.
♦ Th- fir>t settl* r ».i« Wrn !/>«>. Mflli w. re hnilt at Antwerp
Villi^-" i: I r M rn«. by John Jenniton. Tl,.. first
was taught ii nt, i j I:- ■ j. I
. .i* chores was the second in tl ••! -iny years
was used lv all th- 'I ti minatioru in t"wn. It \* dow in pon-
tile II. C. in tows J Bap.,
U V. . Was. Meth., I'r , R.C, Union.
. 1'ir I Bran S. >'■»* n Dad r, of Whites) to*, one of the
proprietors. It wss formerly known ss a i '." During
ir th" mill" at this place fnrnish<'<l hunbef for the
w..rk» at Bad r- Tli" «t. uner " Brownrule,"
built in 1 ■>'-.". BBd dssfctMd (0 run between this place ttn,| ti1P
lake porta, was bun bar first trip. The Black I
Nav. (".,., incorp. In 1810, built locks ben, which were little
uwi. I the improvement of navigation were built at
the mouth of the river by the Gen. Government ; but they have
r. -nlte.1 in injury.
• This factory is of stone, and cost ?1 10,000. It i* fitted for 10
arts of machinery, ai
■ 1 1 n. Brown built a sawmill. aDd in 1ani a small
grist mill, at the mouth of Philomel ' ':• '■■■ A bridge was built
in 1802, and a dam acroaa the river in li00. In 1528, llenry
Bfani was hung near Watertown for murder committed in this
town, — the only execution by civil authority that ever took
place in the co.
* OoL Kirbv held the office of paymaster in the army from
1824 till hi- death, April 18,1846.
M 2 M. B- 2 Pxot B_ 2 UniT, 2 Presb., 1 Bap., 1 Union.
11 Called •• Qrcm Uy I'.nit" by many of the old inhabitants. It
was first settled in 1809, laid out as a village in 1817, and incorp.
in 1853. A lighthouse was built at Tibbets Point, 2 mi. distant,
in 1826. The R. n. company have built hero a wharf 3000 bet
2 immense freight houses, a grain elovator, Sec. The
Ontario Line of Steamers touch at this point, and ferry boats
rim regularly to Kingston. A few years since, a canal was dug
across Wolf or Grand Island, to afford a more direct route for
tin- ferry. This place received several visits from tho enemy
during the war.
I3 This island contains 1274 acres. A military class right (see
page 46) of 500 acres was located here in 1786. For several
years after 1822 it was a thriving lumber station, where rafts
were made up for the Quebec market.
" This fort commanded the s. channel of the river, and was
an important post during the Revolution. It was mostly exca-
vated in the rock, and the materials taken out were used in the
construction of the rampart and escarpment.
M Mr. Putnam established a ferry from this place to Wolf
Island. In 1803 a State road waa opened to this place, and in
village plot was laid out, but soon after abandoned.
u This island was the rendezvous of Gen. Wilkinson's army on
their way down the river in 1813. At the eastern extremity is a
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
357
and of the mainland opposite, are valuable seine fisheries. A town ag. soc. was formed in 1850. J
There are 3 churches in town.2
CHAMPION3 — was formed frum Mexico, March 14, 1800. A part of Harrisburgh was taken
off in 1803. It is the central town on the s. E. border of the co. The surface is broken and hilly.
The most elevated portions are the slate hills in the s. an^lc, (known as the "peak,") which are
about 1700 feet above tide. From their summits the land descends in a series of broken and
irregular terraces to the river. The n. part is more level. The soil is generally a clay loam,
but near the river in some places it is sandy. Champion (p-v.) contains 20 houses, Great
Bend (p. v.) and West Carthage4 about 30 each. Champion South lloaris isap.o.
The first settlement was begun in 17'J8, by Noadiah Hubbard, as agent for Storrs. The first settlers
came by water down the river as far as the Long Falls, and the town was settled with great
rapidity.6 The first church (Cong.) was formed in 1805 .6
CLAYTOSf — was formed from Orleans and Lyme, April 27, 1833, and named in honor
of John M. Clayton, U. S. Senator from Del. It is centrally situated on the n. w. border of the co.
It embraces two-fifths of Penets Square, a gore w. and another n. of that tract, and Grindstone
and several smaller islands in the St. Lawrence. The surface is level, or slightly rolling. Water
lime has been manufactured in considerable quantities. Clayton,7 (p. v.,) situated at the mouth
of French Creek,8 is largely engaged in the lumber trade and in ship building.9 Pop. 896.
Depauville10 (p. v.) is situated at the head of navigation on Chaumont (Sha-mo) River, (or
Catfish Creek,) 6 mi. from the bay. Pop. 386. Clayton Center is a p. o. Settlement com-
menced in 1803, but progressed slowly until after the war. For many years the titles to the portions
included in Penets Square and the islands became the subject of much controversy and litigation.
In early times the shores of the St. Lawrence in this and adjoining towns became the scene
of many lawless adventures in the prosecution of smuggling.11 In 1813, the enemy attacked the
advanced guard of Wilkinson's expedition, commanded by Gen. Brown, at Bartlets Point, but were
repulsed. The census reports 7 churches in town.12
EL.L.ISBIJRGH13— was formed from Mexico, Feb. 22, 1803. Henderson was set off in 1806.
It is situated in the s.w. corner of the co., upon the shore of Lake Ontario. The surface is
rolling and inclined toward the lake. A range of low sand hills extend along the shore, and these
are succeeded by a wide marshy region, producing wild grasses that in dry seasons may be mown.
North and South Sandy Creeks are the principal streams. The soil is sandy on the w., clayey
through the center, and a slaty loam in the e. There is a sulphur spring in town. This is
the wealthiest agricultural town in the co., and is surpassed by but few in the State. Ellis
Village,14 (Ellisburgh p. o.,) situated on S. Sandy Creek, 4 mi. from its mouth, has a limited
amount of manufactures. Pop. 230. Belleville,15 (p. v.,) is situated on N. Sandy Creek, 3 mi.
from Ellis Village, and on the S. II. & E. R. R. Pop. 363. The Union Literary Society (academy)
is located here. Pierrepont Manor,16 (p. v.,) at the junction of the W. & R. and S. H.
& E. R. R., contains 255 inhabitants. Woodville,17 (p. v.,) is situated on N. Sandy Creek.
Pop. 180. Mannsville,18 (p. v.,) on Skinners Creek and the W. & R. R. R., has a population
capacious bay, known as " Basin Harbor," which affords a shelter
for boats. The whole island is now a single dairy farm.
1 This society is open to the citizens of Lyme, Clayton, and
Wolf Island. 2 Presb., Prot. E., and R. C.
8 No. 4, or " Howard," of the " Eleven Towns." It fell to the
share of Harrison and Hoffman, and by them was sold to Gen.
Henry Champion, of Colchester, Conn., and Lemuel Storrs. It
was settled under Judge Noadiah Hubbard and Alfred Lathrop,
agents of the last named proprietor. The name was given in
honor of Gen. Champion, who presented the town with a bell
for the compliment.
* Considerable amounts of lumber, oil, flour, and cloth are
manufactured in this village.
6 Among the first settlers, who came in in 1798-99, were John,
Thos. and Salmon Ward, David and Saml. Starr, Joel Mix,
Ephm. Chamberlain, Jonathan Mitchell, Bela Hubbard, and
David Miller. The first school was taught by E. Chamberlain,
in 1800. The first sawmill was built in 1802, by John Eggleson
and Wm. Hadsall. The first grist mill was built at West Car-
thage, by David Coffeen, in 1806. A furnace was built at the
same place in 1834, and about 1000 tons of iron produced. Several
prominent lawyers, among whom were Moss Kent, brother of
the chancellor, Egbert Ten Eyck, and Henry R. Storrs, settled
in Champion, in expectation of its becoming the co. seat of
the new co. to be erected from Oneida.
* Rev. Nathl. Dutton was the first regular settled pastor in
the town and co. There are 6 churches in town ; 2 Cong., 2
M. E., Bap., and Union.
* Formerly called " Cornelia," and still frequently called
"French Creek." A party of Patriots made this place their
rendezvous in preparing to invade Canada. The same party
took possession of Hickory Island ; but upon the approach of the
British they fled, leaving their armament behind.
8 This stream is called by the Indians Wet-eringh-ra-gu-en-te-re,
or " Fallen Fort," from a fort taken by the Oneidas from another
tribe long before the advent of the whites.
9 The timber is brought in vessels from the upper lakes, and
here made up into rafts. Most of the steamers belonging to the
American line have been built at this port and at Wolf Island.
10 De-po-ville. Named from Francis Depau, an early pro-
prietor. The place was formerly known as " Catjish Falls."
Stephen Johnson built the first mill and opened the first store
at this place, in 1824.
11 During the embargo of 1808 a road was cut through the
woods, and immense quantities of potash were taken to Canada
without restraint.
12 4 M. E., and one each Bap., R.C., and Union.
18 " Minos," of the " Eleven Towns." Named from Marvel
Ellis, an early proprietor, and Lyman Ellis, the first settler.
14 The oldest settlement in the co.
16 Named from Belleville, in Canada.
16 It is the residence of Hon. Wm. C. Pierrepont, from whom
the village derives its name.
» Named from Ebenezer, Ephraim, and Jacob Wood, the first
settlers.
18 Named from Col. H. B. Mann, who erected a factory at this
place, but which was afterward burned.
358
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
of 315. Rural Hill1 (p. o.) and Wardwell (p. o.) are hamlets. Lyman Ellis and a large
number of others made the first settlement, in 1797. 2 A tract of 3000 acres in the s.w. corner
of the town was sold by ~Wm. Constable, in 1796, to Brown and Eddy, and was settled by squatters.
Upon the advent of the first settlers, near Ellis Tillage, on Sandy Creek, -were found numerous
traces <>f an early occupation by civilized races.3 During the war an engagement took place near
the mouth of S. Sandy Creek, between a party of 150 American regulars and a few militia and
Indians, under Maj. Appling, and a party of 200 British, who were pursuing a flotilla of boats,
commanded by Lieut. Woolscy, laden with stores for Sackcts Harbor. The British were defeated,
and nearly the whole party were killed or taken prisoners.'4 The census reports 11 churches in
b '\vn.5
IIEXDERSOX6— was formed from Ellisburgh, Feb. 17, 1806. It lies on Lake Ontario, s. w.
of the center of the co. The surface is rolling ; and it is deeply indented with Henderson Bay,
formed by a long rocky point known as Six-Town Point.7 There are in town two small lakes
and several marshes. Stony and Little Stony Creeks are the principal streams. The soil is clay
and loam. Henderson" (p. v.) is situated near the center, on Stony Creek. Pop. 404. Hen-
derson Harbor9 .-mains 12 houses; and Smitliville10 (p.o.) 40. Roberts Corners
(p. o.) is a hamlet. Settlement was begun in 1802, under Asher Miller, agent for the proprietor.11
At the head of Henderson Bay is a curved embankment or bar of stone, 100 rods long, and a little
above the water, known as "Indian Wharf;" and from this point to Stony Creek there was an
Indian trail or portage. The census reports 5 churches in town.12
HOr\sriELD13-Tvas formed from TTatertown, Feb. 17, 1806. It is situated on Black
River Bay, on the w. border of the co. Its surface is very level, and the soil is a clayey and sandy
loam. Ship building and manufactures have received considerable attention. KaeKels Har-
bor1* (p. v.) is the principal village. Pop. 994. This was the principal military and naval
station on the northern frontier during the last war with Great Britain, and millions of dollars
wore spent in fortifications and in building vessels. East Hounslield (p.o.) and StOAVells
Corners (p. o.) are hamlets. Amasa Fox was the first settler. In 1802 there were 30
families in town.15 In 1805 several English families came in.16 During the war this town was
the center of important military events. Several expeditions were here fitted out against Canada;
and. in turn, the town was invaded on several occasions.17 Large bodies of troops were fre-
quently quartered here, and the citizens became familiar with the lights and shades of military
life.18 After the war most of the troops were withdrawn, leaving only enough to keep the
i F rrnerly called " Buck TTill."
■ Among the first settlers were Caleb Ellis, Robert Fulton,
Elijah Hirhardson. Hes. Pierce, Chaunccy Smith, Wni, Koot,
Vi.il Salisbury, Isaac Waddle, ami Abram Wilcox. The early
rs Buffered much from sickness. The first child born was
i" Pierce, and the first death, that of Caleb Ellis. Lyman
Elli" built the first sawmill, in 1797, and the first grist mill, it) ISO.'J.
' It i- probable that the French expedition, under De La Bane,
again-' the On mdagai in 1684, mel with tleir terrible disasters
fr.'tn hmlns and -i. koeM within th" limits of this town.
« Tie- *t..n* wen taken by land from this point to the
■ 11 irbor." Among than was a cable weighing 9600 lbs., which
wo* dr. hmrj fr loading upon any wagon thai conld be ob-
i. It ™ accordingly placed "ti the shoulders iif — -"»< >
■ad r.irriol to . I the bearers
appro* bed the Harbor, the Mflon mel them with lond cheers,
reUei I thair burden, and marched triumphantly into
the rill u'.
' 3 lUf . J r..nC.. 2 M. K.. Presb. Prot K . Vniv., Union.
• ,\ . rns." Named from Wm. Hcndi
tljo t II t be adjacent islands in the lake.
" upon this point an lbs remains of a small I <ifb-a-
tlrm. evidently built during th< I War,
(formerly called ".Soiui ury,
an early merchant and null owner.
• Th" bay upon which this |>lv« i> ilruated was cell 1 the
■
i v .in- i from Jens Smith, who, from » o>mm<>n Ul
of thorn re lumber dealers In tho county,
and ■ man ofinnni i
" Among the first settlers w"r<- Anthony Ppragu<\ LbtI
field, Jedediah M n «» Barrett, Wm.
P ■■■.. : Daniel Bpen r. WillU Pellow< kept the fir*t inn
Bill built the first saw atel gri»t mill". Th" first child l-rn was
. Scofieid, and the I that of a r),il I f II - i
Heath. Klisha Skinner taught I A small *
t ted in 1614 I - ten eettlament was made in
'i th" bay. A lighthouse was erected on Stony
Point in li
» 2 M. K.. Ev. T.nth.. Eniv.. and Dl
»Th" town embraces No. 1, or " Hesiod," of the "Ebvn
Towns," and was named from Ezra Hounsfield, onoof the early
proprietors. In the division it fell to the share of Harrison
and Hoffman; and by them the w. half was sold to Champion
and Storrs, and the remainder to Peter Kemble and E. Houns-
field. It was called "Newport" in early documents. Gull,
Snake. Great and Little Galloo. and Stony Islands belong to
this town. Upon Galloo Island a lighthouse was erected in 1S20.
H {famed from Augustus Sacket. tho first settler. Called by
the Indians Giidiu-a-go-je-twa-daa-lote, fort at the mouth of
Qreat Biver. Incorp. April la, lsl4. A collection district was
formi-d in 1 Wi. Madison Barracks, built in 1S16-19 at a cost of
$85,000, are the principal military works. Upon a point in the
harbor is the hull of the frigate New Orleans, sheltered by a
house built over it. It was commenced during the war, but
has never been finished. It measured 3200 tons, and was pierced
t ir 1 10 guns. Tho frigate Chippewa, Of like dimensions, built
farther up th" bay. ha,- h"en taken down.
'* Among these were John and Wm. Evans, Squire Reed,
ii ;iibut. and Charles Baird.
'• Among these w"p- Saml. bull', bis sons Edmund, Bam!., .Tr.,
. SO I J| --", David Merritt, William Ashby, John Roots,
Henry Motcalf. and Geo. Slowman. Dr.Wm. Baker, who settled in
was the tir-t physician; Ambrose Pease and si"p. Simmons
early Innkeepers, and Loren Buss and Hezeklah Doollttle,
early merchants. In 1808 Samuel F. Honker brought in a Btock
of k'.H..|H worth $20.01111. Meetings were first held by Edmund
1. 1 iff. who built a church, and preached many years without fee
or reward. Elisha Camp settled in 1804, as a lawyer and agent,
and has -in' ■■ l n more prominently concerned in the affairs
of tie- town than any other person. Samuel buff built the first
grift mill, Augustus Sacket, the first sawmill, mel Solon Stone,
the fir-t cotton factory, on Mill Creek. The fir-t child born in
town was Wealthy Rowllson. At an early period, John Jacob
Astor and other capitalists Invested large sums here in tho
manufacture of potash, that articlo commanding $2n<> to $350
per ton in the Montreal market. '" See page 354.
'•About a doze,, military executions took place here during
the w:ir. A duel was fought with muskets, Juno 13, 1S18,
between two nldlera, our- of whom was killed. During the com
niand of Col. Brady at thi« station, the remains of Gens. Zebu-
1 ii M. Pike, and Leonard Covington, C<iL J.ihn Tuttle, Lieut.
JEFFERSON COUNTY. 359
works in repair. In 1832 a canal, fur hydraulic purposes, was completed from Huntington's Mills,
above Watertown, to Baskets Harbor; but in about 10 years it was abandoned.1 Dr. Samuel
Guthrie, one of the discoverers of chloroform, and inventor of the percussion compound foi firearms,
which has superseded Hints, resided at Sackets Harbor. A Union school was established in the
village in 1840. There are 5 churches in town.2
L.E RAY3 — was formed from Brownville, Feb. 17, 180G. Antwerp was taken off in 1810, a
part of Wilna in 1813, and a part of Philadelphia and Alexandria in 1821. It is an interior
town e. of the center of the co. The surface is level, or gently rolling, and the soil is principally
a clayey loam. A strip of ban-en sand, once covered with pine, but now almost a desert, extmd.s
along Black River. The streams are Black and Indian Rivers, Pleasant ('nek, and several
small brooks. l,e Raysville4 (p. v.) contains 22 houses. Evans Mills5 (p. v.) is situated
on Pleasant Creek and the P. & W. P. II. Pop. 410. Sandfoi'ds Corners, (p. v.,) on the
P. & W. R. R., contains a dozen houses. Rlack River,6 a village of 50 houses, is partly in
this town. The first settlement was made in 1802, by a party under Benj. Brown, agent for Le
Ray.7 Le Ray removed to this place in 1808, and began a liberal system of settlement, by opening
roads and building bridges and mills. The census reports G churches.8
LORRAINE9- was formed from Mexico, March 24, 1804, as "Malta." Its name was
changed April 6, 1808. Worth was taken off in 1848. It is the central town on the s. border of
the co. The town is elevated, and is underlaid by slate and traversed by immense gulfs. The
surface is rolling, and the soil is a clay and loam. It is mostly drained by Sandy and Skinners
Creeks. Lorraine, (p. v.,) the only village, contains about 30 houses. Settlement was begun
in 1802, by James McKee and Elijah Fox.10 The State Road from Rome to Sackets Harbor was
laid through this town in 1804. A sulphur spring is found on the farm of Totman. The
town has 2 churches, Bap. and M. E.
L1YME11 — was formed from Brownville, March 6, 1818. A part of Clayton was taken off in
1833, and Cape Vincent in 1849. It lies upon Chaumont Bay, in the w. part of the co. The sur-
face is very level. The w. border is deeply indented by Chaumont Bay12 and its branches. The
soil is principally clay. There are several sulphur springs in town. Near Chaumont are extensive
and valuable limestone quarries.13 Chaumont (P-v0 IS situated upon the bay at the mouth
of Chaumont River. Pop. 306. Three Mile Bay14 (p. v.) lies upon a bay of the same name.
Pop. 295. Point Peninsula (p. 0.) is a scattered settlement containing 25 houses. The first
settlement was begun under Jonas Smith and Henry A. Delamater, agents for Le Ray, in 1801. 15
The first location was 2J mi. above Chaumont ; but in 1805 the settlers removed to the site of the
present village. During several years much sickness prevailed ; but this gradually disappeared
as the co. became more settled. In 1812 the inhabitants, numbering about a dozen families, built
a blockhouse, which was taken and destroyed by the enemy. The first church (Bap.) was organized
in 1816.16
ORLtEAXS — was formed from Brownville, April 3, 1821. A portion was annexed to Pamelia,
April 1, 1829. Clayton was taken off in 1833. The boundary between it and Alexandria has
twice been changed. It lies on the n. border of the co., and embraces the w. part of Wells and
Cole. Electus Backus, Timothy Dix, Jr., and John Mills, Maj.
John Johnson, Capts. Ambrose Spencer, Jr., and Joseph Nichol-
son, and Lieut. Michael P. Vanderventer, officers who had been
killed or had died of sickness during the war, were collected, and
buried in one grave. A monument of painted pine boards was
erected to their memory by a grateful country; but it soon
rotted down, and there is now a strong probability that the
place of their interment will be forgotten.
1 This canal was 20 feet wide at the top, 12 at the bottom,
and 4 feet dee]).
2 M. E., Prot. E., Presb., Christian, and Seventh Day Bap.
8 Named for James Le Kay de Chaumont, the proprietor.
4 The land office for much of the land in the co. N. aud E.
of the river was located here until 1835, when it was removed
to Carthage. P. S. Stewart has been the agent many years.
5 Named from Ethni Evans, who built the first mill in 1805-06.
6 This village is locally known as " Lockport." A trace of
an ancient Indian fort was found near it ; another 1 mi. N. ; and
another near Sandfords Corners.
' Among these first settlers were David Coffeen. Dyer Bhodes,
Gershom and John Matoon. Joseph Child and sons. Thomas
Ward, William Cooper, and Benj. Kirkbride. The first child
born was Abi Brown: the first marriage, that of Jonas Allen
and Sarah Dyke: and the first death, that of Chester Ballon.
Margaret Comstock taught the first school.
8 Bap., Friends, M. E.," Presb., K. C, aud Union.
9 This town embraces " Atticus," or No. 1, of the Boylston Tract.
10 In the following year, Comfort Stancliff, Benjamin Gates,
Seth Cutler, John Alger, and others, came in. McKee and Fox
kept the first inn. Mr. Frost built the first sawmill, and Mr.
Cutler the first grist mill, in 1804. The first death was that
of A. M. Child, killed by a falling tree.
11 Name selected by Eben. Kelsey, a native of Lyme, Conn.
12 Name derived from Le Kay de Chaumont. Upon old maps
this bay is named " l\Tialioitre" " Niaoure," and " Nivertuis."
The last name is probably derived from that of the Due de
Nivcrnois, a French nobleman.
13 The limestone quarries of this place have furnished large
quantities of stone for the piers at Oswego, locks on the canal,
and for other public works.
14 Name given from its being 3 miles w. of Chaumont. This
bay is celebrated for its fisheries. In 1856. S'.io.ooij worth of
fish were taken, consisting principally of " ciscoes" (lake her-
ring) and whitefish. It has been the seat of considerable ship
building.
JS Among the first settlers were Richard M. Esselstyn, T.
Wheeler, Peter Pratt, and Jonas, David, and Timothy Soper.
James Hortou was the first settler on Point Salubrious, in
1S06.
i« The census reports 6 churches ; 2 M. E., 2 Bap., Presb., and
Free W. Bap.
360
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
6everal smaller islands in the St. Lawrence. The surface is level, or slightly rolling. The principal
streams are Perch River, Catfish and Mullet Creeks. Perch Lake lies upon the s. boundary.
The soil is clay and loam. L.a Fargevllle,1 (p. v.,) on Chaumont River, near the center of the
t<»wn, is the seat of Orleans Academy. Pop. 295. Omar,1 (p. o.,) on Mullet Creek, and Stone
Mills,3 (p. o..) are small villages. Orleans 4 Corners, (p. o.,) Port Orleans, and
Collins Landing are hamlets. Penets Square, which embraced most of this town, was
settled by squatters.4 The first settlements commenced about 1800.5 In 1824, John La
Farge, a large owner in these lands, came into town to assert his claim. After a great deal
of difficulty and some resistance, he succeeded in establishing his title. In 1838 the mansion and
farm of La Farge, 1 mi. s. of the village, was purchased by Bishop Dubois as the site for a
Catholic seminar}'. This institution, named "Si. Vincent de Paul," combining a theological seminary
and classical boarding school, was soon after opened ; but in two or three years it was removed
to Fordham, "Westchester co., and was afterward incorp. as St. Johns College. Rock Island Light-
house was built in 1853. The British steamer Sir Robert Peel was plundered and burned on the
night of May 20, 1838, while taking in wood at Wells Island, in this town, by a party of 22 self-
styled patriots, led by Bill Johnston.6 The census reports 8 churches.7
PAMELIA8 — was formed from Brownville, April 12, 1819. In 1824 its name was changed
to " Lcander;" but soon after the former name was restored. A portion of Orleans was annexed
April 1, 1829. It is the central town of the co. The surface is level, or gently undulating,
and the soil is clay and sand. Near the cascade opposite Watertown are several caves in the
limestone rock.9 In the vicinity of Perch Lake have been found several barrows, or sepulchral
mounds. Panielia Village and Juhelville10 — the former opposite the lower part and the
latter the upper part of "Watertown Tillage — are places of considerable manufactures,11 and have
each 200 to 300 inhabitants. Panielia Four Corners (p. v.) contains about 30 houses. The
first settlement began in 1799. u The census reports 2 churches.13
PHILADELPHIA— was formed from Le Ray, April 3, 1821. It is an interior town, e.
of the center of the co. Its surface is level in the e., but rocky and broken in the w. The soil is
generally a clayey loam. Indian River and Black Creek are the principal streams. Iron ore is
found in considerable quantities. The principal bed that is worked is known as the Shurtliff
mine. In Sterlingville is a large chalybeate spring. Philadelphia,14 (p. v.,) upon Indian
River, has 55 houses, and Sterlingville,15 (p. v.,) upon Black Creek, 40. At the latter place
are a large blast furnace16 and a forge.17 The first settlement was commenced in 1804, by Friends
from Penn. and N. J.18 In 1810 the Friends erected a building which for 17 years was used for a
6chool and meeting house.19
i Named from John La Farge, the proprietor; formerly known
•,- Log M>lls."
* Named from a character in one of Johnson's allegories,
bond in the Bogliah [leader: formerly called " MutJ(i<-s MUh."
•Formerly called "CbOifU MilU," from John B. Collins,
owner.
* The Iffiuroildent waste of timber and the slovenly clearings
■ i< tarleai let promiaed little in the way ofcivfllsa-
tton; and th'ir «p|x>arance, aa they emerged from the nrampi
with an OS harn<««. ! I wood, laden with a
h full of "black aalta" or, a» they returned in like man-
•<ith a «ark of m<al mid a Jug of whiskey, was little
calculated to Inspire bop< of ■peed] unproTt nt. They bad
a kind of ia» ■>.rr,..h.s ,,, relation to land, and
accustomed to run "poaamirlon Unas" by lopping down
boabea, " Claims" were often eold and BBC 01 OB by qafi claim
<• Among the fir»t vtti<-m wcr. Frailer, Peter Pratt,
I>r. Ftrnbtin Aadrna, Bamad end Daniel F.lii«. and other*. AJrab
man k-pt the flr«t inn; l^mii' I George, the first store;
r..llin« k I'latt crect.-d the first gri«t mill, ml hr. Andrus, the
■ mmlll.in 1819.
* After driving the purnpr" ashore and plundering the
boat, the brigands rftst her off from the ahoraand ««t haf "0
fir». Large rewards were • fT- r- 1 for their apprehension, and
- wre nrre»t. -I. but led. In 1 -.'•■"..
t^n w.ii appointed keeper of the K<«-k Island Light, which
ablnei .n the «j«.t where the Peel was bnn
' Two Evang. Luth^ Ba] t B.I . v, M.th.,and
Union.
» Named from the wife of Oen. Jacob Brown. Tier maiden
name was Pamelia Williams.
* These caverns have been traced nearly .Vm feet. Jnst I
and partly under the rfllagl of .tnhelville, the open amiini Of
several cave* appear on the river bank, opaiulllg at both ends on
the cliff. The pannages are lint I •■■ depoetta, in
the form of agaric mineral, stalactites, and tufa. These caves
are. evidently all formed by currents of water flowing through
the ri:itur;il seams in the rork and gradually wearing away the
soluble and yielding limestone. In the rear of the principal
cavern a large area of land has sunk to a considerable depth, as
thongb a portion had fallen in.
W .Named from Madame Juhel, a relative of the Lo Kay
family.
1' These manufactures consist of lumber, spirits, leather, cotton
yarn, and portable steam engines.
'2 Tie Bra) settlers were Wm. Cooper and Wm. Watkina.
Anson Sigourney taught the first school; Samuel Mack kept
the first inn. Jabes Poster, the first store; and Tuttle and Bailey
built the lirst mill.
I'M, K. and Onion.
M Often called "Quaker Settlement" by the old inhabitants.
"Named from ,'ames Sterling, the owner of the ironworks.
Forme, |\ called "X»e Launch's Mill," from the builder of the
lit-i mill, in ISO".
" built In 1887, by James Sterling. The ore is principally
Obtained from the Sterling mine of Antwerp, and the Shurtliff
mine of tlii-. town, mar the line of Theresa, the ore from the
latter being naed principally as a flux.
•I Itnilt by faleb F.ssington. in IK',9.
19 These settlers purchased 10 lots of 440 acres each, lying in
the comers of a square containing 25 lots, of which the central
range I ai b way was reserved by Le Ray. The center lot, (No.
81 1, ambradne the site of the present village, was conveyed to
trust... s •• for the promotion of religion and learning" under the
cars of the Quakers. This trust afterward occasioned much
'i .n. and led to a miniature anti-rent war. The matter
was finally settled in 1844. Cadwallader Child, Mordecai Tay-
lor, and Samu.-l Brans came in the first year. Kobcrt Com-
fort kept the first inn, Saml. Case, the first store, and Thos.
are! John Townsend built the first mill. Anna Comstock kept
the first school. The first child liorn was John Townsend, and
the first death was a daughter of I'.ol.t. Comfort, in 1807.
19 The census reports 6 churches; 2M. E., Bap., Friends, Univ.
JEFFERSON COUNTY. 301
RODMAN1 — was formed from Adams, March 24, 1804, under the name of "Harrison." It3
name was changed April 0, 1808. A part of Pinckncy (Lewis co.) was taken off in 1808. It
lies upon the hordcrs of Lewis, in the s. part of the co. The surface is hilly, and hroken hy the
deep ravines of Sandy Creek and its branches. The soil is generally a fertile, gravelly loam.
There are 3 sulphur springs in town. Rodman (p-v.) has 45 houses, Zoar and Wliites-
vllle2 (E. Rodman p.o.) each about 20. Settlement began in 1801, and from 1803 to 1800 it
progressed with great rapidity.3 In 1813 an epidemic prevailed, causing 00 deaths in 3 months.
The census reports 3 churches.*
RUTEAND5 — was formed from Watertown, April 1, 1802. It lies upon the s. bank of Black
River, e. of the center of the co. Its surface consists of the narrow river valley on the N., a
terraced plateau in the center, and a hilly region in the s. The central plateau, embracing the
greater part of the town, is 300 to 400 feet above the flat country farther n., and it descends by a
succession of steep declivities to the level of the river. It is underlaid by Trenton limestone.
Upon the s. the surface gradually rises to the summits of the slate hills which occupy the s. part
of the co. A remarkable valley, known as "Rutland Hollow," extends through the town upon
the lower terrace of the plateau, parallel to the river. It is deeply excavated in the limestone,
and appears like the bed of an ancient river. Another smaller and deeper valley extends in
the same direction across the summit of the plateau, and forms the bed of a deep, narrow lake.
Pleasant Lake, in Champion, is situated in the continuation of this latter valley. These valleys
and terraces seem the result of abrasion rather than of upheaval. Upon the edge of the terrace,
100 feet below the summit, may be seen the ancient lake ridge before described. There are 2 or 3
sulphur springs in town. The soil is a very fertile loam upon the plateau, and a sandy loam upon
the river. Felts Mills,6 (p. v.,) on Black River, contains 50 houses; Black River,7 (p. v.,)
on the river, partly in this town and partly in Le Ray, 40 ; Tylerville,8 (South Rutland p.o.,)
in the narrow valley of Sandy Creek, 30; and Rutland Center,9 (Rutland p.o.,) 10. This
town fell to the share of Wm. Henderson, and settlement was begun in 1799, under Asher Miller,
his agent. The greater part of the land was sold10 to New England farmers, who came in within
3 years after the first settlement.11 An old Indian fort is to be seen on the farm of Geo. Wilson;
and a bone pit was found near the line of Watertown. The census reports 5 churches.12
THERESA — was formed from Alexandria, April 15, 1841, and named from a daughter
of Le Ray. It is the central town upon the n. w. border of the co. The surface along Indian
River is broken, and traversed by ridges of gneiss rock, with fertile intervales. A part of the
town, underlaid by sandstone, is level or undulating. In the primary regions are a number of ro-
mantic lakes ; and some of these have highly interesting mineral localities upon their shores and
islands.13 Theresa, (p. v.,) upon the High Falls14 of the Indian River, was early selected by
Le Ray as a favorable point for settlement, and about 1810 he caused several "jobs" to be cleared
and a sawmill to be built.15 West Theresa is a p. o. A furnace, built near Millseat Lake in
1847, was in part supplied with ores from the vicinity. A private academy has been taught several
years. The census reports 3 churches.16
1 It embraces No. 8, or " Orpheus," of the " Eleven Towns." Its
former name was from Richard Harrison, of N. Y., a proprietor ;
and its present one, from Daniel Rodman, of Iludson, Clerk of
the Assembly in 1S08-09.
2 Named from Thos. White, sub-agent and early settler.
* Among the settlers who came in this year were Anson and
Ebenezer Moody, Noah, Jonathan, and Aaron Davis, Benj.
Thomas, Wm. Rice, and Simeon Hunt. Miss M. Nobles taught
the first school, in Anson Moody's barn, in 1803. Willard Sykes
kept the first store; and Wm. Rice built the first sawmill, in
1804, and gristmill, in 1806. The first child born was Walter
Harrison Moody ; and the first death, that of the same child, 3
years after. His father received 50 acres of land from Mr. Har-
rison for the name. Timothy Greenly moved into the s. w. corner
of the town in 1803.
* 2 M. E., Cong.
6 No. 3, or " Milan," of the " Eleven Towns." Named from Rut-
land, Vt., the former home of an early settler.
0 Named from John Felt, who purchased the site in 1813, and
etill resides here. Formerly the seat of an extensive lumber
manufactory ; now changed to a tannery.
' Locally known as " Lockport." See p. 359.
8 Named from Josiah and Frederick Tyler, early settlers.
9 On some maps called •' Brooksville," from Curtis G. Brooks,
a former citizen. It is never known by this name in town.
W 17,549 acres were sold, in farms within 3 years, for $50,738.
n Among the settlers who came in during the first and second
years were Levi Miller, Perley and Wm. Keyes, David and Gold-
smith Coffeen, Amos Stebbiiis, Raphael Porter, Israel Wright,
Jonathan and Clark Ross, Jas. Kilham, Chas. Kelsey, Jephtha
King, John Dale, C. Cummings, Gardner Cleveland, Warren
Foster, and John Cotes. Miss A. Porter taught the first school,
in 1803. Levi Butterfield kept the first inn, and Jacob Williams
the first store. David Coffeen built the first gristmill in the
co., near the mouth of Mill Creek, in the present village of
Felts Mills, in 1801, and a sawmill in 1802. The first child
born was in the family of Chas. Kelsey, and the first death, that
of Mrs. Francis Towne. I2 2 M. E., 2 Union, and Cong.
13 Fluorspar, sulphate of barytes, sulphurets of iron and
copper, phosphate of lime, zircon, feldspar, tourmalines, hyalite,
pyroxene, Rensselaerite, idocrase, calcite, phlogopite, and other
minerals, are found in this locality, and some of them are beau-
tifully crystallized. Iron ore has been found in considerable
quantity.
14 The river here descends 85 feet within a quarter of a mile.
From this place to Rossie its banks are low, and large tracts are
often overflowed, causing-much sickness. A small steamer has
run upon this part of the river.
Is Among the first settlers were James Shurtliff, Anson and
Jeremiah Cheeseman, M. B. Ashley, Sylvester Bodman, Azariah
Walton, Col. S. Ball, Abram Morrow, Joseph Miller, Archibald
Fisher, Jas. Lake, Ebenezer and N. W. Lull, and J. D. Davidson.
Mr. Lull built the first store, in 1820. Dr. Jas. Brooks, the first
physician, settled in 1822, and died the next year. The first
school was taught bv Lindley Gibbs, at Hyde Lake. The first
child born was Fanny A. Cole, May 26, 1819. The first marriage
was that of Ebenezer Lull and Elnnra Barnes. The first death
was that of Mr. Casselman, who was drowned. A gristmill and
inn were erected in 1819 for the proprietor.
w Presb., M.E., and Prot.E.
362
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
W4TERTOWX-was formed from Mexico, March 14, 1S00. Rutland was taken off in
1802, and Hounsfield in 1S06. It lies upon Black River, s. w. of the center of the co. The surface
in the s. e. part is broken by the irregular terraces of the Trenton limestone, and in the n. it is
level or rolling. The river bank is rocky throughout its whole extent; and in the village, about
3 mi. below, are several extensive caves. It is an important agricultural town ; but it is chiefly
distinguished for the extent of its trade and manufactures. In amount of business it is unsur-
passed by any town in Northern N. Y. lYatertown,2 (p. v.,) the co. seat, pleasantly
situated upon the s. bank of Black River, was incorp. April 5, 1816. Pop. 5873. It contains an
academy,3 3 newspaper offices, 5 banks, and 9 churches. Black River here flows, for the space of a
mile, in a succession of rapids over the limestone terraces, affording an abundance of water power,
which is largely improved, making the village one of the most important manufacturing places in
the State.* Three road and 2 r. r. bridges cross the river within the limits of the village : one of the
former is a wire suspension bridge. An ice cave, near AVhittleseys Point,6 extends under a part
of the village. By an act passed March 22, 1853, a board of water commissioners was created,
with power to borrow ?50,000 for the construction of water works for the village. The work was
finished during the following summer. The water is taken from the river, near the upper part
of the village, and thrown by water power into a reservoir 200 feet above the village, and about 1
mi. distant ; and from the reservoir it is distributed through the streets. A beautiful fountain is
constructed in the center of the principal square.6 At an early day, two rectangular pieces
of land were given by the owners of the adjacent lots for public use;7 and these now constitute
beautiful public squares.8 Burrs 3Iills9 (p. o.) is a hamlet, on Sandy Creek, in the e. part of
the town. Watertown Center and Fields Settlement are hamlets. Henry Coffeen
and Zachariah Butterfield were the pioneer settlers, in 1800; they located upon the present site of
the village.10 An arsenal was built at Watertown in 1809, and a building for an academy in 1811 ;
the latter was used as a hospital during the war. The census reports 10 churches.11
If ILi\Ai: — was formed from Le Ray, and Leyden (Lewis co.) April 2, 1813. It lies upon
Black River, in the extreme e. part of the co. Its surface is somewhat broken. It is chiefly under-
laid by the primary rock, which rises into low, naked ridges, and by calciferous sandstone. Black
River forms its w. boundary; and upon it are a series of rapids, forming an abundance of water
power.13 The Indian River, in the x. part, also affords water power at several places. At Natural
Bridge this stream flows beneath the surface through passages worn in the coarse white lime-
stone which here forms the surface rock. Several interesting minerals are found at this place.
1 Its present limits embrace No. 2, or "Leghorn," of the
'■ Eleven Towns." It first contained >'os. 1, 2, and 3.
8 First settled in 1800 ; and became the co. seat in 1805. In
1849 the business portion was almost destroyed by fire, but it
• d from the disaster in 2 years.
* The Watertown Acad, was incorp. May 2. 1835, and a large
Miir building was erected in a grove in the s. E. part of tin-
Tillage. It was soon after merged in the Black River Literary
■ad Religions institute, founded under the joint auspices of the
Wat'-rt ■ D I'r ibytery and B. R. (Cong.) Assoc, in 183(1. In May,
■a- changed to the Jefferson County Institute.
• During the war a factory was built, at a cost of $7.r>.<x>o, for
the man':' ■■ n and woolen cloths. In is-7. Levi
rana Island and erected uj.on it an im-
ry. It had Just been jut hi operation
when. Jo irned, under snspl< Ions circum-
stance*. Th» 1 and the site has since remained
a ruin. Th" mannlactun . tl"ur,
paper, ir hinery, leather, agricultural Imple-
ment . mish and blinds, ami furniture, are extenstri ly
carri'-d on.
■ Hamad frm th* imtwl Whittlesey, wh.-> in 1816
threw net ad was drowned.
Bat husband, a lawyer, and i to the drafted militia,
had : N.Y. the sui '. in Mils, and while
returning to Watertown was secret]] r pJ70Q by his
wif.-. lie was irmed, l"it was I by ber to
fcai p trail '. ■■ II dttBcnll to oonvini ■■ the publli thai ■
thief would have left «.•> large a j>"rti"n. nml. n« Ihey UlOSi them-
selves be - f having tak< n a }-irf, they mifht a
keep the v ■' ■■■'• . lb r I upon the weak-minded old
man. and before reaching home she
cealment and evasion. He Started with his , >u for
Oneida co, leaving appointment" si ng I n
his return : but on arriving at Trenton be foond b<
robbei. The m «■< of the robbery 'j r.*»d quickly orer the
•ry: tut the most a>tive inquiry ami fUTJ lil-eral rewards
tailed to bring the thief to justice, "n hia return home be met
hi* family frantic with grief; but there «a< an r* : In
his story, and nj>->n a searching conversation, held
with his' two bondsmen, Perley Keyes and Jason Fairbanks, the
latter were convinced that there was fraud. By an ingenious
course of inquiry and eavesdropping, they were not only con-
firmed in the belief, but assured that the family soon intended
to remove, and that summary means most be employed to re-
cover the money. They accordingly Invited W. to take a walk,
which led as if by accident to a lonely spot near the village,
previously prepared, where they suddenly charged him with the
robbery and threatened instant drowning unless he disclosed.
He was twice submerge. 1 and life nearly extinguished, when he
confessed and was liberated. The money was found sewed into
a pair of drawers Btted to be worn by either husband or wife.
Mi-, w. immediately after slipped away from the crowd unob-
■i. rushed down to the river, and was drowned. — nought s
Hi .' i ,p.i
8 An Artesian well was bored 127 feet deep upon Factor}'
Square in 1820, and a copious supply of water was obtained,
slightly Impregnated with sulphur and iron.
* He-, li i- are respi ctively 12 by 28 and 9 by 32 rods.
B The principal I nsini 98 of the village is located around the
Square and upon 0 url St
* Named from John Burr ,t Sons, who settled here in 1S04.
Hart Massey built a saw and grist mill here, in 1801, for Low,
the proprietor.
I Irex Bartholomew came in the same year, CI SOI .) and in
families arrived. Jonathan Cowan built the first
grist mill, in l^nj, nnd Dr. Isaiah Massey opened the first inn the
same year. In 1*03. a bridge was built near the jircsent court-
In lMi.i. Win. Smith ami John I'addoek ojiened the first
and a dam was built across Black River the same year.
The first birth was in the family of Moses Bacon; and the first
death. thai of Thornton, who was killed by a falling tree.
" Two Presb., 2 M. K.. Bap.,WeS. Meth., l'rot. K., B.C., Union,
and Iniv.
12 Named from Wilna, in Russia, then fresh in memory from
its bat lie.
i* Aftor affording 42 ml. of navigation, the river here com-
mi rices to descend by a series of rapids, extending to the lake,
falling. In all. 4^0 (bet. The "Long Falls" here descend 55 feet
in a distance Of 6090; and in the rajii.ls are about 60 small
Islands. The Bute Dam, built at this place, is 900 feet long, and
the State Bridge 500.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
3C3
The fcoil is sandy and moderately fertile. Carthage1 (p. v.) is finely situated upon Black
River, at the lower terminus of the B. R. Canal improvement. It contains 5 churches, a private
academy,1 and is the seat of important manufactures.3 Pop. about 1,500. Natural Bridge,4
(p. v.,) on Indian River, contains 40 houses. Wilna and \oitli Vfr ileiu are p. offices ; and
Wood Settlement is a hamlet. Settlement was commenced in 1798, at Carthage, by Henry
Boutin, one of the French Company.5 The village and town were chiefly settled under Le Ray.'
The census reports 7 churches.7
WORTH8 — was formed from Lorraine, April 12, 1848. It lies upon the high, slaty, and
shaly ridges in the s. part of the co. It is 1200 to 1500 feet above tide, and is the most elevated
land in the co. It is subject to deep snows and early frosts. "Wherever the surface is exposed to
the action of running water, deep gulfs have been worn in the soft and yielding rock. There
are several sulphur springs in town. The soil is principally derived from the disintegration of the
underlying rocks, and is well adapted to grazing. About one half of the town is settled.
Worthville is a hamlet, and is the only p. o. The first settlement was made in 1802, by an
association from Litchfield, Herkimer co., who bought the N. w. quarter, balloted for the lots,
built rude mills, and began small improvements.9 A part of the settlers left during the war, and
during the succeeding cold seasons of 1816-17 the whole settlement was abandoned. Settlement
was not recommenced until several years after. The census reports 1 church, (M. E.)
1 Formerly called " Long Fans." Incorp. May 26, 1841. A
bridge was erected here in 1813, by Ezra Church, for Russell At-
water and David Parish.
2 Erected by Harrison Miller in 1S42 ; now owned and taught
by B. F. Bush.
8 Consisting of iron, leather, lumber, staves, heading, &c.
* Joseph Bonaparte, having purchased a large tract of land in
this town and Diana, made this village his residence for two
Bummers. It was laid out in 1818.
6 Jean B. Bossout, familiarly known as " Battice," kept the first
Inn and ferry.
• The laud office of Le Ray was removed from Le Raysville to
Carthage in 1835, by Hon. P. Somerville Stewart.
i 2 Preab., 2 Prot. Meth., Bap., M. E., and R. C.
8 Named in honor of flen. Wm. J. Worth. It comprises Xo. 2,
or "Fenelon," of the Boylston Tract. The E. part was divided
among several proprietors, to equalize the division ol the
'• Eleven Towns."
9 Among the first settlers were Amos and Abijah Gillett,
Nathan Matoon, W. Flower. Lodowyck Edwards, Jobn Gris-
wold, Asa Sweet, Abner Rising, and Phineas Rose. The first
school was taught in a log barn in 1S00. The first death was
that of Elisha Sweet. L. B. Gillett kept the first inn and
store.
364
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Mamifactures, of Jefferson County.
Names op Towns.
Acexs of Land.
Valuation op 1858.
Population.
■s
e
s
1
1
Schools.
•i
■8
1
1
a
= £>
5
ts
1
1
so
a
S
C
1
1
a;
if
If
"3
1
1
4
0
8
4
15
E *
19.399}
6.745}
$774,418
$252,460
$1.02b,878
1,502
1,603
598
653
524
1.161
19.168
41.099
18,263
30.424
309.591
617.678
41.490
69.780
351,081
687,458
1,724
1,962
1.629
1,801
602
639
623
675
369
574
21
25
1,553
1.404
26.636
8.216
682,600
75,300
757,900
1.773
1,816
675
697
360
21
1,529
20.631
10.561}
465,816
34.996
500.812
1,712
1,663
592
639
463
14
1,393
18,7161
7,275
534.599
55,623
020,222
977
969
3S4
402
315
17
761
29.257}
19,986)
523.965
56.859
580.824
2.142
2.090
797
772
5S1
25
1,817
EllUluirgh.
36.327}
12.24 2 :
L325.762
111,610
1.437.272
2.677
2,662
1.01S
1,034
831
30
1,958
16,885
6,616
40.3.295
70500
533,795
1.091
1,048
393
419
322
13
810
21 ,622
o.l».-}
455,213
83,750
538.903
1,641
1.580
620
646
443
17
1,221
13J1024
14.592
6,678
667,208
225,003
12:i.l73
23.640
796.381
248,643
1,666
787
1,537
688
603
295
635
297
515
230
19
13
1,247
681
20,803
8.109
: 80.453
38.734
419.187
1.294
1.269
455
554
326
17
987
13.7 IV, 1
15.157
500.7*8
41.445
548,233
1,438
1.30S
472
537
436
20
1,208
19>io
3.836
524.551
79.675
604,226
1,284
1,227
420
442
223
12
884
16.093
5,747
389,394
66.700
456,094
898
845
315
335
267
10
611
15.749
20.7681
6,848
6.470
522530
501,695
138.950
59.649
661.4-80
561,844
882
961
870
1.016 !
338
391
363
400
319
383
13
12
584
731
15.667
20.013}
9.937
5.1864
357,934
2.423.000
89,380
1,519.960
447.- ".14
3,942.960
1,148
3.639
1.130 ]
3.918
397
1,299
418
1.3S7
390
687
17
21
1.053
2,648
17.:;;-;
3.9S1
20.396
21,8351
329.489
66.690
72,268
3.350
401.757
70.040
1,556
238
1,46S
236
577
95
598
103
416
90
17
6
375
1,339
177
Total
465.222
251.291 h 13.047.672
3.145.192
16.192,864
32.992
32.42S
11.975
12.029
9.063
25.757
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
&3
111
Bush, op Grain.
V .
fe
Dairy Products.
Names op Towns.
i
1
i
i
Si
2.452
e
•s
1,068!
§
1
3,4921
17,3K
0 w s
ft< Bq
5 "J
a. 5
•2 i-S
3 - .3
5 5"
822
1,457
1,82!
12.4901
82,3041
15.707
99.756
369.109
1.7S9
770
1,761
2.20C
1 2,689
1.022;
7,838
51.926J
5.0551
7,518
93i
183.209
48.366
3.9031
1.0*5
1,753
4.29;
! 2.260
1.446
1.844
8G.2711
7,798
12.24(
1,495
379.109
186.215
9581
1,090
899
1.493
2 7.V
i 3,582
1.366
14.178
121>o2J
5.096
9.66c
10.49C
267.1S2
IIS 655
<>3S2
1.593
2,05-
1 2,050
1.2*0
7.*92
88.4271
4,7361
13.107
9.41S
159.146
24.800
2.s771
649
1.032
1.941
I 1.0S2
736
4,670
4S.51 1 1
2.949
23.440 10.261
! 160,596
148.718
1.126
Clayton
978
1.472
1.997
3.312
3.011
3,76:
L 2.801
I 4.260
1.782
2.445
15.018
23,170}
91,9301
214.6991
7,503
6.3S6}
i.3.sie
34,66:
2.771
! 50,65(
) 206.S51
i 261.311
179.475
342.405
2.796
4.154
Henderson.
776
1.621
1.3b)
! 3.975
838!
7.350
71.899
3,2191
12.0K
. 24,53:
I 136.048
36.937
1,561
908
1,227
1.84!
! 4.021
959
17.6861
84.472}
3.982
12.58?
> 10.14'
148,966
60.118
l,877j
Le Bay..
!<V»
1,52S
843
3 25
i 17,787
1,530;
592,
11,999
87,962j
6,242
3.437
16.7 b(.
» 7.32:
! 249.898
257 182
4 312
895
1,60
L 1.279
587
57.3751
13.3S1
. 9,4S<
) 94.323
211,822
1.368
857
1,370
1.71
5 2,379
9S2
5.306
12o.:.;*u;
4.731
6£7<
1 4.47.
) 120.497
91.710
2.2*9
909
1,806
i;0O6
2.66
159I
2 2.269
1,262
891
12.874
8,885
1011.201;
5.4.88
7.531
L 1,6S1
) 1,52!
L 212.975
8 320
3.047
1.020
I'amelia. -
584
) 1.0*7
61.079
4.729
7.7m
> 151.117
192.427
564
848
1.72
} 1,181
534
218}
50.541
2,994
5.76:
! 81
) 152,784
90.790
691
640
1,200
926
2,14
2,64.
• 2>30
3 966
896
2.018
0*.2*9
3.972
11.96-
12.7K
1 ]>- 1.235
VI 826
9 179
668
92*
3.623
42.0301
4*206
le^s:
! 13.94;
1 284,065
247.:;:. 1
l'815
4-'
I.'--:,
1,80
i 861
S.V.,
2.427
40.000
4.177 2
5,05'
64X
) 163.775
98,780
2.324
955
963
2^0
l.r.5
40
g 1.499
1,078
713
8.0221
55.329
4.: 06}
11.761
i 25.12"
1 222^47
111 °40
817
1,4761
586
Wilni
< 1'
731
4 1.322
5 169
1,7971
35.604}
8.058J
1.010
98.575
24,981
i 31
j 142 22"
47 s50
W -
109
245
120
ll.T'.Mii
5.58;
289.03
1 11
1 215.43"
22.298
30,818
J
,17.059 29,777
49.47
2 63.401
23
,327
169,901
l,672,895j
1 3,949,608 2.819.459
45,955|
KINGS COUNTY.
This county was organized with its presont limits, Nov. 1, 1683.1
It lies upon the w. end of Long Island, adjacont to New York
Harbor, and embraces several small islands adjacent to the coast.
It is centrally distjint 140 mi. from Albany, and contains 72 sq.
mi. The surface is generally level or gently undulating. A broad
range of drift hills, 50 to 300 feet above tide, extends from the
shore of the bay in the s. w. corner in a n. e. direction through the
CO. From their summits the surface gradually declines both to the
N. and s., and terminates upon the shores in extensive salt meadows.
The portion lying n. of the hills is moderately uneven, being occa-
sionally broken by low, isolated drift hills. The shores are deeply
indented by bays, which for the most part are shallow, and very
irregular in outline. The principal of these are Hallets Cove, Newtown Creek,2 "Wallabout,
Gowanus, and Gravesend Bays on the w., and Sheeps Head Bay on the s. Jamaica Bay, a large,
shallow, landlocked bay upon the s. shore, is partially in this co. It incloses a large number of
low, marshy islands separated by narrow and irregular tidal currents. Wide salt marshes
extend along the shores of the bays, and far inland along the courses of the small creeks.3
The soil is mostly a light, sandy loam. A strip immediately surrounding- the marshes and
embracing a large share of the w. extremity is fertile, and capable of producing almost any
crop adapted to the climate. Its close proximity to New York, the great commercial center of the
country, renders it favorably situated for the development of manufactures and commerce ; and
both of these pursuits are largely carried on at the centers of population. The agriculture of the
co. is mostly confined to gardening for the N. Y. market. All of the business of the co. — manu-
facturing, commercial, and agricultural — are so intimately connected with the interests of N^w
York that the co. may be considered as a suburb of the great city.4
The county seat is located at the city of Brooklyn.5 The courts are accommodated at the City
Hall, which belongs exclusively to the city. The jail, located upon Raymond St., is closely sur-
rounded by other buildings, and its ventilation is very imperfect. The average number of inmates is
80, supported at a weekly cost of $2.10 each.6 The Kings Co. Penitentiary is located upon a farm
of 38 acres near the s. line of Brooklyn. The buildings, now nearly completed, are of stone, and
sufficiently spacious for the accommodation and care of all the prisoners of the co. The main
building is 490 feet long by 86 feet broad, with two wings of 50 feet each. The total cost
up to January 1, 1857 was $190,414.35. The institution is designed to be self supporting.
The county clerk's office is kept at the City Hall.T The Kings County Almshouse is located
upon a farm of 70 acres in Flatbush, about three miles s. of the City Hall of Brooklyn. This
institution consists of four large brick buildings, — the almshouse proper, hospital, nursery,
and lunatic asylum. These buildings are spacious and well arranged, but poorly ventilated.
A school is maintained through the year, and religious instruction is given upon the Sabbath.
1 From 1665 to 1683 this co. formed a part of tho " West Riding
of Yorkshire," England. See p. 544.
* This creek is a tidal current, receiving several small fresh
water streams, and is properly a narrow bay.
3 Upon the beach the General Government has established 2
lifeboat stations. In Jan. 1821, the bay and the Narrows be-
tween the w. extremity of Long Island and Staten Island was
frozen so that persons crossed on the ice.
* For more minute description of the business of the co., see
town descriptions.
* The courts were originally held at Gravesend ; but, by an
act of the General Assembly, passed Nov. 7, 1685, they were
removed to Flatbush, and a courthouse was built there the suc-
ceeding year. This building was used until 1758, when a new
combined courthouse and jail was erected. By an act passed
April 6, 1784, a tax of £200 was authorized to be raised to repair
the injuries which had been done to the courthouse and jail by
the British. The repairs were expended under tho direction of
Philip Nagel »nd Jeremyas Vanderbilt. By an act of March
10, 1791, the courthouse and jail were directed to be rebuilt
under the direction of Johannes E. Lott, John Vanderbilt, and
Chas. Doughty, and £1,200 was appropriated for that purpose.
During the next year £300 additional was raised to finish the
buildings. These buildings were burned Nov. 3, 1832 ; and by
act of Feb. 27, 1834, the co. seat was removed to Brooklyn. The
first co. officers after the Revolution were Nicholas Covenhoven,
First Judge ; Jacob Sharp, jr., Clerk ; Wm. Boerum, Sheriff;
and Johannes E. Lott, Surrogate.
6 Up to June 1, 1858, 39,910 prisoners had been confined in
this jail.
l By an act of May 1, 1S28. a fireproof co. clerk's office was
| directed to be built in Brooklyn. A more spacious one was
built In 1837, which was used until the office was removed to its
present location in the City Hall. By an act passed In 1S52, an
office of Register was created; and by a later act, discretionary
powers have been granted to a Board of Commissioners for the
better preservation of the public records.
365
366
KIXGS COUNTY.
Children are bound out at the age of 12 years. The average number of inmates is 1,800, sup-
port*? 1 at a weekly cost of about $2.00 each. The farm yields a revenue of ?3,500.
The Brooklyn it Jamaica R. R. extends from the s. ferry of Brooklyn eastward through near the
center of the co. The Flushing R. R. extends from Hunters Point, (Queens co.,) x. of Brooklyn, to
the village of Flushing, a distance of 8 mi. In the city of Brooklyn are several local rail roads;
I from the city lines of stages extend to every village in the co.
The Long Island Intelligencer, the first newspaper in the co., was published some time before
Pour newspapers — three daily and one weekly — are now published in the co.1
The first settlements of this co. were made mostly by the Dutch, about 1625. In 1640, a colony
of Mass. Quakers, in quest of religious freedom, settled at Gravesend under the protection of the
Dutch Government. Long previous to the English conquest of 1664, settlements had been made,
mills erected, and churches and schools established in every town in the co. The settlers were so
exclusively Dutch that the Dutch language and customs prevailed until within a comparatively
recent period. Bushwick, Brooklyn, Flafbush, Flatlands, and Xew Utrecht were known under the
English Government as the "Five Dutch Towns;" and they were associated, for certain purposes,
until 1690. 2 The Five Towns also formed an ecclesiastical society, and joined in the support of
their minister until the final separation of the American church from the Classis of Holland, in
1772.
Few events of interest occurred within the limits of this co. during the colonial period. Its
Revolutionary annals belong to the general history of the country. During its occupation by the
British, from 1776 to 1782, the people were subjected to a series of disgraceful and oppressive acts.3
Many of the inhabitants left the co. from fear of hostile visits during the War of 1812-15; and at
times much alarm was felt, — although no hostile visit actually took place. It has shared in the
growth of Xew York City, and is closely identified with it in business. This co. is included in
the "Metropolitan Police District" created by act of April 15, 1857, and in the Board of Police
Commissioners it is represented by the Mayor of Brooklyn and one other member. Yast schemes
of speculation have from time to time arisen, most of which have resulted in loss, and several of
them, devised upon a magnificent scale, have seriously retarded the progress of needful improve-
ment.
From 1850 to 1853 about 40 building associations were organized in this co., ostensibly to enable
those of humble means to acquire a home, but practically to form contributions to a fund which
was loaned to those members who would allow the highest premium. The rates submitted to were
often extremely ruinous, and the speculation had but a brief existence.
1 The Courier and Nea York and Le,ng Island Advertiser, the
first paper published ou Long Island, was commenced
Jin
■> Jiit'Migenccrvras commenced at Brooklyn May
' ■ I >•'..
The Brooklyn Daily Evening Star, begun by Alden
. .Lin. 4. 1*41. i- Mill issued by Edwin
1: -, i. A semi- weekly edition was issued in 1824.
I Patriot w.i- started al Brooklyn March 7, 1821,
I.. Birch. In 1833 it was changed to
The 1 md was Issued by James A. Bennett.
In 1' mged t"
■ tzrtte.
Francis O.
1 I"
fWff iborl 'imp.
Th' A ' I ■ ' rttt ■ r,
P.O. Fish
T'.' " rl Urns in 1M" al B i-i
The Rt.nl F.itntt G<i: ' w Y"rk. hnd an
ephemeral ■
Tlif. I!" SJ commenced .Tim.
Thomas A. Di *yr.
The Brooklyn Daily Ktglr a n commcna I In 1*11
by Isaac Vnn Arel n. and i« -till published. 1 I
b ime office « M
The Bmoldyn iV-tkly Eagle, which was changed in Is
Beening mitedUmg.
The Brerklyn I I was »tar»rd in 1<41 by Iforthafl k
Watts, and wsj
7 Brooklyn jVe»M and Times was Issued in 1-4'. by J. 8. Noble.
The. Age was started at William-turgh in I> 1 was
continu-l ■ short t
The Bern, was published fit Williamsburgh In
1-44 by J.0. Walls
The Bres.'.lyn iMsdy Advertiser was st.irto.1 in 1-44 by HA.
1 • - ml W. Foulkes. and was continn'-i al-.tit -
The Amrricin Champion was published at Brooklyn a short
time in 1-44.
The Daily Long Islander was started at Williamsburgh in 1S45
by Bishop <fc Kelley.
The WxUiamsbwngh Horning Post was published in 1847 by
Devyr a Taylor.
The Saturd.ry F.eening Bee was issued a short time in 1848 at
Brooklyn.
The Orbit was issued at South Brooklyn in IS48.
The Kings Oounty Patriot was started at Williams-burgh in 1848
by Geo. Thorn] i and B. R. llasbrook.
The WlBiamsburgh Times win started in 1>4S by Bonnet Smith
.t ' - :iit'-r tli" consolidation Of Williamsburgh
and Brooklyn its name was changed to
The Brooklyn Dnily Times, under which title it is
now published.
The Etcdtior was commenced in 1948 at South Brooklyn, and
was i 1 .i short time.
Vie Brrnii.-lyn I>iihi Pee. man was published in 1849.
The. Only Independent Press v/as commenced July 16, 1850, at
Williniii-1 nrji. by W. <;. Hi-hop and J. A. F. Kelley,
and was continued until 1855.
The Brooklyn Morning Journal was established in 1851 by IIo-
gan i IL iL-liway.
The Vnimi Ark. a temperance mo., was published at Brooklyn
in 18— by J. Scbuebly.
The Long Wand Anteiger fGi -rmnn) was started at Brooklyn,
Sept. 2, 1854, by Edward liobr.
The Triangle (German semi-mo.) was started at Brooklyn, April
7. 1856, by Edward IMir.
7Vie Kings '»•. Advertiser and Village Guardian Csemi-mo.) was
start, d at East New V.irk in May, 1857, by C. Warren
Hamilton.
The Green Mat Advertiser was published a short time in 1847
by I,. Masquerier.
* A Secretary 'T Register wa« especially commissioned by thi
Governor to take the proof oi will& of nutrrlage settlements, the
acknowledgment of ••transcripts" or other conveyance, and
inch Important contracts and agreements as required to be re-
corded.
> By an act of March P.. 17M. Kings co. was taxed £18,000 to
■ y Bevolutionary expenses. — Owlerdonk's Rev. Bic,
KINGS COUNTY.
307
BROORLllV'-was incorp. by patent, with the nana!
privileges of townships, under Gov. Lovelace, Oct. 18, 1007,
and its rights were confirmed by Gov. Dongan, May 13, 1080.
It was recognized as a town under the State Government
March 7, 1788. The village of Brooklyn was incorp. as a fire
"district April 2, 1801, and as a village April 12, 1810, and both
town and village were incorp. as a city April 8, 1834. The city
of Williamsburgh and town of Bushwick wero annexed April
17, 1854.2 The city extends along New York Bay and East
River to Newtown Creek, occupying the n. part of the co. Its
exterior line is 22 mi., and it contains an area of 10,000 acres.
The s. and e. borders are occupied by a broad range of low hills,
which extend e. into Queens co. Along the shore opposite the lower point of New York is an
irregular bluff known as "Brooklyn Heights." A considerable portion of the s. part of the city is
low and level. Newtown Creek, forming the n. boundary, is an irregular arm of the sea, receiving
several small fresh water streams. Wallabout Bay is a deep indentation lying between the old
cities of Williamsburgh and Brooklyn. Gowanus Bay extends into the s. part of the city.3 The
land that borders upon these bays is flat and marshy.
Within the limits of Brooklyn are several districts known by the names which they bore when
they were distinct localities, before the city was incorporated. These will eventually all be lost in
the growth and consolidation of the business of the city. Brooklyn (p.o.) includes the old
settled parts of the city s. of Wallabout Bay. Upon East River, in this district, are several large
manufactories. The water front is entirely occupied by wharves and warehouses. Willsanis-
burgh (p. o.) includes the thickly settled portions n. of Wallabout Bay. It contains a large
number of manufacturing establishments, and its entire water front is devoted to commercial pur-
poses. Green Point, (p.o.,) comprising the 17th ward, lies between Bushwick and Newtown
Creeks, and occupies the extreme n. w. part of the city. It contains extensive shipyards, and
manufactories of porcelain, coal oil, lifeboats, and many other articles. "Wallabout (some-
times called East Brooklyn) lies e. of Wallabout Bay. Bedford and STew Brooklyn are
localities on the r. r., in the e. part of the city. Bushwick Cross Roads and Bushwick
Green are villages e. of Williamsburgh. Gowanus is a village near the head of Gowanus
Bay. South Brooklyn comprises the portion of the city lying s. of Atlantic St. It has an
extensive water front; and along the shore immense works have been constructed to facilitate
commerce.* It contains extensive wood, coal, stone, and lumber yards, and numerous planing
mills, distilleries, breweries, plaster mills, founderies, and machine shops. The city is connected
with New York by 11 steam ferries, all supplied with excellent boats, which perform regular and
frequent trips.5 From the Atlantic St. Ferry the Brooklyn & Jamaica R. R. extends e. to the e.
bounds of the co.6
From the principal ferries lines of city railroads extend through the principal avenues and
radiate to nearly every part of the city, affording easy, rapid, and cheap means of communication.7
The commerce of Brooklyn is extensive, though it scarce has an independent existence, from its
intimate relations with that of New York. The docks and piers at South Brooklyn are among the
most extensive and commodious in the country. Ship and boat building and repairing are exten-
sively carried on at Williamsburgh and Green Point. The whole water front of the city is occu-
pied by ferries, piers, slips, and boat and ship yards ; and the aggregate amount of business
1 The name is derived from the Dutch " Breucklandt," (broken
land.) The patent for the township was issued to Jan Everts,
Jan Daman, Albert Corneliser, Paules Verbeeck, Michael
Eneyle, Thos. Lamberts, Teunis Gisbertse, Bogart and Jovis
Jacobsen. The annual quitrent under this patent was 20 bush,
of wheat.
2 Bushwick — signifying wood-town — was invested with cer-
tain powers of government March 14, 1661. Another patent
was granted Oct. 25,1667; but it remained associated with other
towns until Aug. 12, 1708. Williamsburgh Village, in this town,
was incorp. April 14. 1827, and the town of Williamsburgh was
formed March 16, 1840. The village and town were united and
i&corp. as the City of Williamsburgh April 7, 1861, and the city
and town of Bushwick were annexed to Brooklyn April 17,
1854. Bushwick now constitutes the 17th and ISth wards, and
Williamsburgh the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and a part of the 19th
wards.
* Acts have been passed authorizing a canal, with basins,
wharves, and slips, to be constructed along the creek that flows
into this bay. The mouth of the creek has been improved for
a Bhort distance.
4 The Atlantic Dock contains an area of 40 acres, and has
sufficient depth of water for any vessel. An outside pier is 3.000
feet long. The warehouses upon the piers are of granite. The
Erie Basin and other extensive docks along tho bay have been
projected, and work upon them has commenced. These docks
afford perfect security to vessels while loading and unloading,
and security to goods against theft. It is estimated that
$1,000,000 worth of goods are annually stolen from the wharves
and ships at New York and Brooklyu.
5 These several ferries are all chartered by the Corporation
of N. Y. City. The boats average 400 tons, and are noted for tho
regularity with which they perform their trips. See page 428.
« This road is leased to the Long iBland R. R. during the term
of its charter. A tunnel 2,750 feet long, extending under a por-
tion of Atlantic St., commences near the ferry. It was finished
in Dec, 1844, at a cost of $96,000.
7 In 1855 the city authorized the granting of charters for these
COS
KINGS COUNTY.
transacted there forms an important item in the commerce of the State. In the extent and variety
of its manufactures Brooklyn ranks among the first cities in the country. Located near the great
commercial center, it has become the seat of an immense" manufacturing interest.1
The U. S. Navy Yard is located upon Wallabout Bay.2 The premises connected with it occupy
an area of 45 acres, and are inclosed on the land side by a high wall. "Within the inclosure are
various mechanic shops necessary in building and repairing vessels, a large and costly dry dock,3two
large buildings to cover ships of war while in process of building, extensive lumber warehouses,
several marine railways, and a large amount of balls, cannon, and other munitions of war. The
Naval Lyceum is filled with curiosities sent home by naval officers. Upon a gentle rise, a little e.
of the Navy Yard, is a U. S. Marine Hospital4 for the care of sick and infirm seamen belonging to
the navy. Near it is an extensive laboratory for the manufacture of medicines for the navy.5
The grounds belonging to these establishments occupy an area of 35 acres. A little s. of the Navy
Yard, upon Park Avenue, are extensive Marine Barracks.
The city is well supplied with pure, soft water, derived from Hempstead Hook, Valley, and Spring-
city railroads to the parties who should offer to carry passengers
at the lowest price. The Brooklyn City EL R. Co.. formed Dec.
17, 1853, received the grants; and the fare upon the several
lines, without regard to distance, is 5 cents,
list of these several railroads : —
The following is a
Lines op Railroads.
Fulton Ferry to Washington Av...
Washington At. to Brooklyn Av..
Fulton st. t" Rostrand Av
Nostrand Av. to Division Av
Flushing St. to Throop Av
Throop Av. to Division Av
Kent Av. to Bushwick Av
Bushwick Creek to Kent St
Kent St. to Freeman St
Fulton St. to Gowanus Creek........
Gowanus Creek to Thirtv-Sixth St.
Thirty-Sixth St. to City Line
Citv Line to Yellow Hook Lane....
Court St. to Ferry
Routes.
Fulton Av.
Myrtle Av.
Flushing St.
Greenwood.
Hamilton Av.
Length
in
Miles.
2.31
1.12
2.04
.87
2.57
.14
2.08
.49
.26
1.56
1.88
1.17
.56
.93
When Opened.
Julv, 1854.
Sept. "
July, "
Nov. "
Julv, "
April, 1855.
Oct. 1854.
Oct. 1855.
Dec "
Aug. 1854.
Nov. "
July, 1855.
July, 1856.
May, 1S55.
1 The following tahle, derived from the State Census of 1S55, shows the amount and kinds of manufactures.
Names of Manufactories.
Agricultural Implements
Ax and Edge Tools
Bakers
Block
Breweries
Cabinet -
Camphene
Chandlery and Soap
Chemical Laboratories.-
Coach aDd Wagon
BpiCO, and Mustard
1 ■• a Balling
Dentist*' Gc Id
Hah aiel Whale Oil
■g
Gai
Glass
It< r !:■ Doing
Pen
liri'tmil!'
;■
BalMing
IroT] I Manure...
Japanned Cloth —
No.
1
1
9
2
12
10
3
2
6
11
4
2
1
7
2
3
3
1.'.
3
2
1
1
1
•';
2
u
1
1
Amount
of Manu-
factures.
$28,000
55.000
92:535
70.000
157.255
251.324
1,670.000
229.100
320,000
To.:,;,' 1
58.640
70.000
100,000
2.499,000
173.000
590.000
114,700
900,000
278,000
822,000
160,000
226,000
112,000
686,000
180.600
Men.
22
6
49
58
52
149
85
64
42
86
25
67
2
21 .i
19
08
30
600
278
2VJ
7
7
41
+s
'■*"*■
161
49
64
Names of Manufactories.
Lanip and Lanterns...
Liquorice
Machine Shops
Malt
Marble
Oil Cloth
Oil Mills
Paint and Color
Fatent Leather
Flaning Mills
Porcelain
Hope
Rosin Oil
Boies
Sash and Blind
ship
Silver Ware
Steamboat Finishing..
Bteam Pump
Stone Cutting
Tin and Sheet Iron....
Tobacco and Cigar
■\\ iiit.- Lead
Whiting
Window Shades
Minor Manufactories.,
TbtaL
Jib.
1
11
1
6
5
2
2
2
6
2
10
6
2
11
6
2
1
1
14
4
9
1
1
1
89
296
Amount
of Manur
Men.
factures.
55.000
36
49.340
35
276.000
260
90.000
12
88.500
100
170.250
94
286.000
36
50,000
16
140.000
47
476,600
153
90.000
128
2,205.153
677
161,300
46
115.000
60
102.178
60
945.000
540
54.000
12
150.000
64
60.000
76
256.300
334
150,000
95
205,620
139
800,000
195
60.000
17
50.000
19
700,440
865
$18,494,351
7.368
*The land OOCOpJad by th^ Navy Yard was ceded to the
■ ,1 (ii.vernmenl by tie State in
Che "it.' for tfa* dry dock was fixed by CI. Baldwin. In 1826;
Bcieal work was Dot commenced until 184L It was subse-
quently prosecuted un 1 r the charge of several engineers, as
fi.llows: —
Plot Kdward TI. Omrtenay; Aug. 1, IM
tag 1. 1842 $35,264.25
Gen. William Gfbb* M ■ Krt. 10, 1844, to
April 1. 1846 114.671.83
WPS Sanger; April 1,1846. to Jnne23.1844.. 116.951.81
Wm. J. Mc Alpine; June 23, 1846, to t.1,1849. 1,114.311.09
Gen. Chas.B. St nart;Oet 1,1849, to Aug. 30, 1851 732.974.63
Total cost. $2,113,173.61
The work was suspended from Aug. 1842, till Oct. 1844. The
main chamber is 286 feet long by 35 feet wide at the bottom,
and 307 feet long by 98 feet wide at the top. Depth, 36 feet.
The masonry foundations are 400 by 120 feet, upon piles driven
40 feet Into tho earth. It is emptied by steam pumps in 4$
hours. — StuarVt Naval Dry Docks of the U. S.
* Tills building is faced with white marble and presents a
fine architectural appearance. The average number of inmates
is about 60.
6 This laboratory has been gradually formed within the last
10 years, and is said to bo tho only institution of tho kind owned
by any Government. The chemical and mechanical arrange-
ments aro extremely well adapted to their use.
KINGS COUNTY.
369
field Creeks. It is brought 1$ mi. in an open canal and 4iJ mi. in a brick conduit, thence pumped
into a reservoir on Cypress Hill, 170 ft. above tide, and thence distributed in iron pipes throughout
the city. The conduit has a capacity of 40,000,000 gallons per day, and the pumps can raise
10,000,000 gal. per day. The reservoir is 20 feet deep, and has a capacity of 107,000,000 gals.
The whole cost of the work is estimated at $4,200,000.1 The Fire Departments of the Eastern
and Western Districts are separately organized under special acts.2 The city is supplied with gas
by 3 companies.
The City Park, between Park and Flushing Avenues and Navy and Park Sts., contains 7 acres;
Washington Park, between Myrtle and De Kalb Avenues and Cumberland and Canton Sts., con-
tains 33 acres. It occupies the site of Fort Green of the Revolution. In the newly surveyed
sections several sites for parks have been reserved by the city.
The City Armory, at the corner of Henry and Cranberry Sts., was erected in 1858, at a cost of
$14,000. A State Arsenal, on Clinton St., was built in 1856, at a cost of $40,000.
The City Hall, situated at the junction of Fulton and Court Sts., is a fine building, faced with
white marble.3 Besides these, there are in the city 9 banks of discount, 5 savings' banks, and 10
stock fire insurance companies.
The Public ScJwols are under the charge of a board of education, consisting of 45 members.
The city contains 32 school districts ; and in 1857 there were employed 320 teachers, — 27 males and
293 females. The whole number of children between 4 and 21 years of age is 46,000, of whom
35,817, or 78 per cent., attended school during some portion of tho year. The total expenses of
the schools for 1857 was $231,474.61. A normal school for the professional instruction of teachers
has been established.
The Packer Collegiate Institute, for girls, occupies an elegant building upon Jorolimon St., w.
of the City Hall. It was incorp. May 8, 1845, as the "Brooklyn Female Academy." Its name
was changed March 19, 1853, in honor of Mrs. Wm. S. Packer, who endowed the institution with
$65,000. An astronomical observatory is connected with it.4
The Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute, for boys, on Livingston St., was incorp. April
7, 1854. It was established by a stock company, with a capital of $75,000, and has accommoda-
tions for 150 pupils. Besides these, there are in the city 100 private schools and seminaries,
several of which are large institutions, with corps of professors and with permanent investments.
The aggregate number of pupils in attendance at the schools is 2,600.
The Brooklyn Institute was incorp. Nov. 20, 1824. It occupies a commodious building on Wash-
ington St., the gift of Augustus Graham. It has a free library, provides free lectures and lessons
in drawing and painting for apprentices, and its rooms are depositories for books, maps, models,
and drawing apparatus.
The Brooklyn Atlienozum and Reading Boom, on the corner of Atlantic and Clinton Sts., was
incorp. Jan. 28, 1852. It occupies a large three story edifice, erected at a cost of $60,000. The
first story is used for mercantile purposes, the second for a library and reading room, and the third
for public lectures.
The Law Library in Brooklyn, incorp. Jan. 8, 1850, is located at 341 Fulton St.
The Naval Lyceum, within the Navy Yard, was established in 1833 by officers of the navy. It
has a fine library and museum.
The Kings County Lodge Library Association, at Williamsburgh, was incorp. Feb. 7, 1847.
Among the societies for intellectual improvement are the Hamilton Library Association, founded
in 1830; the Franklin Debating Association, in 1852; the Young Men's Association, in 1853; the
St. Charles Institute, in 1854 ; the Eccleston Literary Association, in 1854 ; and the Columbia Lite-
rary Association, in 1855. The Great Northwestern Zephyr Association, designed to encourage
native talent in music, painting, and sculpture, was organized in 1838. The Philharmonic Society
1 This great work is just completed. Until a very recent date
the city has depended upon wells and cisterns for its supply of
water. There were 122 public cisterns in the city; hut all the
supplies were entirely inadequate to the demand for water. The
first agitation for a better supply of water commenced in 1835 ;
but nothing was accomplished until 1847, when a report was
made recommending the building of reservoirs to be supplied
from wells. In 1849, W. J. McAlpine submitted a plan for ob-
taining a supply from the streams flowing into Jamaica Day.
Tho question of prosecuting this work at public expense was
repeatedly voted down. Several private companies caused sur-
veys to be made, and one of them acquired titles to the streams
in question; and June 4, 1S56, the Common Council subscribed
$1,300,000 to the stock of the Nassau Water Company. The
work was commenced July 31, 1S50, under the charge of James
P. Kirkwood, Chief Engineer. Feb. 11, 1857, the rights of the
Nassau Company were vested in the city. The works were com
pleted in May, 1859. It is contemplated erecting another reser
voir upon Prospect Hill.
2 The Fire Department of the Western District, under the cars
of 5 commissioners, has 7 fire districts, 22 engines, 4 hook aud
ladder companies, 7 hose companies, and 10 alarm bells. The
Fire Department of the Eastern District has 6 fire districts, 13
engines, 3 hook and ladder companies, 4 hose companies, and
2 alarm bells.
3 This building contains the city and most of the co. offices.
It was commenced in 1836 ; but work was suspended in 1837
and was not resumed until 1S46. It was completed in 184S, ia
a style much less costly than that of the original design.
* See pp. 747, 748.
H
370 KINGS COUNTY.
of Brooklyn, for the encouragement of music, was incorp. May G, 1857. The Brooklyn Horti-
cultural Society was incorp. April 9, 1854, and holds annual fairs. The Hunt Horticultural and
Botanical Garden -was incorporated April 9, 1855, with a capital of $150,000. It has a garden of
16 acres.
The Brooklyn City Hospital, on Raymond St. near Pe Kalb Avenue, was incorp. May 8, 1845.
Its present buildings were opened April 28, 1852. It is supported by voluntary contributions and
legislative appropriations. The Brooklyn City Disjiensary, located at 109 Pineapple St., was
incorp. March 5, 1850. It is supported in the same manner as the hospital. The Brooklyn Dis-
pensary, (Homeopathic,) 83 Court St., was incorp. Pec. 3, 1852. It is supported by private sub-
scriptions. The Williamsburg Dispensary, on the corner of 5th and South Sts., was incorp. March
4. 1851 ; 2,221 persons received medical treatment at the institution in 1857. It is supported by
private contributions. The Brooklyn Central Dispensary, 473 Fulton St., was incorp. Pec. 11,
1855. The Brooklyn German General Dispensary \$ located at 145 Court St. The Brooklyn Eye
and Ear Infirmary, 109 Pineapple St., was incorp. March 27, 1851.
The Orphan Asylum Society was incorp. May 6, 1834. The institution is situated upon a fine
site on Cumberland St. near Myrtle Avenue.
The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum of Brooklyn was incorp. May 6, 1834. The asylum for
boys is located at the corner of Clinton and Congress Sts., and the asylum for girls upon Congress
St near Clinton. The former has 120 inmates, and the latter 250. The girls are under the
charge of the Sisters of Charity. The support of these institutions is principally derived from the
income of a large property bequeathed by Cornelius Heeney and under the charge of the Brook-
lyn Benevolent Society.1
The Brooklyn Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor was formed March 26, 1844.
It numbers about 180 visitors, whose duty it is to investigate the condition of the poor in every
part of the city, afford such temporary relief in the way of food and clothing as the cases may
warrant, and to refer the needy to the appropriate sources for permanent relief. This association
distributes $6,000 to $7,000 per year. The Brooklyn Benevolent Society, founded upon a bequest
of Cornelius Heeney, was incorp. in May, 1845. It is managed by 11 trustees, of whom the
Archbishop of N. Y. and the Mayor of Brooklyn are ex officio members. Its funds are principally
devoted to the support of various Catholic charities. The Brooklyn Society for the Belief of
Respectable and Indigent Females, incorp. in 1851, was founded by John B. Graham, who erected
a fine edifice, corner of "Washington and Pe Kalb Sts., as a home for the unfortunates named in
the title. It derives its support from private subscriptions. The Children's Aid Society was organ-
ized in Feb. 1854, as an industrial school. The Brooklyn Industrial School Association, under the
management of ladies of the several churches, was incorp. April 4, 1854. It has established
Bchouls in different parts of the city for girls who do not attend the public schools, and who are
entirely deprived of moral training. The Brooklyn Female Employment Society, an association
of ladies to furnish employment to respectable females who may be reduced to want, was incorp.
April 19, ls")4. Its office and salesroom is at 65 Court St. The Church Charity Association for
the relief of the aged, Bick, and indigent was incorp. in March, 1851. It is under the patronage
of the Prot. E. Church.
Tli" churches of Brooklyn are justly celebrated for their general elegance and beauty of archi-
tectural design. Large numbers <>f people doing business in New York reside in Brooklyn; and
tlii- has led to the erection of so groat a numbor fif churches that the city has been denominated the
"city of church' In 1858 there were 139 churches in the city.9 Connected with these churches
aro rations religions and charitable societies.1 The Freemasons, Odd Fellows, and Sons of Tem-
' Tbo other I- ■: letiM in t!i" <-ity ar" as I 8 Tho following is a list of tho principal of those Bocioties, with
fctknra: — St. Jamtt'i &-hr*t. Jay ,-t ., »ith u*> pupils under the
Bx there of Ch ipQa under the Sisters
of Hi i •• . SI I' -■ 'i ■ '•"■>■ with 4'" papua, under the
Btaten of Charity; BL ftfer'i and / ■'. with 800 girls,
raider the Sister* of St.* KaryjShvo/tni Aa, with 800
girls, under the Sisters of Cbari ' and fUn.il/-srhool
bed !" the Chnrch of l). II I) trinity; Cbneeni and
Bnar ing Anuirmy «f th l Of St. J sph; <hnw-nt and
Aco c I'm/ tli Ti ; St fr.iri.it ,,/* AuitC$ Cbnrvnt
of .s'i.-v't-.i of M'-ro, and Vtmi <4 th. nni.r .,f si. Dominic. The
U. C n-n.firi.il A r*J and St. I\iuPt Church
«u in-..rp. June 15.18SH. tft mflTln a Bond ay MllOO] and library,
and support the sick sn<i bury th" dead. >Y" irhooli aro con-
nected with all the churchy »xcr,pt that of St. Charles.
* 26 Trot, K., 83 M. I .. IT Pe ■<■!•.. U Bef Plot D, lftR.C.,15
Bap., 10 Cong-, and 20 consisting of OoTSaaoten, A«*.. I'r. el...
Aseo. Ref. Presb, Unita., 1'niv . <;. r. Evang., Moravian. Friends,
Jqd. Cong., Ind. Moth., and Jew.
the dates of their formation: —
Tho Brooklyn City Tract Society 1830
Ti..- Brooklyn Bible Society 1841
The I'rut. Benevolent and Library Association 1844
Tim Williamsburgh Bible Society 1845
Tho Navy Mission 8. S. Association Juno 16, 1849
The Brooklyn Female Bible Society I860
The Benov. Asso. of the Ch. of the lloly Trinity.... May 10, 1850
Tin- Warren Street Mission Feb. 3, 1863
The Willianisburgh City Mission Society March, 1863
TIip Bn «ik]yn Y. M. Chris. Association Dec. — ,1853
Tho Mount Prospect Mission Society Jan. 23, 1854
The Hope Mission School Mar. 16,1854
Tho Brooklyn Sunday-School Union Sept. 12, 1854
The Brotherhood Of tho Prot. B. Churches Sept. 21, 1854
The Howard Bcnev. Society (Unita.) Dec. — , 1S64
The Convocation for Church Kxtensiou (Prot.E.).. June 25, 1854
The Vanderbilt Av. Mission S. S Mar. 16, 1858
KINGS COUNTY.
371
perance all have lodges in the city; and besides these are numerous societies for mutual relief
and protection.1
Greenwood Cemetery, upon the s. line, is mostly within the limits of tlie city. It is owned by a
joint stock company, incorp. April 18, 1838. It comprises an urea of 400 acres, beautifully located
upon the elevated and broken ground v.. of Gowanus Bay. The grounds were purchased, and
opened for burial in 1842; and up to Aug. 1858, 64,000 burials had been made. It is one of the
oldest and most beautiful of the rural cemeteries connected with the great cities in this country.
The grounds are laid out with taste ; and many of the sculptured monuments are costly and
beautiful specimens of art.
The Cemetery of the Evergreens, upon the e. line, is partly in Queens co. It is beautifully located
upon a bluff, affording fine views of New York, the bay, the ocean, and the surrounding country. It
was opened for interment in 1849.
The Friends' Cemetery lies near the city line, n. of Greenwood. It has a fine location ; but, in
accordance with the principles of the sect, no ornamental monuments are allowed to be erected in it.
The Citizens' Union Cemetery, incorp. in 1851, contains an area of 29 acres. The trustees allow
the burial of persons of color and of the poor for no charge except that of opening and closing
the ground.
The first settlements were made under the Dutch Government, in 1625, by several families of
French Protestants from near the river "Waal, in Netherlands, who located near Wallabout Bay.
They named their settlement " Walloons," and the bay " Walloons Boght," from which is derived
its present name Wallabout.2 Little progress was made in settlement for many years ; and no
governmental organization was effected under the Dutch. Up to the commencement of the present
century the population was principally confined to several little hamlets scattered over the terri-
tory now embraced in the city. Since 1840 the increase of population and the growth of the city
have been very rapid, scarcely paralleled by the magical growth of the cities of the West.3 Although
possessing a separate municipal government, in all its business and interests it forms an integral
part of the city of New York. In the summer of 1776, New York and vicinity became the theater
of stirring military events. After the British had evacuated Boston, Washington marched imme-
diately to New York, believing that the enemy would make this the next point of attack. Every
effort was made to construct and strengthen the military defenses of the place. Strong works
were erected in Brooklyn and other points upon Long Island, and large bodies of troops were
posted there to defend them. The British arrived, and landed their troops upon Staten Island
July 8 ; and on the 22d of Aug. they passed over to Long Island, to the number of 10,000 strong.
They landed in New Utrecht, whence three roads led over the hills to where the Americans were
encamped. One of these roads passed near the Narrows, the next led from Flatbush, and the third
far to the right by the route of Flatlands. It was the design of Gen. Putnam, who commanded
the American forces, to arrest the enemy upon the heights ; and the appearance of columns of
troops early on the morning of the 27th on the middle road led to the belief that the main attack
was to be made at that point. While intent upon this movement, it was found that the main army
of the enemy were approaching from the direction of Bedford, and that there was imminent danger
of being surrounded by them. Attacked in front and rear, the Americans fought with bravery ;
but a part only succeeded in gaining their entrenchments. The loss of the Americans was more
than 3,000 in killed, wounded, and prisoners ; and of the enemy, less than 400. Gens. Sullivan,
Stirling, and Woodhull were taken prisoners, — the last named of whom died from wounds inflicted
after his surrender. The Americans withdrew to New York early on the 30th, under the personal
direction of Gen. Washington.* The American prisoners taken at this battle, and those taken
afterward during the war, were confined in the hulks of old ships anchored in Wallabout Bay,
1 The following is a list of these societies : —
The Erin Fraternal Benev. Society Formed 1835
The Emerald Benev. Society 1839
The Emmet Benev. Society May 8, 1S48
The Shamrock Benev. Society May 5,1848
The Laborers' Union Benev. Soc.of Willianisburgh April 17, 1850
The Laborers' Union Benev. Society Jan. 30,1851
Willianisburgh Mut. Ben. Soc. of Operative Masons June 14, 1853
" Laborers' Union Benev. Society May 13,1853
Operative Plasterers' Benev. Society Dec. 27,1854
Society for Visiting the Sick and BuryiDg the Dead Oct. 13, 1855
Ancient Order of Hibernians July 18, 1856
United Brethren Aug. 8, 1S56
Washington Sick Supporting Association Feb. 17,1858
s Among these settlers were families named De Rapalje, Le
Eecuyer, Duryee, Le Sillier Cershou.Consciller, and Murserol. —
Benson's Memoir, p. 18. Sarah Rapelje — born here on the 9th
of June, 1625 — was the first white child born on the island. She
received 20 morgens of land from Peter Minuet, the Dutch Gov-
ernor. A tide mill was built at the head of Wallabout Bay at
an early period.
8 The following table show6 the increase of population of the
whole territory included within the city since 1790 : —
1790 2,143
1800 3.034
1810 5,200
1815 4,564
1820 8,105
1825 11,749
1830 17,014
1835 27,S54
1840 42,622
1845 72,769
1850 130,757
1855 205,250
4 A heavy fog — very unusual for the time of year — completely
enshrouded the island, and under its protection the Americans
silently passed over to the N. Y. side. The British did not dis-
cover the movement until the rearguard of the Americans were
beyond the reach of pursuit. — Onderdonk's Rev. Inc.
372
KINGS COUNTY.
where they perished by hundreds and thousands from violence, cold, foul air, and stinted food.1
During the War of 1312 a considerable amount of voluntary labor was expended in erecting aline
of fortifications around the city, and bodies of troops were stationed there to protect the people.
FLATBl'SU2 — was chartered by Gov. Stuyvesant in 1G52, and its rights were confirmed by
Gov. Nicoll, Oct. 11, 16(37, and by Gov. Dougan, Nov. 20, 1685.3 It was recognized by the State
Government March 7, 178S. New Lots was taken off in 1852. It is the central town in the co.,
lying immediately s. of Brooklyn. A low, broad range of hills extends along the n. border,
occupying nearly one-fourth of its surface. The remainder of the town is level. The soil is light
and sandy, but productive. rial hush (p. v.) is a long, scattered village, extending through
the center of the town. It contains 4 churches/ the Erasmus Hall Academy,5 and many elegant
dwellings. Greenfield is a thinly settled village plat in the s. w. corner of the town. A part
of Greenwood Cemetery lies in the >*. w. corner. Galilee Cemetery lies e. of the village. The
first settlement was made by the Dutch at an early period.
FLiATliAXDS" — was incorp. by patent under Gov. Nicoll, Oct. 4, 1667, confirmed by Gov.
Dongan, March 11, 1685, 7 and recognized by the State Government March 7, 1788. It is the
s. e. town in the co. The surface is very flat, as indicated by the name ; and a considerable portion
consists of salt marshes bordering upon Jamaica Bay.8 Several small, marshy islands belong to
the town.9 Flatlands (p. o.) is a farming settlement. Canarsie10 (p. o.) is a hamlet, upon
the road leading to the bay. The first settlement was made by the Dutch, in 1636. Ex-Gov. Wouter
Van Twiller had a tobacco farm in this town while it was under Dutch rule. There are 3 churches
in town ; 2 M. E. and Kef. Prot. D.
GRAVESEXD11 — was granted to English settlers, by patent under Gov. Keift, Dec. 19, 1645,
and confirmed by Gov. Nicoll, Aug. 13, 1667, and by Gov. Dongan, Sept. 10, 1686.12 It was
recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It is the most southerly town in the co. The surface is
generally very level. A beach and ridge of sand hills extend along the coast, and in the rear of
these are extensive salt meadows. Coney Island is separated from the mainland by a narrow
tidal current flowing through the marshes.13 Gravesend, (p. v.,) near the center, is compactly
built, and was formerly fortified with palisades. It was the county seat prior to 1686.14 ITnion-
vil le is a small settlement on the bay, near the w. line. The Cove is a settlement on Sheeps
Head Bay. This town was settled before 1640, by English Quakers, from Mass. Lady Deborah
Moody — a woman of rank, education, and wealth — was a prominent person in this enterprise.
The liberal terms of their first grant were not fully regarded by the Dutch; but the prudence and
firmness of Lady Moody eventually secured a good degree of respect and a more indulgent
policy toward them. In 1655 the settlement was saved from destruction by North River Indians
by a guard from the city. In 1656 the people petitioned for and obtained 3 big guns for their
| -tion. In 1659 the town agreed to give Heury Brazier 500 gilders for building a mill, and
1 Tli- first prison ship wax the Whitby, but this and another
w - in 1, in April, 17"v th. -Jersey became tho receiving
chip for prisoner*. The Hope and the Falmouth, anchored mar
by. w pital -hip- ; and upon tl most nfthe 'hatha oo>
<jurn 1 It i' n ported th it 1 1,.'. ► |.ri- men died upon these ships
during the war. Th- persistent barbarity and Cold-hearted in-
humanity practir-d by the l!riti»h t- - finds
. in the hl«tory of ciTflixed nations; and the h'-rri-
hi* -offerings of th' , ii th. ir f .ill dungeon*, reeking
with filth, disease, and the air of the charoel tin-, carried
■ t Into the ihade tie-
r horrors of the Middle Pai tck Holeof Cal-
cutta. Th" gr :■■ were uncovered
while pradim: f t t; hogshead*
tin,— representing the
13 orl ' i. and. n I upon
Hu I- n Av. nil-, m-ir th- ' under th" au*| f th"
Tam:< - 1 induponwl tarred was
i f.T that purpose by -in.-",
Benj. Romalne Inrliwd (he remains in a vault; and. April 11,
an association was tn<-..rp. fbf II- tin/ funds to buQd a
monument
» Named 'MidwmJ" (Mid WOO I itch.
* In the first patent, J.»n Snedecor. A rent Van Flatten, Jo-
hannes Megapolensis. and others, were named as grantei s; ami
in the second, Kev. J. Mags lius Van Ruyren, J. P.
s :. Baseman. Jan Sim ker. Fran- n irenta,
(pastor.) Jacob Stryk-r, and I Jansc Bougart were
pat) ntw>.— PiUntt. IV, 4s, 51.
• Ref Prot. I". I cm -I in MJMJ M. I and R.G.
'This institution, imorp. Not. IT. IT1'?. was the first oncchar-
tiy the reg
*< 'ailed "Kern Amufvrt' by th" Dutch, from a place in Holland.
' The patentees named in the first instrument were Elbert
Ell.. rt8,0overt Lockermans, Roolifle Martens, PieterClaes. Wm.
Garrits, TIh.h. Ilillebrants. Stephen Coertsen, and Coert Stevens;
and thOM in the second were E. Elberts, R. Martens 1'ieter
Classen. Win. Garn-tsen, Coert Stevens, Lucas Stevensen, and
John Teunlssen. The annual quitrent was 14 bushels of wheat.
8 These marshes and flat lauds produce largo quantities of
hay.
0 The principal of these are Bergen Island, on the bay, and
Rarnti Island, upon the coast. Upon the latter island is a largo
I". ii" l...ilinc establishment, to which place are removed all the
dead animals from New York. The business is very extensive,
and large quantities of hides, fat, bones, hair, and manure are
annually produced.
'" Named from a tribe of Indians that formerly occupied this
region.
11 Named from the English town of this name, or from tho
deep sounds on the shore. — Thompson's Hid., II, 1G9.
12 Tho grantees named in the first patent were Lady Deborah
Moody, Sir Henry Moody. Bart., FJnsign Geo. Baxter, and Sergt.
James Hubbard; those in tho second were Thos. Delavall, Jas.
Hubbard. Wm. Bound, sr., Wm. Colliding, and John Tilton; and
those in the third were James Hubbard, John Tilton, jr., Wm.
Goulder. Nicholas Stillwcll, and JochamGuilock. The' quitrent
was 6 bushels of wheat.
1* "fbnyria Island," from a family of that name. It is a favor-
ite summer resort. A fine shell road and bridge connect it with
the mainland. It embraces GO acres of arable land, and about
half a dozen families winter there.
H The village plat embraced 10 acres, subdivided into 30 lots
for h'.n-i'H an.l gardens. A street surrounded this plat. Th«
land around was laid ont in lota diverging from tho central
nucleus.
KINGS COUNTY.
373
every man a day's work, with a team, or 2 days without, in building a dam. The first church
(Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1055. Besides this, there are in town 2 M. E. churches.
IEW LOTS'— was formed from Flathush, Feb. 12, 1852. It li.-s in the extreme e. part of the
co. Its surface is generally level, the s. half being < ><<u j >i c< 1 by extensive salt meadows. East
IVew York (p. v.) is a prospective! city of "magnificent distances" near the N. line.2 It con-
tains a newspaper office, 4 churches, a manufacture of dyestuffs and colors, several shoe manu-
factories, and 1,000 inhabitants. C'ypross Hills is a newly surveyed village near the N.E.
corner. The Cypress Hills Cemetery, Cemetery of the Evergreens, and Cemetery of the Congre-
gation of Emanuel (Jewish) are partly in this town. The first settlement was made by about
20 families from Holland and a few Palatinates, in 10.54. In 1'iiiU the portions of lands previously
held in common wero divided into lots and assigned to individuals. During the same year a horse-
mill was erected. For many years the deacons of the church were chosen overseers of the
poor, and from 1799 to 1812 the schools were under the direction of church officers. A detach-
ment of 1,200 militia was stationed hero in the War of 1812, in anticipation of an attack from the
British. There are 5 churches in town.3
1VEW UTRECHT— was incorp. by Gov. Stuyvesant in 1662, by Gov. Nicoll, Aug. 15, 1668,
and by Gov. Dongan, May 13, 168G.4 It was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It lies upon the
Narrows, in the w. part of the co. A range of low hills extends across the n. border, and the re-
maining part of the surface is level. The soil is a light, sandy loam, but for the most part is highly
cultivated. ]\Tew Utreclit, (p. v.,) in the s. part, is a small, compact village. In ancient times
it was inclosed by a palisade as a defense against Indians and pirates. Fort Hamilton,
(p.v.,) near the U. S. grounds, is a fine village, chiefly inhabited by persons doing business in New
York. Hat li is a place of summer resort on Gravesend Bay. Bay Ridge is a suburban vil-
lage adjoining Brooklyn. Fort Hamilton is a U. S. fortification upon the bluff commanding the
passage of the Narrows.5 Fort La Fayette is a strong water battery built upon Hendricks Keef, 200
yards from the shore.6 There are 6 churches in town.7
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Slock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Kings County.
Names of Towns.
Acres op Land.
Valuation of 1858.
Population.
at
<5
1
1
Schools.
Ti
St
V
«#
3
|
ac
S .
1
§1
it
i
1
4
*
1
80
S3
Brooklyn
l,652i
1,1 96*
$88,136,781
(10,338,494
510,000
£98,476,275
97.129
108,121
22,573
11,438
308
10,S87
162
47.riil)
2,616
179
1,124,142
1,634,142
1,559
1,721
2
578
3.235J
1,950
563.351
150,525
713,876
879
699
232
258
172
3
673
2,506
695
544.241
124,850
f,6'.i,(l9l
664
592
200
226
127
2
388
1,862
983 i
746,915
182,800
929,718
1,181
1,080
335
444
285
3
S17
3,999
591
1,573.067
301.400
1,874,467
104,296.566
1,435
1,295
113,508
364
459
239
4
1 94
816
Total
15,871
i
5,594f.
92.688,497
11,608,069 ]
102,847
23,970
13,133
11,872
50,772
Live Stock.
Agricultural Pb
ODUCTS.
6
Buph. op Grain.
V) 5
1 3
■si
Dairy Products.
Names op Towns.
6
•5 a ,•
00
<5
|
°3
3S
■s «
4
4,750
t? H S
POO
14
1,73
21
§
<n
1,828
31 324
e
S a.
o s
R.cq
a,S
l.s
Brooklyn
1
1,808
350
400
•N ."il'i."i
50
Flathush
361
24
3
2,5(50
13,462
1.097
84.822
Flatlands
320
52
25
s
577
4,979
11.3S0
1,789
103.750
300
126
22
3
378
4,182
9.137
683
70,595
11.030
268
84
18
3
316
•l.4Mi
4,911
10.047
14.115
90,065
871
1.313
30,186
50.325
368,243
6,395
315
70
21
2,83
6 2
529
4
Total
6.314
370
4 2
3,964
22,946
6,183
54
17,425
1
1 This part of Flathush was called by the Butch "Osivout,"
East Woods. A patent was granted to 40 of tho principal in-
habitants, March 25, 1677, by Gov. Andross.
2 This city was laid out during the speculative days of 1S35-
36 as a rival of New York. A ship canal, extending to Jamaica
Bay, was to make the place a port of entry.
3 Kef. Prot. D., Prot. E., Ger. Evang. Lu'th., M.E., and R.C.
4 The grantees in the patent of Gov. Nicoll were Nicasius de
Sille, Jacques Cortilleau, Francis Browne, Kobt. Jacobsen. and
Jacob Swart, — Patents, IV, 52: and those in the patent of Gov.
Bongan were Jacques Corteljour, Ruth Goosten, John Verkerke,
Hendrick Mathyse, John Kiersen, John Van Byck, Guisbert
Thyson, Carel Van Byck, Jan Van Cleef, Cryn Jansen, Meyndert
Coerten, John Hansen, Barent Joosten, Tcunis Van Pelt, Hen-
drick Van Pelt, Lawrence Janse, Gerrit Cornelissen, Bilk Van
Sutphen, Thomas Tierkson, Gerrit Stoffelsen, Peter Thysen,
Anthony Van Pelt, Anthony Buchaine. Jan Vanderventer. and
Cornelis Wynhart. The annual acknowledgment was 6 bush.
of good winter wheat, payable, at the city of New York, March
25.— Patents, V, 407.
6 This fortress was commenced in 1824 and completed in 1832.
The total cost of the structure in 1S5S was $552,000. It mounts
60 heavy guns, of which 48 bear upon the channel.
6 Formerly called "Fort Diamond." It was commenced in
1812, and in 1851 it had cost $341,941. It mounts 73 heavy
guns. These forts were located and planned by Gen. Bernard,
a French engineer.
1 2 Prot. E.; 2 Kef. Prot. B., M. E., and R. C.
LEWIS COUNTY.
This county was formed from Oneida, March 28, 1805, and named
in honor of Gov. Morgan Lewis. Slight changes were made in the
boundary on the erection of Pinckney, in 1808, and of Wilna, in
1813. It lies mostly within the valley of Black River, n. of the
center of the State. It is centrally distant 116 mi. from Albany,
and contains 1,288 sq. mi. Its surface consists of the broad inter-
vales which extend along the course of Black River, and uplands
which rise upon the e. and w. The eastern half rises gradually to
the e. border of the co., where it attains an elevation of about 1400
feet above tide. This part of the co. forms a portion of the great
wilderness of Northern N. Y. The surface in many places is broken
by low ridges or isolated masses of naked gneiss. The streams
generally flow over rocky beds, and in places through wild ravines. The soil is a light, yellow,
sandy loam and unprofitable for cultivation. In the eastern forests are great numbers of picturesque
lakes, many of which are scarcely known except to hunters and fishermen. The streams flowing
from the plateau are generally rapid, furnishing an abundance of water power.1 Magnetic iron
ore has been found interstratified with gneiss and red specular ore on the N. e. border of the co.,
and along the margins of the streams is an abundance of iron sand. At the junction of the gneiss
and white limestone in Diana are a great number of interesting minerals.2
The w. side rises from the valley of Black River by a series of terraces to near the center of the
W. half of the co., whence it spreads out toward Lake Ontario. These terraces are occasionally
broken by oblique valleys from the n. w. The summit is 1500 to 1700 feet above tide. The inter-
vale along the river, and the banks which immediately border upon it, are underlaid by Black
River limestone. Next above this, in an irregular terrace, rises the Trenton limestone, 300 feet
thick in the x. part of the co. and gradually diminishing toward the s. This limestone is very
compact and strongly resists the action of the elements. In many places it presents the face of
steep declivities approaching the perpendicular, and the streams from the w. plateau generally flow
over this formation in a single perpendicular fall. This rock underlies an extremely fertile and
Dearly level tract of 1 to 3 mi. wide. Above it, on the w., the strata of the Utica slate and Lorraine
snales rise about 500 feet higher, and from the summit the surface spreads out into a nearly level
ii, with its waters flowing both toward the e. and w.3 This range in Lewis co. is known as
Tug Hill. The soil in the limestone region is sometimes thin, but is everywhere productive. Near
the foot of Tug Hill is a strip of stiff clay a few rods wide, extending the whole length of the co.,
and marked by a line of springs and swamps. The soil upon the slate is deep and well adapted
to jrrazinjr. hut, from its great elevation, it is liable to late and early frosts. Upon the summit of
the slate table lands are extensive swamps, which give rise to streams flowing into Black River,
Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, and the Mohawk. Drift deposits are scattered promiscuously, and
BOmetimee lie at a great depth, more particularly upon the northerly sides of the oblique valleys
before mentioned.
Th( - whiob riso on the summit of Tug Hill in many places flow through ancient beaver
meadows, and upon the brow of tin' liill they have invariably worn deep ravines into the slates and
shales, in some instances •"> or 1 mi. in Length and 100 to 300 feet deep. Chimney Point and
A\ ; . • -• ;•<,■,';'.'■ M tinsburgh, art localities of this kind. There are but few ravines in the lime-
stone terraces, though the Deer River Falls, near ''"jionhagen, are in a gorge worn in this rock. A
thin Layer of Pot- tndstone n ste immediately upon the gneiss in Martinsburgh. Waterlime
of excellent quality has been made from the Lower strata of Black River limestone, and veins of Lead
nro have boon worked in tho upper part of tho 'fronton limestone in Martinsburgh and Lowville.4
The outline of the hills readily indicates tho character of the underlying rocks.5
1 The wat<r of tho*" stream" l« fli^ nic matter,
. and ir on, and impart* ti Bla^k Hirer the i 1 it
which has given It if name.
* Zircon, spbene, tabular spar, pyroxene. nutt*11ito. bine cal-
■ Itc, and <-.
nr t" rood m ir th<- Nntnr.il Rridee.
3 Tli- h fthi«rnri- ' 50, In High
Market, and i=> 1700 feet almv* tide. On a clear day the hills of
M.»'li-"n co. can be seen from this place.
374
* About tho year 1S2" a silver mine was announced as rlis-
covered near Lowville; anil in 1837 fl lead mine ma somewhat
extensively wrought 1 mi. s.w. of Martinelnirgh Village, anil
■oven] tons of lead were made at ••! grant loss, more recently a
company of speculators have bought the premleee; lmt work
haanoi been rammed, and prtbably wOl not be. Rlnok oxyd
of manganese has been found In swamps upon the summit of
Tub Hill, in the fl. w. part of Martinsburgh.
6 In the primary region the upheavals retain their original
LEWIS COUNTY.
375
The s.w. part of the co. is drained by Fish Creek and its branches, and the headwaters of the
Mohawk. Salmon River rises upon the w. border, and the Oswegatchie and Indian1 Rivers take
their rise in the N. E. The principal tributaries of Black River are Moose''' and Beaver Rivers,3
Otter,4 Independence, and Fish Creeks, and Fall lin.uk, on the e.; and Sugar River, Mill, Houses,
and Whetstone Greeks, Roaring Brook, Lowville Creek, and Deer River5 upon the w. Several
mineral springs are found within the co.8 Spring grains are readily cultivated ; but this co. is
particularly adapted to pasturage, dairying forming the principal pursuit of the people. Droughts
seldom ocour; but the uplands arc noted for their deep snows. Within B few years, several exten-
sive establishments have been erected upon Black, Moose, Beaver, and Deer Rivers, for the manufac-
ture of leather, paper, lumber, and articles of wood. Two furnaces for the manufacture of iron
from the ore are located near the n. border.
The county seat is located at Martinsburgh. A wooden courthouse and jail were built here in 1810-
11, upon a site given by Gen. Martin.7 The present clerk's office was erected by citizens of Mar-
tinsburgh in 1847. Active efforts were made at an early day, and renewed in 1852, to obtain the
removal of the co. seat to Lowville, and a fine edifice was built at that place for the courts, in the
hope of securing their removal. The co. poorhouse is located upon a farm of 59 acres 1 mi. w. of
Lowville. The average number of inmates is about 90. The institution is well managed in regard
to economy, neatness, and the health of the inmates. The only internal improvement in the co. is
the Black River Canal, connecting Black River below Lyons Falls with the Erie Canal at Rome."
From Lyons Falls the river is navigated to Carthage, a distance of 42£ mi., by small steamers.
Three newspapers are now published in the co.9
This co. is entirely within Macomb's Purchase, and includes a part of Great Tract No. IV.,10
most of the Chassanis Purchase,11 Watson's West Tract,1'2 the Brantingham Tract,13 and a small
part of John Brown's Tract,14 on the e. side of the river: and 4 of the "Eleven Towns,"15 5 of the
Thirteen Towns of the Boylston Tract,16 Constable's Five Towns,17 and Inman's Triangle18 on the w.
The first settlers came from New England and settled at Leyden in 1794. The fame of the
forms without change; the limestone terraces rise hy steep
slopes to their level summit ; and the slate and shale hills ex-
hibit the yielding character of the rocks which compose them,
hy their rounded outline and the gorges which every spring
torrent has worn upon their sides,
l Called by the Indians O-je'quack, Nut River.
8 Indian name Te-kahun-di-an'do. clearing an opening,
s Indian name Ne-ha-sa'ue, crossing on a stick of timber.
* Indian name Da-ween-net, the otter.
6 Indian name Ga-neVga-to'do, corn pounder.
6 The largest of these arises from the limestone in Lowville,
near the line of Harrisburgh. Others rise from the slate upon
Tug Hill. All of them emit sulphuretted hydrogen gas, and
sonic have been used for medicinal purposes.
1 The co. scat was located by the same commissioners that
were appointed for Jefferson co. Benj. Van Vleeck, Daniel
Kelly, and Jonathan Collins, by act of 1811, were appointed to
superintend the completion of these buildings. The first co.
officers were Daniel Kelly, First Judge; Jonathan Collins. Judah
Barnes, and Solomon King, Judges; Lewis Graves and Asa
Bray ton, Asst. Justices; Asa Lord. Coroner; Chillns Doty,
Sheriff; Richard Coxe, Clerk; and Isaac W. Bostwick, Surro-
gate.
The Black River & Utica R. R.. now finished to Boonville,
will probably be extended through the Black River Valley.
9 The Black River Gazette was established at Martinsburgh,
March 10, 1807, by James B. Robbins. and was removed
to Watertown the following year. This was the first
paper published in the State N. of Utica.
The Lcwti Co. Sentinel was started at Martinsburgh, Oct. 12,
1824, by Charles Nichols, and continued 1 year.
The Martinsburgh Sentinel was commenced in 1828 by
Pearson, and continued until March, 1830.
The Lewis County Republican was established at
Martinsburgh, in 1831 or '32, by James Wheeler, who
sold it to Daniel S. Bailey, its present publisher, in 1837.
It was removed to Lowville in 1S44, but has since been
returned to Martinsburgh.
The Leivis Co. Gazette was started at Lowville, in the spring of
1821, by Lewis G. Hoffman, and continued 2 years.
The, Black River Gazette was issued at Lowville, Oct. 19, 1825,
by Win. L. Easton. It was sold in 1S30 to J. M. Fair, by
whom it was continued a year or more.
The Lewis Democrat was started at Lowville. March 25, 1S34, by
Le Grand Byington, and continued 1 year.
The Northern Journal was commenced at Lowville.
Feb. 14, 1888, by A. W. Clark. It has frequently changed
owners, ami is now published by Henry A. Phillips.
The Lewis County Banner was started at Lowville,
Sept. 3, 1856. by N. B. Sylvester, and is now published
by Henry Algoever.
The Lewis Co. Democrat was commenced Sept. 22, 1846, at Turin,
by n. R. Lahe. It was removed to Martinsburgh hi
1S49 and discontinued a few weeks after.
The Dollar Weekly Northern Blade was started at Constable-
ville in 1854. It was changed to
The news Register in April, 1*57, by Merrill & Cook, its pub-
lishers, and was afterward removed to Carthage.
10 This tract was bought by the Antwerp Company, and em-
braced an area of 450,950 acres. Seep. 353.
11 This tract was purchased by Pierre Chassanis in 1792, and
was supposed to contain 600.000 acres. Upon a survey being
made, it was found that the tract fell far short of this: and a
new agreement was made, April 2, 1793, for 210.000 acres. A
narrow strip of this tract extended along the E. side of the river
to High Falls. The settlers of this tract were principally refu-
gees of the French Revolution. Many of them were wealthy,
titled, and highly educated, and. in consequence, were poorly
fitted for the hardships of pioneer life. Large sums of money
were expended to render the settlement successful, but the
settlers soon after returned to France and the enterprise was
abandoned. Rodolph Tillier was the first agent; and in 1800 he
was superseded by Gouverneur Morris, who appointed Richard
Coxe his agent. The first buildings were erected near the present
residence of Francis Seger.
12 James Watson purchased 61 .433 acres, in 2 tracts, connected
by a narrow isthmus. The eastern tract is mostly iu Herkimer
co.
13 So called from Thomas II. Brantingham, of the city of Phila-
delphia, who at one time held the title. It is mostly in Greig,
and contains 74.400 acres.
14 This tract, which is popularly regarded as the whole north-
ern wilderness of New York, included 210.000 acres sold by Con-
stable to John Julius Angerstein, and afterward conveyed to
John Brown, of Providence, R.I. It was divided into 8 town-
ships, as follows : —
1. Industry.
2. F'nterprise.
3. Perseverance.
4. Unanimity.
5. Frugality.
6. Sobriety.
7. Economy.
8. Regularity
It has been said that all these social virtues are needed for
the settlement of this region. The first 4 townships are partly
in Lewis co.
15 Numbers 5.9.10, and 11,— now Denmark, Pinckney, Harris-
burgh, and Lowville.
W Named from Thos. Boylston. of Boston, who held the title a
few flays. Nos. 3, 4, 8, 9, "and 13. now Montague. Osceola, and
parts of Martinsburgh and High Market, are in Lewis co. The
whole tract included 817.155 acres.
l' These towns were XeDophon, Flora, Luoretia. Pomona, and
Porcia, and now form parts of Lewis. High Market, and Martins-
burgh and the whole of Turin and West Turin.
18 Leyden as it existed before Lewis was erected. It included
26,250 acres, forming a perfect triangle.
376
LEWIS COUNTY.
"Black River country" spread through. Mass. and Conn., and within the next ten years the country
between Tug Hill and the river rapidly filled up with a laborious, intelligent, and enterprising
population. A romantic project of settlement formed by refugees of the French Revolution, in
which Arcadian dreams of rural felicity were to be realized, was abandoned after a short expe-
rience of the real hardships of pioneer life. Except an expensive but ineffectual attempt by Brown
to settle his tract, toward the close of the last century, little improvement was made e. of the river
until about 1820: and this section has at present less than one-fourth of the population, and a still
less proportion of the wealth, of the co. A systematic effort at settlement of the extreme w. part
was first made in 1840-46, under Seymour Green and Diadate Pease, agents of the Pierrepont
estate. Much of this region is still a wilderness.
CROGHAX1 — was formed from Watson and Diana, April 5, 1841, and a part of New Bremen
was taken off in 1848. It lies e. of Black River, in the w. part of the co. The surface has an in-
clination toward the w. and x., and in the central and e. parts it is broken and hilly. Oswegatchie
and Indian Rivers rise in the town and flow northerly into Diana ; and Beaver River forms a portion
of its s. boundary. In the E. part of the town are several lakes. The soil is light and sandy, and
along the river intervales it is moderately fertile. The town is thinly settled along Black and
Beaver Rivers, but in the n. and E. it is still a wilderness. Crog°nan, (p.o.,) on Beaver River,
and \aiinibursr,2 (p.o.,) in the w. part of the town, are small villages. Indian River,
(p.o..) x. of the center of the town, and Uolforf, on Beaver River, are hamlets. Settlement
commenced before 1830, under P. S. Stew*art, agent for Le Ray. Many of the settlers are French
and Germans. There are 5 churches in town.3
DC\3I.1RK4 — was formed from Ilarrisburgh, April 3, 1807. It lies w. of Black River, on
the s. border of the co. Its surface descends to Black River on the e. by a succession of irregular
terraces. Deer River flows through the town, and upon its course are several falls, affording an
abundant water power. The High Falls, one mi. below Copenhagen, descend 160 feet, at an angle
of about 80°, and are celebrated for their picturesque beauty. Kings Fall, 2 mi. below, has a
descent of about 40 feet. The e. part of the town is covered with deep deposits of drift. Near the
mouth of Deer River are extensive flats ; and Black River is bordered by a cedar swamp. The
soil is very fertile. Copenhagen,5 (p. v.,) on Deer River, in the w. part, contains 3 churches
and several manufactories.6 Pop. 505. Denmark, (P-T->) in the e. part, contains about 50
houses; and Deer River, (p. v.,) on the river of the same name, 2 mi. from its mouth, 35.T
The first settlement was made in 1800, by Jesse Blodget.8 The census reports 6 churches in town.'
DIA\A — was formed from Watson, April 16, 1830, and a part of Croghan was taken off in
1841. This is the extreme n. e. town in the co. Its surface is level, or gently rolling. In the e.
part arc 2 isolated hills, 300 to 500 foot above the surrounding surface. The principal streams are
gatchie and Indian Rivers and their branches. Bonaparte10 and Indian Lakes, in the n. part,
ami Cranberry , Li and Sweets Lakes, in the e., are the principal hudirsof water. The greater
part of this town i- yet :i wilderness. The soil is light and sandy. Iron ore is found in the n. and
e. p;: crystalline marble, of a Bky-blne tint, on the banks of Indian River, near
Natural Uri'L"-. Sterllngrbuflll,11 (p. v.,) in the w. part, contains 15 houses; and Harris-
vill«* 12. Blancbardi Settlement | Diana Center p.o.) is in the s. part. Diana is a p.o.,
and 41pln;r: i- a hamlet There are 2 churches in town, ( Bap. and M. E.,) but no church edifice.
CUMSI6U " ' rmed fr< v« .,,, April •">. 1828, as "Brontiiu/liom." Its name was changed
' 1832. I- ;- •' i . I. corner town of the CO. Its surface is rolling in the w., but it is
broken, rocky, and in some places hilly, in the b. The principal streams, all tributaries of Black
. are Moose River, Otter, Btony, and Pish Creeks, and Cole and Fall Brooks. The scenery
i Named in honor of ' T' >4 locally pro-
noun " i« " Crawn."
s Locally known an the "Pnutian SeUUm
»Kvan. < " VI2R.P.
« Tlii* t..vn enihr.i. 01 the
D Towns.
• Originally called "Jftsajcn MiVj." from Nathan Mr.
on' of the mrly «»ttl
• Al>"ut 1830 the manufacture of cortege ww commenced here
cm an extent btrt it ha* recently i ned.
I Abel French was the at this place, and it wan
•rieinallv known as - />•> "
• Among tlte early settlors were Freedom Wright, Major J.
Crary, Robert Howe, Ana Pierce, Ichnbod Parsons, Lewis Graves,
Jonathan Barker, J. itirh. and Andrew Mills.
* I!ap.. organized in 1810, Coin.'.. M K„ Univ., and 2 Union.
'" Bonaparte l.iko was so called in honor of Joseph Bonaparte,
who buill ii log bouse Upon its bankf. fir the accommodation of
If and friindi while upon hunting and fishing excursions,
daring his stay at his Hummer residence nt Natural Bridge.
n formerly called " I.ouisburg." It owes its origin to an iron
furnace built here in 1833.
ls An iron furnace was built here in 1847 by Buchard fc Far-
Tiieer. Swiss capitalists, and the place has grown Dp around it.
13 Named from the late John Greig, of Canandoigna, who owned
large tracts of land in the town.
LEWIS COUNTY. 377
along Moose River is celebrated for its wildness and beauty. The greater part of the town is yet
a wilderness. In the e. part are several small lakes, which constitute some of the favorite resorts
of fishermen. The soil is principally a light, sandy loam. Iron ore and ocher are found, and near
Brantingham Lake is a sulphur spring. Lumber, leather, and pajicr arc made, and on Otter Creek
is an extensive match box factory. EyoiiNdalc,1 on Moose River, 3 mi. from its mouth, and
Grcig and Ilrantf ngham, near Black River, are p. offices. In 1792 the French, under Ro-
dolph Tillicr, settled on tho Chassanis Tract, near Black River, below the High Falls.3 The only
church in town (Presb.) was formed in lN»7.
HARRI$Kl;RGH3 — was formed from Lowville, Champion, (Jefferson co.,) and Mexico,
(Oswego co.,) Feb. 22, 1803. Denmark was taken off in 1807, and a part of Pinckney in 1808. It
lies upon the slate hills and limestone terraces N. w. of the center of the co. Its general inclination
is toward the n. e., its s. w. corner being 300 to 500 feet above Black River. Its surface is gene-
rally rolling, but in the s. w. it is moderately hilly. Deer River and its tributaries are the prin-
cipal streams. The soil is generally a rich loam largely intermixed with disintegrated limestone
and slate. Harrisburgh, in the n. e. part, and South Harrisburgh, in the s., are p.
offices. Settlement commenced a short time previous to the War of 1812.* The first religious services
were conducted by Elder Amasa Dodge, a Free Will Baptist minister. There are 4 churches in town.5
HIGH MARKET6— was formed from West Turin, Nov. 11, 1852. It lies upon the elevated
slate region w. of Black River, a little s. of the center of the co. Its general inclination is toward
the s. e. Its surface is rolling in the s., but broken and moderately hilly in the N. and w. Its
streams are Fish Creek and its branches, the principar»of which are Big and Little Alder Creeks.
The soil is a loam mixed with disintegrated slate, and is best adapted to pasturage. High
Market (p.o.) is in the s. e. part of the town. Most of the town is still unsettled. Among the
first settlers were Alfred Hovey, L. Fairchild, John Felshaw, Sol. Wells, and Benj. Martin.7 A
large proportion of the people are of Irish nativity.8 There are no churches in town.
EEWIS9 — was formed from West Turin and Leyden, Nov. 11, 1852. It lies upon the elevated
plateau in the s. angle of the co. Its surface is generally rolling, but in the w. part it is broken
and hilly. Its entire surface is 700 to 1200 feet above the valley of Black River. The principal
streams are Fish Creek, the w. branch of the Mohawk, and the w. branch of Salmon River. Most
of the town is yet an uninhabited wilderness. The soil is generally a sandy loam, moderately
fertile and best adapted to grazing. Owing to the elevation of the town, spring is late, autumn
early, and snows deep. "West Eejden, (p. v.,) situated on the headwaters of the Mohawk, in
the e. part of the town, contains about 20 houses. Settlement was commenced about 1800 ; but
the present inhabitants of the town are mostly new comers, of German nativity.10 The first church
(Presb.) was organized in 1826. There are now 4 churches in town.11
EEYDE1V12 — was formed from Steuben, (Oneida co.,) March 10, 1797. Brownville (Jefferson
co.) was taken off in 1802, Boonville (Oneida co.) in 1805, a part of Wilna (Jefferson co.) in 1819,
Watson in 1821, and a part of Lewis in 1852. It lies on the w. bank of Black River, upon the s
border of the co. Its inclination is toward the e., the w. border being about 500 feet above the
river. Its surface is undulating. Its principal streams are Sugar River and Moose Creek.13 The
soil is a fertile loam mixed with disintegrated slate and limestone. Port Eeyden, (p. v.,) on
Black River, has a population of 192; Talcottville, (Leyden p.o.,) in the center of the town,
of 50; and Eeyden Hill, in the n. part, of 40. Settlement began in 1794, u under the owners
1 The first settlement was made in this place by Caleb Lyon, in
1819. He died in 1835, the year before his long cherished project of
a State canal to the Black River was authorized by law. His
son, Caleb Lyon of Lyonsdale, has at this place a Gothic villa,
located in the midst of picturesque scenery and adorned with
elegant collections of art.
2 See page 375.
8 Named from Richard Harrison, of N. Y., one of the earrly
proprietors. The town embraces No. 10, or Platina, of the
Eleven Towns. See page 353.
* Among the early settlers were John and Silas Bush, Amos
Buck, Geo. Stoddard, and Thomas and Gilbert Merrills.
6 Bap., Free Will Bap.. M. E., and R. C.
6 This town embraces Township No. 9, or Penelope, of the
Boylstun Tract, and parts of Nos. 2 and 3, or flora and Lu-
cretia, of Constable's Towns.
7 S. C. Thompson kept the first store and inn and built the
first gristmill; and James McVickar erected the first sawmill.
The first 6choul was taught by Ada Higby.
8 They settled in town soon after the suspension of the public
works in 1842.
9 Named from the co.
10 Among the earliest settlers were John Barnes, Medad Dewey,
Joel Jenks, Matthew Potter, C. and J. Putnam, and Augustus
Kent.
11 Presb., Bap., M. E., and R. C.
12 This town, with that part of Lewis which was set off from
it. forms the tract known as "Inman's Triangle."
13 Upon Sugar River is a beautiful cascade of about 60 feet
fall in the space of 200 feet; and upon Black River, a little be-
low I'ort Leyden, are a series of rapids, known as "The Narrows,"
where the banks are so contracted that a person can jump
across the stream during the dry season.
14 Among the first settlers were Wni. Topping. Butterfield,
Brainard and David Miller, Hezekiah Talcott, Asa Lord. Wm.
Bingham. Theo. Olmstead, Adams, Allen Auger, J. Hin-
HKin. L. Hart, and Benj. Starr. The first birth was that of
Jonathan Topping, in 1794: and the first death, that of Calvin
Miller, March 22, 1797. The second mill in the co. was built
at Port Leyden, about 1800, by Ebenezer Kelsey and Peter W.
Aldrich.
378 LEWIS COUNTY.
of the Triangle. A Cong, church was formed at a very early period, by Rev. Ely, and a
Bap. church in 1798. There are now 6 churches in town.1
IiOWnLLE1 — was formed from Mexico, (Oswego co.,) March 14, 1800, and a part of Harris-
burgh was taken off in 1803. It lies upon the w. bank of Black River, a little n. of the center
of the co. Its w. border is about 400 feet above the river. Its surface is gently rolling. A wide
intervale, the n. part of which is swampy, extends along the course of the river. The soil is a deep,
fertile loam intermixed with disintegrated limestone.3 A mineral spring is found near the n.
border of the town. L.o*vville, (p. v.,) incorp. under the act of 1847,4 is situated near the s.
border of the town. It contains 5 churches, an academy,5 2 printing offices, and a bank. Pop. 908.
West LiOivville, (p.o.,) in the w. part of the town, Stov «* Square, about 3 mi. n. of Low-
ville, and Sniitlis Landing, on Black River, are hamlets Settlement was commenced about
1797, under Silas Stow, agent for N. Low, and the town was .apidly filled with immigrants from
New England.6 The first church (M. E.) was founded in 1804. There are now 6 churches in town.7
MARTIXSBrRGir— was formed from Turin, Feb. 22, 1803, and a part of Turin was
annexed in 1823. It lies upon the w. bank of Black River, near the center of the co. It has an
easterly inclination, its w. border being nearly 1000 feet above the river valley. Its sur'Hce is
rolling, with a wide, level intervale bordering upon the river. The principal streams are Martins
and Whetstone Creeks.9 The soil is a deep, fertile loam, except along the river, where it is sandy.
N • the head of Whetstone Gulf is a sulphur spring. Martinsburg'ta (p. v.) is situated on
Martins Creek, near the center of the town. It contains the co. buildings, 3 churches, and a news-
paper office. Pop. 210. "West Martinsburgli, (p. v.,) in the n. part of the town, has a pop.
of 1G4. Glensdale, (p.o.,) in the s. e. part, is a hamlet of about 12 dwellings. Settlement
was begun by Gen. Walter Martin, at Martinsburgh, in 1801.10 The first church (Presb.) was
organized in 1804, by Rev. Norton. There are 7 churches in town.11
MO.\TAGlE12 (Mon-ta-gu')— was formed from West Turin, Nov. 14, 1850. It lies near the
center of the w. border of the co. Its inclination is toward the n. w., and its elevation is 1200 to
1600 ft. above tide. Its surface is generally rolling, but in some places it is broken and hilly. It
is watered by numerous small streams, flowing into Deer River. The n. branch of Salmon River
flows through the s. w. corner. Upon lot 22, in the n. w. part, is a sulphur spring. The soil is a
moderately fertile, sandy and gravelly loam. Gardners Corners (Montague p. o.) is in the
N. part of the town. Settlement commenced in 1846, under the agency of Diadate Pease, agent
of the Pierrepont estate. There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Bap.
NEW BREME\-ms formed from Watson and Croghan, March 31, 1848. It lies upon
the e. bank of Black River, n. of the center of the co. Its surface is level in the w., but rolling,
broken, and rocky in the E. It is watered by several tributaries of Black River, the largest of which
is Beaver River, on the w. boundary. The E. part is sparsely settled. The soil is a light, sandy
loam. Oayansville11 (New Bremen p. o.) is in the w. part of the town. Pop.200. Settlement
was commenced in 1798, by Samuel Illingsworth and some French families.11 In the w. part is a
settlement of 'Jermans, and in the N. one of French. There are 4 churches in town.15
OS< i:«L4'«- was formed from West Turin, Feb. 28, 1844. It lies upon the high region in
ISO ». Mi ih„ fi.iv.
* Tim town -iiit'! of id" Eleven Towns. It wm
named fr> l»w. of N. T- the early proprietor.
* In the Trenton limest mr are vein! of the sulphur* t- of ],ad
awl Iron. fnt'Tfn. ind flnoi
* Tii- charter arai 8-68 active
effort* ware mn : of the co, teal in this
ad a fin* brick building, now used as a town hall, was
1 in antiri;
» The LowtUla academy l> ».- fr n the first maintain"! ■ high
rank. I Jnly '."J.
* Among the earlj Khod Ste-
phens, Moses v Si B. Billmai Keller,
Isaac Perry, J. H. ant] B> I* mard, John Schnll. Win. Darrow,
Jas. I in Bosh.A.F.aod J. Bnell, Darld and
and i Hill*. Tli" fir-t birth was that of E t St
phen*. Tli" first inn wag kept by ' rs, and 1 1 1 • - tn-t
»t. r. Eager. Iha first mill was bull t by D.KeDey.
I S ' ■ . fti nda, H B_ and Pi I I
•This town embraces Township ' Cornelia, of the
Ph.\ . and Porcia andapsrt .f I. i r> i; i. f ' ustable'i
Towns.
» Martini Creek waa formerly called "Roart "At
Chimii'-v i tbeeenter of the town, this stream has worn
a channel through the shale and Ctica slate, for 2 mi., to the
depth of 200 to 260 f let, Tliis remarkable chasm above the
"Chimney" is tortnous, with precipitous sides, and in many
Is SO narrow that the stream occupies the entire space
between t >».- ledges. Whetstone Gulf, npon Whetstone Creek,
in the - i art I I the town, is a similar ravine.
10 Among th" Brsi Bottlers were Elijah Baldwin, Mrs. Itichard
Arthur and BODS, Reuben Pitcher and sons, N.Cheney, Eli Ro-
i.hmi Stephens, Gains Alexander, Stephen Searls, Joseph
Sheldon. Chillus I),,ty, A. Conkey, D. Ashley, S. Gowdy, C. and
D. Shnmway, mid Orrin Moore. W. Martin built the lirot
ruill-. and in 1807 a paper mill.
11 2 M. E.. 2 Union, Bap., Presb., and Second Advent.
12 Thi* town embraces Township No. 8, or Shakspeaxs, of
tie Boylston Tract, it was named from the daughter of II. li.
Pierrepont the proprietor.
18 Tlii" place was [aid out in 1820. by Charles Dayan.
n Severn] of the Trench company located at the head of Bearer
Fh'-r. where they designed to build a city. A sawmill was
t'liilt. n half do/en bousi - were erected, and the place received
tin name of " ChrtonvQle." Jacob Obesicr and Kodolpb Tillier
wi re engaged In this pri
>5 Bap., M. i:.. Kvan. I.uth.. and R. 0.
M This town embraces Townships 18 and 8, or Rnrabella and
Ilvl.la. of tli" Boylston Tract. It wad named from the cele-
-■ minole chief.
LEWIS COUNTY.
370
the s. w corner of the co. Its general inclination is toward the s. w. Its surface is undulating,
and the highest points are 1500 to 1G00 ft. ahovo tide. The streams are branches of Fish Creek
and Salmon River. The soil is a moderately fertile, sandy loam. Nearly all the town is yet a
wilderness. Osceola, is a p. o. in the s. part. Settlement was commenced about 1838, by
Seymour Green, agent for Pierrepont. There are 2 churches in town, M. E. and Ind.
PIUJCK.UIE'S'1 — was formed from Ilarrisburgh and "Harrison," (now Rodman, Jefferson co.,)
Feb. 12, 1808. It lies upon the highlands in the n. w. corner of the co., and lias an average eleva-
tion of 1300 ft. above tide. It forms the watershed between Deer River and Sandy Creek, the
head branches of which constitute the principal streams. A series of swamps extend along the
E. border. In the town arc several mnr/ral springs, one of which has acquired considerable local
notoriety for its medicinal qualities. he soil is a light, slaty loam upon the hills, and a deep,
black loam in the valleys. Pinelm ^y, ISew ltoslon, ISarncs Corners, and Cronkg
Corners are p. offices. Settlement was commenced in 1804, under Abel French, agent of Mr.
Henderson.2 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1810. There are now 4 churches in town.8
TIIRI1V — was formed from Mexico, (Oswego co.,) March 14, 1800. Martinsburgh was taken
off in 1803, another portion was annexed to Martinsburgh in 1823, and West Turin was taken off
in 1830. It lies upon the w. bank of Black River, s. of the center of the co. Its w. boundary is
800 to 1000 ft. above the river, giving to the town an easterly inclination. The surface is level,
except near the w. border, where it ascends to the slate hills, and in the e., where it descends to the
river intervale. The soil is generally a deep, fertile loam mixed with disintegrated slate and lime-
stone. Turin, (p. v.,) situated in the s. part, contains. 3 churches and several manufactories.4
Pop. 438. IBousev ille,5 (p. v.,) in the n part, has a pop. of 90. The first settlement was made
about 1798, by Nathaniel Shaler, of Middletown, agent of Wm. Constable and part owner, and the
town was rapidly settled by immigrants from New England.6 The first church (Presb.) was
organized Sept. 19, 1802, by Rev. John Taylor. There are 6 churches in town.
WATSON8 — was formed from Leyden, March 30, 1821. "BrantingJiam" (now Greig) was
taken off in 1828, Diana in 1830, a part of Croghan in 1841, and a part of New Bremen in 1848.
It lies upon the e. bank of Black River, and extends from near the center of the co. to its e. border.
Its surface is level or gently rolling in the w. part, but in the central and E. parts it is more hilly ana
broken. It is watered by Beaver River, Independence Creek, and several smaller branches of
Black River. The central and e. parts are yet covered with unbroken forests; and a large tract
upon the extreme e. border, constitutes a portion of the far famed "John Brown's Tract." In the
recesses of these forests are numerous beautiful lakes that are scarcely known except to hunters.
Chases Lake, on the s. border, is noted for its beautiful scenery and is much visited by tourists.
The soil is light and sandy. Watson,9 (p. o.,) situated on Black River, in the w. part of the town,
is a hamlet. The early settlers located along the river, and settlements were not made in the interior
until about 1815.10 The first church (M. E.) was organized in 1820. There are 3 churches and 1
church edifice (M.E.) in town.11
"WEST TURIN— was formed from Turin, March 25, 1830. Osceola was taken off in 1844,
Montague in 1850, and High Market and a part of Lewis in 1852. It lies upon the w. bank of
Black River, s. of the center of the co. Its inclination is toward the e., its surface rising by suc-
cessive terraces from the intervale of Black River to the hills 800 feet above. Its streams are
Sugar River, which flows easterly through near the center of the town, and numerous smaller
creeks and brooks. Lyons Falls, upon Black River, plunge over a ledge of gneiss rock 63 feet in
height, at an angle of about 60° ,12 These falls form an excellent water power but little used.
1 By the act organizing this town. Township No. 9, or Handel,
of the Eleven Towns, was annexed to Lewis co. The town was
named in honor of Charles C. Pinckney, a statesman of S. C.
2 Among the early settlers were J. Penington, Phineas Wool-
worth, N. E. Moody, Stephen and James Hart, and Stephen
Armstrong. French was succeeded in 1805 by Jesse Hopkins,
and he by J. W. Bostwick, a few years after. Owing to its great
elevation, the town is liable to deep snows, and, in consequence,
its settlement was retarded until a recent date. Since the in-
troduction of dairying, it has become an important town for the
production of the staple products of the county, — butter and
cheese.
3 Bap., M. E., Univ., and R. C. The only church edifice belongs
to the M. E. society.
4 There are 3 gristmills upon Mill Creek, near Turin, and a
Woolen factory 1 mi. below the village.
6 Named from its founder, Eleazar House.
8 Among tho early settlers were Enoch Johnson. Zaccheug
and John Iligby, Levi, Elijah, Justus, and Reuben Woolworth,
Thos. Kilham, Ezra Clapp, C. Williston. Eleazar House. Z. Bush,
and W. and J. Shepherd. The first birth was that of Cynthia
Clapp ; and the first marriage, that of Levi Collins and' Mary
Bush.
I 3 M. E., 2 Presb., and O. S. Bap.
8 Named from James Watson, of N. T., former proprietor.
9 Among the first settlers were Eliphalet Edmonds, Isaac ana
Jaboz Puffer, Jonathan Bishop, David Durfy, Ozem Bush, J.
Beach, and R. Stone.
10 A bridge was built across the river near this place in 1S28.
It has recently been rebuilt at the joint expense of the State and
town.
II Bap., Seventh Day Bap., and M. E.
12 Formerly called '' High Falls." The rock has been but
slightly worn ; but the iron which enters into its composition
380
LEWIS COUNTY.
The soil is a deep, fertile loam upon the river valley, and a slaty loam upon the w. hills. Con-
Stableville1 (p. v.) is situated upon Sugar River, at the foot of the Slate Hills, near the center
of the town. Pop. 472. Collinsville,2 (p. v.,) in the e. part of the town, contains 2 churches
and a population of about 200. Lyons Falls,3 (p. o.,) on Black River, is a hamlet. The first
settlement was made at Constableville, in 1796, by Nathaniel Shaler.* There are 9 churches in
town.5
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Lewis County.
Names op Towns.
Croghan
Denmark
Diana
Qreig
Harrisbnrgn..
High Market.
Lewis
Leyden
LowYilie
Martii
Montague
New Kremen..
Osceola
I'inekney
Turin....'.
Watson
Weal Turin...
~T.italZ
Acres of L*nd.
i
21.951 1
■ •.7471
4.V--4J
12.41"}
7,718,
4,099*
■
I 2
22 024
15.559
8,030
1,629
11.205J
13.720
4.705*
15,400*
L84,640j
"8
I
loo.:;oi
•.'.''.'.'7 :
84,9531
81,481*
10.264.
28,966
14,538
6,937
6.724
20,716
9,999
25.585J
01 .092 i
13.150*
5,042
8545
8.593
407.14.-j
Valuation op 1858.
$145,905
4*3.1o1
86,467
164,688
198,993
60.S22
77.029
351.460
471,967
461,768
28.387
140.504
68.087
170.113
252.59S
113.013
315.695
3.577.173
ft. ft.
f.'.3...Mt
93.01. S
2.068
3,560
22,500
500
4.900
52.600
1 50.025
4J.7DO
200
35.270
200
10.100
30.450
14.035
74.500
597.815
$199,494
576,119
88,525
158,248
221,493
67,322
82,529
404.066
622,582
601,458
28,587
175.774
6S.2S7
180,213
283,048
127,048
390.195
4,174.988
Population.
I
829
1.102
530
660
661
593
600
926
1.048
1.104
312
864
261
540
841
508
1,295
12.S00
702
1,219
647
543
579
532
657
930
1.096
1.325
259
783
252
493
907
422
1,183
12~429
S
354
490
222
241
239
1S1
212
369
358
452
116
305
104
123
344
173
424
4,707
4,927
296
430
190
192
113
189
219
277
342
393
120
300
107
207
287
185
251
Schools.
■s-s
4,098 179 10.358
2.-S,
734
899
461
468
511
600
578
707
682
1,053
228
693
255
550
700
3S1
798
Names op Towns.
Croghan
Denmark
Diana
Greig
Harrisburgh..
High Market..
Lewis
Leyden
Lowrflle
M.irtinsburgh
N--W Bremen..
Osceola
i ney
Turin ..."
D
urin....
Total...
Live Stock.
I
120
648
179
223
365
153
117
44''.
4"!
712
55
177
60
412
449
?1
■g 8 DO
fc :i
580
1.034
401
319
631
Co-
340
790
to l
1.107
177
625
282
610
B43
1.141
5.097 I
256
2,160
3S7
425
1.320
'763
505
•2.104
2,377
2,427
I'M
64!
161
l.l 18
1,784
402
2,066
V}
170
1.791
317
188
684
458
88
944
630
1,365
17
403
160
B84
667
392
1,038
192161 10,086
A_
354
727
227
280
4S4
277
182
875
So7
978
61
491
131
465
803
280
931
Agricultural Products.
Bosh, of Graen.
3.575
1,257*
148
1,022
141*
43
2,209
978*
31
3.i- :
40
•Jf.'.l
1-7
1,603
■
*
12.006
44,573
i i.i'42i
20.424
28,148*
19.124*
11.724
52.135 *
88,518
72.123
8,092
18,450
72349
38,218
15,373
68,719
Si
1,460
5,487
836
1.147*
4,084
2,853J
1,926
5,565
4,555
O.o47i
181
1...-
780
4.117*
4,1"3
L,08B
'..1-:;
"fe
14,353
16.940
9.538
lo.-.'-:.
11,029
17,850
8.011
23.130
13.017
25.896
7
17.271
4,829
18,688
11,694
B,07 1
29.1 '59
162228} 506,7491 512302 243,841 72,198 1,575,515 1,896.741 12,801}
fe
40
8,571
78
235
3,337
35
210
7.'
18.939
16,088
112
188
1.202
11,013
l.l
4.391
Dairy Products.
O ^ 3
ft, CI
33.212
183.S49
3,0.900
41.240
130/111
54.701
34,824
178,566
123.103
164,956
8,305
68,437
10.090
109,480
158,731
4 3... 180
1S9.920
237,796
524
Oo.ooo
147,798
24.200
68,400
204,
497,514
332,327
7,200
07.180
124,845
25,600
113.157
ban gradually d 1 ill" precipltooa banka at ami below
■ i by II thai they eeokn to bare been painted
by art ; hei Pictured II
• Nani'-l (r- tii VVilli.mi I . ton of the original pro-
ptM
* Named from Homer Collin*.
■ Named from Caleb I:. Lyon, first resident agent and pro-
prietor of the Brantingham Tract.
* Amona il arly Bottlers were John Ives, Levi Hough. II.
Bcranton, Willurd Allen. Horatio (1. Hough, Rockwell, and
Jonathan Collins. Kx Bishop L. 8. Ives is :i F..n of Levi Ives,
formerly of this town. & 3 Union, 3 K. C, 2 M. E., Prot. E.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
This count}' was formed from Genesee and Ontario, Feb. 23, 1821.
A portion of Allegany was annexed in 184G, and another portion
in 18f>0. It oiTiipii's a nearly central position in the w. half of tho
State. It is centrally distant 205 mi. from Albany, and contains
055 sq. mi. Its surface is an upland, rolling in the n. and hilly in
the s. The hills upon the s. border are 1,000 to 1,200 ft. above the
valleys and 2,000 to 2,200 ft. above tide. From their summits the
surface declines toward the n., the extreme n. border being 500 to
to 800 ft. above tide. The slopes are usually smooth and gradual,
except along the banks of the streams ; and nearly every acre of
land in the co. is arable.
The streams generally flow in deep ravines. They are usually
bordered by steep, and sometimes precipitous, hillsides. The principal stream is Genesee River,
flowing n. e. through the w. part of the co. In the s. its course is between steep and often precipi-
tous banks, but further n. it is bordered by broad and beautiful intervales.1 Its tributaries are Cone-
sus Creek, Fall Brook, and Canaseraga Creek, from the e., and Beards, "White, and several other
small creeks, from the w. Coshaqua Creek is a tributary of the Canaseraga. Hemlock and
Honeoye Outlets flow along the e. border, and a few tributaries of the Susquehanna take their rise
in the s. part. Conesus Lake, near the center, and Hemlock Lake, along the e. border, occupying
long, narrow valleys, are the only considerable bodies of water.
The underlying rocks, commencing upon the N. border, are the waterlime of the Onondaga salt
group, the Onondaga and corniferous limestones, Marcellus and Hamilton shales, Genesee slate, and
Portage shales and sandstones. The limestones of the n. are extensively quarried for lime and
building stone ; and the sandstones of the Portage group furnish excellent building stone and flag-
ging. The soil, derived from the disintegration of these rocks, in all the elements of fertility has no
superior in the State. Until the commencement of the ravages of the midge, wheat was the staple
production ; but it has been principally superseded by the spring grains. Broomcorn is largely
cultivated along the Genesee Flats ; and considerable attention is paid to cattle and sheep growing
and dairying in the s. part.
The county seat is located at the village of Geneseo. The courthouse is beautifully situated
upon a fine lot in the n. part of the village.2 The jail, in the rear of the courthouse, is an old
building, without means of ventilation, and it is impossible properly to classify the prisoners. The
clerk's office is a small fireproof building upon the courthouse lot. The co. poorhouse is located
upon a farm of 118 acres about 1 mi. e. of Geneseo. Its average number of inmates is 107, sup-
ported at a weekly expense of 75 cts. each. The farm yields a revenue of $2,000. A school id
taught 9 or 10 months in the year. The house is well constructed and is very well kept.
The Genesee Valley Canal extends along the valley of the Genesee from the n. bounds of the co.
to Mt. Morris ; thence it turns s. e. to Coshaqua Creek and up the valley of that stream to Nunda,
and thence s. w. to the Genesee at Portage, where it crosses the river upon a wood aqueduct sup-
ported by stone piers. The Dansville Branch Canal extends from Mt. Morris s. e. to Dansville.8
The Canandaigua & Niagara Bridge Branch of the N. Y. Central R. R. extends through Cale-
donia. The Buffalo & N. Y. City R. R. extends s. e. through Portage and Nunda. The Buffalo.,
New York & Erie R. R. extends s.e. through Caledonia, Avon, Livonia, Conesus, and Springwater.
The Genesee Valley R. R. extends s. through Avon, Geneseo, and Groveland to Mt. Morris.
Five newspapers — one daily, three weekly, and one monthly — are now published in the co.4
1 The Genesee is subject to an annual overflow, the water
often covering the entire flats which border upon it. This fre-
quently causes destruction of property ; but it is a source of con-
stant fertility to the soil.
* The first co. officera were Moses Hayden, First Judge ; James
Ganson, County CUrlc; Gideon T. Jenkins, Sheriff; and James
Roaeburgh, Surrogate.
8 The highest level of the Genesee Valley Canal within this
co. is 622 feet above the Erie Canal at Rochester and 1,132 feet
above tide.
* Tlve Moscow Advertiser and Genesee Farmer, the first paper
published in the co.. was commenced at Moscow in 1817
ov Hezekiah Ripley. About 1821 it passed into the
hands of James Percival, who removed it to Geneseo
and changed the name to
The Livingston Register. In 1S29 Anson M. Weed and Allen
Warner became proprietors; and it was successively
published by Warner, Percival, Elias Clark, Wm. H.
Kelsey, and Richard M. Miel. In 1S35 Miel became sola
proprietor. He was soon after succeeded by D. S. Curtis.
In 1837 its publication was suspended. It was soon
after revived, and published for a short time by Hugh
Harding. He was succeeded by John Kempshall, who
published it until 1S40, when it was discontinued.
The Livingston Journal was commenced at Geneseo in 1822 by
Chauncey Morse. Asahel Harvey was subsequently
381
382
L I Y I X G S T 0 X C 0 U X T Y.
Before the advent of the -whites, this co. was the seat of several of the principal villages of the
Seneca Xation. Considerable advances had been made in the arts of civilization, and a large
quantity of land had been cleared and was cultivated. Corn, apples, and peaches were extensively
produced. The orchards were destroyed, and the whole region was laid waste, by Gen. Sullivan,
in 1770. The co. was included in the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, and in the Morris Reserve.1
The latter tract was subdivided into several tracts, generally distinguished as separate patents.
In Sept. 1797, a treaty was held with the Indians at Geneseo, at which they ceded all their
lands in this co. to the whites, except several small reservations.2 The first settlements were made
about 1790, previous to the extinguishment of the Indian title. The most prominent of the early
settlers were James and Wm. "Wadsworth, from Durham, Conn., who located at Geneseo, June 10,
1790. They were large landowners, and by a wise and liberal policy they greatly facilitated the
settlement of the surrounding region. The greater part of the early settlers were immigrants from
New England. York and Caledonia were settled principally by a colony of Scotch.
A VOX — was formed, as " Hartford," in Jan. 1789. Its name was changed in 1808. Rush was
taken off in 1818. It is the center town upon the n. border of the co. Its surface is a rolling and
moderately hilly upland, terminating in flats on Genesee River. Deming Hill, on Lot 192, is
the highest point in town. The principal stream is Conesus Creek, or Outlet, a tributary of
Genesee River. The soil upon the uplands is a sandy and gravelly loam intermixed with clay,
and on the flats, a deep, rich alluvium. Avon, (p. v.,) in the w. part, a station on the G. V., and
B., X. Y. & E. R. R's., celebrated for its medicinal springs,3 was incorp. June 13, 1853. It contains
3 churches, 5 large hotels, and 879 inhabitants. East Avon, (p. v.,) near the center, contains
2 churches and about 35 houses. South Avon, (p. o.,) in the s. part, contains 9 houses.
L.i(tleville, 1£ mi. s. of Avon, contains a church, gristmill, furnace, and 23 houses. The first
associated with him. In 1829 Levi Ilovey became pro-
prietor; and it was successively published by Benj.
Pennison, H. F. Evans. Evans & Woodruff, and Wm. J.
Ticknor. Its publication was suspended in 1834 or '35.
In the fall of 1835 the establishment was purchased by
David Mitchell and W. II. Keisey, who revived the
paper under the name of
The Livingston Democrat. It was continued until lc"7. when
its publication was suspended. In the fall of that year
8. I*. Allen became proprietor of the press, and revived
the paper under the name of
Tlie Livingston Republican. In Sept. 1846, it
passed into the hands of John M. Campbell ; and was
successively published by Joseph Kershner and Chas.
E. BroDBDn. Tn 1849 James T. Norton became pro-
prietor, and is its present publisher.
The Dansvittt ChroniclevraB commenced inlS30 by David Mitch-
ell and Benj. Dcnnison. Dcnnison soon retired, and its
name was changed to
Tie !',''.'.;■ Record; it was SOOD after discontinued.
The Wi Uern N< »■ Yorker was published at Dansville a short
time in 18 — by A. Stevens k Son. It was succeeded by
'< m vBU Whig, published by Oeo. W. Stevens. Chas. w.
Dibble was the publisher about 1 year, when it again
! into the hands of Stevens, who in IMS changed
th- nam- to
Thr Pn*in Olt '-/'/ri'-r. In 1c49 or '50 it passed into the hands
of II. D. Bmead, who changed it to
'. ii subsequently pasted into the hands
d< ra, who removed it to fleneseo and
i hanged the nam t,,
Th* '■ mnernt. In "■ t. 1'.'". it was returned to Thins-
^ ill- and published as
Th<- T.IvIiicmi mi Sentinel 1 y H. ('. Page, the present
pub,
T'f 1 (\nirirr was commei \> 1881 bj
nt'. the bands of Henry
1 b\»n«. and \
' Courier was published at 0 I 1832 by A.
"
Thr " ■ « commenced in 1834 by Hugh
Harding. In 184 '••! it with The Livingston
nty Whit' 'ill
The I>IvIii'k««"» I'nlnn. under Which title it is still
pnblUher) by Hugh Hording.
Tht : ■»•'■• w ■- i nl I il I in If 13 bv 1> C. Mitchell.
7"'. .V' I >r> '"" by Iii 0 Wiener. It
was continued about I year, when it w.t» removed to
Mount Morris and il
Thr i tinned about 1843.
Thr DouuvGU HrjntlAican was published m 1843 by David Pair-
child.
The Urination Cbunfy WhigWM 'tartcd at Meant Morris In
1843 by Gi . B l" ■ '■;- tl passed Into
' ■ told t"
Hugh il.ir.lniir. who united i» »ltb The Moturi Morris
• :tor.
The (knr.teo Democrat was started at Geneseo in 1 843 by Gilbert
F. Shankland. It was removed to Nunda in 1847. and
in 1S48 to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus co.
The Livingston Express, semi-mo., was published at Mount Mor-
ris in 1843 by J. G. Wisner.
The Mount Morris Daily Whig was issued from the office of
The Livingston County Whig in June, 1846, and dis-
continued in August following.
The Cuylerrille Teh graph was started at Cuylerville in 1S47 by
Franklin Cowdery. In 1S4S it passed into the hands of
Peter Lawrence, who soon after removed it.
The Dansville Chronicle was started in June. 1848, by Richard-
son & Co., and was discontinued in 1851.
The Nunrla Democrat was started at Nunda in 1S4S by Milo D.
Chamberlain. It was soon discontinued.
The Fountain, mo., was started at Dansville in 1849 by J. R.
Trembly, and continued about 2 vears.
The Dansville Herald was published in 1849 by II. L. & L. II.
Rann. In 1S57 it was merged in The Livingston Sen-
tinel.
The Kumla Telegraph was started in 1850 by Chas. Atwood. It
was continued about 1 year.
The Nunda Times was started in Jan. 1852. by X. T. HackstafT.
In July following the office was burned and the paper
discontinued.
The Irima Rfe "y Visitor was started at Lima in 1853 by A. II.
Til ton and M. I'. Miller. It was subsequently published
by Raymond A Graham and by S. fix. Raymond, who
changed its name tn
' '■ ■ ■ VaUey Gazette. It was discontinued about 1856.
The New Bra was commenced at Hunts Hollow in 1854 by
David It. and Merritt Galley, boys, respectively 15 and
17 yean of age. In 1855 H whs removed to Nunda and
it* name changed to
Thr fining America. It was discontinued in alxuit 1 year.
The Letter Box, mo., started at filen Haven. Cayuga co.,
in 1867, by J. H. Jackson and Miss H. N. Austin, was
removed to Dansville in 1858, and is now published by
M. W, Simons.
Th, DantvOle Daily Times was commenced in May, ls59, by
W.J. Larue, publisher. In June of the same year its
title w.*ii changer] to
The DniiH-vllIe Daily Register; and if is still pub-
Uahed by Larue; II. C Page, editor.
' The w. boundary of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase was a
line extending due If. from tie- I'enn. line to the junction of
Qenesee River and Canaaeraga Greek, and thence northerly
along lien-see liiv-r to the \. bounds of the co.
2 The Indian Reservations within the limits of the eo. were:
Cannawagus, containing 2sq. ml on the w. bank of Genesee
River, w. of Avon : Litrle Beards Town and Big Tree, containing
tni. on the w. bank of the Genesee, opposite Oeneseo;
Squakie Hill, containing 2sq. mi. on the w. bank of the Qenesee,
Sit. Morris; and the Qardeau Reservation, of 28 aq. mi..
lying one half in this en. s. of Mt Morris. Bee p. 711. The
Indian titles to these lands have all since been extinguished.
8 These -print'" — two in number, and about one-fourth of n
mile apart aw located about 1 ml s. w. of tho village. The
lower spring discharges about 54 gallons of water per minuto.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
383
settlement was made in 1785.1 The first church (Fresh.) was organized in 1705 ; Rev. Daniel
Thatcher was the first preacher. There are G churches in town.*
CALEDOSII4- was formed, as "Southampton," March 30, 1802. Its name was changed
April 4, 1800. A part of York was taken off in 1819. It is the n. w. corner town of the co.
The surface is level or gently undulating, and a considerable portion of it is stony. Genesee
River forms the e. boundary. Caledonia Spring, in the n. part, covers an area of ahout 2 acres;
and the outlet forms a good water-power, a few rods n. of the spring. The soil is a clay loam, under-
laid hy limestone.8 In the s. part is a valuable quarry of limestone, yielding excellent lime and a
fine quality of building stone. Caledonia, (p. v.,) in the n. part, a station on the B., N. Y. &
E. R. R. and C. & N. B. Branch of the N. Y. C. R. R., contains 3 churches, a grist and saw mill, a
brewery, and 623 inhahitants. The first settlement was made ahout 1707, by Peterson, a
Dane, and Brooks, an Englishman.* The first church (Presb.) was organized in 1805; and
the first settled preacher, Rev. Alexander Denoon, was installed Aug. 17, 1808.5
CONESUS — was formed from Livonia and Groveland, as "Frecport," April 12, 1810. Its
name was changed to "Browersvilk," March 26, 1825, and to Conesus, April 15, 1825. It is the
central town upon the e. border of the co. Hemlock Lake forms the e. and Conesus Lake a part
of the w. boundary. Its surface is hilly. The Marrowhack Hills in the e. part, w. of Hemlock
Lake, rise to about 1,200 feet above it. A deep valley extends s. e. from near the center into
Springwater, through which the B., N. Y., & E. R. R. passes. The principal stream is Mill
Creek. The soil is generally a clay loam. Conesus Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a
grist and saw mill, and ahout 40 houses. Conesus (p. o.) is a r. r. station. Foots Corners
and Union Corners are hamlets. Settlement was commenced at the head of Conesus Lake, in
1704 or '05, by James Henderson, from Penn.6 The first church (Meth.) was organized in 1814.7
CJEWESE© — was formed in Jan. 1780. It is an interior town, lying n. of the center of the co.
Its surface is undulating, with an abrupt declivity of 200 to 300 feet toward the river, on the w.
Genesee River, forming its w. boundary, is bordered by fertile flats of an average width of about
half a mi. The other principal Streams are Fall Creek, and several small brooks that flow w. into
the river and e. into Conesus Lake. On Fall Creek, s. of the village, is a perpendicular fall of
70 feet. The soil is clay and clay loam. Geneseo,8 (p. v.,) a station on the G. V. R. R., was
incorp. April 21, 1832 ; it contains the co. buildings, 5 churches, the Geneseo Academy,9 2 banks,
a library, gristmill, furnace, and machine shop, and about 2,000 inhabitants. Settlement was com-
menced by Lem'l B. Jenkins and Capt. Noble, about 1788 or '80, near the village.10 The first
church organization is supposed to have been in 1705, in the n. e. part of the town, near Lakcville.11
GROVEL, AIVD — was formed Jan. 27, 1780. A part of Conesus was taken off in 1810, and a
part of Sparta in 1856. It lies near the center of the co. Its surface is moderately hilly. In the w.
The quantity of water from both springs continues about the
same during the year. Several large hotels have been erected
for the accommodation of visitors, large numbers of whom visit
the springs annually. The following is the analysis of a wine
gallon of water from each of the springs : —
Lower Spring.
Grains.
Carbonate of lime 29.33
Chloride of calcium 8.41
Sulphate of lime 57.44
Sulphate of magnesia 49.61
Sulphate of soda 13.73
Amount of solid contents 158.52
Cubic inches.
Sulphuretted hydrogen 10.02
Nitrogen 5.42
Oxygen .56
Upper, or New Bath Spring.
Grains.
Carbonate of lime 26.96
Chloride of sodium 5.68
Sulphate of lime 3.52
Sulphate of magnesia 8.08
Sulphate of soda. 38.72
Amount of solid contents _. 82.96
Sulphuretted hydrogen 31.28
1 Among the early settlers were Gilbert R. Berry, at the river,
w. of Avon Village, and Timothy Hosmcr, at Littleville, Capt.
Thompson, and Rice, in 17N9. Gilbert R. Berry kept the
first inn, and established the first ferry across Genesee River, in
1789. The first sawmill was built by Timothy Hosmer, at Little-
ville. in 1790, and the first gristmill by the Wadsworths. in 1792.
The first school was kept by Pedie Joiner, at Avon, in 1792.
8 2 M. E., Prot. E.. Bap., Presb., and R. C.
8 Before the ravages of the wheat midge commenced, this was
one of the best wheat growing towns in the State.
4 David Fuller settled near the Spring, in 1798 ; and in that year
and 1799 John McLaren, Peter Campbell. Alex. McDonald, John
Cameron, and John and Donald McVean. from Scotland, settled in
town. Hines Chamberlain was an early settler. The first death
was that of John McLaren, in 1800 ; and the first marriage, that
of Hines Chamberlain and Widow McLaren. The first inn was
kept by Peterson; David Fuller kept an inn in 179S. The
first store was kept by Alex. McDonald, in 1799. The first mil!
was built by the Pulteney Land Company, at the Spring, in 1801-
02; and the first woolen factory, by Donald McKenzie, in 1822.
The first school was taught near the Spring, by Jeannette Mc-
Donald, in 1804.
6 Tho census reports 3 churches ; M. E., Presb.. and Ref. Presb.
• Hector McKay settled in 1798, Harvey May in 1800. Daven-
port Alger in 1808, Jas. Steel and Wait Arnold in 1810, Thomas
Young in 1811, and Andrew Arnold in 1816. The first store was
kept by A. & G. Arnold, at the center, in 1818. The first sawmill
was built in 1803 or '04, on Mill Creek, near the center; and the
first woolen factory in 1819, by Hosea Gilbert.
T There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Univ.
8 Originally called "Big Tree," from an immense elm tree that
stood on the banks of tho river near the village.
9 This institution is located on Temple Hill, in the E. part of
the village. The buildings were erected in 1826. James Wads-
worth was principally instrumental in starting tho school. It
is under the control of the Buffalo Synod.
10 Wm. and James Wadsworth settled in town in 1790. They
came from Durham, Conn., with a small party, and located on
the present site of the village. Richard Steele kept the first inn,
in 1793, and Hall & Miner the first store, in 1794.
11 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 Presb., M. E. , Prot. E., and
R. C.
384 LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
part are extensive flats, occupying about one-fourth of the area of the town. The principal streams
are Canaseraga and Coshaqua Creeks, which empty into Genesee River near the n. w. corner of the
town. The soil upon the upland is clay loam, and upon the flats a rich alluvium. Groveland
Corners, (Groveland p. o.,) e. of the center, contains 1 church and 14 houses. Hunts Cor-
ners. (East Groveland p. o.,) in the N. part, contains 1 church and 9 houses. Groveland
Center is a p. o. in the n. w. part. The first settlement was made by Charles Williamson, agent
for the Pulteney Estate, in 1792.1 In that year he built several houses in the n. w. corner of the
town, and there located a small colony of Germans, and called the settlement " Wittiamsbiirgli."
This colony soon after left, and the entire village disappeared. In the s. w. part, at the junction
of the Dansville Branch with the G. V. Canal, is a Shaker settlement, numbering 120 persons.
They own a tract of 2,000 acres. There are 2 churches in town; M. E. and Presb.
LEICESTER2— was formed, as "Leister," March 30, 1802. Its name was changed Feb. 9,
1805. Mount Morris was taken off in 1813, and a part of York in 1819. It is the center town on
the w. border of the co. The surface is undulating, with extensive flats in the e. It is drained
by Genesee River, which forms its e. and s. boundaries, and by Beards Creek3 and its tributaries.
The soil is a sandy and clayey loam on the upland, and a rich alluvium on the flats. Squakie Hill
and Big Tree Reservations were within the limits of this town. Moscow, (p. v.,) near the cen-
ter, incorp. about 1850, contains 3 churches and 320 inhabitants. Cuylerville, (p. v.,) in the
E. part, incorp. in 1848, contains a church, a distillery, and 354 inhabitants ; Gibsonville, (p. v.,)
in the s. w. part, a paper mill, sawmill, and 16 houses. Ebenezer Allen was the first settler, soon
after the close of the Revolution, but left soon after. The fir^t permanent settlement was com-
menced by Horatio and John II. Jones, in 1789.'4 The census reports 4 churches in town.5
LI3IA — was formed, as "Charleston," Jan. 27, 1789. Its name was changed April 6, 1808. It
is the x. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is undulating and hilly. It is drained chiefly by
Honeoye Creek, which forms the e. boundary. The soil in the s. e. is clay and clay loam, and in
the x. w. sandy and gravelly loam. Lima , (p. v.,) near the center, was incorp. , . It
contains 4 churches, the Genesee "Wesleyan Seminary, Genesee College,6 and about 1,200 inhabitants.
South Lima, (p. v.,) — Hamiltons Station, on the B. N. Y. & E. R. R., — in the s. w. corner, con-
tains 13 houses. Settlement was commenced by Paul Davidson and Jonathan Gould, from Penn.,
in 1788.7 The first religious society (Presb.) was organized Oct. 1, 1795, by Rev. Daniel Thatcher.8
LITO^TIA— was formed from " Pittstown," (now Richmond, Ontario co.,) Feb. 12, 1808. A
part of Conesus was taken off in 1819. It lies on the e. border of the co., x. of the center. The
surface in the s. part is moderately hilly, and in the x. undulating. Conesus and Hemlock Lakes
lie partly within the town. Their outlets, and that of Canadice Lake, are the principal streams.
The soil in the valleys is a clay loam, and on the uplands a sandy and gravelly loam. Livonia
Center, (Livonia p. o.,) a r. r. station, contains 2 churches and 408 inhabitants ; Livonia Sta-
tion, (p. v..) 1} mi. w., on the B., N. Y. &E. R.R., a manufactory of agricultural implements, and
31 houses; South Livonia (p. v.) 1 church and 13 houses; Hemlock Lake, (p. v.,) in the
s. e.. 2 churches, 2 gristmills, 2 sawmills, and 319 inhabitants; and Lakeville, (p. v.,) at the
foot of Conesus Lake, 4 churches, a gristmill, sawmill, and 28 houses. The first settlement was
1 Ainofl settlers were Wrn. Ew.-ns, Wm. l/rnnn,
John Bwart, mm! w. Harris. Hm m taught at
1 Murphy, about IT:'::. The first mill
was built holl, for Chan. Williamson, on Lot 58, in
' " Qrstlnn was kept in "II 'byWm.Li
In 17 ' T". in th« BUM place, I ■;■■ U xander
'96.
J Named I r Phelps.
» Named from Little Beard, an Indian • bit f. whose principal
N.w. part of the village. The seminary was founded in 1880 by
the I It neaee Conference of the M. E. Church. It was opened for
pnpDl in 1*32. Tho fir.it building, erected at a cost of $20,000,
»:i< il.-itriv.il by fin- lii May. 1842, The present building was
Immediately erected of hri.-k. at u cost of about $24,000. it has
a main B. front 0fl36 feet, with an t. and w. front, by wings ex-
tending bark each 96 feet. Between these wings is a paved
rr.nrt. A farm of 70 acres is attached to the institution. This
"■in i nary has sent out more students than any other institution
Tillage, 1 " T wn. wa- ■ • • 1 teof m Western New York. The college was founded in 1840. has —
Cuylen I the wont specimen* of hi* prof. "■- r-liip-. an. 1 is under the general supervision of the Gene-
biefly Instrumental In the horrid tortun of Lieut, see and East Genesee Conferences of the M. E. Church.
| In a drunken row. In which both Indians and ' Abner Miles, from Mass.. settled inlTSQ; John Miner and
whib - Jtimeoo'l tavern, in Leicester, he was Asah.i Hun hard in 1790; Steven Tinker and Solomon Hovcy,
1 ut .,f the door, and, fa;: tbe steps, received a from Man., in 1791: and Col. Thomas Leo. Willard and Amasa
fatal injury. Humphrey. Kouben and Gideon Thayer. Col. David Morgan, and
'he other early settler* were Elijah Hunt. Alexander Z.bulon, Moses, Asahel, William, and Daniel II. Warner, from
Ewing. an.i Maj Wm. Lemon. Ji Ilia, Thomas, and Wm. Clute,
from - also early The first child
born ki- J . M ,y ... 17 •'. . and the fir*t de.atli.tli.it of
DJane,lTB9. The flr»t inn was kept by
be... Be also . soon
after. Tli" first sawmill was built by Ebeneier Alien, at Gib-
sonville. in IT'.'J: and the first gristmill, by Oliver L. Phelps,
" - w, In
6 Prrib.. H Kef. Presb.
c These institutions are located on a beautiful eminence in the ;
. previous to 1795. The first marriage was that of Simeon
• iray and Tatty Alg.r, in 1793; tho first death, that of Mrs.
Abbott, mother of Mm. 1'aul Davidson, in 1701. John Sabin
taught the fir-t school, in 1792 and '93. Bouben Thayer kept the
first inn. In 17W. and Tryon & Adams the first store, in 1794.
The first sawmill was built by Beuben Thayer, in 1796; and
Zebulon Norton built the first gristmill, in 1704.
• The census reports 6 churches in town ; M. E., Presb., Bap..
l.'niv., Cliristian, and B. C.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
385
made by Solomon Woodruff, from Conn., on Lot 32, in 1792.1 There are 10 churches in
town.2
MOUNT MORRIS3— was formed from Leicester, April 17, 1818. It lies on the w. border of
the co., s. of the center. Its surface is rolling and moderately hilly. It is drained by Genesee River,
which forms its n. and w. boundaries, Coshaqua Creek, which flows through the 8.E. corner, and
several small streams, its tributaries. The soil is a clay loam. A part of the Gardeau Reservation
was in the s. w. part of this town. Monut Morris,4 (p. v.,) in the n. part, was incorp. May 2,
1835. It is on the G. V. Canal, and is the southern terminus of the G. V. 11. II. It contains 5
churches, 2 furnaces, a printing office, bank, machine shop, 3 flouring mills, a sawmill, paper mill,
and 1,851 inhabitants. Tuscarora, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, and
192 inhabitants ; Brooks Grove,5 (p. v.,) in the s. part, a church and 1G houses ; Ridge (p. v.)
a church and 13 houses. River Road (River Road Forks p.o.) is a hamlet. Ebenezer Allen
commenced settlement, in 1784 or '85.6 The census reports 9 churches in town.7
JVORTII DANSVIL,L.E8— was formed from Sparta, Feb. 27, 1846. A part of Sparta was an-
nexed in 1849. It lies on the s. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is hilly, the highest
summits being 600 to 800 feet above the valleys. The hills are generally arable. Canaseraga9
Creek flows through the n.w. part, and Mill Creek through the s. The soil upon the hills is a
clayey and gravelly loam, and in the valleys a sandy loam. In town are valuable quarries of build-
ing and flagging stone, Dansville, (p. v.,) w. of the center, Was incorp. May 7, 1845. It is the
terminus of the Dansville Branch of the G. V. Canal. It contains 9 churches, the Dansville Semi-
nary,10 2 printing offices, a bank, a water cure, 5 flouring mills, 3 paper mills, 2 furnaces, a plaster
mill, machine shop, pail factory, sash and blind factory, distillery, 2 tanneries, and 5 breweries. Pop.
2,879. Commonsville, in the n.w. part, contains a sawmill, furnace, and about 25 houses.
Settlement was commenced at Dansville Village, by Amariah Hammond and Cornelius McCoy, from
Penn., in 1795. David and Jas. McCurdy, step-sons of McCoy, came at the same time.11 The first reli-
gious services were held by Rev. Andrew Grey, in 1798. The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1800."
NUIVDA — was formed from Angelica, (Allegany co.,) March 11, 1808. Portage was taken
off in 1827. It lies on the s. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is hilly, the highest
summit, near the center, being about 1,200 feet above the canal at Nunda Village. The principal
stream is Coshaqua Creek, which flows through the n. w. part. The soil is a sandy loam, inter-
mixed with gravel and clay. On Lot 53, stone is quarried for building purposes. A small spring
on the same lot emits gas. TVunda, (p. v.,) in the w. part, on the G. V. Canal, was incorp. April
26, 1839. It contains 6 churches, the Nunda Literary Institute,13 a gristmill, sawmill, furnace,
machine shop, and tannery. Pop. 1,125. Nunda Station, (p. v.,) on the B. & N. Y. C. R.
R., in the s.w. part, contains about 20 houses ; Coopersville, in the n. part, a gristmill and
about 20 houses. East Hill, in the s.e. part, is a p.o. The first settlement was commenced
near the village, by Phineas Bates and Beela Elderkin, in 1806.14 The first church (Bap.) was
formed in 1819 ; Elder Samuel Messenger was the first preacher15.
1 Among the other early settlers were Higby and Peter
Briggs, in 1794, Philip Short, in 1796, David Benton, in 1798, and
Geo. Smith, Jesse Blake, Nathan Woodruff, Smith Henry, and
Thomas Grant, mostly from Conn., and all of whom came in
previous to 1800. The first child born was Philip Woodruff, Feb.
19, 1794; the first death, that of a child of Higby, in 1797.
Dorias Peck taught the first school, in 1798 and '99; Solomon
Woodruff kept the first inn, in 1794; Isaac Bishop the first store,
in 1803 or '04. The first sawmill was built by Higby, in
1795; and the first gristmill, by Thomas Van Fossen, in 1799.
2 3 Bap., 2 M. E., 2 Presb., Christian, Univ., and R. C.
* Named from Robert Morris.
* Formerly called "Aliens Hill" from Ebenezer Allen, the
first settler. Col. John Trumbull, of Revolutionary memory,
at one time contemplated making it his place of residence. 116
planted an orchard, selected a site, and made some preparations
for building. He changed tho name to "Richmond Hill."
When he abandoned the idea of settling here, the place received
its present name.
6 Named from General Micah Brooks, one of the purchasers of
the Gardeau Reservation, and who settled at this place.
6 Among tho early settlers were Benj. W. Rogers, Isaac Bron-
son. Gen. Mills, and Jesse Stanley, from Conn. The first store was
kept by Ebenezer Allen, about 1790. He brought in a lot of goods
from Philadelphia, for the purpose of trading with the Indians.
The first mill was built about 1820, by William Shull.
1 2 Presb., 2 M.E., Meth.Prot., Bap., Prot.E.,Ref.Prot.D., and R.C.
8 Named from Daniel P. Faulkner, a prominent pioneer settler
familiarly known as Capt. Dan Faulkner; hence the name
u Dansville." In area this is the smallest town in the co., and
one of the smallest in the State.
9 Can-a-se-ra-ga, an Indian name signifying "among the slip-
per}' elms."
10 This institution was started in the spring of 1858. The
building and grounds cost $12,000 to $16,000. It is under the
supervision of the M. E. denomination.
" Among tho other early settlers were Daniel P., Samuel, and
James Faulkner, Nathaniel and William Porter, from l'enn., in
179(5 ; Jacob Welsh, Jacob Martz, and his son Conrad, George
Shirey, and Frederick Barnhart, from Penn., in 1798. William
Phenix, Jas. Logan, David Scholl, and John Vandeventer, were
also early settlers. The first marriage was that of William
McCartney and Mary McCurdy. Thos. McLain taught the first
school, in 1798 or '99 ; Samuel Faulkner kept the first inn, in
1796 ; Daniel P. Faulkner, the first store, in 1797 and '98 ; David
Scholl erected the first sawmill, in 1795, and the first gristmill,
in 1796. Mr. Scholl was Charles Williamson's millwright, and
built the mills for the Pulteney Estate.
12 Thero aro 9 churches in town ; 2 Presb., 2 R. C, Prot. E.,
M. E., Bap., Evang. Luth., and Germ. Evang. Ref.
13 Opened In 1844. The building was burned in June,
1859.
11 Among tho other early settlers were David Corey and
brother, Peleg and Reuben Sweet, Abner Tuttle, Gideon Powell,
Win. P. Wilcox, John II. Townser, and James Paine. The first
inn was kept at the village, by Alanson Hubbell, in 1S20, and
the first store by Wm. P. WUcox, near the center. Willoughby
Lovell built the first sawmill, in 1818, and Samuel Swain and
Lindsey Joslyn the first gristmill, In 1828.
15 There are 7 churches in town; Bap., F. W. Bap, Presb, M.
E, Prot. E, Univ, and R. C.
25
386 LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
OSSIAX — ■was formed from Angelica. (Allegany eo.,) March 11, 1808. It was set off from Alle-
gany co. in 1856. It is the center town on the s. border of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly,
the highest summits being 600 to 800 feet above the valleys. Sugar Creek flows s. e. through near
the center. The soil in the valleys is a gravelly loam, and on the hills a sandy loam, with some clay
in the e. part. In the x. w. part is a small <:as spring. Ossian Center (Ossian p.o.) contains
2 churches and about 18 houses; and West View (p. v.) a sawmill and about 12 houses. The
first settlement was made at the center, by Judge Richard W. Porter, and his brother, James Porter,
from N. J., in 1804.1 The first church (Presb.) was formed Sept. 29, 1818.2
PORTAGE3 — was formed from Nunda. March 8, 1S27. It is the s. w. corner town of the co.
Its surface is hilly, the highest point, near Portageville, being about 200 feet higher than the r.r.
Genesee River forms the w. boundary of the town. Its banks are steep and rocky, 100 to 200 ft.
high and in many places perpendicular. Coshaqua Creek flows through the e. part. The soil in
the e. part is a clay loam, and in the w. a sandy loam. Oakland, (p. v.) in the n. e. part, con-
tains 2 churches, a grist and saw mill, woolen factory, tannery, furnace, and 35 houses ; Hunts
Hollow (p. v.) 2 churches, a tannery, and 31 houses. Portage Station, on the B. & N. Y.
C. R. R., is on the line of Wyoming co. Settlement was commenced by Jacob Shaver, on Lot 150,
in 1810.4 The first church (Presb.) was formed at Hunts Hollow, about 1820. 5
SPARTA — was formed in Jan. 1789. A part of Springwater was taken off in 1816, West Sparta
in 1846, and parts of North Dansville in 1846 and '49. A part of Dansville (Steuben co.) was annexed
in 1822. and a part of Groveland in 1856. It lies s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is hilly, the
hi -host summits being 800 to 1,000 ft. high. Canaseraga Creek flows on the w. border. The soil on
the hills is a gravelly loam, and in the valleys a sandy, clayey, and gravelly loam. Several small
sulphur and gas springs are found near Scottsburgh. Scottsbur&rh,6 (p. V.,) in the n. part, con-
tains 2 churches, a steam saw and grist mill, a furnace, and 34 houses. North Sparta, (p. o.,)
in the n. w. corner, Sparta, (p. o.,) in the w., and Reeds Corners, in the s. part, are hamlets.
Settlement was commenced near Scottsburgh, by Jesse Collar, from Penn., about 1794.7 The
census reports 6 churches.8
SPRtXGWATER — was formed from Sparta and Naples, (Ontario co.,) April 17, 1816. It is
the s.e. corner town of the co. Its surface is very hilly, the highest summits being 600 to 1,000
ft. ab'jve the valleys. The principal stream is the inlet of Hemlock Lake, which flows x. through
the town, w. of the center. Conhocton River rises in the s.e. part and flows s. into Steuben co.
The 6oil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Springwater, (p. v.,) a r. r. station, x. w. of the center,
contains 2 churches, a sash and blind factory, a sawmill, and 62 houses. East Springwater,
(p.o.,) in the x. e., is a hamlet. The first settlement was made by Seth Knowles, from Conn., on
Lot 18, about 1807 .9 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1816.10
WEST SPARTA— was formed from Sparta, Feb. 27, 1846. It is an interior town, s. of the
center. Its surface is hilly, the summits being 500 to 700 ft. above the valleys. In the n.e. is an
extensive marsh, known as the Canaseraga Swamp. Canaseraga Creek flows x. along the E. border.
The soil is a clay loam in the >f. and a sandy loam in the B. About one-half mi. n. of Bj-ersvillc,
in a small stream called Butter Brook, ia a perpendicular fall of about 00 ft. Kysoriille,
(p. v..) in the n. part, on the G. V. Canal, contains 79 inhabitants; Union Corners, (p. v.,)
locally known u " Brnshville," ><n the line of Mt. Morris, 2 churches and 17 houses ; Bycrsville,
' Among lb" Other early ►• ttlers wi re Richard N. Porter, .las. I 6 There are 4 churches in town; Treab., Meth. Prot., Trot. E.,
I .tntii- •» Orphan, a Clendenin, in and Bap.
' l r.inui 8 Nani.il from Matthew and William Scott, early settlers at
n. atKMit 1810. I.ut I -.rim nn «*nrh settler in the this place.
>. ••' ■■! child bom was Abraham ' Darling Harena settled at North Sparta : John Niblack, on
Porter, in 1806; the first marriak-e wa. thai of John QelaOD and Lot 2s ; John Smith. Asa Simmons, Robert Wilson, anil Thomas
Betsey Bbay, in 1816; and the Aral oV atb. thai of John Turner, lb v. v. previous to 1798; and Peter Roberts, on Lot 27, in K'.i'.t.
killed i.yth- fill <•■( a tree, in 1807. Weal ttheflral Samuel and James Hodman were early settlers. Most of theso
•shoot, in 1813 and H : tin, in 1817: were from PenD. Thefir>.t school was taught bvThoR.Bohannn,
and Daniel Canfie!: II In 1800-01, The first inn was kept by Darling Havens^ at North
wbji built bv Nathaniel !'• r:- r. in 1 ->l* or '0» ; and the first Krist- Sparta, about 1800; and the first gristmill was built by Wm. D.
mill, by John Smith, in I HoNair, in 1810. « 2 M. E.. 2 Presb.. Bap., and Kvang. Kef.
* Tie re are 2 cburcbei in town ; Preab. and M. E. • Among the other early settlers were Eber Watkins. Joshua
* Name derived fr. i , rnriog place around Herri. k. I'eter Welch. Adam Miller.and Samuel Hines. in 180S;
the fills of Genesee BJvar. fui d—iilpll ige Falls and Beuben ami Phineaa Gilbert, from Mass.. in 1810; Hugh Wilson,
B. R. Urif. Tlo. H'-nry Cole. Samuel Sharks. James Illake. BenJ. Livermore, and
I I'; hrnim Kingsley and Seth Shers I on I/nt inn In David Frnzer. Jacob Oannon settled oij the e. hill In 1812, The
1811; Joseph Dixon, al '• : rst death w that of His. Benjamin Parnham, in isi.3. James
Russel Messenger, and San ford Hunt all swlM at-nit 1814. Blake taught the first school, In 1818-14 Oliver Jennings kept
Bonce MmaT taught the find school, in 1817. Tlie first inn the first inn. about 1815. Hosea II. Grover kept the first store,
was kept by Prosper Adams, in 1M7: and the first stnre. at in 1815. The first sawmill was built by Samuel Hines, in 1809;
Hunts Hollow, by Sanford Hunt, in 1818. Rnssel Messenger and the first gristmill, by Hugh Wilson, in 1813.
built the first sawmill, in 1816, and the first gristmill, In 1817. 10 There are i churches in town ; Presb., Bap., M. E., Christian.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
.'is 7
(p. v.,) in the s. part, Gl inhabitants. Woodvillc, in tlio s. f. corner, is a hamlet. Settlement
was commenced in the a. part, by Jeremiah Gregory, in L795.1 The first church organization was Bap.1
YORK— was formed from Caledonia and Leicester, March iM, 1819. A part of Covington was
annexed in 1823. It lies on the w. border of the oo., n. of the center. Its surface is undulating,
with a general inclination to the E. Brown and ('alder Creeks flow E. through the central and n.
parts. The soil in the center and s. is a clay loam, and in the n. e. part a sandy and gravelly loam.
York. Center (York p. o.) contains 4 churches and .'521 inhabitants ; Fowlcrvllle,1' (Inver-
ness p. o.,) in the n.e. part, 2 churches, a machine shop,4 and 3G9 inhabitants; <«i*eig'NVille,
(p.V.,) in the S. part, a church ami 22 houses ; I'ifl'a rdian.1,5 (Piffard p.o.,) in the s. E. part, on
the G. V. Canal, a church and 23 houses. Settlement was commenced in the n.e. part, by several
Scotch families, about the year 1800.6 The first church (Scotch Ref. Presb.) was formed in 1816.7
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Livingston County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
Population. |
i
Schools.
1
B
§1
4
1
£
1
•**
1
05
i|
o,ft,
1
c
g
1,342
928
695
1,412
810
1,050
1.346
1.334
1,997
1,823
1,462
602
782
607
1,185
722
1,348
1
4
1
o
13
9
9
11
9
13
10
12
15
6
i6 :
ii 1
10 1
8
17
s
197
Z .
20,743
20,602
13,4551
22,3064.
16,479
17.309J
14,4101
19.4444.
22.469
3,384
12,7881
10,828
10,361
12,2251
18,787 1
12.97 3 i
24.723!
5,084
5,276
6,889!
6.979
8,058!
3,418
3,342
3,8821
5,679
1.532
5,902!
12,720
5,6251
8.217
13,3131
7,085|
6.093 J
991,606
1,022.484
445,061
1,152,S20
701,563
671,277
86S.639
792,626
1,293.812
492.44S
553,173
296,443
352,901
447.358
484.436
456.118
1,166,549
04,700
151.067
77,831
637,725
61,632
58.509
341.595
207.525
187.507
314.932
69.6.00
6.450
25,765
24.150
163.844
39,551
112.960
2,545,333
1,056,306
1,173.551
522.892
1.790,545
763.195
729.786
1.21 0.234
1.000,151
1,481.319
817,380
622,773
302,893
378.716
471.508
648,280
495.669
1.279.509
1,352
1,063
718
1,471
800
1,026
1,324
1,301
2,045
1,658
1.425
711
787
626
1,296
774
1,434
19,811
467
453
270
479
2S0
357
641
481
563
695
552
234
302
232
450
286
4S2
483
346
300
505
272
330
227
498
790
711
403
250
313
141
482
283
587
344
242
184
338
177
239
381
455
506
457.
430
179
430
217
355
192
381
994
607
537
1,002
636
765
934
770
1.495
12284
1,976
525
623
447
964
656
940
14.255
West Sparta
York
Total
273,290!
lO'.I.OllsJ
12,189,374
14.734.7n7
19,145
7.224
6,921
5,507
Names of Towns.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
2
-si
o
II
i .=
£ .1
o _,
Q-S
144
684
93
70
863!
434
587
899!
35
1.352
254
614!
573
871!
822
962
9,254
8
to
1
Ifs
Sot)
1,359
2,582
971
1,277
1,422
1,365
856
1.303
1,546
143
994
671
658
967
1,159
941
1.860
*3
8
1
676
772
508
610
837
700
eoe
586
1,081
221
794
440
486
646
831
66E
961
ll,42l
i
T507
1.809
778;
1,271
1.035
1,079
1.309,
1.7451
1,756
338
1,028
699
751
1.0S4
1,169
1,099
1,517
Bush, up Grain.
1
«1
•<= 3
So
10.389
10,646
4.502
6.714
5.1 SO
8,604
8.057
8.092
9.122
1.787
9,723
4.027
12.026
5.948
13,711-
5,226
12.529
•t i
n
Dairy Products.
h
1
1
ft, S5
o " Ji
a, 5
838
1,101
618
616
892
820
793
1.034
1,058
212
754
365
474
613
903
570
1,206
12,867
12.745
10.552
8,733
8,015
5,634
4.487
8.301
11,771
6,934
1.498
3,516
2,646
4,155
2,173
6,298
3.992
13.698
109.079
134,445
39.504
88,643
70.331
105.624
75,540
87,779
85,327
13,821
33,149
15.984
39,288
87,578
18,530
31.708
128.551
88,0641
53.8071
34.225
64.7861
42,6361
79,436
77.442
68,316
72,615j
9,580
33,6981
1K.O00
86,4781
32.S69J
55.475
29,991
76.6001
3.094
3,056
2.26,:!
3/2071
2.2051
2,128
2.469
3.377
2,5041
424
1.82S|
1.099
1.4091
1.7991
2,5391
1,5501
5.331J
40,286$
21,010
9.350
8.120
25.141
21.302
10.899
16.654
29.422
11.431
3,345
10,918
2,865
14.549
17,435
- 11,910
6.845
23,869
56,170
72,831
52.043
43.392
72,385
63.711
58.805
90,122
95,250
16.275
82.736
38,690
54,964
57,749
85,862
59.590
83,706
4.670
3,879
1,196
5,2971
1.364
3.500
10,025
15.529
2,085
2,085
1,375
3.590
1,351
6,173
8.741
9.m>1
Yurk
Total
19
,074
115.20S
19
,974
1,114,881 874033
136.283^
-'245,01
5
1,084,281
xO.721-;
1 Among the other early settlers were William Stevens, in
1796, Abel Willsey, in 1797. Benjamin Wilcox, in 179s. and Samuel
McNair, in 1804. The first inn was kept at Kysorville, by
Ebenezer McMaster, about 1820; tlio first store, at Union
Corners, by Jonathan Kussel, in 1823. The first wool-carding
and cloth dressing mill was built by Benjamin Hungerford, in
1814; and the first gristmill, by Samuel Stoner, in 1823.
2 There are 4 churches in town ; Presb., M. E., Bap., and
Christian.
8 Named from Wells Fowler, the first settler at the village.
* Manufactures all kinds of agricultural implements, and turns
out $70,000 to $80,000 worth of goods per year.
6 Named from David Piffard, a prominent settler at this place.
6 Among the early settlers were Donald and John McKenzie,
Angus McBean, John and Alexander Frazer, Archibald Uillis,
and John McCall. David Martz was an early settler. John
Kuss, from Vt., settled at the center, in 1S07 : Ralph Brown, in
1808; and John Darling, from Vt., in 1809; and James Calder in
the N. part of the town. The first birth was that of Angus
McKenzie. The first inn was kept by Nathan Kuss, in 1S17 : the
first store, by Chandler Piersons, in 1816. Ralph Brown built
the first gristmill, in 1818.
7 The census reports 9 churches in town; 2 Presb., 2 M. E.,
Bap., Cong., Asso. Presb., Asso. Ref. Presb., and Ref. Presb.
MADISON COUNTY.
This county was formed from Chenango, March 21, 1806, and named
in honor of President Madison. That part of Stockbridge e. of
Oneida Creek was annexed from Oneida in 1836. It is situated in
the central part of the State, is centrally distant 98 mi. from Albany,
and contains an area of 670 sq. mi. The extreme n. part is low, level,
! and swampy ; but the central and s. parts are hilly, and constitute a
[ portion of the general system of highlands which occupy Central
New York. The hills generally have rounded outlines and steep
declivities, their highest summits being 500 to 800 ft. above the
valleys and 900 to 1,200 ft. above tide. The highlands are divided
into separate ridges by a series of valleys extending n. and s., and
they form the watershed between Susquehanna River and Oneida
Lake. The principal streams upon the x. slope are Chittenango1 Creek, forming a part of the w.
boundary of the co., Oneida Creek, forming a part of the e. boundary, and the Canaseraga,2 Canas-
• i.s and Cowaselon Creeks: and the principal flowing s. are Unadilla River, upon the e. border,
V. aver Creek, Chenango River and its branches, Otselic4 Creek, and Tioughnioga River. The
principal bodies of water are Oneida Lake, forming the x. boundary, and Owahgena or Cazenovia
Lake, near the center of the w. border. The latter, a beautiful sheet of water, 4 mi. long, is 900 ft.
ve tide, and is completely surrounded by gradually sloping hillsides. The lowest rocks of the
co., outcropping along Oneida Lake, belong to the Clinton group. The red iron ore peculiar to this
. up is found to a limited extent, but not in sufficient quantities to render mining profitable. Next
above this successively appear the Niagara and Onondaga groups, underlying the whole swampy
region.5 The red shales form the surface rock s. of the swamp, and beds of gypsum extend along
the base of the hills. These beds are extensively quarried in some sections, and furnish an excel-
lent quality of plaster. Upon the N". declivities of the hills successively appear the water lime-
stone, Pentameros limestone, Oriskany sandstone, and Onondaga limestone. From these groups
are obtained an abundance of waterlime, quicklime, and building stone, all of excellent quality.
Next above appear the Marcellus and Hamilton shales, covering more than one-half of the
entire surface of the co. The Tully limestone, Genesee slate, and Ithaca groups are found to a
limited extent covering the tops of the southern hills. A large share of the co. is covered deep with
drift deposits. The soil upon the flat lands of the n. is generally a red clay, with great quantities
• if muck and marl in the swampy regions. Upon the northern declivities of the hills the soil is a
gravelly l'>am intermixed with lime and plaster, and is very productive. Farther s. the soil upon
hills is a clayey, gravelly, and shaly loam, best adapted to pasturage, and in the valleys a
gravelly loam and alluvium. The people are principally engaged in stock raising and dairying.
II pe are largely cultivated. Manufactures are principally confined to two or three villages.
The CO. Beat is located at Morrisvillc. The courthouse is a two story wooden building, pleasantly
situated <>n a "-mall park. fronting on a main street. It was built in 1849, and contains the court6
and jury rooms.1 Tin- clerk's office is a small, brick, fire-proof building adjoining the courthouse.
Tho jail waa bumed in the winter of 1858. The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 135 acres
neat Katon village, 5 mi. B. I. of Morrisvillc. The average number of inmates is 130, supported at
- freel each. A school is taught during the whole year. The farm yields a
revenue «.f ?1,500.8 Tlu- principal public works in the co. are the Erie Canal and the N. Y. Central
1 Mmnin; -writers divMe and run »." peavcr, In " Thr Lift
■ Mam Ji ti n." .i%- it l« a corruption of the Oneida word
•• Chn-de-nKXny." sisnifvine "wh"r« the «nn shines oai "
- Meaning "Big Klk-h rn." Sourer ei*- B i-naso-wa-
gV' signifying -several strings of beads with a string lying
-
* •• Ka-ne-to-ta." siznifying " pine tree standing alone."
♦ Meaning " Capfnll."
* In the marah near Csnn«tot» a brine «pHng i- r und. A
boring of 19<i ft. was mad* bam: but Iba (rata* obtained waa
lfflciently strong to warrant the further rirr.soruti.in of the
work.
• The first courts were h-ld alternately at "the •ohf^lhoose,
naar David Barnard's, in Sullivan, [now l^nox,] and at the
388
schoolhousc in tho village of Hamilton." Tho first officers were
Petex Smith, First Jitilgt ; Sylvan ua Smalley, Edward Oreen,
i I'ayne, and David Cook, Associate Jurifjcs; Asa I!. Bizer,
Ob. Cleric; Jeremiah Whipple, Sheriff: and Thos. II. Hubbard,
Surrogate, In 1SIO, Cazenovia was selected as the site of the
co. buildings, and Col. John T.incklaen and dipt. Jackson were
appoint''! to superintend the building of a courthouse. A brick
building WB« erected, and the first court was held iii it in Jan.
1812, In 1M7 the CO. seat was removed to Morrisvillc, and the
fir<-t rr.nrt was held then- Oct. 7. 1M7.
I F.llis ftfoaa, Sam'l White, and Oliver Pool were appointed to
superintend the erection of the courthouse.
8 This institution consists of three two story stone buildings;
the poorhouse proper, a lunatic asylum, and a hospital.
MADISON COUNTY.
380
R. R., extending through Lenox and Sullivan. Among the hills are several large artificial reser-
voirs, used as feeders for tho canal. Cazenovia Luke is used for the same purpose.
There are seven weekly newspapers published in the co.1
Nearly all the s. half of this co. belonged to the tract known as the "Chenango Twenty Towns."5
A strip lying between this tract and tho Military Tract, including De lluyter and the greater part
of Cazenovia, was embraced in tho Lincklaen Purchase. The Oneida Indian Reservation, origin-
ally embracing all the n. part of the co., was subsequently divided into several large tracts.
The "New Petersburgh Tract," or purchase of Peter Smith, includes nearly all of Smithfield and
Fenner, tho n. part of Cazenovia, and a strip a mile wide across the 8. part of Stockbridge. The
remainder of Stockbridge was included in the reservation of the Stockbridge Indians. Lenox and
Sullivan constituted the n. w. portion of the Oneida Indian Reservation. The first settlements were
made by squatters upon the Oneida Reservation, in 1790.3 The permanent settlements were com-
menced about 1795, and the co. rapidly filled up with immigrants, principally from New England.
1 The Madison Freeholder was commenced at Poterboro, be-
fore or in tho early part of 1808, by Jonathan Bunce &
Co. It soon after appeared as
The Freeholder, and was continued until 1813. It was then
changed to
The Madison County Herald, and was continued several years.
The Christian and Citizen was published at Peterboro, in 1854,
by Pruyn & Walker.
The Pilot was established at Cazenovia, in Aug. 1808, by Oran
E. Baker, and continued until Aug. 1823.
Tlie Republican Monitor was started at Cazenovia, in Sept. 1823,
by L. L. Rice. It was published by John F. Fairchild
from April, 1825, until Jan. 1832, by J. F. Fairchild
& Son until July, 1840, and by J. F. Fairchild until
March 4, 1841, when it was discontinued.
The Students Miscellany, semi-mo., was published at Cazenovia,
in 1831, by A. Owen and L. Kidder.
The Union Herald was commenced in May, 1835, by L. Myrick
and K. W. Clark. In 1836 Clark withdrew ; and in 1840
the paper was discontinued.
The Cazenovia Democrat was started in Sept. 1836, by J. W.
Chubbuck & Co. ; it was edited by J. W. Dwinelle. In
Feb. 1S37, it was discontinued.
The Madison County Eagle was commenced at Cazenovia, in
Feb. 1840, by Cyrus O. Pool. In 1841 it was published
by Thos. S. Myrick and W. H. Phillips. In June, 1842,
Myrick withdrew; and in May, 1845, its name was
changed to
The Madison County Whig. In Aug. 1848, Phillips was suc-
ceeded by H. A. Cooledge, by whom the paper was
changed to
The Madison County News, in Oct. 1S53. In May, 1854, it was
again changed to
The Madison County Whig ; and in Jan. 1857, it was discontinued.
The Abolitionist was started at Cazenovia, in 1841, by Luther
Myrick, and continued 2 years.
Tlie Madison and Onondaga Abolitionist was published in 1843,
by Luther Myrick.
The Madison Reptiblic was commenced at Cazenovia, in Jan.
1850, by W. H. Phillips, and continued about 3 months.
The Cazenovia Gazette was published by Baker & Debnam, from
Oct. 1851, until May, 1852.
The Progressive Christian was established in April, 1853, by A.
Pryne, and was continued 2 years.
The Cazenovia Republican was commenced May 1,
1854, by Seneca Lake, its present publisher.
The Gazette ami Madison County Advertiser was established at
Peterboro in May, 1817, by John B. Johnson and Bon.
It was removed to Morrisville in 1S19, and discontinued
in 1S22.
The Madison Observer was commenced at Cazenovia, in Jan.
1821, by Rice & Hale. It was removed to Morrisville
in 1822; and in 1824 Bennett Bicknell became its pub-
lisher. In 1829 it was united with The Hamilton Re-
corder, and was issued as
The Observer and Recorder. In 1832 it passed into the hands
of II. C. Bicknell and .las. Norton, and in 1S34 into
those of .Tas. Norton. In 1835 it was changed to
The Madison Observer. In 1S39 J. and E. Norton
became its publishers, and in 1S56 Edward Norton, by
whom it is still published.
The Hamilton Recorder was started in 1817, by John Gh Stower
and P. B. Havens. In 1S19 it passed into the hands of
Stower & Williams, and afterward into those of John
P. Van Siee. In 1829 it was removed to Morrisville
and united with The Observer.
The Madison Farmer was published at Hamilton, in 182S, by
Nathaniel King.
The Civilian was started July 27. 1830, by Lauren Dewey. In
Feb. 1831, it passed into the hands of Lewison Fairchild,
and in Nov. 1831, it was discontinued.
The Hamilton Courier was commenced by G. R. Waldron, in
Feb. 1834, and the following year it appeared as
The Hamilton Courier and Madison Co. Advertiser. It was con-
tinued until 1838.
Tlie Hamilton Palladium was started in 1838, by John Atwood,
and continued 6 years, a part of the time by J. & I). At-
wood.
The Hamilton Eagle was published in 1839, by G. R. Waldron.
The Literary Visitor was published at Hamilton about 3 months,
in 1842, by Dennis Redman.
The Democratic Reftectr/r was started at Hamilton by G. P.. Wal-
dron, in 1842, and was published by Waldron & Baker
from 1843 until 1*54, and 2 years by Waldron alone,
when it was united with The Madison Co. Journal,
and appeared as
Tlie Democratic Republican. It is now published
by Waldron & James.
The Madison County Journal was commenced in Sept. 1849, by
E. F. & C. B. Gould. W. W. Chubbuck, F. B. Fisher,
and T. L. James were afterward interested in its publi-
cation; and in 1856 it was united with The Democratic
Reflector.
The Mill Boy ~) were published during the campaign of 1 '44.
and Vthe former at the Palladium and the latter at
The J'olker ) the Reflector office.
The Land Mark was published as a campaign paper in 1S50.
The New York State Radii was removed from Fort Plain. Mont-
gomery co., in 1854, by L. S. Backus, and continued
about 18 mouths, when it was returned to Fort
riain.
Tlie Democratic Union was commenced at Hamilton.
in 1856, by Levi S. Backus; and in 1857 it passed into
the hands of W. II. Baker, its present publisher.
The Canastota Register was published in 1S30, bv Silas Judd
and II. B. Mattison, and in 1831 by H. S. Merritt.
The Canastota Times was commenced in 1857, by Geo. H. Mer-
riam, and was discontinued the following year.
Tlie Canastota Eagle was started Nov. 4, 1858, by J. E.
N. Backus, its present publisher,
The Chillenango Herald was established in 1832, by Isaac Lyon,
and was published successively as
The Chittenango Republican,
The Phanix, and
The Democratic Gazette, until 1856, when it was discontinued.
The De Ruyter Herald was published in 1S35, by C. W. Mason.
The Protestant Sentinel was brought from Schenectady to De
Ruyter in Nov. 1836, and was published by J.'& C. II.
Maxon until the fall of 1837. It then passed into the
hands of Win. D. Cochran, by whom it was issued as
The Protestant Sentinel and Seventh Day Baptist Journal. In
Feb. 1840, Joel Greene became its publisher, and changed
it to
The Seventh Day Baptist Register. In 1841 it passed into tho
hands of James Bailey, by whom it was continued until
1846.
The National Banner was commenced at De Ruyter in Oct.
1^47. by A. C. Hill, and continued 2 years.
The Centra! New Yorker was published at De Ruvter. by E. F.
& C. B. Gould, from Sept. 1848, until May," 1851.
The Banner of the Times was started at De Ruyter, by Walker
& Hill, and continued until 1855.
The Oneida Telegraph was commenced at Oneida, in Sept. 1851,
by D. II. Frost. In June, 1854, it passed into the hands
of John Crawford, and was changed to
Tlie Oneida Sachem, under which name it is still pub-
lished.
The Circular was established in 1S52, and is published
weekly at the Oneida Community.
2 The following is a list of these townships within the limits
of this co.:
Lebanon No. 5.
Georgetown " 6.
Brookfield " 19 & 20.
Nelson No. 1.
Eaton " 2.
Madison " 3.
Hamilton " 4.
The Canastota Tract in this co. was granted in lieu of the
school lots reserved in the " Twenty Towns ;" but by some over-
sight was sold with those lands.
8 See page 461.
390 MADISON COUNTY.
BROOKFIELD — -was formed from Paris, (Oneida co.,) March 5, 1795; and Columbus
(Chenango co.) was taken off in 1805. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a hilly
upland, broken by the valleys of Unadilla River and Beaver Creek. Unadilla River forms the e.
boundary. Beaver Creek flows through near the center, and the e. branch of the Chenango through
the K. w. part. Several smaller streams take their rise in the town. The soil is a gravelly loam.
Clark ville,1 (Brookfield p.o.,) incorp. April 5, 1834, contains 2 churches, the Brookfield Aca-
demy, a hoe and fork manufactory, gristmill, and tannery. Pop. 578. JLeonardsville (p. v.)
contains 1 church, a bank, and several manufactories.2 Pop. 366. IVortli Brookfield (p. v.)
has 27-3 inhabitants. South Brookfield (p. o.) is a hamlet, and Be JLancy3 a p.o. The first
settlement was made by Daniel Brown, in 1791.' The census reports 6 churches in town.5
CAZEXOVIA6 — was formed from Paris and "Whitestown, (Oneida co.,) March 5, 1795. De
Ruyter was taken off in 1798, Sullivan in 1803, Smithfield and Nelson in 1807, and a part of Fenner
in 1823. It is the central town upon the w. border of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland,
broken by the valleys of Chittenango and Limestone Creeks. The summits of the hills are 300
to 500 feet above the valleys. Owahgena or Cazenovia Lake, in the n. part of the town, is a
beautiful sheet of water about 4 mi. long. Its outlet — Chittenango Creek — forms a part of the
boundary between this town and Fenner. In its course it has a fall of several hundred feet, afford-
ing a great number of valuable mill sites. At the Chittenango Fall the water plunges in a beautiful
cascade perpendicularly over a ledge of limestone rock 136 feet in height. Limestone Creek flows
across the s. part of the town. Hydraulic and common limestone are quarried near Chittenango
Falls. The soil in the N. and central parts is a gravelly loam, and in the s. a clayey loam under-
laid by hanlpan. Cazenovia, (p. v.,) incorp. Feb. 7, 1810, is beautifully situated on Chittenango
Creek, at the foot of Cazenovia Lake. It contains 7 churches, an academy,7 a bank, and several
manufactories.8 Pop. 1177. IVew Woodstock (p. v.) contains 2 churches and 273 inhabit-
ants. Chittenang'O Falls is a p.o. Settlement was commenced in 1793, by John Lincklaen,
from Amsterdam, Holland.9 The first church (Presb.) was organized May 17, 1799, with 5 mem-
bers ; and the Rev. Joshua Leonard was the first pastor. The census reports 9 churches in town.10
DE RI'YTER" — was formed from Cazenovia, March 15, 1798. Georgetown was taken off in
Wo, and German (Chenango co.) in 1806. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. Its surface con-
nate of hilly upland, broken by the valley of Tioughnioga River. The summits of the hills are
4' K) to 500 ft. above the valleys. The principal streams are Tioughnioga River and its tributaries.
The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam on the hills and alluvium in the valleys. Be Ruyter,
(p.v.,) incorp. April 15, 1833, contains 3 churches, an academy,12 and several manufactories.13 Pop.
727. Sheds Corners is a p.o. The first settlers were Elijah and Elias Benjamin and Eli
Colgrove, in 1793.1* The first church (Bap.) was formed by Elder Joel Butler, Nov. 5, 1799.15
E 1TO.V6 — was formed from Hamilton, Feb. 6, 1807. It is an interior town, situated near
the center of the co. The surface is a rolling upland, broken by the valley of Chenango River
into two ridges, whose summits are 400 to 600 ft. in height. The Chenango flows s. through the
center. The outlet of the Eaton Reservoir flows through a deep, narrow ravine, and affords a large
number of valuable mill sites. Hatchs Lake and Bradley Brook Reservoir, and several smaller
r.».iTvi>ir-. are in this town. The soil is a gravelly loam, intermixed with clay in the valleys.
Morri*ville,1T (p. v..) situated on Chenango River, was incorp. April 13, 1819. It contains 3
1 Nam'-'l frnm Joseph Clark, formerl itnr.
s A firk v. gristmill, sawmill, ami tannery.
> Named (r m John I'- l-inc-T.
• John .nil Kli.i." Button, Lawtoo Palmer, Semi. H. Bnrdkk,
!>,-. • l Maine, -• pheri C lima, i b a. and .' une*
: Pern M n n m ttle i In the town in 1782.
■•■. I Ble im r Brown, Henry
Kobert Randan, A<n Krink. Ethan, Oliver, and Phlneai
ck. ir.i and Natl
earlj John Button baOl th" fir.t gristmill in 1792;
i 1 801 . Tim unit
by A i Carrier, In the winter of 1796-07.
•-, Day Baa ,2111 i- Dnrv.
* Named from Tl phflw Cat ral agent
of the Holland Land dm] i
I Che Oneida Oonfti end flnurinhing
ration, nnder the care of ttv minatkra.
» h, u Cesenovia, on Ohlttanango Creak, ar«- » «
■ ■ mill, nil mill, town dock hctory, furnace, ma-
ci.in- shop. 2 griSttaSB*. »n'l a «awmil1.
'Archibald Bates. Wm. oili.-tt. Win. Kflaa, B^nj. Person.
Noah Taylor, B«il. B. F.nmii. In P n Webb, Bhnbael tarv forrr-s in the expedition to Tripoli.
Brooks, and other* named Tyler and Anger settled in the town | " Named from a family of early settlers in town.
in 17'.''.: and Joseph Simms, Isaac Moss, Gideon Freeman, and
David Paysoon after. The first birth was that of a child of
N i'i Taylor, in 1794. John Lincklaen built the first saw and
>:ri-l mill*, in 17. 'I.
10 3 U ap . J M. E, Cnrr., Presb., Prot. E., Union, and Univ.
11 Named from Admiral De Ruyter, of the Dutch Navy.
t*The De Ruyter Institute is under the care of the Seventh Day
Baptist denomination.
1 < J tanneries, - sawmills, a gristmill, oil mill, furnace, and
ceblnetwars manufactory.
M Joseph Mi nengat and Baml Thomson settled in the town
in 1795. Darrai Benjamin, Justus, Jeremiah, and Ebenezer
ml Daniel Pago were also early settlers. The first birth
wai that of Frederick Benjamin, about 1798: Jos, ph Heesengsr
• - 1 ■- - tj • - 1 tip- first inn. in 1790; Samuel Bowen kept the first store;
l - |h Rich built the first sawmill, in 1807, and the first grist-
mill. In 1809. The first school was taught by Eli Gage, in the
winter of 1799.
U There are 6 churches in town ; 2 Friends, and 1 each Bap.,
Seventh Hay Bap. M. B- and Presb.
'• Named from Ben. Wm, Baton, commander of the U. S. mili-
MADISON COUNTY.
391
churches, a newspaper office, and several manufactories.1 Pop. 715. Eaton, (p. v.,) commonly
called " Log City," contains 3 churches and several manufactories.'2 Pop. 510. West Eaton,
(p.v.,) commonly' called " Lecmlle," contains 2 churches, a woolen factory, sawmill, and about 40
houses ; and Pratts Hollow3 (p.v.) 1 church and about 20 houses. Pine Woods is a p. o.
Settled in 1792, by John and James Salisbury, from Vt. ; but the first permanent settler was Joshua
Leland, from Sherburne, Mass., in 1793.* The first church (Prcsb.) was formed in 1805.5
FEUfNER6— was formed from Cazenovia and Smithfield, April 22, 1823. It is an interior
town, lying n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland. Oneida, Canaseraga, and
Chittenango Creeks have their sources in this town. The latter forms a part of its w. boundary.
Extensive marl beds are found ; and on the bank of Chittenango Creek calcareous tufa is quar-
ried and burned into lime. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Perry ville, (p.v.,) partly
in this town, contains 2 churches and 25 houses. Fenner (p-o.) is a hamlet. The first settle-
ment was made about the year 1793.7 The first church (Bap.) was organized Aug. 23, 1801.8
GEORGETOWN— was formed from De Ruyter, April 7, 1815. It lies upon the s. border
of the co., w. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by the valley of Otselic Creek
into two ridges. The summits of the hills are 500 to 600 ft. above the valleys. The principal
streams are Otselic Creek and its branches. The soil upon the hills is yellow loam, and in the
valleys a gravelly alluvium. Georgetown (p.v.) contains 3 churches, and has a population
of 280. The first settlement was made by Ezra Sexton, in 1804.9 Lewis Anathe Muller, a French
refugee, settled in this town about 1810, and remained until the restoration of Louis Philippe.10
The first religious services were conducted by Ezra Sexton, at the house of Bethel Hurd, in 1805.11
HAUHI/TOUT — was formed from Paris, (Oneida co.,) March 5, 1795, and was named from
Alexander Hamilton. Eaton, Lebanon, and Madison were taken off in 1807. It lies upon the s.
border of the co., between Lebanon and Brookfield. Its surface is a rolling upland, broken by the
valleys of Chenango River and its east branch. The soil is a gravelly loam in the valleys and a
clayey loam upon the hills. Hamilton,12 (p.v.,) incorp. April 12, 1812, is situated on the
Chenango Canal. It contains 4 churches, the Hamilton Academy, the Hamilton Female Seminary,
2 newspaper offices, and a bank. Pop. 1448. The Madison University, located at this place,
under the care of the Baptist denomination, was incorp. March 26, 1846. It consists of a
grammar school, a collegiate and a theological department. Nine professors are employed, and
in 1857 31 theological students, 123 under-graduates, and 71 grammar school students were in
attendance. The libraries connected with the university contain about 8,900 volumes.13 Earl-
Ville,14 (p. v.,) on the line of Sherburne, (Chenango co.,) contains 2 churches, and has a pop. of 441,
of which 233 are in this town. Poolville (p. v.) contains 2 churches and about 40 houses, and
1 A silk factory, distillery, tannery, iron foundry, machine
shop, gristmill, and sawmill. There were formerly several woolen
factories in and near Morrisville, but they have been abandoned.
2 A woolen factory, a tool factory and trip hammer, distillery,
tannery, gristmill, and sawmill.
8 Named from John and Matthew Pratt, early settlers.
* John H. and Benj. Morris settled in the town in 1794; Benj.
Morse, Daniel Abbey, Simeon Gillett, Levi Barney, and Elijah
Hayden, in 1795; Joseph Moss, Wm. Mills, Lewis Wilson, Sam'l
Sinclair, Humphrey Palmer, and McCrellis, in 1796; and
Bawson Harmon, in 1797. Thos. Morris, Windsor and Ziba Co-
man. Constandt, Robert, and Cyrus Avery, Joseph French, and
Abiathar Gates were also early settlers. The first birth was
that of Col. Uriah Leland, Nov. 1, 1793; the first marriage, that
of Lewis Wilson and Dorcas Gillett, in 1796; and the first death,
that of Simeon Gillett, in 1796. Joshua Leland opened the first
inn, in 1794, and erected the first saw and grist mills, in 1795.
David Gaston kept the first store, in 1804. The first school was
taught by Dr. James Pratt, in the winter of 1797-98, — the first
nmnth at the house of Joseph Moss, the second near Morrisville,
the third near Log City, and the fourth near the residence of
Joshua Leland.
5 The census reports 8 churches in town ; 3 Bap., 3 M. E., and
2 Cong.
6 Named from Gov. Fenner, of Bhode Island.
? Among the early settlers were Alpheus Twist and James
Munger, from Conn., who located a mi. s. of the center, Jona-
than Munger and Page in the N. part, and Klisha Freeman,
Ithuriel Flower, Ames Webster and Amanda Munger in the s.
part. The first birth was that of a child of Alpheus Twist; and
the first death, that of the wife of Alpheus Twist. Elder Nathan
Baker was the first preacher.
8 The census reports 5 churches; 3 M. E., Bap., and Prot. E.
8 Matthew Hallenbeck, Joab Bishop, John C. Paine, and Bailey
Carter settled in the town in 1804, and Mitchell Atwood, Wm.
Paine, Bethel Hurd, Joseph P. Harrison, and Josiah Purdy in
1805. Ebenezer Hull, Apollos Drake, Elijah and Alfred Brown,
Jesse Jerrold, Zadock Hawks, John Gibson, Hunt, David
Parker, Philetus Stewart, Calvin Cross, Dr. Smith, Benj. Bonner,
Capt. White, and Alvord, were also early settlers. The first
birth was that of Weston Paine, in 1805; and the first death,
that of Mrs. Ezra Sexton, in 1807. Mitchell Atwood built the
first sawmill, in 1800, and Bishop & Hunt the first gristmill, in
1807. J. C. Paine was an early innkeeper.
10 Muller settled on tho hill, about 3 mi. w. of Georgetown,
erected a large and spacious dwelling, laid out extensive grounds,
excavated an artificial pond, and planted great numbers of fruit
trees. He attempted the establishment of a village, by erecting
2 storehouses, several dwellings, a blacksmith shop, and a grist-
mill. It is supposed that he brought with him to town not less
than $150,000, and that he carried away not to exceed §1500.
When Bonaparte abdicated, Muller returned to France, leaving
his wife and children in New York. He afterward returned to
dispose of his property here. When he reached Georgetown, his
house was stripped of its furniture; his stock and every movable
article had disappeared; weeds covered the gardens, the walks,
the roads, and fields ; his village was forsaken, and the mill de-
serted. The agent in whose charge he had left his property had
sold every movable article and deserted the place. Muller sold
the property and returned to France ; and to this day no one
knows who or what he was.
11 There are 3 churches in town ; Bap., Presb., and Union.
12 Formerly called " Paynesville."
13 The •' Hamilton Theological Seminary" was established in
1820, under the auspices of the Baptist Education Society of the
State of New York. In 1834 a collegiate course was instituted,
and the seminary assumed the name of the " Hamilton Literary
and Theological Seminary;" and in 1846 the institution was in-
corp. as the Madison University. The theological department
is still under the control of the Baptist Educational Society. The
aggregate number of graduates of the theological department ifl
302, and of the collegiate department 462.
M Named from Jonas Earl, Canal Commissioner.
392 MADISON COUNTY.
Hubbardsville1 (p. v.) 20 houses. East Hamilton (p. o.) is a hamlet, and South Ha-
milton a p. o. The first settlers were John Wells and Abner Nash, from Mass., and Patrick
Shields and John Muir, from Scotland, hut late from Oneida co. They located upon Chenango,
near Earlville, in 1792.2 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1796.3
LEBA\OX — was formed from Hamilton, Feb. 6, 1807. It is tbe central town upon the s.
border of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, lying between the Chenango and Otselic Rivers.
The summits in the w. part are 500 to 800 ft. above the valleys. The valley of Chenango River,
extending through the e. part, is about lmi. wide and is bordered by steep hillsides. The other
streams are small brooks. The soil is a yellow loam underlaid by hardpan upon the hills and
alluvium in the valleys. Lebanon (p. v.) contains 1 church, a sawmill, tannery, and 25 houses.
Smiths Valley4 and Middleport are hamlets. The first settlement was made in 1792,
by Enoch Stowell and Jonathan Bates, from Vt.5 There are 4 churches in town.6
LiE^VOX — was formed from Sullivan, March 3, 1809, and a part of Stockbridge was taken off
in 1836. It is the N. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is level in the n. and moderately hilly
in the s. Canastota and Cowaselon Creeks flow through the town. Oneida Creek forms its e.
boundary, and Oneida Lake a part of its n. boundary. The Cowaselon Swamp occupies a
portion of the x. part. The soil in the n. is alluvium and in the s. a gravelly and clayey loam.
In the town are beds of gypsum and of red fossiliferous iron ore. Near Cowaselon Creek
is a small sulphur spring : and in the marsh near Canastota is a salt spring.7 Oneida (p. v.)
is the principal station between Syracuse and Rome, on the N. Y. Central R. R. It is situated
on Oneida Creek, and was incorp. June 20, 1848. It contains 5 churches, the Oneida Seminary,8
a newspaper office, and a bank. Pop. 1713. Canastota, (p. v.,) incorp. April 28, 1835, is a
canal village and a station on the N. Y. Central R. R. It contains 3 churches, a newspaper office, a
bank, and a manufactory of astronomical and optical instruments.9 Pop. 1081. Wanipsvillej
(p. v.,) a station on the N. Y. Central R. R., contains 1 church and 25 houses. Pine Hush,
(Bennetts Corners p. o.,) Merrelsville, (Cowaselon p. o.,) and Lenox Furnace are ham-
lets. Clochville,10 (p. v.,) contains 2 churches, a woolen factory, 2 flouring mills, and a saw-
mill. Pop. 279. Quality Hill (Lenox p.o.) is a thickly settled country street near Canastota.
Oneida Lake (p.o.) and South Bay are hamlets. Oneida Valley (p. v.) contains 1
church and about 30 houses. Hurhamville (p. v.) contains 1034 inhabitants, of whom 234
are in this town ;u the p. office is in Oneida co. The "Oneida Community," of about 200 persons,
organized upon a peculiar religious and social basis, are located upon a farm of 390 acres on
Oneida Creek, 3 mi. s. of Oneida.12 The first settlement was made in 1792, by Conrad Klok and
his sons Joseph, John, and Conrad.13 The census reports 14 churches in town.14
MADISOX— was formed from Hamilton, Feb. 6, 1807. It lies on the e. border of the co., s.
of the center. Its surface is a rolling upland. The principal stream is Oriskany Creek. The
Madison Reservoir and several smaller ponds of water are in this town. The soil consists of a
gravelly lotum in the valleys and a clayey loam upon the hills. Madison, (p. v.,) incorp. April
17, 181G, contains 4 churches, and has a population of 315. Rourkville15 (p. v.) contains 1
church and 35 houses, and Solsvillc (p. V.) 17 houses. The first settlement was made in 1793.18
' Named fr- .in C.'ilvin Hubbard.
- Among tl thai i re Saml and Ellsha Payne,
who locatnl upon the present site of Hamilton Village In 1794.
Tbeophflus and BenJ. Pierce, Jonathan Olmsted, Daniel Smith,
mill Vitb.in Poster tattled in the town in 1795, and Tie
v in 1796.
t-(, r'l^.rta 10 churches in t.iwn; 4 U, i... 2 Bap .. S
Conp.. I' ' i . and 1'niv.
ied fr- in Justus Smith, a former resident,
6 Ani'.nsc ih" early ssttlers were John, Charles. Jamas, nnd
Isaac Campbell, Thoe. Huoston, Lcnl Bradley, Solomon J
AIt un Wei rti Rider, Josh.
i. Dea, Honey, David Shaplej . Mali blab Uati b, Dr. Men Ick,
Klilni Bosworth, BenJ Uei ": Kl ha Wheeler
built tha first sawmill, and Daniel Wheeler the Bret gristmill;
I Thayer kept tbe first store. 1 olwaataughl
by Widow Nancy Campbell, n lady about 70 years of age.
. Cong., M. K.. mid I'niv.
T At this spring a boring was lMft.deep. Atthnt
depth tin- anger broke, and the work »»« abandoned. Tim
strength 1 1 tii" wnt'T »t the turbos »m:j by the instrument Bii buds, Sylvester Woodward, Elijah 'I'l pson, Sam'l Jones,
nwd and It was Inrruaeori 1 v.. Ill p. 2 Je . and Alex. White, Luther, Abial, and Ephraim Clough, and
■ The school was opened Sept. _"', ls.%8, with about 200 pupils i Jonathan Bloan, Were also early settlers. Tin- first births in
and u I 4 female teachers. town were those of Mnrcena C«.»l I i -* t • - 1- nnd Stephen Blackstone,
> Bstablished by Cbas. A. Spencer. Thi micros pai md other both In 1794. Gen. Cleveland built the first gristmill and kept
unents mad- bere b ■ l merited celebrity. The . the first stun-. Henry W. Bond built the first sawmill, in 1798.
equatorial telsaoope at Bamflton boUege was made hen. Sam'l Clemens was an early innkeeper.
W Named from Conrad Klok, who settled near this place.
u s e page 170.
12 Thi- <■• ii i in u nit y was organized in 1847, under John II.
Noyes, with whom their peculiar religions and social tenets
mostly originated. They form a general community, holding a
common Interest In all things. The relation of the sexes is
placed, not, like that id" civili/.ed society, on the basis of law and
constraint, neither un the opposite one of mere freedom, but on
thai of " inspiration." They are principally engaged in garden-
ing, the OUrsery business, milling, and the manufacture of steel
traps, 80Wing -ilk. traveling bags, cravats, ami pnhnleaf hats.
J'hr. Oittldar, B weekly paper, is published by the Communists.
la The Porbeses, Bnyas, and Snydera were tho early settlers.
U 6 M. K.. G l're-l... 2 Bap., Oong., and li.C.
15 Named from Gov. Bouck; formerly called "JohnsviHeJ'
u Samuel and Francis Clemens, Stephen F. Blackstone, John
Nibs. Setfa Snow and his sun Seth, Win. and David lilair, .lames
Collister, Daniel Perkins, Henry W. and Israel Bond, Eltyah
Blodget, Amos and .lesse Maynard, and Joel Crawford, settled
in th" town in ITX'r. tlen. Erastns Cleveland. Tims. Mellen. Abial
Hatch, .las. McClenathan, Geo., ('has. and Job Peckhand, BenJ.
MADISON COUNTY.
393
The first church (Cong.) was organized in 1795, and the Rev. Ezra Woodworth was the first
pastor.1
1VEESOIV — was formed from Cazenovia, March 13, 1807. It is an interior town, lying s. w.
of the center of the co. Its surface consists of a rolling upland. The principal stream is Chitte-
nango Creek. The Erieville and Eaton reservoirs are in this town. The soil is generally a gravelly
loam. Erieville (p. v.) contains 3 churches and 191 inhabitants, and Nelson Flats (Nelson
p. o.) 2 churches and 14G inhabitants. The first settlement was made in 1794, by Asa and Jede-
diah Jackson.2 The census reports 5 churches in town.8
SMITIIFIEED — was formed from Cazenovia, March 13, 1807. Fenner was taken off in
1823, and a part of Stockbridge in 1836. It is an interior town, lying n. of the center of the co.
Its surface is a hilly and rolling upland. The principal streams are Cowaselon and Oneida Creeks.
The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Limestone and gypsum are obtained in the n. e. corner.
Near Siloam is a small sulphur spring. Peterboro,* (p. v.,) on Oneida Creek, near the center,
contains 3 churches and the Peterboro Academy. Pop. 350. Siloam (p. o.) is a hamlet. The
first settler was Jasper Alesworth, in 1795.5 Judge Greene C. Bronson resided in this town for
several years; and Hon. Gerrit Smith now resides in Peterboro. In 1858, Wm. Evans, of Boston,
donated to this town the sum of $10,000, to be invested, and the proceeds devoted to the relief
and support of the destitute and needy.6 There are 3 churches in town.7
STOCKBRIDGE — named from the Stockbridge Indians — was formed from Vernon and
Augusta (Oneida co.) and Smithfield and Lenox, May 20, 1836. It lies upon the e. border of the
co., n. of the center. Its surface is a rolling upland, broken by the deep valley of Oneida Creek,
which extends in a n. and s. direction through near the center of the town. The summits of the
hills are 500 to 800 ft. above the valley. The falls of Oneida Creek consist of a succession of
rapids and low falls, affording numerous valuable mill sites.8 Oriskany Creek takes its rise in the
s. part. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam. Limestone is extensively quarried from the
ledges that crop out upon the hillsides. Hydraulic limestone is also quarried near the falls of
Oneida Creek. Gypsum is obtained near Cooks Corners. In this town are an ancient burial
place and the ruins of an old fortification.9 Munnsville,10 (p. v.,) on Oneida Creek, contains
1 church and several manufactories.11 Pop. 287. Knoxville12 (Stockbridge p. o.) contains 3
churches, and has a population of 138. Coofes Corners (p. v.) contains 1 church, a plaster
mill, and about 15 houses. The first settlement was made in 1791.13 A mission church was
erected on the Indian Reservation, near Cooks Corners, about 1800.u
SCEEIYAX15 — was formed from Cazenovia, Feb. 22, 1803, and Lenox was taken off in 1809.
It is the n.w. corner town of the co. Its surface is level in the n. and rolling in the s. The
Cowaselon Swamp extends across the town from Chittenango Creek to the line of Lenox. South
of this swamp is the Vlaie, or natural meadow.16 Chittenango Creek flows through the town and
i There are 6 churches in town; 2 M.E., Bap., Cong., Friends,
and Univ.
2 Joseph Yaw, Ebenezer Lyon, Sam'l and Chas. Swift, Jonathan
Buell, Samuel Kinney, and Mitchell settled in the town in
1794: Oliver Stone and James Ilinman, in 1795; Joshua Wells,
David Wellington, Israel Patterson, Rich. Karley, Dan'l Adams,
Horatio Simms, Abner Camp, and Lemuel aud Eldad Richardson,
in 1796. The first birth was that of Palmer Wells, in 1796 ; and
the first death, that of Mrs. Bishop, about 1S00. Jedediah Jack-
Bon kept the first inn, in 1794; Jeremiah Clark built the first
sawmill, about 1800, and Oliver Pool the first gristmill. Daniel
Russell was the first storekeeper. Dea. Dunham was ono of the
earliest schoolteachers.
8 2 M. E., Bap., Cong., and Univ. * Named from Peter Smith.
6 Oliver Trumbull settled in the town the same year. Peter
Smith was the proprietor of the soil, and settled at Peterboro at
an early day. Among the early settlers were families named
Cleveland, Coon, Babcoek, Taylor, Messenger, Stone, Rich, Love-
land, Loomis, Merrill, Spencer, Bump, Northrup. Lathrop, Soper,
S-hipman, Howard, Chaffer, Lyons, Moody, Spring, Myers, Brown,
Austin, and Wright. Peter Smith built the first saw and grist
mill, Jas. Livingston kept the first store, and Lewis Cook kept
the first inn. Tabitha Havens taught the first school, in 1801.
6 The provisions of the benefaction are, that the amount shall
be loaned in sums of not over $1000 each, upon good bond and
mortgage security ; and that as soon after 1S62 as the accumu-
lated interest amounts to a sufficient sum, a farm, of not less
than 50 acres, shall be bought, and suitable buildings erected
thereon, to be used as a home for the destitute.
J Bap., Presb., and Free.
8 About j mi. e. of Munnsville, near the center of the town,
are several caves, in limestone, which have been explored but
partially on account of noxious gases. In the rock that forms
the bed of the stream are depressions resembling the footprints
of men, cattle, and horses.
B The burial place is on the side hill, about 1 mi. s. E. of Munns-
ville. A small bone image of a woman, iron and steel axes, gun
barrels and fragments of gun locks, brass kettles, and tobacco
pipes have been found. The axes were hatchet shaped, and were
marked under the eye with three stars. The ruins of the fortifi-
cation are in the s. w. part of the town.
10 Named from Asa Munn, the first storekeeper in the town.
U A woolen factory, a furnace, trip hammer and edge-tool
factory, a sawmill, planing mill, and sash factory, and a gristmill.
12 Named from Herman Knox, an early resident.
13 Among the early settlers were Oliver Steward, Nathan, Cal-
vin, Barney, John, and Alfred Edson, Wm., Elijah, and Joseph
Devine, Wm. Sloan, Benajah House, Annos Bridge, Jas. Tafft,
Aaron, Jairus, and Matthew Rankin, Jonathan Snow. Isaac
Chadwick, Taleott Divan, Watrous Graves, and Daniel Thurston.
These settlers all located in the s. E. part of the town. The
first marriage was that of John Devine and Polly Edson. in
1793 ; and the first death, that of Widow Anna Hall, in 1795.
The first saw and grist mills were built by the Stockbridge In-
dians, on their reservation, about 1794. The first school was
taught by Edward Foster, in 1797.
" The census reports 5 churches; 2 Cong., Bap., M.E.,and Univ.
16 Named from Gen. John Sullivan.
1" The Vlaie is covered to the depth of several feet with muck
or peat underlaid by marl. It is destitute of timber, and sup-
ports a rank growth of ferns and weeds. "A ditch cut by the
side of the road shows vertical stumps 3 feet below the surface,
and then a small growth near the surface; so that it would
appear that two forests have existed there." This land was origin-
ally covered with water; but it is now partially drained by a
ditch dug by the State.
394
MADISON COUNTY.
forms a part of its w. boundary. The Canastota and Cowaselon Creeks unite in the swamp and
flow in an artificial channel to the lake. These streams afford numerous valuable mill privileges.
On the Canaseraga, near Perryville, is a waterfall 130 feet in height. Black Creek is a tributary
of the Chitteuango. Gypsum is found in numerous localities and is extensively quarried.1 Water-
lime is also obtained in the s. part.2 Marl and peat abound in the swampy regions. There are
several mineral springs in town, the principal of which are tho " White Sulphur Spring" and the
"Yates Spring." The former — known as Chittenango Springs — is fitted up for the reception of
visitors ; and the waters of both are celebrated for their medicinal properties.3 The soil in the n. is
a clayey loam alternating with muck and marl, and in the s. it is a gravelly loam. Chittenango,
(p. v.,) on Chittenango Creek, was incorp. March 15, 1842. It contains 3 churches, the Yates
Polytechnic Institute, a bank, a woolen factory, gristmill, and tannery. Pop. 916. Perryville4
(p.v.) is partly in this town. Canaseraga (Sullivan p. o.) contains 1 church and 25 houses,
and Bridgeport (p.v.) 1 church and about 35 houses. L.akeport is ap.o. The first settle-
ment was made in 1790, by squatters from the Mohawk Valley.6 The census reports 9 churches.6
Acres of Land, Valuation, Pojmlation, Dicellings, Families, Freeholders, JScJwols, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Montgomery County.
Names of Towns.
Brookfield....
Cnzen"vi:t ....
De Ruyti r...
Eaton ,
Fenuer
Georgetown.,
Hamilton ....
Lebanon
Lenox
Madison
Nelson
Smithfield...
Stoekbridge..
Sullivan
Total..
Acres of Lass.
Valuation of 1
•5
§
"2
B
5
I
B
"5 2"
I
.s
"3
£3-
W,
to
05
B,Bi
30.640*
13,564*
$599,120
$183,630
23,2561
6>70
999,550
475,950
12.959
6.N59
338,085
29,675
20,828*
8.616*
775.2S5
149,800
15.021
3,561
387,606
23.350
11.336*
10.275
225,170
34.870
19,080|
5.3691
721.330
227,010
19.964J
6.171
518,640
73.120
32.2064
16.4961
1,690.330
434.550
17.468
4.-1 -J
640,250
123.400
20.931
6,1304
455,450
65.250
11,820
3,426
327,100
48.700
15.512
3.647
321.910
41,850
20.:;ooj
15.71)7
1.433,000
343.000
277,3931
111,505*
$9,432,786
$2,254,155
£
$782,750
1,475,500
367,760
925,085
410.956
260,040
948,340
591.760
2,124,880
763,650
520,700
375,800
363,760
1,776,000
Population.
c
S
,3
|
Sci
5
B|
1
s
OS
3
a
r>
>
^
g
1
$
1
Si
27
1.891
1,879
692
788
631
2.162
2,333
890
975
746
18
973
948
334
379
309
11
2,014
2,047
727
799
657
19
791
831
311
327
291
14
72S
714
310
333
264
12
1,847
1.S90
700
795
575
16
840
S21
309
344
256
13
4,021
3.779
1.422
1,512
85S
30
1,222
1,261
524
541
355
13
967
909
362
194
351
14
758
756
290
314
184
11
1,037
1,015
3S1
217
298
15
2,764
2,4S9
969
1,026
674
26
239
22,015
21,672
8,221
8,544
6,349
••5 °>
« B
£ g
1.330
1.474
727
1.227
670
564
1,235
'616
2,935
783
624
569
856
2.051
15.661
Names of Towns.
Brookneld....
1 via
I*- Ruyter....
i ■
fanner
town..
flAmllt'in
1
I
n
BmltbOi Id .
81
in.
ToUl
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
BnsH.
ov Grain.
»=
Daiby Pboducm.
i
1
t>."3
•5 ? .,-
|||
2.029
«5
9
i
(3
.s
8
1.710
4
■5-
1
2 c
*
if
53,627
6
s
99.221 .'.
u
1.055
2.435
8.728
148
9.053 J
30.179
173,670
250,146
L062
l.M"
2,157
4,713
1,578
1,851*
126,940*
5.127
2o,669
49.753
186,706
186,356
448
688
1.1. :i
4,948
577
44.10S
3,756
^898
28,337
70.075
106,550
892
2.112
2.147
4.006
1.209
308
80.505}
0.2- 1
16,788J
45.402
159.410
290,775
631
1,069
'.'71
4£68
875
642
82,686
2,621 1
92342
4. 5,7 40
84.740
62,705
311
634
812
2.867
399
3,4761
7,800
9,609
70.906
69,586
1,092
1.679
2,022
3.700
1.208!
382
72.020
6,159
15.650
:::>.] 52
1 1 8,428
186,750
eeo
1.74s
2.0'.Mi
l.or.s
722376*
6.108
11,458
81,846
137,488
161,492
1. •--
2.656
2.677
ii. 380]
230.579
6.201
26,627
48,418
219.06,2
75.965
1.227
12346
4,762
12313
87,71 1
4,682
16,868
40,860
113,045
113,490
630
1.. 26
L.798
4,686
1.083
17
58,648]
• . -I
17.367
60.864
160.978
209,207
670
B66
l.2i:;
2.110
sol
77s
71,978
2428
9,590
17.850
96.414
122,078
l .:..:
l.i n
89,969
2.7 12
11. '.'7 6
26.166
94,895
187,656
2.117
l.Tlo
i i 17
1 928
7.491
1 02.776
|.:!oo.v,1<
...2::::
i>,2o::,;
22.583
34.154
147,587
ol. -::>-
11,763
16,794
224,278*
531,677
1,840,298
2,087,594
r.S
3.124*
638
627
702*
642
731
886
844
1,251*
758*
3,008
215
1.758
1.978
l t',\p«um i.» mid to have Wn quarried hero in
J In this town i« » bed of waterllme, — tht nr«t discovered in
tlL. - rial was nrstqnarriod and bnrned for qtdclc-
linn- to banted on th* canal; tral it ami bond Hmi it aronld
not dai k. Kxj- ritmnt' w.-r.- then iii.kI", and the materia] was
disenT.T'd to ba hydraulic Urn,
» following i« n MllWl of an annly«i« ,f n pint of wnter
from ■
Whin Solphor Bprlnr. Tata Spring.
Carbonate of limo 1 0.88
Bolpbata " " *£ \1275
Bolphate of magnesia. 3.11 J "'
•• aodi 1.66
Chloride of < detain tnm 0.14
Organic matter trace trace.
tTh'«>" squatter* were James and J<wph Pickard, Jacob,
David, and Eton-Yost Schuyler, Jacob Beober, Garrett and Geo,
Van Btycke, Jobs I'oUlcy, and John Fmmyer. They Mtdad
on the Indian Reservation near Canaseraga. The Indians com-
plain, ,1 to tho Governor of their intrusion, and they were ordered
t,, remove. They neglected to do so; and in 1791, Col. Coll, raitb,
the -lierttl'of Montgomery ",., was sent with a posse of 60 men
to dislodge thara. They Mill refused; and their movables were
taken from their dwefilDgfl and their honaea burned. They
then temored to the neighborhood of Chittenango and settled
on lands that the State had lately acquired of the Indians.
John <1. M".ver. John Walroth. ('apt. Timothy Brown, Solomon,
Joeeph, and David Beabe, Col. Zetralon Douglas, John Mathews,
I'bilip Dahar-b. Nieh>>lns I'iekard, Oviil Wei, Ion. Peter Dygart,
John Kellir. ,l,,lin Sower. Win. >Iiles. David Bniton, Timothy
Preeman, and Peter Bhleaettled In Hie town shortly after. The
first birth was that of Peggy Schuyler, in 1701 ; ami the first
death, that of a child of Ilavid Freemyer. John O. Mover built
the first saw and gristmill, and Jacob Schuyler kept the first
inn.
• 3 Bao. 2 M. E., Cong., Wes. Meth., Rcf. Prot. D., and
Union.
MONROE COUNTY
This county was formed from Ontario and Genesee, Feb. 23, 1821.
It lies on Lake Ontario, n. w. of the center of the State. It is cen-
trally distant 2()2 mi. from Albany, and containa G82 sq. mi. The
surface is generally level or slightly undulating, with a moderate
inclination toward the lake. The shore of the lake rises in bluffs
10 to 30 ft. in height; and from its summit the Burface gradually
slopes upward to the lake ridge, a distance of 5 to 8 mi. from the
lake. The summit of this ridge is 100 ft. above the lake ; and from
it the surface declines a few feet to the s., and then rises to the
summit of the Mountain Ridge, a distance of 1 to 3 mi., and 310 ft.
above the lake. South of this point the surface is gently rolling,
the ridges extending n. and s. The summits of the ridges along
the s. border are about 400 ft. above the lake and 000 to 050 ft. above tide. The principal stream
is Genesee River, which flows a little e. of n. through the center of the co. Its valley is £ mi. to 2
mi. wide, bordered by ridges 30 to 60 ft. high. At Rochester the river flows over the solid limestone
which forms the Mountain Ridge a distance of 96 ft., forming the Upper Genesee Falls, and 2£ mi.
below it again descends 105 ft., to near the level of the lake, forming the Lower Genesee Falls.
The principal tributaries of the Genesee are Oatka and Black Creeks from the w., and Honeoye
Creek from the e. The other principal streams of the co. are Sandy, Little Salmon, Salmon, But-
tonwood, and Long Pond Creeks, w. of the Genesee, and Irondequoit and Four Mile Creeks, e. of
that river, all flowing into Lake Ontario or some of its bays. In their passage from the central
part of the co. to the lake, these streams nearly all flow over the limestone ridge in a succession
of falls, forming an abundance of water-power. The principal bodies of water are Lake Ontario,
which forms its N. boundary, Irondequoit and Braddocks Bays, and Buck, Long, and Cranberry
Ponds, all indentations from Lake Ontario and connected with it by narrow and shallow straits.1
The lowest rock in the co. is the Medina sandstone, extending in a broad belt along the lake
Bhore. Next above this is a thin stratum of the Clinton group, almost disappearing upon the w.
border of the co. ; and next above is the Niagara group, forming the abrupt terrace of the Moun-
tain Ridge. This rock forms an excellent building material, and is extensively quarried. It also
yields weak brine springs in several localities. The underlying rocks in the s. part of the co.
belong to the Onondaga salt group. Lime is extensively manufactured from the Niagara limestone ;
and the rocks in the s. part yield gypsum and waterlime. A large part of the co. is covered
with drift deposits, which mostly assume the character of ridges and rounded hills, many of them
rising 50 to 100 ft. above the general surface. Tufa and marl are found in several localities,
forming elements of fertility to the soil almost invaluable. A small quantity of iron is found
associated with the Clinton group.
The soil is generally very fertile. Along the lake shore it consists of a red, argillaceous loam,
principally derived from the disintegration of the Medina sandstone. This is succeeded by a clay
derived from the disintegration of the Clinton and Niagara shales. The soil in the s. part is im-
pregnated with lime and gypsum, — two of the most important elements of wheat lands. Agri-
culture forms the leading pursuit. Until within a few years past, wheat has been the great staple ;
but since the commencement of the ravages of the wheat midge, barley, corn, and oats have
become the staple productions. Most parts of the co. are well adapted to the culture of fruit,
and apples and peaches are largely produced. Wool growing is extensively carried on, and
stock growing and dairying are beginning to receive considerable attention. The manufactures
are extensive, though mostly confined to Rochester and vicinity. They consist chiefly of flour,
machinery, edge tools, cars, and almost every variety of articles of iron. Rochester is the busi-
ness center of the co. ; and from it a large trade is carried on with the surrounding rich agricul-
tural regions. The canals and railroads centering at this place give it facilities for an extensive
inland trade and commerce. A limited amount of commerce is carried on upon Lake Ontario.
1 The Irondequoit Bay is a narrow, deep body of water, ex-
tendin.: inland about 6 mi from the lake shore. From its S.
extremity a deep valley extends several mi. further s., forming
the deepest ravine along the N. border of the State. Some geo-
logists have supposed that Genesee River formerly flowed
through this valley.
396
MONROE COUNTY.
The co. seat is located at the city of Rochester.1 The courthouse, situated upon Buffalo St.,
near the center of the city, is a commodious hrick edifice, with an Ionic portico supported by four
massive pillars. The building is surmounted by a dome, the summit of -which is 150 ft. high. It
contains the usual offices and rooms for the court and co. officers, the co. clerk's office, and rooms
for the city officers.2 The jail is an old stone building, situated upon the bank of the Genesee,
in the s. part of the city. The poorhouse establishment is located upon a farm of 134 acres in
Brighton, just s. of the city line of Rochester. It consists of three large buildings, one of which is
used fur an insane asylum. The average number of inmates is 360, supported at a weekly cost
of 68 cts. each. A school is taught throughout the year. The farm yields a revenue of §3,500.
Four daily, 2 tri-weekly, 8 weekly, 1 semi-monthly, and 3 monthly papers are published in
the co.3
1 The first co. officers were Elisha H. Strong. First Judge;
Timothy Barnard, Judge •; Joseph Spencer. Assistant Justice;
James Seymour, Sheriffi Nathaniel Kochester, Clerk; and
Elisha Ely, Surrogate
* The first courthouse was built in 1821, soon after the organ-
ization of the co. It was removed to give place to the present
Btrueture in 1852. The present courthouse was built at a cost
of $50,000, at the joint expense of the city ami co.
8 The Si • tette, the first piper published in Monroe
co.. ma commenced in 1816 by Augustine G. Danby.
John Sheldon and Oran Follett were subsequently as-
sociated with him: and in lv21 the paper passed into
tli" bands "f Deri W. Sibley, publisher, with Derick
■ litor, and its name was changed to
The .'.' Mican. In 1S25 Whittlesey k Mumford became
In July, 1827, it was purchased by Luther
Tucker k Co.. who changed its name to
Tlie Rochester Republican, and continued its publi-
c.iti "n in connection with the Rochester Daily Adver-
tiser until 1839. when the establishment passed into the
hands of Thomas II. Hyatt. After passing throngh
various hands, it is now published by Curtis, Butts &
1 : Isaac Butts, editor.
The Rochester Telegraph was commenced July 7. 1818. by Eve-
rard. lVck k Co. In 1S24 Thurlow Weed became its
editor, and in 1825 he and Robert Martin purchased
the establishment. In 1827 they commenced
The Semi-Weekly Telegraph, which in a short time was changed
to
The RocliesUr Daily Telegraph. In 1828 Weed retired, and the
papers, daily and weekly, were continued by Martin.
On the 1st of Jan. 1829. the daily was united with the
Rochester Daily Advertiser, and in 1^30 the weekly
was merged in the Rochester Republican.
Tlte True Qenetee Farmer, mo., was published a short time
about 1824 by Wm. A. Welles; N. Goodsell, editor.
The Rochester Album was commenced in Oct. 1825. by Marshall,
Spaolding & Hunt. In 1827 it was united with the
Telegraph.
Tlie Rochrjter Daily Advertiser, the first daily paper w. of
All any, was commenced Oct. 25, 1826, by Luther
Tucker and Henry C. Sleight, under the firm of Luther
Tucker k Co. In 1828 the partnership was dissolved,
and the publication was continued by Tucker. On
the 1st of .Tan. 1829, the paper was united with the
teeter Daily Telegraph and issued as
The Sochi t. r Dotty Advertiser and Telegraph, by Tucker
a: Martin. In 1829 Martin retired, and in 1830
Tucker dropped the eul>-t it 1<- of Telegraph. Henry
ly. II. L. Stevens, Thomas w . Flagg, and Hiram
Humphrey were successively interested with Tucker in
ibU a»i in iw MBttrlnf liters, until May 1880,
when the establishment wot transferred to Thomas H.
II-. itt, i i.i r. After
passing through -■ % ■ r ■ 1 bands, the • united
•!■ r D nl\ . and Is
n •« published as
The Iliiiln.iir Dolly Union mul A il vrrt l»er.
I lurtiK. ButtS A • '.... J ,r< •[ t ; • '
Tin 1 ' - commenced in .Ian. 1827, by Lather
kly in conm ctlon with
\dvi-rti-r. and was merged in the Rochester
n wli.-n th it ]■ i| th" hands uf
• illy Adv. rl
1827. Luther Tucker
BisselL
jr.. proprii I ■
editors and publishers, it wai Vi.rk
gelM to If
The Rr<>- ■-< was comnvni-'-l in Jan. 1828, by D. D.
•"I- of Thurlow
l and Bamne] Uei in, who rh uured its name to
The AnU-il ntirer. D led Heron,
and Weed retired in 1880. In 1831 Brastus Bhepard
united the ^ r of Palmyra with it In
1 -.;j Aha Bt Ith Bhi pard in
tb" publication, and in 1834 the paper was merged in
the National Republican.
The Craftsman (Masonic) was commenced at Rochester in 1823
by E. J. Roberts. It was published about a year and
a half and then removed to Albany.
The Western Wanderer was commenced at Rochester in 1S28 by
Peter Cherry. It soon passed into the hands of Edwin
Scranton, who changed its name to
The Rochester Ocm. It subsequently passed into the hands of
Strong <fe Dawson, and was discontinued in 1843.
Tlui Spirit of the Age, semi-mo., was published in Rochester in
1830 by Ames k Barnum.
The Rochester Morning Courier was published in 1830 by E. J.
Roberts.
The Genesee Farmer was commenced in Rochester in Jan. 1831,
by Tucker & Stevens, with N. Goodsell as nominal
editor. It was continued by Tucker until the close of
1839, when it was united with the Cultivator, at Al-
bany.
The Rational Republican was commenced at Rochester in the
spring of 1831 by Sidney Smith. In 1833 a daily edi-
tion, entitled
The Morning Advertiser, was issued from the same office. It
was soon after changed to
Tlie Evening Advertiser, and in 1834 Smith sold the establish-
ment to Shepard & Strong, who united the Republican
with the Inquirer and changed the name to
The Monroe Democrat, and tlie name of the daily to
The Rochester Daily Democrat. In lS36,George Dawson becamo
interested in the establishment, and acted as editor
until 1839. In 1846, Alva Strong, Samuel P. Allen,
and Henry Cook were editors and proprietors. In Dec.
1857, the papers were united with the Daily and Weekly
American, and the daily is now issued as
The Daily Democrat and American, and the
weekly as
The Monroe Democrat, by Strong, Allen & Hunting-
ton, proprietors, and S. P. Allen, editor.
The Tri-Weekly Democrat is issued from the samo
office.
Tlie Rochester Mirror was published in 1S32 by Scranton &
Holstein.
The. Age was published at Rochester in 1833.
The American Revivalist and Rochester Observer was published
in 1833 by X. C. Saxton.
Goodscll's Genesee Farmer was commenced at Rochester in 1833
by Nahum Goodsell, and continued a short time.
Tlie Sights of Man was published at Rochester in 1S34 by the
Anti-Slavery Boclety.
The PbmCy Journal and < Tiristian Philanthropist was published
at Rochester In 1834 by W. B. Van Brunt.
77<« Monthly '•'■ >•■ r was commenced in 1830 by Luther
T ; ';• r. It was made up from the Weekly Geneseo
I. it tit' r, and. with that paper, was united with the Cul-
tivator in 1*39.
TheWatchman was published at Rochester in 1838 by Delazon
Smith.
McKcniie'i Gazette was published at Rochester in 1833 and '39
by Alexander McKenzie.
The N furmt r, mo., was commenced in 1840. M. B.
B b man, editor. Its name was afterward changed to
The Genesee Farmer. It was successively edited by
Henry Ci'l'in.tn, Daniel Lee, D. D. T. Moore, and Janus
Vick, and is now edited and published by Joseph
Harris.
77i« Working Man's Advocate, daily, was commenced in Roches-
ter, Oct. 19, 1839, by the Typographical Association.
Henry C. Prink, editor. They also issued a weekly
edition, In April. 1840, it was purchased by James
Vick and George P. Frost, who changed its name to
Tlie Evening Advocate. In 1841 it passed into the hands of John
.1. Ileillv k Co., who changed its name to
Tin- F.y rtifl / Past and published it in connection with a weekly
paper railed
77i<- Western New Yorker. On the 1st of April. 1843. Erastus
Bhepard became proprietor, and in November following
the two papers were discontinued.
The Rochester Dotty Whin, a campaign paper, was published In
1840 by Win. A. Welles.
MONROE COUNTY.
397
The Erie Canal extends e. and w. through the co. It crosses the Irondequoit Valley upon the
highest embankment upon the whole canal line. At Rochester it crosses Genesee River upon
an aqueduct built of solid blocks of Onondaga limestone. The Genesee Valley Canal intersects
the Erie Canal at Rochester, affording water communication s. to near the Penn. line, and opening
into Allegany River at Olean. The New York Central R. R. extends through the co., several of its
branches radiating from Rochester. The direct branch e. extends along the line of the Erie Canal,
through Brighton, Pittsford, and Perinton, to Syracuse. The Auburn Branch extends s. E.
through Brighton and Pittsford to Auburn and Syracuse. The Buffalo Branch extends s. w.
through Gates, Chili, and Riga ; and the Niagara Falls Branch extends w. through Gates, Greece,
Ogden, and Sweden. The Genesee Valley R. R. extends s. from Rochester through Brighton,
Henrietta, and Rush ; the Canandaigua & Niagara Bridge Branch of the N. Y. C. R. R. extends
through Rush and Mendon ; and the Rochester & Charlotte Branch of the N. Y. C. R. R.
extends from Rochester n. to the lake shore.
The territory now forming Monroe co. formerly constituted a portion of the hunting grounds
of the Seneca Nation, although it contained none of their principal villages. The region was
frequently visited by the French ; but no permanent settlement was made till after the Revolution.
The Daily Sun was published in Rochester a few months in
1840 by Alfred Oakley.
The American Citizen was published at Rochester and Perry
(Wyoming co.) in 1841 by W. L. Chaplin.
The Jeffersonian, daily, was published in Rochester a short
time about 1842 by Thomas L. Nichols.
The Christian Guardian was published a short time in 1842 by
Rev. J. Whitney.
The Mechanics' Advocate was published a short time in 1S43.
The Rochester Daily American was commenced Dec. 23. 1844,
by Leonard Jerome & J. M. Patterson ; Alexander
Mann, editor. A tri-weekly and a weekly edition were
also issued. In July, 1845, Lawrence R. Jerome became
a partner, and in 1S46 the establishment passed into
the hands of Leonard & Lawrence R. Jerome. In 1846
Dr. Daniel Lee was associated as assistant editor; and
in 1847 Reuben D. Jones was assistant. Dec. 1, 1857,
the paper was united with the Rochester Daily Demo-
crat and issued as the Democrat and American.
The Rochester Herald, daily, was published in 1844 by E. S.
Watson.
Tfie Voice of Truth and Glad Tidings of the Kingdom at Hand,
(Second Advent.) was commenced at Rochester in 1844
by Elder Joseph Marsh. In 184S it was changed to
The Advent Harbinger, and in 1849 to
The Advent Harbinger and Bible Advocate. It was subsequently
changed to
The Prophetic Expositor and Bible Advo-
cate, under which title it is still issued by the original
proprietor.
The Rochester Temperance Journal was commenced in 1846, and
continued a short time.
The Genesee Evangelist was commenced at Rochester
in 1846 by Rev. John E. Roby. It is at present issued
semi-monthly by R. W. Hill.
The Christian Offering was published at Rochester a short
time in 1847 by S. R. Shaw.
Tfu Penny Preacher was published a short time by Erastus
Shepard.
Th Gcticsee Olio, semi-mo., was published in Rochester in 1847
by Franklin Cowdery.
The North Star was published at Rochester in 1847 and '48.
Algemeen Handeelsblad was published at Rochester in 1848.
Frederick Douglass's Paper was commenced at Ro-
chester in 1S48 by Frederick Douglass, editor and pro-
prietor, and is still published by him.
The Waihingtonian was published at Rochester in 1848 by C.
II. Sedgwick.
The. Rochester Germania was published in 1849.
The Groninge Courant was commenced in 1849, and continued a
few months.
The Christian Sentinel was commenced in 1S49, and continued a
short time.
Brevjster's Insurance Reporter was published in 1S49 by U. A.
Brewster.
The Rochester Daily Magnet was published in 1S49 by Lawrence
& Winants, — C. II. McDonald & Co., proprietors. It was
discontinued in 1850.
The Wool Grower and Stock Register, mo., was commenced in
July. 1S49. While in the hands of T. C. Peters, as editor,
and D. D. T. Moore, it was merged in the Rural New
Yorker.
The Investigator was published a short time in 1850.
The Medical Truth Teller was published a few months in IS —
by Dr. J. Gates.
The Annunciator was published in 1850.
The Cygnet was published in 1S50 by the Young Men's Temper-
ance Association.
The Flag of Freedom was published in 1850 by Calvin H. Chase.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, semi-mo., was com-
menced in Nov. 1850, by James White. In connection
with it was published
The Youth's Instructor.
Moore's Rural New Yorker was commenced in 1850
by D. D. T. Moore, its present publisher.
The Western Luminary was commenced at Rochester by Rev.
G. M. Cook. It was afterward removed to Buffalo.
The. Rochester Daily Herald was commenced in 1850 ; L. K.
Falkner, editor. In a few months it passed into the
hands of Geo. G. Cooper, who changed its name to
The Rochester Daily Times, C. Ilughson, editor. It was dis-
continued in 1851.
Anzeiger des Nordens, w. and tri-w., was commenced
in 1852 by Kraneer & Felix, — Louis Ilurtz, editor, —
and is still published.
The Youth's Temperance Banner, mo., was published a short
time in 18 — by a committee of the Temperance Society.
The. Evening News was issued about 3 months in 1S52 by R.
Chamberlain & Co.
The National Reformer was published a short time abont
1X52.
Beobachter am Genesee was commenced in 1852 by
Adolphe Nolte. its present editor and proprietor.
The Rochester Daily Union was commenced Aug. 16. 1S52, by
Curtis & Butts; O. Turner, editor. In Dec. following,
Isaac Butts became editor. In Sept. 1858, it was united
with the Rochester Daily Advertiser. A weekly and a
tri-weekly edition were issued from the same office.
The Rochester Daily Tribune was issued in 1S55-56, by Snow &
Ingersoll.
The Rocliester Daily Free Press, a campaign paper, was issued
in 1856 by John N. Ingersoll.
The Mercantile Journal was issued for 6 months in 1S56 by C.
H. McDonnell.
The Evening American, a campaign paper, was issued in 1858,
A. II. St. Germaine, editor.
The Rochester Daily Times was commenced Jan. 24, 1859, by
Charles W. Ilebard, editor and proprietor. It was dis-
continued in April following, and revived in June as
The Daily Express, by C. W. Ilebard &. Co., by whom it
is still published.
The Journal of the Home, mo., connected with the
Hume fur the Friendless, is published in Rochester.
Mrs. N. S. Barnes, editress.
The Brockport Recorder was commenced in 1S28 by Abiather
M. Harris : it was published about 2 years.
The Brockport Free Press was published in 1831 by Harris &
Hyatt, and in 1832 by Thos. H. Hyatt.
The Western Star was published at Brockport in 1832 by Justin
Carpenter.
The Monroe Chronicle and Brockport Advertiser was published
in 1833.
The Atlas was published at Brockport In 1835 by D. D. Wait
The Brockport Watchman was published in 1844 by E. F. Bridges.
The Brockport Weekly Journal was commenced in Sept. 1852, by
Wm. Gardiner & Co. It was published about 1 year.
The Brockport Gazette was commenced Oct. 1, 1855, by Wm.
Haskell, and continued about 3 months.
The Daily Advertiser was commenced in Oct. 1856, by
Wm. H. Smith. It is circulated gratuitously, deriving
its support from advertisements.
The Brockport Republican was commenced in Jan.
1857, — H. W. Beach, editor, — and is still published.
The Jeffersonian was published in Clarkson in 1S30 by — —
Balch.
The Honeitye Standard was published at Honeoye Falls in 1839
by Garry A. Hough, and afterward by Morris & Vedder.
The School Visitor, mo., is published at Spencerport.
398 MONROE COUNTY.
The first settler was Ebenezer Allen, a tory, who located upon the Genesee, near the present site
of Rochester, in 178S. He soon after removed to Canada. The first permanent settlements were
made in 1789, in Wheatland and near the head of Irondequoit Bay. During the next five years
settlements sprung up in various parts of the co., though the general growth was greatly retarded
by the difficulty of access, the dense forests, and the unhealthiness of the climate when the lands
were first cleared. The unsettled condition of Indian affairs also had the effect to retard settle-
ment : and the War of 1812 almost put an end to improvement. At the close of the war, settlers
came in more rapidly, and a great business began to develop itself at Rochester. The construc-
tion of the Erie Canal gave an impetus to business, and speedily pushed settlements into every
portion of the co. From that time the progress of the co. has been rapid and continuous. The
co. was contained in the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. The three western towns belonged to the
Triangle Tract, and the remainder of the co. w. of the Genesee constitutes a portion of the cele-
brated " Mill Yard Tract."1
BRIGHTON*— was formed from " Smallwood,"3 March 25, 1814. A part of Rochester was
taken off in 1834, and Irondequoit in 1839. It is an interior town, lying upon the e. bank of the
Genesee, a little s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is gently rolling, with a slight inclina-
tion toward the N. The deep valley of Irondequoit Bay is on the e. border. Its streams are
small brooks, tributaries of the Genesee and Irondequoit. The soil is a sandy loam in the e. and
a clay loam upon the river. Near the center are gypsum beds, formerly extensively worked. The
people are largely engaged in raising vegetables for the Rochester market. There are several ex-
tensive nurseries in town. Brighton, (p. v.,) in the n. e. part, contains a church and about 30
dwellings. It is a canal village and a station upon the N. Y. C. R. R., where the two branches
from the e. unite. A large brick and tile manufactory is located about 2 mi. s. of the village; and
the Genesee Model School* is situated upon a beautiful site 2 mi. s. e. West Brighton, (p. v.,)
near the Genesee, s. of the line of Rochester, contains about 15 dwellings. In its immediate
vicinitv are the co. workhouse, poorhouse, and insane hospital, the Mount Hope Rural Cemetery,
the Monroe co. almshouses, an extensive glue factory, and' several other manufactories. The first
settlement was made in 1790, by John Lusk and Oran Stone, who located about 4 mi. e. of the
river.5 Rev. Solomon Allen, from Northampton, Mass., preached the first sermon and was the first
settled minister. There is but one church (Cong.) in town.
CHILI — was formed from Riga, Feb. 22, 1822. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the center
of the co. Its surface is level or gently rolling, with a slight inclination to the e. Genesee River
forms the e. boundary ; and Black Creek, a sluggish stream, flows e. through near the center. The
soil is a clay loam, mixed with sand. South of Black Creek are several peculiar gravelly knolls,
the principal of which is Dumpling Hill, near the river. Chili, (p. v.,) in the x. part, contains
a church and 15 houses; IVorth Chili, (p. v.,) a r. r. station in the n. w. corner, contains a
church an<l 25 houses ; Clifton, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, contains 1 church, a saw and grist mill,
pla-tf-r mill, furnace, and 201 inhabitants ; South Chili is a hamlet. The first settlement was
made in the r.. part, by Joseph Morgan, in 1792/' There are 5 churches in town.7
CI- IRKSOV — was formed from Murray, (Orleans co.,) April 2, 1819. Union was taken off
in 1852. It Lies on the W. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is level, with slight un-
i In hi« tnaty wiiii di" Indiana, Mr, Pbelpi wished to obtain
a tract w. >.f the Gel ■ . bat the Indians wan only will-
ing in cede tha land* r. of that river. A oompramlM wai Snail;
. which a trad M ml long bj 13 ml wids •■
•ii f..r a mill yard. It la nld that the In-
dian* ware much aatoniahed whan they came to ate the mm ami
know h'-w mnrh land wai The Hill
Vanl Tract sw boot ntaea, w. by a line paralb I
to and 13 mi. w. of it, an I It • ■>• !• fr"in Lake
Ontario.
3 This town embrace, T.wn'hip a of Ranee 7 of the Phelps and
Borban Pnrchaae. It was originally nnrch i* 1 t j Gon. Hyde,
Prosper |',.lly. L '.ill-rt, ami JoMBh Chaplin,
from Lenox, Maaa.
• Tie original town, "B ■''■ " was organ i*H April fl.l^Oo.and
embrace. 1 the six *. town* r. of the r . ■ • - I' Dfleld wan taken
off in 1810, and Print on in 1813. Soma time in 1813oi 18 the
■ ■van. I Calvin Hyde. Samuel Shaft^r. Enos Blossom. Timothy
Al'lyn. and Oliver Culver,— the last named from Orwell, Vt In
1800, moel oi the business upon the lake was done at Irondequoit
Landing. In 1788, Jndge John Tryon laid out a village 8 mi.
above the head of the bay, and built a large warehouse. Tho
place waa called " Tryon* Town," Asa Dayton kept an inn at
thll place, in 1801. A tannery and distillery were afterward
built, and the place became quite a lively little village; hilt it Is
HOW entirely deserted. Turner taught the first school;
Ira Weal kept the first store: and Solomon Hatch and Oliver
Culver built the first mill, on Allyns Creek, in 1806.
* Among the early settlers were Andrew Wortman. In 1704;
Stephen l'cabody. C'ol. .losiah Fish and his son LibbeuB, from
Vt, who located at the mouth of Black Creek, in 1786.
Widerier atid hi" Hoiis.!an.h. Abraham. William, and I'eter:
Bottle and family, Joseph Cary, Lemuel and Joseph Wood, Sam ml
Sett. Joahua Bowell, BenJ. Bowen, John Kimball, Billing-
name was chanced to " Smnllir-r.l ;" and March ii. 1M4. it was ham. Franklin and family, nil settled previous to 1800. The
divided int.. two parts, one taking the name of Brighton and
the other of Pittsford.
* Thi» institution was widely known as the "CloTer Street
nwillliaij." under the care of Mrs. Brewster, the author of
Bio**'* Ancient History.
&John I.n«k owned 1.S00 acre* at the head of Irondequoit
Bay. Among the other early settlers were Joel Scudder, Chaun-
tir-t birth was that of a child of Joseph Wood, in 1709. The first
death occurred in the family of Joseph Morgan. James Chap-
man k.pt the first store, in 1807; and Joseph Cary built the
first mill.
1 2 M. E.. 2 Bap., and Presh.
• Named from (ien. Clarkson, an extensive landholder,
who ga^e 100 acres to the town.
MONROE COUNTY.
i09
dulations in the s. It is drained to the n. e. by the head branches of Salmon and Little Salmon
Creeks. The soil is a sandy loam, mixed with clay. Clarkson, (p. v.,) in the B. part, contains
2 churches, a brewery, and 325 inhabitants. It is the residence of Ex-Liout. Gov. Henry R. Sel-
den. Salt was manufactured to a limited extent by the early settlers. East Clarkson, (p. v.,)
in the s. e. corner, contains a church and 20 houses; West Clarkson, in the w. part, 30
houses. The first settlement commenced in L809, byJamea Sayres, Moody Truman, and Elijah
Blodgett1. There are 3 churches in town; 2 M. E. and Cong.
GATES2— was formed March 30, 1802, as "Northampton." Its name was changed June 10,
1812. Parma and Riga were taken off in 1808, and Greece in 1822. It is near the geographical
center of the co. Its surface is undulating, with a gentle inclination toward the n. Genesee
River forms a small portion of the e. boundary on the s. e. corner. It is drained by small streams.
The soil is a fine quality of calcareous loam, intermixed with clay. The people are largely engaged
in raising vegetables for the Rochester market. Gates (p. o.) is 1 mi. N. of Gates Center. Gates
Center and "West Gates are hamlets; and Cold water is a station upon the Buffalo
Branch of the N. Y. C. R. R. The first settlement was made in 1809, by Isaac Dean, from Vt.3
The census reports 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Presb.
GREECE— was formed from Gates, March 22, 1822. It lies near the center, on the n. border
of the co. Genesee River and Lake Ontario form its e. and n. boundaries. Its surface is rolling,
with a general inclination toward the lake. It is drained by several streams that flow into the
small bays that indent the lake shore. These bays, six in number, beginning at the w., are
respectively Braddocks Bay and Cranberry, Long, Buck, Round, and Little Ponds. The shifting
gaud bars at their mouths destroy their commercial utility. The soil is a clay loam, with large
tracts of drift sand along the lake shore. Charlotte,4 (p. v.,) in the N. E. corner, near the mouth
of Genesee River, is a U. S. port of entry in the Genesee District, and the lake port for Rochester,
7 mi. above. It contains 2 churches, a lighthouse, 3 shipyards, a steam sawmill, 2 grain elevators,
planing mill, and lumber yard. Pop. 400. Six schooners are owned in the place ; and the lake
steamers touch here daily during navigation. West Greece, (p. v.,) on the line of Parma,
contains 2 churches and 30 houses ; IVorth Greece (p. v.) a church and 20 houses ; South
Greece, (p. v.,) in the s. w. corner, 25 houses; and Greece (p. v.) a church and 20 houses,
Hanfords Landing", (p. v.,) in the s. e. corner, at the head of navigation on Genesee River
from the lake, contains 20 houses. Greece Center and Reads Corners are hamlets.
The first settlement was made at the mouth of the Genesee, in 1792,5 by Wm. Hencher and family.
The census reports 7 churches in town.6
HENRIETTA7- was formed from Pittsford, March 27, 1818. It is an interior town, lying
s. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling, Genesee River forming its w. boundary. The
streams are small, and usually dry in summer. The soil is a fertile, argillaceous loam. East
Henrietta, (Henrietta p. o.,) e. of the center, contains 2 churches, the Monroe Academy, and
181 inhabitants. "West Henrietta, (p. v.,) s. w. of the center, contains a church, a steam mill,
furnace, extensive carriage shops, and 40 houses. The first settlement was commenced by Jesse
Pangburn, in 1806.8 The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1811.9
1 The first settlement was made at Clarkson ; and among the
early settlers at that point were David Forsyth and Dea. Joel
Palmer, from Conn. Eldridge, John, and Isaac F'arwell came
in 1810, and located w. of Clarkson Village. Dr. Abiel Bald-
win, from Saratoga, came in 1811. The first male child born
was a son of Mrs. Clarkson; the first female birth was that
of Betsey Palmer, in 1812. Charlotte Cummings taught the
first school, in 1812. Henry McCall kept the first storo, about
1810.
2 Named in honor of Gen. Horatio Gates.
8 Among the early settlers who arrived in 1809 were John
Sickles and Augustus B. Shaw. In 1817, Ezra Mason,
Hartford, and Richard, Paul, Philip. Lisle, and Lowell Thomas,
located in town. William Williams came in 1819. The first child
born was a daughter of Ezra Mason, in 1S18. Ira West kept
the first store, and Isaac Dean built the first mill.
* In June, 1813, the British fleet, under Sir James Yeo,
landed at Charlotte and seized a quantity of provisions and
whiskey. In Sept. of the same year the fleet again mado its
appearance at the mouth of the Genesee, and commenced a
heavy fire upon the place ; but the American fleet made its
appearance, relieved the place, and the British escaped with
considerable difficulty. In May, 1814, the British came once
more, and, under cover of a flag of truce, a demand was made
to deliver up the public stores at Rochester. The few militia-
men who were present passed into and out of the woods in
sight of the British, giving the appearance of a great number;
and the enemy, suspecting an ambuscade, retired, after having
furiously bombarded the woods for an hour.
6 Among the other early settlers were John Love, in 1793, at
the mouth of the river ; Zadoc Granger and Gideon King, at the
Lower Genesee Falls, now Hanfords Landing, in 1796 ; and, in
the winter of 1796 and '97, Eli Granger, Thomas King, Simon
King, Elijah Kent, Frederic Bushnell, and Samuel Latta located
in town. Eli Granger and Abner Migells built a schooner at
Hanfords (then Kings) Landing, in 1799. This was the first
merchant vessel built by Americans on Lake Ontario. The first
marriage was that of Thomas Lee and a daughter of Mm.
Hencher. Frederic Hanford kept the first store, in 1S10; and
Nathaniel Jones built the first sawmill.
0 2 M. E., Presb.. Bap., Cong., Union, and R. C.
7 Named from Henrietta Laura, Countess of Bath, daughter
of Sir Win. Pulteney.
8 Maj. Isaac Scott received for military services 900 acres in
the s. w. part of the town, and attempted a settlement in 1790,
but abandoned it in 1792. In 1806, Charles Rice, Wm. Thomp.
son, Thomas Sparks. Moses Goodall, Geo. Dickinson, Selah Reed,
and Gideon Griswold settled in the W. part. In 1S07, Ira Hatch,
Jonathan Russell, Benjamin Hale, and the Baldwin family
settled on what was called the Wadsworth Road. In 1809, the
Spring family settled near the center. Sarah Leggett taught
the first school, in 1809 ; James Smith kept the first store ; and
Jonathan Smith built the first sawmill.
9 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 M. E., 2 Bap., and Cong.
400 MONROE COUNTY.
IROXDEQUOIT1— was formed from Brighton, March 27, 1839. It lies on the n. border
of the co., e. of the center. Lake Ontario forms the s., Irondequoit Bay the e., and Genesee River
the w. boundary. Its surface is rolling, -with an inclination in the n. part toward the lake and the
deep valley of Irondequoit Bay on the e. The streams are small and flow n. and e. into the lake
and bay. The soil in the n. part is sandy, and in the s. clay loam. Irondequoit, (p. v.,) near
the center, contains 15 houses. A suburb of Rochester, in the s. w. corner, contains 50 houses.
The first settlement was made by Win. Walker, in 1791. 2 There is no church in town.
MEXDOX- was formed from Bloomfield, (Ontario co.,) May 26, 1812. It lies on the s. border
of the co., e. of the center. Its surface in the n. and e. is rolling, and in the s. w. moderately hilly.
Honeoye Creek flows through the s. w. corner, and the headwaters of Irondequoit Creek through
near the center. There are three small ponds in the n. w. part. The soil is a clayey, calcareous
loam. Honeoye Falls,3 (p. v.,) near the s. w. corner, incorp. April 12, 1833, contains 4
churches, 3 flouring mills, 1 gristmill, a sawmill, 2 woolen factories, a plaster mill, a manufactory
of agricultural implements, and a stone quarry. It is a station on the Canandaigua & Niagara
Falls Branch of tho N. Y. C. R. R. Pop. about 1,100. Meudon, (p. v.,) in the e. part, contains
2 churches, a steam flouring mill, a steam sawmill, a fouudery, and 20 houses ; and Mention
Center (p. v.) a grist and sawmill and 15 houses. Sibleyville, in the s. w., is a hamlet.
The first settlement was made at Honeoye Falls, by Zebulon Norton, from Vt., in 1790. i The first
church (Bap.) was organized in 1809 ;5 Rev. Jesse Brayman was the first settled minister.
OCJDEV — was formed from Parma, Jan. 27, 1817. It is an interior town, lying w. of the
center of the co. The surface is level or gently undulating, with a slight inclination toward the
K. The streams are small brooks forming head branches of Sandy, Salmon, and Little Black
Creeks. The soil is a fine quality of calcareous and clayey loam. It is one of the best wheat
growing towns in the co. Spencerport,7 (p. v.,) a canal village and r. r. station, in the n. e.
part of the town, contains 4 churches, a furnace, tannery, gristmill, and sawmill. Pop. 578.
Adams Basin, (p. v.,) is a canal village and r. r. station of 30 houses, in the n. w. part of the
town. Ogden Center contains a church and 35 houses. Ogden is a p. o. Settlement was
commenced in 1802, by George "W. "Willey, from East Haddam, Conn.8 The first preacher was
Rev. Daniel Brown, in 1807 ; and the first church (Presb.) was formed in 1811.9
PAR3IA10 — was formed from "Northampton," now Gates, April 8, 1808. Ogden was taken off
in 1817. It lies upon Lake Ontario, w. of the center of the co. The surface is level in the n., and
gently rolling in the s., with a slight inclination toward the n. Its streams are Salmon, Little
Salmon, Buttonwood, and Long Pond Creeks. The soil is principally a gravelly loam, intermixed
in places with sand and clay. Weak brine springs are found s. of Unionville. Parma Cor-
ners, (Parma p. o.,) upon the ridge, in the s. part, contains a church, the Parma Institute, a
pump factory, and 116 inhabitants. Parma Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a machine
shop, and 109 inhabitants. Unionville, N. of the center, contains 2 churches, a furnace, ma-
chine Bhop, and 145 inhabitants. IVortll Parma is a p. o. The first settlement was made in
the n. e. part, in 179 1, by Rozalect Atchinson and his sons Stephen and John, from Tolland, Conn.11
The first .'hurch (Bap.) was formed May 27, 1809. »
1 Named from the bay. Called by the Indians Nco-da-on-
da-iust. signifying a hay.
' waiter ni 1 ruar. Tic settled at the memtti of 6< oesee
River, but shortly after ramored to 1 1 1 «» w. sido of tin' rirer,
Int" • ,t iwn '■( Greece. Anions tho other early
8 Among tho other curly settlers were Ephrnlm, Abraham,
Timothy, and Isaac Colby, and Wm. li. Spencer, in 1803; Jo-
riah Mather, Jonathan Brown, Henry Hahn, Daniel Wandle,
Benajah Willey, John Webster, BenJ. Freeman, and Daniel
Bpencer, in 1804; Judge William B. Brown and Daniel
settlers were Park, Dnnbar, Kllsha Bcndder, Dr. Arnold, in 1806; and Austin Sponcer, in 1808. These early
li . i r \*. ,ii<«.. Case, and Adonljab Green,
from Vt. The first death wai thai of Kujah Brown, in 1 •
I Una known a* "JVortnu MUU," from the lir^t mill-. ■ rccted
by SSeboJon Norton.
'* Capt. It ill and IVfer Btnoa, from Conn, Oamfl In with Mr.
Norton. \mr og the other early settlers wt rs Danli 1 William*,
trk«, Ebeo un, Bent. Parks, Wm.
Hickox, I. "rin wBit, and Reaben Mill, fr-m hW, in 1708,
! nil -.-ttl'-l in tb" r. part of tile town. Sterling,
Jason Cross, Hoofs, and Oalrin Perrine settled at Bone-
Falls, in 1794; John Pork«, Jonas Allen, and Joseph
•i. in 1795; Charles Pool and Bamnel Lane, In 1797. The
fir-t birth was that of Wm. K. Sterling, in 1796; th" first mnr-
riage, that of Jason Crews nnd Mary Moon, in 1796; and the
fir-t death, tint ..f John Moon, in 1801, Welcome Garfield
tanght tli" first school; Abrnm Parrish k'pt the first Inn;
and James Dickinson the 0
6 The census reports 9 church- « in town ; 2 Presb., 2 Union,
.i-ttb'rs wito all from Conn. The first child born was John
i Iby, in 1806; and the first death was that of Mrs. 6. W.
Willey. in 1 Mi.'!. Mi-s Willey taught tho first school, in
1807. George Hnntley kept the first inn; Charles Church tho
first store; and Wm. II. Spencer built the first sawmill.
'The, census reports 7 churches in town; Bap., Cong., M. E.,
Meth, Proi, Presb., It. C, and Union.
10 This town embraces tho n. w. portion of tho Mill Yard
Tract.
11 Among the other early settlers wero Michael Beach, Silas
Leonard, Geo. Goodhue, and Timothy Madden, in 1802; Jona-
than Underwood, Gibbon Jewell, Geo. Huntley, Abner Brock-
way, jr.. .Tils. Kghert, and Jonathan Ogden, in 1805; IIopo and
EUsha Downs. In 1S09; Augustus Mather, Lendell Curtiss. Sam'l
Ca-tle, and Kinnicone Roberts, in 1810; and Joshua Whitney,
in 1811. The first marriage was thatof Capt. Jonathan Leonard
and a daughter of Win. Ilincher. Alpheus Madden taught tho
first school, in 1804; J.Thompson kept the first store: IIopo and
Prot. F... M. K.. It.ij... Cong., and Christian. ' BUsha Downs the first inn; and Jonathan Whitney built the
9 Named from Wm. Ogden, s-nlndawof John Mnrray. original fir«t «aw and grist mill,
propri- t-.r. Th- t iwn • m braces a portion of "Mill Vard Tract." I 13 The census reports 9 churches in town; 2 Bap., 2 M. E., 2
: N imcd from Wm. II. r settler. | Presb., P. W. Bap., Christian, and Cong.
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MONROE COUNTY.
401
FENFIEL.D1— was formed from "Bo;/!,;" March :;il, 1810. Webster was taken off in 1840
It lies on the E. border of the 00., n. of the center. Its surface is rolling, and in the W. it is much
broken. Irondequoit Bay enters the N. w. corner. Irondequoit Creek flows through the s. w.
corner and forms a part of the w. boundary. It falls about 'JO ft. in the village of Pcnfield. The
other streams are small brooks. The soil is drift sand over argillaceous loam. Pcnfield, (p. v.,)
in the s. w. part, on Irondequoit Creek, contains .; churches, 2 gristmills, 2 sawmills, a woolen
factory, a founders, and a manufactory of agricultural implements. Pup. 500. Eovetts Cor-
ners (East Pcnfield p. o.) contains 20 houses; Fenlield Center contains 15 houses. The
first permanent settlement was made by Lebbeus Iloss and Calvin Clark, in 1801.2 There are 4
churches in town.3
PERISTON4— was formed from "Boyle," May 2G, 1812. It is the s. town on the e. line of the
co. Its surface is uneven, a ridge from the s. e. terminating near the center. Turk Hill, in the s.
part, is the highest point in the co. The town is drained by the headwaters of Irondequoit Creek and
its branches. The soil is a sandy loam. Fairpoi't, (p. v.,) n. w. of the center, a canal and r. r.
station, contains 5 churches, 3 flouring mills, 2 sawmills, a plaster mill, 2 planing mills, a sale-
ratus factory, machine shops, and carriage shops. Pop. 685. Hlisllliclls Basin, (p. v.,) in
the w. part, on the canal, contains a church and 252 inhabitants; and Egypt, (p. v.,) s. e. of the
center, a church and 30 houses. Fllllams Basin is a hamlet, on the canal. The first settle-
ment commenced in 1700, but was mostly abandoned soon after. Glover Perrin was the first per-
manent settler, in 1793.5 Rev. Crane preached the first sermon. There are 8 churches in
town.6
PFTTSEORD— was formed from " Smallwood," March 25, 1814. Henrietta was taken off in
1818. It is an interior town, lying e. of the center of the co. Its surface is undulating, with a
gentle inclination toward the n. Irondequoit Creek flows through the n. e. part, and Allyns Creek
through the w. part. The soil is sandy in the n., and clayey and gravelly in thes. Pittsford,
(p. v.,) near the center, a canal and r. r. station, was incorp. April 7, 1827. It contains 4 churches,
a union school, and a flouring mill. Pop. 702. Carters ville, in the e. part, on the canal,
contains a distillery and 12 houses. The first settlement was commenced in 1789, by Israel and
Simon Stone.7 The first church (Cong.) was organized in 1809.8
RIGA — was formed from "Northampton," now Gates, April 8, 1808. Chili was taken off in
1822. It lies on the w. border of the co., near the s. w. corner. Its surface is level or gently undu-
lating. Black Creek, a dull, sluggish stream, flows e. in a tortuous course through near the center.
The soil is a clayey loam. Chnrchville,9 (p. v.,) n. w. of the center, on Black Creek, is a r. r.
station, and contains 4 churches, a saw and flouring mill, foundery, and machine shop. Pop. 450.
Riga Center, (Riga p. o.,) near the center, contains a church, the Riga Academy, and 25
houses. The first settlement was commenced in 1805, under the auspices of James Wadsworth.10
The first church (Cong.) was formed in the fall of 1800 ;u Rev. Allen Hollister was the first pastor.
1 Named from Daniel Pcnfield, an extensive landholder during
the early settlement.
* Asa Carpenter had previously settled, but did not remain.
Gen. Jonathan Fassett, of Vt., Caleb Hopkins, Maybee, and
four others, made a settlement, but soon after abandoned it on
account of sickness. Hopkins and Maybee remained. As early
as 1804. Josiah J. Kellogg, Dan'l Stilwell, Benj. Minor, Jonathan
and David Baker, Isaac Beatty, and Henry Paddock, moved in.
Daniel Pcnfield came in 1810. The first birth was thatof a child
of Mrs. Fiske; and the first death was that of Benj. Stilwell, in
1804. Jos. Hatch taught the first school; Daniel Stilwell kept
the first inn, in 1806; and Wm. McKinster the first store. Tho
first mills were built by Daniel Penfield.
3 Bap.. F. W. Bap., M. E., and Presb.
* Named from Glover Perrin. the first permanent settler.
6 Among the early settlers were Jesse Perrin, in 1794, Aimer
Wright, in 1795, Caleb Walker, in 1799, and Asa and Edward
Perrin, Levi Treadwell, Maj. Norton, John Scott, John Peters,
and Gideon P.amsdell, soon after. The first birth was that of
Asa Wright, in 1797. Glover Perrin kept the first inn ; Gregory k
Dean the first store; and Richard Lincoln built the first grist-
mill.
« 2 Wes. Meth., M. E., Cong., Bap., F. W. Bap., Univ., and Union.
' Silas Nye, JoBeph Farr, Alex. Dunn, and David Davis, from
Washington co., settled near the center about the same time;
Thos. Clelland, Ezra Patterson, and Josiah Girninson soon after.
In 1790 and '91, the Stone family, of 7 persons, Caleb Hopkins,
Win. Acker, Israel Canfield, and Benj. Miller, came in. The
first marriage was that of N. Armstrong and Miss E. Cole. The
first school was taught in 1794. John Mann built the first mill,
in 1805, on Irondequoit Creek, in the E. part of the town.
8 There are 4 churches in town ; Presb., Prot. E., M. E., and
Bap.
» Named from Samuel Church, the pioneer settler at the vil-
lage in 1808.
1° The first settlers wero mostly from Mass. Elihu Church
settled near the center, in March, 1806. Soon after, Samuel
Shepard settled in the s. w. part ; Henry Brewster. Sam'l Bald-
win, William Parker, Ezekiel Barnes, Nehemiah Frost, Samuel
Church, Jas. Knowles, Thos. Bingham, Jos. Tucker, Enos Morse,
and Geo. Richmond, in 1807; and Jos. Emerson and Eber and
Chester Orcutt. in 1808. The first birth was that of a daughter
of Sam'l Church; the first male child born was Hiram Shepard,
in 1806; the first death was that of Richard Church, in 1S07.
Jos. Thompson kept the first inn ; Thompson & Tuttle the first
store, in 180S. Samuel Church built the first sawmill, in 1S08,
and the first gristmill, in 1811, both at Churchville.
11 The census reports 6 churches in town ; 2 Cong., M. E., Presb,
Bap., and Univ.
26
402
MONROE COUXTY.
ROCHESTER1— was taken from Brighton and Gates, and
ineorp. as a village, by the name of " Fochesterville," March 21,
1817. Its name was changed April 12, 1822, and it was en-
larged and incorporated as a city April 28, 1834.2 It is located
n. of the center of the co., upon Genesee River, 7 mi. from its
mouth : and it contains an area of about 8 sq. mi. The surface
is level or gently undulating. The N. T. C. R. R. track is 280
ft. above Lake Ontario ; and Mt. Hope Ridge, the highest point
upon the s. border, is 160 ft. higher. The city has a solid founda-
tion of Niagara limestone, cropping out along the course of the
river, but in other parts of the city usually covered with drift
deposits. The Genesee flows n., dividing the city into two nearly
equal parts. Its course through the city is mostly a succession of rapids and falls, affording an ex-
tensive and valuable water-power, which is fully improved for manufacturing purposes.3
The city is quite regularly laid out, most of the streets crossing each other at right angles. The
cT. and s. streets are parallel to the river, and upon the principal e. and w. streets bridges are
built across the river.4 The streets are usually well paved and bordered by commodious side-
walks. The city is divided into 12 wards.
The immense water-power furnished by Genesee River gives to the city great advantages for
manufacturing.5 Mills were erected at an early period ; and gradually other machinery was added,
until the present great amount and variety have been attained. The staple manufacture of the city
is flour. There are now in operation 24 mills and an aggregate of 125 runs of stone. The mills
have a capacity for grinding 800,000 bbls. of flour per annum ; and the aggregate capital invested
is *7<J0,000. Since the failure of the wheat crop in "Western New York, a considerable portion
of the water-power has been directed to other manufacturing purposes.6
The culture of fruit and ornamental trees has for many years formed an important business
of the city; and now the nurseries are among the most extensive in the country.7
The commerce of the city is large, though of much less importance than the manufactures. It
1 Named from Col. Nath'l Rochester, one of the original pro-
prietor-.
2 At the first village meeting, held May 13. 1823, under charter.
Francis Brown was elected President, and Wm. Cobb. Everard
Peck, Dan. Mack, and Jehiel Barnard, Trustees. The Tillage
corporation embraced 750 acres. The first city officers — elected in
June, l^'-'A — were Jonathan Child, Mayor; Louis Brooks. Thos.
Kemp-hall. Elijah F. Smith, Fred'k F. Backus, and A.W. Ripley.
Aldermen ; John C. Nash, Cleric; and E. F. Marshall. Treasurer.
' The whole fell of Genesee River within the co. is 2S0 ft., of
which 265 are below the 8. line of the city. The falls evidently
all one* formed a single cascade; but the different degrees of
usee of the several rocks over which the river flows have
eau«ed an unequal retrograde movement of the falls, until they
med their present position. The surface sbaks have
worn away gradually to a uniform -1 \- . ,,\,t which the water
flows in a series of rapids. At the Dpper Falls the stream falls
a di-tnn<-<- of 96 feet On r ' iirulnr edge of the Niagara
limestone underlaid by s>. ■. the Upper Kill- the river
Ij mi., through a d- p ravine bounded by marly perpen-
dinf the Middle FaDa, where it has ■ descent of 25 ft.
nndrea rods be] -.v. ■ - 34 ft- over a ledge of He-
dina ■ 1 of Lake Ontario. Several sulphur
I - 1.. low tb- Middle 1
* 'i y 4 bride rely nt Buffalo,
i -•- i ■ O nri ana An Irew St.
Bridge! an of iron, and r 1 1 ■ - ■• The first bridge
was built > ■ t Buffalo 8L Bridge, In 1810-
12, under asp nl art. The cost — (12 I by tax, In
ooa. XbaOoart St. Bridge was fit«t built
In lw.
ton in 1868. at lbs dtj ial It. K. Bridge
i (he r i\ ■ r a ;• «■ rods »i-.%.- 1 1 : ■ ■ f| pet Palls. Tie- can il is
5 substantial iron bridges, built by the State. Other
brid. in I the virion* mill-
races extending through Ihs niv.
5 The situation uf this water-power U very favorable for Qu
•!i of mannfarti; larii I income
up th.- rivet to tb' ll«. 2 mi. below the
• - of dip city; and aMve tlv rapid" the river h navigable to
Mount Morris f 63 mi. The fr-t mill was built
by Kbeneser Allen, iii 1788-8B. Be -
Fish Gonad ThU mill and one otheT were
uly ones at this place until 1M4. wli'-n KUsha and Henry
•id Josiah Bissell built another at -' Dp] r Valla, Muring |
this year a few hundred bbls. Of flour were ssol to the Niagara
frrmtirr. thti first Boat eve* exported ft m Bochsster. The
I'll i nix Mills were built in lM^: since that ttms the number has
largely inTeased. until now Rochester is 00* of the largest flour
manufacturing places in tbe country. It is called the "Flour1
6 Flour Barrels form an important item in the manufacturing
interests of the city. There are now engaged in this business
41 firms, producing in the aggregate 250,000 bbls. annually, and
giving employment to 400 men.
Axes and Edge Tools are manufactured by 3 firms, with an
aggregate capital of $180,000, and employing to 200 men.
Machine Shops, 9 in number, have an aggregate capital of
$300,000, turn out goods to the amount of $000,000 per annum,
and employ 750 men.
Furnaces, 8 in number, employ 150 men, and have a capital
of $320,000.
The Duryee and Forsyth Safe and Scale Manufacturing Co.
was ineorp. in Dec. 1S54, with a capital of $100,000. It gives
employment to 250 men, and produces goods to the amount of
$250,000 per annum.
Oottrm Factories. 1 in Dumber, give employment to 26 men,
and produce $230,000 worth of goods annually.
Brew ties, 17 in number, have an aggregate capital of $130,000,
and pr In ?2 « ■< m"i worth of ale and lager beer annually.
Boat Pan) . 16 In number, have a capital of $70,000, and
manufacture (376,000 worth of boats annually.
' 'i urn! Carriagt factories, 8 in number, turn out $150,000
worth of carriages annually.
Bunt and Shot la lories, 6 in number, give employment to 900
hands, and turn annually to the amount of $500,000.
. s n, number, employ 025 men, and turn out
w,,rk to the amount of (600,000 annually.
fir Vattoritt, 2 In number, employ 300 men, and turn out
chair- to the amount .,f (200,000 I" r annum.
Among the i, tb.-r articles annually manufactured are woolen
I • the amount Of (60,000, soap and candles to the amount
000, carpets, paper, linseed oil. alcohol, paint, fire engines,
rifles, Ac A carpet manufactory was started in 1S32: and in
• "re were 2 in successful operation, — one at the bower and
one nt the Middle Vails. The first paper mill was built at the
Dpper Falls) In 1810. A large paper mill below the Lower Falls
nowpro.in.e- paper to the amount of (160,000 annually. It is
chiefly engaged in the manufacture of printing paper. There
rem] sawmills, planing mills, and tanneries in the city.
1!. -1,1, s then, there are many minor manufactories, in the aggro-
gate pivin»." ■ in] |o\nent to a large number of nun and making
a great amount of capital. The city ranks among the
fir-I manufacturing towns in the State.
f Ellw.ingcr & Barry's Mount Hope Nursery, occupying 500
acres, is probably the most extensive nursery in the world.
Samuel Moulson's Old Rochester Nursery occupies 350 acres ;
Alonzo Frost & Co's. Genesee Valley Nursery, about 250; and
Hooker A Bissell's F^ast Avenue Nursery, about 200. J. 0. Bloss
A Co., Chas. Moulson. Burtis, Mattison & Co., Wm. King,
and Wm. Bryan A Co.'s nurseries occupy 60 to 100 acres each.
MONROE COUNTY.
403
is carried on by moans of the canals, railroads, and Lake Ontario.1 The exports consist of the
products of the Gonesco Valley and of the manufactured goods of the city. Pop. 43,877.
Besides the co. buildings, the city contains several fine public edifices.
The City Hull, combined with the co. courthouse, lias already been described.
Corinthian J Fall contains the reading room and library of the Athcneum and Mechanics' A
elation, and is one of the finest public halls in the country.
The Arcade, fronting Buffalo St., is a commodious building, containing the p. o., telegraph
offices, and a variety of other offices, stores, &c. It has a broad promenade extending through the
center, from which the various rooms open on either side. The roof is built mostly of glass, and
the public walk is open to the roof. The rooms of the upper stories open upon galleries, which
extend the entire length of the building on either side above the main walk or promenade.
The Central Fl. R. Depot is one of the finest buildings of the kind in the State. It contains
ample accommodations for the various R. R. offices, passenger rooms, and for the cars which arrive
on the various roads that center there. Its roof is supported by iron*; and the whole structure
presents a fine and imposing appearance. Several of the mercantile blocks, the banks, and private
residences, are beautiful structures and worthy of becoming architectural models.
The Public Schools of the city are under the control of a Board of Education, consisting of 2
members from each ward and a Superintendent. The schools are graded, and the course of in-
struction embraces all studies, from the primary through the higher branches taught in academies.
The school buildings are 16 in number. The number of teachers employed is 104 : 13 are males
and 91 females. The number of children between the ages of 4 and 21 is 10,108, of whom 6,320,
or 38 per cent., attend school during some portion of the year. The total expenses for 1857 were
$58,945.55. Number of volumes in school libraries, 7000.
The University of the City of Rochester was incorp. in Jan. 1850, and is under the patronage of
the Baptist denomination. This school has an optional classical and scientific course. The present
number of pupils is 140. 2
The Baptist Theological Seminary,3 connected with the University, was established Nov. 4, 1850.
Its present number of students is 31.
The Rochester Collegiate Institute, corner of Atwater and Oregon Sts., was established in 1854,
and is at present a flourishing institution.
The Rochester Female Academy, on Fitzhugh St., was incorp. in 1837.
The Allen Female Seminary and The Tracy Female Institute are flourishing private seminaries.
There are 8 parish schools connected with the R. C. churches of the city.
The Rochester Atheneum and Mechanics' Association was founded in 1849. It has an extensive
reading room and a library of 8,000 volumes. It sustains an annual course of lectures.
The Female Charitable Society was organized in 1826, to furnish clothing and other articles of
necessity to the destitute.
The Home for the Friendless was organized April 11, 1849, to provide work for the needy who
cannot obtain employment.
The House for Idle and Vagrant Children was opened June 2, 1854. It is connected with the school
department of the city ; and to it are sent all vagrant children that are wandering about the streets.
The Rochester Orphan Asylum was established in 1836 and incorp. in 1838. It is a fine brick edi-
fice, situated in the s. w. part of the city, upon a lot donated by the Hon. John Greig. Its average
number of inmates is 84, supported by State and county appropriations and private subscription.
The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum was opened in July, 1842. It is under the charge of the
Sisters of Charity. It is situated in the rear of St. Patrick's Church.
The Cartmen's Mutual Benevolent Society was incorp. in July, 1849.
The St. Andrew's Benevolent Society for extending aid to indigent Scotchmen was formed in 1850.
The St. George's Society was formed in March, 1849, by the English residents of the city.
■ The other societies in the city are the Monroe Co. Bible Society, organized in 1821 ; The Rochester
1 The principal landing for the port of Rochester is at Char-
lotte, at the mouth of Genesee River, 7 mi. below the city. The
amount of imports at this port for the year 1S58 was $338,252;
exports, $126,197. The principal imports are wheat, flour, fish,
lumber, horses, hides and skins, peas, and wool ; and exports, cast-
ings, fruit, fruit-trees, furniture, cheese, potatoes, and machinery.
The lighthouse is 57 ft. high, surmounted by a lantern 11 ft.
diameter and 8 ft. high, with a 4th order of lens. It was erected
in 1822, at a cost of $5,000. The pier is S of a mi. in length, built
of wood and stone; and on the end is a beacon lighthouse.
2 This institution at present occupies temporary buildings
upon Buffalo St., in the midst of the city. It owns a site of 12
acres just e. of the city limits, upon which suitable buildings
are in process of erection. Connected with the institution is a
valuable library and a fine mineralogical cabinet.
8 This institution has an endowment of S75,000. It has a
German Theological Department. Its library contains 5,500
vols., 4,600 of which belonged to Dr. Augustus Neander. tho
German ecclesiastical historian.
404
MONROE COUNTY.
City Tract Society ; the Industrial School Association; the Christian Doctrine Society; Society of
St. Alphonsus, (German:) St. Joseph's Convent of Redemption ; the Academies of St. Patrick, The
Sacred Heart, and Our Lady of Mercy. The St. Mary's Hospita I has an average of about 70 patients.
The Western House of Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents, a State institution, established in 1844.
is located upon a farm of 42 acres 1 J mi. n\ of the courthouse. The buildings consist of a laige and
imposing main edifice, with -wings containing offices, cells, a chapel, &c. and a variety of work-
shops. They occupy a site of 4h acres, surrounded by a high wall. The average number of in-
mates is nearly 400. l
The first religious services held in the co. were connected with the French missions in the 17th
century. The first church at Rochester (Presb.) was formed in 1815, and the church edifice was
erected in 1817 ; Rev. Comfort Williams was the first settled minister, in 1816. Several of the city
churches arc among the finest church edifices in the State. There are now 46 churches in the city.2
Mount Hope Cemetery is located in Brighton, near the s. line of the city. It embraces a lot of 70
acres located upon Mount Hope, the highest point of land in the vicinity, and one completely over-
looking the city. It is laid out in excellent taste, and is one of the finest rural cemeteries in the country.
St. Patricks Cemetery contains 15 acres, and St. Joseph's Cemetery (German) 9 acres.
The territory ahout the mouth of the Genesee first became known to the whites in the early ex-
ploring expeditions of the French. A map of the region, prepared by Baron La Hontan, was
published at London in 1703. Views of the Upper and Lower Genesee Fall* had been published
as early as 1768.3 Many other adventurers visited the place and gave descriptions of it long previous
to the Revolution. The country remained in the peaceable possession of the Indians until after the
war, when immigration began to set in toward Western N. Y. The first settler who located at the
falls was Ebenezer Allen, the notorious tory.4 He built a mill in 1788 or '90, but soon after sold
out his improvements to the Pulteney Estate. The mill went to decay ; and there were no other
white settlers for several years.5 Among the earliest settlers were Jeremiah Olmstead, who located
a short distance s. of the present site of the House of Refuge, in 1798-99 ; "Wm. Cole, who estab-
lished a ferry, in 1805; and Enos Stone, who built a mill, in 1808. In 1802, Nath'l Rochester,
Wm. Fitzhugh, and Charles H. Carroll, from Md., purchased a tract of 300 acres at the Upper
Falls : and in 1812 they caused their land to be laid out for settlement. In the same year
Francis and Matthew Brown, from Mass., and Thomas Mumford, laid out a tract of 200 acres
adjoining the former, and commenced the erection of mills, &c.6
The war with Great Britain broke out at the time when the first efforts were made to build up
Rochester, and seriously retarded the progress of settlement. The fear of Indian hostilities and
of hostile invasion from Canada caused many of the pioneer settlers to abandon their new homes
and emigrate to the more populous sections of the country. At the close of the war, settlements
commenced throughout Western N. Y. with increased rapidity ; and Rochester immediately felt
the new impulse. A large number of settlers came in, mills were built, and the place immediately
me the commercial and manufacturing center of the fertile Genesee country. The finishing
of the Erie Canal gave a new impetus to the business of the place and served to greatly extend
inufocturing interests. Since that time the city has steadily and rapidly increased both in
population1 and business, until it has arrived at a front rank among the inland cities of the State.
RUSH— was formed from Avon, (Livingston co..) March 13, 1818. It lies near the center of
the -• border of the CO. Eta surface is rolling, with a w. inclination. Genesee River forms its w.
boundary; and Honeoye Creek Bows ». through the town mid enters the river near the center of
the w. border. In the w. part, along the river, arc extensive Bats. The soil is a sandy, calcareous
I The centrt] bud Ui high. The
wiiiL- It^—msJitag the entire length of the
bnttaing 382 foel ■'■■ alio dclinqn ntencod to this
institution from tl nl J, n rtbern, and western parts of the
illar in-!!-
n on Wards [aland, New ^ The Inmate* spend a
■■I study nn I i portl n .'i
'i - • ful employment. Th- nrli irrlcd on in the
nfacture of Inmca
onected with th" InstitntJ n. la ob ml
■ I. .'ni.l tl srnings of the inn - | 12.
1 10 Presb., 8 V r . : i: < ;i, • i I Bap., 2 Friends, and
iniv.. l'nit ,1 m. Bran., Germ. Bet,
•i I Advent, Society of ( less fn Christ, Kvang.
\ ■ • .• ■ n. and .'■■» i-'h
■ i -arly map* the Genesee wa« <--»n . <\ "Casconchla-
oc Little Beaecai River. The wm i i irer was not im-
itely impr 'V'.l, because ■ raryflreefc In the vietntt) afforded
sufficient power for th" want* of th" people.
* Aaron Burr visited the pis ami mad" a minute
ind critical survey of the Falls. In 17°7 Louis Philippe and his
two brothers, then in exile, accompanied by llohcrt Morris,
visited lli" place.
6 Sec p. 398.
'Charles Eforford built a small mill in 1S07, — the first one after
that "I Ebene&er Allen. The Browns built a race in 1812, and
Started a atore. The same year Samuel .1. Andrews and Moses
Atw.it'-r laid out a tract of land for settlement. Among the
settlers who came In abont this time were Bar. Ahelord Rey-
nolds, Dr. .!"p:ih Brown, (the first physician,) Abraham StarkB,
John Bfatlick, (the Btst lawyer.) Henry Skin nor. Israel SVranton,
I.iiTuin Knapp, Ifr/ikiali NOLI". Joseph Hughes. Kbonezor
Kelly, Ira West, Elisha and Henry illy. Porter P. Peck, .losiah
BIssefA, jr.. Michael Cnlly, Harvey Montgomery, Charles D.
Karinan. and (ieo. O. Sill. The first child horn was a son of
BnoS Stone, May 4, 1S1D. Hamlet Scranton built the first framed
dwelling, in 1812, on the present site of the Eagle Tavern.
: The following table shows the progress of population since
1880:—
1880 0.207
1835 14,414
1840 20,191
1845 26,965
1850 36,403
1855 43,877
MONROE COUNTY.
loam on the uplands, and a rich alluvium on the flats. East Rush (Rush p. o.) contains a
church, a saw and grist mill, a carriage factory, and about 25<1 inhabitants; WcstRusll, (p. v.,)
in the w. part, a station on the 0. & N. F. Branch of the N. Y. C. 11. R., contains a saw and grist
mill and 30 houses; North Kusli, (p. v..) in the n. w. part, ahout 1 mi. e. of Scottsville
station, contains a church and L6 houses. C^iiosrc Valley R. R. Junction is 1 mi. w.
of West Rush. The first settlement was commenced in 1790, by Maj. Win. Markham and Ran-
som Smith, from N. II.1 The first settled minister was Elder Goff, (Bap.)2
SWEDEN— was formed from Murray, (Orleans co.,) April 2, 1813. It lies on the w. border
of the co., near the center. Its surface is level and gently rolling. A high ridge passes e. and
W. through the town, n. of the center. Salmon Creek rises in the s. w. part and flows in an E. and
N. e. course through the town. The soil is clay and clay loam. Brockport,3 (p. v.,) in the n.
part, a canal village and r. r. station, was incorp. April 2G, 1829, contains G churches, the Brock-
port Collegiate Institute,4 a bank, 2 newspaper offices, 4 founderies, a planing mill, a manufactory
of mowers and reapers, an extensive carriage manufactory, and a rotary pump manufactory. Pop.
2,143. Sweden Center, (Sweden p. o.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 20 houses ;
and West Sweden, near the s. w. corner, 2 churches and 15 houses. The first settlement was
commenced in 1807,5 by Nathaniel Poole and Walter Palmer. There are 10 churches in town.6
UNION— was formed from Clarkson, Oct. 11, 1852. It is the n. w. corner town of the co.
Lake Ontario forms its n. boundary. Its surface is slightly rolling and inclines toward the lake.
It is drained by a number of small streams, the principal of which is Sandy Creek. The soil is
a sandy, clayey, and gravelly loam. Salt was manufactured to a limited extent by the early
settlers. Clarkson Center, (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains 35 houses ; North Clarkson,
(p. o.,) in the e. part, 8 houses ; Kendalls Mills, near the s. w. corner, partly in Kendall,
(Orleans co.,) is a hamlet. The first settlement was commenced in 1810, by Aretus Haskell.7
There are 5 churches in town.8 A Fourierite community was organized and located at the mouth of
Sandy Creek, in 1843, under Dr. Theller, of Canadian Patriot War notoriety. The bubble soon burst.
WEBSTER— was formed from Penfield, Feb. 6, 1840. It lies on Lake Ontario, in the n. e.
corner of the co. Irondequoit Bay forms the w. boundary. Its surface from the ridge in the s.
part has a gentle inclination to the lake. The shore rises in places 50 ft., and in the w., on Iron-
dequoit Bay, 80 to 100 ft. The streams are small and flow n. into the lake. The soil is a sandy
loam n. of the ridge, and clay and clay loam in the s. Salt was manufactured to some extent by
the early settlers. Webster, (p. v.,) in the s. part, on the ridge, contains 4 churches, the Web-
ster Academy, and 310 inhabitants; "West Webster, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, contains 40
houses. The first settlement was commenced in 1805, under the agency of Caleb Lyon.9 The
first church (M. E.) was formed in 1812, by Rev. Solomon Pierce.10
WIIEATLAIVD — was formed from Caledonia, (Livingston co.,) as "Inverness," Feb. 23,
1821. Its name was changed April 3, 1821. It lies upon the s. border, in the s. w. part of the
co. Genesee River flows s. on the E. border. Its surface is rolling. Oatka (or Aliens) Creek flows
E. through near the center of the town. It is joined at Mumford by the Outlet of Caledonia Springs,
forming an excellent water-power. The soil is loam, mixed with clay in the interior, and with sand
and gravel in some localities, the whole underlaid by limestone. Gypsum is found in large quantities.
Scottsville,11 (p.v.,) in the e. part, contains 4 churches, a union school, extensive flouring mills,
1 Among the early settlers were Joseph Morgan, from the w.
side of the river, and Spraker. from the Mohawk. Philip
Brice, Chrystal Thomas, Jacob Stall, anil John Bell, came in
1801, from Md. : Joseph Sibley and Klisha Sibley, from Rensse-
laer co., in 1804; Elnathan Perry and Thomas Daily, in l^Ofi.
The first birth was that of Joseph Morgan, in 1789. The first
deaths were Mr. and Mrs. Markham, in 1791. John Webster
kept the first inn: Benj. Campbell the first store; and John
Webster built the first gristmill.
2 The census reports 5 churches in town ; 2 M. E., Evan. Luth.,
Bap., and Christian.
3 Named from Iliel Brockway, a prominent early settler in
the village.
* This institution is under the supervision of the Baptist de-
nomination, and is in a flourishing condition.
5 Samuel Bishop, Hopkins, Isaiah White, and Stephen
Johnson came in 1807 ; John Reed, Timothy Tyler, and Edward
Parks, in 1808. Reuben Moon, with his sons James, Amos, and
Isaac, settled in 1809 and '10. in the E. part. James Scott
(colored) was the first settler in the s. part, in 1809. John
Phelps, Rufus Hammond, and Knight were the original
purchasers of the site of Brockport. James Seymour, George
Allen, Thomas R. Roby, Ralph W. Goold, Luke Webster, and
Charles Richardson were early settlers. Samuel Bishop kept
the first inn. in 1S09: Charles Richardson the first store; and
Brockway & Blodgett built the first mill.
» 3 M. E, 2 Bap., F. W. Bap.. Cong., Presb., Prot. E„ and R. C.
* Josiah and Samuel Randall, from Maine, settled in 1810 ;
Stephen Baxter and John Nowlan. iu 1811; Strunk settled
at the mouth of Sandy Creek, in 1811 ; Billings and Alanson
Thomas, soon after. But few settlers came in until after 1*17.
The first death was that of Strunk, in 1812. A. D. Ray-
mond kept the first inn; Daniel Pease the first store; and Alanson
Thomas built the first mill, for Le Roy & Bavard.
8 M. E„ Meth. Prot., Bap., P. W. Bap., and Union.
9 John Shoecraft, from Ulster Co., Isaac Straight, Daniel Har-
vey, Abram Foster, Paul Hammond, William Mann. William
Harris, John Letts, Samuel Pierce, Samuel Qoodenough, and
Benjamin Burnett, mostly from N. H. and Vt., settled about 1806.
The first birth was in the family of Caleb Lyon ; and tlie first
death, that of a child of N. Caines. Wm. Harris taught the first
school, in 1810. John Letts kept the first inn: F. B. Corning
the first store, in 1S25; and Caleb Lyon built the first saw and
grist mill, in 1S06.
10 There are 4 churches in town : Bap., M. E., Presb., and Univ.
11 Named from Isaac Scott, the first settler and owner of the
present site of the village.
400
MOXEOE COUXTY.
plaster mills, a woolen factory, furnace, brewery and distillery, and a steam planing mill. Pop.
925. .Mum for <I. (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, contains 3 churches, a saw and grist mill, machine
shop, a thrashing machine manufactory, and plaster mill. Pop. 535. Garbuttsville contains
extensive quarries of plaster, flour and plaster mills, and 20 houses ; Wheatland Center,
(Wheatland p. o.,) near the center, contains 15 houses. The first settlement was made in 1789,1 by
Peter Shaeffer, from Penn. The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1811. The first pastor was
Rev. Solomon Brown. The census reports 11 churches in town.2
Awes of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Monroe County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
£
g,
4
Brighton
Chili
Clarkson
Henrietta....
Irondequoit.
Mendon
Ogden
Parma
Penfield
Perington...
Pitt-field
Kiga
Rochester....
Rush
Sweden
Union
Webster
Wheatland..
Total....
12,0791
19,855*
15.473
10,601
24J289
18,527*
9.968
18,931*
1 8.042
20.020}
17.954*
17,295
12,648
17.091*
641 J
14,837
17.602*
19.9694
15.454
15,559
316.84"*
I
as
1.672
5.1 72*
4.026
1.935
5.7704
3.991
3.083*
4.412
3.631
6.0121
4,962
5.094
2.0SO*
4,000
61*
3,556
4.145*
5,706*
4.703
3,567
$1,032,786
816.200
568,235
720,860
1,320,638
883,332
587.840
950,965
787.045
705,965
707,297
838.533
580.380
736,992
9,362.408
860,920
1,033.086
576,966
552.277
736,440
ft. ft.
$36,453
35.454
112.035
116.700
120.953
207.250
48.234
102,186
79.700
85,121
43,600
54.000
92,100
78,452
2.582.565
83,910
275.229
28,400
94.871
137,149
$1,069,239
851,654
680.270
837.560
1.441,591
1,090,582
636.074
1,053.151
866.745
791.086
750,897
892,533
672,4S0
815.444
11.944.973
944,830
1,308.315
605,366
647,148
873.589
8.182 i 24.359.165 ' 4.414,362 I 28.773,527
Population.
*
Si
e
s
9
1
C
Schools.
o;
q
fe.
S
s .
i
a
"S>
■&
►5J
Vc
It
1
1,546
499
1
532
1
9
SI
1.777
291
1,005
1.131
1.072
390
400
318
11
697
1,107
1,070
392
415
291
10
790
1.221
1,126
423
459
296
10
1,044
2.323
2,164
805
852
589
18
1.527
1,105
1,039 :
416
357
300
10
706
1.660
1,574
582
614
460
6
1,291
1,525
1,490
549
594
444
18
913
1,604
1.476
553
5S5
464
14
911
1.404
1,379
532
556
453
16
1.164
1,544
1,487
607
612
434
12
1,111
1,661
1,514
570
647
433
11
9S5
1,123
1.010
375
412
315
10
747
1.050
975
3-4
385
202
13
835
21,682
22.195
7,40S
8.557
5.584
18
15.863
889
861
301
318
215
10
646
1,982
1.9S5
712
523
523
13
1.293
1,253
1,116
442
444
323
15
896
1,228
1.160
496
518
333
11
931
1,439
1,377
47,616
480
503
2S3
10
245
967
48,708
16.916
18,283
12.551
32.916
Naxes of Towns.
Brighton
-m
Greco-
't i
■
ii
I'&rma
I
i
Rush
Sweden
1
' r
lUaod...
Live Stock.
956
824
500
1,365
B67
513
1.1.V-,
1480
1,044
1.6W
: _
1.-K.
ToUl
B»jj
| 8 ,•
Hi
1
i
633
561
2.110
1,479
966
8,745
1.151
72-
7.730
546
616
1.165
1,667
1.419
9.174
1.H61
822
6.i 165
630
664
1467
1.222
1.067
. ■
1.313
B56
5,600
1,665
1.23.-,
9,626
1,040
4,909
838
593
1^46
745
7.1.M
-
• : 1
1.1.2
10,617
1.' 26
921
1 .■»>:>
<5
1.036
2.142
1,669
827
3.009
1,966
932
1.303
1,793
. ■ -
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Graw.
19,304
49,074
17.398
17,226
38.:,:, 6
54,710
24.-09
- ,' t21
52,183
27,602*
35,316
1,671 44,943*
1,207
1.782 7l>.:l
823 aoo
2.102 47,013
i 705j
1,731 19,876
1.978
84,727 B19,529| 1.833.551
•g
so.077.!
96,288*
8S.X55
69.955
13:,.684j
115.2 '2
43.8*1
117.6-3;
107,706*
128,811*
131,003
101,603
-1 054J
2.17:'
71,728
82,999
151.385
94,973
60,526
3,38s;
4,239
3.327
2.594
5.289*
."..939;
2.0; 1
" 444
3>,i i:\
3.969 ;
2.193.;
8,062*
1..-.-.
2.431
94
1.9-1
3.O.-,;
3.l,7ol
8,227
2.605
=;ft.
34,815
2.-,,2o6
13,542
22,952
98.293
16,520
87.6.33
18,453
32..-.09
31.6,31
57.044
82,160
30.668
9.6,97
2.130
10.890
10,553
27,899
42,686
19.3SO
11
20.187
26.819
27,154
17,430
61.656
2.-..061
12,031
lo.6,7o
40,526
42,509
38,714
26,729
7.818
23.707
1.715
16.790
30.210
2O.S20
88^477
8.468
Daiby Peodccts.
a, =5
50.828
117.6,6,;,
69.411
41,285
159.9s;>
72.319
45,512
96.020
110,217
l.Mi.751
94,318
81,868
40.633
68,930
376
78.910
.80.909
108.101
126,350
43,127
I*!
ft, 5
1.480
4.360
11,630
850
4.745
7,873
1,160
13.035
9.163
9,593
10,495
10,626
670
10,425
4.400
12.600
7.011
3.335
7.-02
68,738} 654,551 491.491 1,643.516 131,253
Vs'S
is
152
282
263
20
1,379
372
53
33S
289
731
680*
144
218
180
685
486
671
404
7,347*
1 Mr. rUmilhf and hi« M Petal and .Ta<-r.t, emu in Dec. '
) found a Battlement ' oeaei A ll<-n
and hi* brother-in-law, Cfcrietaphei I r the month of
AUena « reek, a abort dietasc< tteriUe. Allen had a
■ rtaMe log house and aboal men) Ihi
r« of hi- farm, payil
' the sal". Allen loft « ill, lm family f r M.in.t M..rri-.
The valley of the river 1 - low In settling;
J.-.j I, Morgan ram" in 1792. Amir. « W.rtmsn in 1791 ,,r '95.
A-j.inw.nil. Pater Portia, Frederick ami Klcholai Hets-
liller were early »ettler« in the Shaeffci neighl rhood. Reuben
11 • tme from Tt. in 1799. The a. w. port « ttled,
und. 1 the anapioce "f Charlei Williamson, by Scotch,
••>. I, n. m r<- John McKanghton and bmHy, near Mumford.
Isaac Scott settled at Scottsville alxjut 1790, and Donald HeTl u
Boon after. Zaehariah Oarbutt and family settled at what is
DOW Garbuttsvfjle, in 1803; and Powell Carpenter, near Scotts-
ville. in 18"4. The first marriage was that of Peter Shaeffer, jr.,
and 1 daughter of Jacob Srh" nover. in 171*0. (Ebenezer Allen
iii I |.r.vi<.u-lv added another inmate to his harem by a pro-
tended marriage with Lncy Chapman. See p. 711.) The first
death WM that "f I'ebr Shaeffer. sen. Jacob Scott kept the first
ton, Philip Qarbntt and Abram Hanford the first store; and
Peter Bhaeffer.Jr., built the first sawmill, in 1810, and the first
U'ri-tiuill. in 1811. John ami II, l„ it M> Kay built the first grist-
mill, at Mumford, in 1808; and Donald McKenzie erected the
first cloth dyeing wnrks w. of Gene-ee River.
s 2 Tn-.-b., 2 Bap., 2 Friends, 2 R. C, Prot. E., M. E., and AssO.
Ref. I'i
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
This county was funned from Albany, March 12, 1772, under the
name of " Tryon Co."1 Its name was changed April 2, 1784. On-
tario was taken off in 1789, Herkimer, Otsego, and Tioga in 1791,
Hamilton in 1816, 2 and Fulton in 1838. It lies on both sides of the
Mohawk, centrally distant 39 miles from Albany, and contains 436
lif\!\|n u^-.'B sq. mi. The general system of highlands which forms the con-
-' — '\lk-. mB nectiug link between the northern spurs of the Alleghany Mts. on
the s. and the Adirondacks on the n. extends through this co. in a
N. E. and s. w. direction. Mohawk River cuts through the upland,
and forms a valley 1 to 2 mi. wide, and 200 to 500 ft. below the sum-
mits of the hills. The valleys of several of the tributaries of the
Mohawk extend several miles into the highland district at nearly
right angles to the river valley. The hills bordering upon the river generally rise in gradual slopes,
and from their summits the country spreads out into an undulating upland, with a general inclination
toward the river, into which every part of the surface of the co. is drained. The principal tributaries
of the Mohawk are the East Canada, Garoga, Cayadutta, Chuctenunda Creeks, and Evas Kil, on the
N., and Cowilliga, Chuctenunda, Schoharie, Auries, Flat, Canajoharie, and Otsquaga Creeks, on the s.
The highest point in the co. is Bean Hill, in Florida, and is estimated to be 700 ft. above tide, and the
lowest point is the bed of the Mohawk, on the e. line of the co., 260 ft. above tide.
Gneiss, the only primary rock in the co., is found in patches, the principal locality being at " The
Noses," on the Mohawk.3 Resting directly upon this are heavy masses of calciferous sandstone,
appearing mostly on the n. bank of the river and extending into Fulton co.4 Next above this are
the Black River and Trenton limestone, not important as surface rocks, but furnishing valuable
quarries of building stone. The slates and shales of the Hudson River group extend along the s.
border of the co. and are found in a few places n. of the river. Drift and boulders abound in
various places. The soil along the river consists of alluvial deposits and a deep, rich, vegetable
mold, and upon the uplands it is mostly a highly productive sandy and gravelly loam. The pro-
ductions are principally grass and spring grains. The uplands are finely adapted to pasturage, and
dairying forms the leading pursuit. Upon the Mohawk Flats immense quantities of broomcorn
are raised. There are several important manufactories in the co., consisting chiefly of woolen
goods, carpets, paper, agricultural implements, sash and blinds, and castings. Quarrying is ex-
tensively carried on.5
The principal public works are the Erie Canal, extending along the s. side of the Mohawk, and
the N. Y. Central R. R.,6 on the n. bank. A wire suspension bridge crosses the Mohawk at Fort
Hunter, and wooden bridges at Amsterdam, Fonda, Canajoharie, Fort Plain, and St. Johnsville.
An iron bridge was built at Fort Plain, in 1858.
The county seat is located at Fonda, a pleasant village on the Mohawk, built on the site of the
ancient Dutch settlement of " Cattghnaicaga."1 The courthouse is a fine brick edifice, containing
the usual co. offices.8 The jail is a stone building, adjacent to the courthouse.9 The co. poorhouse
is located upon a farm of 150 acres situated in Glen, about 3 mi. e. of Fonda. The building is old
and poor, and has few arrangements for the health, comfort, or convenience of its inmates. The
average number of inmates is 125. The farm yields a revenue of $1,000.
The first newspaper in the co. was established at Fort Plain, in 1827.10
1 Named from Wm. Tryon, Colonial Governor. Present name
given in honor of Gen. Richard Montgomery, of the Revolu-
tion. As first formed, this co. embraced all of the State w. of
Delaware River and a line extending S. through Schoharie, and
along the E. lines of the present cos. of Montgomery, Fulton, and
Hamilton, and continuing in a straight line to Canada.
2 Taken off with Herkimer . in 1791, and restored to Mont-
gomery March 31, 1797.
8 This rock here contains pink colored garnets.
* This rock often contains in its cavities quartz and nodules
of anthracite coal, which has led to foolish expenditures of large
Bums in mining for coal. Near Sprakers Basin traces of lead
have been found.
6 Stone from these quarries were used in the construction of
canal locks and other public works.
• Formerly "Schenectady & Utica R. S." The Catskill &
Canajoharie R. R., incorp. in 1830, was opened to Cooksburgh
from Catskill at a cost of $400,000. In 1S42 it was abandoned,
the track sold for $11,000 and taken up.
7 " Cauyhnawaga" was one-half mi. e. of the courthouse, but is
now included within the incorporation of the village of Fonda.
The co. seat was removed from Johnstown in 1830. The condi-
tions of the removal were that a subscription of $4500 should bo
raised, and a site of not less than 3 acres donated to the co.
This removal occasioned great dissatisfaction, and led to the
division of the co. in 1838.
8 By an act passed March 19, 1778, the sheriff's mileage iu
Tryon co. was directed to be reckoned from " The Noses," which
practice appears to have been continued for some time.
9 The jail is so constructed as not to answer the requirements
of the law in the classification of prisoners. The courthouse and
jail wore erected at a cost of $30,500.
1° The Watch Tower was begun at Fort Plain in 1S27 by S. M.
407
408
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
The early history of this co. is full of incident and interest. At the time of the first advent
of the vrhites it was the principal seat of the Mohawks, one of the most powerful tribes of the Five
Nations. The policy adopted by the early Dutch settlers of the colony, and continued by their
English successors, strongly attached a majority of these savages to their interests; and the unpro-
voked attack of Champlain, in 1G09, made them hate the French in Canada with intense bitterness.
In the wars that ensued, the Five Nations proved faithful allies to the English, and on many occa-
sions shielded them from hostile attacks. In 1665-436 a French expedition, consisting of 600 men,
under De Courcelles and De Tracy, was sent against the Indians, and proceeded as far as Schenec-
tady ; but, after much suffering and the loss of many men, the army returned to Canada without
affecting any thing. "Within the next few years several French expeditions were sent against the
western tribes of the Five Nations, and in return the Indians made a descent upon Montreal in
1GS9, laid waste whole plantations, and destroyed many lives.1 In retaliation, Count Frontenac
6ent several expeditions against the Indians and English, one of which destroyed Schenectady in
1690.2 In the winter of 1692-93 the French again invaded the Mohawk country, surprised and
destroyed two of their three castles,3 and took about 300 prisoners. In the engagement at the
third castle they lost 30 of their number; and in their retreat they were pursued by Maj. Peter
Schuyler at the head of 200 regulars and militia, who succeeded in killing 33 and wounding 26
of their number and in rescuing 50 prisoners. Favored by the severe cold, the remainder escaped
and fled to Canada through the great northern wilderness. Their sufferings on this journey were
intense. As early as 1642-43, a French Jesuit visited the Mohawk settlements ; and between that
date and 1678, 10 missionaries of this order labored to bring over the Indians of this region to the
French interests and the Catholic religion. Though attended with great hardships, and in one or
two instances with death, these labors were in some measure successful, and in 1671 a large
number of Indians removed from Caughnawaga to Canada.*
A military post, known as Fort Hunter, was established near the mouth of Schoharie Creek in
1711. About the same time a large number of German Palatinates, sent over by Queen Anne,
settled upon the Hudson, and shortly after removed to Schoharie and the Mohawk Valley and set-
tled upon lands given them by Government. At about the same period a considerable number of
Holland Dutch, from Schenectady and vicinity, found their way into the co. and extended their
improvements up the valley. In 1730 the first mill n. of the Mohawk was built on the site of
"Cranes" Village by two or three brothers named Groat; and this for a time served the settle-
ments at German Flats, 50 mi beyond.5
The land grants in this co. were made in comparatively small tracts. The first were issued as
early as 1703. On the 19th of Oct. 1723, a patent of 12,000 acres, called " Stone Arabia," n. of the
P. Gant. who was succeeded by John Calhoun k
Piatt In 1880 it was published as
■•• Plain SmUnd.
The Fori Plain Oaeette was begun in 1833 by II. L. Gros.
TU Fori Plain Republican was begun in 1835 by E. W. Gill.
g succeeded by
Thr Tbcrin In 1880, II. Link, publisher.
Tlie Fori l'biin Journal was commenced in 1838 by W. L. Fish.
I owners several times, and was finally
merged in
Tht /■.■ - li-rahl, which continued a short time.
Ttu i.'.m.r. by students of the Fort Plain High
-■I. m lasueu from The Journal office.
Tlie Montfi ran at Fort Plain Peb. ■'. 1841,
bj I. i- Eta I .-. i .' ' ■ r, and D. F. Young, editor.
In Peb. 1 ■ banged to
The Mohnwk Vnllrj B < IS ! »• < r, undl r whii h name
II i- n iw published Wendell.
Tin Mohawk Farmer wan publil i^hnawaga si an early
The. Canajoharit Telegraph was published by Senry II
kirk .
The Oanajoharie Stuff ml wii published in l'-'JT ; BamuelGald-
well, « -i i t ■ ■ r .
The, QmafohaHt RtpuWean wn.< published in 1827-28; Hi nry
Bloomer, editor, and afterward John III Wan & D. ¥.
-
The Montgomery Argut w*« publish 1 by J. McVean In 1831-32,
and oonttnued by B. M. .-. < ir.nit till
The Cimnjfihari' In' i* published from 1^33 to '36 by
Andrew H. OalBona.
The Jta'lii was begun In 1 ■ T I - Backus, n deaf mute;
in Nov. 1840, it wo.* J.tirir -I ■ Dt, U I removed n Fort
Plain; in 1864 it was r- 1> . . bnl has
finrc returned to Purl Plain. For several yean the State
made appi uprlatl .ding this paper to deaf motes
throughout the Btate.
The Mohawk valley QaUttt was published at Canajoharie by W.
II. Kiggo from 1?47 t
The Montgomery Union was published at Canajoharie by W. S.
Ilawley, 1850-53. Four numbers of another paper were
published at the same place in lSfi4 by S. M. S. Qant.
The Mohawk Advertiser, published at Amsterdam by Darius
Wells, was changed to
The Intelligencer and Mohawk Advertiser in 1834. In 1835 it
was published by John J. Davis, L. II. Nicholds, editor.
In L836 it was published by S. B. Marsh, and, after
several changes, it was changed in 1854 to
The Amsterdam Recorder, which is now issued by H.
1 lay ward, editor and publisher.
The Mohawk Gaeetti was published at Amsterdam by Josiali A.
Nooman In 1833-84.
/'< ■ Fonda //■ raid was issued by J. Reynolds, Jr., in 1837.
The Fondn Sentinel was begun in 1845; it is now pub-
lished by Clark <t Thayer.
The American Slur, commenced at Canajoharie April 5, 1S55, by
\\ in. 8. Hawley, was removed to Fonda May 17, 1855.
Ill lv',7 it was changed to
The Mohawk Valley American, and published by C. B. Freeman.
In 1868 this litis was changed to
The American Star, which is now published by Wm. S.
Eawley, original proprietor.
The Montgomery Whig was begun at Fultonville in 1840 by B.
F. Ptnkham. It passed into the hands of Thos. llorlou,
and in is.r..r> its name was changed to
The Montgomery Republican, and is now pub-
Uafaed By P. It. Hnrton.
Wo are indebted to Prof. O. W. Morris, of New York,
and to the files of The Phoenix, for the above list. Many
changes of ownership are not Stated.
> Cold n't Five Nations ; Smith's I list N. Y.
s See p. 698.
» The •■ tower Castle" was situated at the mouth of Schoharie
Creek, the "Middle Castle" at the mouth of the OtsquagO, and
the '' Upper Castle" at the mouth of tho Now-a-da-ga or Indian
Castle Creek, in Danube, Herkimer co.
■ An Indian village named Caughnawaga, 9 mi. above Montreal,
is the result of this emigration. 6 Simms's "Uisl. Schoharie."
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
409
Mohawk, was granted to John Christian Oarlock and others for tho benefit of the Palatinates: Tho
principal grants were made between 1730 and 1740; and in 1702 there remained little, if any, un-
patented land in the co.
About the year 1735, the British Admiral, Sir Peter Warren, acquired the title to a large tract
of land known as " Warreiisbush," mostly in the present town of Florida, and sent out his nephew,
Wm. Johnson, then but 21 years of age, as his agent. Johnson first located at the mouth of Scho-
harie Creek: afterward he removed to 3 mi. above Amsterdam, and finally to Johnstown. Through
the influence of his uncle he received the appointment of Agent of Indian Affairs, which gave him
great facilities for intercourse and traffic with tho natives. Applying himself industriously to the
study of the character and language of tho Indians, and adopting their habits and dress whenever
it suited his convenience, he gained an ascendency and influence over them never before enjoyed
by any white person. His easy and obliging manners made him equally a favorite with the white
settlers; and until his death, which took place on the 24th of June, 1774, the events of his life aro
intimately interwoven with the history of the co.1 His title and estates descended to his son, Sir
John Johnson; but his commanding personal influence could not be inherited. Guy Johnson, son-
in-law of Sir William,2 Col. Daniel Claus, and Col. John Butler, were attached to the interests of
the Johnson family, possessed large estates, and lived in what were then considered sumptuous
residences in the Mohawk Valley. They had considerable influence with both whites and Indians.
In the controversy between the colonists and the mother country which resulted in the Revolution,
the Johnsons and their adherents strongly espoused the cause of the King, from whom they had
received so many favors.
As a class, the German Palatinates sided with the colonies, and a majority of the other settlers
entertained similar sentiments ; but for a long time they were overawed, and their efforts at organi-
zation were thwarted by the zeal and activity of the tory leaders. In the spring of 1775, while the
court was in session at Johnstown, through the influence of the tories the signatures of most of the
grand jurors and magistrates were procured to a document opposing the measures of the Continental
Congress.3 This proceeding, coupled with others of a more aggressive and personal character,
tended greatly to organize the opposition forces, to separate the friends and enemies of freedom, and
to kindle feelings of bitter and vindictive hatred, which naturally led to all the horrors of civil war.
" Tryon co" was divided into 6 districts ;* and, for the purpose of a more thorough organization,
delegates were appointed in each by the Patriots to form a committee of public safety. Upon a
meeting of these delegates a significant remonstrance was addressed to Col. Guy Johnson, Indian
Agent, for his aggressive and partisan acts; he withdrew in June, 1775, to Cosbys Manor, above
German Flats, under pretense of holding a council with the Indians in the w. part of the co. ;
and in a short time he fled to Montreal, by the way of Oswego, accompanied by a large number
of dependents and followers. He continued to act as Indian Agent during the war, and by liberal
rewards and still more liberal promises he greatly stimulated the natural ferocity of the Indians,
and incited them to more active hostility. He was joined in Canada by Joseph Brant, a distin-
guished and educated Mohawk chief, and John and Walter N. Butler, 2 tories who afterward
gained an infamous notoriety. At the head of marauding parties of tories and Indians, they after-
ward returned and committed the most inhuman atrocities upon their old friends and neighbors.
Sir John Johnson remained at "Johnson Hall," but continued active in his intrigues, and kept up a
correspondence with Col. Guy Johnson in Canada. His preparations to fortify "Johnson Hall" ex-
cited alarm ; and in Jan. 1776, a committee, consisting of Gen. Philip Schuyler, Gen. Ten Broeck,
and Col. Varick, was despatched from Albany to consult with the local committee of safety and satis-
factorily arrange matters. Gen. Herkimer called out the militia ; and the affair was finally settled
by the surrender of Sir John as prisoner, and an agreement that his Scotch tenants should be
disarmed. He was sent to Fishkill, but, being released on parole, he soon returned to Johnstown
and resumed his intrigues. In May, Col. Dayton was sent with a regiment to again arrest him ;
but, being warned of their approach, Sir John and his followers fled to the woods, and finally
reached Canada by the way of Sacondaga and Racket Rivers, after 19 days of fasting and suffering.5
Sir John received a commission as colonel in the British service, raised a regiment of tories known
1 For his services while in command of tho expedition which
resulted in the defeat of the French under Dieskau, at the head
of Lake George, ho received the title of Baronet and a gift of
£5000 from Parliament. From this time until his death he lived
in ease and opulence, devoting his time to the management of
public affairs and the improvement of his estate.
2 Succeeded Sir William as Indian Agent.
8 Annals of Tryon Co., p. 46.
* These districts were " Mohawk," adjoining Albany, " Canajo-
harie," on the s. side of the Mohawk, and "I'alaiine," on the n.,
extending up the river to Little Falls, " German Flats," and
" Kingsland," still farther up the river, and " Old England IHs-
trict," w. of the Susquehanna. The first 5 of these districts
were formed March 24. 1772. On the 8th of March, 1773. the
original name — "Stone Arabia" — was changed to "Palatine,"
"German Flats" to "Kingsland," and "Kingsland" to "German
Flats." Old England Dint, was formed April 8, 1775.
6 The Indians at St. Regis still preserve a tradition of this
event, and state that tho party were reduced to the utmost ex-
tremity before they reached the inhabited region.
410 MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
as " Johnson's Greens," and was active and bitter in his hostility throughout the war.1 Through
the influence of the Johnsons, all of the Five Nations, with the exception of a portion of theOneidas
and ruscaroras,' were attached to the British interests, and were liberally aided by arms and pro-
visions in their frequent incursions into the frontier settlements under the Butlers and Brant.3
In the summer and fall of 1777, this co., in common with the whole northern and western fron-
tier, was the scene of great alarm and of stirring military events, produced by the expedition of
Burgoyne. Gen. St. Leger, at the head of a large body of tories and Indians, was dispatched by
the way of Oswego to reduce the rebel posts and settlements on the Mohawk and join the main
army at Albany. On the 3d of Aug. they laid siege to Fort Schuyler, upon the site of the present
village of Rome. The militia of Montgomery co. were called out, and, under Gen. Herkimer,
marched to the relief of the fort. On the way the bloody battle of Oriskany was fought, in which
200 of the brave patriots of the co. were killed and as many more carried into Indian captivity.*
In the latter part of the same month, Gcnls. Arnold and Learned, at the head of 900 troops, marched
up the river, and St. Leger hastily abandoned the siege and fled.5 The destruction of the valley
was thus averted, and for several months the inhabitants were allowed to remain undisturbed, save
by small scalping parties, that hung round the unprotected frontiers and cut off the defenseless
inhabitants.
In the spring of 1778, Gen. La Fayette, accompanied by Gen. Schuyler and Col. Duane, went to
Johnstown and held a conference with a body of Indians, which resulted in a treaty of considerable
Subsequent benefit to the settlers. In the following summer the horrible butcheries at Wyoming,
Harpersfield, German Flats, and Cherry Valley were perpetrated; and in the summer of 1779 the
army of Gen. Clinton marched from this co. to join Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the chief
villages and farming grounds of the Onondagas, Cayugas, and Scnecas. On the 21st of May, 1780,
Sir John Johnson, at the head of 500 Indians and tories, suddenly made his appearance at Johnson
Hall. He arrived about sunset on Sunday, and, dividing his force into two parties, at daylight the
next morning he made a simultaneous attack upon Tribes Hill and Caughnawaga. Several persons
were killed and others taken prisoners, and every building upon the route, except those belonging
to tories, was burned. The militia began to collect in considerable numbers, and toward night Sir
John hastily retreated, and safely reached Canada by the way of the wilderness w. of the Adiron-
dack Mts.6 Near the last of the July succeeding, the militia of the co. were employed to convey a
provision train sent to the relief of Fort Schuyler; and on the 2d of Aug., while they were absent,
Brant, at the head of 500 Indians and tories, made an attack upon the settlements in the neighbor-
hood of Fort Plain. Fifty-three dwellings were burned, 16 persons slain, and GO women and chil-
dren carried into captivity. Upon the approach of the militia from Johnstown and Schenectady,
the party retreated. On the 15th of the following Oct. a large party of tories, Indians, and Cana-
dians, under Sir John Johnson, Brant, and Cornplanter, made their appearance in the Mohawk
\ alley, at the mouth of Schoharie Creek, after having laid waste the Schoharie settlements above.
1 :n this point they marched up the valley, burning the houses, destroying the property, and
murdering or taking prisoners all that they met. The militia under Gen. Robert Van Rensselaer
ha-ulv came together and marched to attack the invaders. On the 18th of Oct., Col. Brown, who
OOmmanded a small stockade fort at Stone Arabia, acting under the order of Van Rensselaer,
marched out with 150 men to attack the enemy; but, receiving no support from the main army, the
litth- detachmenl was soon routed, with the lose of the commander and 30 to 40 men killed. Sir
John halted at Fox's Mills, about 8 mi. above Fort Hunter, in the town of St. Johnsville, and
mporary breastwork. At a late hour in the day he was attacked by a detachment under
Col. Dubois, and the Indians under his command were defeated.7 The Americans, under Van
Benaeelaer, (ell back 3 mi. and encamped j and the next morning, upon marching forward to renew
the attack, they bund thai the enemy had fled.8 Sir John finally succeeded in making his escape,
l Annalt of Tiyom Q>. ; &mm ituoh't
Biti. St. law. Or>.; Ounlnyi ]{ut. ■■( .V. )' . /'- >. W> Bid. HtU.
On.
« AK ut ISO On<-ida*and 200 Tuacaronu joined th« Itritish.—
A Tryon Ob,
* Th" AaMrieoni niA'l" several efTort« to attach t),<- sir Nation*
to th«"ir Intel Wla, or at len«t tn lodou th"tn to remain neutral.
In IIk- winter of 1770-77, OoL Harpor wu «»nt to iwrortnin the
of the awml'linc of a lar,.-" l--!v of Indiana at Oqoago, on
isqu-hanna. InUM •OOOMdiogJOBe, Unlit, with a party
of Indiana, made a levy upon th" iwttp-r* of th" UnadDIa; and
many fl<-d to a place of aafety. Oen. Herkimer, at Um bead of
880 militia, marshad to nr-et him: an<! on tba 27th of Juno,
1777. i ooolbrenoewaa held between th" general anil the chief, but
until (hi' rl.su nf the war, when the. Indians wore called upon,
as vanquished enemies, to confirm the surrender of most of
their land! as an atonement f >r their hostility.
* Then was acnrrely a hamlet in the valley that did not lose
One OT more ofitl inhabitant*.
6 Ki.r farther particulars concerning these transactions, see
pair- .116.
• The principal Object of this incursion was to ohtain the
silver plain whiih had been buried l>y Sir John on his first hasty
flight from Johnson Hall. The plate was recovered and curried
to Canada in the knapsarks of 60 men.
r TIim engagement is known as the battle of " KUicks Field."
9 I»u H i-i had nearly gained the victory, when Van Rensselaer
rami' up and gave orders not to renew the battle until the signal
without producing any ib finite results. All effort" to propitiat.. should be given from headquarters. The forces of the former
the bn Nations were then abandoned, and all conferences ceased , were nnder arms all night, momentarily expecting the promised
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
411
though his force was greatly reduced by hunger, fatigue, and the continual, harassing attack*
of the militia, which hung upon their rear.
The prospects of the Mohawk Valley were now gloomy in the extreme. Nearly every settlement
had been desolated, and nearly every family had lust some of its members.1 In the spring of 1781,
Col. Willett assumod the command of the American forces on the Mohawk, and, by his military
skill, daring, and knowledge of Indian warfare, he not only successfully repelled all attacks made
upon the Mohawk settlements, but carried the war into the enemy's own country.
On the 9th of July, 1781, 300 Indians, under a tory named Doxtader, made a sudden attack upon
the settlement of Currytown, (in the town of Root.) After burning the buildings and collecting a
large amount of booty, they retreated. Col. Willett, at the head of 150 militia, immediately pursued
and overtook them at " Diirluh," (Dorlach,) a few mi. over the line of Schoharie co. A severe skirmish
ensued, when the Indians fled, leaving 40 of their number dead on the field.2 The final incursion
into the Mohawk Valley was made Oct. 24, 1781, by a party of GOO British and Indians, under
Maj. Ross and Walter N. Butler, and made their first appearance in the neighborhood of Warrens-
bush. They marched to the vicinity of Johnson Hall and commenced the usual work of plunder
and murder, but were arrested by a sudden attack by forces under Cols. Willett, Rowley, and
Harper. A severe engagement ensued, resulting in the retreat of the enemy. Col. Willett pur-
sued, and, coming up with the rear guard at West Canada Creek, another skirmish took place, in
which the infamous Walter N. Butler was killed.3 The shattered remnant of the British forces
escaped by way of Oswego. This affair practically ended the war in Tryon co., and the remaining
citizens, stripped of almost every thing except the soil, were allowed to resume in peace their accus-
tomed employments.4 In a few years the ravages of the war were completely obliterated, and the
fertile regions of Central and Western N. Y., which had become known through the military expe-
ditions that had traversed them, soon began to fill up with a New England population. The
splendid domains of the Johnsons and other royalists were confiscated, and the feudal tenants
of the colonial period were replaced by enterprising freeholders under the new government.5
AMSTERDAM6— was formed from" Caughnawaga,"'* March 12, 1793. Perth (Fulton co.) was
taken off in 1838. It lies on the n. bank of the Mohawk, in the n.e. corner of the co. Its surface
consists of the intervale along the river, and a rolling upland gradually rising for the space of 2
mi. and attaining an elevation of 300 to 500 feet. The principal streams are the Kayaderosseras,
3 mi. w. of Amsterdam Village, Chuctenunda,8 at the village, and Evas Kil,9 near the e. border.
The soil in the valley is a deep, rich alluvium, and upon the hills it is a fertile, gravelly loam.
Near Tribes Hill are extensive stone quarries. A considerable amount of manufactures is carried
on in town, consisting of mill machinery, agricultural implements, carriages, car springs, and
carpets, at Amsterdam Village, and of woolen goods at Hagemans Mills. Amsterdam,10 (p. v.,)
incorp. April 20, 1830, contains 4 churches, the Amsterdam Female Seminary, a bank, printing
signal ; and they had the inexpressible mortification and chagrin
to see the beaten foe slipping through the net in which they
had been caught, without the possibility of preventing their
escape. Had it not been for the indecision or cowardice of Gen.
Van Rensselaer, the whole party might have been taken. At
the time, he was openly charged of cowardice or treachery by
the Oneida chief, and he entirely lost public confidence.
1 Some idea of the extent of these ravages may be formed from
a statement prepared by the supervisors of " Tryon co.," dated Dec.
20, 17S0, and addressed to the legislature. They therein stated
that 700 buildings had beeu burned within the co. ; that 354
families had abandoned their habitations and removed; 613
persons had deserted to the enemy ; 107 had been killed, 121
taken prisoners; and 1200 farms lay uncultivated by reason of
the enemy. This statement did not include Cherry Valley,
Newtown-Martin, Middlefield, Springfield, Harperstield, and
Old England District, which had been totally deserted and
abandoned. The population of the co. at the beginning of the
war was about 10,000. While the sufferings of the colonists
were thus great, the Indian loss was much greater. Their whole
country had been ravaged, their homes and crops destroyed,
and a large portion of their number had died in battlo or by
starvation. At the close of the war the miserable remnant of
the once powerful nations humbly sued for peace, and were
content to accept terms that deprived them of almost their
entire country.
* By stratagem Col. Willett succeeded in drawing the Indians
into an ambuscade. They fled so hastily that all their baggage
and plunder was captured. On their retreat they murdered a
number of prisoners to prevent their escape.
8 Walter N. Butler was one of the most inhuman wretches
that ever disgraced humanity. Ferocious, bloodthirsty, and
cruel, he seemed to revel in perfect delight at the spectacle of
human suffering. He surpassed the savages in barbarity ; and
many a victim was saved from his clutches by the interposition
of the Indian chief Brant.
4 Special acts were passed in 1780, '81, and '83, directing the
commissioners of sequestration to relieve certain distressed fami-
lies. Rev. Daniel Gros, of Canajoharie, acted as almoner of the
commissioners; and his acts are preserved among the public
papers of the State.
& For several years after the war, ghosts were reported as fre-
quently seen stalking about the old residences of the royalists.
The appearances which gave rise to these reports were doubtless
the tories themselves, returned in disguise to obtain valuables
which had been secreted upon their previous hasty flight. The
settlers, who had suffered so much, were slow in forgetting the
injuries they had received ; and for many years after, few, either
Indians or tories, who had been engaged in the war, could show
themselves in the settlement with safety.
e Named by Emanuel E.DeGraff, a Hollander and early settler.
1 On the 9th of March, 1780, the portion of Mohawk district
N. of the river was set off and named " Caughnawaga." The
first town meeting was held at the house of John B.' Wimples.
" Caughnawaga" was formed as a town, March 7, 1788. It em-
braced all that part of Montgomery co. lying N. of the Mohawk
and E. of a line extending from The Noses N. to Canada. This
town was divided in 1793 into Amsterdam, Mayfield, Broadalbin,
and Johnstown.
8 Signifying " Twin Sisters," and applied to the streams flow-
ing into the Mohawk on opposite sides; in some documents
spelled Chuct-to-na-ne-da.
9 Pronounced E-vaws-kil ; named from Mrs. Eva Van Alstyne,
who was wounded and scalped by the Indians in 1755, while
crossing this stream.
10 Formerly called " Teedersburgh."
412
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
office, and several manufactories. Pop. 2044. Ilagamans Mills (p. v.) has 124 inhabitants,
Cranes ville1 (p. v.) 92, and Mannjs Corners 8 houses. Tribes Hill,2 (p.o.,) on the line
of Mohawk, is a hamlet. A wire suspension bridge here crosses the Mohawk to Florida.3 The first
settlement was commenced about 1710, by Dutch and Palatinates. About 1740, Sir Win. Johnson
built a large stone mansion upon the w. side of the Kavaderosseras, 3 mi. w. of Amsterdam
Village.* This building was fortified and named " Fort Johnson." Col. Daniel Claus and Guy
Johnson, sons-indaw to Sir William, occupied fine mansions respectively 1 and 2 mi. below Fort
Johnson,5 previous to the Revolution. The first settlers at Amsterdam Village were Albert Veeder,
E. E. De Graff, Nicholas Wilcox, and Wm. Kline. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in
1792.6 The first settled minister was Rev. Conrad Ten Eyck, in 1799. There had been preaching
in town at a much earlier period.
C.U'AJOH.IRIE7- was formed as a district March 24, 1772, and as a town March 7, 1788.
Minden was taken off in 1798, a part of Root in 1823, and a part of Minden in 1849. It lies
on the s. border of the co., w. of the center. The surface consists of the intervale of Canajoharie
or Buwmans Creek,8 and undulating uplands 200 to GOO feet above the valley. The soil is a
gravelly loam, derived from the disintegration of the underlying slate, in some places intermixed
with clay. The cultivation of hops receives some attention. A small woolen factory is located
on Bowmans Creek. Canajoharie, (p. v.,) incorp. April 30, 1829, contains 5 churches, the
('anajuharie Academy, and a bank; pop. 1500. A bridge crosses the Mohawk at this place, con-
necting it with the village and e. r. station of Palatine Bridge. Ames,9 (p. v.,) in the s. part of the
town, contains an academy and 204 inhabitants, and Buel,10 (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, 25 houses.
Sprout ISrook. (p. o.,) Mapleton, and Harsh ville are hamlets. The first settlement in
town was commenced in early colonial times; but the precise date is not known.1' During the
Revolution the people warmly espoused the American cause, and were afterward among the greatest
sufferers in the Mohawk Valley.12 Gov. Clinton, while marching to join Sullivan in 1779, made this
place his headquarters for some weeks.13 In Aug. 1780, Brant made an incursion into the valley
and destroyed nearly the whole settlement.14 During the war several other incursions were made;
and the people were often driven to the utmost extremity. Several small forts were built in the
town, which afforded some protection to the people.15 In 1795, Archibald and James Kane estab-
lished themselves as merchants at this place, and commenced a business which soon grew to be one
of the largest-in the interior of the State.16 In 1823, the " Central Asylum for the Instruction of the
Deaf and Dumb" was located near Buel, in this town ; but in 1836 it was united with the one pre-
viously established in New York City.17 The first church (Free Will Bap.) was organized at Ames,
in 179G-97, by Rev. George Elliott.18
CII IRCESTOX— was formed from Mohawk, March 12, 1793.19 Glen and a part of Root
were taken off in 1823. It is the most southerly town in the co., and the only one not bordering upon
the Mohawk. It lies upon the high plateau region immediately w. of Schoharie Creek; and the
1 fr.m David Crane, who settled here in 1S04.
named because the Indian tribes were wont to assemble
1
' A Ram ul ridge built hero some yearn since
fill ..f its "wm weigh! lH-f.,ro it RH finished.
'This ad lamented with earrings of oak ami
mahogany ; and at the timeol Its erection it was one of the finest
man«i"iii In Um It is etfll standing, and is the property
of Algnayaon fonng, Bsq. ,sr William [trad here be many
years, mrroanded bj numerous dependents, and was frequently
i by anal numbers of Indians, by whom be was highly
eatctiM" i. Ha bull! a mill upon tho Kayadi I- near bis
manse. n.
• Th- formal of these « u t nrned, and lt« fit" i« now occupied
l.y tba hotel of Ohm I i latter, known as "Guy Park,"
I standing, betwsan the r. n. and rtrer, 1 mi. w. ol Am-
sterdam. It i* MM iirt. A trad 1 mi.
squap w i- "njitinllv attached to each ol -.but
the whole was i Id with tl lories
IXbJafhurcb.bacainePresb.ln 1403. Then an i ■■« - liurrhc*
In town; i Prasfe, i m.k., Bap., i i>., Prot i
Bvang. Loth.
*"( rfc" In the act of incorporation. Indian nami
najo 111 II. said tn signify n " a ketUe-Miapcd bole iii tli" rock." nr
u the pot that v. If," and ret la worn in
the r<<k at the falls "ti tl." Brans 1 mi. fr.m its m nth.
• It is said that the Indian nam" of tin-
ra-tiKi." Th" foils on tin- .t l mi. from ii« month, an
Int. resting to ecJenttfic man for th" different geological I
tions there exposed and the holes of various BSM won in tba
r^- ka
• Earned In honor of Fisher Ames.
10 Named in honor of Jesse Buel, of Albany.
" An Indian school was taught at Canajoharie, in 1704, by
Philip Jonathan.
i'- At tin- battle of Oriskany many of the prominent citizens
■>f tliii place Were killed. Ann ng them were Oil. Cox, Lieut. Col.
Hunt. MaJ, Van Blyck, Capt. Henry Devendorf, Robert Crouse,
Jacob Bowman, Andrew Dillenback, Capt. Jacob Leeber, Charles
|.\. : « 1 1 . 1 Lieut. Wm. Leeber.
" \\ bib' Gov. Clinton was at this place, Henry Hare and Wm.
Newbury, two notorious tories, were arrested and executed as
■pies, 'i bej had formerly been citizens of the town. Adeserter
n.iimd Tit iii was also shot here.
i« Bee page 410.
1* A f. >rt was built here at an early period as one of the chain of
fortifications to Oswego. It was 100 feet square, 16 ft. high, with
bastions at the angles, and was armed with several fm.iii cannon.
In I'M th" bonse of I'hilip Van Alstyue was palisaded, and
named Kurt Van liensselaer. It is still standing. Fort Khlo
st.-^i i mi. a, .,t Canajoharie. An Indian burial ground occupied
the hillside just w. of the village, and several skeletons have
been found, in a sitting posture, facing tho E.
14 In 17'.'9 their purchases of potash and wheat amounted to
(120,000.
17 This asylum was established mainly through tho instru-
ility "t liubt. Bowman, of this town, and its course of in-
■traction «as modeled after that at Hartford, Conn. Prof. 0. W.
Morris, now Ol the New York Asylum, was its last principal,
w The census reports 11 churches; •"• Iff. !■:.. 2 Ref. Prot. D., 2
Evang. Luth., Presb., F. W. Bap., True Dutch, and Union.
14 By an at i bearing this date, the old town of Mohawk was
abolished, and its territory was erected into Florida and Charles-
ton. The present town of .Mohawk is of much more recent origin.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
413
greater part of the surface is an undulating upland. On the e. it descends in steep declivities to
the valley of the creek, which is here a narrow carina. Its streams are small. The soil is gene-
rally loam intermixed with clay, and is particularly adapted to spring grains and dairying. The
town has a limited amount of manufactures, consisting principally of sash and blinds, woolen
goods, and flour. lliirtonsvillc,1 (p. v.,) on Schoharie Creek, in the s. e. corner of the town,
contains 32 houses; Charleston Four Corners, (p. v.,) in the s. w. corner, 30; and
Charleston, (p. v.,) near the n. border, 20. Carytown and Oak Ridge are hamlets.
A portion of this town was included in the patent of 24,500 acres granted to Win. Corry in KiilT ;
and others were portions of the " Stow Heap Patent," granted to John Bowen and others in 177<>,
and Thomas Maehin's Patent of 1787. The first settlements were probably made previous to the
Revolution.'- The census reports 5 churches in town.3
FLORIDA — was formed from Mohawk, March 12, 1793. It embraces that part of the co.
lying s. of the Mohawk, and e. of Schoharie Creek. The greater part of the surface is a rolling
upland, 600 ft. above the valley. Bean Hill, in the s. W. part, is the highest land in the co. The
declivities bordering upon the streams are usually steep. The two principal streams within its
borders are Chuctenunda and Cowilliga4 Creeks. The soil and productions are similar to those
of neighboring towns. Several sulphur springs are found in town, the most noted of which is near
Scotch Bush. The Erie Canal crosses the Schoharie Creek between this town and Glen, on a
costly aqueduct. Broomcorn is one of the principal agricultural products, and brooms are exten-
sively manufactured. Port Jackson (p. v.) is a canal village on the Mohawk, opposite Amster-
dam. Pop. 369. Minavf He, (p. v.,) on Chuctenunda Creek, near the center, contains 95 inhabi-
tants. Fort Hunter,5 (p.o.,) at the mouth of Schoharie Creek, and Scotch Bush, (p.o.,)
near the s. border, are hamlets. One of the 3 Mohawk castles was situated at the mouth of
Schoharie Creek at the first advent of the whites. The first white settlement in this co. is supposed
to have been made in this town. Fort Hunter6 was built here by the whites in 1711. Queen
Anne's Chapel was soon after erected, and was furnished with a valuable set of communion
plate by Queen Anne.7 The fort was garrisoned until after the French War, when it was aban-
doned. During the Revolution the chapel was enclosed with palisades, and converted into a strong
fortress defended by cannon. In Oct. 1780, several houses were burned on the opposite side of the
creek by the forces under Sir John Johnson, but the fort was not molested. Before the close of the
war several newly arrived German emigrants settled in town, and they were followed soon after by
Scotch and Irish families.8 The first preacher after the war was Rev. Thos. Romeyn, (Ref. Prot. D.,)
in 1784. The census reports 5 churches in town.9
GIjEN10 — was formed from Charleston, April 10, 1823. It lies in the s.w. angle formed by the
junction of Schoharie Creek and the Mohawk. Its surface consists principally of uplands about 600
feet high, descending by abrupt declivities to the narrow intervales along the streams. The princi-
pal streams are Auries11 Creek, a tributary of the Mohawk, and Irish Creek, a branch of the Scho-
harie.12 The soil is generally a clayey loam. One mi. E. of Yoorheesville is a chalybeate spring.13
Fultonville14 (p. v.) is situated on the Mohawk and the Erie Canal. Pop. 850. Yoorhees-
ville, (Glen p. v.,) near the center of the town, contains 40 houses, and Aurlesville, (p. v.,) a
canal village near the mouth of Auries Creek, 170 inhabitants. The land bordering upon the river
was granted in 10 patents to different persons in 1722 to 1726, and the greater part of the remainder
to James De Lancey in 1737. Peter Quackenboss settled on Scott's Patent, near Auries Creek.
1 Buckwheat flour' for the New York market is extensively
manufactured at this place.
2 Robt. Winchell, Nathan Tracy, Atlen Brownley, and Joseph
Burnhap settled near Kimballs Corners, Abia Beaman near
Charlestown P. O., Henry Mapes, Aimer Throop, and David and
Nathan Kimball at Charleston. Thomas Machin, Capt. John
Stanton, John Eddy, and Ezekiel Tracy were also early settlers.
3 Bap., M. E., Ref. Prot. D., Christian, and Union.
* Said to signify " Willow."
6 The Indian name for this place was I-can-de-ro-ga, or Te-on-
da-lo-ga, "two streams coming together." The first Indian castle,
which stood near this place, was called" Os-sev-ne-non," or" On-
&on-gon-re." — iV. T. Colonial Hist.
* The contracts to build this fort, and one at Oswego, were
taken Oct. 11, 1711, by Garret Symouce, Barent and Hendrick
Vroman, John Wemp, and Arent Van Patten, of Schenectady.
The walls of the first were 150 feet square and 12 feet high, and
were formed of logs pinned together. It was afterward enlarged
and strengthened.
7 This chapel was for a long time under the charge of the " So-
ciety for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts," and a mis-
sionary and Indian school were supported here. The chapel was
demolished in 1820 to make room for the canal. The parsonage,
still standing, is probably the oldest building w. of Schenec-
tady. It was sold a few years since for $1500, and the proceeds
were divided between the Prot. E. churches at Port Jackson and
Johnstown.
8 Wm. Bent kept the first store at Port Jackson. The first
bridge of any importance over Schoharie Creek was built in
1790, by Maj. Isaiah De Puy. The route s. of the Mohawk was
the one principally traveled for a great number of years. An
Indian school was taught at Fort Hunter in 17C9.
» 2 Ref. Prot. D., M. E., Asso. Presb., and R. C.
10 Named from Jacob S. Glen, a prominent citizen of the town.
U Auries Creek is the Dutch for "Aarons Creek." It was named
from an Indian in the vicinity. The Indian name was Ogh-rack-ie.
12 Upon Schoharie Creek, about 2 mi. above its mouth, is a high
bank formed by a landslide, and called by the Indians Co-daugh-
ri-ty, signifying " steep bank," or " perpendicular wall." — Strums' t
Hist. Schoharie.
15 In early daysfruitless attempts were here made to obtain iron.
1* Named in honor of Robert Fulton. The village site was
known as " Van Epps Swamp" during the Revolution.— Sim ma's
Hist. Schoharie.
414
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
soon after it was secured, and was probably tbe first white inhabitant of the town. About 1740,
16 Irish families, under the patronage of Sir Wm. Johnson, settled on Corry's Patent, a few mi. s.w.
of Fort Hunter. After making considerable improvements, they abandoned their location and
returned to Ireland in consequence of threatened Indian disturbances.1 The first church (Ref.
Prot. D.) was formed at Glen ; Rev. Henry V. Wyekoff was the first pastor.2 This town was the
scene of many interesting incidents connected with the war. It furnished its full proportion
of victims at the battle of Oriskany, and sustained an equal share in the losses and sufferings
from Indian incursions.3 The last council within the co. previous to the Revolution was held
between the Indians and Americans Oct. 13, 1775, on the farm now owned by John S. Quacken-
boss, on the Mohawk Flats, 2 mi. e. of Fultonville.
BIDIDE1I — was formed from Canajoharie, March 2, 1798. Danube (Herkimer co) was taken
off in 1817. It lies upon the s. bank of the Mohawk, in the extreme w. part of the co. Its surface
is principally an undulating upland, with steep declivities bordering upon the streams. The
principal streams are the Otsquaga4 and its tributary the Otsquene. Prospect Hill, called by the
Indians " Ta-ra-jo-rhics,"b lies upon the Otsquaga opposite Fort Plain. The soil is a fine quality
of gravelly and clayey loam, and is particularly adapted to grazing.6 Fort Plain, (p. v.,)
incorp. April 5, 1832, ia situated upon the Mohawk, in the e. part of the town. It contains an
academy,' bank, printing office, and 4 churches. Pop. 1502. Mindenville, (p. v.,) on the
Mohawk, in the w. part of the town, contains 30 houses, and Fordsborotlgh, (Mindenp.o.,)
on the w. border, 25. Ilallsville,8 (p. o.,) Freysbuso,9 (p. o.,) and Hessville, are hamlets.
In this town are found the remains of one of those ancient fortifications which are so common in
Central and Western New York and throughout the Western States, showing that the co. was
inhabited long prior to the advent of the Indians.10 During the French War, Fort Plain was
erected on the summit of the hill, half a mi. n. w. of the village.11 During the Revolution, several
other forts were built to protect the people from the sudden attacks of the Indians.12 The first
settlements in this town were among the first in the co. The early settlers were Germans, among
whom were the Devendorf, Waggoner, and Gros families, Andrew Keller, and Henry H. Smith.13
John Abeel, an Indian trader, settled here in 1748.u In common with the other valley towns,
these settlements were ravaged by Brant and Johnson in 1780. At the time of Brant's incursion
the men were mostly absent, and the women were shut up in the forts for safety. Upon the
1 A son of the first settler married Annie, daughter of Capt.
John Scott, tbe patentee, and settled on the site of the present
co. poorhouse. Their son John, bom about 1725, was the first
white child born on the S. side of the Mohawk, between Fort
Hunter and G'-rman Flats. Cornelius Putnam settled at Ca-
daughrity, Richard Iloff 1 mi. w. of Glen, Nicholas Gardiner and
John Van Eps on the Mohawk, and Charles Van Eps at Fulton-
ville. Near the bouse of the Van Eps a small blockhouse was
erected toward the close of the Revolution. Ilazard taught
tin' fir«t KtlOOl, at the house of J. S. Quackenboss ; Wm. Quacken-
boss kepi tbe tir-t inn at Anricsville, In IT'.1", and Myndert Starin
one ."till earlier at tin- present village of Fultonville. John Smith
oj- ii' -i th" firM store in Glen, in 1797. Isaac Quackcuboss kept
h.iwk.K.fif Fultonville. Peter ami Simon Mabie
bnill Um first sawmill and carding machine, in 1797, and Peter
Qnackenboei a gristmill, on Anries Creek, soon after.
* Th" eotnus reports 4 churches in town ; 2 Ref. Prot. D., M. V...
True Dii trh.
* In thi fall OT1779 George Curk. a noted tor}", who hail often
ilping pnrtic* of Indians to the homes of bii <>ld neigh-
bor!, «u seen lurking about, and at one time was fired ii|«'ii
and narrowly ewaped. It wo* inuuuaod that he had returned
toCanada: but toward spring It became known thai he km con-
cealed at the hrai.x of John van Znyhr, a kinsman and brother
tOfT. A party Mirr i:n ]■ I the DOOM, draw':.''-'! C'nrk from bin
hiding nueaj and shot him, and arr Xnyler and sent
him ; Albany. In the fall .,f 17^> the whole settle-
ment tiu ravaged, and many of the p< |1 •• were murdered. < 'ii"
day Isaac Quarkenbo««, while out hunting, discovered three Ii -
tile Inliini »itting Upon a log, II !.:• I. an. I killed two, and
mortally wounded the third.
« Uoh i" . "ignifving "tinker the bri'lge."
* Bald to «iCTiiy '• Hill Of Health." or" Fort on a bill"
* The dairy pnmsotl oftUl town ai Man those of any
other in the co. Hope area] cultivated.
; flu '■ Ibrl Plain Seminary »nd Female rv,l|r>g|nt" In"titnt""
Is chiefly imrtnt the patronage of the >1. K. denomination. Tlie
academic building l« a fine lumliua, ritoated upon a command-
ing eminence overlooking the village and valley.
* Named from Capt. Roliert Hall.
» Named from John Frey. a lawyer and leading patriot who
resided here during the Revolution.
t° These mounds and ruin* are the tn«t easterly of any of the
kind yet discovered- They are situated 4 ml. a. of Fort Plain, on
a tongue of land formed by the valleys of Otsquaga Creek and
one of its tributaries. This tongue is 100 ft. above the streams,
and the declivities are almost precipitous. Across the tongue, at
its narrowest part, is a curved line of breastworks 24<i ft, in
length, inclosing an area of about 7 acres. A gigantic pine, 6 ft.
in diameter, stands upon one end of the embankment, showing
that the work must have been of great antiquity. — Smithsonian
Oontribuiums, Vol. II Art. 6.
11 This fort was built by a French engineer for tbe Government,
and was the finest fortification in the valley. It was octagonal,
3 stories high, each story projecting beyond the one below. In
the lower story was a cannon, which was fired in cases of alarm
to notify the people of danger.
12 Fort Tlonk was situated about 2 mi. n. w. of Fort Plain, on
the farm now occupied by C. House. Fort Clyde was situated 2
mi. B. w. of Fort Plain, near the residence of Peter Devendorf, at
F rey-hush. Fort Willett was w. of Fort Plank.
13 Henry Haysc, a German, taught tho first school; Isaac
Countryman built the first gristmill, soon after the war, and
Isaac Paris kept tho first store, about the same time. A largo
stone dwelling was erected hero for the sons of Gov. Clark in-
173S, but was soon abandoned. It obtained tho reputation of
being haunted, ami was given away, 50 years ago, ou condition
that it should be demolished.
M In his previous intercourse with the Indians, Abeel had
married the daughter of a Seneca chief, ofter tho Indian
fashion. A child of this marriage was the famous chief Corn-
planter. Abeel subsequently married a white woman, and at tho
commencement of the war was living upon his farm. During
tlie innirsion of Oct. 1780, Aheel was taken prisoner by a party
of Indians, and, while momentarily expecting death, Corn-
planter addressed him as father and assured him of his safety.
II" was given his choice either to accompany the Indians under
the protection of his son, or to return to his whito family. Ho
chose. tbe latter; and after the warCornplantcr visited him, and
was received by bis Fort Plain relatives with the civilities duo
his rank and manly bearing. The chief died at his residence in
Penn., March 7, 1836. Stone, in his Life of Rrant, says that
Oornplantar was more than 100 years old at the time of bis
di atli. Mr. Webster, of Fort Plain, a descendent of John Abeel,
that Abeel did not make his appearance in tbe Indian
country until 174S. and that Cornplantir was born about 1750.
This would make his age about 30 when ho accompanied the ex-
pedition that took hia father prisoner, and but 86 when ho died.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
415
approach of the enemy the -women showed themselves dressed in men's clothes, and the Indians
thereupon kept at a respectful distance. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was organized at Fort
Plain, long before the war. The census reports 9 churches in town.1
MOHAWK— was formed from Johnstown, April 4, 1837.2 It lies upon the N. hank of Mo-
hawk River and near the center of the N. border of the co. The surface is uneven, and gradually
rises from the river to the n. line, where it attains an elevation of about 400 ft. above the valley.
Its principal streams are Cayadutta and l)a-de-nos-ca-ras Creeks. The soil is generally a good
quality of gravelly loam. Fonda,4 (p. v.,) pleasantly situated upon the Mohawk, is the co. seat.
Besides the co. buildings, it contains 2 churches, a bank, printing offices, and several manufactories.
Pop. 687. Tribes Hill, (p. v.,) on the border of Amsterdam, contains 327 inhabitants. The
site of the present village of Fonda was called " Caughnaicaga"& by the Indians, and was one of the
favorite resorts of the Mohawks. It was the scene of some of the earliest labors of the French
Jesuits among the Five Nations, two of whom lost their lives here in 1G4G. The names of the first
actual white settlers are not known. Nicholas Ilausen6 settled at Tribes Hill before 1725, and
others, by the names of Fonda, Vanderworker, Doxtader, and Fisher, at an early day.7 Among the
other residents of the town before the Revolution were Col. John Butler and his son Walter N.,
who afterward attained an infamous notoriety for their inhuman atrocities and for the vindictive
hate which they seemed to cherish against their old whig neighbors.8 The principal weight of the
incursion of Sir John in May, 1780, fell upon the two settlements of Tribes Hill and Caughnawaga.9
In the autumn of the same year the second incursion of Sir John swept over the town, destroying
the greater part of the property that escaped the first. A stone church (Ref. Prot. D.) erected in
1763 is still standing.10 Rev. Thos. Romeyn was the first pastor. In 1795 he was succeeded by
Rev. Abraham Van Home.11 The census reports 3 churches in town ; Ref. Prot. D., True D., M. E.
1 3 Evan. Luth., 3 M. E., Ref. Prot. D., 2 Univ.
8 Care should be taken not to confound this town with one of
the same name S. of the river, abolished in 1793. See Note 1 to
Charleston.
* Signifying " trees having excrescences."
4 Named from Douw Fonda, who removed from Schenectady
and settled here in 1751. At the time of the Revolution he was
living on the flats, between the present turnpike and the river,
a few rods E. of the road leading to the bridge, at which place he
was murdered by the Indians under Sir John, May 22, 1780. At
the time of his death he was 84 years old. In former years he
had greatly befriended the Johnson family; but the ruthless
savages led by Sir John spared neither friend nor foe. His three
sons, John, Jellis, and Adam, were stanch whigs, residing in
the neighborhood. Indian name, Ga-na-wa-da, " on the rapids."
6 Meaning " stone in the water," or " at the rapids."
6 Patents of 1000 acres each, on the Mohawk, were granted to
Nicholas Hausen and his brother Hendriek July 12,1713.
1 The first birth N. of the river, of which there is any record,
was that of Henry Hausen. Collins taught a school in
1774. Jellis (Giles) Fonda is said to have been the first merchant
W. of Schenectady. He carried on an extensive trade with the
native tribes, and with the whites at Forts Schuyler and Stan-
wix and the forts at Oswego, Niagara, and Schlosser. His sales
consisted chiefly of blankets, trinkets, ammunition, and mm,
and his purchases of peltries, ginseng, and potash. At onetime
before the Revolution his ledger showed an indebtedness of over
$10,000 in the Indian country. John Chaley was an early settler
at Tribes Hill. He was in the war, and found his own brother
arrayed against him.
8 Alexander White, Colonial Sheriff of Tryon Co., resided on
the present site of the courthouse. He was a zealous tory, and
was obliged to flee to Canada. He was succeeded by John Frey,
appointed by the Provincial Congress.
9 The detachment against Tribes Hill was led by Henry and
Wm. Bowen, who had lived in the vicinity. Passing the tory
settlement of Albany Bush (in Johnstown) without molesta-
tion, they proceeded to the home of Gerret Putnam, a stanch
whig at Tribes Hill, and there by mistake murdered two tories,
who had hired the place a short time before. From this place
they went up the river, plundering the houses and murdering
their old friends and neighbors. Every building was burned
except the church and parsonage, and several slaves and white
male prisoners were carried to Canada. The women were not
particularly molested on this occasion. At the house of Col.
Fred. Fisher they were warmly received by the Col.'s family,
consisting of himself, his mother, and his two brothers John
and Harmon. The Col.'s wife and children had been sent to
Schenectady for safety ; and his two sisters and an old negro, on
the first alarm, fled to the woods and escaped. The Indians
made a desperate attack upon the house, and a constant firing
was kept up by the inmates until their ammunition was ex-
hausted. They then all retreated to the chamber except John,
who stood in the stairway and defended it with a hatchet until
he had killed 7 Indians. He then retreated above, and, slipping
upon some peas which lay upon the floor, he fell, and was dis-
patched with a tomahawk. Harmon jumped out of the window
to pnt out the fire that had been applied to the roof, and while
standing on the fence he was shot, and fell across the fence dead.
The mother was knocked down with the breech of a gun and
left for dead. The Col. was also knocked down by a tomahawk,
dragged down stairs by his hair, and thrown upon the ground,
when an Indian jumped upon his back, drew a knife across his
throat, as was supposed, cutting it from ear to ear, then, cutting
round the scalp, seized it by his teeth and tore it from his head,
and finally gave him a blow in the shoulder with bis hatchet
and fled. Tho Col. had not lost his senses through all this
mangling, and his throat, being protected by a leather belt worn
inside of his cravat, was only slightly wounded. As soon as the
Indians disappeared, he arose, went up stairs and brought down
his mother, placed her in a chair and leaned her up against the
fence; returned, and brought down the body of his brother
John and laid it on the grass ; then, becoming exhausted from
loss of blood and the effect of the scalping, he lay down upon an
old rug that lay out of doors, — as he supposed, to die. The old
negro and girls soon returned, and found the houst burned
down and the dead and wounded as described. By sl^ns the
Col. made known to the negro that he wanted water, who imme-
diately brought it from the creek near by and gave it to him to
drink, and also bathed his head, which restored his speech. A
tory named Clement passing by, the negro asked what he should
do : the reply, given in German, was, " Let the d — d rebel die."
According to the directions of the Col., the negro caught tho
colts, which had never been broken, harnessed them to the
wagon, and took him to the house of Putnam, at Tribes Hill.
From there he, together with his mother, sisters, and the bodies
of his brothers, was conveyed across the river to Wemples, and
thence in a canoe to Schenectady, where they arrived about sun-
down, and he had his wounds dressed for the first time. After
five years' suffering, he nearly recovered from the effects of his
wounds. He built a new house on the site of the old one, and
lived 29 years after he was wounded, — for several years holding
the office of First Judge of the co. His mother also recovered
from her wounds, and lived with him. After the war the In-
dian who scalped him returned to the settlements, and stopped
at a tavern kept by a tory at Tribes Hill. The wife of the land-
lord, who was a whig, sent word immediately to the house of
Col. Fisher that the Indian was there and would soon call at
his house. The family, knowing that the Col. had sworn re-
venge, and wishing to prevent any more bloodshed, kept the
news from him. As they were all in the front room, about the
time the Indian was expected they overset a pot of lye upon the
hearth, and persuaded the Col. to go into the back room and lie
down until they cleaned it up. While the Col. was gone, the
Indian came to the door, where he was met by the old lady, who
addressed him in the Indian tongue, told him her son's inten-
tions, and pointed to a gun which was always kept loaded in
readiness for him. The Indian listened, gave a grunt, and ran
away with all speed.
10 In 1845 it was fitted up as an academy; but the school was
soon after discontinued.
11 He died in 1840, at an advanced age. During his ministry
he married 1500 couples. — SimTns's Schoharie.
416
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
PALATINE— was formed as a district, by the name of " Stone Arabia," March 24, 1772, and
its name was changed March 8, 1773. It was formed as a town March 7, 1788, embracing all the
territory between " Little Falls and The Noses," and extending from the Mohawk to Canada.
Salisbury (Herkimer co.) was taken off in 1797, Stratford (Fulton co.) in 1805, Oppenheim (Fulton
co.) in 1808, and Ephrata (Fulton co.) in 1827. It lies along the n. bank of the Mohawk, w. of the
center of the co. Its surface is mostly an upland, 200 to 500 ft. above the valley, much broken by
deep, narrow ravines, and descending irregularly toward the river. The principal streams are the
Kau-a-da-rauk,1 in the e. part of the town, and the Garoga, in the w. The soil is fertile, and well
adapted to grazing.2 Stone Arabia, (p. v.,) near the center of the town, contains about 50
houses, and Palatine Bridge, (p. v.,) on the Mohawk opposite Canajoharie, 40. Palatine
Church, (Palatine p. o.,) on the w. border, is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in town
in 1713, by German Palatinates, who came over in 1710. The larger part of the Stone Arabia Patent
was within the limits of this town.3 "Wm. Fox settled near Palatine Church, and Peter "Waggoner
a little below, on the Mohawk, in 1715. The early records of the settlement are lost.4 A stockade
called Fort Paris, the ruins of which are still visible, was built at Stone Arabia, and another, called
Fort Keyser, 1 mi. x. The disastrous engagement resulting in the death of Col. Brown was fought
within this town, between Stone Arabia and the river.5 The Ref. Prot. D. church at Stone Arabia
is one of the oldest in the valley.6 The stone church (Luth.) at Palatine Church was built in 1770.T
The census reports 3 churches in town; 2 Ev. Luth., Ref. Prot. D.
ROOT' — was formed from Canajoharie and Charleston, Jan. 27, 1823. It lies upon the s. bank
of the Mohawk, near the center of the co. The hills which border upon the river rise abruptly to
a height of 630 feet,9 and from their summits the country spreads out into an undulating upland.
The high hills just below Sprakers, on opposite banks of the river, are called "The Noses." The
high ridge near the e. border is known as "Stone Ridge." The principal streams are Platte Kil,
and Lashers and Flat Creeks. Mitchells Cave,10 in the vicinity of The Noses, consists of several
apartments, with the roof hung with stalactites. The soil is a fine, gravelly loam. Iieather-
ville (Root p. o.) contains 15 houses, and Currytowm,11 Spralters Basin, (p.o.,) Flat
Creek, (p. o.,) and Browns Hollow, about a dozen each. Yatesville is a hamlet
on the canal. The first settlers were Jacob Devendorf, at Currytown, Rudolph Keller, David and
Fred. Luce, and Jacob Lainner.12 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed at Currytown.
Rev. Peter Van Buren became its pastor in 1806.13 The principal incursions into this town during
the war were those made in the summer and fall of 1781. The weight of the first of these, led by
the tory Doxtader, July 0, 1781, fell upon the settlements in and near Currytown.11 In Oct. of the
same year Ross and Butler passed through the town, but committed no depredations, except cap*
turing part of a funeral procession, and taking a few prisoners at Stone Ridge.
ST. JOIIXSYIL.L.E15— was formed from Oppenheim, (Fulton co.,) April 18, 1838. It lies
upon the x. bank of the Mohawk, in the w. part of the co. Its surface consists of a broad river
intervale and a broken upland gradually rising n. of it. Its streams are East Canada, Crum, Fox,
Zimmermans, Caldwell, and Mother Creeks. Upon East Canada Creek, 1 J mi. from its mouth, are a
succession of falls and rapids descending 75 feet in a distance of 80 rods. The soil is a fine quality
of gravelly loam. St. Johnsville, (p. v..) on th<- Mohawk, was incorp. in 1857. It contains a
woolen and pitchfork factory, and is an important station on the Central R. R. Pop. 648. The
During the Revolution
first settlement at the village was made by .Tw-ob Zimmerman, in 1776.
i«
I 8*id tosiznlfy " br^wl."
» M - made in thl« tnwn than In any r,ih"r in the
oo. Tli- morf th '•■«.
* Thi« rrai in therear
Of II »'!-• ' - IT; 1 Vin .-!-.!.;.■■• patent".
* Th" Herman wa.« th" laniriag" tanght in th" flr«t •'■hooln.
K''bin«Ati tanzht nn Ensrli- " I Maunder
Ewinc in ' " -. Fox bnOl » gri«tmill in 1780, which was
I in 1780.
» The r • « i-hnn-h cnmm"n<-» in 1780, when It had
bnt 10 member*. Th" pr««-nt HifW wa« an ted In 17c".. and
th>- "hiirch m' A Loth, ehtirrh built at
i in 1770 i"J bnm-vl in ,_
' Th" «nt>«<-ription« fat 'hi' chnrrh. wep> m ■■•My furnished by
th" MelUl fimili"«. who b"cam nee the
churrh was not bull fll shots were Bred Into it by the
party nn i-r Sir John Johnson, ono of tho ahot hole* being still
visit
• Named in honor of Erastns Root, of Delaware co.
• A« •iirv.v.-l lv Cant. Thomas huchln.
II Named from the former owner of tho farm on which the cavo
|g situated.
11 Named from Wm. Curry, the patentee.
13 Th" first schools were German. Glaycher taught an
English school at The Noses, in 1784. Albert Vanderworker
kept the first inn, at an early day.
''The census reports 3 churches in town; Christian, M. E.,
Ret Pn t. I1
14 Upon the alarm being given, the settlers hastened to a
picketed blockhouse near the dwelling of Henry Lewis, closely
pursued by the enemy. Every house in the village except one
was set r.n fire; but the tlames were extinguished by tho van-
guard of Col. Willett's forces, under Capt. Robert Kean. Frede-
rick, son of Jacob Devendorf, was scalped, but he recovered.
Jacob, jr., another son, was taken prisoner, and was scalped on
the retreat of the Indians. He also recovered, and lived to the
age of 85 years. Be died in 1854, one of the wealthiest farmers
in the valley. Mary Miller, a little girl, was scalped and found
alive, but died soon after. Several other prisoners were mur-
dered. Most of the cattle driven away were abandoned, and
found th"ir way back to the settlement.
11 Named from St. John's Church, built in tho village at an
early day.
18 The first settlers of the town came in long prior to this,
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
417
the house of Christian Klock, three-fourths of a mi. w. of Palatine Church, was stockaded and named
"Fort House."1 The house of Jacob Zimmerman was also Stockaded. These forts were both at-
tacked, but never taken. Fort Hill, situated on an eminence k. of East Creek, was erected during
the French War. It was repaired and used during the Revolution. The battle between the forces
of Sir John and the advanced guard of Van Rensselaer's army, under Col. Dubois, was fought at
"KlocJcs Field," near "Fort Iloiwe," Oct. 18, 1780. The enemy forded the river, and retreated up
the valley during the night following. The Indians, in small parties, continued to prowl about the
settlement during the war, and shot and captured several of the inhabitants.2 A church was built
by Christian Klock in 175G : the Rev. Mr. Rosckrantz was the first preacher, and John Henry Dis-
band the second. The census reports 2 churches; Ref. Prot. D. and Union.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Montgomery County.
Names of Towns.
Amsterdam...
Canajouarie...
Charleston...,
Florida
Glen
Minden
Mohawk
Palatine
Root
St.Johnsville
Total...
Acres of Land.
%
t3
6
1
i
s.
s
16,065*
3,989
20,59(5|
3,7014.
21,716}
4.923
26,053
5.SSI',-!
18,731*
4,4424.
24,156
5.794*
16,517
3.705*
19.512*
4,329*
23,043*
7.372
8,065
2,577
46.720|
194,457|
Valuation of 1858.
779,698
849,073
311,517
58S,024
501,470
938,762
602,022
607,813
657,033
279.479
6,114,891
I
ft, a,
75,900
113,200
23,100
93,400
43,150
98,280
56,350
68,073
50.975
41,651
664,079
a
1
855,958
962,273
334,617
681,424
544.620
1,037,042
658,372
675,886
708,008
321,130
6,778,970
Population.
9
■i
1
1
Sen
S
J
to
3
e
*
V|
1
2,043
§
5
1
£5
13
1,969
749
500
188
2,054
1,968
612
673
391
15
952
947
359
385
249
11
1,632
1,522
544
512
395
13
1.542
1,414
483
556
304
10
2,401
2,270
754
850
565
18
1,567
1.510
487
560
348
12
1,291
1,234
231
428
349
11
1,476
1,272
464
519
309
14
903
841
277
327
208
4
121
15,787
15,021
4,960
5,310
3.306
» s
5?
12.028
Names of Towns.
Amsterdam...
Canajoharie...
Charleston....
Florida
Glen
Minden
Mohawk
Palatine
Root
St.Johnsville.
Total...
Lite Stock.
960
1,779
1.411
1,694
1,199
1,691
1,3X1
1,525
1,549
512
1,059
1,967
1.204
1,356
1.132
3.120
1,558
2,676
1.5S2
1,147
fco
2,402
2,641
4,855
2,887
3,824
2,197
3,818
1,692
4,885
460
8,836 13,701 16,801 29,661 18,834 63,017
I
1.399
2.007 1
1,188.
2,050^
2,033,
2,641)
2.620'
2.457 1
1.028
811
Agricultural Products.
Bush.
op Grain.
jj
ti
e
"C
£
_%_
3,894*
4.313
1.783
10.240
10,469
5,658
10,648
10.070
3,294
2.647
121.000*.
155,944
127,914*
213,334
181,592*
192,221*
171,619
134,371
146,218*
27,611
3.497
4.208*
2,905*
4,937*
3,962
6,461 *
5.490
6.405*
3,434*
3,230
"fe.
So
da,
14.207
14,367
6,509
13,676
14.749
24.923
23,194
14.824
11.449
7,256
1,471,826* 44.5324. 145,154
Daisy Peoducts.
"fe,s
3
91,993
140.765
114,398
125,140
105,410
187,345
173.952
117.548
120.124
34.710
1,320
184,512
16.050
4,836
13.2901
465.4171
13,490;
494.923,
79.016:
265.800:
a-,
5.S
154
463*
3.344
306
1,097
1.451
1,309
1,829
1,992
341
155,861 1,211,385 1,538,6541 ,12,286*
but the precise date is unknown. They were Germans, and
among them were families named Hellebralt, Waters, Getman,
Van Riepen, Walrath, and Klock. A German school was
taught by Henry Hayes at an early day. The first English
school was taught by Lot Ryan, an Irishman, in 1792. Chris.
Nellis kept an inn in 1783, and a store in 1801. Jacob Zimmer-
man built the first gristmill, during the Revolution, and Geo.
Klock the second, in 1801.
1 Named in compliment to Christian Ilouse, the builder.
* In the spring of 1780 Philip Helmer deserted to the enemy.
He had previously been paying his addresses to a daughter of
Philip Bellinger, and upon a plan being formed to take the
family of the latter prisoners, he forewarned them in time to
rally a party to their assistance. An ambuscade was formed,
and the Indians would have been killed or captured, had it not
been for the, indiscretion of one of the party, who, upon their
approach, yelled out, at the top of his voice, " Lord God Almighty,
friends, here they are !" The Indians fled with the loss of only
one.
2T
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Tiie city of New York1 -was incorp. by Gov. Stuyvesant in 1652,
and its municipal powers were confirmed and enlarged by Gov.
Dongan, April 22, 1086, and by Gov. Montgomerie, April 19, 1708.
An act was passed Oct. 14, 1732, confirming its rights ; and sub-
sequent enactments were embodied in one act in the revised laws
of 1813 and in the revised statutes of 1828. Numerous changes
in the details of the municipal goveimment have been made from
time to time.2
The co., from the beginning, has embraced Manhattan, Gover-
nors, Bedloes, Ellis's, Blackwells, Wards, and Randalls Islands,
and the lands under water to low water mark on the shores
opposite, in Westchester, Queens, and Kings cos., and in New
Jersey.8 Manhattan Island is 13 J mi. long, by 2£ mi. wide at the broadest part. It is centrally
distant 130 mi. from Albany, and contains an area of 22,000 acres.4 It is separated from West-
chester co. by a strait known as Spuyten Duyvil Creek,5 and Harlem River. The surface of the
island was originally quite broken by ridges of gneiss and hornblendic slate, especially in the x.
part : and immense masses of rock and earth have been removed in grading.6 A deep valley
extended across the island on the line of Canal St. ;7 another near Carmansville ;8 a third at Man-
hattanville ; and a fourth at Tubby Hook, near the n. extremity. The s. part of the island waa
covered with drift and boulders, presenting conical hills, some of which were 80 ft. above the present
grade of the streets. Fresh water was readily obtained by wells sunk to the surface of the rock ;
and the porous nature of the soil has greatly favored the construction of deep foundations and
vaults without annoyance from water.9
Along the e. shore, from 94th St. northward, and around Harlem, the surface is very level, and
to some extent covered with salt marshes. On the w. side, toward the N., the valleys are often
deep and the hills precipitous. The highest point, at Fort Washington, is 238 ft. above tide.
Both sides of the island afford ample facilities for commerce ; and the noble harbor embraced
within the shores of New Jersey, Staten Island, Long Island, and the city has scarcely an equal
for extent, safety, and facility of access, and for the amount of its commercial transactions.10
The preservation of this harbor from injurious encroachments has been a subject of solicitude ;
and investigations which these have occasioned have developed many interesting facts connected
with its interests.11
1 {Tamed from the Dnke of York, afterward James II. By
the Dutch Darned " iVeio Amsterdam," and by the Indians
.-.»/, .■■,„.•>
a Import mt acts were pass ■ 1 in 1830. 1849, 1861, !«■">". and
1 • " the lit in' ntioned embracing all the essential features of
tin- r jiv goi eminent.
a The question of jurisdiction upon the river was long a sub-
if dispute with New Jersey, n of tli intro.
h given in our ore.. nut "f the Boundaries of the State,
pp. IT. 18
« The « Idi -t part of the i.-lan.I La at B8th St.. where it is 12.500
I •
'Tif creek flowi from Hudson to Earlem River, at Kings-
brldi
• White limestone i dity appeared a( tli" surface on
the i - een 13th and fi I on the w. from 20th
i i ..I-- m- [ ■!. often i •■-II t
and contorted, and in pu<-e- they contain interesting minerals.
r Abodj I 9 •■' t EHOWD ;i- • I ■ 1. (from K.ilk. a
pit. i bordered by ■ m irsb,exti nded fi mnear F I to Ft anklin
It feet di ep. and was
connected with tli" Bndi any on the
P --lit line of Canal 8t> ' rt for skating In
wint.r ; and upon it experiment n irigatlon were made
ho Steven* in ITflfl and by John Pitch In 1786
and'07. The Halls of Jostl is the T be, and the'
Pointa" district, n"W 00 upy the rite of tli- andenl pond ; and a
•ewet under Canal Bt represents the position of the
OUtl't.
« Known as the Clendening Valley. Tlie Proton Aqnedni t
crow* this on a magnificent scries of arches and piers of
maeonrv.
• Until 1812 the city was entirely dependent upon wells for
Its snpplv of fresh water. See p. 424.
'418
w The strait known as Harlem River and Spuyten Puyvil
Creek is too shallow and crooked to be available for commerce.
Various plans have been proposed to improve it; but none have
been carried into effect. Harlem River is about 800 to 1,000 ft.
wide, and mostly bordered by narrow, marshy flats, behind
which the banks i ■ise into hills. At Kingsbridge the bank is
lso ft. high and nearly perpendicular. Tho Hudson River R, H.
and the Harlem R. 1!. cr>>-- these waters, and also the High
Bridge, i used i mly for the Cmton Aqueduct and foot passengers.)
ami tie Harlem Bridge, at the head of 3d Avenue. The latter
was a tnll bridge until the expiration of the charter in the spring
of 1858, Me omVe Bridge, formerly at the head of 7th Avenue,
was much Dsed; but it is now down. A dam was constructed
at this place for using tidewater; but, being found to impede
navigation, it was removed. In 1827 a company formed to build
a canal across the upper end of tho island, and in 18315 a similar
plan was proposed, and a canal was partly built, traces of which
may be seen on the r. side of the island, at lOfith St. One of tho
objects of this canal was to gain access to a marble quarry; but
the stone was found to be of inferior quality, and the project
was abandoned. The capacity of the harbor of New York is
limited only by the depth of water on the bars at its entrance
Dear Bandy Hook. Vessels of about 23 ft. draft can pass at. high
tide. The approaches by way of Long Island Pound have no
practical limitation of this kind; andvessols of 60 ft. draft could
approach the upper part of the island and land on tho West-
Chester shores adjacent without difficulty.
11 The Colony and Mate have at sundry times granted to tho
city lands under water adjacent to its shores, the riparian owners
being usually secured in the right of pre-emption. Tho principal
Of theM grants have been as follows: —
1686. — All vacant lands on Manhattan Island to low water mark,
with rivulets, coves, and ponds, were secured by the
charter granted by Gov. Dongan.
NEW YORK COUNTY.
419
Although the city forms but a single organization, it has localities known by distinct names
as villages or neighborhoods ; but the number of these is gradually becoming obliterated as popula-
tion increases ; and most of them will soon be known only to the student of history.1
Of the several islands, other than Manhattan, comprised in New STork City and co., those in the
harbor are owned by the General Government and ocoupied as military posts, and those in the
East River arc chiefly owned by the city and devoted to charitable and penal institutions.2
1708. — All vacant lands cm Long Island shore, between high and
low water marks, between tli>' Navy Vani and Red Hook,
were granted.
1730. — Land under water, 400 ft. wide, between Junction of
Charlton and Washington sis. and Marketfleld St. on
the Hudson, and from Whitehall to Houston St. on the
East River, was secured. These grants, with the pre-
vioua ones, comprise 200 J acres.
1807.— Land under water, 400 ft. wide, extending northward
from previous grant 4 mi. on tho Hudson and 2 ml. on
the East River, was granted.
1826. — The same was extended to Spuyten Duyvil Creek on tho
w. and Harlem R. on tho E.
1821.— Land 000 ft. wide in front of the Battery was added.
1S37.— Land under water on the w. to 13th Avenue line was
secured.
1852. — Land under Harlem R. from such exterior line as the
corporation might fix, to the shore, was granted. Other
extensions were authorized in 1828, 1830, 1835, 1846.
Assem. Doc. 8, 1856.
In 1811 the exterior lino was fixed by the commissioners for
laying out the city into streets; but changes of their plan
and the extension of streets led to encroachments upon the
channel, requiring remedial measures. An act was accordingly
passed, March 30, 1855, appointing 5 commissioners in pursuance
of advice of a Senate committee of the year previous, and these
persons, associating with themselves several officers of the
General Government, proceeded to examine the subject. The
harbor and shores were surveyed and sounded, the effects of
tides and currents examined, maps constructed, and lines for
the limitation of piers and bulkheads recommended, and mostly
confirmed by law, April 7, 1857. These surveys were performed
by 10 parties of about 200 persons from the U. S. Coast Survey,
at a cost of $85,000. The reports of the commission embrace a
large amount of statistical and historical information. — Assem.
Doc. 8, 1S56; Sen. Doc. 40, 126, 1857.
The first dock was built from Broad to Dock St., on the East
River. There are now 66 piers on the w. and 78 on the E. side
of the city. A part of these are built and owned by the corpora-
tion, others by individuals or companies, and others jointly by
the city and individuals. Of the last class the city pays one-third
the cost of building and receives one-half of the revenues. The
city owns 39 piers and 7 half-piers on the Hudson, and 31 piers
and 20 half-piers on the East River, — the former valued at
$1,428,500, and the latter at $1,829,000. They are under tho
care of the Street Department.
The wants of commerce led to the erection of a lighthouse on
Sandy Hook, at the expense of the colony of New York, in 1762.
which was supported by special duties upon commerce until
ceded to the U. S. Feb. 3, 1790. The commissioners for its erec-
tion were John Cruger, Philip Livingston, Leonard Lispenard,
and Wm. Bayard. It was burned in 1776. Within the Hook are
lights at Princes Bay, Fort Tompkins, Robins Reef, and White-
hall Landing, and numerous buoys to murk the channels.
The tide enters at Sandy Hook at 7h. 29m. past the moon's
southing, and rises at Governors Island from 2.2 to 6.1 ft., the
mean rise being 4.3 ft. The harbor was frozen over in 17s0, and
again in 1820. On the former occasion persons passed on the
ice to Staten Island. It sometimes happens that the Hudson
and East Rivers will be closed for a few bonis in intensely cold
seasons, and people have on these occasions rashly attempted to
cross ; but the occurrence is not common.
1 The following is a list of the principal of these localities: —
Bloomingtlale, on Broadway, between 100th and 110th
Sts., 7 mi. from the City Hall, presents a very neat appearance,
and consists mostly of suburban dwellings. It is the seat of an
orphan and a lunatic asylum, — the latter forming a branch of
the N. Y. Hospital. It was called by the Dutch " Bloaw.nd
Dal" — Flowery Valley.
Carmansville, ou 10th Av. above 155th St., named from
families named Carman, former owners of the adjoining lands,
is chiefly made up of country seats.
Corlaers Hook, at the angle in the East River near
Grand St., named from Arent Van Corlaer, was called by the
Indians " Nechtank."
Dominies Hook lies on the Hudson, between Duane and
Canal Sts., embracing 62 acres. It was acquired by ground brief
from Stuyvesant July 4, 1654, and was afterward granted to tho
Enirlish Church.
Fort Washington, (Washington Heights p.o.,) a short
distance above Carmansville, is an elevated site, once fortified,
and now occupied by fine dwellings. The Deaf and Dumb Asy-
lum is located near this place.
Greenwich, now merged in the city, was 3 mi. above the
City Hall, on the Hudson. It was named by Capt, afterward
Eii Peter, Warren, who owned it. The ludian name was
" Sapokanigan." The N.Y. State Prison was formerly located
here.
Harlem (p. o.) lies between so. Avenue ami East River,
about Inoth St. The principal business is on 3d Avenu<\ It
has several churches, important manufactories of India robber,
elu micals, candles, ale, beer, carriages, and row boat^, and
several private schools.
Kings Garden, west of Broadway, between Fulton and
Kendo sts., is now partly held by Trinity Church and leased.
Lispenai'ds Meadows was an irregular tract on both
sides ot West Broadway from Reads to near Spring St., and along
Canal St. from the Hudson to Orange St.
Manhattanville, (p.o.,) on the Hudson, between 125th
and 132d Sts., w. of 9th Avenue, coutains a convent, Catholic
college, and manufactories of iron, paint, and refined sugar.
Strykers Bay, ou the Hudson, at 96th St., is a B. R.
station.
Tubhy Hook lies on the Hudson, one-half mi. s. of
Spuyten Duyvil Creek.
Turtle Bay is on the East River, 2 mi. n. of Corlaer Hook.
Its name is a corruption of the Dutch "Deutel Bay," or Wedge
Bay.
Yorkville, ou the east side of Central Park, extends to
the East River, from 79th to 90th Sts.
- Governors Island was formerly called " Nulten
Island" and by the Indians •' Pag-ganck." It lies 1,066 yards
8. E. from the Battery, and contains 72 acres. It is separated
from Long Island by Buttermilk Channel, formerly shallow,
but now of sufficient depth for the largest ships. This island
was bought by Gov. Van Twiller, and has always been reserved
for public defense. Quarantine was located here from 1794 to
1797. In the settlement of accounts with the U. S., New York
undertook to erect fortifications here as payment for her pro-
portion of the expenses of the Revolution. Jurisdiction was
ceded to the U. S. Feb. 15, 1S00, with Fort Jay, then partially
erected. By the authority of an act passed March 26, 1794,
£30,000 were expended by the State in fortifications, under the
supervision of Geo. Clinton. Matthew Clarkson, James Watson,
Richard Varies:, Nicholas Fish, Ebenezer Stevens, and Abijah
Hammond. A further sum of £20,000 was granted April 6,
1795, to complete the works on this and " Oyster" (now Ellis)
Islands. Castle William (named from Con. Williams of the
N. Y. Militia) is a round tower on the w. shore of the island. 600
feet in circumference and 60 feet high, mounting SO casemate
and 40 barbette guns. The land side is open, and a covered
way leads to the works in the center of the island. Fort Co-
lumbus is a star-shaped work of 5 points on the summit of the
island, mounting 105 guns; and South Battery, fronting But-
termilk Channel, has 13 guns. These works from 1830 to 1858
cost $2S5,897 ; and they are adapted to a garrison of 800 men.
The island is used as a receiving station for newly enlisted
troops, ami a school for instructing boys in music. About 60
lads of 14 years and upward are usually under instruction
upon the drum, bugle, and other instruments.
Bedloes Island, 2.950 yards s. w. from the Battery, was
named from Isaac Bedloe, the patentee under Gov. Nicoll. It
was known for some years as "Kennedys Island.'' It was
ceded to the U. S. in 1800, having been previously used for
quarantine purposes. It is now occupied by Fort Wood, erected
in 1S41 at a cost of 8213,000, on the site of a fort built about
the beginning of the century. It mounts 77 guns, and accom-
modates a garrison of 350 men. During several months in
1849 it was used by the Commissioners of Emigration as a
hospital.
till is Island, formerly known as "Oyster," "Bucking,"
and •• Gibbet'' Isiand, lies 2,050 yards S.W. of the Battery, and
is occupied by Fort Gibson, a work built in 1S41-44, at a cost of
$5,096, mounting 15 guns and requiring a garrison of 80 men
The pirate Gibbs and 3 associates were hung here April 22,
1S31.
Blackwells Island is a long, narrow island in the
East River, extending from 51st to 88th Sts., and containing
120 acres. It was named from the Blackwell family, who
owned it for a hundred years or more. It is now owned by tho
city corporation, and is the seat of various penal and charitable
institutions. This island was formerly called " Manning Island,"
from Capt. John Manning; and by the Indians it was named
'• Minnahanock." It was patented to Gov. Van Twiller. and
continued private property until 1828, when it was sold by
James Blackwell to the city for $30,000. In 1843 the city paid
$20,000 more to perfect the' title.
Wards Island, named from Jasper and Bartholomew
Ward, former proprietors, extends along the East River, oppo-
site New York, from 101st St. to 115th St.. and contains 200
acres. It was formerly called " Great Barcut" or " Great Barn"
Island, and by the Indians was named li Ten-ken-as.'' It was
420
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Tl e city is divided into 22 Wards, which are again subdivided into 149 Election Districts, and
such other civil divisions as the election of State, city and co. officers, the administration of jus-
tice, and the regulation of municipal ordinances require.1
The Board of Supervisors in New York co. is composed of 12 persons, who are so
classified that 2 are elected or appointed annually. A ballot can have but one name; and it is
the duty of the canvassers to declare that the two persons having the highest number of votes are
fleeted.2 Their general powers and duties — which chiefly concern taxes and assessment — are the
same as those of Supervisors in other cos.
The Legislative Power of the city government is vested in the Common Council, con-
sisting of 2 co-ordinate branches. — a board of 17 Aldermen and a board of 24 Councilmen.3 The
former are elected by single districts for 2 years, and the latter are elected annually, 6 to each
Senatorial district.* Ordinances must be passed by both bodies the same year, and receive the
assent of the Mayor, to become valid.
The regular sessions of the Board of Councilmen commence at 5 o'clock p. m. on the first Mon-
day in each month, and continue on each Monday and Tuesday until the business of the month
is concluded. . Each house elects a presiding officer, clerk, and other officers ; and the journals of
each are published.
The Executive Power is vested in a Mayor,5 elected for 2 years, and in 7 Executive De-
partments, viz., those of Police, Finance, Streets, Croton Aqueduct, Almshouse, Law, and City
ctor, — most of which are subdivided into bureaus, each having specific duties to perform.
The Mayor is charged with the general administration of the city, nominates for the approval of
the Aldermen certain officers, and may suspend or remove officers within limits fixed by statute.
H ■■ommunicates annually and from time to time to the Common Council such messages as he
i ms proper.
The Police Department has general charge of police regulation in New York City,
Kings, Richmond, and Westchester cos. By act of April 15, 1857, it was placed under the
Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police District,6 of whom the Mayors of New York and
Brooklyn are ex officio members.
bought by Van Twiller in 1637, confiscated in 1664, and granted
to Thos. Delavel. The Wards bought it in 1S06 ; and in Dec.
1847, a part was leased by the Commissioners of Emigration
for an Emigrant Refuge and Hospital. The Commissioners
li !-.■• since purchased 106 acres; and a portion of the remainder
led as a Potter's Field. The cost of buildings and improve-
■ - up to 1858 was $260,000. The structures erected before
1850 were slight barracks and shanties: but those built since
hiefly of brick. The island is supplied with Croton water;
itn i :i Gerry connects it with 106th St.
It ;i iidnlls Inland, named from Jonathan Randall, who
P'ir :hased it in 1784 and resided here nearly 50 years, lies x.
of Wards Island, near the Westchester shore. It was formerly
. - "/.•"'• /;■/•//" [eland. It was patented under the
• rnni' nt. but was confiscated in 1664 and granted to
veL It was subsequently named ■' Bclleitle," " Talbots
■!." and " Hontrurors Wand." The city purchased it in
u.noo. It is now occupied by nursery schools and by
-hni nt of the S - i-ty for the Reformation of Jnve-
A ferry connects it with 122d St
■mnltl a Meadow Island I at to Randalls
Id lod.
; 'I ■ wmi dW Is I !>• ' B, 1888, into 6 wards. known as
I ;.. and Onl Wards. They were
design.^.-! by numbers, and a new ward ■■ 1 by net of
1792. Tli'«o subsequently
i ti w follow*: —
. from 12th.
9th.
17th, 1837, ■ 11th.
loth
fr>m 7th
18th, 1846, '• 16th.
U'th. 1850, •• 12th
1861, - 16th.
1827,
•• lOtb
l-'. :, ■■ 18th.
• 18th.
15th. '
" Btli.
1 Thin arranfronvnt i« mud- M a* to place the Board of Super-
Tinon nl>'. v.- th- r-n
* Th" AJdennank D . nti :\I with the Assembly Dis-
- an «.s fellows :—
- nth of Ohaml r- Dbbim, Frankfort, Pearl, and Dover 84*.
2. S. by l«t. within Broadway, B through Frank-
fort. Baxter, Rayard. Howry. Onl
I • r -
by 1st. within Broadway, from Chambers, through Spring
River.
i - t.v 2d. within Broadway from Fnnklin, through flrand
and ' • Iwt Uiv<-r.
» F. by 3d. within Broadwav. fr..in Spring, through 4th and
ChrisUphrr SU to Dodl n Iciv.r
6. Within Broadway, Houston, Clinton, and Grand Sts.
7. S. by 5th, within Broadway, from 4th, through 14th St. to
Hudson River.
8. S. and e. by East River ; w. and N. by Clinton and Houston
Sts. to East River.
9. S. by 7th, within 6th Avenue, from 14th St., through 2Cth St.
to Hudson River.
10. Within Broadway and 14th St., Avenue A, and Houston St
11. S. by Oth. within 6th Avenue, from 26th St., through 40th to
Hudson River.
12. Within Houston St., Avenue A, 14th St. and East River, 22d
Ward.
13. 22d Ward.
14. Within 14th St., from East River, 6th Avenue, 2Cth St. and
East River.
15. S. by 14th. within 6th Avenue, from 20th St., through 40th
St. to East River.
16. 19th Ward.
17. 12th Ward.
• The election of city officers takes place annually on the first
Tuesday of !>"-.. and that of co. officers on the day of the general
St it.- • lection, which is on the Tuesday after the first Monday
of Nov. The officers of the co. are the Recorder, City Judge,
and Other Judges of the co. courts, District Attorney and his
nits. Sheriff and his I i.pu ties. Constables, Coroners, County
Clerk, K'-gistcr, Treasurer. Assessors. Tax Commissioners, Re-
ceiver of Taxes, Commissioner of Juries, Commissioners of
Deeds, and Supervisors.
Tl... Recorder is presiding judge of tho criminal courts and a
DM Istrate. Several of the co. officers are ex officio charged
with duties more properly belonging to the city government ;
an I the line of distinction between tho two sets of officers is
not well defined.
* The Mayor was originally appointed by tho Governor and
Council, and from 1777 to 1822 by the Council of Appointment.
.-in. ■■ 1822 the Mayor has been elected.
' This District includes New York, Kings, Richmond, and
Westchester cos. Tho Governor and Senate appoint 8 com-
in. --i. tiers from the city of N. Y., 1 from Kings, and 1 from
Westchester or Richmond co. The city is divide. I Into 11 Sur-
gical Districts, each with 1 Surgeon; and into 25 Police l're-
cincts. under a General and Deputy Superintendent. According
to the Council Manual for 1858. the number of employees in tho
police was 1,004. of whom 11 were surgeons, 7 were attached
to the office of the Commissioners, 5 were employed in tho office
of the Oeneral Department. 21 in that of the Deputy Superin-
tendent 21 as Detectives, 70 in attendance at public offices and
courts. 26 as harbor police, and 841 on police stations. The
number is at times largely increased, and is annually becoming
permanently greater
NEW YORK COUNTY.
421
The Department of Finance is under a Comptroller, elected by separate ticket for a
term of 4 years. This officer has charge of the fiscal concerns of the city, and reports the con-
dition of its finances annually to the Common Council. The Department is divided into the Audit-
ing Bureau, a Bureau of Arrears, a Bureau of Taxes, a Bureau of City Revenue, and a Bureau of
Deposits and Disbursements, the officers of which are appointed by the Comptroller.1
Number of cases annually before the Court of Sessions, for a term of years.
Years.
Petit Larceny.
ASSADLT AND BATTERY.
Misde-
meanors.
Total.
[3
G
a,
•*- to
to =
•2'S
£ 1
5>
5
S
■g
is
■% a,
I
•pa
!
•22
B
3S
C
5
•**
i
so
8
CM
1
to
a
a
to
S
1838
261
349
526
666
744
907
896
991
977
1,064
1,180
1,419
1,453
1.475
1,415
1,411
2.047
1,788
2,041
1,919
73
93
97
78
138
142
148
193
220
173
258
261
219
187
214
179
108
196
208
273
317
125
163
226
296
287
395
551
615
509
334
436
558
837
662
978
1,230
1,152
929
986
1.589
1,697
26
33
32
30
33
54
86
90
87
48
52
59
76
43
51
67
66
84
84
284
344
429
581
4VS
396
375
537
838
1,158
1,109
697
672
938
1,382
1,194
1.167
1.120
1,184
1,064
1,454
1,627
1,784
28
25
101
139
6
4
40
60
914
1,219
1,369
1,466
1,577
2.035
2.519
3,047
2,902
1.252
2,548
2.996
3,933
3.539
3.885
4,011
3,921
4,354
4,549
5,955
6.260
434
614
839
1,001
1.119
1,311
1,495
1,741
1,651
1,399
1,635
1,837
2,218
2,079
2.405
2,570
1.528
1,942
2,803
3,752
4,576
296
241
508
682
737
987
1,058
1,128
1,075
981
l.i m:;
1,120
1,402
1,179
1,254
1,242
1.159
1,528
1,426
1,824
2,061
27
25
28
67
63
55
56
66
56
51
52
71
112
94
97
119
77
69
41
195
134
1839
1S40
1S41
1S42
1843
1S44 ,
1845
1846
1S47
1S48
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
1858
Cases tried in the courts of Oyer and Terminer and of General Sessions, for a period of
eighteen years.
Offenses.
Murder
Arson, 1st degree
Manslaughter, various degrees
Assault and battery with intent to kill or maim
Assault and battery with intent to rob
Rape, and intent to commit rape
Abandoning child in highway
Robbery. 1st degree
Kidnapping
Riot with assault
Assault and battery
Procuring abortion
Bigamy
Incest
Sodomy
Perjury and subornation of perjury
Arson, not 1st degree
Burglary, various degrees
Attempt to commit felonies
Embezzlement
Grand larceny, &c 2d offense
Petit larceny and attempt to commit
Petit larceny, 2d offense
Conspiracy
Carrying slung shot (felony)
Receiving stolen goods
Accessory to felony
Forgery, various degrees
Receiving challenge to fight a duel
Breaking jail
Aiding prisoners to escape
Keeping gambling and disorderly house
Nuisance
Selling, insuring, and advertising lottery tickets..
Libel
Cruelty to animals
Selling liquor without license
3 11
16
4
5
2
2
10
49
B0
51
10
86
101
"2
3
8
13
16
1
1
2
1
9
"i
3
"6
41
"i
1
47
9
105
76
6
i
4
1
17
6
7
"i
15
17
37
"•4
1
"2
1
54
14
2
119
51
1
9
15
16
14
17
10
1
4
i'6
45
71
64
155
75
2
'4'
6
15
14
'"%
6
307
l:,
11
1
4
1
52
19
3
112
91
4
6
25
38
2
lo
4
i'6
9
12
5
67
48
62
130
10
i'6
1J
19
10
76
64
2
94
109
3
15
30
3
1
i:,
12
6
4
22
89
101
4
89
116
28
21
18
3
i'6
2
1
121
i'2
3
85
137
1
110
109
2
15
54
During 29 years ending with 1858, 38 persons have been
sentenced for capital crimes, of whom 17 have been executed,
14 had their sentences commuted to imprisonment for life, 1 was
pardoned, 1 committed suicide, and to 4 a new trial was granted.
of whom 3 were convicted of manslaughter and 1 discharged.
One was under sentence of death at the beginning of 1S59. —
Common Council Manual, 1859, p. 75.
l The Comptroller reports quarterly a list of accounts audited;
and all drafts upon the city treasury must be upon his warrant,
accompanied by vouchers. The following aggregates show the
422
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Tiie Street Department is under the charge of the Street Commissioner, who is appointed
for 2 years hy the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Board of Aldermen. He has the
general direction of opening, altering, regulating, grading, guttering, and lighting streets, roads,
places, and avenues, of building, repairing, and lighting wharves and piers, and of the construc-
tion and repair of public roads and the filling up of sunken lots, under the ordinances of the
Common Council. The paving of streets is not under his charge. The department has a Bureau
of Street Improvements, of Repairs and Supplies, of Lands and Places, of the Chief Engineer of
Fire Department, of Collection of Assessments, of Wharves, of Roads, and of Lamps and Gas. Of
each of these bureaus there is a superintendent, or chief, and several clerks, numbering in the
several offices of the Department nearly sixty persons.1
Tho valuation, tax, and rate, for a series of years, at intervals
of 5 years, from 1805 to 1825, was as follows : —
«
w
!*
Valuation.
City and
County
Tax.
State Tax.
Total Tax.
as. Dolls.
1805
$25,645,867
25.486,370
81,636.042
69,530,753
101,160,046
S127,094.S7
129,727.15
197,613.38
270,361.19
336,S68.82
50 per 1
51 " "
41i " "
49 " "
384. " "
1810
1815
1820
1825
§163,372.08
69,530.75
50.580.03
$361,285.46
339,891.94
387,448.85
condition of the city finances at tho beginning of 1S59 and the
operations of the preceding year: —
Appropriations in 1S5S for city government $ 5,950,967.94
Expenditures 4.959,355.19
Expenditures in 1S5S on trust and special ac-
counts 10.549,621.54
Receipts in 1858 17,152,471.19
Permanent city debts redeemable from Sinking
funds. Jail. 1. 1859 14,399,99S.00
Funded debt redeemable from taxation, same
date 1,224,000.00
Funded debt redeemable from Central Park
assessments 1,600,000.00
Estimated value of public parks 14,761,526.00
" bulkheads, wharves, and
piers 3,257,500.00
il real estate occupied by mar-
kets 1,114,000.00
" Croton Aqueduct Depart-
ment 15,475,000.00
" K property used for Common
Schools 1,200,000.00
" " property used for ferry pur-
poses 1,200,000.00
" " property used by Fire De-
partment 315,813,00
" " propertv used by Governors
of Almshouse _. 1,250.000.00
" " real estate of all kinds 41,625,639.00
Assessed value of real estate within city in 1S58... 36S,346,296.00
" " personal estate within city
resident 150,S13,462.00
" " personal estate within city
nou resident 12,034,532.00
" " personal estate within city,
total 162,847,994.00
" " real and personal estate 531,194,290.00
Comparative Valuation and Taxes of the City and State for a series of years.
The property, both real and personal, in New York, is of im-
mense value, and is increasing at a very rapid ratio. The taxes
are uniformly heavy, and much higher than the average taxes
of the other portions of tho State. The following tables show a
summary of the
Valuation and Taxes for a series of years.
1826
1830
1835
1840
1845
1S50
1855
1858
Value of
Seal Estate.
$64,S04,050
87,603,580
143,742,425
187,221.714
177,207,299
207,142,576
336,975.866
36S,346,296
Value of
Personal Es-
tate.
§42,434,981
37,6S4,938
74,991,278
65,011,801
62,787,527
78,919,240
150,022,312
162,847,994
Total Value.
$107,238,931
125,2S8,518
218,723,703
252,233,515
239,995,517
286,061,816
486,998,278
531,194,290
Amount
raised by
Tax.
$383,759.89
509,17S.44
965,602.94
1.354,835.29
2,096,191.18
3,230,085.02
5,843,822.89
8,621,091.31
Years.
Total Valuation.
Total Tax.
Rate of Tax in Mills,
on $1.
City.
State.
City.
State.
City.
State.
1840
1 368
(218,723,703
! 2,135,515
2 1,995 517
286,061,816
487,060,888
531.222,042
$532,418,407
641.359.S19
605,646,095
727,494,588
1,402,840,304
1,404.907,679
$518,494.00
1.354.797.29
2,096,191.18
8,230,085.02
6,84 1.772.42
8,621.091.31
$2,299,290.57
3.089.920.94
4,170,527.95
6.312.789.23
11.679.015.69
15,426.593.20
4.5
5.4
8.7
113
12.0
16.2
5.0
4.9
6.9
8.6
8.3
10.98
l Ml ll of the Streets in the lower part of the city are winding
and .-: talced; bal above t! id settled Dutch portion thej an
Tory regular. An act pasx 'I April ■'•. 1807, appointed Bime •■ De
QouTemeur Morris, and John Rutherford to layout and
■• the whole Island it. of Plteroj Road, (Qansevoorl St.,)
h Avenue, and Ait Street, fWaverly
■. [load; and down the nine t i North St..
'i ton 81 : : t 1 Iter. The powers of
incrs were more amply specified in an act p I
Mil'!' '•*• 1809; ai, WBI bj this art to be made a
for lb- w i •. h inity. 'lb.' labors
,. i the mmiesloo ended within the time specified, and their
Bled in the - March 11, 1811. The
■ •, ondex this plan were executed by John Randall, jr..
W1tb nxacT, and finnl'y completed in 1821. To the
commendable forethought I tl men i- tl ity In-
debted :• r tb- admiral ■!■■ arrangement of Its up town streets
and avenues.
Ti, f the port ii this surrey generally ex-
tend from tb- Hudson to 1 1 1 • - Bail River direct, and are known
by their numbers, tb- highest being it the time "f first surrey
re i I'h -t. these are known
only by their numbers, and the lots upon them are numbered
B. and w. from Fifth Avenue. They are each "> fret wide, ex-
cept 14tb. 2-".d. 34tb,42d,67tht72d, 79th, 86th, 96th, 106th, 116th,
125th, 100th, 145th, and 155tb, each of which is 100 feet wide.
Tin' blocks between them vary from 184 to 212 feet, being gene-
rally about 200 feet, or about 20 blocks to the mile.
The Avenues run nearly N. and s., and are numbered from E.
to w., beginning upon tho East River. Several short avenues
on tho E. side of the city are designated by letters, as Avenue A,
beginning at tho one next E. of First Avenue. Thcso avenues
are each 100 feet wide, except 8. of 23d St.. where Avenues A
andC are 80 feet and Avenue li 60 feet. North of 33d St. Fourth
Avenue is 125 feet wide. The blocks between the avenues are
610 to 920 feet, being generally S00 feet
The Lands and I'lareg belonging to tho city date their title
from Dongan'S charter, by which all waste and unappropriated
lands on Manhattan Island to low water mark, and all rivers,
bays, and waters adjoining) were confirmed to the city. Tho
I'-ul estate now belonging to the Corporation, amounting to
- 1 1 ,463,039, Is mostly in use for Waterworks, Police, Fire, Alins-
1 i'. School, or Market purposes, or as parks, piers, bulk-
bonds, and wharves, ferries, and public buildings for municipal
purposes. The city owns, besides these,
Uncommitted quitrents reserved on property when
Bold, and water grants yet to be issued $900,000
Lots under lease without covenants of renewal 325,000
" " " with " " 500,000
Common lands 600,000
Sundry lots and gores of land 250,000
Heal estate in Brooklyn 60,000
NEW YORK COUNTY.
423
The city contains 20 public and several private parks, most of which are inclosed with iron
railing and handsomely laid out.1
Tlie Fire Department in some form has existed since 1G53, when the city enjoyed the
privilege of colleotinga beaver for each house and a guilder yearly for each chimney to Bupport a
fire apparatus. The Fire Department in its present form was incorp. April 10, 1831; and its powers
have been modified by acts of March 25, 1851, and April 3, 1855.2
1 'The Central /'ark, for 11m purpose of construction, is in
charge of ;i special lizard of Commissioners, consisting of 10
members, who serve without pay, and report annually to the
Common Council. The history of this park is briefly as fol-
lows : —
On the 6th of April, 1851, Mayor Kingsland, in a special mes-
sage to the Common Council, called attention to the importance
of a public park sufficiently ample to meet the growing wants
of the city population. The message was referred to a select
committee, who reported in favor of purchasing the tract of 15(1
acres between 66th and 75th Sts. and 3d Avenue and the East
River, known as Jones's Wood. An act was passed duly 11, 1851,
allowing this to be taken; but, from some errors in the act, the
Supreme Court refused to appoint Commissioners, ami the law-
was repealed April 11, 1854. On the 5th of August, 1851, a com-
mittee was appointed to examine whether another more suitable
site for a park could not be found; and the result of the inquiry
was the selection of the site now known as the "Central Park."
between 5th and Sth Avenues, originally extending from 49th
to l(J6th Sts., and in 1S59 extended to 110th St. The act for
creating this park passed July 23, 1853, and an act for its regu-
lation and government April 17, 1857. The grounds are 2£
miles long by 5 mile wide, embracing 840 acres, of which 136
are occupied by Croton reservoirs. It will be crossed by 4
thoroughfares, sunk below the general surface and passing
under the carriage ways and other avenues of the park, so as
not to obstruct the movement of visitors. Access to the grounds
cannot be had from these transverse roads. This park is now
under construction, and will embrace a parade ground 50 acres
in extent, for the maneuver of large bodies of infantry, cavalry,
and artillery ; a botanical garden, cricket grounds, playgrounds,
ponds for skating in winter, and every variety of scenery which
a surface naturally rugged and broken can be made to present.
The plan embraces carriage drives and bridle paths, winding
ways for pedestrians, and broad, noble avenues for promenade;
fountains, lawns, terraces, and every variety of woodland
scenery. Ground is reserved for a public hall intended for con-
certs ; for a large conservatory, and exotic terraces ; for a geo-
metrical flower garden, with wall fountains; for an architectural
terrace, with a large jet and tazza fountain ; for public houses
of refreshment; for residences of the Superintendent ami head
gardener; for a police station, a zoological garden, and for an
astronomical observatory, chartered in 1859. The grounds now
include the building erected and still used for a State Arsenal,
but sold to the corporation, and the Mount St. Vincent Academy
of the Sisters of Charity. There will be over 25 miles of walks,
5 miles of bridle paths, and 8 miles of carriage road. The main
entrance will be at the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th St.; but
other entrances will be provided at convenient points on 7th
Avenue on both ends, and along 5th and Sth Avenues.
The Battery comprises a tract of about 20 acres at the s. point
of the island, planted with trees and fronting upon the harbor.
It was formerly a place of fashionable resort ; but, in the exten-
sion of commerce, it has lost most of its prestige. It is still at-
tractive on account of its cool breezes and refreshing shade. The
point, formerly called "■ Schreyers Honk" showed a number of
rocks above water, upon which a platform was built in 1693 for
a battery. This shallow spot was afterward filled in; and iu
1853-56 it was further extended so as to embrace its present
limits. It is valued at $3,000,000.
The Bowling Green is a triangular park between Broadway
and Whitehall St. and Battery Place. It is supplied with a
fountain, but is not open to the public. This Park or Green
formerly fronted the fort upon the Battery. Prior to the Revo-
lution, a leaden equestrian statue of Geo. III. was placed in it,
which at the commencement of the war was thrown down and
nidted into bullets. The Green is valued at $135,000.
Tlte Park is a triangular space of 10j acres between Broad-
way, Chatham, and Chamber Sts., near the present center of
commercial business in the city. The City Hall. Hall of Records,
Rotunda, and New City Hall, used for courts and public offices,
are located upon it. It has a large fountain, which is seldom
used. This tract, formerly called " The Fields," or •' The ('am-
nion,'' from the beginning has been owned by the city and used
for public purposes. While distant from the settled portion, it
was used as a place of execution; and the victims of the negro plot
proscription were here burned. In the early part of the Kevo-
lution the Sons of Liberty here rallied to assert their rights ;
and at a later period it became the scene of cruelty as the prison
aud execution ground of American patriots. The s. gateway
was formerly of marble, beautifully finished, and surmounted
by two marble balls, gifts from the Turkish Government to Com-
modore Perry, and by him presented to the city. They had
been made for cannon balls. The foundation of this gateway
was laid with great pomp, the Mayor presiding and depositing
in it various coins, papers, and memorials. The Park is now
partly surrounded by an iron fence, and its sides are open for
aome distance to allow the easy passage of pedestrians. Its
central location renders it a favorite place for popular gather-
ings, ami, from the throng constantly passing, an audience can
be swelled to thousands in a brief .-pare of time. This Park is
valued at $3,000,000.
Washington Square, containing 9$ acres, formerly the " P,t-
ter't Field," Ilea between Waverly Place, McDougal, Fourth, and
Wooster Sts. It is handsomely laid out. and is surrounded with
residences of a superior class. It has a fountain, and is a favor-
ite resort for promenade. It is estimated that 100,000 persons
were buried here before the ground was taken for a park. It is
valued at $810,000.
Union Park is an oval area, with a fine fountain, on Broad-
way, hounded by University Place, 4th Avenue, 14th and 17th
Sts. It is much frequented in summer by nurses and children.
It is valued at $504,000. Adjoining the park, hut not within
its paling, is the equestrian statue of Washington, in bronze,
by II. K. Browne, erected in 1856 at a cost of over $30,000. It
is 14 feet high, and stands on a granite pedestal of about the
same height.
Tompkins Square, formerly a parade ground, is bounded by
Avenues A and B and by 6th and loth Sts. It is still new: but
it is well laid out and will become an ornament to the eastern
side of the city. A fountain is under construction, and other
improvements are in progress.
Madison Square, comprising 10 acres, between 5th and Madi-
son Avenues and 23d and 26th Sts., is beautifully laid out and
planted with trees. The adjoining streets are built up with
first class dwellings, and it is one of the most fashionable
places of promenade in the city. It is valued at $520,000.
Adjoining this square on the west is a monument to the memory
of General Worth.
Stuyvesant Square lies between 15th and 17th Sts. and 1st
and 3d Avenues, the 2d Avenue passing through it. It has a
fountain on each side of 2d Avenue, and is tastefully laid out
and planted with trees and shrubs. It was presented to the
corporation by the late Peter G. Stuyvesant, aud is valued at
$196,000.
Reservoir Square, adjoining the distributing reservoir, be-
tween 40th and 42d Sts.. on 0th Avenue, from 1851 to 1858 was
occupied by the Crystal Palace. It is valued at $150,000, and is
at present unimproved as a park.
Manhattan Square, between Sth and 9th Avenues and 77th
and 81st Sts., is a rough, unimproved piece of land, valued at
$S8,000.
Hamilton Square, at Yorkville, between 3d and 5th Avenues
and 68th aud 69th Sts., has a rolling surface, mostly above the
level of adjoining streets, and is uninclosed and unimproved.
The corner stone of a monument to Washington was laid with
pompous ceremonies on this park Oct. 4, 1847; but the patriot-
ism that instigated the enterprise was expended in the effort,
and the work was abandoned without further action. The
park is valued at $97,000.
Mount Mori-is Square, between 120th and 124th Sts.. on both
sides of 5th Avenue, not yet laid out, is valued at $40,000.
A square of 17 acres was reserved for a park at Blooming-
dale, between Sth and 9th Avenues and 53d and 57th Sts.; but
the location of the Central Park has led to its abandonment.
Iu various parts of the city are several small triangular plats
at the intersection of streets, valued at $10,000 to $15,000 each.
The city also contains several parks not belonging to the city,
which are laid out with great care and are truly ornamental.
St. John's Pa rk,ov Hudson Square, fronting St. John's Church
and bounded by Hudson, Varick, Beach, and Laight Sts., be-
longs to Trinity Church, and is valued at $400,000. It is kept
for the exclusive use of the inhabitants living near it, who pur-
chase keys of the keeper at $10 per annum. It contains a
beautiful fountain.
Grammercy Park, between 20th and 21st Sts. and 3d and 4th
Avenues, is owned by those living around it, having been ceded
to them by Samuel B. Buggies. It is inclosed with an iron
railing and a thick hedge of sweet prim, and is planted with
ornamental trees and shrubs. It has a fountain in the center.
2 This department has a Board of Fire Wardens, consisting
of 14 members, a Chief Engineer and 13 assistants, and 3,700
men, of whom 1.922 are members of engine companies. 1.2"2
of hose companies, and 502 of hook and ladder companies.
This body of men constitutes a distinct and powerful combina-
tion, whose services, although gratuitous, are prompt and in
every respect praiseworthy, and whose interests the city author-
ities find it their policy to protect. The city is divided into 8
fire districts, furnished with 11 district tire alarm bells, all
connected by telegraphic signals. There are 47 engine compa-
nies, 57 hose companies, 15 hook and ladder companies, and 4
hydrant companies. The first class engines have companies of
424
NEW YORK COUNTY.
The Bureau of Lamps and Gas has in charge the lighting of the streets.1
The Croton Aqueduct Department is under a board styled the Croton Aqueduct
Board, consisting of a President, Commissioner, Chief Engineer, and Assistant, appointed by the
Mayor and Aldermen for five years. It has charge of all structures and property connected -with
the supply of Croton water and the collection of water rents, of the underground drainage of the
city, of public sewers, of permits for street vaults, of paving and repairing streets, and of digging
and constructing wells. It has a Bureau of "Water RenK and one of Pipes, Sewers, and Pave-
ments. The department was organized in July, 1840, under an act passed April 11 of that year.
Previous to this the Water Commissioners were appointed by the Governor and Senate.2
70 men, the second of 60, and tbe third of 50. The hook and
mpanies have each 50 men, and the hose companies
each 80. The nnmber of fires in the year, ending Feb. 17. 1859,
201, and of alarms. 160. The 1 m by fire on building* w;n
•47. and on stock $514,999.— of which the Crystal Palace,
burned in Oct. lS."e>. formo-l a 1 .it.--- item. During the last year
two large steam fire engines have been obtained : but, except
in extraordinary cases, they are not used. The city owns about
80.000 feet of hose. Th • Department elects one Fire Commis-
sioner annually for a term of 5 years fr ni among exempt fire-
men. These onmmil I rm a Board to decide upon the
formation of new volunteer companies, to investigate applica-
- fr admission to companies, to examine into charges
against members, and fat cause to suspend or remove them.
The Fire Department possesses a fund derived from special
laons, (festivals, concerts, fines for violation of fire
an 1 other sources, the income of which is applied in aid
of the families of deceased and disabled firemen. The report
of 1857 showed an expenditure of $30,567.91 by the trustees of
this fnul. Among the items of this expense were 1.978 pairs
of shoes and 500 tons of coal. The invested fund amounts to
'. Twii scholarships for educating the sons of firemen
in the University of New York have been endowed by Myndert
Van Schaick.
1 The city gas lights are furnished by three general com-
panies, as follows: —
The .Y to York Gat Light Company was incorp. March 26.1823,
with a capital of $1,000,000. It has works on 21st and 22d Sts.,
from 1st Avenue to East River, and has 6 large gas holders at
that station and 7 others at different parts of the city. It sup-
plies the lamps s. of Grand St, and has about 130 miles of mains
under the streets.
Minhattan Gas Light Company was incorp. Feb. 26.1S30. with
a capital of $4.f>00.06o. It has 2 manufactories of gas,— one on
the Hudson, at the foot of lMh St.. capable of making daily
,000 ft, and one , ,n East River, at the foot of 14th St., mak-
ing 400.000 ft_ and when completed will be capable of making
3,000.000 ft. daily. It supplies the city H. of Grand St.. and has
a>- -nt 200 miles of street mains. It lights 8,000 street lamps
and supplies 22,000 stores and dwellings. In 1857 it made
600.000.000 f •
II irlcm Gis Light Company was incorp. Feb. 8, 1855, with a
capital of $250,000. Its works are situated tipon Harlem River,
at the n. extremity of 1st Avenue. There are also several
minor cas works \ >x furnishing light to hotels and private esta-
blishments.
5 T Iqueduct is the most extensive and costly work
i for supplying a city with water: and its magnitude
what minute account of its origin and subse-
• ry.
In !7il the General Assembly passed a law ('which was con-
tinents) f.r mending and keeoing in
well, „nd pumps of the city. In 1774 Chnsto-
I adway, between
and White »!„.; an,i the plan illy carried Into
effect before t! i. |i, 17- ,, g^.
- and examlnatli ni : and In IT
Man' Ripply thi
with apt t
■ il well « 11 .• the
•■ hi n a the water wai raised by
steam an-l ■ the lapplv was limited In
amount »nl w.-vs f v.tt imi'ire jii.iiitv D next thirty
irii..n
and 1 mala from I other
streams in Westcbesl
Uli'-Tl to S-^-lire the
rhlch nnth iriied He-
city to Supply U •• r" ntel to
- nate
apf» • n Alien. B If. Bt -•• d
Saul Alley, T. T. Woodruff, an 1 Wdb.-im W. 1 \ Commit
ti 1 r whom tv
and estimate* which r nding
th it the water r,f 1 ■ -, Rn,|
brought in an aqueduct I n Murray Hill. 114 ft.
above tide. This plan was api eh 11, by I
and In April. 1836, by the people, >
David B. I>"iiglass was sp|
1S36. he was an -vis. The work %
in the spring of \<'~. an iiiplafwl as to all ew th- ad-
mission of water into the distributing re*erToir, July 4, 1842,
nipletion was commemorated by a grand civic celebration
Oct. 14 of the same year.
This aqueduct is a covered canal, of solid stone and brick
masonry, arched above and below. 8 ft. 5j in. high. 7 ft. 5 in.
wide at the widest part, and 40£ mi. in length from the dam to
the distributing reservoir. It has a descent of 47.9 ft., or 13
in. to a mi., and a capacity of supplying 60,000,000 gallons of
water per day. At intervals of 1 mi. are openings through
small towers for ventilation. Tbe flow of water is generally 2
to 3 ft. in depth, or 27.000.000 gallons a day. It is covered below
the reach of frosts : and the surface works are carefully guarded
by fences from injury by cattle. It passes through 16 tunnels
in rock, varying from 160 to 1,263 ft,, with a total of 6,841 ft.
In Westchester co. it crosses 25 streams 12 to 70 ft, below the
line of grade, besides numerous small brooks furnished with cul-
verts. Harlem River is crossed upon nigh Bridge in two 4S inch
mains. 12 ft. below the level of the grade of the aqueduct, and
furnished with gate chambers at each end. This bridge is of
granite. 1.450 ft. long. 21 ft. wide between the parapets. 100 ft.
above the surface of high tide to the crown of the arch, and 114
ft. to the top of the parapets. It rests upon 15 arches, 8 of
which are of 80 ft. span and 7 of 50 ft. Upon one of the piers
is inscribed the following record of the construction of the
bridge : —
Aqueduct Bridge.
Begun 1^39; Finished 1S4S
Stephen Allen,
Saul Allet,
C. Dusenberry,
W. W. Fox,
T. T. Woodruff
Water Com-
missioners.
John B. Jervts, Chief ~|
II. Allen, Princ. Assist. | Engi-
P. HaStte, Resident (neers
E. H. Tracy, Assistant J
George Law, ~| (>(,,_.,_
Samuel Roberts, > „ ™act
Arnold SIason, J 0RS-
The aqueduct of masonry is continued from the bridge 2 mi.
to the ManhattanYalley, a depression which is 4,171 ft. wide and
102 ft. deep. This is crossed by an inverted siphon of iron pipes
4.1S0 ft. in length, with a gate chamber at each end. The
masonry is then resumed, and the aqueduct is carried 2-jVUl.
mi. to the receiving reservoir in the Central Park, crossing in
this distance the Clendening Valley, 1,900 ft. across and 50 ft.
deep, on an aqueduct, with archways for three streets, each of
which has 30 ft. span for carriage way and 10 ft. span on each
side for foot passengers.
The receiving reservoir in the Central Park is 1.R26 ft. long,
836 ft. wide, covers an area of 3,505 acres, and has a capacity of
150,000,000 gallons. The hanks are of earth, 1^. ft. widc at"top,
and rise 9 ft. above the level of the water. The pipes pass
through brick vaults. A new reservoir is now under construc-
tion adjacent to the former ones, sad also upon Central Park.
It will cover an area o( 108 a r- s. and will be surrounded by an
earth bank of Irregular outline, which will constitute a broad
promenade. Tbe distributing reservoir at Murray Hill, between
4oth and 42d Sts. and 5th and 6th Avenues, is a stone structure
in 2 divisions, designed to contain 36 ft. or 20,000,000 gallons.
its surface Is 116 ft. above mean tide.
Tie- coal ■ f the wort was {8,676,000, including water rights and
land, besides $1,800, for distributing pipes. The expense came
within .', per cent of the estimate of Mr. Jervis. the Engineer.
The annual interest, amounting to $665,000. is paid by direct
and bj Boms indirect taxes; and a sinking fund is
the final liquidation of tbe debt The constrm Hon
of this work lias low. red the annual rates of tire insurance about
- 100 Insured. Sing Sing Prison is supplied from
th- aqueduct ,1- it 1 ,-- - near that place.
The amount of pipe laid in different vears has been as follows,
op to 1859:—
Previous to 1840, 1,024,061 feet
July to Dec. 1840, 20,280 "
InlRa", 41,828 "
1851, 65.199 "
1862, 88,686 "
1853, 33,782 "
Previous to 1854,
1866,
I860,
1867,
1858,
.10.575 feet.
1 "
20,983 "
23,820 "
19.550 "
Total 1.:;ss.:,mi ft.
or 262 ml. 5.020 ft
The amount of pipe of different sizes (internal diameter) laid
up to 1859 has been —
4 inch pipo
,-, -
Vl " "
12 "
16 " "
9.472 feet.
■ ■, -
76 "
t "
14,978 "
20 inch pipe
21 »
30 " "
"
48 " "
41.324 feet.
.'-. I"0 "
44,862 "
80,878 "
4,087 "
A survey of the Croton Valley was begun in 1S57, with the
NEW YORK COUNTY.
425
The Almshouse Department is under the charge of a Board of Ten Governors of the
Almshouse, generally known as the " Ten (Joveniors."1 The department was organized under
an act of April G, 1840, and was modified tlie siieeecdin^ year. This board lias charge of the Alms-
house, of the Relief and Support of the Poor, of the County Lunatic Asylum, of the Nurseries for
Poor and Destitute Children, the Penitentiary, and all the city prisons and houses of detention,
except the sheriff's jail in Elhridgo Street and the House of Refuge. All ordinary appropriations
for this department must be submitted to a board consisting of the Presidents of the Boards of Al-
dermen and Councilmen, the Mayor and Comptroller.2 If this board approves, it reports to the
view of ascertaining its topograph; minutely, the better to
decide npon future reservoirs or other structures an the; may
be found necessary. The ridge line or watershed Inclosing the
valley above the dam in 101 mi in length. Tlio stream is 88
mi. in length, and its tributaries 136 mi Tho total area of the
valley is 352 square mi.; ami within it are 31 natural lakes and
ponds, many of whieh uro available as reservoirs, and 10 of
whieh have been minutely surveyed and estimated.
The revenues from water rents from Oct. 5, 1842, to Dec. 31,
1858, have amounted to $0,725,947.98; and the amount has in-
creased from year to yoar, — except in 1851 and 1850, when it
fell off.
Tlie. public sewers connected with this department, since
Feb. 0, 184(5. have cost an expenditure of $163,527.13; and the
amount of $218,572.00 has been collected from permits to connect
premises with the public sewers. The length of sewers con-
structed by this department since its organization in 1849 has
been 92 mi. 1,340 ft.
1 The Governors of the Almshouse are elected by single ballot,
one being voted for and two elected. This places the board above
the control of party politics.
2 Public measures for the relief of the poor are among the first
necessities of a civilized government ; and one of the earliest
statutes of the General Assembly in 1083 was for this object. In
1699 a law was passed for the relief of the poor at their homes;
and about 1714 the first almshouse was built, on the present site
of the City Hall. In 1795 a lottery of £10,000 was granted for a
new almshouse, and the large brick building on the Park near
Chambers St. (burned in 1854) was erected. In 1811 a tract on
the Kast River, at the foot of 26th St., was bought; and the first
stone was laid Aug. 1, 1811. The present main edifice at Bellevue
Hospital was opened April 22, 1816, as a hospital, penitentiary,
and almshouse, at a cost of $421,109. Tho management was for
many years intrusted to five commissioners appointed by the
Common Council. In 1822 the average number of paupers was
1,547 ; and the cost of the establishment for several years was as
follows : —
In 1817 $90,886
« 1818 107,600
" 1819 105,509
In 1820 $S4,420
" 1821 85,000
" 1822 82,200
The law then required paupers to be returned to tho town
where they had gained residence; but this was often difficult,
"and vessels then, as since, often landed paupers in or near the
city from distant places. In 1822 two vessels put about 100
paupers on shore a few miles from the city, and brought on
their baggage. Efforts were made to remedy these abuses ; but
it was found difficult in a large population to distinguish those
coming into the city liable to public charge, until they applied
for relief in the early winter months. — Sen. Due. No. 86, 1824.
Meanwhile the affairs of the institutions at Bellevue became
very corrupt and mercenary; but a malignant fever, which broke
out in 1825 and committed frightful ravages in the filthy wards
and loathsome cells, forced the question of reform upon the
public. In 1845 the Almshouse was placed under the care of a
sjngle commissioner, and in 1849 the present system of super-
vision went into operation.
Blackwells Island was bought in 1828, and Randalls Island in
1835. In 1848 tho Almshouse was completed on the former ; and
the whole of both islands is now devoted to objects of charity
and reform, Randalls Island being in part under the care of the
Governors of the Almshouse and in part under the Trustees of
tho House of Refuge.
Upon Blackwells Island, commencing at tho 8. end, are located
respectively tho Small Pox Hospital, tho Penitentiary, Island
Hospital, female and male Almshouses, Workhouse, and Lunatic
Asylum. Upon Wards Island is the Potters' Field, under the
charge of the Ten Governors; and upon Randalls Island are the
extensive nurseries and hospitals for poor children. Bellevue
Hospital, the largest in the city, remains under the charge of
the Governors as a fever, surgical, and general hospital. The
Colored Orphan Asylum, Colored Home, four city prisons, and
the out-door poor, are also under the care of this department.
A short sketch of these several charges is essential to a full
knowledge of the city.
Bellevue Hospital is 350 ft. long, the center portion 5 stories
high and the wings 4 stories. Upon each story are verandas
and outside stairways of iron. Its arrangements throughout
are ample and judicious, and it can accommodate 1,350 patients.
It has a clinical theater fitted up for the accommodation of large
classes of students. In 1858 the number of prescriptions was
145,503; and the number of births is about 350 annually.
Tho results of its operation during 10 years have been as fol-
lows : —
Years.
Admit! > it.
Discharged.
Remaining.
Died.
1848
3,114
3.728
6,401
6,020
4.S36
6,213
5,743
6,484
7.074
7,925
2,716
8,224
5,304
4,449
4,210
6,634
5,476
5,186
6.166
7,512
512
571
609
547
694
674
582
602
853
843
483
445
550
633
679
725
1,29
604
667
812
1850
1851
1852
is.,:;
1S54
1856
1857
1858
The Small Pot, Hospital, Blackwells Island, was commenced
April 1, 1S54, and was finished in the same year. It is built, in
the English gothic style, of stone quarried upon the island. It
is 104 ft. by 44, 3 stories high, and cost $38,000. It is not de-
signed for the treatment of paupers only, but is fitted up with
express reference to receiving persons able and willing to pay
for their treatment, and where, secluded from friends to whom
they might impart their disease, they may receive every atten-
tion that science and the most attentive nursing can bestow.
It is the only hospital of the kind in or near the city, and takes
the place of some old wooden buildings previously erected on
the island.
Its statistics have been as follows: —
Years.
Admitted.
Discharged.
Remaining.
Died.
1849
263
208
296
149
156
185
56
134
197
216
241
132
276
122
104
165
48
99
14S
198
13
48
10
12
25
5
3
11
27
5
29
41
5S
25
39
46
10
27
33
40
1850
1851
1852
1853
1854
1858
1856
1857
1S58
The Penitentiary, opposite 55th St., is built of hewn stoje
and rubble masonry. It consists of a middle building. 65 by 70
ft., and two wings, each 50 by 200 ft., making the whole length
of tho building 405 ft. A new wing was finished in 1859; and
another is needed for tho accommodation of the inmates. The
total number of cells is 1,736. The convicts are employed as
occasion requires in quarrying and dressing stone for buildings
upon the island, and as blacksmiths, shoemakers, carpenters,
weavers, coopers, painters, wheelwrights, &c. This establish-
ment was finished in 1848, — since which time there have been
admitted and discharged the following numbers: —
Years.
Admit-
ted.
Dis-
charged.
Re-
main-
ing.
809
803
879
1,173
1,176
Years.
Adm it-
ted.
Dis-
charged.
Re-
main-
ing.
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853
2,109
3,575
3,450
4.444
5.236
2,066
3,581
3,374
4.150
5,233
1854
1855
1856
1857
1858
5,983
5,197
4.U11
3,058
2.974
6,286
5.5i 13
1.549
1.040
2,075
S73
511
533
743
773
Much the largest number of convicts are received from the
police courts; over a third are females, and a very large pro
portion are foreigners. Over half are committed for petit lar
cony; and the next largest number for assault and battery.
The term of sentence is usually 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 months: and but
very few are sentenced to 1 year and upward. The longest
term of years reported in 1858 was 10, and this in only a singlo
instance.
The Inland Hospital, Blackwells Island, was first erected 1U
1848, under the name of the "Penitentiary Hospital." Its name
was changed Dec. 15, 1857. The building was found to bo con-
structed "in a most reckless and careless manner, and as a
public building was a reproach to any city." It continued in
use, however, until destroyed by fire, Feb. 13, 1858. At the
426
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Supervisors ; and if it disapproves, it returns to the Ten Governors with objections. If the latter
still adheres by a vote of two-thirds, the subject must be reported to the Supervisors.
time of the fire it contained COO inmates; but they were all re-
moved without loss of life. In Feb. 1858, a most humane regu-
lation was adopted, by which the suffering poor are relieved
without being committed as vagrants. The building now in
the process of erection to supply the place of the former is 31
Btories high, includes 14 wards aud accommodations for 744
patients. As on other buildings on the island, convict and
workhouse labor is largely employed in tho erection. The
statistics of the hospital have been as follows :*-
Years.
Admitted.
Discharged.
Rema til-
ing.
Died.
1849
2.148
1.919
192
292
IV i
2.009
1.923
198
SO
1851
2.o4:i
2.177
267
97
1852
2,767
2,661
272
111
1863
3.136
2,81 t
314
109
1854
3.744
8,415
499
144
1855
•
2.241
850
66
U
1.733
l.o'.'7
848
38
1857
2.810
2.:. 19
535
74
1858
4.140
4.175
3S8
113
Almshouses. — Of these there are two Beparate and similar
structures, 650 ft. apart, entirely distinct in their arrange-
ments, and each devoted to one sex only. They are each com-
posed of a central building 50 ft. square, 57 ft. high to the
root and S7 ft. to the top of tho cupola, and two wings, each
60 by 00 ft. and 40 ft. to the roof. They are devoted to the
care of the aged and infirm, and present the following result of
operations : —
Years.
Med.
Discharged.
Remain-
ing.
Died.
1840
1,872
1.115
1.197
95
18! 1
- :
1.995
1.304
169
1851
2.783
2,535
1.349
203
1852
2, -4
2.510
1,282
181
•
2.198
2,186
1.143
151
1854
2,981
2.434
1.402
2-88
i
3.096
2,730
1.511
257
1856
3,359
3.137
1,458
255
1-:.:
4,204
3.782
1,561
319
1*58
8,890
3.369
1.696
393
Less than one-fourth of the whole number thus thrown upon
the charities of the city are of native birth: aud more than one-
half are females. The present almshouses have been in use
1848.
WorkhmtMt. — This establishment was authorized by act of
April 11. 1849, and grew out of a recommendation of the Prison
Association of New York, in which the Society for Improving
the Condition of the Poor concurred. A plan for buildings was
adopted the succeeding season, and work was begun Oct. 3. 1849.
Tie- v wing. 3 stories high, has 150 rooms, opening upon galleries
1 a common central hall, and capable of lodging 600 per-
At the V. end is a rrnsH arm 4 stories high, containing
N ■ - rit r:il building OOntailU the residence of tho
'. the kit' li ms, offices, chapels; and a
a. wing. f >r female*, is constructed npon the plan and of the
pi/'- of the N. wmg. Thii <-t il.lishm-nt was designed for tin -■■
abl" to work and who, not finding means "I rapport, wire will-
mhted, .i« Well as such paupers. va -
for employmi nt. The
- |N-rtnit. in
qunrr rpenl rs, wheelwrights,
pain' tinsmiths, shocmaki I
The I i in knitting, sewing, and
]-. resulted
in the 1- ■• nnd of nil tbo charities under the
; - ih- only one th it mlgl
sil.lv tble to Ri
:
Its t.-rr-r- •* hi I :ul rl-
nbl- quai I
Its statistics have been as foil ■'•«- : —
Years.
!■
A
604
28
1851
501
8
515
89
11
'
0.1
15
IV. 1
'
110
4.447
41
1856
63
1867
1,701
1858
4.1 ''4
4.585
40
The number discharged does not include those escaped or
sent to other institutions.
The Lunatic Asylum, near tho N. end of Blackwells Islaud,
consists of an octagonal building 80 ft. in diameter and 50 ft.
high, with a cupola and two wiugs at right angles to each other,
each 245 ft. long. One wing is devoted to either sex; and the
arrangement of the wards admits of classification. Apart from
t iii—. on the E. side of the island, is a building of stone, 59 by 90
ft. and 43 ft. high, with a veranda on each side, which is ex-
clusively devoted to the noisy and violent class, where they
cannot disturb the more quiet. This structure is named '-The
Lodge," and. for obvious reasons, is not usually open to visitors.
The Lunatic Asylum proper was begun in the spring of 1S35,
and. after some months of suspension, tho work was resumed
in 1837, aud tho w. wing was finished June 10, 1839. The S.
wing was built in 1S47; and this, with ''The Lodge." was
finished in 1848. Tho statistics during 10 years have been as
follows : —
Y/ears.
1849
1S5H
1851
1852
1S53
1854
1855
1856
1S57
1S58
Admitted.
459
391
441
495
487
4-86
371
:>',r,
326
355
Discharged.
283
251
308
357
357
2S3
253
276
296
235
Remain-
ing.
401
464
517
527
542
555
573
597
627
655
Died.
212
77
80
130
115
190
100
66
75
92
This institution is admirably managed; but the proportion
of recoveries is necessarily less than in those asylums in which
only recent cases are admitted and tho patients discharged
when there is no longer a hope of recovery. This is, iu one
sense, an asylum of the incurable.
The Potters' Field, on Kandalla Island, was placed under the
charge of the Governors of the Almshouse June 19, ISoii; but
its location and quality of soil were made a subject of com-
plaint, and it was repeatedly presented by grand juries. A
tract of 69 acres was purchased on Wards Island, and brought
into use in June, 1S52, since which time the former field has
not been used. About 2,500 interments are made annually at
the public charge.
The Nurseries and Kursery Hospitals on Randalls Island
consist of about a dozen detached buildings, not arranged on
any systematic plan. The grounds are inclosed aud of ample
extent; and a farm is connected with the institution, which
goes far toward furnishing it with culinary vegetables. The
institution is provided with ample schools and playgrounds.
The numbers remaining here at the beginning of 1869 were
88 men, 96 women, 833 boys, and 303 girls. The children are •
indentured, given for adoption, or returued to friends, as cir-
cumstances warraut.
Tlie Colored Orphan Asylum was begun in tho fall of 1836,
and was incorp. April lii, iv:s. It is situated on 5th Avenue,
between 4".d and 44th Sts.. and is under the immediate charge
..f lady managers, who report to and receive hinds from the
Governors of the Almshouse Department. Tho numbers re-
maining at tho close of the several years since, under this ar-
rangement, have been as follows: —
1860.
iv,i .
1862.
1853.
150
1V,|
176
1 355
201
1 S66
207
1857
219
1858
.237
.233
.234
.225
.219
In 22 years it hi received in the aggregate 670 colored or-
phans. This institution is partially supported by benevolent
contributions and partially by occasional appropriations from
The Colored Bi/me, on 1st Avenue, between 04th and 65th
I 44 lits of gr. iim,l, nn which substantial buildings are
I. It was originally Intended as a House of Industry.
In Oct. 1868, the foundations of a new building wen- laid. 90
ft. by 40, with a corridor from 6 to 12 ft. wide on the B. Bide,
extending from each wing ol the [.resent building nearly 120
H may be liad from all parts of the house with-
out exposure to the weather, it contains departments for male
and female hospitals, home f,,r the aged and infirm, schools, and
lying-in and nursery iiceoinmod.it ions. 'J'lii- is also m derthe im-
r- of lady managers, and is sustained by contribu-
tes, and grants from the State, in point of Order and
neatness it equals any hospital in the city. The male hospital
usually has abonl 80 inmates, the female hi spltal "•">. the lying-
in department 40, and the home of the aged 150. The average
number of births is about 90 annually.
Thr City Prison* — four in number, under charge of tho
lo.v. rnors— -are situated as follows: —
77m Il.ilh ../ .In tice, or "Tombs," is situated on Center St.
between Leonard and franklin, A portion it - - - upied by court-
rooms and prisons for persons awaiting sentence. The house
NEW YORK COUNTY.
427
The Commissioner* ofl" Immigration were incorp. by an act of May 7, 1847, and con-
sist of G commissioners appointed by the Governor of the Stutc. ami of the Mayors of New York
and Brooklyn, and the I'rcsiilcnts of the dcrmaii Society rind tlie Irish Emigrant Society. They
have charge of the Marine Hospital at Quarantine, the Emigrant Depot at Castle Garden, and
numerous buildings on Wards Island I'm* the accommodation of the sick.1
The Law Department is under a child' officer called the "Counsel to the Corporation,"
elected for three years. lie has oharge of all the law business in which the city is interested, when
SO ordered by the corporation, and institutes all legal proceedings necessary for the opening and
widening of streets. Ho draws all leases, deeds, and other papers connected with the finances
of the city. This department has a Bureau of Corporation Attorney, and another of Public
Administrator.
The City Inspector's Department is under a chief officer styled the City Inspector,
who has cognizance of all matters affecting the public health, pursuant to the ordinances of the
Common Council and the lawful requirements of the Commissioners of Health and of the Board
of Health. It has a Bureau of Sanitary Inspection and Street Cleaning, of Records and Statis-
tics, and of Superintendent of Markets. Coroners report to this department all inquests made by
them. The Inspector is required to report all births, marriages, and deaths within the city. He
also appoints 2 Inspectors and Sealers of Weights and Measures, who hold office upon the same
terms as Chiefs of Bureaus. One Street Inspector is appointed to each of the 22 wards, 1 clerk to
each of the 11 markets,2 and a keeper and assistant to each of the corporation yards.
The Judiciary Department comprises the First Judicial District of the Supreme Court
of detention adjacent is an isolated building, containing 148
cells.
The Jefferson Market Prison, at the corner of Greenwich St.
and 6th Avenue, was enlarged in 1856, and 36 new cells were
built.
The Essex Market Prison, at the corner of Grand and Ludlow
Sts., was completed in 1857.
The Prison at Yirkville was abolished in March, 1S56; but it
has since been revived.
The commitments during the year 1S58 were as follows: —
White, j
Black, -j
Males
Females.
Males
Females.
1st Dist.
13,955
11,477
478
301
2d Did.
3d Dist.
3,091
2,876
1,334
693
64
33
45
31
ith Dist.
589
191
11
3
Total 26.211 4,534 3,633 794
General Total 35,172
The Outdoor Poor receive aid upon application at the office of
the Governors, in the Rotunda, on the Park. These poor are
under the care of a superintendent and visitors; and some of
the principal items for a series of years have been as follows : —
Years.
Donations.
Children's
Nursing.
Trans'n of
Paupers and
C'h ildren.
Total of
every kind.
1850...
$25,793.18
$5,934.41
$ 978.30
$ 60,507.05
1S51...
27,808.13
7.925.06
1,521.57
59.336.54
1852...
31,119.86
9,560.37
980.05
91,189.88
1853...
27,449.75
10.15S.50
1,005.94
82.136.74
1854...
26,516.76
9,284.00
1.687.41
83,704.09
1S55...
29,217.88
9,900.25
1.647.78
121.S61.14
1856...
41.334.13
12.S03.73
2.448.15
95.522.60
1857...
24.700.25
10,585.47
2,479.21 .
108,756.75
1858...
19,171.31
10.774.75
1,283.37
140,924.71
Large items are included in the last column for coal and
wood, transportation of coal, and wages. The total expendi-
tures of the department for all the charities and other institu-
tions connected with them have been as follows: —
1850.... $406,652.60
1851 .... 481,96756
1852.... 501,896.18
1S53 ....$541,280.00
1854.... 653,874.46
1855.... 816,672.00
1S56 $S39,172.58
1857 896.204.45
1S58 835.228.52
l Castle Garden, (formerly "Castle Clinton,") at the lower
point of the Battery, on the Hudson, was granted by the cor-
poration of the city to the United States, in May, 1807, for tho
purpose of erecting a fortification. The present structure was
built soon after; but the foundations were found not sufficiently
strong for heavy ordnance, and the site was re-conveyed to tho
corporation under an act of Congress passed March 30, 1822.
The building was subsequently used for the public reception of
distinguished strangers, and for concerts, operas, public meet-
ings, the annual fairs of the American Institute, and similar
1855 136,233
1856 142,342
1S57 183,773
1858 7S.589
purposes, until leased in 1S55 to the Commissioners of Emigra-
tion as a landing place for emigrants.
The Emigrant Refuge and Hospital, upon Wards Island,
consists of several large buildings for hospitals, nurseries, and
other purposes, located upon a farm of 106 acres. The total
number of emigrants who have arrived in the port of New York
since 1846 has been 2,486,463, distributed as follows : —
1S47 120,061 1851 289,515
1848 1S9.176 1852 300.992
1849 220,603 1S53 2S4.945'
1850 212,796 1854 318,438
The greater number of these proceed to their destination
without expense to the Commissioners.
The Marine Hospital is noticed under Richmond County.
See page 566.
" Tlie Markets of New York are owned by the city, and
leased in small portions to occupants. They are as follows : —
Catharine — Catharine St., East River.
Center — Grand and Center Sts.
Clinton — Washington and Canal Sts.
Essex — Grand and Ludlow Sts.
Franklin — Old Slip, East River.
Fulton— Fulton St., East River.
Gouverneur — Water, corner of Gouverneur St.
J, if, rson — Sixth Avenue, corner of Greenwich Avenue.
Tompkins — Third Avenue and Sixth St. (now building of iron.)
I niuu — Second and Houston Sts.
Washington — Fulton St.. Hudson River.
The principal market for wholesale is the Washington
Market ; and thither most of the teams from the surround-
ing country resort for the sale of produce. The principal fish
market is adjacent to Fulton Market, where facilities are pro-
vided for unloading fishing vessels. The immense supply of
animal food required by the population of New York has led to
enormous investments of capital for the production, and corre-
sponding arrangements for the bringing forward, of this class of
provisions. Cattle are now seldom driven to market on foot.
Illinois is the greatest beef producing State in the Union, and
its market cattle are brought by r.e., stopping on the way only
3 or 4 times to rest and feed. About Sl2.ooo.oo0 are annually
expended by New York and its suburbs for beef alone. The
measures taken for supplying the city with fish, oysters, and
gann' arc correspondingly great, and have each in tlieir several
departments led to organized systems for furnishing their pro-
portion with great regularity and in quantities proportioned to
the demand.
The markets for live stock in New York are provided entirely
by individual enterprise; and the principal ones are now on 44th
St. and 5th Avenue. The great market days are Tuesdays and
Wednesdays; and, since supplies can reach the city at all sea-
sons with equal facility, the amount is distributed throughout
the year in a proportion nearly uniform. This market occupies
14 acres, and lias 150 yards, and. with its stalls, can accommo-
date 5,000 bullocks, and an equal number of sheep and calves.
The largest hog markets are at the w. end of 40th St.. and on the
Hudson, at the foot of 37th St. There are 2 other market
places, — one on 6th St. E.of 3d Avenue, and one in Robinson St.,
where nearly 450,000 sheep have been sold, besides cows and
calves. There are also extensive markets at Bergen Hill.
428
NEW YORK COUNTY.
of the State, with 5 justices, the Superior Court, with a chief justice and 5 justices, the Court of
Common Pleas, with 3 justices, the Marine Court, with 3 justices, and the Surrogate's Court. The
criminal courts consist of a Court of Oyer and Terminer, held by a justice of the Supreme Court,
a Court of General Sessions, held by the Recorder or city judge, Courts of Special Sessions, held by
the police justices, 4 Police Courts, and 6 Justices' or District Courts.
The Burials from the city are regulated by law; and none can take place without a cer-
tificate from the Inspector's Department, and a record of the time, cause, and circumstances of the
death, as far as can be ascertained.1
TJie Board of Health consists of the Mayor and Common Council. The Mayor is Presi-
dent. The Mayor, the Presidents of the two branches of the Common Council, the Health Officer,
the Resident Physician, the Health Commissioner, and the City Inspectors, are constituted a Board
of Commissioners, who render advice to the Board of Health. The Health Officer is appointed by
the Governor and Senate. The Mayor, with the advice of the Board of Aldermen, appoints an
Inspector of Vessels. It is the duty of the Board of Health to watch over the health of the city
and port, and conduct and attend to the business of the Quarantine establishment.2
Ferries are established from New York to Brooklyn, Jersey City, the islands, and to numerous
points around the harbor. Up to 1810 the ferry boats were propelled by horse and man power ;
but during that year Bteam was introduced, and now it is exclusively used on all important routes.
A few of the islands are reached only by row boats.3
The facilities for passing from one point to another in the city are numerous, cheap, and con-
Th'1 num'- r of animal? Bold during 5 years at the Jfew York
lire stock markets has been as follows : —
«
: -
tr.
ta
i
v§
1
>
1854
sf
sis
i
S
4
13.131
68,584
555,474
252,328
1.058.690
If
" ■
185,574
12,110
47.969
5SS.741
318.107
1.147.509
■■
... ._
12,857
-!', 81
462,739
345.911
1.051.655
1857
116£46
-
34,218
444.036
2sS.<>4
940.819
185S
144,749
191.374
10,128
37,675
447.445
551.479
1.238.101
The nnmber of bnllocks from the several States sending to
this market, in 1858, was as follows : —
Weekly
Average.
Virginia 895
No. ™*1*
Average.
New To* 30.9SO 595
Pennsylvania 1.664 4".
Ohio..! 4.389 84
Indiana 11.130 214
Jllin-.i- £2,818 1.015
9,409 181
No.
Connecticut 590 11
Texas 1.214 23
Xew Jersey 603 11
Iowa .". 2.724 52
Michigan 1,682 32
The i ■ hing market was as follows: —
Bullock*, by Harlem R. B 10,658
Bodl m River It. B 50,916
" ' ir York * Brie K. B 93,820
" on foot 2,868
8win<-. by Raw York k Kri" R. K..- 801,671
Tii » do not Include barreled beef and |
and Animal* »1 lierc and Bent thither fol
In*
Alb
i
chn
per week, al
York market : and the amount from other
. illy around tli«
offensive to the
»<?n«- : utrly
ity. iii.- plan of mi irble
within tho rity wn-
■•• I 2d At.
i uilt
rntir imber
Tip- plan w:i« found anra a ■■'■ Iter wan
ni] -r- •1-1 by thai of rural cen Thii Appropriate cue-
tying
• ninny «imd ir grounds, aach rivalir .
ind In ] 1 ina (or th<
of the dead. Th- principal of three art- 0
n na, ModoI
■>.|. and Washington, on long I-
Trinitv. on New York I
at Sing Sing: <>nk Hill, at Nyack; and Haehpelah, in West-
. uid Mew Fork Bay and otife r*. In New Jei
Tli" I >nd.
By an nrdinsn.-.j of Peb. 3, 1851, DO burials are »l'
86th St.; And Trinity Cbnr icrea
between the Hudson and 10th At. and 153d and 165th .-u.. in the
principal one now in use on the island. It was purchased in
1842.
2 Pestilence has on several occasions committed frightful
ravages among the population of the city. Among these visita-
tions the following are worthy of record : —
1702. — A pestilence, probably yellow fever, was brought from
St. Thomas, of which 500 died up to Sept., and 70 more
during the first week of that month, out of a popula-
tion of 6,000 to 7,000.
1732. — In autumn an infectious fever prevailed, of which 70
died in a few weeks.
1743. — A "bilious plague" broke out, of which 217 died in one
season. It was confined to swampy ground. This is
the first official report on mortality to the Mayor.
1745. — Malignant yellow fever prevailed.
1747. — The bilious plague re-appeared.
1791. — The yellow fever prevailed, of which 200 died.
1794. — Yellow fever again appeared, occasioning much alarm. —
though only 20 to 30 died.
1795. — The yellow fever prevailed, carrying off 730, of whom
500 were foreigners recently arrived.
1796. — A malignant fever prevailed, from filling in of docks, of
which 70 died.
1707. — The yellow fever occasioned 45 deaths.
1798. — Memorable for its pestilence, — probably yellow feverj—
which appeared in New York in the first week in
August, and proved fatal to 2,080 persons, of whom
l.iln were men, 589 women, and 885 children.
1799. — Yellow fever again prevailed, but much less aggravated.
1801. — About 160 dii'l of \v|]..w fever.
I- —I rom 600 to 700 died in New York of yellow fever.
Since this y:ir regular statistics of mortality for the
city an preserved for each year, from which it appears
thai yellow lever In 1805 destroyed 270. and in 1822,
166; and thai cholera d«-tmy.d 3.513 in 1832; 971 in
1834; ."..o71 in 1849; and :;74 in 1852 The mortuary
tables show daring the 50 years ending with ls53 a
total "i 864,698 deaths.
* Tli" (Brriet running to and from New York are under tho
exclusive jurisdiction of tho corporation, and derive their
authority bj li aao, usually for a term of years. The following
i* a summary of Hm*" now running: —
•Staten I '.-lunrl firry, from Whitehall St. to Quarantine. Clifton,
and Btapleton. .\l<o extends to New Brighton, Factory Vil-
1 ige, and Port Richmond. It is leased to the Matin [aland &
New fork Pi rry Co. until 1866, at an annua] tent of $6,100.
/.' U a Avenue rferry,from Whitehall St. to Hamilton Av.,
Brooklyn, 1,766 yards in length, is leased to the Union Ferry
intil 1861.
R rry, from Whitehall St. to Atlantic St.. and Long Inland
Itail Road, Brooklyn, 1.476 yards in length, is based to
tli- Onion Firry Co.
Wall Street firry, from Wall St. to Uontagne Place, Brooklyn,
l.l.vi yards in length, belongs to Hi" union Perry Co., and
ii I- ised until 186? at an annual rent of 96,01 0.
ViiUi.ii Shred Ferry, trom Fulton St. to Pulton St., Brooklyn,
ards, belongs >o tii" Pulton .t Union Perry Co., and,
including the South and Hamilton Avenue Ferries, rents
for $36,000. It is leased until 186L
J/U) r'.rn/. from Peck Slip, foot of Ferry Str"'-t. to
•. WMli.imsl.uruh. 2.mk> yd-.. ,- biased to J.
\ . Uerserok & Co. until 1869, at an anuual rent of $21,000.
NEW YORK COUNTY.
429
venient, and the establishment of all of them is so recent as to be within the memory of every adult
citizen. They consist of 5 city rail roads and 2'J lines of omnibuses.1 Since the introduction of
rail roads and the multiplication of steam fen-ics and steamboat routes, a large number of persons
transacting business in the city have been enabled to provide residences in the country adjacent,
where they can enjoy the comforts and luxuries of a rural home without a sacrifice of business
interests. A large proportion of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, and great numbers residing within
30 mi. of the city, on Long Island and Staten Island and in the adjacent parts of Westchester
county and New Jersey, are in this manner closely identified with the business of the city, and
might in one sense be included in its population. New York and its immediate suburbs are thus
so united in interests that they virtually constitute one great metropolis, and would probably at
this time number, within a radius of 10 mi. from the City Hall, about a million and a quarter of
inhabitants.2
The institutions of New York designed to meet the intellectual and social wants of the people in
extent and variety have no equals in America; and many of them surpass all similar institutions
in the world. These institutions, noticed under special heads, are devoted to education, both general
and special, to benevolent objects in various forms, to religion and morality, to intellectual culture,
and to the promotion of the useful and fine arts. They do not strictly all belong to the city, nor
do they adequately represent the wants of the city population. Many of the schools and other in-
stitutions, from their peculiarities and excellence, attract great numbers from abroad ; and, on
the other hand, a great number of educational institutions in the adjoining counties depend for
support almost entirely upon city patronage. A reciprocity of interests between city and country
is thus kept up in intellectual as well as in business affairs.
Tlie Public School System of New York now constitutes one of the most important in-
terests of the city, both in regard to its effect upon the social position of the people and in the
amount of its annual expenditures. There were reported, at the close of 1858, a free academy*
for the complete collegiate educations of boys, 4 normal schools for the instruction of teachers, 57
ward schools, including 51 grammar schools for boys, 48 grammar schools for girls, and 55 primary
departments for both sexes; 35 primary schools, 42 evening schools, of which 23 are for males and
Roosevelt Street Ferry, from Roosevelt Street to Bridge Street,
Brooklyn, 1,450 yds., is leased to the Uniou Ferry Co. until
1867, at $3,000 per annum.
James Street Ferry is established from James Slip to South 7th
Street, Willianisburgh.
Catharine Street Ferry, from Catharine Street to Slain Street,
Brooklyn, 736 yds., is leased to the Union Ferry Co. until
1863, at $16,000" per annum.
Division Avenue Ferry extends from Grand Street to South 7th
Street, Willianisburgh.
Grand Street Ferry, from Grand Street to Grand Street, Wil-
lianisburgh, is 900 yds. in length.
Houston Street Ferry, from Houston Street to Grand Street,
Willianisburgh, 700 yds., is leased to the Houston Street
Ferry Co. until 1863, at $6,500 per annum.
Tenth Street Ferry, from 10th Street to Green Point, is leased
until 1865, at $250 per annum.
Twenty-Third Street Ferry, from 23d Street to Green Point, is
leased until 1863, at $100 per annum.
Hunters Point Ferry, from 34th Street to Hunters Point, Queens
en., is leased to A. W. Winants until 1867, at $100 per an-
num.
Blackwells Island Ferry extends from 61st Street to Blackwells
Island.
Hellyate Ferry, from 86th Street to Astoria, Queens co., is leased
to S. A. Halsey until 1S67, at $50 per annum.
Wards Island Ferry extends from 106th Street to Wards Island.
Randalls Island Ferries extend from 122d Street to the Institu-
tions under the charge of the Ten Governors, and from 117th
Street to the House of Refuge.
Jersey City Firry, from Cortland Street to Jersey City, 1
mile, is leased to the Jersey City Ferry Co. until 1866, at
$5,000 per annum.
Barclay Street Ferry, from Barclay Street to Hoboken, N. J., is
leased to J. C. & R. L. Stevens until 1865, at $100 per an-
num.
Canal Street Ferry, from Canal Street to Hoboken, N. J., is leased
to J. C. & R. L. Stevens until 1860, at (600 per annum.
Christopher Street Ferry, from Christopher Street to Hoboken,
N. J., is leased to J. C. & R. L. Stevens until 1862, at $350
per annum.
Weehawken Ferry extends from 42d Street to Weehawken, N. J.
Elysian Fields Ferry extends from 19th Street toElysiau Fields,
N.J.
The Union Ferrv Co. owned on the 1st of Nov. 1S58, eighteen
boats, valued at $489,800.
1 Some of the principal facts concerning the city rail roads
are as follows : —
Cars run at frequent intervals and use horse-power. Fare,
uniformly 5 cts.
Si cond Avenue extends from Peck Slip, through Pearl, Chat-
ham, Bowery, Grand, and Chrystie Streets and 2d Avenue, to
23d Street; thenee to 42d Street. Ib-turns through 2.1 Avenue,
23d Street, 1st Avenue, Allen and Grand Streets, Bowery, Chat-
ham. Oliver, and South Streets.
Third Avenue extends through Park Row, Chatham, Bowery,
and 3d Avenue, to 61st Street. Yorkville.
New York £ Harlem R. R. extends through Park Row, Cen-
ter, Broome, and Bowery Streets, to 4th Avenue, and up to 42d
Street, where locomotive trains stop.
Sixth A venue extends through Vesey, Church, Chambers, W.
Broadway. Canal, Varick, and Carmine Streets, and 6th Ave-
nue, to 44th Street.
Eighth Avenue extends through Tesey, Church, Chambers,
W. Broadway, Canal, and Hudson Streets and 8th Avenue to
W. 59th Street.
Ninth Avenue, track laid but not used.
The Hudson River R. It. and New Haven R. R. run no city
cars.
The omnibuses all have the names of their routes painted
upon the outside. The rates of fare are 4, 5, or 6 cts., which is
paid without regard to distance traveled upon or within them.
Licenses are granted annually : and in 1858 439 stage licenses
were taken at $20, and 5 out-of-town lines, at $o per stage,
amounting in the aggregate to $10,355. All other conveyances
f'< >v public hire are also licensed, the number in 1858 being, hacks,
4o2, and special hacks, 320.
2 Most of the suburban districts of New York within this State
are particularly noticed in this work in the counties and towns
in which they are located. Jersey City, which has grown up
within a few years, had, in 1855, 21,715 inhabitants. It is the
terminus of the New Jersey R. R., connecting with lines s. and
w„ and the Union R. R.. connecting with the New York & Erie
and the Northern New Jersey R. R. It is the landing place of
the Cunard steamers, the seat of important manufactures, and
the residence of multitudes doing business in New York City.
Hoboken City is also a place of considerable importance from
its proximity to the city. It had, in 1855. 6.727 inhabitants.
Hudson City, in the rear of these, had 3.322 inhabitants; and
numerous other places along the Hudson in N. J. are receiving
attention as desirable places for homes.
3 The Free Academy was established by an act of May 7, 1857,
subject to a popular vote, which gave 19.404 for and 3,409 against
the measure. An edifice in the gothic style of the townhalls
of the Netherlands, 80 by 100 ft., was erected on Lexington Ave-
nue, corner of 23d Street, in 184S, with accommodations for
430
NEW YORK COUNTY.
19 for females, and 11 corporate schools.1 In the same year there -were employed 1,729 teachers,
— of whom 440 were males and 1,289 were females.
The Public Schools are managed by a Board of Education, consisting of two commis-
sioners from each ward. The local affairs of each ward are managed by local Boards of Trustees.
The present system was organized under an act of 1812 ; but it has been modified by various acts
Bince. In 1853 the Public School Society was dissolved and the schools under its control were
merged in the ward schools of the city. The Board of Education distributes its duties among
committees, and appoints a City Superintendent to exercise a general supervision over the schools.2
Academies and Colleges. There are in the city 3 academic institutions, 2 colleges, 4
medical colleges, 2 theological schools, and a great number of schools for perfecting students in
special branches of education.3 In addition to the schools sharing in the distribution of the school
fund, there are a great number of mission, charity, parish, denominational, and private schools, of
1.000 pupils. The cost of the grounds, buildings, furniture, ap-
paratus, nnd library was (100,801.48; and thocoet of mainte-
nance to Jan. 1, 1869, was $33^238.17. The students ami the
graduates in each year have been as follows : —
1850.
is.il.
1S52.
1853.
Graduates....
201
285
3S3
498
536
17
1S54.
1855.
1856.
1S57.
1858.
BtudentS
Graduates....
537
20
688
32
875
20
805
21
885
25
Applicants for admission to this school must reside in the
city, be 14 years of age, and must have been students in the
common schools 12 months, and must sustain an examination
in the ordinary English studies. The school has a 5 years'
course of study, and its graduates receive the degree of A.B.
and money prizes have been endowed, and socie-
: students and alumni have been formed.
i The number of pupils in 185S was as follows: —
Normal schools 850
Corporate schools 10,697
General aggregate 171.76S
Average attendance 51,430
Free Academy 885
Bovs' grammar school.. 29.309
Girls' - •■ - 20.991
Primary department.... 59.276
Primary schools 23,760
! mg schools, about. 20,000
2 The ■■ Pree School Society," afterward the " Public School
Society," was founded in June, 1805, and its first school was
opened May 17,1800. Duringits long career this honored society
millions of dollars of public money, afforded educa-
ti m to 600,000 children, and fitted 1.200 teachers at its normal
Is, It twice tendered its property to the city authorities
to satisfy a popular objection that so much property should not
be managed by a corporation : but in both instances the tender
was declined. After the society was dissolved, its books and
- were deposited with the New York Historical Society.
f >r school | I insisted of 15 public
• .-• i* hall on Grand Street, and. a workshop
Mreet. — Diltotutum of Pub. Scliool &jc. and Rep. of
;■■ '•■
The 11 e irporats -chords share in the public money, but arc
inn r the care of tin- Hoard. The expenses of the
i 1 -.'.-n were as follows : —
ind janitor* $ .'."''.I I.V'>.".
■ehoolhouaea, repairs, purchase of new Bites., 228,810.13
26,217.08
1 jr, and apparatus 10o,328.31
Salari - of superintendents, rb rfcs. and "Ulcers of
the boai
Bop] Academy, Including repairs U,t
- 64
11,2
nses i ■
Total expensM ' \ ■■.'■ Is ;i.io<-..206.99
■ TfaeacademJ to the visitation ire —
Tli- !'■■ t and Dumb I nutitutton, incorp. April !.'•.
i Oolambla April 7, 1838.
i a Parnate [nstitate, Incorp. Jan. 23, 1840.
' | i ChBeM was charter) ' 'liege" ivi, 81,
IT.'.i. and nnd-r tlio Colonial >'t •■v-rnin-n' « i- id le 1 by B lottery,
grant* of lands, and liberal i Uons from England.
A plot of ground between Murray. Barclay, < hurch,an I Chapel
Streets was given by Trinity Church for the . anil
the corn-r Bteoe Was laid July _ The bufldlng »»■" fin-
ished in 1760. and during the Revolntlon it WU used for a hof-
pital. In 1792 the trustees establhthe 1 a medical school, and
sustAini'<l it until 1S13. TheOOilage r< niainai in iti first lo
until the premises were greatly enhanced in value by the growth
of the city and the spread of commercial establishments around
and beyond it. An act was passed March 19, 1857, authorizing
the purchase of another site for college purposes, in accordance
with which the grounds at the foot of Park Place were sold for
$596,650, the college still retaining many lots on Barclay Street,
Park Place, Murray Street, and College Place, which are rented
for long periods, and whose prospective value it is impossiblo
to estimate. The premises lately owned by the Trustees of tho
Deaf and Dumb Asylum on 49th Street, near 4th Avenue, were
purchased, with 4 other lots, for $75,366.10, and fitted up at a
total cost of $114,336.01. This change is understood to be only
a temporary one, the ultimate intention being to locate on the
premises of the Botanical Garden, between 47th and 51st Streets,
on 5th Avenue. This garden, originally embracing about 20
acres, was laid out by Dr. David llosack, early in the present
century, for the introduction of exotic plants, experiments in
agriculture and horticulture, and the promotion of science.
The Governor, in his message of 1806, commended the object
as worthy of public aid. In 1810 a memorial from the cor-
poration of New York, the County and State Medical Society,
and the Governors of the New York Hospital was addressed to
tho Legislature, in pursuance of which the Garden was pur-
chased for $73,000, upon the appraisal of 3 commissioners, and
placed in charge of the Regents of the University. The latter
placed it in the hands of the Trustees of the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons, April 1, 1S11. In 1814 it was granted by
the Legislature to Columbia College, upon the condition that
within 12 years the College should be removed thither : but in
1819 this condition was rescinded, aud $10,000 was given to the
College to aid in extending the premises upon the original loca-
tion. These grounds have also increased greatly in value, and
the College is at this moment perhaps the wealthiest in the
Union, with this important feature: that its wealth is not
coupled with irksomo conditions and provisions, but left free to
tho discretion of its trustees. A grammar school has been
many years connected with the College.
The. University of the. City of Neio York, located on the K.side
of Washington Square, occupies a fine marble building in the
English collegiate style of architecture. It is 10(1 by 200 ft. on
the ground; and besides the portion occupied by the College.it
contains rooms leased to societies, artists, and professional per-
sona. This College grew out of a discussion with regard to a
University on a more extended plan than any in the Onion. A
convention of literary and scientific gentlemen was held in the
full >'i ls.'iu. and in i bat y.ar a ubseription was opened to raise
ilnn.Oiiii for ili lablisbmcnl ol a I Diversity. An unhappy
controversy arising directly upon the appointment of a chancel-
lor, tin- Institution did not attain the pre-eminence to which it
ii.spin d. Its cours- of study i-, essentially tho same as that of
other American colleges.
Thi. I I i Surganu is located on 23d St.
and 4th AVenue. The site an 1 -rounds aro leased with privilege
ol purchase, and fund- derived from the proceeds of the sale of
the building on Crosby St.. formerly owned by it, have been
raised to effect the purchase. The edifice now used is 75 by 100
li., ami is valued al v.iii.iiiiii. Tim first story is leased for stor. s.
The College was incorp. by the lb-gents in 1807. by virtue of an
art pat i I Man b 21, 1701. Lectures were Brut held in 1S07-0S.
I li- Medical Department of Columbia Collego was merged in this
\ v. 1. 1818. The College has 2 courses of lectures annually,
and a library of 1,200 volumes.
/''.. I'riiri-rsity M-'liml ' o///yc, formed under anactof|Feb.
11,1 887, as a branch of the University of New York, is locati I
■ •li 1 Ufa St. between Irving Place and 3d Avenue. The building
v 103 ft., 4 stories in In ol and 5 in rear, and is valued at
'. Its charter provides thai o students of the Free Aca-
demy shall bo admitted free of charge except the matriculation
Its library numbers 6,11110 volumes, and its musoum*is
valued at $25,000. Two courses of lectures aro delivered annu-
ally.
Tht Nob York Medical College, located on E. 18th St.. was
incorp. in 1850. The college building is 60 by 120 ft., and is
Valued nt $70,000. It has B 6 months' course of lectures annu-
ally. Ten siiib-nts aro admitted upon payment of $20 and
matriculation fee.
Th>: Metropolitan Medical College, located at 68 E. Broadway,
NEW YORK COUNTY.
431
which no reports arc made collectively to the public. Many of these have special courses of study,
or are limited to objects not embraced in a general plan of education. Several of these are nume-
rously attended; and in some the extent of the course of Btudy is equal to that in our colleges.1
About 250 periodicals, embracing daily, tri-weekly, semi-weekly, weekly, semi-monthly, monthly,
and quarterly, are issued in the city of New York, counting under one title the several editions
issued from the same press, unless bearing different names.2
was incorp. March 28, 1857. It has 2 courses of lectures annu-
ally.
The yew York Preparatory Self"! <f .\fedictne, incorp. April
13, 1859, has not been fully organized. Its charter allows it
to confer the degree of Bachelor of Medicine upon persons of
not less than 19 years of ago, after sustaining an examination
in the studies embraced in its course, and places it under the
visitation of the Regents.
The CnWge of Pharmacy, chartered April 25, 1831, has rooms
in the New York Medical College, at which lectures are delivered
4 months annually, on Chemistry. Materia Medica, and Ilntany,
and diplomas axe given. By an act of March 11, 1839, a diploma
from this college is necessary for a person not Otherwise duly
qualified, to act as an apothecary in the city.
The New York County Medical Society was formed July 12,
1806, and now numbers 4f>(l members.
The Pathological Society for improvement in medical practico
meets semi-monthly.
The Academy of Medicine wns formed in 1S47 and incorp. in
1851. It meets monthly at the University, and sends 5 repre-
sentatives to the State' Medical Society. There are several
other medical and surgical societies in various parts of the city.
Tlw. General Theological Seminary of the Prot. E. Church of
the V. S. was established at New Haven in 1819 and removed "to
this city in 1822. It was incorp. April 5, 1822, and is well
endowed. Its library numbers over 12,000 volumes. It occupies
2 handsome stone buildings, each 50 by 110 ft. on 20th St.. be-
tween 9th and 10th Avenues. Its trustees consist of the Bishops
of the U. S. and others appointed in proportion to moneys
granted to the seminary.
The Union Theological Seminary (Presb.) was founded in 1836,
and incorp. March 27, 1839. It is located in Waverly l'lace, on
8th St., and near Washington Square. It has a library of 16,000
volumes. Its Board of Directors are clergymen and laymen, an
equal number of each, elected for 4 years.
Commercial colleges,writing schools, and studios for instruction
in the fine arts, are numerous in the city. The School of Design
at the Cooper Union is eminent among these for the extent of
its facilities and the numbers that avail themselves of them.
Music, drawing, and painting are carefully taught in many of
the city schools; and the facilities at the Free Academy for these
studies are superior to those in most other institutions.
l The Protestant Episcopal Public S:hool was founded in 1710,
and has continued until the present time. At some future time
it will be largely aided by a bequest made Sept. 20, 1796. by Dr.
John Baker, who, having no heirs, devised his country seat near
80th St.. on the East River, embracing 46 acres, for a charity
school. With a prudent forecast, the testator preserved the pro-
perty from sale until after the death of 9 persons then living;
and the dense part of the city has already approached the
premises. An act passed April 16, 1859, authorized the sale of
portions, but no benefit has hitherto been received. In April,
1859, 3 of the 9 lives were existing.
The following are tho principal of the Roman Catholic
schools : —
The College of St. Francis Xavier, 39 W. 15th St., is an institu-
tion under the care of 10 Jesuit priests.
Convent of the Most Holy Redeemer, in 3d St., is under the care
of 7 priests of tho Order of Redemptorists.
St. Vincent's Academy, 44 2d St., is under the care of the
Brothers of the Christian Schools.
Academy of the Holy Infancy, in Manhattanville, and the
Convent and Academy of the Sacred Heart, in Manhattanville,
are under the charge of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart; the
latter has ISO pupils. An institution of the same name at 49 W.
17th St.. under similar direction, has 86 pupils.
Mother House and Academy of Mount St. Vincent, on 105th
St., upon the premises of the Central Park, has ISO pupils.
St. Mary's School, at 229 East Broadway, is under the charge
of Sisters of Charity, and has 108 pupils.
St. Peter's School, at 16 Barclay St., is under the charge of
Sisters of Charity, and has 80 pupils.
St. Josejjh's School, on 6th Avenue, is under tho charge of
Sisters of Charity.
St. Lawrence School, Yorkville, is under the charge of Sisters
of Charity, and has 40 pupils.
St. Stephen's School.
St. Vincent's School has 80 boys and 50 girls ; and 65 girls in
the preparatory department.
Free Catholic Scliools. — There are 25 schools of this class re-
ported in the city ; at which 4,920 boys and 5.530 girls are taught.
Most of the schools have male and female departments ; and of
these 7 are taught by Brothers of the Christian Schools, 9 by
Sisters of Charity, 2 by Ladies of the Sacred Heart, 2 by Sisters
of Notre Dame, 1 by Sisters of Mercy, and 1 by lay teachers.
Of several the teachers are not specified. These schools are
named St. Patrick's, St Mary's, St. Joseph's, St. James's, St.
Frauds Javier's, Manhattanville, 8t Bridget's, Transfiguration,
M. ,iin t St. Vincent, Bt. Lawrence, Sacred Heart Free School, St,
Catharine's, Most Holy Redeemer's, St. Alphonso's, St. Vine at
ile Paul's. Nativity, St. Columba, Holy Cross, St. Stephen's, St.
John the Evangelist's, St. Paul's, Immaculate Conception, St.
Nicholas. St. Francis's, and Bt. Johns's.
- y.w fork Gazette, the first paper published in tie' Colony
of New York, was commenced in 172."> by William Brad-
ford. It was the fifth thru in existence in tie- Ameri-
can Colonies. Bradford continued its publisher abont
17 years. In 1742 its name was changed to tie-
.tow York ami tie and Weekly Post Boy, and it was published
by James Parker and a succession of owneis until 1773,
when it was discontinued.
yew York Weekly Journal, the second paper in the Colony, was
commenced in New York in 1733 by John Peter Zenger.
lb- died in 1740, and the paper was conducted by his
widow, and afterward by his son, until 1752, when it
was discontinued. This paper opposed the administra-
tion of Governor Crosby and supported the interest of
Rip Van Dam, who had previously conducted the ad-
ministration. The ballads, serious charges, and. above
all, the home truths in his democratic journal irritated
Crosby and his Council to madness. Zenger was con-
fined several months by order of the Governor and
Council for printing and publishing seditious libels,
treated with unwarrantable severity, deprived of pen,
ink. and paper, and denied the visits of his friends.
The popular feeling, however, was strongly against
these proceedings. The Assembly, notwithstanding the
application of the Governor, refused to concur with
him and his Council. The Mayor and the magistrates
also refused to obey the mandate of the Governor and
Council, and to attend the burning of the libelous papers
" by the common hangman and whipper, near the pil-
lory." The grand jury manifested equal contumacy,
and ignored the presentment against Zenger. The
attorney general was then directed to file an informa-
tion. The judges refused to hear and allow the excep-
tions taken by Zenger's counsel, and excluded them
from the bar; but he was ably defended by other coun-
sel, and especially by Andrew Hamilton, then a barrister
of Philadelphia. Zenger pleaded not guilty. His
counsel admitted the printing and publishing of the
papers, and offered to give their truth in evidence. The
counsel for the prosecution then said, "The jury must
find a verdict for the king ;" and gave the usual defi-
nition of a libel, asserting that " whether the person
defamed was a private man or a magistrate, whether
living or dead, whether the libel was true or false, or
whether the party against whom it was made was of
good or evil fame, it was nevertheless a libel." He then
quoted from the Acts of the Apostles and from one of
the Epistles of Peter, to show that it was a very great
offense to speak evil of dignities, and insisted upon the
criminality by the laws of God and man of reviling
those in authority, and consequently that Mr. Zenger
had offended in a most notorious and gross manner in
scandalizing his Excellency our Governor, " who," said
the counsel, '• is the king's immediate representative, and
supreme magistrate of this province." Mr. Hamilton re-
marked in his reply, that we are charged with printing a
certain. false, malicious, seditious, and scandalous libel.
The word false must have some meaning ; or else how
came it there? and he put the case, whether if tho
information had been for printing a certain true libel,
would that be the same thing. " And to show the
court that I am in good earnest," said he, " I will agree
that if he can prove the facts charged upon us to he
fake, I will own them to be scandalous, seditious, and
a libel." He then further offered that, to save the
prosecution the trouble of proving the papers to he
false,' the defendant would prove them to be true. To
this Chief Justice De Lancey objected, ° You cannot
be admitted to give the truth of a libel in evidence :
the law is clear "that you cannot justify a libel." Mr.
Hamilton maintained that leaving the court to deter-
mine whether the words were libelous or not rendered
juries useless, or worse. " It was true," he said, " in
times past it was a crime to speak truth, and in that
terrible court of Star Chamber many worthy and brave
men suffered for so doing ; and yet even in that court
and in those bad times a great and good man durst say,
what I hope will not be taken amiss in me to say in
this place, to wit : — ' The practice of information for
libels is a sword in the hands of a wicked king and an
arrant coward to cut down and destroy the innocent.
432
HTEW YORK COUNTY.
The Benevolent Institutions of New York are numerous, and comprehend measures
for the relief of nearly every variety of human suffering. Those under the direct charge of the
city have already been noticed. The greater part of other institutions of like character are under
the management of companies incorporated for limited and special objects. Prominent among these
are the hospitals and dispensaries, affording relief to every class of the sick and distressed. Up to
1857, at these various institutions, 179,377 persons had been vaccinated ; 1,666,559 patients had
been treated ; and $297,761.60 had been expended. The Legislature usually appropriates money
to several of these institutions.1 Several of the more important of the benevolent institutions
are supported wholly, or in part, by the State, among which are the Deaf and Dumb Asylum,2
the Institution for the Blind, and the Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents.
The one cannot, because of his high station, and the
other dare not, because of his Waal of courage, defend
himself in another manner.' " The jury, after a short
consultation, returned a verdict of not guilty, to the
great mortification of the court and of Zinp r's perse-
cutors, but with great satisfaction to the people. Such
was the straggle which the press had to maintain only
one hundred years ago, and only forty years before the
Revolution gave to its freedom the sanction of Govern-
ment and the impress of authority. — Introduction to
Uic Nat. Hi I ry of the. State by Vfm. II. Seward.
The New York Evening /W was commenced in 1746, but was
Boon discontinued.
The Xew York Mercury was commenced by Hugh Gaine, and
continued by him 31 years. It was discontinued at the
rthe Revolutionary War.
The Xew York Gba "• was commenced in 1759 byWm.Wyman.
ntinued irregularly until 1767, when it was dis-
continued.
The Amer lick was commenced by S. Farley in 1761,
and was discontinued the next year.
The. yew York Packet was commenced in 1763. It had only a
brief existence.
The ."■ Journal and General Advertiser was commenced
in 1766 by John Holt.
The New York Chronicle was commenced in 1768 by Alexander
and .Tames Robinson, and continued until 1772.
Rivington's Ni w York Gazetteer; or, The Connecticut, Xew Jersey,
Hudson's Eioer, and Quebec Weekly Advertiser, was
commenced in 1773 by James Kivington. This paper
appeared during the Revolution as
The Royal Gazette, semi-w.. published by "James Rivington,
printer to the king's most excellent majesty."
New Yor'- Packet and American Advertiser was commenced in
1776 by Samuel Loudon. No other papers appeared in
New York until the close of the war.
For list of papers since the Revolution, see p. 442.
l TheNeu ) li jn't-jl. f mtided in 1770, was incorp. June
13. 1771. and i- under the care of 26 governors. It has two very
extensive establishments, — the hospital proper, upon Broadway,
between Worth and Duane Sts.. and the Bloomingdale Lunatic
in. on 117th St. near 10th Avenue. The first hospital,
built in 1778-76, was burned. A newone was soon after begun,
and while still unfinished was occupied by Briti-h and Hessian
barracks, and it was not finally opened for patients
until .Ian On the 14th of March, 1806, the Legislature
should be given to the hospital annually
rt, on condition that apartments for various forms and
iity should be prepared, and that an annual re-
be made to the Legislature. The sum thin appropriated
wa» t i upon duties on auction Bales, in 1801 a
lying-in v ndi ntinned 20 years. In 1806 the
lunate department was organized, and one of the buildings of
the pi ted; but In 1818 a change oi site
«» autb' riw I v library was rounded In 1796, and a patho-
ai table building was not protrlded
• r until 1 ->■. In Is;..'! a new a' ;- building,
8. of the main h"*pital, wn* erected, upon a plan the n
lint ex] I' was Bnisbed In is;,:,, at
ofjii infraction, both medical ana sui
has lonr i re been pro-
Tided tor this purj »c Thehm now limited
to tb tn at ddent, and
non-oonta - which there Is f Improre-
nv nt ; and it l« not intended f..r th< t the Incurable,
or to supply to any sense ihe ; poorhouse. Tb
oeived nre either supported gratuitously, or pay at n rate barely
snftVii-nt todi '■ titul iboul
40 per cent, of the entire numl - nan n
and their I wholly or in jort from the bospll il
money piiil by tie- I rumen! Kr in Vtb, 1, 1794 to
106,111 patients had • i had
>-«>n cured an I IT Of the lOyBBS who died, many
were brought in from the street in a dying condition. Nearly
BtS of the l
Thr La i. in 1 **1 "*. w»< I - ated at Bloomingdnle.
A building wn commenced May 7. 1818. and wiw op-:
patients in Juno, 1821. The plan COatpreModa a center build-
in.: 211 by BO iBet, Witll 2 detached wing«. A wing f.r the vio-
loot insane male patients was built in 1S30, and another fur the
like class of females in 1837, making the whole cost, up to 1839,
$200,000. In 1S54 two spacious 2 story brick buildings were
erected, at a cost of §52,000. From May, 1821, to Jan. 1856,
4,182 patients were received here, of whom 1,911 were cured,
851 improved, and 471 died. The grounds have an extent of
about 40 acres, and are finely adapted to outdoor exercise in fine
weather. The annual expense of both institutions is about $146,000.
St. Vincent's Hospital, at 102 and 104 E. 13th St., was esta-
blished by, and is under the care of, Sisters of Charity.
St. Luke's Hospital is located at the corner of 5th Avenue and
54th St. The building was erected in 1854, and is designed to
accommodate 230 patients.
Jews' Hospital is on W. 2Sth St., between 7th and 8th Avenues.
The society was formed and a building erected in 1S54. The
hospital has received a bequest of $20,000 from the late Mr.
Touro, of Xew Orleans.
Woman's Hospital, on Madison Avenue, was established in
Feb. 1S55, by Dr. J. Marion Sims, and incorp. April 18, 1857,
under 27 governors.
A'eui York Eye and Ear Infirmary, at the corner of 2d Avenue
and 13th St., was incorp. March 29, 1S22. The present building
was completed in 1S56, at a cost of $41,252.39, including the lot.
It has usually received appropriations from the city and State.
Previous to 1S56, 51,5S0 persons had received treatment in the
institution.
Aeto York Ophthalmic Hospital, on Stuyvesant St., was in-
corp. April 21, 1852, and opened May 25 following. A course
of lectures upon diseases of the eye is delivered annually.
The Children's Hospital, on E. 51st St., near Lexington
Avenue, was established for the cure of poor children otherwise
destitute of aid. It is under the care of an association of ladies.
JVeto Asylum for Lying-in Women, at 85 Marion St., is under
the care of lady managers.
The New York Dispensary, on White, corner of Center St.,
was established in 1790, and incorp. April 8, 1795. It supplies
the district s. of a line passing through Spring, Broadway, 14th,
1st Avenue, Alleu, and Pike Sts.
The Eastern Dispensary, at 74 Ludlow St.. was incorp. April
25. 1S32. It supplies the district E. of the latter and s.of 14thSt.
The Northern Dispensary, on Christopher, corner of 6th St.,
was incorp. Nov. 2S, 1828. and opened in 1829. Its district lies
w. of Broadway, between Spring and 23d Sts.
The Demilt Dispensary, on the corner of 23d St. and 2d
Avenue, was incorp. May 7, 1*51. It was founded upon the be-
quest of Miss Pemilt. and cost about $80,000. Its district is e.
of 5th Avenue, between 14th and 4uth Sts.
North Western Dispensary, at 511 Mb Avenue, was incorp.
May 20, 1S52. Its district is w. of 5th Avenue, between 23d and
60th Sts
Thr German Dispensary, at 182 New Canal St.. was organized
in Jan. 1867. Professors of the College of Physicians serv
gratuitously, and have distributed the labor into divisions.
/ 'hi Homeopath* V . it 09 Bond St., was established
in is.'.:, by Dr. Otto Fullgraff, and is supported entirely by private
subscription.
* Thr New York In tU it ton for the Deaf and 'Dumb was in-
COrp. April 15, 1*17. and opened May 12, ISIS. It was located
in tl New City Hall'' until 1839, when it was removed to E.
60th St.. corner of 4th Avenue. — the premises now occupied by
Columbia College. It there remained until the wauts of the
institution required more ample accommodations and tho
growth nf the city suggested a retreat from the approaching
pressureof business. A fine tract of nearly 40 acres at Kamvood,
on the Hudson, on 164th St., was accordingly purchased, ond
the erection of buildings was commenced in 1S03. They are in
the aggregate 650 feet in length, and cover 2 acres. The insti-
tution has accommodations for 450 pupils. Tho work was suffi-
ciently advanced to justify removal toward tho close of 1806.
The cost greatly exceeded the estimate: and under an net of
April. 1857, the institution was assumed by the State, with all
tie- property connected therewith. Pupils are received from
every c. of the State, and to a limited extent from New Jersey.
It is strictly an educational institution, and is designed to im-
part a useful amount of literary instruction, and the knowledge
of some mechanical operation by which to gain support. Dr.
Harvey P. Pect has been for many years President of the Insti-
tution.
Thr Xew Y</rk Insti'idirmfrrr the Mind.ineorp. April 21, 1831,
was opened March 10, 1832, principally through tho influence
of Dr. Samuel Akcrly, Samuel Wood, and Dr. John D. Buss. A
NEW YORK COUNTY.
433
The city of New York has a largo number of charitable corporations chiefly dependent upon
private subscriptions for support; and their management is highly creditable to those who have
bestowed their time and monoy for the relief of the suffering and friendless. Several of these
have received aid from the State and the city in their organization and support.1
1-1
o
CO
CI
CO
"1
/
£
142
70
11
37
44
24
14
a
96
73
8
40
70
47
8
to
>o
CO
61
44
7
48
65
23
8
t
03
203
5
52
57
23
19
CO
■;-
N. Y. Police
120
90
4
17
26
30
7
138
n
7
25
27
27
7
109
128
6
27
46
27
8
83
139
1
18
23
32
17
(lov. of Almshouse...
school with 6 pupils was opened May 19, 1*32, at 47 Mercer St., and when complete will afford to the whole a capacity for 1,000
under Dr. Russ. Hy the aid of fairs and donation! from Indl- Inmates. Juvenile offenders from the several counties have been
viduals and the city, a piece of (.'round and buildings 00 Bth as follows: —
Avenue were obtained of James lioorman at a nominal rent,
with n covenant to soil. An Instructor In ill" mechanic arts
was procured, and Dec. 2, 1833, the Unit public exhibition wns
held at the City Hall. The success in teaching from raised
letters and characters, the proficiency of the lii pupils In reading,
geography, arithmetic), and especially In music-, and the .skill of
their workmanship in mats, mattresses, and baskets, excited
great interest. The present site, between Sth and 9th Avenues
and 33d and 34th Sts., was purchased of Mr. lioorman at a re-
duction of more than flu, lino below wb.it it could have been
sold for; and on the 80th of April, 1888, $12,000 was given by tho
State, conditioned to the raising of $8,(100 more by the managers.
In 1839 $15,000 was given to erect buildings. Annual reports
are made to the State Legislature. State pupils have been
received since 1S34; and for many years the institution has
received pupils from New Jersey. The site, originally beyond
the improved portion of the city, is now in the midst of a densely
settled quarter, and tho square which it Occupies is valued at
$400,000. The managers are endeavoring to obtain leave t,i sell
and erect new buildings on the upper part of the island. The
proceeds of the sale would, it is believed, procure new and
superior premises without other aid. Tho institution now has
200 pupils, and employs 11 blind instructors and assistants. The
manual trades taught are broom, mat. bandbox, and mattress
making and needle work. Musical instruction is received with
great facility by the blind; and with those that evince decided
talent it often becomes a means of support. Those of proper age
are instructed in the common and higher branches of English
education; and the number of books with raised characters now
prepared for the blind is quite extensive, including the entire
Bible, and volumes upon almost every branch of useful learning.
The New York Juvenile Asylum is intended to secure the
maintenance and promote the welfare of children under 14 years
of age who maybe in destitute circumstances. This asylum
was incorp. June 30, 1S51. Its office is located at 23 W. 13th St.,
and its temporary asylum is at the foot of E. 50th St. A per-
manent asylum, erected on 175th St., near High Bridge, was
opened April 2, 1856. This society takes children between 7
and 14 intrusted to it by parents, guardians, or other com-
petent authority, and affords them the means of a moral and
industrial education. A fund originally of $50,000, and after-
ward of $20,000 in addition, was raised by subscription; and to
this $40,000 was added by the city. The total number sent
to the house of reception up to Jan. 1859, was 4,893. Several
companies of children are sent annually to the Western States,
to be indentured to farmers and others, under the direction of
a judicious person. Children are also bound out in the city
and vicinity as occasion offers. An act of March 25, 1S56, di-
rected a sum not exceeding $75 per annum to be levied by tax
and paid to this asylum for each child committed by the city
and supported by the society, and gave $20,000 toward the
erection of a new house of reception on 13th St. Tho edifice is
now nearly completed.
The Society for the Prevention of Pauperism, formed Dec. 16,
1817, after promoting the establishment of the first Savings Hank
and other institutions of public utility, resolved itself into
The Society for the Reformation of Juvenile. Delinquents, Dec.
19, 1823, and measures were taken to carry the purpose implied
by the name into effect. An act of incorporation was obtained
March 29, 1824; and, having in that year raised $17,000 and
obtained possession of tho U. S. Arsenal near Madison Square,
the establishment was opened Jan 1, 1825, with 9 inmates. This
place was burned in 1839, and the location changed to a building
on the East River at the foot of 23d St., erected for a fever hos-
pital. In 1851 the society exchanged a parcel of land it pos-
sessed on Wards Island for about 36 acres on the s. end of Ran-
dalls Island, where the corner stone of a new building was laid
Nov. 24, 1852, by the Mayor. The buildings were opened Nov.
24, 1854. The male department will consist of a central build-
ing and 4 wings, of which 2 are parallel to the front of the
center building, and form together with it a front of 590 ft. upon
the river. The other two wings are to radiate from the center
of the rear at angles of 60°; they have not yet been erected.
The arrangement admits of the necessary classification and
embraces every modern improvement. A workshop 3 stories
high and 30 by 100 ft. is erected in the rear of each of the front
wings. The female department, when completed, will be on a
plan similar to the other, of 250 ft. front, and otherwise propor-
tionally smaller. With the refuse stone obtained in excavation
and grading, a sea wall was built out to low water mark ; and
some seven acres were thus added to tho grounds. The entire
cost, including the fitting up. to Nov. 1854, was $310,441.15, of
which $14,199.39 had been for the Female Department. The
whole number of inmates from its first opening to 1S59 was
7,650; and at the beginning of that year it contained 463 boys
and 77 girls. A female department is now in course of building,
Of tho cos. not enumerated, Westchester has sent 15, T'lster
11, Queens 10, Dutchess 9, Orange and Columbia each 8, Suffolk
7, Greene 6, Schoharie, Saratoga, and Oneida each 4, Monroe and
Sullivan each 3, Onondaga, Putnam, and Rockland each 2, and
Krio and Richmond each 1. Of 2.641 received in 8 years, 2.039
were white boys, 439 white girls, 138 black boys, and 25 black
girls; as to nativity, 1,548 were Irish, 445 American, 218 Ger-
man, 150 English. 53 Scotch, 30 French, 10 Italian, 4 Swedes.and
1 each Spanish, Polish, Russian, Prussian, Dane, Dutch, Welih,
and Belgian.
The Prison Association of New York, incorp. in 1846. for the
relief and encouragement of discharged convicts, is elsewhere
more fully noticed. It has a female department, organized in
1*44. to provide employment for discharged female prisoners.
1 The Orphan Asylum Society of New York was incorp. April
7, 1807. It was located on the banks of the Hudson, near 80th
St., in 1840. It has 9 acres of grounds and a building 120 by 60
ft., pleasantly situated. About 200 orphans are supported in
the institution.
The Society for the Relief of Half-Orphans and Destitute Cfiil-
dren was established Dec. 16, 1*35, and incorp. April 18, 1837.
It is located at No. 7 10th St., and is usually known as the
"Protestant Half-Orphan Asylum." It has received donations
of $20,000 from John Hosburgh and of $5,000 each from James
Boorman, John Jacob Astor, Peter G. Stuyvesant, and the
daughters of John Mason. The whole numlter of inmates re-
ceived up to 1859 was 1,884. and the number then remaining was
136 boys and 101 girls. — Common Council Manual, 1859, p. 580.
The Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, on Prince St., was
incorp. April 29, 1S36. It is under the charge of SisterB of
Charity, and has 300 inmates, — all females.
St. Putrick's Orphan Asylum has a male ard female depart-
ment. The male department, on 51st St., has 400 inmates, and
the female department, on Prince St., corner of Mott St., 300.
They are both under the same trustees, and are managed by
Sisters of Charity.
The Oiphans' Home of the Protestant Episcopal Church, at 74
Hammond St.. was incorp. April 16, 1838.
Leake and Watts Orphan House is located at Manhattanville,
between 9th and 10th Avenues and 111th and 112th Sts. This
noble charity was founded by the bequest of J. A. Leake, and
enhanced by the liberality of Mr. Watts, who waived a claim he
had upon the legacy. It is incorp. under the general law.
St. Luke's Home for Indigent Cliristian Females is at 453
Hudson St.
House and School of Industry, at 100 W. 16th St., is for the
gratuitous instruction of poor females in needle work.
Association for the Relief of Respectable Aged and Indigent
Females is located at 20th St., between 2d and 3d Avenues.
Nursery for the Children of Poor Women, at 223 6th Avenue,
is under lady managers.
Magdalen Female Benevolent Asylum, between 88th and 89th
Sts. and 4th and 5th Avenues, is under the care of lady mana-
gers, has 40 inmates, and is designed to encourage reform in
abandoned females.
American Female Guardian Society and Home for the Friend-
less, on E. 30th St., between 4th and Madison Avenues, was
formed in 1834. It received by donations in 1857 and '58
$49,719.79. The home school had 108 girls and 112 boys, indus-
trial school No. 1 340 girls, and No. 2 165 girls. It is managed
and chiefly supported by ladies.
St. Catharine's Convent and House of Protection, on Houston
St., corner of Murray St., is under the charge of Sisters of
Charity.
New York Ladies' Home Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, on the site of the " Old Brewery," 61 Park St.,
was incorp. March 20, 1856.
St. Joseph's Asylum was incorp. April 15, 1859. It is designed
to support and educate in some useful employment poor orphan,
half-orphan, homeless, and neglected children, especially of
German origin. It has 16 managers.
Five Points House of Industry is located on North St., Nob,
155, 157, 159.
28
434
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Numerous institutions of beneficence are established upon the principle of mutual support, all
of which derive their means from fixed contributions of members. The number of these is Tery
great, including many which are limited to particular nationalities and to certain mechanical or
other occupations.1 The city has a large number of religious associations and societies for the pro-
motion of morality, — some national or cosmopolitan in their field of operation, and others local in
their range. While some of these oppose vice and wrong in their widest sense, others restrict
their efforts to narrower limits of labor and concentrate upon a single object the united efforts of
their members. There are at present about 290 churches in the city of New York.2
Children's Aid Siciety. office No. 11 Clinton Ilall. Astor Place,
was formed in 1853. It has for its object to provide homes and
employment for destitute children, and, to a limited extent, for
adults of both sexes. Up to 1858 it had provided homes for
3.576. In 1S5T it sent 46S boys, 200 pirK 28 men, and 37 women
to other States. It had opened 6 industrial schools, with a total
of 968 pupils, maintained a lodginghouse for newsboys and
peddlers, at a low charge, and another one for girls, and had
under its direction several boys' meetings and libraries. Its
annual expenses are about $15,000, not including a large amount
of gratuitous services.
Si ir York Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor
was formed in 1S43, and incorp. Dec. 6. 1-48. Its object is to
afford temporary relief to such as do not come within the sphere
of other existing charities, and to elevate the physical and moral
condition of the indigent. To discountenance indiscriminate
almsgiving and street begging, it inquires through its visitors
into the merits of applications, and for this end has a super-
visory council of 5 to each ward, and as many visitors as may be
needed. It is supported by annual donations and collections,
and in the year ending Oct. 14, 1867, expended $41,4S0.S8.
Tht American Bible Society, formed May, 1S16, as a national
■i. claims notice in this place from the spacious and
elegant edifice which it has erected. This structure occupies
three-fourths of an acre, and is nearly triangular, extending
on 4th Avenue. 202 ft. on Sth St., 96 ft. on 3d Avenue, and
232 ft. on 9th St., with a court within. It cost nearly $300,000,
and contains the offices of numerous religious and denomina-
tes. Its manufactory of Bibles and Testaments, when
in full operation, employs 600 persons. A City Bible Society was
formed several years before the one above noticed ; and nume-
rous kindred associations have been formed at different periods.
1 I if this class are Masonic, Odd Fellows, and other secret so-
- who possess funds for the relief of the sick, the support
of widows and orphans, and the burial of the dead. Others,
limited to particular occupations, some of which have been dis-
continued, have been chiefly as follows: —
The Murine Society of New York was created by patent April
12, 1770. It has for its principal object to collect moneys, by
admis-ion fees and yearly dues of members, for the relief of the
wi.j.,ws and orphans of seamen. Up to 1826 it had distributed
$88,100 for these objects. Its meetings are held at the United
a Hotel, corner of Pearl and Fulton Sts. ; and its chief im-
portan ■■■ DOW arises from the circumstance that its president is
one of the trustees of the Sailors' Snug Harbor, on Staten Island.
T)i'' importance of that noble trust will serve to perpetuate this
society.
Tht Ifete YtJ: Nautical Society was established in 1820, for
charitable purposes and the promotion of useful improvements.
Its nv mlxrs were those who had been shipmasters or com-
mand'T- of ve-
ll'itsrman'r S> ■rift y was formed in 1825, for be-
urpnees and the ir motion of useful improvements in
It it supposed to have been discontinued.
I was formed in 1817, for benevo-
lent . -es.
Tht I. I rmed in 1787.
The, AttodaUon Jbr Ac /Mi// Fi n m/n i« a chari ty
Itotheobj ■>sed In its ti'l".
Qmfril \anics and Tradesmen was Incorp.
"
-./fit Society and the
Veto Tori >re now extinct.
T'if Boutt Carpenters' Society ; the
■nrymm fViipwrights ; tin"
Prvridnd Sbefsty ; and I
Bmcoelmt Society are charitable associations, from which
we have no return*.
Manhattan I'fmdsnt Society of the City of yew York was
. Not. 17.
Friendly Society of tht Totrn s/ flirUm wax formed Feb. 10,
JW-w York ilasrms' Society to ' 20. 1807.
Satmt Imi'Ti lifnfnJmt Society (Welsh) was formed In 1800.
It was soon discontinued.
Albion Benevolent Society was formed about 1800. It was
soon discontinued.
Ancient Britons' Benefit Society was formal aboal 1806, fr ni
the two latter, and incorp. Feb. 27, 180*7. It continued until
1835. when the
.fitnt David's Benffil <t- frr "ty was formed. It
iirid.-l 3 years after: nnd in J«. 1-41,
Saint David's Benefit Society and
The Welsh Society were formed. These were merged in the
Saint David's Benefit Society, which is still continued.
Saint Patrick's Sjciely and the
Hibernia Provident Society of the City of New York were formed
in April, 1S07.
Saint Andrew's Society (Scotch) was formed in 1756. Its anni-
versary is Nov. 30.
Caledonia Society of the City of New York was formed April 6,
1807.
Saint George's Society is a society of English.
Saint Nicholas Society (Dutch) is chiefly composed of the de-
scendants of the old Dutch colonists.
I\'ew England Society holds its anniversary Dec. 22.
Besides these, there are and have been a great number of so-
cieties and unions, particularly among the German, Irish, Italian,
and other foreign classes, and among the Jews and other denomi-
nations, concerning which it is difficult to procure full statistics,
or even the names. The " George Clinton Society," " Washington
Benevolent Society," " Tammany Society," or " Columbian Or-
der," (the latter founded in 1S05, and still existing,) are among
those memorable for their political influence; the "Society of
Cincinnati," for its Revolutionary associations, and the " Wilber-
force Philantliropic Society," " Manumission Society" of 1785,
" Society for the Belief of Imprisoned Debtors," and a great variety
of others, for their labors in the field of charities, but which h;ivo
disappeared with the abuses they combated, and their elements
re-organized under other names, for new labors which the mis-
fortunes, vices, and crimes of mankind are constantly providing.
2 The following table contains some of the principal statistics
of the churches in the city. The dates of first churches in tho
several denominations are given upon the authority of Green-
leaf's History of the Churches of JVew York. The lists given
by that author include several societies not owning church
edifices, on which account the numbers are larger thau those of
the census : —
DENOMINATION'S.
African Methodist
Associate Presbyterian
Abe viate Reformed Pres-
byterian.
Baptist-
Calvinistic Methodist and
other
Christian
Congrceationnl
Congregational Methodist.
Disciples
Evangelical Lutheran
Free will Baptist
Friends
M'tluxlist Episcopal
Moravian
Presbyterian
Primitive Methodist
• Episcopal
Methodist
Bi formi l Covenantors
Reformed Protestant Dutch
Roman Catholic*
Second Advent
Mi Day Baptist
iili'itL'ian or New
Jerusalem
Unitarian
Universalis!
United Covenanters
Wesleyan Methodist
Other churches
1801
1724
is-.-.
1804
1668
lTo'::
1706
1766
1748
1716
1829
1664
1626
17S3
1S08
1819
1796
iiii
Total 218 254 249 288
.-_-
31°
3
2
7
— -: ■<
4~ £$
38°
3
2
4
10
31
1
44
1
■;.'
2
17
19
1
4
10
33
1
88
1
43
"i
•J'.'
24
2
1
2
32°
1
1
5
1
1
7
3
17
32
2
43
51
1
5
21
29
1
1
2
2
4
4
4
11
Sti.
> S-Ci
15
10*
21
10
63
° These numbers may includo churches other than those
termed common or •' i'l — Communion" Baptists.
* Several of these became Presbyterian.
• Father Jogucs, a Jesuit, was the first Roman Catholic priest
NEW YORK COUNTY.
435
The Literary and Library Societies of the city exert an important influence upon
the intellectual condition of the people. Many of the libraries arc extensive and arc provided with
ample accommodations for the preservation and can: of the bonks and for the convenience of
students.1
The population of New York has increased with great rapidity since the commencement of the
in New York. He suffered martyrdom at Oaughnawaga, Sept.
27, 1042, at tlie hands of the Iroquois. The Brat religious ier-
vices of this Church were held h\ Kather Farmer, of Philadelphia,
about 1781-82. The first rhurrh was I milt In 17*0, and named
St. Peter. Its chief beuefactor was Charles 111., King of Spain,
who gave $10,000.
The first church edifice was erected near the Fort. In 1033,
and in 1642 was superseded by one built of stone within the
Fort. The Reformed Dutch Church retained the ascendency
until 1004, wle-n the chapel in the Fort was devoted to the
English service. Trinity, formed in 1697, received giants ,,f prop-
erty from the Government, which by the subsequent growth
of the city have become enhanced in value beyond parallel in
America, if not in the world. Its revenues are usually consi-
dered adequate not only for the support of its several chapels
and other edifices of worship, but for aiding liberally the poorer
churches of this denomination throughout the country. Its
income, already very large, will in a few years lie greatly in-
creased as leases at a low rate for long periods expire and the
property is again offered for lease. The property of the Col-
legiate Dutch Church is also of great value, and surpassed only
by that of Trinity Church. During the Revolution the Pres-
byterian and Dutch Churches were used by the British as riding
schools, prisons, and for other military purposes. Within a few
years most of the church buildings in the lower part of the city
have been sold, their sites occupied for commercial purposes,
and costly edifices of great architectural beauty have been
erected " up town."
1 The New York Library Society was first started in 1700,
when Rev. John Sharp, chaplain of Lord Bellemont, gave a col-
lection of books to be styled the " Public Library of New York."
The society was inccrp. in 1752. and was organized under its
present name in 1754. The library was mostly scattered during
the Revolution; but its charter was revived Feb. 18, 1789, and
the books as far as possible wero recollected. It was at first
kept in the City Hall. In 1793 it was removed to a building in
Nassau St., afterward to Chambers St., and in 1840 to a new
building corner of Broadway and Leonard Sts. It was after-
ward moved to the Bible House, and in 1S57 to its present
quarters. University Place, between 12th and 13th Sts. The
library building is a fine edifice, and the library now contains
40.000 vols.
Ttie New York Historical Society was organized Dec. 10, 1S04,
and incorp. Feb. 10, 1809. After occupying rooms many years
in the New York University Buildings, it was removed in 1857
to a new, fireproof building on 2d Avenue, corner of 11th St.,
which was dedicated Nov. 17 of that year. This society pos-
sesses a library of 30.000 volumes, particularly rich in historical
works and manuscripts, a choice gallery of paintings and collec-
tion of antiquities, coins, medals, and charts. Among its collec-
tions are a series of large tablets of Assyrian sculpture, the gift
of James Lenox, Esq. Under a special act of April 12. 1856,
the premises were made exempt from sale on execution, and the
law is so framed that the society's property cannot be encum-
bered by mortgage. Regular meetings of the society are held
on the first Tuesday of each month.
The Mercantile Library Association, at Clinton Hall, Astor
Place, was organized in 1S20, and has a library, reading room,
lecture room, and cabinet. It was originally intended for the
us" of merchants' clerks, but is now accessible to all. Its
library, especially full in periodicals, numbers 55.000 volumes;
and the association lias about 4.500 members. It formerly occu-
pied the premises of Old Clinton Hall, on Beekman St., near
the Park.
New York Law Institute, founded through the exertions of the
late Chancellor Kent, was formed in 1828 and incorp. Feb. 22,
1830. It contains about 6.500 volumes, forming one of the most
valuable and perfect collections of th« kind in the United States.
It is located at 45 Chambers St., to which place it was removed
in 1855. Membership is confined to counsellors, solicitors, and
attorneys. Judges of the Federal and State Courts, and stran-
gers generally, are allowed to visit and use the library.
The Mechanics' Institute, located at No. 20 4th Avenue, was
incorp. April 24, 1833. Its objects are to diffuse knowledge
among the mechanical classes, to found lectures on natural,
mechanical, and chemical philosophy, and scientific subjects.
to open schools, and hold annual fairs. It has established
classes in modeling, machinery, architecture, and ornamental
drawing, a winter course of lectures, a reading room, and a
library of 6,000 volumes, all of which are free to mechanics,
workingmen, and apprentices of the city.
The. Astor Library was founded upon a bequest of $400,000
made by John Jacob Astor in his will, Aug. 22, 1839. Its trus-
tees organized in May, 1848, and employed Dr. Joseph G. Cogs-
well to visit Europe for the purchase of books. On the 10th of
Dec. 1849, they adopted a plan for an edifice, 120 by 65 ft.,
which was opened to the public Feb. 1, 1S54. On the 31st of
Oct. 1855, Wm. B. Astor presented to the trustees a lot. 80 by
100 It., adjoining the library, apon which has been erected a
building similar to the- first, the two forming the most spacious
library rooms In America. The buildings will contain -oo.ooo
volumes, and half that number are already in the library.
This noble institution Is situated on La 7ayetb PI ,inaq"iiet
quarter of the city, and is op. n to all without charge. Books
are not allowed to be taken from tie- room-. The trustees are
required to report annually to the Legislatm i
Hi,' Printer^ &ru Library, located at No. 8 CI unbars St,
was founded in 1823 by the New York Typographical Society,
Ibr the benefit of those employed in printing and binding b
It has 3,500 volumes.
77;. ipprt nlicetf Library, at Mechanics' Hall, 472 Broadway
near Grand Bt, is free to apprentices, and o] .urneyinen
upon payment of 51 annually. It numbers 16,000 volumes.
The Libraries of the City Corporation, of Columbia College, of
tin- Free Academy, of the several hospitals, of the medical col-
leges, of the theological seminaries, of the Bible Societies, and
of several other institutions, are extensive, and some of them
ai . very valuable in their several departments.
/'/ Cboper Institute, a fine edifice of brownstone, covers an
entire block between 3d and 4th Avenues and 7th and 8th
Streets. It was erected by Peter Cooper, Esq., at a cost of
- : 10,000, to promote the advancement of science and a know-
ledge of the useful arts. The first and second stories are to be
rented and the avails devoted to the expenses of the establish-
ment. In the basement is a lecture room, 125 ft. by 82 ft.,
and 21 ft. high. The three upper stories are arranged for
purposes of instruction, and contain a very large hall, with a
gallery designed ultimately as a free public exchange. A school
of design i- in operation in these rooms, and i- attended by some
50 young ladies under instruction in engraving, lithographic
drawing, and painting. The design of this institution is emi-
nently creditable to the enlightened view's of its munificent
projector, and will associate his name with those who have done
much for the useful arts and deserved well of mankind. The
building is known as "The Union," and, in accordance with an
act of February 17, 1857, it has been placed in charge of trustees.
The American Institute was incorp. May 29, 182 I, for the pur-
pose of encouraging and promoting domestic industry in this
State and the United States, in agriculture, commerce, manu-
factures, and the arts. It aims to promote these objects by an
annual exhibition of machines and manufactures, the awarding
of premiums, and the formation of a repository of models and
a library of books relating to the useful arts; and for this pur-
pose it may hold property producing an income of $30,000 per
annum. It has connected with its organization a farmers' club,
which holds monthly meetings, and occasional cattle shows,
plowing, and spading matches, as its officers may direct. The
annual fairs of the Institute were formerly held at Castle Gar-
den, but in 1857 were transferred to the Crystal Palace, where
it< 30th fair was prematurely ended by the burning of the
Palace Oct. 5. 1858. The amount awarded for premiums from
1835 to 1857, both inclusive, has been distributed as follows: —
1835, $779.00
1841, $1,183.03
1S47, $2,592.78
1852, $4,917.43
1836, 1.039.50
1842, 1.155.96
1848, 3,089.83
1853, 3,366.77
1837, 1,093.50
1843, 1,191.55
1849, 2.482.61
1855, 3,269.97
1838. 1.259.50
1844, 1,192.44
1850. 4,303.72
1856, 5,593.49
1839, 1,150.44
1845, 1.848.17
1851, 4,091.76
1857, 3,160.34
1840, 820.50
IS46, 3.225.10
This society has successively occupied premises on Liberty St.
near Broadway, at 41 Cortland St., 187 Broadway, the City Hall,
Broadway, corner of Anthony St., and 351 Broadway. The last
named premises it now owns. In 1859 it removed to the Cooper
Institute building. In 1S35 it commenced the publication of a
monthly journal that continued through several volumes. The
annual reports of the Institute to the Legislature since 1S41 are
voluminous and valuable.
Tli' Lyceum of Natural Histnry, located on 14th St.. was
incorp. in 1818. It has a large library relating to the natural
sciences, and a cabinet. It was first opened in the rear of the
City Hall; thence it was removed to Stuyvesant Institute, and
finally to its present locality.
The American Geographical and Statistical Society was
incorp. under the general law April 30, 1852, and, after several
years' sojourn in the University Building, has recently been re-
moved to Clinton Hall, Astor Place. It holds monthly meetings
at the rooms of the Historical Society, and is forming an exten-
sive and valuable statistical library. The objects of the society
are expressed in its name. It publishes a monthly journal,
chiefly of original papers.
The New York Academy of Music, corner of Irving Place and
14th St., was incorp. April lo, 1852. The building is 121 ft. by
114 ft., and will seat 4,000 persons. It is richly decorated, and
is constructed with express reference to fine acoustic effect.
The cost is estimated at $350,000.
The city has about 15 theaters and a great number of
436
NEW YORK COUNTY.
present century.1 The completion of the Erie Canal gave an impetus to its growth and greatly
increased its business transactions. The commerce of the city, without a parallel on the Western
continent, has already been noticed in the general article upon the commerce of the State. The
financial institutions are of a number and magnitude commensurate with its "wants as the great
center of commercial wealth in the nation.2
The manufactures of the city form one of the most important branches of the industry of the
inhabitants. They embrace nearly every variety of article produced in the civilized world, and the
a_-.rregate capital employed is very great. The last State census reported 2,424 manufacturing
establishments. In single instances the capital invested exceeds a million of dollars, and the
number of persons dependent upon these large establishments for employment extends to several
hundred. The above estimate does not profess to include the minor trades, in which little is in-
vented beyond an industrial education and a small stock of implements and materials, but which
in the aggregate amount to considerable sums. A large number of manufacturing establishments
legitimately belonging to the city are located in the several suburban places for economy of rent
and for room ; and if these were added to those located in the city the aggregate would probably
be nearly equal to that of the most noted manufacturing cities of Europe.
The Public Ruildingrs of New York are many of them elegant and substantial struc-
tuxes, combining strength and durability with architectural beauty. Among the most noted of
these is the U. S. Custom House, the Merchants' Exchange, and the City Hall.3
minor places of amusement, generally of a special character
and devoted to exhibitions of art. cariosities, and other objects
Taction. Tbe first theater in New York was opened in
- - t. 17, 1753, and the first play acted was "The
Conscious Lovers."
1 Papulation at various periods.
42376
1723 7,249
1731 8.622
J 10.664
1746 11.717
1748 13,294 j 1820.
4.037 1756 13.046
1771 21,862
1790 33.131
1S00 60.489
1810 96,373
j 1814 95.519
123,706
1825 166,086
1830 197,112
1835 2GS.0S9
1840 312.710
1845 371.223
1850 515,547
1855 629,810
2 'ibere are now 5 incorporated and 49 free banks in New
York City, which together presented the following total aggre-
gate of resources in their quarterly returns of March 12, 1859 : —
pita] §68,324,657
' bee in circulation 7.845.947
Profits 6,640,888
Due banks 27,251,889
Due individuals and corp. other than banks 531.061
Du Treasurer of State of New York -. 119.822
depositors on demand 80,679,650
Other -urns due 471,666
J liabilities 191.865.843
I. ui« and Mi-counts 123,983,075
drafts 59,467
fp.m banks 5.357,189
from directors 4.119.438
Dot fr..m broken 82281,632
v 6,967,164
i" 26,068,182
17,481,781
'•.« «n'l |.r Issorj 00* ■ 12,020,806
523, ' '
Bin- ..f - Dks 1,023,402
t .' .'. •_• . ' > 'ji 1
t ■ 1 n •■ ■■ 1 1
iil;« in the city, with an aggregate
■BOD and with
tree*. — Report \>tcm.
■ ■:
fir-t moremenl was made Nor
29, 1816, when at a public meeting the plan n ed and
Tb. first made Jnrj ' . 1819, and
within «ix m.'ntb« Jl I '•■■ 1,527 per-
and of this sum llidrawn. Up U
: 61 had bi rhej
their origin I I - uperism. —
ihmmnn r,,unril M nr
Th> f"mrinrj II Oct. 1, 1863, for
• '■ mk- with • acta
other. It« offire h r,n ■Tall, -• The nr-
rang«merr led that the el icnts
.i ul the banks in tbetr tmmenM tri other
are made In six minute*. Th" wh"le amount of bank fundi
%rbi rough this Institutional I ' 1858, was
• d .luring that park) t has been
•1 system of balances that the error of • hat nevei
been made.
I'\rt tfuvranct Oomponitt, to the numl-er of 75. with an ag-
fTcgate capital I 100, are located in the city. 1;
these, a large number of agencies for companies in other
States aud in foreign countries are established in the city. The
amount of capital invested in marine, life, and other insuranco
companies is not known, as no general reports are published.
A list of these companies is elsewhere given. There are also
several trust companies, with large capital, and a very great
number of companies, associations, and individuals engaged in
the business of banking and exchange, of which no statistics
are attainable.
The Chamber of Commerce was instituted in 1768, and incorp.
by patent March 13, 1770. It probably owes its origin to the
necessity felt toward the close of the colonial period, of con-
certed action to protect the interests of trade against the usurp-
ations of the British Government. Its rights were confirmed
April 13, 1784, and it has since continued in operation without
material interruption. Its objects are to adjust disputes and
establish equitable rules concerning trade, and to operate upon
public sentiment in the procuring of such acts and regulations
as the commercial interests require. Within a short time it
has commenced the formation of a library of statistical and
commercial works, and opened rooms sufficiently ample and
convenient for the wants of the association. Its first report
was published in 1859.
3 The Custom House, located on Wall St., on the site of the old
Federal Hall, is a marble structure, in the Greek order of archi-
tecture, with a Doric portico at each end. It has a marble roof,
and is fireproof throughout. It was commenced in May, 1S34,
and finished in May, 1841, at a cos! ol {860,000.
Tlu Merchant? Exchange, on Wall St.. built of Quincy granite,
is 171 by 144 ft., and 77 feet high. A portico in front is sup-
ported by is Ionic column-. .> f.-.-t hiu'b, each formed of a single
stone weighing 45 tons. The rotunda is So ft. in diameter aud
BO ft. high. The building is owned by an incorporated company,
and cost over 51,000,000.
Thi City /l"H. on the Park, is 216 by 105 ft., with two stories
and a high basement. It is built in the Italian style, and is
laced with marble except on the north side. It was begun Sept.
26, 1808, and finished in 1S12, at a cost of over half a million of
dollars. Tbe tipper story and cupola were burned Aug. 17. 1858,
and bare Dot been rebuilt. It is occupied by the Common
Conni U, County Clerk, and various city and county offices. The
Oral <'itv Mall.' built in l'.'.'s. stood on the present site of the
Custom Bouse, at the lead of Broad .^t.
Tin- Bali 0/ Record*, on the Park, is chiefly interesting from
d associations. It was formerly the debtors' prison,
and in the BevolntiOD it was tbe prison into which American
Den were crowded, and from which great numbers were
I iki D to execution. In 1882 it was a cholera hospital. The
pill in upon the ends are of modern origin.
The Rotunda, on the Park, was built by John Yandcrlyn in
I 11 the exhibition of panoramic views, and is now an office
of the Almshouse. It reverted to the eity at the expiration of a
ten yeai -' 1
Tnt Bath of Justice, or " 77ic Tombt," on Center St., is a struc-
ture i.uiit of Maine granite, in the Egyptian style of architecture,
It ii a hollow square. 252 by 200 ft., witb a large central building.
II waa erected In 1888, Executions take place in the open courts
within it" walls.
The New Armory, or Down-Town Anenal, corner of White and
Elm Sis ., Is 131 by B4 ft. and 2 stories high. It is built of blue
"tone, and is supplied with narrow windows for easy defense
■ mobs, it is used as a receptacle for a part of the artillery
Ol the 1st Division N. V. State Militia, and its a drill room.
An a r-eii.ii was built by the State a few years since, on ground
NEW YORK COUNTY.
437
The Commercial Building* ami Private Residences of New York arc many
of them on a scale of great magnificence. The first of these are built of marble or a beautiful kind
of brownstone ; and in the upper part of the city are numerous streets which for miles present un-
broken lines of palatial residences. Within the past few years a great improvement has taken
place in the character of the commercial buildings erected, and many of them now in size and ele-
gance have no superiors in the world.1
The Bay of New York was first discovered by Henry Hudson, then in the employ of the Dutch
East India Co., Sept. 12, 1GO0. A settlement was made upon Manhattan Island by a company of
Dutch traders, under the auspices of the West India Co., in 1012 ; but no permanent agricultural
occupation began until 1623. During this year 30 families of Walloons from the Flemish frontiers,
and a number of domestic animals, were sent over to form the nucleus for the permanent occupa-
tion of the country. Sarah ltapelje, a child of one of these families, born soon after their arrival,
was the first white child born in New York. In 162G, Peter Minuet, the first Dutch Governor of
the colony, purchased Manhattan Island of the natives for $24, and during the same year he caused
a fort surrounded by cedar palisades to be erected. A new fort was begun in 1633 and was
finished 2 years after.2 The Colony of New Netherlands increased slowly ; but in 1652 a feud arose
between the company and settlers, which continued during the entire period of the Dutch occupa-
tion. The interest of the company was solely to make money by their operations ; and they pur-
sued their object by the exercise of an arbitrary power and without any regard to the prosperity
of the settlers. This controversy tended greatly to develop democratic sentiments in the hearts of
the people, and prepared them for the events which subsequently happened. In 1664 the colony
fell into the hands of the English, and a new immigration took place, which materially changed
the character of the population. A city charter, granted in 1652 and confirmed in .1686, secured
many of the privileges since uninterruptedly enjoyed by the people, and formed the basis of all
subsequent enactments. From the English conquest to the Revolution the history of the city is
merged in that of the State and has no features of special interest.
Trade and commerce have been from the first the leading elements of the industry and wealth
of the city, and in colonial times every measure of Government tending to embarrass trade occa-
now within the Central Park, and which has recently been sold
to the Commissioners of the Park for (275,000. It was constructed
very poorly, and was hardly finished before it began to tumble
down From a part of the proceeds of this property a new
ai-senal was built, in 1858, corner of 7th Avenue and 35th St.;
but, before it was finished, the roof, constructed on a novel plan,
fell in by its own weight on the morning of Nov. 19, 1858.
The Past Office occupies the old stone edifice of the Middle
Dutch Church, on Nassau, Pine, and Liberty Sts. It is small
and inconvenisnt, and poorly adapted for the purposes of a post
office. In the Revolution the pews of the church were broken
up for fuel, and the building was used as a prison, and at one
time as a riding school. The project of a building for a post
office on or near the Park has been agitated ; but there is at
present no arrangement tending to that result.
The Assay Office occupies an unassuming marble building
adjacent to the Custom House, formerly one of the branches of
the United States Bank. Its operations are elsewhere noticed.
See p. 122.
1 Under the first race of colonists the style of architecture
was an exact copy of that prevailing in Holland ; and for many
years New York was noted for buildings with peaked gables,
tiled roofs, and high, wooden stoops. After the English con-
quest, a greater variety in style was introduced. Of late years
the march of improvement has completely obliterated the old
style of houses, and scarcely a vestige of the olden time re-
mains. One of the most interesting relics of the infancy of
New York now remaining is a venerable pear tree at the corner
of 13th St. and 3d Avonue, formerly on the farm of Governor
Peter Stuvvesant. It is widely known as "The Stuvvesant
Pear Tree.""
2 The first fort was built in the rear of Trinity Church, near
the river, and portions were found in 1751 by some workmen
in digging tli rough a bank. The next fort stood on what is
now the Bowling Green, then a high mound of earth overlook-
ing the bay and adjacent country. A threatened invasion by
the forces of Cromwell, in 1053, led to the construction of an
embankment and ditch across the then N. line of the city. This
fortification extended along the present line of Wall St.: and
from it that street derives its name. In 1692 a war with France
occasioned a further attention to the defenses of the city, and
led to the erection of a battery on the rocky point at the s. end
of the island. A stone fort, with 4 bastions, afterward built at
the same place, included most of the Government offices, and
bore the name of the reigning sovereign for the time being. It
remained until finally taken down in 1788. In the summer of
1776, while an attack was expected from the British army, the
City was strongly fortified. On the s. point was the Grand
Battery, of 23 guns, with Fort George Battery, of 2 guns, just
above it and near the Bowling Green. McDougall's Battery, of
4 guns, was built on a little hill near the North River, a little w.
of Trinity Church. The Grenadiers' or Circular Battery, of 5
guns, was above, and the Jersey Battery, of 5 guns, on the left of
the latter. On the E. of the town were Coenties Battery, of 5
guns, on Ten Eyck's wharf; Waterhury's Battery, of 7 gun-, at
the shipyards; Badlam's Battery, of 8 guns, on Rutgers Hill,
near the .lews" burial ground: Thompson's Battery, of 9 guns,
at Hoorners Hook, and the Independence Battery, on Bayards
Mount, corner of Grand and Center Streets. Breastworks were
erected in several places in the city, and fortifications were
erected on Governors Island, Paulus Hook, (Jersey City,)
Brooklyn Heights, and Red Hook. During the War of 1812-15
great apprehension prevailed at several times, and during the
first year bodies of militia were stationed in New Utrecht and
on Staten Island to repel any attempt on the part of the enemy
to land. Subsequently, fortifications were begun at Harlem.
and In Brooklyn volunteer companies were formed, and the
citizens generally became familiar with the discipline of the
camp and the duties of the soldier. In Aug. 1S14, for the pur-
pose of constructing a line of fortifications to prevent the ex-
pected approach of the enemy, it was arranged that 3 military
companies of Brooklyn should turn out to work on Monday. 3
military companies and 1 fire company on Tuesday, the people
of Bushwick on Wednesday, of Flatbush on Thursday, of Flat-
lands ,m Friday, of Gravesend on Saturday, of New Utrecht
on Monday, and the Mechanics' Society of Brooklyn, the mili-
tary exempts, and 2 fire companies, on Tuesday. The patriotic
diggers crossed the ferries every morning with banners and
music, and large parties worked in the night by moonlight.
The citizens of New York were not behind their neighbors in
patriotism, and numerous volunteer associations pressed their
servic s upon the Committee of Defense, without regard to party
or Btation in life, and the rich and the poor wrought together
with the most patriotic emulation. Many gave money freely
to the work, and these zealous labors continued so long as
there appeared reason to anticipate danger. During the same
month the General Government made a requisition for 20.000
militia from New York and New Jersey to repel an attack
which was reported to be in preparation. The funds to meet
the expenses were raised by the city, but were repaid by the
General Government the next year. Four hundred heavy
cannon were mounted on the various forts, and large quantities
of ammunition were collected. The fleet in charge of Commo-
dore Decatur was also prepared for the emergency; and it is
probable that these prompt preparations saved the city from an
attack. Toward winter the hostile fleet bore off to the south,
and the enemy closed their operations before New Orleans. On
" Evacuation Day'' in 1814 the Governor reviewed 25,000 troops
in New York, — a larger number tliau ever before or siace
mustered in one body in America.
433
NEW YORK COUNTY.
sioned great uneasiness. This city was among the first to feel the effects of the arbitrary measures
of Great Britain, and was among the earliest to resist their tendencies.1 The aristocratic element
-was probably stronger in this city than in any other part of America ; and this was arrayed in
favor of the British measures and against the " Sons of Liberty." Many prominent citizens, who
had warmly sympathized with the popular movement in the hope of gaining redress of grievances,
at length yielded their opposition when there appeared no alternative but war, and continued
active or quiet friends of the Royal Government while it lasted. Several members of the first
Provincial and Continental Congress afterward became friends of the king. The British forces
t ok possession of the city immediately after the battle upon Long Island, Aug. 26, 1776, and
remained until Nov. 25, 1783. The anniversary of this last event, known as "Evacuation Day,"
is still held in grateful remembrance, and is usually celebrated by military parade or other cere-
monies.
In 1785 the first Con-iv-,- of the United States after the war met in this city and held its ses-
sions in the City Hall, corner of Wall and Nassau Streets. In the gallery of this building, facing
Broad St.. lien. Washington was inaugurated first President, April 30, 1789. The New York
Legislature returned to this city in 17S4 and continued its sessions with intervals until finally re-
moved to Albany with the State offices in 1797. The Port of New York was made a port of
entry - m after tin- ]i"ace. Its revenues were collected under the State Government till 1789, but
have since formed a most important source of income to the Federal Government. The receipts
from custom- at this port considerably exceed those of all the other commercial cities of the Union
• _ ;•. and defray nearly one-half the expenses of the General Government. In the midst of its
general prosperity the city has had seasons of adversity.2 At different times destructive fires have
occurred, which have for a time seriously retarded business.
I The principal events which occurred in the city during the
troubles leading to the Revolution are briefly as follows: —
1765, ■' S.ins of Liberty" were organized to oppose
t)i" Stamp Act.
1766, <>, t. SI. — A committee of correspondence with other colo-
nies was appointed.
Nov. 1. — The Stamp Act took effect, and popular excite-
ment became extreme. The Lieut. Governor
was burned in effigy before the fort.
1765, Dec. 26. — The ship Minerva was boarded by the Sons
of Liberty in search of stamp pager. The
paper was traced to a brig soon alter, and ten
packaio-s were seized and burned.
1766. June 29. — The Assembly petitioned for a bronze statue of
Pitt to lie erected.
1760, Oct. 18-22.— The liberty pole on the Common (Park) was
repeatedlj destroyed, and there was imminent
danger r.f a colli-ion between the populace
and the tro ps.
177". Jan. 10. — New attempts v. re made to destroy the liberty
pole, and the - ild ers became riotous.
" Jan. 17. — At a meeting "i 3,0 "i citizens, resolutions were
passed not to submit to the acts of oppression.
" Jan. 18. — A collision t ">k place between the soldiers and
citlsu as :it Golden Rill.
Jan. 30. — The Corporation forbade the erection of a new
Liberty p le, and the people soon after planted
one on their own land, Inscribed " Liberty
and Property."
1 20. — Another atl made upon the pole, which
• \ ndignal Ion, and led to its being
nigh l i. until Hay •"..
May. — A comm ttee of 100 ws 1st the
lm i if goods under the obnoxious
liws. but the] receded from t li-ir purpose
Jul . thing but
■
" Aug 21. — I ! i '
. r ■. 'I bis .1 \Uv was
tin palace on thi h ■ i [pi
of the D Julj 10,
177'-' It m • • 1 1 v melted up Into
ballets in the hi \\ olcott, of
OOObullcti
mi lid service
>'«' Hriti-h soldiers afterward -• at
" Sept. 7.— A marble «tmi" of PUl was placed In Wall
Btreet, In gratitude for i in the re-
il the
ICh itbam,
this statue was mntllatcd by a mob Mat jl.
1772. and, havlogl lusightly, bend-
less tiunk. it wa- and) r U
March 7, 17S8. It is now preserved in the
Fifth Ward Hotel. West Broadway.
1773, Nov. 5, — The Committee of Vigilance denounced the im-
portation of tea and agreed to resist its
landing.
177-4, April 21. — A vessel laden with tea arrived at Sandy Hook,
but was not permitted to laud : and in a few
days it was sent back to London. About
the same time 18 chests of tea privately
brought into port were destroyed.
" May 19. — A great meeting was held in the " Fields." at
which strong revolutionary resolutions were
passed. A committee of 51 were appointed :
but the next day a majority of them receded
from their position, nnd the Whigs requested
their names to be struck off.
177.".. April 3. — The Colonial General Assembly finally ad-
journed.
" July 25. — Delegates were elected to the Continental Con-
gress.
" Aug. 23. — Capt. Lamb was ordered by Provincial Congress
to remove the cannon from the battery in tho
city for the forts in the Highlands. Resist-
ance »a- offered from the Asia man-of-war.
Stationed off the battery; but 21 pieces — all
thai were mounted — were safely carried away.
- Two dreadful fires occurred while the city was in possession
of the enemy, On the 'jut of Sept. 17~ii. a fire spread from
Whitehall Slip w. of Broadway, 8, of Barclay Street, burning
•I'.'J bouses, Or one-eighth Of the entire city. Another broke out
on Crnger's Wharf, Ang. 7, 1778, which burned 300 houses in
Great and Little Dock and the adjacent streets. Commissioners
were appointed May 4. 17sl. to Bettle claims to the soil and
n| streets jn these bur 1 districts. Destructive fires have
i ed, a- follows : —
1811, May 19.— Upon Chatham Street SO to 100 buildings wore
lurned.
: 00,000 worth of property was burned.
1836, Dec. 16. — A fire broke out in the lower part of the city,
which was not arrested until 40 acres, mostly
covered by large stores, were burned over,
and |18,000,000 worth of property was de-
stroyed. It was the most disastrous fire that
ev.r occurred in the city.
I si:,. July 19. — A fire broke out mar Wall Street. and extended
to Stone Street, ravaging the entire district
between Broadway and the I. side Of Broad
Btreet. Five to eight million dollars' worth
of property was destroyed.
Oct. 5— The Crystal Palace was burned,
Theaters in New York have been burned as follows: —
Park. 1820, 1848; Bowery, 1828, Is"'1"'. 1888, 1846; Mount Pitt
Circus, 1828; La Payette, 1820; National, 1839, 1841; Niblo's,
. 1*4.'.; and Franklin, 1849.
NEW YORK COUNTY.
439
Papers and Periodicals now jmblishcd in the City.
Name.
American
American
American
American
American
American
American
American
American
American
view..
American
American
Agriculturist
liantist & Some Missionary Record.
Craftsman
Druggists' Circular
Farmers' Magazine
Foreign & Christian Union
Free Mason
Home Missionary Journal
Homeopathic Keview
Journal of Education & College Rc-
Oriyiwil rublisliers.
\. u. 1 K. I.. Allen.
0. 0. I'. Crosby
<1. K. Tisdall
II. Bridgeman.
J. A. Nash.
Edward Vernon
J. F. lirennan.
Medical Gazette
Medical Monthly
Absalom Peters A B. 8. Randall
C. Meredith Reese, ed.; A.J.l)ix,pub
E. II. Parker, ed.; E. P. Allen, pub.
American Merchant
American Mining Chronicle
American Missionary
American National Preacher
American Phrenological Journal.
American Publishers' Circular
American Rail Road Guide
American Rail Road Journal
American Railway Review.
American Temperance Union & Now York)
Prohibitionist j
American Turf Register
Americanischer Agriculturist
Americanischer Botschafter
Appleton's Railway* Steam Navigation Guide.
Architectural Advertiser & Builders' Register..
Argus & United States Military & Naval Chrou
icle
Atlantische Blatter
Bankers' Magazine & Statistical Register
Bank Note List
Bank Note List & Reporter
Hunk Note Register & Detector of Counterfeits..
Bible Advocate
Bible Society Record
Bible Union Quarterly 1
Bible Union Reporter J "
Billiard Cue
Booksellers' Medium & Publishers' Advertiser..
Boys' & Girls' Own Magazine
Brother Jonathan
Carrington's Commissionaire
Chess Monthly
Christian Ambassador
Christian Advocate & Journal & Ziou's Herald.
Christian Inquirer
Christian Intelligencer
Church Journal
Churchman's Monthly Magazine
Coach Makers' Monthly
Corn Exchange Reporter
Corner Stone
Cosmopolitan Art Journal
Com Tier des litats-Unis
Y Cymbro Americanidd
Democratic Age
Democratic Review & United States Magazine
Dental Monitor
Dinsmore's Railway Guide
Disturnell's Rail Road Guide
Dollar Weekly Express
Henry M. Smith
Bryant & Stratton
W."B. Monck <v Co
George Whipple
Win. If. Bidwell, ed
Fowler &. Wells
Charles R. Rode
Dinsmore & Co
D. K. Miner &, G. C. Shaffer.
Eclectic Magazine of Foreign Literature
Educational Herald
Educational News
Engineer
Examiner
Excelsior
Familienblatter
Fleur de Lis
Foreign Missionary
Frank Leslie's Budget of Fun
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Zeitung
Frank Leslie's New Family Magazine
German Bank Note Reporter
Golden Prize
Good News
51
S a.
1842
Is:;;,
Remarks.
IS-1'.I
1829
w. Orange Judd, present publisher.
w.
s. mo.
185fi
1854
1858
is Hi
1820
is;;: i
Alexander Mann, ed..
Rev. Dr. Marsh.
W. T. Porter
i (range Judd
American Tract Society.
D. Appleton & Co
W. II. Randall & Co.
J. Crawley
F. Rauchfuss.
J. Smith Homans, jr., ed
L. S. Lawrence & Co
A. Nichols & Co
Gwyne & Day
American & Foreign Bible Society ...
American Bible Society
American Bible Union.
O'Connor & Collender.
0. A. Roorback
William L. Jones
Wilson & Co
J. S. Penn, ed. ; J.W. Carrington, pub
P. Miller & Sons.
Hallock & Lyon
Waugh & Mason
Unitarian Association
Charles Yan Wyck
Rev. John Henry Hopkins, jr
Rev. B. T. Onderdonk
E. M. Stratton.
William II. Trafton
Dr. S. Jacobs.
Quarterly Association
Charles Lasalle
John M. Welch
C. Edwards Lester, ed
1881
1S5'.I
is:;;
1840
1859
1845
1853
J. G. Ambler....
Dinsmore & Co.
J. Disturnell ....
J. & E. Brooks .
J. II. Ayremand A W. II. Bidwell....
Smith, Woodman & Co
Ivison & Phinney
John Hillyer
Edward Bright
Albert Palmer
Dilthey & Gamhs
H. II. Lloyd & Co.
Board of Missions of Presb. Church.
Frank Leslie
Frank Leslie
Frank Leslie
Frank Leslie
Frederick Gerhard
Merrick B. Dean
Carlton & Porter
1850
1 858
1859
184(1
1855
1S4S
ls:;o
1847
1830
1853
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
K. H. Parker & S. II. Douglass, pre-
sent publishers
mo.
w.
mo.
mo.
w.
mo.
w. Now published by Schultz & Co.
H. V. Poor, ed.
American Railway Bureau, pub.
' Begun at Philadelphia as Journal
of the American Temperance
Union ; united with Prohibition-
ist, at Albany, in 1851, and re-
moved to New York.
mo. John Richards, present pub.
mo.
mo.
mo.
mo.
w.
mo. Com. in Baltimore in 1846.
w.
w.
w.
mo.
mo.
Benj. H. Day, present publisher.
Henry Lyon, present publisher.
Carlton & Porter, present publishers.
E. P. Allen, present publisher.
1866
1 82S
1 S55
1 S5S
1888
1857
1850
1844
1857
1858
1842
1854
d. & w.
Cambro-American, Eng. & Welsh.
mo.
mo. Conrad Swackhamer, pres. pub.
mo.
mo.
mo.
A s. w. edition was some time issued,
as the New York Express and Ad-
vertiser.
mo. W. II. Bidwell, present pub.
mo.
Quarterly.
w.
w.
w.
w.
mo.
w.
w.
mo.
w.
w.
mo. Child's Paper, Meth. Epis.
440
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Papers and Periodicals note published, continued.
Name.
Original Publishers.
Great Republic Monthly Oaksmith & Co
Hall's Journal of Health
Handel's Zeitung
Harper"* New Monthly Magazine.
Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization..
Herald of light
Historical Magazine & Notes and Queries..
George P. Morris & N. P. Willis..
Homo
Home 4 Foreign Record of Presbyterian Church
Home Journal
Home Magazine James G. Reed
Home Missionary American Home Mission Society
Hem" Mission Record American Baptist Home Miss. Soc...
Homeopathic Review '
Horticulturist A. D. Downing, ed. ; L. Tucker, pub,
W.W. Hall
W. Meyer
Harper A Brothers
Harper & Brothers
New Church Publication Society.
C. Benj. Richardson
Beadle & Adams.
-.1
~ 5,
Remarks.
lS59|Changed from Emerson's Putnam's
Magazine,
mo.
d. & w.
mo.
1S54
1S50
1S57
1857
1S46
1854
1849
Humorist
Humphry's Journal of the Daguerreotype &
Photographic Arts.
Hunt's Merchants' Magazine.
Insurance Monitor & Commercial Reporter
Ldsh American
Iri-h News
Iri-h Vindicator
Jewish Messenger
Journal of the American Geographical & Sta-
tist ic.il Society
Journal of Commerce, Jr
Max Conheim & Otto Brethauer.
Journal of Finance & Bank Reporter
Journal of Industry i Monthly Price Current
of Labor
Journal of Medical Reform
Journal of Medicine & Collateral Science
Journal of Missions & Youth's Day Spring
Journal of Specific Homeopathy
Knickerbocker, or New York Monthly Magazine
La Cronies
Ladies' Newspaper
Ladies' Repository
Ladies' Visitor
Ladies' Wreath
Leader
D T n _
■1 Italia.
Lift Ulostrated
Little Guide
Livingston'! Monthly Law Magazine
Lnthi ri~ her Herold
r
" I Manufacturers' Beporter....
tnta* A Manufacturer*' Journal
ry
S. D. Humphrey
Francis Hunt ,
T. Jones, Jr
Lynch & Cole
Tho. Fr. Meagher ,
E. D. Connery & Co
Rev. S. M. Isaacs & Son.
John T. Schultz & Co ,
Hallock, Hale & Hallock..
S. T. Hodge .
Association
J. D. Friend
Purple & Smith, eds. ; H. Billiere.
A. Mervin
Humphrey & Palmer
Peabody & Co
Merry'* Mtt<ctini A School F- ll.w.
M •
:«t Quarterly Review...
Milltn:
Mining and .-t itigUcel Magiyin- ..
Missionary Adv.*-atc
.ry Herald
Monthly Record of Uu Bts House of
Industry
M. De La Pena
John Hillyer.
Carlton & Porter
Laura J. Curtis
John F. Scovill
John Clancy
S. T. Taylor
Alex. Trey
G. F. Secchi de Casale
American Seaman's Friend Society..
Fowler & Wells
II. II. Lloyd & Co.
Stanford & IMisser.
John L. Livingston
Henry Lndwig
M. J. Drummond
W. tiiittn an & Co
Thos. K. Ki tt. l.rd.; A. Palmer, prop
Krauth A Caldwell
fa
W. 0. < ■ n .nt.
.1. McClintock ,
B. Dnnnlgan A Uro..
Geo. M. .\. wton
J. P. Dorbin
Presb. Board Miss.
A. M. nvin, ed..
I. M. p. i-'-.
Morning Courier A New York En inir • - pn Wei, I...
Mother*i Magazine k Family Monitor p., v. g, Whittlesey
I. P. W.»,dbury
1 Berlew A Bi toatal Sdet
i • ratnre, and Intelligence Mi- a Brothers
Musical World A New Tori M>i-i<-*l Time*. BI - Willis
National Ami a lid \m ricaa Anti Starery Bocfoty.
National Hum ri't . >
Wa**"***1 M*gT<*r* K\ I 1
National Police Gaz-tte B rmour
New Jcni'.tl-m Messenger fohfl I
New Yorker Oornetltu Mathews.
New York.r Abendzeitong Bodolpfa L-
1S46
1839
1S53
1849
1854
1S59
1854
1859
1855
1S33
1-47
l-.M
1 -:,.;
ls.-.t;
mo. Begun at Boston; removed to
New York.
w.
mo,
mo.
mo.
mo.
Begun at Albany. Removed to Roch-
ester; P. Barry, ed. Removed to
Philadelphia in 1855 ; J. J. Smith,
ed. ; R. P. Smith, publisher. Re-
moved to New York in 1858 ; A.
0. Moore, present publisher.
mo.
d. W. & A. G. Wood, present pubs.
mo.
w.
J. R. Taylor, present publisher.
w.
w.
mo.
d. Issued from the office of The New
York Journal of Commerce,
w.
mo.
mo.
mo. John A.Gray, present publisher;
L. G. Clarke, ed.
s. w.
mo.
mo.
mo.
w.
mo. magazine.
s. w.
d.
mo.
w.
s. mo,
mo.
1868 jw.
is;,j mo.
1839 Caldwell, Bouthworth & Whitney,
present publishers.
1841 J. N. Stearns & Co., present pubs.
rlton& Porter, present publishers.
1859 w.
mo. Removed from Albany.
1863 1 Changed from Mining Magazine;
Thos. McKlrath, present ed.
1846 Carlton i Porter, present publishers
1843
1828 Tho w. ed. formerly Weekly Cou-
rier & New York Enquirer.
183 . II. II. Lloyd, present publisher.
is;,.", F. J. Huntington, present publisher.
1858
1849
1840 w.
1 558 mo.
1852 mo. Carlton <fc Porter, present pubs.
1846 w. Geo. W. Matsell &. Co., present
l «.-;.,
w. Geo. W. .Matsell & Co.,
publishers,
w.
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Papers and Periodicals now published, continued.
441
Name.
Original I'uUUIttr.
1= 6,
New Yorker Beobaehter..
New Yorker Demokrat...
New Yctker Humorist...,
New York Daily News..
New York Day Book
New York Dispatch
New York Clipper
New York Colonization Journal ....
New York Commercial Advertiser..
New York Commercial Times..
New York Evangelist
New York Evening Post...
New York Express
New York Family Courier-
New York Freeman's Journal.
New York Herald ,
New York Ledger ,
New York Observer
New York Municipal Gazette..
New York Spectator
New York Times..
New York Tribune.
New York Weekly
New York Weekly Chronicle..
Nick Nax
North American Homeopathic Journal
Our Musical Friend
Parish Visitor
Path Finder
Periodical Paper of the Am. & For. Bible Soc.
Photographic & Fine Art Journal
Picayune
Polylingual Journal
Porter's Spirit of the Times
Principle
Programme
Protestant Churchman
Protestant Episcopal Quarterly Review.
Racing Calendar & Trotting Record
Radical Abolitionist
Rail Boad & Financial Advertiser
Real Estate Advertiser & Reporter
Republican
Sabbath Recorder
Sabbath School Visitor
Sailor's Magazine
Scalpel
Scientific American
Scottish American Journal
Scott's Report of Fashions
Seventh Day Baptist Memorial
Shipping & Commercial List & N. Y. Price Cur
rent
Shoe & Leather Reporter
Shoemaker
Sociale Republic
Sower & Missionary Recorder
F. Si -hwedler
F. Schwedler
('"Inihriui & Brethauer
fGHdeon J.Tucker.cd.; Mrlntyre)
\ & Parsons, pubs J
R. w. Btbnwii
A. J. Williams
Frank Queen
J. B. Pimiey
Francis Hull & Co
Adams, L'pham & Co..
Field & Craighead ....
Wm. Coleman.
Townsend & Brooks .
Jas. Watson Webb..
J. A. McMasters ,
James Gordon Bennett.
D. Anson Pratt
Sydney E, Morse & Co..,
E. Merrian, ed
Noah Webster
Henry J. Raymond..
Greeley & McElrath .
A. J. Williamson.
Ilolman & Gray...
Leison & Haney.
Wm. Radde
II. Dyer; Kev. C. W. Adams, pub..
John F. Whitney.-
Henry II. Snelling.
Guun & Co.
Iliram C. Sparks.
Wm. T. Porter
John B. Couklin
C. M. McLachlin & Co..
/ U. Anthon, S. U. Tyng, & E. H. 1
\ Canfield J
Geo. W. Wilkes & Co.
Wm. Goodell
John Hillyer
J. W. Wheeler
John Hillyer. _
W. B. Maxon
Spectator
Spirit of Missions
Spirit of the Times
Spiritual Telegraph
Staats-Zeitung
Standard Bearer
Student & School Mate ...
Sunday Advocate
Sunday School Advocate .
Sunday School Banner....
Sunday School Gazette....
Sunday School Times
Swedenborgian
H. G. Lawrence.,
Maun & Co
Jas. W. Fiulay ..
G.C.Scott
W. B. Maxon.
Antrus & Bourne.
D.J. Field
D.J. Field* Co...
Gustavo Struve....
Orville A. Roorback .
Daniel Dana, Jr
John Richards
C. Patridge
Anna L'hl.
N. A. Calkins.
James L. Smith
Carlton & Porter
American S. S. Union.
Rev. Benj. F. Barrett.
1855
lS-jr.
ls-i:;
is:;.:
182G
1858
1830
1S02
1836
1853
1835
1847
1848
1848
1797
1S51
1841
1S50
1857
1855
1 S5S
1 WJ
1S47
1S45
1S31
1843
iss;
1S45
1850
Ittmarkt.
w.
1. & w.
w.
W. D. Parsons, present pub. Weekly
edi issued as the New York Na-
tional Democrat.
d. & w. Vunevrie, Uorton & Co. pubs.
w.
mo.
d. semi. w. issued as New York
Spectator.
w.
Issued part of the time as the New
York Evangelist and New York
Prosbyterian.
d., s. w., & w. Wm. C. Bryant & Co.,
present publishers,
d. & s. w. James & Erastus Brooks,
present publishers. The Dollar
Weekly Express issued from the
same office,
d., s. w., & w. Changed from the
Weekly Courier & Enquirer.
(R.C.)
d., s. w., & w. The d. begun in 1837.
Robert Bonner present publisher.,
Published occasionally.
s. w. Begun as The Herald. Name
changed the same year. Now pub-
lished by F'rancis Hall & Co.
d., s. w., & w. ; also California and
European editions. Raymond,
W"esley & Co., present publishers
d., s. w., & w. ; also California and
European editions. II. Greeley &
Co., present publishers.
Pharcellus, Church & Co., present
publishers.
w. (Sheet music.)
mo.
w.
Geo. W. Wilkes & Co., present pubs
mo.
d.
w.
mo.
Seventh Day Bap.Publication Society,
Seventh Day Baptist.
1832 American Seaman's Friend Society.
1S48 mo.
1845
w.
1825 s. an.
1836
1S54
1848
s. w.
w.
w.
w.
mo. Board of Publication Reformed
Protestant Dutch Church,
mo.
Removed from Burlington, N. J.
w.
1S5S
1858
1858
442
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Papers and Periodicals now published, concluded.
Name.
Tablet
The Advocate of Moral Reform & Family Guar-
dian
The Albion
The Atlar
The Carrier Dove
The Century
The Children's Magazine
The Child's Paper
The Churchman
The Constellation
The Crayon
Tli.- Homeopathiat
The Independent
Th.-> Inventor
Ihe Israelite Indeed
ii, N «• York Journal of Commerce
The Tress
The Printer
Tlie Sun
I .'. Lit. rary .1. 'iirii.il
Thompson's Bank Note Reporter
Tiffany's Monthly
Truth Tiller
; - i ini-t & l>ry Goods Reporter.
Hotel Directory
United S! ■ ■• - [nsnrance Gazette
United States Journal
United States Mining Journal
United ~; '■ - Kiilroad and Mining Register.
Wall Street Broker
Water Cure Journal
Working Farmer
Yank'-- Notions
Young Christian
Young Men's Magazine
Youth's Temperance Advocate
Y Drych a'r Gwyliedydd
Y Tr'othodydd
Original publislicr.
D. & J. Sadlier >fc Co.
J. R. McDowell
W. Young \ Co
Herrick & Seaman.
Daniel Dana, Jr
Chos, McBlMth
F. 1>. lianiman
John Becker
Park Benjamin, etl
W. .(. Stillman & J. Durand, eds..
B. W. Benedict
tow, Hascall & Co.,
G. R. Lederer
Association
Daniel Adee.
Henry A Huntington.
Moses Y. Beach
Daniel N. Lord, ed
J. F. Thompson
Joel Tiffany.
Wm. Durnian
Joseph Mackey
Ropes. Williams & Co..
G. £. Currie
Albeit Paliner
John Hillyer
Geo. M. Newton.
John S. Dye
Fowler & Wells
Fred. McCready
J. W. Strong."
Thos. Lyon
X. A. Calkins. Rich. McCormick, ed.
John Marsh
Wm. Roberts.
■?"s
1835
ls°J
1S30
lsf.s
1S52
1S31
1S.V.I
1855
1848
1857
1857
1827
Is;:::
1848
1S40
1S30
1858
1851
1843
1S52
1855
1851
1840
1854
Remarks.
Formerly McDowell's Journal.
Devoted to British news.
Missions.
mo. P. E. S. S. Union.
mo. American Tract Society.
Geo. Roberts, publisher.
W. Holliugsworth, publisner.
s. mo.
Joseph n. Richards, present pub.
d., s. w., & w. Hallock, Hale & Hal
lock, present publishers.
d. & w. M. S. Beach, present pub.
Franklin Knight, present publisher
w. P. Adams, publisher.
w. Michael Madder, present pub.
s. w.
w.
mo.
mo. J. M. Emerson & Co., present
publishers.
w.
mo.
mo.
mo.
w. (Mirror & Watchman.)'
Papers and Periodicals discontinued since the Revolution.
Sine the Revolution, the following papers have appeared and
been discontinued. The list is very imperfect; as, among the
constant changes that are going on, it is impossible to ascertain
£-•• data. It is possible that a few in this list maybe still
sued, aud very probable that others may continue to exist
und-r a dilferent name:
N wr.i or Papers.
' ' 'gazinc.mo,
Academician, The
'••
By
New York.
'
Hie
I he 'I
illor. New York..
Abx Lodrian
Alllan a, New York.
Publishers.
John WHey
A. & J. W." Picket,
e.ls
Bai 'M ,v Stimson...
Child! .V Swam......
Dwlght, 'Ion i,.. ,,,|
A Co
Redwood & Fisher.,
1 1 Haher.,
r
Kendri I I
a S
■2 ~=
-8 I
= .=
r= =
- :
Allen
ADlgal r. Tli"
Almighty Dollar, Tlie
nth, Tli"
ur. The
Am!>n««ndor. Tlie DO.
American Adrocata for Bqnal
Bights to Man w.
American Architect
Am, ■:• in
Amerir.in Biblical Re|»«_ ,jr
I ' I h, C. J.
•n A K.
WUki
n II Brnni h
unplin
J' ho Henry
is:: i
1818 li
184
1785
1880
1880
1833
i-..i
1846
1862
Is.;;,
1860
.' M. -,yl n
J. H. Agnew..
1862 1s-.',:,
1868 1869
1861
IMS
1*44
1847
1-47
Names of Papers.
American Celt
American Chronopress mo,
American Citizen d,
American citizen
American Citizen & Watch Tower
American Eclectic
American Eclectic bl-mo.
American Ensign w.
American Ensign d.
American Family Journal. ...mo.
\meriein Farmer ,t Mechanic...
American Flora mo.
imeril 10 Foreign Anti Slavery
Reporter mo.
American Journal of Education.
American Journal of Photo-
graphy
\iu> i lean Jubilee
Amerii an Keystone
American Laborer mo.
American Lancet mo.
American Magazine
American Mail
American Mechanic
kmerii m Mechanics' Magazine..
American Metropolis
American Mineralogicai Journal
Can Minerva d.
Ameri, in Missionary Register,
mo.
American Monthly Magazine....
Publishers.
McGce >t Mitchell.
Alba Honeywell....
James Cheatham...
John R. Do Puy
Absalom Peters &
S. B. West
J. H. Agnew
Burns A- Gammons
Association. Burns
A Gammons
Rev. D. Newell &.T.
R. Wiener
E. B.Carter
A. B. Strong, ed.....
Joseph McKean..
C. A. Steele....
Wm.Ooodell..
CallicOt & Webster
Gn-eley.V McKlrath
Samuel Loudon
Park Benjamin
J. M. Van osdel &
S. T. Porter
I). K. Minor
II. G. Dayler
Archibald Bi ace...,
Geo. Bruco & Co
0. P. M. Boo. Z.
Lewis & others...
W. Mallet & A. D.
Patterson
5 .
$•§
w-8
^s a
a n
e s
ss c
ISofl
lSf.ll
1 Still
1810
1843
1S0G
1841
1848
1844
1845
1847
1843
1840
1844
1847
1845
1856
L861
1842
1848
1831
1787
1788
1847
1840
1832
1845
Mil
1844
1793
1820
1826
1833
1845
NEW YORK COUNTY. 443
Papers and Periodicals discontinued since the Revolution, continued.
Names op Papers.
American Monthly Magazine A 3. n. BigelowA 0.
Critical Review. L. Hoflej .
American Moral .t Sentimental
Magazine Thomas Kirk
American Musical Jem nal...mo. Jaa. Dnnn
Publilheri.
American Patriot
American Patriot
American Patriot & Public Ad-
vertiser
American Penny Magazine
American Phonographer
American Plow Boy
American Protestant
American Repertory of Arts,
Science, & Manufacture
American Repository mo.
American Review & Literary
Journal
American Review & Whig Jour-
nal
American Spectator
American Sporting Magazine,
mo.
American Temperance Intelli-
gencer
American Temperance Magazine
American Temperance Magazine
& Sons of Temperance Offering
American Temperance Recorder,
mo.
American Whig Review, changed
from American Review &, Whig
Journal.
America's Own
America's Own & Weekly Fire-
man's Journal
Anglo American
Anglo Saxon mo.
Annalist, The
Anti Masonic Review & Monthly
Magazine
Anti Slavery Reporter
Appleton's Mechanics' Maga-
zine mo.
Arcturus
Association
Samuel O. Brewer..
Theod. D wight, jr.
John \V. Leonard...
I). K. Minor
C. It. Moore, agent.
J. J. Mapes, ed
W. A. Cox, Me-
chanic Institute..
C. B. Brown, ed
Wiley & Putnam.
R. F. Romaiue ....
C. R. Colden .
I |
4 tj
* s
Si
S. P. Carey..
Oliver & Bro..
E. B. Cliilds, ed...
Argus, orGreenleaf 's New Daily
Advertiser
Argus & United States Gazette..
Aristidean mo.
Arthur's Home mo.
Artist, The mo.
Asmonean
Atlantic Magazine mo.
Atlas, The
II. D. Patterson, ed.
it. & <j! S. "Wood!!.'.'
Henry Dana Ward
Am. Anti Sla. Soc..
J. M. Adams, ed....
Matthews & Duyc-
kiuck
Atlas Magazine s. mo.
Atom, The
Badger's Weekly Messenger
Banner of the Constitution
Baptist Advocate
Baptist Memorial mo.
Baptist Repository.,
Barnburner, The
Beacon, The
Belle Lettres Repository mo.
Better Times
Bible Examiner 8. mo.
Biblical Inquirer
Biblical Journal
Bibliotheca Sacra & Theological
Review.
Bisbee's Now Monthly Magazine
Booksellers' Advertiser
Book Trade, The mo.
Bowery Boy, The
British Chronicle
British News A Old Countryman
Broadway Journal
Bunker Hill, The
Business Reporter & Merchants
and Mechanics' Advertiser.....
[Cabinet, The
J. Greenleaf.
Capt. N. Cook
Lane & Co
DeWitt&Davenport
F. Guarre
Robert Lyon
E. Bliss &E. White
J. D. Porter & E.
Prescott
Swinburne, Rogers
&Co
Robert G. Hatfield
B. Badger, ed
Condy Raquet
Robert Sears
Rev. Enoch Hutch-
inson, ed.
Jas. Van Valken-
burgh
W. J. Tenney....
G. Tail
A. T. Goodrich &Co.
U. Ilagedorn
George Storre
J.E. Jones
Israel Post
B. B. Edwards & E.
A. Park
IM7
LT07
is:;;,
1841
1843
1808
1846
1851
is;;;;
1846
1840
1840
1S01
1845
1841
1832
1834
1801
1851
1S48
1S49
1S51
1842
1847
1S49
1820
1834
1851
1841
1795
184]
1st:,
1S57
1843
1S49
1824
1830
18.34
1847
1831
1S31
1S40
1819
1799
1S12
1844
1862
1S50
1854
West & Trour
H.Wilson
P. F. Harris
P. Brown, ed
Vinter & Moody
John Biscoe
S. B. Dean & Co....
II. L. Barnum ....
Henry P. Piercy .
1829
1S4S
1843
1819
1S40
1X44
|S Ml
1S42
1S44
1839
1S34
1850
is.™
1842
1849
1845
1S44
1834
1S30
1858
1825
1823
1849
Names op Papers.
Calumet bl-mo.
Calomel of Peace
i lampalgn, The
O'Sullivan & Til-
den
Campaign of Freedom
Canfleld's American Argus
Catholic Expositor & Literary
Magazine
Catholic Expositor & Literary
Magazine mo.
Catholic Magazine
Catholic Register
1S31
Child's Magazine mo.
Childrens' Magazine mo.
Choral Advocate & Singing Class
Journal
Christian Diadem mo.
Christian Family Magazinc.mo.
Christian Inquirer
Christian Journal & Christian
Register
Christian Magazine mo.
Christian Parlor Magazine. ..mo.
Christian Review quar.
Christian Spiritualist
Chronicle Express
Chronicle of the Times
Churchmen's Monthly Magazine
Citizen, The
Citizen of the World
City Chronicle
City Guide
City Hall Reporter & New York
General Law Magazine
City Journal and Ladies' Daily
Gazette
City Recorder
Cobbetfs Political Register
Code Reporter mo.
Colored American
Columbian d. & s. w.
Columbian for the Country
Columbian Ladies and Gentle-
men's Magazine
Columbian Magazine mo.
Comet, The
Commercial Advertiser & Spec-
tator
Commercial Register mo.
.John Dillon Smith
& P. Gallagher...
Constellation .
Constellation
Corrector, or Independent Amer-
ican mo.
Corsair, The
Cosmopolite a semi-mo. mag
Cosmorama
Cricket, The
Criterion, The
Critic, The
Crystal Fount
Cuban
Cyclopedia Indianensis
Daily Court Calendar
Daily Evening State Register.....
Daily Gazette
Daily Globe
Daily Plebeian
Daily Statesman
Day's New York Bank Note List
Democratic Chronicle d,
Democratic Republican
Dental Recorder
Dewitt & Davenport's Monthly
Literary Gazette
Diary, or Loudon's Register..,
Dime. The
Dispatch & Tattler d.
Dollar Weekly
Downfall of Babylon
Dry Goods Reporter & Mer
chants' Gazette
Dye's Bank Bulletin d.
Dye's Bank Mirror s. mo.
Publishers.
L. 1). Dewey .
P. Canficld
Rev. A Ten Bioeck
Mason & Law
/.. Patten Hatch ..
Rev. D. Newell
B. Bates
T. & J. Swords...
HopkinsA Seymour
Rev. D. Mead
James Woolsey...
F. S. Wiggins
T. Swords
John McClanahan.
G. Vail ,
Solon Horn ..
John Lomas.
Daniel Rogers.,
Sam. E.Cornish, ed,
Charles Holt
John Juman, ed....
Israel Post
H. D. Duhecquet...
Franklin Woods &
Co
Green.Clark&Bart-
lett
John Henry
N. P. Willis
Prentiss, Clark &
Co
Burton.
Chas. R.Rode
Win. Leggett
Burnett & Allen..
J. Mesa
Piatt & Peters
J. A. Scovill .
L. D. Shaumm ...
Childs & Co ,
Abijah Ingraham..
Mahlon Day
Wm. D. Hait
W. Hagadorn
Chas. W. Ballard
Samuel Loudon
Do Land & Clay
Jas. G. Wilson* Co.
Hen iek &. Roper...
John S. Dve
John S. Dye.
g E
1886
1832
1844
1848
1830
11841
1843
I-:;1, i
1840
1827
1835
185U
1-48
1843
1825
1817
1806
1845
1835
1854
180;
1828
1804
1854
1834
1847
1850
1833
1842
lMii
1816
1848
1S37
1810
1819
1844
1845
1834
180T
1855
1830
1845
1815
1S15
1839
1849
1845
1855
1 8-2,8
1843
1S55
1S43
1845
1S56
1843
1845
1842
1848
1819
1834
1831
1855
1S51
1791
1S54
1840
1843
1S35
1845
1S55
*l
1824
1811
1S11
1S33
1S21
1821
1S34
1835
1795
444
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Papers and Periodicals discontinued since the Revolution, continued.
Names op Tapers.
Publishers.
Joshua Leavit,ed...
c
Hugh II. Byrne.
John S. Kartl.tr....
John 5. Bartlett...
John Wiley
M. K. Andrews
Dye's Wall St. Broker John S. Dye.
Echo k Literary Military Chron- Crawley, Milne k
icle Co
Eclectic Museum I John II. Agnew
Edmund, Charles k Co.'s Bank
Note List
Emancipator
Emerald k Political Literary k
Commercial Recorder
Eni'-r* ■n's I'utnam's Monthly
Emigrant. The
Emigrant k Uld Countryman.
Emigrant-' Magazine mo.
Empire Magazine mo.
Empire State
Empire State Democrat
Enterpriad. The s. mo.
Epicurean Gondola
Kra, The
Eureka, or National Journal of
Inventions. Patents.^ Sciences
European, The
Borop an. Th-
European American
European News.-
Evank.-lio.il (inanlian <fc Review
I I ng City Gazette
Evening Gazette
Evening Herald d.
Evening Mirror d.
Broiling Si.-nal
Evening Star d. k 8. w.
Evening Star
Evening Tattler
_reen mo.
Evergreen, The mo.
Evergreen, or Monthly Church
Offering
Every Youth's Gazette
Examiner, The mo.
Examiner, The
Excelsior
I -itor k Banking Circular...
Express Messenger
Family Companion. mo.
Family Keepsake mo.
Family M a_' azirie mo.
Family Minstrel s. mo.
Family Record
Family Visitor k SUkCulturist.
Farmer*' Quids to Science &
it ictlcel Agriculture
nr1 Library A- Monthly
Journal of Agriculture
Farm- r . M haul -. Manufac-
turers, .* Bportlng '■'
Matra/lnc nio.
- Mag 17.I no mo
Female Advocate a. mo.
Hiram Cummings..
t>. W. Bleecker ..
Isaac D. Geiger..
W. T. Adams k Co.
J. L. Kingsley k 3
P. Pierson
John W. Moore....
G.F. S. de Casale...
Kimher & Fine
Asso. of Clergymen
K. G. Evans
Kingsley, Barton k
Co
Morris k Willis
Jonas Winchester..
Noah k GUI
W. Burns
Dillon <fc Hooper....
J. Winchester..
J. Winchester
B Qardoier, ed
J. Stevenson
W. H. McDonald k
Co
A. L. Stimson
P. Childs A Co
Burdick k Scovill..
I!e.lfield& Lindsley
Chas. Dingley
Ridgeway k Co
Theodore Dwight k
others
- ; u ;
1847
1848
1843
1840
1834
1824
L. Scott k Co.
ton....
John wii-v
W. OoodeU 4 S.
Mite-
Robert Syars
r.
Rev. Wood Fisher.
Fireman'" '•
f
wini, mi Broths
Dl h
For. A I
Th- <JHir 1
1 Boy*l A Girl's Maga-
w r. Locks
Frank I. n Frank Leslie
Frank -w York J. air
nil mo. Frank Iz-allc...
Franklin Dally AA
J (trail h A r.ii'wam
Free Enquirer i Wright a
Frwmm'i Journal k Catholic
Register Fas. M White..
Fre.. Press Wm. Bsgadorn
iln...
■ ■ ri.,n k Sunday
Schr».l Journal s. mo -
0»7"tto Extraordinary j _
Oaz-tt* ..f the Union
1832
1-:;.;
1S.34
1848
1840
1842
ls.31
1853
1850
1846
1 >:;.',
1856
1849
1847
1817
1828
1845
1843
1827
lS4ti
1834
1845
1840
1841
1840
1844
1-4:;
1812
1833
1849
1849
1855
lvp;
1857
1834
1 <>:;:,
l-.M
1<-I-.
1828
1882
i-i-
1848
1853
1827
1830
1866
1843
1S44
1 -"0
1S36
1848
ISIS
1817
1840
1M>
1-1-
1*34
Names op Papebs.
Union, Golden
Fellows' Corn-
Gazette of the
Rule, k Odd
panion
Gazette of the United States.. .d
Genius of Temperance
Geographical k Commercial Ga-
zette mo.
Gleaner, The
Globe k Democratic Union d.
Globe k Emerald, or Saturday
Journal of Literature. Politics,
k Arts
Golden Rule
Good Samaritan Messenger
Gospel Herald.
Gospel Luminary
Gospel Sun
Gospel Witness
Green's National Guardian
Halcyon Luminary & Theolog-
ical Repository
Harbinger, The
Hart's Path Finder
Herald of Christian Love &
Working Man's Friend
Herald & Gazette for the Country
Herald of the Union
Hewitt's Excelsior
Holden's Dollar Magazine... mo.
Home Circle mo.
Home Companion
Home Missionary
nonest Wrath
Home's Rail Road Gazette
Hudson's Exchange Shipping
List tri-w.
Human Rights
Publishers.
Crampton & Clark
Lany k Turner
Wm. Goodell k S
P. Hines
J. Disturnell
Charles King
Caspar C. Childs ..
T. W. Clerke k Co
F. Fisk
Millard k Clough.
Association
American Union of
Assoeiationists...
Geo. Bunee k Co ...
C. Edwards Lester.
II. W. Hewitt
Illustrated American News..
Qiustrated News
Illustrated News
Hlustraterl New York News
Independent Journal
Independent Reflector
Independent Republican
Industrial Agent
Infant Drummer
International Monthly Magazine
Investigator. The
Inveterate. The
Iri-h Democrat
Irish Evangelist,
Irish Volunteer
Iron Platform
Island City
Israel's Serald
.'in us
Jeffersonian, The
Jewish Chronicle mo.
Journal, The
Journal of Christian Education..
Journal des Dames mo.
Journal of the Kino Arts
Journal of the Pine Art- k Mu-
sical World. mo.
Journal of the People tri-w.
Journal of Progress
Journal of Public Morals
Journal of Useful Knowledge A
Monthly Record of New Pub-
lications
Journal of Women
Juvenile Wesleyan
Knickerbocker Gazette
i. idles1 Casket mo.
Ladies' Companion. mo.
Ladles' Diadem mo.
Ladies' Keepsake k Homo Li-
brary mo.
• Weekly Miscellany
Garret & Co
S.M.Giddings&Co.
Absalom Peters
M. Doheney, ed ....
C. Home
Wm. H. Hudson ...
Amer. Anti Slavery
Society
P. T. Barnum k H.
D. Beach
Webster k McLean
Wm. Newell k Co..
J. Hillyer
Stringer k Town-
send
Jarvis P. Hanks....
Dennian ,v Horn ...
John McLaughlin..
John Hurley
M. I i'( 'minor
Wm. Oland Bourne
■2 "8
11
1838
1789
1832
1855
1840
1848
1852
1855
1825
1845
1850
1830
1850
1838
1812
1848
1847
1850
1795
1851
1846
Is.'.O
1 son
1S57
1S28
1856
1849
1836
1836
1 vvj
1843
1S19
1843
1853 1855
1851 1S52
i:v;
1752
lso,',
1848
1851
1S07
ft. Henisen
rhilds.DevooAIIMI
E. R. McGregor
B. Brandreth
Rev. Benj. 0. Pier
k B. J. Height
Wm. B.Taylor....
W. T. Brockelbank
k Co
Harmonical Asso...
Goodell, Hines k
Niles
Lee.
Worthy L
L. Neeiv...
J. C. Burdick.,
Wm. Bnowdon
J. C. Burdick.
liunlick k Scovill..
1850
1830
1849
18.32
1851
1*4.3
1S57
1*46
1849
1 852
1835
1843
1837
1843
Is-).',
1-.-.1
1847
1853
1832
1850
1834
1839
1*44
1848
1*35
IMS
1 866
1807
1852
is.-,r,
NEW YORK COUNTY.
445
Papers and Periodicals discontinued since the Revolution, continued.
Names of Tapers.
Lady's Own
Lancet, The
Lantern, The
Last Section Visitor
Leonori'B Bank Note List
Liberia Advocate, New York &
St. Thomas
Life Insurance Examiner
Life in New York
Light Ship
Light Ship & Sunday School
Monitor
Literary American
Literary Gazette
Literary Journal.,
Literary Miscellany
Literary & Scientific Repository
& Critical Review
Literary & Theological Review
mo.
Literary World
Livingston & Wilmer's Express..
Lyceum Reporter & Critical Mis-
cellany mo.
Magazine for the Million
Magazine of Horticulture
Magazine of Useful & Entertain-
ing Knowledge.
Magnet
Mason & Tuttle's Advertiser
Masonic Register & Union. ..mo.
McKenzie's Gazette
Mearson's U. S. Bank Note Re-
porter
Mechanics & Farmers' Magazine
of Useful Knowledge
Mechanics' Magazine
Medical & Phil. Journal & Re-
view
Medical Repository & Review of
Medicine & Surgery
Mentor & Fireside Review
Mercantile Advertiser
Mercantile Advertiser & New
York Advocate
Mercantile Guide & Family Jour-
nal
Merchant's Day Book d.
Merchant's Intelligencer
Merchant's Ledger d.
Message Bird
Methodist Protestant
Metropolitan
Metropolitan Courier of the
Union
Metropolitan Magazine
Mid-Day Courier with the Morn1
ing Mails
Midnight Cry
Military Monitor & American
Register
Minerva, The
Minerva, or Literary, Entertain-
ing, & Scientific Journal
Ming's New York Price Current.
Mining Journal & American Rail
Road Gazette
Mirror of Fashion
Mirror of the Times
Monitor, The
Monitor & Messenger
Monthly Bulletin
Monthly Cosmopolite.
Monthly Diadem .
Monthly Distribution
Monthly Family Circle & Parlor
Annual ,
Monthly Journal of Agriculture
Publishers.
E. B. Childs, ed.
J. (). Bennett...
Jackson A Co
W. (>. Bourni
L. J. Lounori
John 0. Johnston.
Myron Finch.
G. P.Quackenboss,
ed
Swinburne & Pat-
terson
R. F. Tuckcrman &
Co
J. Trow & Co
Wiley & Ilalsted....
Leon. Wood, jr., ed.
C. F.Hoffman
Mortimer J. Smith
Le Roy Sunderland
J. i\ Adams
Alex. McKcnzie
Miner & Shaeffer...
J. & T. Swords
J. & T. Swords
Butler & Munford
in 1830
Amos Butler & Co.
Wm. E. Blakeney..
N. R. Stimson &
G. Foster
Eustis, Prescott &
Co
Pratt & Requa
T. Rrockelbank &
Co
A. T. Piercy
Geo. Mearson..
Joseph Mason.
Joshua V. Hines ...
Joseph Desnones. .
E. Bliss & E. White.
J. Houston & J. G.
Brooks
John E. Grant.,
Genio C. Scott..,
W.W.Wallace.,
J. E. Jones & C.
B. Turner
Prentiss, Clark1 &
Co
Geo. P. Metcalf...
John S. Skinner.,
i
II
S ?
1849
1848
1852
L846
l.Si',(J
1648
1850
1845
1S4S
1835
1852
IS 19
1820
1834
1847
1843
1843
1S44
1840
1st:;
1844
1854
1838
1848
1830
1837
1810
1810
1S39
1807
1834
1852
1849
1832
1840
1842
1836
1852
1847
1835
1814
1839
1812
1822
1824
1809
1S47
1839
1S48
1850
1851
1840
1848
1850
1835
1841
1845
El
£1
1824
1831
1852
1825
1848
Names of Papers.
Monthly Lecturerof tho National
Society of Literature & Science
Monthly Magazine & American 1
Monthly Review j
Monthly .Military Repository
Mont lily Recorder
.Monthly Recorder of Five Points
House of Industry
Monthly Record of Prison Asso-
ciation
Monthly Register, Magazine, &
Review of u. s
Monthly Repository & Library
of Entertaining Knowledge...
Monthly Trade Uazette
Moral & Daily Advertiser
Moral Lyceum
Mormon, The
Morning t 'hronicle d.
Morning Chronicle d.
Morning Chronicle d.
Mmning Chronicle & Tippecanoe
Advertiser
Morning Post
Morning Post & Family Gazette.d
Morning Star
Morning Telegraph
F. S. Wiggins
G.S.Wells
Goodell & Hines...
C. C.P.Crosby
John Taylor
Lazarus Beach
Lewis Jones & Co..
John W. Moore ....
Morning Times & Commercial
Intelligencer
Morning Watch
Morris's National Press Journal
for Home
Musical Magazine
Mustang Bulletin mo.
National Advocate s. w.
National Advocate for the Coun-
try
National Democrat
National Trades Union .
National Union
Naval Magazine bi-mo.
Ned Buntline's Own
New Charitable Monthly
New Church Messenger quar.
New Church Repository mo,
New Era & American Courier
d. & w.
New Industrial World
New Mirror
New Monthly Messenger.,
News Boys' Pictorial
New World
New York American
New York American for the
Country
New York American Republic...
New York American Sentinel ...
New York Amulet & Ladies'
Literary & Religious Chronicle
New York Aurora
New York Bulletin
New York Business Chart
New York Cabinet
New York Cadet
New York Cadet & Daughter of
Temperance
New York Christian Messenger..
New York Chronicle
New York Citizen
New York City Budget
New York Columbian s. w.
New York Commercial Tran-
script
New York Crusader
New York Cynosure
New York Daily Bee
New York Daily Gazette..
New York Daily News
New York Daily Sentinel.,
Publishers.
CI
= •5
Theodol in Foster...
fC. B. Brown,
- ed.; T. & J.
I Swords
('has. Smith
1841
1799
1796
1813
Mil
1797
1813
L. M. Pease
Prison Asso.of New
York.
John Brlsted.,
Joseph Osborne....
Story & Hildreth...
Williams Bro
S. De Witt Blood-
good ,
N. J. Eldridge
J.V.Hines & others.
Geo. White & Co ...
M.M.Noah
A. Ingraham, ed.:
C. C. Childs, pub.
D. Darling & E. J.
Van Clevo
Rev. C. S. Stewart..
Edward Z. C. Jud
son ,
W. C. Conant
J. W. Bell
John White
Geo. P. Morris ...
B. Badger
Dexter
Park Benjamin, ed.;
J. Winchester,
pub
Johnson Yerplanck
D. K. Miner.,
J. F. Trow ...
F. Fisk, ed
Thos.Dunn English
W. H. Starr ..
J. N. Moffatt.,
Daniel Cady
P. Price
Judd & Maclav...
J. F. Trow & Co.,
R. F. Mather
Alden Spooner.
Kellogg & Taylor...
G. F. Secchi de Ca-
salo
John L. Knapp
Archibald McLean
Evans & Stanley...
1857
1855
1830
1855
1S32
is:,;,
lsol!
1st 12
1842
1840
1810
1832
1848
1845
1840
1838
1846
1835
1853
1812
1825
1851
1835
1S24
1830
184S
1S55
1851
1S50
1836
1851
1843
1842
1856
1839
1820
1834
1843
is it;
1830
1841
1S40
1847
1830
1S50
1847
1S32
1851
1843
1S51
1834
1846
1833
1842
1853
1843
1S34
17S8
1843
1830
1817
446
XEW YORK COUNTY.
Papers and Periodicals discontinued since the Revolution, continued.
Namk of Papers.
Publishers.
E. Thilip Williams.
New York Daily Times
New York Pcmocrat
Ni'iv York Directory A Business
Bulletin .'
Sew York Dissector quar. Dr. II. II. Sherwood
New York Dutchman
New York Ecclesiologist ono.
New York Evening Journal.
NVw Y'ork Evening Ledger
New York Examiner
New York Examiner
New York Examiner
New York Expositor mo.
New York Family Herald
New York Farmers A American
Gardeners1 Magazine
New York Farmers' A Historical
Rep -it' ry
Hew York Farmer A Mechanic.
N-w York Fireman's Journal....
New York Galaxy
New York Gazette A General
Advertiser
Id
New York Jeffersonian
N-w York Journal B. w.
New York Journal of Education
New York Journal A Patriotic
Register
York Journal, or Weekly
Register
N-w York Legal Observer
New York [literary Gazette A
♦ B K Repository
New York Literary Journal A
Belle Lettre Repository
New York Literary Magazine A
American Athenenm
New York Luminary A Weekly
Messenger
N-w York Machinist .mo.
zine A Literary
Repository
Fork Mechanic
New York Medical Gazette...mo.
N-w York Medical lnr[uirer..mo.
E. Weston » C ....
II. M. Onderdonk,
I ed
'Bush. Cook A
Thompson
Greene A Co
R. Tyrrell
M. M.Noah
Wm. L. McKenzie.
4
5
i-rf
■- *-:
■c i
-5
- -
= 8
"■ s
1849
1842
1849
1846
184S
1848
1853
New York Me 1 i<~ril Magazine.mo.
■ rk Ml U fl] i Philoso-
il Journal
1 .'. Phil
ornal unar./
d A Philodo-I
plo r I
mm.... mo.
• iry...
New York Mrntor «<-ml. mo
N-w York Mercantile Journal
triw.
N-w York Meajmaja ft Traveller
N-w York Mirr-r
N-w York Mirror* lAdi^- I.ito-)
rnr /
y.irk Miscellany
New York Mi»-ionary Mnga7in-
York Monthly Chroni
.Tas. Warnock.
1830
1846
1824
1826
1843
1847
1855
D. K.Miner 1843
\\". II. Btewart A
J. M. Stearns
John W. Fowler....
Long. Turner & Co.
E. Charles
J. McKean. S. S,
Randall & J. S,
Penman
Thos. Greenleaf..
Eleazer Osgood...
S. Owen
.Tas. G. Brooks.
Jas. S. Brooks
s'c.'nui'""Z
R. Roster & Co
P. M. Reese, ed
Association of Phy-
sicians & Sur-
geons
Anonymous
'John W. Francis.
Jacob Dyok-
man. A John
Beck..
Prj. Hosack A
Francis
II. P. Bnlkley
;. L. MltcheU, K.
Mill., .-. I II
Smith
«. Wild
vTtillyr...
v I - n ...
ihaw
- Wo dwnrth k
'■ i\ Morris...
New York Mornine Herald
New York Morning Ncwb....
New York Morning Po«t
V--rk M rnitig Post A I
Advertiser
New York Musical Gazett" A
Literary Lyceum
New Y'ork Musical Review A
■ tt« s. mo.
T. Sword"
ttoo of I'liy-
Bicinn"
A. Na»h A Co
.1. L. "Sullivan A
- .i Tilden
Wm. M'Tton...
ChftB. Pingley.
Mason Pre-
1830
1845
1858
1826
1831
1802
1845
1S10
1846
1757
1786
1843
1826
1819
1825
1843
1850
1790
1843
1S5H
1830
1809
1«iln
1S22
1861
1797
■
1864
1848
P-2T.
■
1800
1<2l
U80
Ml
1781
1788
1840
1866
1857
l.-v-.S
1840
1827
1S21
1811
1811
1814
1842
1804
Names of Papers.
New York National Reformer ...
New Y'ork Patriot & Morning
Advertiser
New Y'ork People's Organ
New Y'ork Picayune
New York Pilot
New York Planet
New Y'ork Quarterly
New York Quarterly
New Y'ork Recorder
New York Recorder A Baptist 1
Register J
New York Register A Anti Ma-
sonic Review semi. mo.
New York Register & Gazette.mo.
N-w York Register of Medicine
& Pharmacy mo.
New Y'ork Religious Chronicle...
New York Review
New Y'ork Review & Atheneum
Magazine mo.
New York Saturday Post
New York Scorpion
New Y'ork Sentinel s. w.
New York Shamrock
New Y'ork Shanghai
New York Spectator 8. w.
NewY'ork Sporting Magazine.mo.
New Y'ork Spy
New York Spy
New Y'ork Standard s. mo.
New York Standard & Statesman
New Y'ork Statesman s. w.
New Y'ork Telegraph
New York Telescope
New York Times
Publishers.
Thos. Ainge Devyn
J. J. Negrin
Jas. McKean
Woodard & Co
S. Skinner
Kellogg A Co
C. B. Norton
Jas. G. Reed
Colley & Ballard
J E. Wright, jr..
\ A L.S. Cutting
Henry Pana Ward
W.Green
C. B. Norton....
Gray A Bunce..
E. Bliss & E.White.
Henry Clapp A T.
B. Aldrich.
Geo. Mearson A Co,
Michael Tookey._.
Francis Hall A Co.
C. R. Colden
8.8
New York Transcript d.
New York Traveler
New Y'ork Yisitor mo.
New Y'ork Yisitor & Parlor Com-
panion
New Y'ork Washingtonian
New Y'ork YYashington Reformer
& Literary Journal
New Y'ork Watchman
New Y'ork Waverley and Lite-
rary Home Circle
New York Weekly Critic
Henry House.
John G. Mum ford.
I A. Nash & Co
Rev. A. Dickinson..
Wooster Beach
Holland, Sanford
A Bavies
Havwood, Stanley
ACo
Simon Hunt....
J. W. Harrison
1S44
isns
1841
1S50
1831
1840
1852
1855
1845
1848
1831
1844
1R50
1S23
1837
1825
184S
1830
1822
1S55
iv.o
1835
is<>7
1.S20
1831
1822
1S45
1S30
1835
1S33
1832
1843
P. Joseph 1838
J. Burns 1S42
New York Weekly Globe....
New Y'ork Weekly Leader.
New Y'ork Weekly Magazine A
Hiscellani one Rj pository
New York Weekly Messenger...
Ni w York Weekly Messenger...
New York Weekly Messi oger A
Yonng Men's Advocate
New York Weekly Mirror
New York Weekly Museum
New York Weekly News
New York Weekly Record..
B. Baker A Co
Cleaveland A M.i-.i-
rath
Geo. R. Sazewell...
Cleaveland A McEl-
rath
New York Weekly Regist-r A
bolic Diary
New Y-rk Weekly whig
New York Weekly Whig.d. & w.
Nichols' Monthly
Nineteenth Century
Ni-l'itt's American Times
Norton's Literary Advertiser
Norti n's Lit rary Gazette A
Publishers' Circular
Odd Fellows' Literary Magazine-
Old Countryman I
The
Olive Plant
i lUve Plant A Ladles' Temperance
Advocate
I. ■ " " la, I.'Ki bo dn Jour, A
Dally Advertiser
Organ of the Washington Boo.
A Auxiliaries
Parker's Journal A Weekly Qaz.
John Bull
P. Donaldson..
Iluniett A Smith..
Morris A Willis...
M. Harrison
Gavin. Rodgers A
Co
Association
.1. s. Wilson
O. L. Holley A II.
P. Want
Thos. L. Nichols....
G. F. Nlsbltt A Co.
Chas. B. Norton ...
Chaa. B. Norton...
S. Marks
Pierce A Reed...
J. J. Negrin
Wm. B. Parker..
1843
1836
1S58
is:,;,
bin
1853
1795
is:;l
1840
1832
1827
1810
1845
1832
1834
1833
1888
1866
1848
1849
1851
1864
1S4S
1829
1818
1841
1841
1808
1R43
l-.-,n
1856
1843
1S27
NEW YORK COUNTY.
Papers and Periodicals discontinued since the Revolution, continued.
447
Names of Papeus.
Parley's Magazino mo.
Parlor annua] mo.
Parlor Magazine
Passion Flower
Path Finder
Paul Pry
Peabody's Parlor Journal
Pekin lea Company's Gazette...
People's Pemocratir Guide
People's Friend and Daily Ad-
vertiser
Penny Dispatch
Penny Gazette
Petit Courrier des Dames, or
Monthly Journal of Fashion...
Photographic Art Journal. ...mo.
Picture Gallery
Plain Dealer
Pooler & Co.'s Weekly Dispatch.,
Popular Educator mo.
Price Current
Progressive Democrat
Propagandist mo,
Protestant Episcopal Pulpit..mo,
Protestant .Magazine
Protestant Vindicator
c. 8, Frauds A Co,
Kev. I>. Newell
John w. Moore
Miss A. |{ 1
Park Godwin
A. Noonan & Co
Peabody k Co ,
Public Advertiser
Public Ledger
Publishers' Journal & Teachers
k Parents' Companion
Pulpit Reporter
Publishers.
.lames Webster..
J. Frank
Pooler & Co
Dr. J. M. Lovell..
Wm. Leggett
(Formerly Wilson's
Dispatch)
A. Montgomery
Alex. Miny
E. Stranahan
John F. Trow
H.Dyer
L. D. Dewey
Bowne, Wisner &
Co
J. Frank & Co
5 -c
Putnam's Monthly Magazino.
Quarterly Anti Slavery Magazine
Quarterly Paper of Foreign
Evangelical Society
Rail Road Advocate
Rambler's Magazino k Ilistori
cal Register mo.
Real Estate Gazette
Rechabite and Temperance
Bugle mo.
Reformed Dutch Magazine
Register and Spirit of the Press.
Register of the Times
Religious Magazine mo.
Reporter & Banking Circular....
Reports of Practice Cases in
New York Courts mo.
Republic, A Monthly Magazine
of Am. Lit. Pol. & Arts
Republican Watch Tower ...s. w.
Reviser mo.
Revue Franchise des Families et
des Personnages
Richardson's Journal
Rough & Ready
Rush Light
Sabbath Magazine mo.
Sabbath Monitor mo.
Sabbath School Monitor.. ..s. mo.
0. Hutchinson
Holbrook, Buck-
ingham k Co
Geo. P. Putnam
Elizur Wright, jr..
John S. Taylor .
Z. Colborn
Sachem
Sacred Circle.
Sargent's New Monthly
Saturday Emporium
Saturday Evening Gazette..
Saxoni's Musical Times mo.
Sears' Family Visitor mo.
Sears' New Monthly Magazine...
Self Instructor mo.
School Fellow
School and Homo Journal
School Mate
Scientific Correspondent
Scientific Mechanic
Scottish Journal
Scottish Patriot
Scovill's Family Gazetteer
Scrutinizer... s. w.
Shamrock, or Hibernian Cliron..
Joseph Barlow..
M. & T. J. Strong..
R. P. D. Clergy
men
V. B. Palmer
J. Crooker ,
0. Batcheler, ed
Abbott Bros..
Thos. R. Whitney..
Jas. Chatham
Rev. Silas E
Shepherd
Wm. Cobbett...
Myron Finch
Myron Finch &
Chas. Parker ,
Thos. Picton
Judge Edmonds
Dr. Dexter, k 0
G. Warren
Epes Sargent ,
Edmund B. Green.
T. W. Clarke & S.
Paine
1813
1846
is:;;,
1886
1848
L840
is:; |
1847
1K41
I Sill',
lsr,o
1854
I SMC,
1S51
1844
|s:;u
1851
1 868
1807
1S49
1860
ls:;i
ls:;l
1835
1807
1*42
1847
1850
1853
1836
1843
1857
1809
1855
1845
1834
1849
1797
1835
1831
1851
1801
1854
1844
1857
1847
1799
1835
1845
1841
1853
Robert Sears ,
Josiah Holbrook...,
J. S. Dickerson
Marcius Willson...
Rev. A. R.Phippen.
A. C. Morey
Rufus Porter
J. G. Cummings....
Chas. Y. Baldwin..
Edward Gillespie...
1852
1843
1844
1827
1S49
1851
1846
1843
1855
185'
1850
1846
184'
1S40
1840
1850
182'
1830
1S56
1855
1799
1858
Names of Pafxbs,
Sheklnah.
Shilling Gazette mo
Sol,, r Second Thought
Bpectator
Spirit of the Age
Spirit of the Ago
Spirit of the Age
Spirit of Seventy-Six
Publishers.
Partridge k lirit-
ton
Moore ,t Jackson...
Daniel B. Sickles...
Geo, k. Hopkins...,
Sporting Chronicle
Standard Bearer mo.
Btarnfl & Co.'s Monthly Bulletin...
Stars and Stripes
Star Spangled Banner
Star in the West, or Marion
Chronicle
Statesman
Stimmet's k Pettigrew's Ameri-
can Report of Fashions
Student & Young Tutor
Sunday Km
Sunday Herald
Sunday Leader
Sunday Mail
Sunday Morning News
Sunday Morning News
Sunday News
Sunday Reporter
Sunday School Journal s. mo.
Sunday School Visitor
Sunday Times & Noah's Weekly
Messenger.
Sylvester's New Reporter
Sylvester's Reporter, Counter-
feit Detector, and New York
Price Current
Tailor's i:clectic Repository, .mo.
Teachers' Advocate & Journal of
Education
Temperance Advocate
Temperance Budget s. mo.
Thalia, or the Gentleman's Com-
pany.
The German Correspondent
The Great City
The Log Cabin ...i
The Man
The Nation
Tho New Yorker
The New Yorker
The Old Countryman
The Parthenon
The Parthenon
ThePeoplo
Scovill k Hyatt
Fowler .v Wi Us....
J. g. Brooks k E
V. Sparbawk
Wm. T. Porter
Rev. II. Dyer
C 'C I ~ -2
Fay & Carr
Dexter & Bro..
T. W. Cummings.
C. C. Tunison
J. S. Denman.,
Geo. Glentworth....
Ingraham & Sweet
Sam. Jenks Smith.
J.Leavitt
S. Vail
Amer. S. S. Union..
P. E. S. S. Union...
Sylvester & Co.
S. J. Sylvester
D. S. & G. Williams
J. M. McKean & E.
P.Allen
Goodell & Hines....
W. Goodell & S. P.
Hines
nerman.
H. Greeley
Geo. H. Evans.
The People's Press
Tho People's Rights
The People's Weekly Journal....
The Pick
The Plain Dealer
The Plow mo.
The Plow, tho Loom,& the Anvil
The Prophet
The Protestant, or Exposer of
Popery
The Rainbow
Tho Ramshorn
The Recruit
The Republic
Tho Rights of All.
Tho Rising Sun
Tho Rover
The Sun
Tho Transcript
The Town.
The Uncle Sam
The Union d.
The Union d.
The Unit
The War
The Way of Life
The Whig
The Whip
II. Greeley & Co....
Stuart k Webster.
J. T. Pickering, ed
S. Woodworth ,
J. Devin Riley k
W. E. Robinson..
R. k T. Hamilton...
AVindt & Evans....
R. Walsh
Joseph E. Scovill....
Wm. Van Norden..
C. M. Saxton
J.S.Skiuner&Sons
S. Brannon
Rev. Geo. Eourne k
Dr. Brownlee
Van Rensselaer k
Rogers
Gallagher* Morrell
Jonas Winchester..
S. E. Cornish.
Labra & Dean
Day & Wisner
Haywood, Lynd k
Stanley
Andrews, Beau-
mont k Co
Dexter k Bro
J. Phillips & Co.,
M. M. Noah
S. Woodworth& Co.
Edgar & Hemes....
Geo. B. Wooldridge
1853
I s I.',
1844
17''-
1845
1-17
1849
1852
1847
Isl7
1K43
1857
I si 2
1851
1848
is r,n
1861
1855
1831
1836
1840
1*47
1832
1 s-jn
1835
1 840
1832
1845
1846
1831
1S32
1820
ls4a
1S40
ls:,.|
1849
1835
1S50
1842
182i
1851
1849
1841
1844
1S50
1S36
1836
1 s;V_>
1848
1845
1830
1S41
1S47
1848
1843
1830
is;,, i
1844
1S34
1S35
1845
1847
1*43
1842
1850
1812
1858
1850
1843
1S40
1856
1851
1S37
448
NEW YORK COUNTY.
rapcis and Periodicals discontinued si)ice the Revolution, concluded.
Nawes op Papers.
The World
The Yankee
Time Piece
Transactions of American Eth-
nological Society
Traveller, Times, & Journal
True American
True Flag
True Pun. Daily
True Sun ."
True fl eeleyao
Two Worlds
United States Advertising Cir-
cular
United States Economist
United Btates Farmer & Journal
of American In»tituN» mo.
United States Law Ji>uraaL..mo.
United 31 ktl - Magazine
United States Military and Na-
val Argus
Unit'-l EH N tattoo] Magazine
& Naval Journal
United States Review " Demo-
cracy" mo.
United States Service Journal...
Univerccelum & Spiritual Philo-
sopher
Universal Traveller
Universalis Union
Vi.l of Wrath; Junk Bottle of
Destruction
Visitor k Ladies' Parlor Maga-
zine
Voice of the People
Wall Street Journal
Wall Btreet Reporter
Washingtonian
Washingtonian Daily News
Washingtonian Organ
Washington Republican
Water Cure A'isitor & Health
Journal
Weekly Chronicle
Publishers.
J. M. Church....
Williams Bro...
Philip Freneau.
Society
Hunt .fc Adams
Wm. E. Blakenoy..
Dexter <fc Rro
Assoc'n of Printers
Gallagher A- K. ttell
o. Scott
John W. Moore.....
J. P. Kettell.
S. Fleet
George F. Hopkins
.I.M. Kmerson&Co.
John Crawley, ed_.
Griffiths & Bates...
Llovd >fc Campbell..
8. W.W.Tompkins
Daniel Hewitt
P. Price
(Satire upon Mil-
lerites)
W. S. Hawley....
Fred. Robinson..
Herrick & Ropes.
L. Starr & Co ,
James Burns
Joel Shew.
Hudson & Co-
£
8-ri
■a §
s|
e.s
■\^r-
1R4R
171*7
1800
1846
18.11
1852
1867
1843
1845
1849
lM;i
1843
1851
1852
1S43
1825
1854
1838
1855
1853
1825
1847
1843
1836
1843
1840
1846
1851
1842
1R43
1843
1843
1810
1840
Names op Papees.
Weekly Inspector
Weekly Journal
Weekly Memorial & New York
City Record
Weekly Museum
Weekly New Yorker
Weekly Review.
Weekly Tattler
Weekly Times
Weekly Universe
Weekly Visitor
Weekly Western World.
Welcome Guest
Publishers.
Thos. G. Fessenden
N. R. Stimson
Pickering, Beau-
mont & Oakes...
West's Sunday News-
Whig Union
White Man's Newspaper
Whittlery's (Mrs.) Magazine
Wide Awake
Wilson & Co.'s Dispatch mo.
Woman's Temperance Paper
Wood's Quarterly Retrospect of
American & Foreign Practice
of Medicine & Surgery
Woodworth's Youth's Cabinet...
Workers' Journal
Working Fanner mo.
Wm. Fairman & C
D. Stuart
VanWinkle& Riqua
Dillon & Hooper....
N. T. Eldredge
Williamson&Burns
|Daniel Cady
J. F. Bridge
Winchester& Hack-
staff.
Frederick West
S. De Witt Blood-
good, ed
Working Men's Advocate
Yankee Doodle
Y Cyfail (The Friend)
Young America
Young America
Youth's Cabinet s. mo.
Youth's Companion & Weekly
Family Visitor
Youth's Friend mo.
Youth's Penny Gazette
Youth's Temperance Lecturer
mo.
Zion's Watchman
A.G.Whittlery,ed.
R. Bonner
MaryC.Vaughan,ed
R. & G. S. Wood....
F. C. Wood worth...
Kingman, Cross &
Co. J. J. Mapes,
ed.
Geo. H. Evans
W. H. Graham
W. Rowland.
Geo. H. Evans
N. Southard
Burnett & Smith...
Amer. S. S. Union..
Goodell, Hines &
Niles
Le Roy Sunderland
8 fi
1806
1850
1812
1807
1S51
1845
1842
1849
1845
1832
1837
1851
1846
1848
1851
1849
1854
1854
1807
1847
1839
1849
1848
1830
1847
1844
1S56
1838
1832
1S43
1851
1832
1836
1858
00
_j 5
<
u.
< J
en
<
<
NIAGARA COUNTY.
This county was formed from Genesee, March 11, 1808. Erie was
taken off April 12, L821. It lies upon the w. border of the State, in
tin- angle formed bj the junction of Niagara River and Lake On-
tario. It is centrally distant 255 mi. from Albany, and contains
558 sq. mi. The surface is generally level or gently undulating.
It is divided into 2 distinct parts or terraces by a ridge extending
E. and w. The lake shore is a bluff 10 to 30 feet high, and from its
summit the lower terrace slopes gradually upward to the foot of an
elevation known as the mountain ridge, where it attains an elevation
of 100 to 150 feet above the lake. This ridge extends e. and w.
through the n. part of lloyalton and Lockport, and near the center
of Cambria and Lewiaton, and forms the n. declivity of the s. ter-
race. At its w. extremity it has an elevation of 250 feet above the lower terrace, and is nearly
perpendicular. This height gradually declines toward the e., and upon the e. line of the co. it has
an elevation of 80 to 100 feet. Through the central part of the co. the ridge is divided into two
declivities, separated by a plateau from a few rods to a half mi. in width. The upper ridge is
limestone, and for many mi. presents the face of a perpendicular cliff. Throughout the co. the
ridge is too steep for cultivation. The s. half of the co., extending s. from the summit of this ridge,
is very level. It has a slight inclination toward the s., and terminates in the Tonawanda Swamp.
The whole inclination of the slope within the limits of the co., however, does not exceed 30 feet.
The lake ridge — supposed to have been the ancient shore of the lake — extends w. from Orleans co.
through Hartland and Newfane, thence turns s. w., and appears to terminate near Lockport Village.
It appears again farther w., and at Cambria it is divided into two parts, the n. extending n.w.
about 3 mi. and gradually declining to a level of the general surface, and the s. extending s. w.
and uniting with the mountain ridge 4 mi. e. of Lewiston.1 This ridge is composed of sand and
gravel and the usual debris thrown up by a large body of water, and in character is essentially
different from the surrounding surface. It varies from 5 to 25 feet in height, and is 20 to 150 feet
in width. The n. descent is generally slightly longer and steeper than the s. The lowest rock in
the co. is the Medina sandstone, which crops out in the ravines along the shore of the lake. It is
the underlying rock of the w. half of the co., and extends to the foot of the mountain ridge. This
ridge is composed of the sandstones and limestones belonging to the Niagara and Clinton groups,
the heavy masses of compact limestone appearing at the top. The Onondaga salt group occupies a
narrow strip along the s. border of the co. Nearly the entire surface is covered with deep deposits
of drift, the rocks only appearing on the declivities of the mountain ridge and in the ravines of the
streams.
Springs of weak brine are found in the ravines throughout the n. half of the co. They exude
from the Medina sandstone ; but none of them are sufficiently strong to be profitably worked. The
Medina sandstone which lies at the foot of the mountain ridge has been quarried at several places
for paving and nagging. Above the sandstone is a layer of impure limestone, about 4 feet thick.
from which water cement is manufactured. The Niagara limestone furnishes an excellent building
material and a good quality of lime. The principal quarries are situated in the vicinity of Lock-
port, and from them were obtained the stone for the construction of the canal locks at that place.2
A vein of this stone filled with fossils admits of a high polish, and is used for ornamental purposes,,
presenting a beautiful variegated appearance.
Niagara River forms the w. and a part of the s. boundary of the co. It flows almost due w. from
the e. extremity of Grand Island to the Falls, and thence nearly due N. to Lake Ontario. It con-
tains several small islands belonging to this co., the principal of which are Tonawanda, Cayuga,
Buckhorn, and Goat Islands. In its passage from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, a distance of about
1 This deflection in the course of the lake ridge must have
been caused by a large bay that extended 8. toward Lockport;
and the N. branch of the ridge which terminates so abruptly in
Cambria was undoubtedly a bar extending into the lake. Two
large streams probably discharged their waters into this bay,—
one through the ravine in which the Erie Canal is located, and
one through a deep ravine about 2 mi. w. of Lockport. At the
29
head of the latter ravine is a nearly perpendicular precipice; at
which point must have been a waterfall.
2 This stone is found along the whole course of the mountain
ridge, and can be quarried in every town. The deep cut in the
canal w. of Lockport is through this strata, and the perpendicular
ledges of rock on each side present the most favorable location
in the co. for quarrying.
449
450
N I A G A R A CO U X T Y.
30 mi., the river descends 334 feet, the difference of level between the two lakes. Above Schlosser
and below Lewiston the current of the river is not very rapid, and the descent is trifling, so that
nearlv the whole fall is condensed into a space of about 8 mi. The plateau in which the basin
of Lake Erie is situated extends to the mountain ridge at Lewiston, the summit of the ridge being
34 feet higher than Lake Erie. The river originally must have flowed over the face of this preci-
pice, at which time Niagara Falls were 7 mi. below their present position. By the wearing away
of the rucks the falls have gradually receded, becoming lower at each period of their progress, and
leaving a deep, rocky channel, with ragged and precipitous banks 200 feet high, to mark their
course and attest their power.1 At the present time the falls are at the abrupt angle where the
river changes from a w. to a N. course, and the water is precipitated in part over the front or ex-
tremity of the chasm and in part over the side, the two parts of the fall being at nearly right
angles to each other. Goat Inland, having an area of about 70 acres, lies between the two falls, its
w. edge being a continuation of the precipice over which the water flows.2 The principal fall at
the head of the chasm on the w. side is known as the Canadian or Horse Shoe Fall,3 and the fall
e. of Goat Island as the American Fall. The Canadian Fall is 2000 feet wide and 154 feet high,
and the American Fall 900 feet wide and 163 feet high; and it is estimated that 100 million tons
of water flow over the two falls every hour. A mi. above the edge of the falls a series of rapids
commences, the water descending GO feet before taking the final plunge.4 From the foot of the
cataract the river flows about 2 mi. in a comparatively still current, but from that point to Lewiston
it is compressed within narrow banks, and flows through the tortuous, rocky channel in a perfectly
tumultuous and resistless torrent. The immense body of water in Xiagara gives to the falls, and
to the rapids both above and below, a grandeur scarcely equaled by any other of nature's works.
Sere "iie of the largest rivers in the world, forming the outlet of the great internal fresh water seas
of North America, plunges down the shelving rapids and leaps into the profound chasm below, and
then whirls and struggles with an apparently almost irresistible force in its rocky channel for 7
mi., and at last emerges from its mountain barrier and spreads out into the calm and peaceful
waters of Ontario. Scenes of surpassing sublimity and grandeur open upon the view at every
point, and pilgrims from every part of the world flock hither to offer their devotions at one of the
sreat shrines of universal nature.
Tonawanda Creek forms the greater part of the s. boundary of the co. Along its course are a
series of extensive marshes known as the Tonawanda Swamp.5 The other principal streams are
1 The precipice over which the water flows is composed of
solid, compact limestone, with shale above and below. The
wearing away of the shale above has formed the rapids, and
the disintegration of that below has left the limestone in over-
hanging masses until they break off with their own weight.
The dip of the rock is toward the 8.; and as the falls recede the
rarface of the limestone will come nearer and nearer the present
m ^f the fall, until, at a distance of 4 mi. farther back, it
will otitic .r. and, the soft shales wearing away irre-
gularly, tie" river will at some distant period of the future fall
in a series of r.i:
" \ upon the precipice N. of Goat Island, and is
•ram <'•.'> feet wide, which forms a dis-
tinct fall. Beneath the shelving rock over which this small
cataract flown i- a r> -■ f 80 bet, kii"wn as the Cave of t > i ■ •
-.■is lying neat the head ofGoai [aland
are <-a!1rd 1 1..- Thr.-e slaters. Hath bland li'-< between Goat
n 60 r<-i- above the (ails.
m the American shore to Hath [Bland* and
anottwr t Island. Tli- fir-t bridge was built in
•i'rinc it was swept away by tli- ice. The
OMbofll I n luilt in 1880, was replaa I bj tl -
■ . wen Mink in th- rapid*
■ a long platform uiuiectlng fr.mtd- shore and
heavily 1' j. it firm. As one crib wai
and filb-d with .'t.rm was poshed forward and
tad •" on to lb
bridge was built, aoceea to th» i«lanl »: with
great p'-nl. an ; raonsbad tt was done
by «l *n In U«t» from al-eie, a ••> being
hint. by which the boat in returning was a« BDg
back. It •'ienr«t»! who visited the
i«land wasJsrwl Putnam, in 1765, while >n a campaign B"jiin«t
The Indian- spp .ir to
have nally. and tr» re still
seen. ' <n the - lied for the
base of the {aland, npon wUc£ I beep, and tl
in his \- titi..n th.v the w s»< i that t ren-
Deea next t'> imj^>~ible * me asylum
like t)ii« f t their preservation. It was afterward taught by
tb<- P..rters-
• Thi« name wai given from the semicircular «hape of th"
edge of th- cliff over which the water flowed. The »hape now
is nearly that of a right angle.
* Numerous improvements have been made to afford facili-
ties to visitors. A staircase constructed at the K. extremity
of the American Fall, some years since, was burnt and re-
built in 1S58 : another, upon Goat Island, was built in 1829. and
called the Biddle Staircase: and another near Table Kock. npon
the Canada shore, by which visitors can descend to the bottom
of the precipice. A row boat ferry crosses the river from thu
foot of the American Staircase, and a carriage road extends up
the bank on the Canadian side. A little W. of Goat Island, in
the midst of the rapids near the edge of the precipice, a stone
tower 4.i ft. high via- constructed, In l*;.o. to afford a more ex-
tensive view of the falls. The "Maid of Oil MM" a small
steamer, makes trips npon the river from her dock, a little al)OVe
Suspension Bridge, into the foam and mist just below the Cana-
dian I'all. The awful majesty of this cataract is seen to great
advantage in the winter season, when the spray settling upon
all objects in the vicinity covers them with a glittering crust
of i' e. The rocks below become loaded with immense masses;
and in extremely cold winters the river below gets blocked in
so as to form a natural bridge, over which people venture tocross
to the Canada shore and even up to the island. In the Winter
of 1^41 — t -j the river was passable for several months, and a
small home was built near the center for the sale of refresh-
. The ire was estimated to be KKI ft. thick. A year seldom
- without several fatal accidents happening at these falls,
and an enumeration of those who have been drawn into the
rapids, or who have slipped from the precipice and been mangled
upon the rocks below, would form a long and mournful rata-
In 1827 the Michigan, a condemned schooner, was sent
over the falls, with several animals on lmard. ir, the presence
of 16, ' rs. she mostly went to pieces in the rapids.
In 1820 the scl tier Superior, anil in 1M1 the Bhlp Detroit,
were lowed Into the rapids, bnt the former lodged several days,
and the latter was permanently grounded upon the rocks in the
rar.ids.
• This swamp could be drained if the State dam at the mouth
of Tonawanda Creek was removed; and this only i- needed to
convert the tract into the most productive region in the co. As
the land is cleared, it becomes sufficiently dry for nirricultural
purposes. The murk and marl which abound ir. the swamp,
and the lime«tone and gypsum which underlie it, are all source"
of great agricultural wealth.
NIAGARA COUNTY.
451
Four Mile, Six Mile, Twelve Mile, and Eighteen Mile Greeks, — named from their respective dis-
tances from the mouth of Niagara River, — Fish and Golden Hill Creek*, all emptying into Lake
Ontario; Mud Creek and East Branch, tributaries of Tonawanda ('nek, and Cayuga and (iill
Creeks, tributaries of Niagara River. The streams thai flow n. have all worn deep ravines in the
drift deposits; and they are frequently interrupted by falls, furnishing abundance of water-power.
A strip of land extending from the summit of the mountain ridge about 2 mi. s. is covered
with a sandy loam, and the remainder of the upper terrace is clayey, largely intermixed with
muck along the s. border. The soil between the mountain and lake ridges is a clayey loam, and
along the lako ridge and N. of it it is a sandy and gravelly loam. The people are principally
engaged in grain raising, for which the co. is most admirably adapted ; barley, oats, corn, and
potatoes are the staple agricultural products.1 The manufacture of flour and other articles is
largely carried on at Lockport, and the manufacturing interests at Niagara Falls are on the
increase. The vast water power that can bo made available at the falls will continually attract
the attention of practical men, until eventually an immense manufacturing interest will be built up.
The co. seat is located at the village of Lockport.2 The courthouse is a stone building erected
upon a fine lot in the w. part of the village.3 The jail, situated upon the same lot, is a well con-
structed stone building, but destitute of means of ventilation. The average number of inmates is
27. The co. clerk's office is a stone fireproof building contiguous to the courthouse.4 The poor-
house is located upon a farm of 130 acres 3 mi. n. w. of the courthouse. The average number of
inmates is 95, supported at a weekly cost of 50 cts. each. The farm yields a revenue of §1000.
A teacher is constantly employed to teach the children and to exercise a constant supervision over
them. The insane are properly provided for, and are uniformly treated kindly.5
The Erie Canal enters the co. near the n. line of Royalton, and extends s. w. to Lockport, thence
nearly due s. to Tonawanda Creek, and thence along that creek to its mouth. The heaviest and
most extensive work upon the canal is at Lockport, where the passage of the mountain ridge is
effected. A series of combined double locks, 5 in number, overcomes an elevation of 50 ft., and
from the summit a deep cut through the solid limestone extends several miles westward.6 The
Rochester, Lockport, & Niagara Falls Division of the N. Y. Central R. R. extends through Royal-
ton, Lockport, Cambria, and Niagara, and a corner of Lewiston and Wheatfield, terminating at
Suspension Bridge upon Niagara River. The Buffalo & Lockport Branch R. R. extends s. w.
from Lockport through Cambria, Pendleton, and Wheatfield. The Buffalo & Niagara Falls R. R.
extends along Niagara River through Niagara and Wheatfield, and a n. branch is extended to
Lewiston. The Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Branch R. R. unites with the B. &, N. F. R. R. at
Tonawanda.7
Three daily and five weekly newspapers are published in the co.8
1 Wheat formed the great staple of tho co. until about 1850,
when the midge commenced its ravages.
2 When the co. was first erected, the co. seat was fixed at Buf-
falo. Tlie buildings were given up to Erie co. upon the erection
of the latter county.
8 This building was erected in 1824. The first co. officers were,
Augustus Porter, First Judge; Louis S. Le Couteulx, Co. Clerk;
Asa Ransom, Sheriff; and Archibald S. Clarke, Surrogate.
* Built in 1856, at a cost of $13,000.
6 The Senate Committee in 1856 concluded the report upon
this institution as follows: — "The house is well kept, and by
the result proves that, as a question of economy merely, it is
less expensive to maintain a good poorhouse than it is a poor
one."
* The project of building a ship canal around Niagara Falls has
from time to time excited much attention, and several surveys
have been made, but thus far without result. The earliest in-
corporation for this object was in 1798.
1 In 1838 a horse-car R. R. was built from Lewiston, 3 mi., to
connect with the Lockport & Niagara Falls R. R.; but the track
has been transferred to the Central R. R. Co. The Niagara &
Lake Ontario R. R.. extending from Niagara Falls to Youngstown,
has been built, but it is not yet in operation.
8 The Niagara Democrat, the first paper published in the CO.,
was started at Lewiston in 1821 by Benjamin Furgusou.
In the following year it was removed to Lockport, and
soon after changed to
The Lockport Observatory. In Aug. 1822, it passed into the
hands of Orsamus Turner, and in 1828 it was united with
the Niagara Sentinel and issued as
The Sentinel and Observatory. In 1828, Peter Besancon, jr., he-
came the proprietor, and changed it to
The Lockport Journal. In 1829 it was purchased by Asa Story
and changed to
The Lockport Balance. In 1S34 it was united with The Gazette,
under the name of
The Balance and Gazette. It was soon afterward changed again to
The Lockport Balance. It was successively published by Isaac
C.Colton and T. II. Hyatt until 1837, when it was sold to
Turner & Lyon and merged in The Niagara Democrat.
The Lewiston Sentinel was commenced at Lewiston in 1S23 by
James O. Daily. It soon after passed into the hands
of Oliver Grace, who removed it to Lockport and issued
it as
The Niagara Sentinel. In 182S it was united with The Lockport
Observatory.
The Gazette was started at Lockport in 1833 by P. Baker. In
1834 it was united with The Balance.
The Niagara Democrat was started at Lockport in 1835 by
Turner & Lyon. In 1837 it was united with The
Balance and issued as
The Niagara Democrat and Lockport Balance. The latter part
of the title was soon dropped. In 1839 it passed into
the hands of T. P. Scoville; and in 1846, into those of
Turner & McCollum. It was continued by different
publishers until 185S, when it was united with Th<
Lockport Advertiser. The weekly edition is now
issued as
The Niagara Democrat, by John Campbell.
The Lockport Daily Advertiser was commenced in Feb. 1854, by
A. S. Prentiss. June 1, 1858, it was united with The
Democrat as
The Lockport Dally Advertiser and Demo*
crat, under which title it is still issued.
The Niagara Courier was started at Lockport, May 1. 1827. by
M. Cadwallader. It was successively issued bv Geo.
Reese, T. C. Flagler, Crandall & Bingjiam, C.L. Skeels,
and S, S, Pomroy.
The Lockport Daily Courier was commenced by Pomroy & Fox
in 1847, and continued until 1859, when both the daily
and weekly were united with The Journal ; the
daily as
The Journal and Courier, and the weekly by the
name of
452
NIAGARA COUNTY.
This co. was a portion of the domain of the Seneca Nation, though none of its principal villages
were located within its limits. The first European visitant of whom there is any record was La
Salle, a French adventurer, who, accompanied by Tonti and Father Hennepin, conducted an expe-
dition up the lakes for the double purpose of traflic with the Indians and of extending the French
influence among the native tribes. In the fall <>f li>78 he established a trading post on the present
site of Fort Niagara, at the mouth of Niagara River, and soon after laid the keel of a small vessel
of CO tons, at the mouth of Cayuga Creek, above the falls. This vessel was launched in the com-
mencement of the following summer, and christened the Griffin; and on the 7th of Aug. the party
Bet sail upon Lake Erie.1 The first work at Fort Niagara was a simple palisade; but in 1G87 De
Nonville, the French commander, constructed there a fort with four bastions. This was soon after
besieged by the Senecas ; and, a fatal sickness having destroyed most of the garrison, it was soon
after abandoned. Joncaire, another French adventurer, built a house on the present site of Lewis-
ton in 1721 ; and about 4 years after another defensive work was erected on the old site of the
palisade of La Salle. This fortress was afterward enlarged, and became one of the most important
French posts w. of Montreal. In the summer of 1759, Gen. Prideaux, at the head of a large force
of regulars and provincial troops, was sent to reduce the place. The fort was besieged about the
1st of July: and on the 25th it was surrendered to Sir AVm. Johnson, upon whom the command
of the expedition had devolved upon the death of Gen. Prideaux.2
The fortress was repaired and garrisoned by the English; and during the Revolution it became
the headquarters of the marauding parties of tories and Indians that desolated the frontier settle-
ments along the Mohawk, Susquehanna, and Delaware.3 Fort Niagara continued in possession of
the British until 1790.* The portion of the Tuscarora Indians who were allies of the English during
the Revolution removed to the neighborhood of Fort Niagara after the destructive campaign of Sulli-
van, in 1779, to obtain means of preventing absolute starvation. The Senecas donated them a square
mi. of land, and subsequently the Holland Land Co. 2 sq. mi. In 1804 they purchased an addi-
tional tract of 4329 acres, for S13,722. On the 19th of Dec. 1813, Fort Niagara, then in possession
of an American garrison, was surprised and taken by the British ; and it continued in their pos-
session until the close of the war. The villages at Lewiston and Niagara Falls were burnt about
the same time. In 1820, Fort Niagara was the scene of Morgan's imprisonment previous to bis final
'ii~;ippearance.5 The land in this co. was all included in the Holland Purchase, except the small
reservations of the Tonawanda and Tuscarora Indians, and a strip of a mile in width along Niagara
River, reserved by the State for the purposes of a portage road around Niagara Falls. The first
settlements were commenced about the beginning of the present century, and the growth of the
co., in common with the whole territory of the Holland Purchase, was rapid. The great impetus
to growth, however, was given by the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the subsequent
construction of railroads. In 1837 the co. became the seat of great excitement connected with the
BO-called Patriot War. Most of the Patriot forces that rendezvoused upon Navy Island — within
British territory, and just above the rapids of the falls — were transported from Schlosser, upon the
Thf In»< IllRrncer, both of which ore now issued by
I'.i h iil- .n A Freeman.
nbllsbed frt m 1828 t" 1V".0 at Lock-
i. \ Bpaulding.
T' ' I ■ r- I :. | ,,, .Tnly, IK .II, t.y M. 0. Iticll-
menced, and both edlttoni
w.-rr continued until 1859, wben they were united with
tbc daily and weekly Conner, a* already noticed.
Tht Frontier Srntinrlwu puMlehed at Lockport In 1V':7, during
th" " Patriot '■' :i«\
The I.ik kpiirl < lirnnlrlr •.< , Itarted it I. -kport
Tht Lewtitem Mffraph waa started at Lewiston In 1836 by .l->lin
\. II irn- n * ('•■ . and w .. ■
Tht Niagara FatU Journal >n published a >hort time, in 1837
; mm i« A Ward.
Th' .'■ ronidt wmi pnbikbad at Ni.igBra Fall* in 1838 by
.1 So •
Thf ffiaqam i ilarnH «u started in lMfint Niagara Full* by
hm A- Humphrey*, and c ntlnu • time.
T'i' Iri.< wa.« commenced at Niagara Falls in l"4'i by Geo rge II.
Ilnckstaff. nnd n> continued until W i
Th' Niagara Ttm't wa« published at Niagara Falls from Oct.
• \ 1867, by W K. Tunl«.
The \nignrn FnlMJaifttr wa« .tnrfed May 17,1864,
by r 1 I Bleeper, by whom it i« »tiil la*
The \lnttnrn City Herald «i< »tart«-d at Suspension
Bridge in Oct. 181 ' ) 0. II. Ha<-k«taff: and In the fol-
lowing year it passed into the hand" of If. T. IlackstafT,
by w)i..m it i* now pnbllthed.
< Tbe vessel sailed through Lakes Erie and Huron to Orecn
Bar, where it cast anchor and remained some time. After being
freighted with a rich cargo of furs, it started on its return voy-
age; I. ut from that time no tidings ever came of the vessel or
crew. I.a Milk and Fatln-r Ihnnepin left the vessel on its up-
Mat. I voyage at Detroit, and afterward penetrated the western
wilderness to the Mississippi River,
- While Sir Win. Johnson remained at this place he made a
contract with Wm. Stodman to construct a road for a portage
from l.e«i-|.in to Schlosser above the Falls. This road was
finished In 17' .:; and on the 20th of June of that year tbe c< n-
n. i. tor started with 25 loaded wagons from Lewiston, under the
UOnTOy Of BO soldiers. As the party were passing a deep gulf
upon the very edge of the clitl known as the Devil's Hole, they
were assailed by n large force of Senecas who were lying in
wait for them, and the whole party except one were driven off
the precii which here has a perpendicular height of 180 ft.
\\ in. Stedinaii escaped by forcing Ins h,.rse through the ranks
of tbe Indians; and one soldier — a drummer — was saved by his
bell catching in tbc top of a tree below and so breaking the.
force of his fall.
' The prisoners taken upon the war-paths were generally con-
ducted to this place, where they were often obliged to submit
to the terrible orde.il of the gauntlet. A premium was also hero
given for scalps. Stimulating the Indians to murder. The tories
who rendezvous. . I hi re were usually more inhuman than tbe
Indians.
4 Cbl. Smith, who commanded this post at the time of its sur-
render, was the commanding officer of the Ifritish at the battle
of Lexington. As Niagara was one of the very last posts sur-
rendered, Ool. Smith may with propriety be said to have par-
tlcipated in both the opening and closing acts of tbe American
Revolution. » See page 323.
NIAGARA COUNTY. 458
American shore ; and great excitement prevailed inconsequence. The steamer Caroline, engaged
in furnishing re-inforcements and supplies to the insurgents, was cut from her moorings, on the
night of Dee. 29, by a British force, set on fire, and sent over the falls. This event was the occa-
sion of a long diplomatic controversy between the Governments of the United States and Great
Britain, and at one time war Beemed almost inevitable. Since that time no event has occurred to
disturb the peaceful progress of improvement.
CAMBRIA— was formed from "Will ink," (now Aurora, Erie CO.,) March 11, 1SU8. Hart-
land, Niagara, and Porter were taken off in 1812, Lewiston in 1818, and a part of Lockport in
1824. It is an interior town, w. of the center of the co. The mountain ridge1 crosses through the
center of the town and divides it into two nearly equal portions. In the N. and s. the surface is
level or undulating. The lake ridge crosses the N. part of the town. The principal stream is
Twelve Mile Creek. The soil consists of alternations of sandy and clayey loam. Pekin (p. v.)
lies partly in Lewiston, but principally in this town. It contains 2 churches and about GO
dwellings. North Ilid^c and Cambria., in the n. part of the town, are p. offices. The first
settlement was made in 1800, by Philip Beach, from Le Hoy.2 There are 2 churches in town,
Cong, and M. E.
IIARTL.A1VD3 — was formed from Cambria, June 1, 1812. Royalton was taken off in 1817,
Somerset in 1823, and a part of Newfane in 1824. It is the central town upon the e. border of the
co. The surface is level or gently undulating, the greatest inequality being along the lake ridge,
which crosses the s. part of the town. The principal streams are Eighteen Mile and Johnsons
Creeks. The soil s. of the ridge is a clayey loam, and n. it is a sandy and gravelly loam. John-
sons Creek, (p. v.,) located on the creek of the same name where it crosses the lake ridge, con-
tains 1 church and has a population of 114. Hartland Corners, (Hartland p. o.,) on the
ridge in the w. part of the town, contains about 18 dwellings. Middleport* is partly in this town.
The first settlement was made in 1803, by John and David Morrison.5 The first church (Bap.)
was organized at Johnsons Creek in 1817. There are 5 churches in town.6
L.EWISTOJV7— was formed from Cambria, Feb. 27, 1818. It is the central town upon the w.
border of the co. The mountain ridge extends through the town, dividing it into two nearly equal
portions. Along the base of this ridge the surface is broken or rolling, but elsewhere it is level.
Gill and Six Mile Creeks, and several smaller streams, take their rise in this town, and Niagara
River forms its w. boundary. The soil is a sandy loam. The Devil's Hole — a dark chasm, 150 ft.
deep, upon the high bank of the Niagara, in the extreme s. part of the town — was the scene of a
sanguinary battle during the Old French War.8 Five mi. above Ft. Niagara, bordering upon the
river, is a flat of several acres, about 65 ft. lower than the surrounding country. It is called Five
Mile Meadow : it was here that the British forces landed the night before the capture of Fort
Niagara, in Dec. 1814.9 Lewiston,10 (p. v.,) incorp. April 17, 1822, was reserved by the State
and patented by single lots. It is situated on Niagara River, at the base of the mountain ridge.
It is the terminus of the Lewiston & N. F. R. R., and the head of navigation from Lake Ontario.
It contains 4 churches, and has a pop. of 1,014. The Lewistown Suspension Bridge across the
Niagara River was erected in 1850 and '51." Dickersonville (p. o.) is a hamlet. South
Pekin is a p. o. in the s. e. part. Pekin lies partly in this town. Fort Gray, a temporary forti-
fication erected during the War of 1812, occupied the verge of the mountain ridge just above the vil-
lage of Lewiston. The Seminary of our Lady of Angels, a Catholic institution, is situated on
1 Upon the verge of this ridge, in tlieE. part of tlie town, are an
ancient fortification and burial places, occupying about 6 acres.
Rude iron implements, pieces of copper, fragments of earthen-
ware, charred wood, and corncobs have been plowed up within
the area. Nearly in the center, overlaid by sandstone slabs,
was a deep pit filled with human bones, many of which ap-
parently belonged to men of almost giant size. — Turner's Hist.
Holland Purchase.
2 John Forsyth and Walter Neal settled in the town in 1S04,
and Chapman Hawley, Daniel Howell, Joseph Hewctt. James
Prentice, and Amariah Stoughton soon afterward. The first
birth was that of Philip Beach, jr., in 1803; and the first death,
that of Nehemiah Street, a traveler, who was murdered in 1790.
Philip Beach opened the first inn, in 1800, and Joshua Sbep-
pard the first store, in 1815. Joseph Hewett built the first saw-
mill, in 1806, and Christian Howder the first gristmill, in 1815.
The first school was taught by Mrs. Neal, in 1808.
8 Named from Hartland, Vt.
* See page 456.
1 Zebulon Barnum, Jedediah Riggs, Isaac Southwell, and Dan'l
Brown moved into town the same year, and Abel Barnum and
Oliver Castle in 1805. The first death was that of Isaac South
well, in 1806; the first inn was opened by Jephtha Dunn, in 1809,
and the first store, by Dan'l Van Horn, in 1S16. The first school
was taught by Nancy Judson, in the summer of 1813.
6 Bap., Friends, SI. E., Prot. M„ and R. C.
' Named from Gov. Morgan Lewis, at the suggestion of Judgi.
Silas Hopkins.
8 See p. 452
» See p. 2S0.
10 An academy was established at this place in 1828. Beside*
participating in the general fund, it was endowed by the Legis-
lature with the proceeds of the ferry license, which some years
yielded $S00 to .$900. When the Lewiston Suspension Bridge
was finished, the ferry was abandoned and the academy dis-
continued.
11 This bridge was built by two joint stock companies, — one
incorp. by the Legislature of N. York and the other by the
Canadian Parliament. The roadway is 849 ft. long, 20 ft. wide,
and 60 ft. above the water. Cost of "the structure, $58,000.
454
NIAGARA COUNTY.
the river bank in the s. w. part of the town.1 The site of the village of Lewiston was occupied by
the French at different times previous to and during the Old French War; but the first permanent
settlements were made about the year 1800.'- The first church is said to have been founded by
Brant, at the Mohawk settlement, a little e. of Lewiston.3 There are now 8 churches in town.4
LOCKPORT- was taken from Cambria and Royalton, Feb. 2, 1824. It extends from the
central part to the southern bounds of the co. The surface in the northern part of the town,
through which the mountain ridge extends, is broken and hilly; in the central and southern parts
it is level. Eighteen Mile and Mud Creeks are the principal streams. The soil is a clayey loam
intermixed with marl, and in the n. it is stony. The Niagara limestone crops out along the
mountain ridge, and extensive quarries have been opened in and near the village of Lockport.5
Underlying this is a stratum of hydraulic limestone, from which waterlime is made; and sand-
stone belonging t<> the Medina formation is also quarried n. of the ridge.6 The manufactures of
the town are extensive, and consist principally of Hour, lumber, leather, and machinery. Lock-
port,7 (p.v.,) the co. seat, was incorp. March 2G, 1829. It is situated on the Erie Canal and the
declivities of the mountain ridge. It is an important station on the Niagara Falls R. R., and is the
terminus of the branch mad to Buffalo. The water-power created by the canal locks at this place
has given rise to numerous and extensive manufacturing establishments.8 The village contains
15 churches, a high school,9 3 newspaper offices, 3 banks of issue, and 1 savings' bank. Pop. 8,939.
Wrlgtlti) Corners, (p. o..) in the N. part of the town, and Kapids, (p.o.,) in the s. part,
are hamlete. Hickory Corners, in the w., is a p.o. The first settlement was made at Cold
Spring, about 1 mi. e. of Lockport Village, by Charles Wilbur, in 1805. 10 There are 21 churches
in town.11 Ex-Gov. Washington Hunt is a resident of this town.
\KWFA\E — was formed from Ilartland, Somerset, and Wilson, March 20, 1824. It extends
from near the center of the co. to the lake shore. The surface is level. Eighteen Mile Creek
crosses the town, dividing it into two unequal portions. The soil is generally a sandy loam; but
in some parts it is clayey. Olcott, (p.v.,) on the lake shore, at the mouth of Eighteen Mile
Creek, contains 3 churches and about 30 dwellings. Charlotte, (Newfane p.o.,) on Eighteen
Mile Creek, near the center of the town, contains 2 churches and about 25 dwellings. Hess
Road, in the e., and Coomer. in the w. part, are p. offices. The first settlement was made in
L807, by Win. Chambers12 and John Brewer, from Canada.13 The first religious services were con-
ducted in 1811, by a colored Methodist minister from Canada. There are 5 churches in town.14
MAGAR.i — was formed from Cambria, June 1, 1812, as " Schlosser ;" its name was changed
Feb. 14, 181G. Pendleton was taken off in 1827, and Wheatfield in 1836. It is the s. w. corner
town of the co., occupying the angle made by the abrupt northerly bend of Niagara River. Its
•This Seminary is under the charge of the " Priests of the
Oongrtgatim of Uie Mission nf St. Vinrrnt du I'uul Institution.''
aad . I to i <iu< at.- boys and young men for the priest-
hood. It waa Incorp. In Is".*. The buildings are nol yel completed.
1 Among the settlers who wen In the town In i BOO were Joa.
and John Howell, Mlddaogh, Henry Hough, Henry Mills,
McBride, Thos. 1 1 u - 1 1«t. Wm.tiambol, and Pred'k Wood-
mas. '• ii well wai the first riiii.i born in the town and In
" Idaugh K< 1 1 tavern In 1788, and McBride
bnfll n tannery abonl 1799. The first -aw mill waa bnfll by Joa.
Howell, Id 1808, and the tir-t gristmill by John Gray, in 181C
TheTuacarora R Ii In tin- town.
*Thi»v Umo during the Berolntlonary War.
Bmnt wa- n; and the services were ntuallj con
ittacbed to the Brltlafa garrison at Kt. Nia-
gara. The rimr. Ii »ii* bttill of logs and bad no belfry. The
bell was hung upon a cross-bar r- -ting in thacrotchoi a tree
near by.
« i-i — i . . Pi • i t'liir.. and v.. C «t Lewiston, r..ng. and
M. K. itt I'. kin. M. F. at M karaoavflle, and Indian church on
the Beset latlun.
' 'I be principal of tbeas anarrV ■ are along the 1 anal, in the B.
pari of lxM-ki» .rt \ r. i. nt a mile
r. of the Tillage, and others n little farther ». This llmeetoni lea
reryexo Ileal building maU rial, and large qnantitli laraahipped
to distant places. The locks at thla pbu a, and numerous culverts
on the >anal. are bnfll of it- A C*vn "f null extent ■
i the Tillage of Lot kport.
4 The prim ipa] quarries bran which sand«t..n«> i« obtain,
st I: Mill. x. w. ,.f the rQlaga, lb!* clone is used
Ipally for flagging and paving.
named from there being a grantor number of locks here
than «t any Other place 09 the canal; and to these the Tillage
its origin.
• Five fl,. urine mill", with an aggr DO, 7
sawmills, 6 staTe and shingle fa- ti ::■-. 1 sash, door, and blind
factory. 1 planing mill. 2 tanneries, a woolen factory, 2 machine
^li"]i- and foundries, a plow factory, a distillery, and a plaster-
mill. A hydraulic canal three-fourths of a mi. long has heen
constructed upon tho declivity of the ri<tirr-. from which the water
i- distributed to various manufactories. The water is taken from
the upper level of the canal ami returned to the lower. A con-
siderable proportion of the water-power is obtained from the
water taken from the lower level.
■ The "Lockport Union School" was incorp. March 31, 1S47.
Connected with it is an academic department, under the super-
vision of the regents. The number of pupils in attendance in
1850 waa 742.
in Jededlan Darling settled In the town in isos, Gregory
in 1809, Thomas Miles. Silllman Wakemaa, David Carlton, and
lie... Millar in 1810, and Alex. Freeman and John Dye iii 1S11.
The Brat Ian waa opened by Chaa. Wilbur, in 1800; the first
sawmill "»•■ built by Alex. Freeman, In 1811, and the first grist-
mill by Otis Hathaway, on Eighteen Mile Creek. This was a
small mill, which was built in 20 days. L. A. Spaulding was
then building, and soon alter finished, a stone mill of 7 stories
in height. Simeon Ford erected a woolen factory in 1S28. The
bool waa taught by Olinda Moore, In the summer of 1816.
" n..p..( long., Friends, Luth., 2 M. B., 2 Presb, 2 Prot F... 2 B.C.,
T'niv.. and 2 At. Ml lb. at Lockport Village, and Dutch Kvang.,
Dutch Bet, I. nth., 2 M. E., and Wes. Mi-th. in other parts of the
t"» u.
1 bambers removed to Grand Island; and about the year
1826, attempting to cross Niagara Bivcr above tlie cataract
in a skiff, he was drawn into the rapids and carried over the
falls.
l» Cotton settled in the town the same year, Burgoyne,
Kemp, and Peter Hopkins in 1808, and Wm. and James Wisnet
m 1810. Levi Bills built the lir-l saw and grist mill, in 1811,
for James Van Horn. Asa Douglas opened a store at Olcott, in
1812. The Mi I bi ol was taught by Bezalea] Smith, in 1815.
M 2 M. £., Bap., Univ., and Wes. Mcth.
NIAGARA COUN T Y.
455
surface is level. Cayuga and Gill Creeks are the principal streams. The soil is a heavy clay.
Goat Island and the American part of Niagara Tails belong to this town. At Suspension Bridge,
on the river bank, is a sulphur spring, which has been fitted up lor the accommodation of
visitors. \i;m;tt:a Falls, (p. v.,) inoorp. July 7, 184S, is situated on Niagara River, at the
cataract. It is the terminus of the Rochester & N. F. R. It., of the N. F. & Lewiston R. R., of the
Buffalo & N. P. R. R., and of the Canandaigua & N. P. K. U. It contains 5 churches, 1 newspaper
office, 11 hotels, and several manufacturing establishments.1 Pop. 2,070. The village owes its ex-
istence to its proximity to the great cataract. Thousands of visitors, from every part of the U. S.
and from almost every country in the world, annually visit this, one of nature's greatest wonders.
Nearly all the business of the community is connected with this periodical visitation, and consists
of hotel keeping, livery business, and matters of a kindred nature. A large and by no means
unimportant business has grown out of the sale of spar ornaments and fancy articles made by the
Indians. Niagara. City, (Suspension Bridge p. o.,) incorp. June 8, 1854, is situated on Niagara
River, 2 mi. below the falls. The Rochester & N. F. R. R. connects at this place with the Lewis-
ton & N. F. R. R., and with the Great Western Railway across the Suspension Bridge.2 The vil-
lage contains G churches, a newspaper office, 15 hotels, and a charitable institution known as the
De Veaux College for Destitute Orphans and Children.3 Pop. 1,305. This place participates
with Niagara Falls in the business made by the annual influx of visitors to the cataract. No
place of equal size on the Continent has a greater amount of hotel accommodations than these.
Ea Salle is a p. o.. at the mouth of Cayuga Creek. In the fall of 1078 the French voyageurs
La Salle, Tonti, and Father Hennepin, with their companions, established themselves at the mouth
of Cayuga Creek and remained until the " Griffin" was launched the following season.4 Other
places along the river were temporarily occupied by the French at different times ; but the first
permanent settlement was made at Schlosser in 1759, by John Stedman, accompanied by his
brothers Win. and Philip.5 The first religious services were conducted by Father Hennepin, at the
time of the French sojourn at Cayuga Creek.6 There are now 12 churches in town.7
PENDLETON8— was formed from Niagara, April 16, 1827. It is the central town on the s.
bcrder of the co. The surface is level or gently undulating. Tonawanda Creek forms the s.
bounds of the town, and Sawyers Creek crosses the w. part. The soil is generally a clayey loam.
Pendleton, (p. o.,) on Tonawanda Creek, contains 1 church and 16 dwellings. Pendleton
Center, Beach Ridge, and Dlapleton are p. offices. The first settlement was made in
1805, by Jacob Christman.9 There are 5 churches in town.10
PORTER11— was formed from Cambria, June 1, 1812._ Wilson was taken off in 1818. It is
the most westerly town on the lake shore. Its surface is level. Four Mile and Six Mile Creeks,
and the w. branch of Twelve Mile Creek, cross the town in a northerly direction, and Niagara
River forms its w. boundary. The soil along the lake shore is composed principally of a marly
clay ; in the central and southern parts it is a sandy and gravelly loam. Besides the crops which
1 A hydraulic canal has recently been constructed from a point
on Niagara Hiver about £ mi. above the rapids, diagonally across
the point of land upon which the village is situated, to near the
river bank j mi. below the falls. Along the bank is a long
basin, in which the canal terminates, and from which tho water
is discharged through a great number of races into the river
below. This canal is J of a mi. long, 70 ft. wide, and 10 ft. deep,
and will maintain a running stream equal in quantity to 2436
cubic ft. per second. The company by whom the canal has been
built was organized March 22, 1853, with a capital of $500,000.
One of the largest paper mills in the U. S., on Bath Island, was
burned during the past year, (1858.)
2 The Niagara Suspension Bridge, which crosses the river at
this place, was commenced in 1852 and finished in 1855. It is
821 ft. in length from center to center of the towers, and 247 ft.
above the water. It has 2 floors, — the lower for a carriage way,
and the upper for a rail way, upon which 4 rails are so laid as
to make tracks of 3 different gauges. The cost of tho structure
was about $400,000, aud the stock of tho company $500,000.
The first line was got across tho river at this place by the aid of
a kite. With this a larger cord was drawn over; and finally a
rope, upon which pulleys could bo run, bearing the wires of
which the bridge is composed. The chief engineer was John A.
Koebling.
8 The De Veaux College was established according to the pio-
visions of the will of Samuel De Veaux, who bequeathed for that
purpose personal property to the amount of $154.4';2 and real
estate valued at $36,213, besides 330 acres of inalienable land.
The building was erected in 1855-56. It is built of stone, has 2
stories and an attic above the ground story, and a front of 100 ft.,
with a depth of 54 ft. The members of the school are supplied
by the institution with food, clothing, and books. By the pro-
visions of the will of Mr. De Veaux. the president of the college
must always be a clergyman of the Prot. E. Church, and the
institute itself under the control of the Diocese of Western New
York. Members of the school are appointed by the board of
trustees, the children of parents belonging to the Prof. E. Church
having the preference. When once received, the children are
under the sole charge of the trustees until they attain their ma-
jority. See Senate Doc. 1858, No. 118. The college reports an
nually to the Legislature.
4 See page 452.
6 During the period of English occupancy a small settlement
grew up at Schlosser. There were, besides the Stedman house,
(which was a large and spacious 2£ story building.) about 15
other dwellings. The Stedmans moved away in 17U5 and left
Jesse Ware in possession. Judge Augustus" Porter settled at
Schlosser in 1S06. The first sawmill was built by John
Stedman. The first school was taught by Ezekiel Hill, in lsn7.
8 In his account of their sojourn Father Hennepin says, " I
had one hut especially designed for observing prayers in holy-
days and Sundays."
i Bap., Preeb, Prot. E., M. E., and R. C. at Niagara Falls,
Cong., D. Ref. D., Evang., Prot.E., Presb., and M. E. at Niagara
City, and M. E. at Cayuga Creek.
8 Named from Sylvester Pendleton Clark, Ex-Gov. of Grand
Island.
9 Among the first settlers were Martin Van Slyke and John
and Adam Fulmer. The first death was that of Martin Van
Slyke, in 1814. S. P. Clark kept the first inn. in 1822. and Jerry
Jenks the first store, the same year. The first school was taught
by Dawson, in the winter of 1816.
io 2 M. E., Presb , Luth., and K. C.
11 Named from Judge Augustus Porter.
456 NIAGARA COUNTY.
are common to all parts of this co., considerable quantities of apples, peaches, and other fruits are
raised. Toungsto^vn,1 (p. v.,) incorp. Aug. 22, 1854, is situated on Niagara River, about one
mi. from its mouth. It contains 3 churches and has a pop. of 768. Ransomville,2 (p. v.,)
in the s. e. part of the town, contains 2 churches. Pop. 195. East Porler is a p. o. Fort
MiUiU'il3 is situated on the lake shore, at the mouth of Niagara River. Transient settlements
•were made at very early periods by the French at Ft. Niagara ; but no permanent settlement was
made until the early part of the present century.4 There are 7 churches in town.5
ROYALTOX6 — was Formed from Ilartland, April 5, 1817, and a part of Lockport -was taken
off in ls24. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. The surface is generally level or undulating,
except in the n. part, where the mountain rid^e cr<>s>es the t"wn. Johnsons, Eighteen Mile, and
Mud Creeks take their rise in this town, and the Tonawanda firms its s. boundary. The soil is a
clayey loam. 3Ii<l«lleport; (p. v.) incorporated in 1858, lies partly in Ilartland, but principally
in the x. e. part of this town. It is situated upon the Erie Canal, and is a station on the R. &
N. F. R. R. It contains 5 churches and has a pop. of 680, (586 in Royalton, 103 in Ilartland.)
Gasport,8(p.v.,) situated on the canal near Eighteen Mile Creek, is a station on the R. & N. F.
R. R. It contains 1 church and an academy.9 Pop. 273. Orangeport, (p. v.,) on the canal,
in the x. w. part of the town, has a pop. of 224; Royalton, (p. v.,) in the central part, of 168:
and Reynales Basin, (p. v..) on the canal, of 132. Locust Tree and South Royal-
ton are p. offices. Mc\alls Corners is a hamlet in the w. part. The first settlement was
made in 1803, by Thos. Slayton and Gad Warner.10 The first religious services were held in 1806;
the first religious society (Christian) was organized in 1817, and the first church edifice was built
the same year." There are 12 churches in town.12
SOMERSET— was formed from Hartland, Feb. 8, 1823, and a part of Newfane was taken
off in 1824. It is the most eastern town upon the lake shore. The surface is level. Golden Hill
and Fish Creeks cross the town in a x. e. direction. The soil is generally a sandy loam; but in
some places it is clayey. Near the mouth of Fish Creek is a small salt spring, from which salt was
formerly made. Somerset, (p. v.,) n. of the center of the town, contains 3 churches and about
30 dwellings. County Line, on the line of Orleans co.. and Lake Road and West Somer-
set, are p. offices. The first settlement was made in 1810, by Jacob Fitts and Zacharias Pat-
terson.11 The first religious services were conducted by Daniel Shepardson, in 1816, and the first
church (Bap.) was organized in 1820. There are 5 churches in town.14
W1IE ATFIELD — was formed from Niagara, May 12, 1836. It is the most southerly town
in the co., and lies partly on Niagara River and partly on Tonawanda Creek. The surface is level
gently undulating. Cayuga and Sawyers Creeks cross the town, the former in the western
part and the latter in the eastern. The soil is generally a hard, clayey loam, difficult to cultivate.
A a nil. B. of Tonawanda is a sour spring, and about 2 mi. x. a sulphur spring. A considerable
• of the town i* yet unimproved. The greater proportion of the population consists of immi-
grantfl fr..m Prussia and other parts of Germany.13 Rerfflioltz.16 (p. v..) near the center of the
n, contains 1 chnrch and about 80 houses; Martinsville, (p. v..) in the s. e. part, 1 church
Young, the fir«t merchant .it the place.
I . one of the early settlers.
152.
« .' I . I .' . :. who wm -.. .rn In
In 1 HOI, 3 ml. from the fort -' I Hopkins
Tli — . Itr iwn, Elijah Dot/, John Cll iip-nt. and
It was. painted red, and was called " The Red Meeting
/•'
i* 3 M. K.. Bap.. Christian, Cong., F.W. Bap., Lnth., Prcsb., R.O,
Univ.. an. I We*. M.tli.
U Archibald Whltton, Philip Fitts, and Truman and David
Mndgeti settled In the town tin- Bame year. Tin- first birth was
John v. that of Delilah hit t-. in 1811; the Brat marriage, that of John
G John Youna ti . in Sherwood and Rebecca Mead, In 1817; and the Brsl death, that
II* bnill the flr«t sawmill, in 1818, and the
fir«t gristmill, in 1817. The fir-t icbool wai tanght bv Wm.
11. in the wint
ind P. C.
• N uned fr n Royalton, vi
of Philip Fitt*. in 1M4. Jusiah S. Hailey opened the first inn, in
isi7. and Joe, M Oarpenterthe first store, In tsi3. The first saw-
mill wai bnill by John Randolph, in 1822, and the first gristmill
by Archibald McDowell, In 1826, The firstschool was taught by
M trston Sherwood, In the winter of 1817.
tli" canal between ,42Bap., Mends, Preeb., and M. K.
Lock port. l*They nearly all cultivate the Boll; but their farms are
i fnim the ' rtb here, usually very small, consisting generally of not more than 6 to 10
This gas Ui I at one time It v. I through acre*. They retain in a great measure their own manners, ens-
iron pipe* from I wbi^h was ligbt'-l bv it. toma, and nationality. They bare their own churches and
* Founded in l Is: their pa-tors and schoolmasters came from Germany
n. F iden Andrrw*. and Uex. with them, and German is tin- language of the pulpit and the
Haskr n town In 1 n vt. schoolroom. Their honaes are nearly afl one story, ningh framed
- m'l Capon, in 1 • irnum Treadwell in 1806. The buildings, nnclapboarded, and filled in with unearned bricks.
th- fir»t man ral of them are built of hewn logs, the crevices filled with
of Henry Bbnrorta and Polly Cbrniah, In the spring of 1810; day; and some are clapboarded on the gable ends down as far
and the Bret death, that of Blswnrth. in '- 1 Gad Warner as the level of ti aves.
built the first sawmill, in 1S1T Tie : Im M These villages were named from places of the same names
J809. by Fi«k. in Germany.
u This was one of the first churches upon the Holland Pur-
NIAGARA COUNTY.
457
and about 60 houses; JoliiiNbuipr, in the central part, 1 church and about 50 houses; and
Walmoi'C,1 (p. v.,) in the n. w. corner of tho town, 2 churches and 12 houses. These are
straggling German villages. Shawnee, (p. v.,) in the n. b. corner of the town, contains 1 church
and 15 houses. Ton aw a ml a, (p. v.,) on the line of Erie co., lies partly within this town.
The first settlement was made by Geo. Nan Slyke, in 1802, at the mouth of Tonawanda Creek.2
There arc 7 churches in town.8
WILSON4— was formed from Porter, April 10, 1818, and a part of Newfane was taken off in
1824. It is situated on the lake shore, n. w. of the center of the co. The surface is level. The e.
branch of Twelve Mile Creek5 crosses the town near the center, and the w. branch in the n. w. part.
The soil is a sandy and clayey loam. Wilson, (p. v.,) incorp. June 25, 1858, is situated on the E.
side of Twelve Mile Creek, near its mouth. It contains 3 churches and the Wilson Collegiate
Institute. Pop. GG6. East Wilson, South Wilson, and Noi-lli Wilson are p. offices.
The first settlement was made in 1810, by Stephen Sheldon, Reuben Wilson, Goodman, John
Eastman, and Gilbert Purdy.6 The first church (Presb.) was organized Jan. 18, 1819. There are
now 3 churches in town ; Rap., Presb., and M. E.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Niagara County.
Names op Towns.
Cambria....
Ilartland...
Lewiston. ..
Lock port...
Newfane....
Niagara
Pendleton.
Porter
Koyalton...
Somerset...
Wheatfield.
Wilson
Total"
Acres of Land.
I
17,214
20,836|
15,812
21,813}
22,268}
6,7 54}
9.843$
14.014
27,748}
18.202
10,768}
21,768
207,043J
5.767
9,600
6,519|
13,584}
10,173
o.oxx
6,169}
5,721
12,968
5,313
10,937
8.269}
1(11,110
Valuation of 1858.
$76(1.557
839.722
724.371
2.0X9.229
818,182
1,448,126
420,049
597,597
1,253.211
555,161
866.310
XO2..X0-
11.775,382
It
ft, a.
a
$47,890 $808,447
41.300 881,022
67,732 792,103
474.400 3,163,629
32.065 850.247
284.700 1,732,826
27,100 447,149
21,550 619.147
102,791 1,356,002
38.950 594.111
833,800 1,700,110
27,104 829.971
1,999,382' 13.774.764
Population.
I
1.125 1.091
1,527 1,506
1,665 1.595
6.675 6.711
1.641 1.523
2,913 2.544
972 X54
1.362 1.281
2.598 2.332
952 971
1.641 1,511
1.739 1,553
24,810 23.472 8,698
S
"fe.
407
642
5X1
2,286
619
967
359
4S4
931
378
675
622
8.951
Schools.
287
523
280
1,613
340
439
272
336;
600
275
522
492
5.979 165
fee
12
18
13
18
16
7
8
11
24
14
7
17
5.8
727
1,100
1.214
5.011
1.217
1.986
772
979
1.561
780
1.070
1,258
17.725
Names of Towns.
Cambria
Ilartland....
Lewiston....
Lockport
Newfane
Niagara
Pendleton..
Porter
Koyalton....
Somerset....
Wheatfield.
Wilson
Total."
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Grain.
"5" •
"S>
Dairy Products.
i
i
& 2
s
i
V
1
||
5 *
tS
I? H O
POO
6
5.316
>5)
s
«
3.499
22.343
«•?
ft. a;
rj.-jxn
946
1,768
1.01S
1,369
67,773
89.816
35.352
98.077
1.301
1.696
1,196
9.090
2,221
20.201
88,1 24
3.801 i
:i::.xi;5
22.514
110.450
12,353,
2,798
1,151
746
5.034
1.418
68,238
63.962
3.436
18,884
26.900
76.322
405;
1,634
1,555
1,540
6,834
3,207
59,320}
120.453^
5.400
29.513
30,191
124.265
4.170
1,177
1,837
1,082
8,243
2,031
56,661
94,506}
3.342}
29,714
15,441
91.246
3.400
662
535
485
800
848
21,637
37.17IH
1,675}
6.905
5,934
22,386
592
813
588
2.111
932
2S.540
62,968}
1.627
8,526
6,939
46.434
1.351
824
1.054
720
5.327
1.389
69.291
47,797}
2.893}
1S.724
19.X6S
66.779
3.697
1,635
1,900
1,479
12,450
2,701 1
41.4X0}
171,280
6.337 J
30.874}
49.217
154.271
17.813
966
1,376
816
9.929
1,514
38,021
54,593}
2.453}
21.927}
18,005
70,063
6,711
606
992
887
2,028
1,566
35,090
68,305
2.595}
19.475
4.629
50,515
820
1,293
14,334
1,853
1,151
11.197
2,569
84,672
103.288
4.(156
41.117J
34.697
20,947
127,499
8,383
16,530 11,708
78,359
21.765
590,925
1.002,271
275,448
255,997
1,038,307
71.443
IS
R Si
211
2.182
775
707
1.218
132
469
12
2,498
1,214}
574
1,506}
11.499
1 See note 16, p. 456.
2 John Harvey and Walton settled in the town in 1807,
and Geo. Burgher, Jacob Stoner, and Wm. Scntt, in 1809. James
Field kept the first inn, in 1808, and Judge Wilkinson the first
store, in 1822. The first sawmill was built by Col. John Sweeney,
in 1825.
8 4 Evang. Luth., Bap.. M. E„ and Mennonite.
* Named from Keubeu Wilson, one of the earliest settlers, and
the first supervisor.
6 In 1811, about 4 mi. from the mouth of this creek, in the lake,
a few rods from the shore, Mr. Goodman found a 4 lb. French
swivel, loaded with a ball and 3 grape shot. A large pile of bul-
lets and considerable quantities of ballast iron were subsequently
found on the shore near by.
6 The first birth was that of Warren Wilson, in 1811. Joshua
Williams and Daniel Sheldon built the first sawmill, in 1S15,
and Keuben and Luther Wilson the first gristmill, in 1824
Benj. Donglas opened the first store, in 1S17, and T. T. Upton
the first inn. in 1818. The first school was an evening school
for adults, taught by Luther Wilson during Jan. and Feb.
1817.
ONEIDA COUNTY.
Tnrs county was formed from Herkimer, March 15, 1798. Lewis
ainl Jefferson were taken off in 1805, and a part of Oswego in
1810. Portions Avere annexed to Clinton in 1801 and to Madison
in 1836. A portion of Chenango was annexed in 1S04.1 It lies
near the center of the State, 100 mi. from Albany, and contains
1,215 Bq. mi. A broad valley, nearly level, extends e. and w. through
the center of the co., and from it, both n. and s., the surface rises
into a broken and hilly region. The highlands which occupy the
s. part are arranged in ridges extending n. and s., the highest sum-
mits, on the s. border, being 600 to 1,000 ft. above the valley of the
Mohawk. North of the central valley the surface rises abruptly to
a height of 800 to 1,200 ft., and spreads out into a nearly level
plateau, broken by the ravines of the streams. The E. part of the central valley is drained by the
Mohawk, flowing e., and the w. part by Wood Creek, flowing w. This valley affords a natural
road from the Hudson to the great lakes, and is the lowest pass through the Appalachian Mt.
system. The Mohawk rises upon the n. border of the co., and flows in a southerly direction to
Home, and thence s. e. to the E. border of the co. Its principal tributaries from the n. are Nine
Mile Creek and Lansing Kil, and from the s. Sauquoit and Oriskany Creeks. Black River flows
across the x. e. corner of the co. East Canada Creek forms a portion of the e. boundary ; the
head branches of the Unadilla and Chenango drain the s. border, and Oneida, "Wood, and Fish
Creok^ drain the w. part. Oneida Lake, extending several mi. along the w. border, is the only
large body of water in the co. In the extreme n. e. corner are several small lakes and ponds.
The rocks of this co. include nearly the whole series lying between the gneiss, which covers the
N. E. part, and the Hamilton group, which outcrops on the s. hills. The Trenton limestone, Utica
slate, Oneida conglomerate, and Clinton group have received their names from being so distinctly
developed in this co. Of useful minerals the co. has the lenticular clay iron ore of the Clinton
group, bog ore in the swamps near Oneida Lake, and, probably, magnetic ore in the n. e. part.
Marl and peat have been found in some places. Waterlime and gypsum quarries have been
wrought to some extent. Building stone in great variety and of superior quality has been exten-
sively quarried. Mineral springs are found in several places. The soil in the NT. e., derived from
the disintegration of the primitive rocks, is light and sandy, and is capable of producing only a
scanty vegetation. This region is sparsely settled, and is not capable of supporting many in-
habitants. The central valley is one of the most fertile portions of the State. The soil is a fine
quality of Bandy and gravelly loam and alluvium, finely tempered with lime and gypsum. The
highland r'-'_ri"ii s. of the river has a soil composed of clay and sandy and gravelly loam, and is
b'-t adapted to pa-turage. The richness and diversity of the soil make this co. one of the best
agricultural regions of the Stato. The people are chiefly engaged in agriculture, the principal
branches Of Whicb am grain raiding in the valleys and dairying and stock raising upon the hills.
Hops arc largely cultivated in 1 1 1 * - b. towns. The manufactures of tho co. are extensive, though
principally confined to Uticfl and the villages along Oriskany and Sauquoit Creeks.
The county is a half-shire, the CO. buildings being respectively located at Utica and Rome.2
The courthouses and jails at both places are well built and conveniently arranged. The clerk's
l Montgomery, Herkimer, tod - originally ex-
tended in long, narrow »tri|-« to tie st. Lawrence. In 1801,
Iiabon — then an Inimn— town upon the n. border— was nn-
nexed to Clinton co. It It nol cert tin whether Tnu ta 1, '2. and
3 of Macomb'a Purchase * | lhl« arrangement to
bekmg to Clinton; truth) annexed t" Bt. Law-
rence oo. Oneida co. wai named from the on. ida Indiana, who
Inhabited and owned this nml •••ni<- adjoining The
w.,p| Oneida eicnifiVs "tin- people of the «t- ne." The Indiana
had ft str.inK<- tradition concerning a ccrl . which t"l-
I them in their wanderinga and finally rated on the rom-
mlt of one of the bigheet lilll« in the <-.... from (rhich t h«ir
beacon fire- conld be Men to « e^ot distance, and npon which
they assembled to bold oonnsil or prepare tor war. a braider
of uneJsn, which tradition Identified n« thi» palladlnm of
tli" Oneidaa, i few y< ir< since WM nk'-n from the f;irm of
3nm<- II lit _-_-. iii the town of 1 in n
prominent p -ition near tbe entrance of the Utica Cem
468
on the Biidgewater Plank Road, abont a mi, s. of Utica. —
././>). .«'.< Oneiiln, ;>. S40; Unless ntnl /I'l'/nlnlions of the, Utica
■■>■>/ i. ». 1840, p. 88; Senate Dnc 1848, No. 24, ;>. 4U;
SrJmrtrriifl's Hi I. ' • million arid /Vos/wcts nf Indian Tribes, I,
p. 176.
8 Tho ro. seat of Herkimer co. was originally located at
\\ hiteatown; and upon the division of the co. the records were
retained by Oneida. The net erecting Oneida co. directed tho
first courts to be held at the schoolbouss near Port Bchnyler,
(Rome,) and required the courthonse to be built within 1 ml.
..f the fort. Hy on act. of April 8, 1801, Thomas Jenkins and
Hi i Boamer, of Hndaon, John Thompson, of Stillwater, and
Dirck Lane, of Troy, wire appointed to locate the courthonse
and jail of Oiwid.'i c>. Tlics,. I>u il<l inpes were completed several
\. an afterward, and the courts wore held hero and at Whites-
daring many years. The oonrthonae and jail at Rome
were bnrned abont 1848, and rebuilt within 8 years after. The
, clerk's office was removed to Utica in 1810, and the academy at
ONEIDA COUNTY.
459
office is a fireproof building, located at Utica. The poorhouse is situated upon a farm of 195 acres
about 2 mi. s. w. of Rome. It has an average of 2±2 inmates, supported at a cost of §1.00 per
week each. Separate buildings have been provided for lunatics and for a pesthouse.1
The Erie Canal extends through L'tica, Whitestown, Koine, and Verona. The Chenango Canal
extends s. from Utica, up the valley of Oriskany Creek, through New Hartford, Kirkland, Mar-
shall, and a corner of Augusta, connecting with the Susquehanna River at Binghamton. The
Black River Canal extends n. from Rome along the valleys of the Mohawk ami Lansing Kil
through Western and Boonville, connecting with Black Iviver above Lyons Falls, in Lewis co.
The Oneida bake Canal extends \v. from Rome to Wood Creek and along that stream to its mouth
The N. Y. Central It. R. extends through Utica, Whitestown, Home, and Verona. The Black River
& Utica K. R. extends from Utica n. through Marcy, Trenton, Remsen, and Steuben to Boonville.2
The Watertown <fc Rome R. 11. extends from Rome n. w. through Annsvillc and Camden. A large
number of plank roads have been built in the co. ; but they are mostly abandoned.
Four daily, 9 weekly, 1 semi-monthly, 1 quarterly, and 4 monthly newspapers are now published
in the co.3
At an early period of the English occupation of New York the colonists became acquainted with
that place was used for holding courts for many years. A new
courthouse was built at Utica in 1851-53. The first co. officers
were Jedediah Sanger, First Judge; Geo. Huntington and David
Ostroni, Judges; Jonas Piatt, Clerk; Wm. Colbrath, Sheriff;
and Arthur Breese, Surrogate.
1 An act was passed in 1859 for the sale of the poorhouse pre-
mises and the purchase of a new site.
2 This road has been partially built along Black River through
Lewis co.; but work upon it is now suspended. It was the
original design to extend the road to Clayton and Ogdensburgh.
8 The Western Centincl was commenced atWhitesboro' in Jan.
1794, by Oliver P. Eaton. He was succeeded by
Lewis, and afterward by Lewis & Webb. The paper
was continued about 6 years.
The Whitestown Gazette was commenced in June, 1796, by Wm.
McLean. In 1798 it was removed to Utica and con-
tinued as
The Wldtestown Gazette and Cato's Patrol. In 1S03 it was pur-
chased by John H. Lathrop, and was soon after merged
in
The l'tica Patriot, commenced by Asahel Seward and Ira Mer-
rill, Mr. Lathrop continuing as editor. In 1811 it
passed into the hands of Wm. II. Mayuard; and in 1S16
it was united with
The Patrol, commenced in Jan. 1815. by Seward & Williams, and
the combined paper was published as
The Patriot and Patrol, W. 11. Maynard, editor, and Seward &
Williams, publishers. In 1821 its name was changed to
The Utica Sentinel. In 1825 it was united with the Columbian
Gazette and published as
The Sentinel and Gazette. In 1828 S. D. Dakin became proprie-
tor, and in 1829 he sold to Hufus Northwav and D. S.
Porter. In 1831 Mr. Porter withdrew. In 18:34 Mr.
Northway united the Llucidator with it and changed
its name to
TJie Oneida Whig. In 1848 it was merged in the Oneida
Weekly Herald. In 1842 Mr. Northway commenced
The Utica Daily Gazette, Wm. Allen and li. U. Sherman, editors.
Erastus Clark. Wm. H. Underbill, Ezekiel Barron, Alex.
Seward, II . C. Potter, J. M. Lyon, John Arthur, N. D.
Jewell, and Ellis & Roberts were successively interested
in its publication. In Jan. 1857, it was united with
The Utica Morning Herald, anil assumed the name of the
Utica morning Herald and Gazette, and is still
published.
The Columbian Pafriolic Gazette was commenced at Rome by
Thos. Walker and Ebenezer Eaton in Aug. 1799. In
1800 Mr. Eaton retired, and in 1803 it was removed to
Utica and published as
The Columbian Gazette ; and in 1825 it was united with the
Utica Sentinel by Wm. J. Bacon and S. D. Dakin.
Tlie Elucidator was commenced in 1829 by B. B. Hotehkin. editor,
and W. Williams, publisher. It was united with the
Oneida Whig in 1834.
The Oneida Morning Herald was commenced by R. W. Boberts,
R. U. Sherman, and Geo. B. Colston, in Nov. 1847. A
weekly edition was also published, called
The Oneida Weekly Herald. In 1848 Mr. Colston withdrew, and
in 1857 the papers were united with the Utica Daily
Gazette.
Utica Christian Magazine was commenced by the Oneida Asso-
ciation and Presbytery in 1813, and was published
about 3 years.
The Club was published at Utica by Henry Goodfellow & Co.
about 3 months in 1S14.
The Civil and Religious Intelligencer was started in 1815 at
Sanget field by Jos.Tenney. In 1825 it was changed to
The Sangerfield Intelligencer, and in 1S35 it was removed to
"Franldin Village," now Fabius, Onondaga Co.
The Utica Observer was commenced by E. Dorchester in 1816.
In 1818 it was removed to Rome and its name
changed to
The Oneida Observer. In 1819 it was returned to Utica and its
original name was resumed. A. G. Danby, E. A. May-
nard, Eli Maynard, C. C. Griffith, John P. Bush, John
E. Kittle, and A. M. Beardsley were successively inte-
rested in the publication. In 1848 a daily edition was
issued, called
The TJtica Daily Observer. In 1S53 the papers united
with the Utica Democrat, and are now published by D.
C. Grove, the weekly edition as the
Observer and Democrat.
The Utica Democrat was commenced by John G. Floyd in 1836.
It was successively published by Edward Morris, Jarvis
M. Hatch, and Benjamin Welch. In 1853 D. C. Grove
became owner, and united it with the Observer.
The Utica Christian Repository, mo., was commenced by Merrill
& Hastings in 1822, Wm. Williams, publisher. About
1825 its name was changed to
The Wesli rn Recorder, a weekly religious paper, G. Tracy, pub-
lisher. It was continued several years.
The Baptist Register was commenced by Elders, Galusha &
Wiley. In 1S25 it was published under the auspices of
the Baptist denomination, Alex. Beebe, editor, and
Cephas Bennett, publisher. In 1830 it was leased to
Bennett & Bright for 5 years: and in 1835 the lease was
renewed for 7 years. In 1840 Mr. Bright withdrew. It
was successively published by Bennett, Backus £ Haw-
ley, Dolphus Bennett, A. M. beebe, and D. Bennett, and
in 1854 it was sold and united with the New York
Recorder, of the city of New York.
The Baptist Sunday-School Journal, mo., was commenced in
1828 by C. Bennett.
The Universalist, mo., was commenced at Utica by Rev. J. S.
Thompson, L. R. Smith. & G. B. Lislier in 1825. It was
removed to Philadelphia in about 1 year.
The Western Sunday Sclioot Visitant and christian Miscellany
was commenced at Utica by G. S. Wilson in 1826.
The l'tica Intelligencer was commenced by E.S.Ely in 1826.
In 1830 Joseph H. Buckingham became editor and
Joseph Colwell publisher, and in 1831 the paper was
united with
The Mechanics' Press, commenced by J. M.Ladd &. W. Schram in
1S29. The united papers were published a short time as
The l'tica Intelligencer and Mechanics' Press, by Joseph Colwell,
proprietor.
The Utica Magazine was commenced in 1827. It soon passed
into the hands of Rev. Dolphus Skinner, who issued it
semi-monthly as
The Evangelical Magazine. In 1830 he united it with the Gos-
pel Advocate of Auburn, and published it weekly as the
Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate. In 1851 it was
merged in the Christian Ambassador, since published
simultaneously in New York and Auburn.
The Gospel Messenger was commenced at Auburn by Rev. John
C. Rudd in 1827, and was removed to Utica about 1835
and published as
The Gospel Messenger and Church Record. After the death of
Mr. Kudd. Rev. Wm. A. Matson became editor. The
paper is still published as
The Gospel Messenger.
The American Citizen was published at Utica by Geo. S. Wilson
— Bennett & Bright, printers — in 1S30.
The Christian Journal was published at Utica in 1830 by E. S.
Barrows.
The Co-Opendor, semi-mo., was published at Utica in 1S32 by
(Juartus Graves, M. K. Bartlctt. editor.
The Lerer was published at Utica by Wm. S. Spear in 1S32.
The Oneida Democrat was commenced at Utica in 1833, and
continued about 2 years.
460
OXEIDA COUNTY.
the wonderful natural channel of navigation that extended through this co., and which, with a
short and easy portage, connected the Mohawk with the great lakes and the fertile regions of the
West. About the commencement of the last century, plans were proposed for improving this route
and for fortifying the most important points upon it. The portage at Rome, from the Mohawk to
Wood Creek, became a point of the first importance, and it was occupied as early as 1725 ; and a
fortification known as Fort Bull was huilt upon Wood Creek soon after. On the 27th of March,
1750, this fort was surprised by a party of French and Indians, under M. De Lery, who had pene-
trated through an interior route from La Presentation, on the St. Lawrence, by an exhausting
march of 15 days. The garrison were unprepared ; )'et they made a spirited but ineffectual, re-
sistance, and nearly every person perished. Alarm was carried to Fort Williams, on the Mohawk,
4 mi. distant, and a force was hastily sent to relieve Fort Bull, but arrived to late too render assist-
ance. The enemy, after wasting the Btores and provisions, retired with their prisoners and plunder
The Oneida Standard was commenced at Waterville in 1833.
It was subsequently removed to Dtica, and after the
discontinuance ol the Di mocrat it assumed the name of
The Standard and D Quartos Graves, publisher, lu
1835 it became obnoxious I i its enemies from its aboli-
tionism, and on the evening of Oct. 21 the office was
entered by a mob and a part of the type and furniture
wen thrown into the street.
The Friend qfMan was commenced at Utica by the N. Y. State
Anti-Slavery Society in L836, Win. Goodell. editor. In
1*41 Stanley P. Hough became editor, and in 1842
Wesley Bailey became proprietor, and united with it
the Abolitionist, of Cazenovia, and changed the name to
Th' Liberty Press. It was discontinued in ls4;>.
Th- I was c menced by Wesley Bailey in 1849.
In 185B A. K. Bailey became proprietor. In 1S5S it was
united with the Ilion Independent, the new paper
taking the name of
The Central Independent, under which title it is now
published by i>. W. Bungay k A. K. Bailey, editors.
Youth'.- M tceflany was published ut Utica by Bennett k Bright
in 1834 '
The Christian Vigilant, mo., was published at Utica by A. B.
-Ii in 18:55.
The Talisman was published at Utica by Bennett & Bright in
1835.
Motliers Monthly Journal was published at Utica by Kingsford,
Bennett k Bright in 1836.
Tht Examim r was pnblished at Utica in 1830, and
The Freeman at Dtica in 1*37. both by K. Dorchester.
Y Cenhadwr Ainericanidd, mo., f Welsh, American
M Dger,) was commenced at Utica in 1832. In
l-.;l it was removed to Steuben, and is now published
by Rev, Robert Everett.
An',- tun r was published at Utica a short time by
Wm. Goodell In 1830.
V Cjfaill i Welsh, The Friend) was removed from New
Voik by Rev. W. Rowland in 1841. In 1*44 it was re-
turned to New York. In 1*54 it was removed to Koine.
and In 1>>57 to Dtica. It is now published by Thos.
Jenkins.
<• trtii New Tori It"' 'ungtonian was published at Utica and
Rome in 1842.
The WetUyan Methodist was commenced at Utica by David
Plumb In 1841. A paper, known successively as the
lod Luminary and Ret Metb, Intelligencer and
tb ■ K.e. etteville Luminary, was united with it. and the
ed to tbe
" i-r. In 1842 it was removed to Oacenovia, and
K«m after ' Dtica, W, Bailey, publisher. In 1843 ii
merged In the True Wealeyan, of New fork City.
/'11/1/.V 1 dailj paper in 1 tics was com-
pb M. Lyon, John Arthur, C. Rdwards
1 'i Hatch, in Jan 1 ~4 j. it 1
tinned ai. 'it J mouths.
The Uliatnian •-> 1- \ 1 short time bj S.jiiir.H i -
in 1849
The Amrrlrnn .tnuriinl of Iiionitlty quarterly)
w.i- ...niiieie • I l>. I>r \ I'.ii..Iiriii in 1K43, and was
1% l»r 1 i: I.
T ■ i'. iimn was published sl Ilka I v .1. c. Donaldson
in 1848.
CyjW.; 11 Wladyn Auvricanidd
1 • Roberts in
Young 1 " I Utica by B anett,
,Vr"i Artletoinnl, \\'l-li.w. ' was com mi
at Dtica in June, 1844. In I84H it w*» removed I
!i~ htngumian Afoet was pubUibad it 1 " Baker
in 1
The Clinton flknud was noninnnnrtl by rain* & McDonald in
I84A In 1848 its name »«i changed to
The Radiator ; and in 1*40 th<- original name wan returned.
In 1860 it wis pnblished as tbe
Oneida Chief, by Ira D. Itr.wn. In ISM it passed Into the
bands of Frami- B. Mi rrllt. and in 1867 into the
b mis of John II. Osborn, who chang^ it* nam" to the
Clinton Courier, and still continues its publication.
y/i. ! '. iitral News was published at Utica by M. Baker in 1846.
Haul Gomt r, 1 Welsh. Gomerian Sun,) semi-mo., was commenced
in 1S47 and issued 1 year.
The Central City Cadet was started at Utica in 1849 by .Tames
& Howard. In 1850 it was changed to
Th'- Cadet's Banner, and was soon after discontinued.
The Eejualizer, a campaign paper, was published at Utica in
1850.
The Opal, mo., was commenced in 1851. It is edited and
printed by patients of the Lunatic Asylum.
The Arm rican /•'/■. 1 Missionary was removed from McGrawville
to Utica in 1850 or '61.
The American Baptist was commenced by the Free Mission
Soc, W. Walker, editor, in 1850. In 1856 it was re-
moved to New York City.
The Diamond, mo., a boys' paper, was published at Utiea 2
months in 1850 by A. Ii. Bailey, Fj. Wetmore, and C.
W. Butler.
The Northern Farmer, mo., was commenced at Utica
in Jan. 1S52. It is now edited by T. B. Miner.
The Rural American was commenced at Utica in Jan.
ls5G, as a semi-mo. In Jan. 1859, its publication wa»
commenced weekly. It is now edited by T. B. Miner.
Mechanics' National Reporter was published at Utica a short
time in 1S51.
The Utica Evening Telegraph was commenced by
Thos. It, McQuade, J. F. McQuade, editor, in May, 1852.
In Feb. 1S5S, the office was burned. The publication
was resumed in May, and is still continued.
The Scientific Daguerrean, mo., was commenced at Utica by D.
D. T. Davie and Guerdon Evans in Jan. 1853.
Y Givyliedydd (Welsh, The Watchman,) was commenced at
Utica by a, company. Morgan Kllis. editor, in 1S54. In
1856 it was removed to New York City and united with
Y Dryck.
The Oneida Demol:rat, semi-w., was published at Utica in 1S54
by Paul Reiser & Co.
Young Folk's Advocate, mo., was commenced at Utica
in July, 1858. It is now edited and published by T. B.
Miner.
The CivU and Religious Intelligencer was published at Sanger-
lield in 1818.
The Rome Republican was commenced by Lorin Dewey in Feb.
1VJ5. In May following. I li.nineev Beach succeeded as
publisher; and In 1830 the paper was united with the
Oneida Republican, r. nun, n. . ,1 in June. 1.828. by J. P. Yan
Si. e. The united papers were continued by Yan Sice,
under the title ol
The Republican, In 1831, E. Moon purchased and enlarged tho
paper, ami 1 banged iis name to the
Rome nUgraph. .las. N. Harris. John lioydon, II. A. Foster,
and others were Successively interested in its publica-
tion. In Is3s it passed Into the bands of B.Waldley,
« bo changed Its nun.' to the
Democrat ir Sentinel, Calvert Comstock, editor. In 1840 L. D.
Dana bees ditor; nnd in 1846 II. T. Dtley and S.W.
Morton |,un hasi-d it and changed its name to the
Home Sentinel. In Sept. 1.N40, Morton sold to A. J.
Rowley; and in 1M7 Dtley sold to A. J. Rowley A Co.,
B. Comsti ik. editor, in 1850 Rowley became sole pro-
prietor: and in Jan. 1S.J2. he sold to Flan Comstock.
Home Dally Sentinel was commenced by C. A I). Com-
stock, iii connection with the Home Sentinel, in July,
1862. In Oct 1H54, E. Wager and D. D. Itowley, the
present publishers; bonghl one-half, and in April, 1S55,
the remainder! of the establishment.
The Vernon Courier was commenced in July. 1886. In 1840 it
wis removed to Rome, and ils name changed to
The 1; .nun 11 Citizen, C. B. liny, editor, and II. N. Bill,
proprietor. J. K. Keiiv.m, J. I'. Fitch. Alfred Sanford,
Oi i, Bcott, G. H. Lynch, A. 1). Griswold, nnd A. C.
Sanford were successively interested in its publication.
In Oct. 1864, A. Sanford became sole proprietor. In
1866 the office was burned, The publication of tho
patM r was soon after roumed by Mr. Sanford, and Is
still continued by him.
ONEIDA COUNTY.
401
toward Black River. OflwegQ waa besieged by the French daring the summer, and was surren-
dered on the 14th of Aug. Alarmed at the success of the French, and greatly in fear for his
personal safety, Col. Webb, then commanding on the .Mohawk, destroyed Forts Williams and
Craven, and hastily retreated down the valley to Albany, leaving the frontiers to the mercy of
the savages ; and the sequel is written in 1.1 1 in the annals of the I |'|"'r Mohawk Yalhy .
Fort Stanwix was erected in the summer of 1758, on the site of the present village of Koine. It
was heavily armed; hut the war ended without furnishing occasion for its nse, ami upon the peace
it was allowed to fall into ruin. In June, 1770, Col. Dayton was sent by the Continental authori-
ties to rebuild this fort, which was from this time named Fort Schuyler. Col. Peter Gansevoort
was ordered hither in April, 1777, with the 3d Regiment, and while still unfinished the fort
was besieged by the tories and Indians under St. Leger. This movement formed part of a plan
of operations against the colonies which contemplated the reduction of this fort and the ultimate
meeting at Albany of the three British armies from Lake Champlain, the Mohawk, and New York.
To relieve this post, Gen. Herkimer was sent with a detachment of troops chiefly raised in "Tryon"
co. This army fell into an ambuscade at Oriskany, where the memorable battle, elsewhere
noticed, was fought on the 5th of Aug. 1777. While most of the savages were absent from their
camp, a well conducted sortie from Fort Schuyler, by a party under Colonel Willett, attacked
the camp of the enemy and took a large quantity of baggage and stores, 5 British standards, and
the papers of most of the officers. The discontent which this incident occasioned among the
Indians was increased to insubordination by the mysterious reports brought in by the emissaries
of the Americans ; and on the 22d of Aug. the siege was raised, and the enemy retreated by the
way of Oswrego to Montreal. Portions of these troops subsequently joined Gen. Burgoyne and
shared the fortunes of that officer. The fort was destroyed by fire and flood in May, 1781.
Through the influence of Rev. S. Kirkland and others, the Oneidas were induced to remain neutral
or join the American cause, and were rewarded by liberal concessions at subsequent treaties.1
Settlement had extended into the borders of the co. before the Revolution ; but every vestige of
improvement was swept away during the war. Civilization re-appeared with peace ; and before the
beginning of the present century the hardy pioneers of New England had pressed into nearly every
town. The completion of the Western Inland Navigation Co.'s improvement in 1790, and of the
Seneca turnpike and other early thoroughfares for emigration, and the construction of the Erie Canal
and the 3 lateral canals which here join it, and of the railroads which cross it, have formed marked
eras in the improvement and prosperity of the co. In wealth, population, and enterprise it now ranks
among the first cos. in the State.
ANIVSYIldLE2 — was formed from Lee, Florence, Camden, and Vienna, April 12, 1823. It lies
on the n. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is broken with ridges or swells, running
E. and w., gradually increasing in height toward the n. There appear to have been at some period
three small lakes in the town, two of which have broken through their barriers and left fine, fertile
valleys. The e. branch of Fish Creek3 forms a part of the e. boundary, and flows through the s. e
part ; and the w. branch of the same stream forms a part of the s. boundary. Several small streams
are tributaries of the e. branch, the principal of which are Furnace and Fall Creeks. On the latter
near its mouth, are three falls, of 14, 20, and GO ft. respectively. The soil is clayey in the s., and
sandy, gravelly, and stony in the other parts. Uleillliore, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 2
sawmills, 1 gristmill, and 15 houses. TilbergV (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains 2 churches, 3
The Compass was published at Verona in 1S40.
The Parlor Journal owl Literary News Letter of Central New
York, mo., was published at Rome by Graham & Co.
in 1843.
The Primitive Christian, semi-mo., was published at Rome by
R. Mattison in 1845.
The Camden Gazette was published at Camden by Munger &
Stewart in 1842.
The Spiritual Magazine, mo., was published at the Oneida Re-
serve in 1848.
The Oneida Mirror was published at Camdeu by Edward
Packard in 1849.
The Central State Journal was commenced in 1850 by L. W. P.aine,
S. S. Norton, editor. Its name was soon after changed to
The Central New York Journal, and in Jan. 1853, to
The Vernon Transcript, J. R. Howlett. proprietor. In Oct. 1855,
Niles Jewell became a partner; and in 1S56 the paper
was discontinued.
The Boovville Ledger was commenced by James II. Norton in
March, 1852. It afterward passed into the hands of
Ela Kent. In March, 1855, Mr. Kent sold to L. L.
Childs & Co., who changed its name to the
Black River Herald, unde*- which title it is now pub-
lished by L. L. Childs.
The Waterville Advertiser was commenced by R. W. IIathw.iv iu
1851.
The Empire State Health Journal was commenced at Romein 1851.
The IVatervi/le Journal was commenced in Jan. 1855, by A. I'
Fuller & Co., C. B. Wilkinson, editor. It was discon-
tinued in March. 1856.
The Waterville Times was commenced in Jan. 1857,
by McKihhin & Wilkinson, and is still published.
Y Arweinydd, semi-mo., (Welsh, The Leader,) was com-
menced at Rome in Jan. 1858, by R. R. Meredith, editor,
and Thos. T. Evans, assistant editor.
1 The Oneidas reserved a large tract of land in the treatv of
17S8, but ceded portions in 1795, 1798. 1S02, 1S05, 1807, 1809,
1810, 1811, 1815, 1817, 1824, 1S26, 1827, and 1S40, when they
finally ceded the last of their lands held in common and received
individual portions. Most of them have emigrated to Wisconsin ;
and but about 60 now live in this co. — Census of 1855, pp. 500,
503, 513.
s Named from the wife of J. W. Bloomfield. the first settler.
3 Called by the Indians Te-ge-ro-ken, "between the mouths."
A branch of the creek was called A-on-ta-gillon, " Creek at point
of rocks." In the neighborhood of Fall Creek are severaj
ravines with very picturesque scenery.
* Named from an iron-mining town in Sweden. The Oneida
462 OXEIDA COUNTY.
sawmills, 1 gristmill, a furnace, tannery, several small manufactories, and 40 houses. Bloss-
vale is a p. o. in the s. part. The first settlement was commenced in 1793,1 by John W. Bloom-
field, from X. J. The census reports 4 churches in towu.'-
Al'Gl'STA3 — was formed from "Whitestown, March 15, 1798. A part of Vernon was taken
off in 1802, and a part of Stockbridge (Madison co.) in 183(3. It lies on the w. border of the co.,
s. of the center. Its surface is a rolling upland. Two ranges of hills extend n. and s. through the
town on opposite sides of Skanandoa Creek, affording limestone of excellent quality for lime and
building purposes. Oriskany Creek flows through the extreme s. e. corner, and Skanandoa Creek
flows K. through near the center. The soil is a fertile, clayey and sandy loam. Augusta.,
(p.r.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 100 inhabitants. Knox Corners, (p. v.,)
n. w. of the center, contains a church and 2<><> Inhabitants. Oriskany Falls, (p. v.,) in the
s. e. corner, contains a church, a saw and grist mill, machine shop, distillery, and 711 inhabitants.
The first settlement was made by Gunn, in 1793.* The first religious services were held at
the house of Fairbanks, in 1794. 5
AVA6 — was formed from Boonvillo. May 12, 1846. It is the central town on the n. border of
the co. Its surface is a moderately uneven upland, 700 to 1,000 ft. above the Rome level. It is
drained by Fish Creek, the E. and w. branches of the Mohawk, Point Rock, and Blue Brooks.
Several small sulphur springs have been found in town. The soil is a gravelly loam. Ava
Corners, i Ava p. o.,) w. of the center, contains 20 houses. The first settlement was commenced
by Ebenezer Harper, in 1798.7 A Friends meeting house is the only place of worship in town.
BOOXYILLE' — was formed from Leyden, (Lewis co.,) March 28, 1805. Ava was taken
off in 1846. It lios on the x. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is a hilly, broken up-
land. 800 to 1,000 ft. above the canal at Rome. Black River flows through the n. e. part, and
Lansing Kil rises near the center and flows s. to the Mohawk. Its soil is claj^ey loam, in many
places thickly covered with boulders and often inclining to sand. Near the village are immense
deposits of drift. Its e. border extends into the great forest, and presents the meager, sandy soil
and naked rocks peculiar to that region. There is a gas spring li mi. w. of the village, and a
sulphur spring IK mi. s. The latter has acquired some local celebrity. Koonville, (p. v.,)
in the n\ w. part, was incorp. in 1855. It contains 3 churches, a printing office, several manu-
factories, and 1,000 inhabitants. It is the present n. terminus of the Black River & Utica R. R.
It is on the summit level of the Black River Canal, and has a large trade with the country n., w.,
and e. Alder Creek, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains a church and 20 houses. Forest
Port, (p. v.,) near the s. E. corner, on the line of Remsen, contains 20 houses, llawkinsville,
(p. v.,) n. w. of the center, contains a saw and grist mill, chair factory, carding mill, and 339 in-
habitante. Ilurlbutville is a p. o. The first settlement commenced in 1795.9 The first
church was formed in 1805.10
BMD€rEWATERu— was formed from Sangerfield, March 24, 1797. It is the s. e. corner
town of the <o. It- surface is uneven. The valley of the w. branch of the Cnadilla and its tribu-
taries, locally known as " Bridgewutcr Flats," in the n., is about a mi. wide, but decreases to about
- and Ir..n Manufacturing Co. l»eCan operation! here in I & The census reports 5 churches in town : 2 Cong., M. E., Bap.,
In 1M1 ■ Mast furnace wu erected. Formerly hollow and Union. ° Named from a city in liurmah.
wurn WMfXMiMi'lj mad' : I ut at present pig iron is tho chief
|.r -':
1 The flr«t settlement win mad.- at T..l» rt. Among the early
settlers wi r, Adam I*. t'.impbell, Nicholas Arm-
Mr> 'ii
' Pn md U 0.
* Thi» town i« in' laded In the s. part of the tract leased from
the on. iii. lo I'M I ilth. Th- mid to have
"years. Tne tract was divided into a allotments, the
tlr-t of which llM wh'-llv within thi. town. II,. I |M WU
a. -urn. I by the State in I "96-97, and i >l (ranted to
settlers, Smith retaining a lots in the town as pirt payment for
hi. lease. The tit»t ok tbnir lands l tenants nnder
Smith. Pari of tl. n, pnrchaaed in 1796
ami sold at auction in IT'.'T, is included in the n. part of the
town.
* Among the early settlers were Benjamin Warren. David
" • ii. John AM' ii. Icfa Joseph and Abraham
Forbes, I-aacand IW-njamin All' ri. U r, Tbos. I I
l Lemuel Hart, Jatm Trior. Thomas
I Zenhaniah and Ahner Wood settled in town about 1800.
Messrs lliirnard. fanning, Adams, Mitchell. Heck, and Tiffany
wen early settlers. Balmon Bates kept tho first inn, in 1800.
BenJ. Jones built the first sawmill, in 1801, — at which time there
were only 9 other Inhabitants in town. The road cut through
from Fort Btanwix to the French Battlement on Black River,
toward the close of the last century, led through this town: and
tracs of it may still be seen. Several tributaries of Black Hivei
tak" their rise in swamps in the N. E. part of the town.
■ Named from Qerril Boon, agent of the Holland Land Co.,
who made the tir-t settlement. In early times it was called
" I!.. m's Upper Settlement."
• Andrew Edmunds came on in 1795 as an agent of the Hoi
lnnd Land Co., with several men, liuilt a sawmill, and com.
menCed ■ gristmill, which was finished the next year. Luke
Fisher ami son. 1'hiinas. Martin, and Silas Southwell. Asahel
and Bceklel Porter, Aaron Willard, Jacob Springer, .lephtha
King, and Ilezckiah Jones came in 1796. Lemuel Bough and
Daniel Pitcher were early settlers. The first birth was that of
a daughter of Jacob Springer; and the first marriage, that of
Spalford, Esen Sexton, Ablel I.ind-v. and Francis OToole. The Henry Evans and Elizabeth Edmunds. The fiist store and inn
i irth was thai Smith Onnn; Ihs flr«t marriage, wereopenedby the agents of the company.
that of Daniel II art .in I Caihartos Putnam; and lbs hr»t ,|. k,.v Daniel smith w:lv the first minister. Then- are now 5
th.it ..f Blraior I'utnani. in l"i'5. T. Dainty huilt th- tir-t churches in town \ Presb., M. v... r.ap.. 1 nion, and B.C.
• .iwmill. iii 17'J.i, at Oriskany Falls. A gristmill was built th- U n i,iM,. of Property.'' run In accordance with a treaty of
oixt year. 171s. p.i-s,,| through thin town. — Jonaft Annals, p. 123.
ONEIDA COUNTY.
463
half that width in the s.1 The hills rise, on the B. and w . borders, 300 to 500 ft. above the valley,
their declivities !>eing often steep. The w. branch of the Dnadilla5 flows s. through the town.
The soil in the e. is a gravelly loam, and in the u. clay. Stone is quarried in the n. e. part.
IIri<l£e\vu(er, (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains 3 churches, the Bridgewater Academy, and 306
inhabitants. North Bridgewater (p. v.) contains 15 houses. Hahcock Hill (p.o.)is
a hamlet. Tlie first settlement was oommenced in 1788,8 by Joseph Farwell. Tliere are 3 churches
in town ; Cong., Bap., and I'niv.
CAMOKUT — was formed from .Mexico, (Oswego co.,) March 15, 1790. Florence was taken off
ia 1805, Vienna in ISO", and a part of Annsville in 1823. It lies upon the W. border of the CO.,
near the n. w. corner. Its surface is rolling, gradually rising toward the n., where it is broken by
hills whose summits are several hundred feet above Oneida Lake. The W. branch of Fish Creek
flows diagonally through the town toward the s. E. Mad River from the n. unites with it near
Camden Village ; and Little River, a tributary, forms part of the s. boundary. The soil is a
sandy loam, in some places gravelly and stony, but generally well adapted to grazing. Cam-
den, (p. v.,) in the e. part, was incorp. in 1834. It contains 3 churches, saw and grist mills, a
sash aud blind manufactory, pump factory, 2 tanneries, a cloth manufactory, and 802 inhabitants.
West Camden, (p. v.,) near the n. w. corner, contains 20 houses. El illslioroim h. (p. o.,)
in the s. part, is a hamlet. The first settlement commenced near the close of the last century.1
The first religious society was formed Feb. 19, 1798, by Rev. Eliphalet Steele.5 The church re-
ceived from the heirs of John Murray an endowment in lands yielding a revenue of $112.
DEERFIELD— was formed from Schuyler, (Herkimer co.,) March 15, 1798. Marcy was
taken off in 1832. It lies near the center of the e. border of the co. Its surface is mostly a high
plateau, 600 to 1,000 ft. above the Mohawk, forming the n. continuation of the Hassenclever Mts.
of Herkimer co. A broad intervale, partly overflowed in high water, extends along the Mohawk
opposite Utica ; and on the n. e. the surface descends abruptly to the creek. The Mohawk flows
along the s. w. border of the town, and West Canada Creek along the N. e. border. The soil on
the flats is a deep, rich, alluvial loam, and on the hills a slaty and gravelly loam. Deerfield"
Corners, (Deerfield p. o.,) in the s. part, contains 2 churches, 3 carriage shops, and 50 houses.
A thickly settled suburb of Utica extends toward the village. North Ga^c, (p. o.,) in the n.
part, is a hamlet. The first settlement was commenced in 1773.6 The first religious services were
held in 1798, by Rev. Eddy. There are 4 churches in town.7
FLORENCE8 — was formed from Camden, Feb. 16, 1805. A part of Annsville was tasen off
in 1823. It is the n. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is rolling, and 250 to 300 ft. above the
Rome level. Mad River flows s. e. through the town. The soil is stony and light, and is underlaid
by the Hudson River shales. A portion of the town is still covered by forests, which extend n. to
near Jefferson co. Florence, (p. v.,) n. of the center, contains 3 churches, 3 sawmills, a grist-
mill, tannery, and 40 houses. Einpey ville, in the e. part, contains a church and 20 houses.
East Florence (p. o.) and Florence Hill are hamlets. The first settlement commenced in
1801,9 by Amos AVoodworth. The first religious society (Cong.) was formed Dec. 16, 1816 ;10 Rev.
Samuel Sweezey was the first settled minister.
FEOYD11 — was formed from Steuben, March 4, 1796. It lies in the interior, e. of the center
of the co. Its surface is rolling, gradually rising to the n. border, where it attains an elevation
of 200 to 300 ft. above the valley of the Mohawk. Nine Mile Creek12 flows through a small portion
6 George G. Weaver, Capt. Mark Damoth, and Christian Real
settled at the Comers in 1773. In 1776, hearing that a band of
tones and Indians were planning a descent upon the settlement,
they retreated to Little Stone Arabia. In 17S4 they returned,
and about the same time Peter, Nicholas, and George Weaver,
Geo. Damoth, Nicholas: and Philip Harter, came in. During the
first 15 or 20 years the settlements did not extend to the n. part
of the town. The Cox and Coffin families were the first in that
part. t Bap., Calv. Meth., Union, and K. C.
8 Named from the city of Florence, in Italy.
9 The first settlement commenced under the auspices of Wm
Henderson, owner of Township i of Scriba's Patent. He gave
Amos Woodworth, John Spinning, and Turner 50 acres
each, to commence a settlement. Azariah Orton, Crawford
and his son Clark, Norman Waugh, Beuoui and Ebenezer Bar
low, Ambrose Curtis, Ephraim Wright, Joseph Olcott, aud BenJ
Young came soon after. Several of the latter settled at Florence
Hill. Nathan Thompson kept the first inn.
10 There are 5 churches in town; 2 If. E., 2 Union, and Bap
11 Named from Gen. Wm. Floyd, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, who purchased a part of Fonda's
Patent and removed to this co. in 1S03. — Junes' s Annals of Oneida
Co., pp. 155, 705.
I2 Called by the Indians Te-ya-nun-soke, " a beech tree standing."
1 The excavation which forms the valley has been filled to an
immense depth with drift; and rock cannot be found within a
great distance below the surface. Cedar swamps extend along
Beveral of the streams.
2 Called also the Ti-a-na-da-ra. — Jones's Annals, p. 122.
' Among the early settlers were Ezra Parker, Ephraim and
Nathan Waldo, Lyman, and Jesse, Joel, and Abner Ives.
Ezra Parker kept the first inn; Major Farwell built the first
sawmill ; and Thomas the first gristmill. This is the
smallest and least populous town in the co.
* Henry Williams was the first permanent settler, in 1796-97.
Jesse Curtis had previously built a sawmill; lint he did not
settle in town until some time after. Levi Matthews, Daniel
Parker, Seth and Joel Dunbar, Aaron Matthews, Samuel Wood,
Thos. Comstock, Elihu Curtis, Samuel Royce, Noah and Andrew
Tuttle, Benjamin Barnes, sr. and jr., Philip Barnes, Israel Stod-
dard, and Carrier were early settlers. The first birth was
that of Noah P. Tuttle; the first marriage, that of Elihu Curtis
and Anna Northrop ; and the first deaths were those of Mrs.
Bacon and a child, who were drowned in crossing Mad River in
a canoe. Elihu Curtis kept the first inn, in 1799; and Timothy
W. Wood the first store, about the same time.
6 There are now 5 churches in town ; M. E., Wes. Meth.,
Prot. E., Cong., and R. C.
464
OXEIDA COUNTY.
of the s. e. part. The soil is of good quality and well adapted to grain and grass. Floyd Cor-
ners (Floyd p. o.) contains a church and 20 houses. The first settlement commenced about 1790,
by Capt. Benjamin Pike.1 There are 4 churches in town ; Cong., Welsh Meth., Union,2 and R. C.
KIKKLWD3 — was formed from Paris, April 13, 1827. Marshall was taken off in 1829, a
part was annexed to New Hartford in 1834, and a part of Paris was annexed in 1839. It lies in
the interior, s. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided into two general
ridges by the valley of Oriskany Creek. The hills are 200 to 500 ft. high, and the declivities are
generally steep. Oriskany Creek flows x. B. through near the center. The soil is a rich, calcareous
Loam. Near Clinton Village are quarries of good building stone. Iron ore is found; and several
thousand tons are annually shipped by the Chenango Canal, to Constantia, Taberg, and Penn. Great,
attention is paid to fruit growing, and this town excels every other town in the co. in the amount
of fruit raised. The town derives its ^lvatest interest from its extensive educational institutions,
which entitle it to the appellation of the Literary Emporium of Oneida co. Clinton (p. v.) was
incorp. April 12, 1843. Hamilton College* is located upon a hill overlooking the Oriskany Valley.
Its buildings con^i-t of Dexter Hall, or North College ; Kirkland Hall, or Middle College ; Hamil-
ton nail, or South College ; a chapel, laboratory, and an observatory. The course of study embraces
a collegiate and a law department. A grammar school, under a separate board of trustees, is con-
nected as a preparatory department. The college libraries contain about 10,000 volumes, and the
cabinet of natural history contains about as many specimens. The village also contains 5 churches,
2 newspaper offices, the Clinton Liberal Institute,5 a grammar, a boarding, and a high school, and a
few manufactories. Pop. 1.174. 3Ianchester, (Kirkland p. o.,) a manufacturing village,6 in
the x. part, contains 30 houses. Franklin, near the center, contains the Franklin Iron Works7
and 35 houses. Clarks Mills,8 in the n. corner, is a manufacturing village, and contains a
cotton factory, grist and saw mill, and 40 houses. The first settlement commenced in 1787, by 8
families.9 Religious services were first held in the cabin of Capt. Foot.10
1 Among the early settlers wore Stephen Moulton, Wm. and
Nathaniel Alien, Junes Chase. Elisha Lake. Howard, Hope
Smith, Davi i Bryan, Samuel Denison, Jaines Bartlett, Put-
ney, Jarvyl'ike. Capt. Nathan Townsend, and Thomas Bacon —
in. -:ly from Conn. The first death was that of Foster; the
second, that of Nathan Thompson, who was killed by a falling tree.
2 The plan < f ownership of the union church is peculiar. The
•- are owned and transferred by purchase, and the owners
on tli- first Monday in each year and vote what denominar
ti<>n shall occupy the house the ensuing year.
3 Named from tie- Rev. Samuel Kirkland, an early missionary
among the Oneida Indian-, who settled in the county in 1792.
II- was the principal founder of an academy since merged in
Hamilton College. II'- died in IS'jS; and a mouunn-ut was erected
to his memory by the Northern Missionary Society.
* Hamilton ' ineida Academy was incorp. by the Regents. Jan.
.';1. 1703, in only through the exertions of the Rev. Samuel Kirk-
litil. In 1794 a commodious building was erected, the corner
of which was laid with much ceremony by Baron Steuben.
ipened the same year under the Rev. John Niles,
■-■r-i were Rev. Hubert Porter, Seth Norton, and
I:- 1 bins. The success of tliis academy was highly
friends; and the rapid development of Central
ssity of more ample facilities for
instn ttensionof its course of study. Clinton mil
.-■ competitors f..r the honors of :i <-..||. ■•_•■•.
an I • r and conditions were granted
to m of Hamilton and Clinton Colleges
■ni-.- between the friends of the rival
never organised. Clinton
w.-nt on with it- literary I employed the most active
i In the Fairflt Id cnl ilrfleld
is i bartered
iftc r. under the
'•. - ; - 1 1 -
Dwlght.il
in 1 - ,'.- ! \\ are 1 1st
i By under th-- Influence of the New
|p • '.or- h< -. From 1819
t.,1- . iwm-n the Trustees and I*r< ously
retard") the pi the Institution; and daring the tame
llnailon anions the students wai •■! frequent
|3,000
nnnually : tfe; but the pr n rut it off
from the receipt of a balance previously appropriated, and tie-
ii is not been «inre continue I. The Tru«t.'<-« many years
■ custom of ndmittnii; students unable t.. pay
tuiti I. from incautious extension, this usage 1
an n' -k«. 1 he
in tuition ln-rame only a quarter «' cre.it aj
v it« numbers an in-
■ity. It WIS fund more difnnlt I
this prat tire than it had 1 'it: and it i« 'till continued
to as great an extent as the means of the institution will Justify.
These causes have embarrassed the finances of the college; but
efforts are about being made to relieve it from debt. The sum
of SoO.000 was granted by the State, June 19. 1812, to aid in
founding the college. Wm. II. Maynard, of Utica. in 1S32 gave
$20,000 to endow a professorship of law: and S. Newton Dexter,
of Whitesboro. in 1836 gave his personal obligations for $15,000
to endow a professorship of the Greek and Latin languages. The
observatory was built in 1S54, at a cost of $5,000 besides the instru-
ments, which have cost more than twice that sum.
5 The Clinton Liberal Institute was founded in 1832; it is
under the patronage of the (Jniversalist denomination, and has
a male and a female department. The building fur the former
is of stone, 96 by 52 feet, 4 stories above the basement, and has
accommodations for 100 students. The female department is an
elegant structure, 144 by 00 ft.. 2 stories high above the base-
ment, and has an average attendance of 50 pupils. A small
monthly paper, named Hie '-Leaf Hud."' '■Summer Leaves,"
"Autumn Leaves," or ■• Wintcrgrcen." according to the season,
is published at this institution. Home Cottage Seminary is a
private institution, established in ls*>4 as a ladies' seminary, by
Mi^- I.. SI Barker. Th Ilflce le 60 by 112 ft., and cost— in-
cluding K acres ■ •! land — SJi.ooo. It lias been united with another
ladies' school under Miss A. Chipman, and la very prosperous.
An i-snr Btyled the " Home Cottage Quarterly"' is published by
the pupils. This seminar] forms the female department of the
grammar school. The Clinton High School, for males only, was
established May, 1868, by Rev, li. W. Dwighl and D. A. Holbrook.
It i- 1- it- I "ii. from the village, cost £18,000, and has accom-
modations foi K" students.
"Tie- Manchester Manufacturing Co., incorp. in IS 15. gave
employment to 100 band-, and manufactured cotton cloths to
tie- amount of $100,000 per year until Aug. 19, 1S55, when it
was bunod.
; The Franklin Iron Works manufactures 4.000 tons of pig
In n annually, from ore obtained in the inn Hate vicinity. It
gives employment to 100 men, and turns out work to the
amount of $100,000 annually.
■ Clark's Mills manufacture brown sheeting, and are furnished
with 12s bsiiiis. The proprietors also have a manufactory of
cotton cord, rope, and balling, and a gristmill and sawmill.
* Moses Foot, bis three sons Hronson. Luther, and Ira. and his
son-ln-law, Barnabas Pond, were of this number. Levi Shear-
man. Solomon llovey. Ludin Itlodget. Timothy Tuttle. Samuel
Hubbard, Randall Lewis, Cordial Btorrs, John Bullen, and Capt.
. were early settlers, Mrs. S, Hovcywas the first white
woman who moved into town. The first child born was Clinton
Po -t : tie- tir-t marriage was that of Roger Leveret and Elizabeth
Cheseborongh ; and the lir^i death was that of Mrs. Merah
Tuttl". Skenandoah, an Oneida chief, died in this town. March
1 1. 1810, agi 1 110 yean. Capt. Oasaey bniit the first gristmill,
in 1787, and a sawmill the next year. The village was early
named from Gov. Clinton; and the vicinity was known by the
Indians as Ka de-wis day.
10 There are 5 churches in town; 2 Cong., Bap., R. C, and Union.
ONEIDA COUNTY. 405
LEE1 — was formed from Western, April 3, 1811. A pari of Annsvillc was taken off in 1823.
It lies in the interior, n. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling or moderately hilly, gradu-
ally rising from the lowlands in the s. to an elevation of 501) to 800 ft. above the canal at Koine.
The w. branch of the Mohawk Hows through tlic n. e. OOrner, and Fish ('reck forms a part of the
W. boundary. The soil is a, clayey, sandy, and gravelly loam, and in some localities very stony.
Lee Center (p. v.) contains a church, saw and grist mill, tannery, and 40 houses. Lee, (p.V.,)
in tho s. w. corner, contains a church and 20 houses. I>elta, (p.V.,) in the s.e. corner, on tho
line of Western, contains a foundery, tannery, and 228 inhabitants. West Ilranch, (p. v.,)
in the N. E. corner, contains a saw and grist mill and 20 houses. Stokes'- (p. o.) is a hamlet. The
first settlement commenced in 1790, at Delta, by Stephen and Reuben Sheldon.3 The first reli-
gious society (Cong.) was formed in 1797, under Rev. James South worth.4
M.4RC16- was formed from Deerfield, March 30, 1832. It lies on the n. bank of the Mo-
hawk, e. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling ; a wide intervale borders upon the river,
from which rises an irregular table-land 300 to 500 ft. above the valley. Nine Mile Creek flows
through the w. corner. The soil on the upland is a rich, sandy and gravelly loam, and on the
flats an alluvial deposit, which is annually increased by the spring floods. Stittsville, (p. v.,)
on the line of Trenton, contains a church, saw and grist mill, cotton factory, and 40 houses.
Marcy is a p. o. The first settlement commenced in 1793,6 by John Wilson. The census re-
ports 0 churches in town.7
MARSHALL— was formed from Kirkland, Feb. 21, 1829. It lies in the s. part of the co.,
the s. w. corner bordering on Madison co. The surface is a hilly upland, the hills rising 200 to 300
ft. above the valleys. Oriskauy Creek flows n. e. through the w. part. The soil is a fertile, sandy
loam. Weansville,8 (p. v.,) on the n. border, contains 2 churches, an academy, and 185 in-
habitants. Hanover, (Marshall p. o.,) near the center, contains a church and 15 houses.
Forge Hollow contains a church, a forge, and 35 houses. The first white settlement was com-
menced in 1793,9 by David Barton. The first church (Cong.) was formed in 1797. 10
NEW HARTFORD— was formed from Whitestown, April 12, 1827. A part of Kirkland
was annexed in 1834. It lies upon the e. border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface is level
or gently undulating, except in the extreme e. part, where is alow range of hills. Sauquoit Creek
flows n. through near the center. The soil is a rich, calcareous loam. New Hartford (p. v.)
contains 4 churches, 2 cotton factories, a batting factory,11 a flouring mill, tannery, and 892 in-
habitants. Washington Mills (p. v.) contains the Washington Steam Mills, Oneida Woolen
Mills, and 50 houses. New York Upper Mills, (New York Mills p.o.,) on the n. border,
contains a church, a cotton factory, dye house, steam mills, and 40 houses. Willow Vale, in
the s. part, contains a factory for making cotton machinery,12 a foundery, and 40 houses. The first
settlement was commenced by Jedediah Sanger, in 1788.13 The first church (Presb.) was formed
in 1791, by Rev. Jonathan Edwards ; and the first settled minister was Rev. Danl. Bradley. The
census reports 6 churches in town.14
PARIS15 — was formed from Whitestown, April 10, 1792. Brookfield, Hamilton, and a part of
1 Named from Leo, Mass., whence some of the early settlers
came.
2 Sometimes called " Nisbets Corners, " and " Lee corners. "
8 Among the early settlers were David Smith, John and Benj.
Spinning, Stephen and Nicholas Salisbury, Nathan Barlow,
Wm. Taft, Dan. and Seth Miller, Frederic Sprague, Hall,
Jas. Young, Chas. Clifford, Elisha Parke, and Potter. The
first birth was that of Fenner Sheldon, in 1791 ; the first mar-
riage, that of Dan. Miller and Amy Taft ; the first death, that
of Job Kaird, in 1798. David Smith built the first sawmill, at
Delta, and Gen. Floyd the first gristmill, in 1796.
* There are 4 churches in town; 2 M. E., Friends, and Union.
5 Named from William L. Marcy, since Governor of tho State.
8 James, Thos., Isaac, and Jacob Wilson and Tull wero
early settlers. The first death was that of John Wilson, in the
fill of 1793. Camp kept the first inn, about 1810; and
John F. Allen built the first mill, about 1S25.
' 2 Cong.. 2 Bap., M. E., and Calv. Meth.
8 Named from Thos. Dean, long an agent of the Brothertown
Indians.
9 The Brothertown Indians were settled previous to the
Revolution on a reservation in this town and Kirkland given
thetn by the Oneidas. They wero remnants of New England,
Hudson Kiver, and Long Island Indians, who were collected
toward the close of the Colonial period, and numbered, when
the arts of civilized life. They were mostly scattered during
the war, but afterward returned, and many of them became
thrifty farmers; but tho greater part acquired the vices of tho
whites, and a part of them sold out and went to Green Bay. In
1850 tho last of tho tribe bade adieu to their homes and moved
West. Among the early white settlers were Warren Williams,
Hezekiah Eastman, Capt. Simeon Hubbard, and Levi Baker.
The first birth was that of Col. Lester Baker.
1(1 It was called the Hanover Society; and their edifice, after
standing 40 years, was rebuilt in 1841. There are now 4
churches in town ; 2 Cong.. M. E., and Univ.
" The "Utica Cotton Mills" have a capital of $100,000, nan
8.000 spindles and 150 looms and employ 190 hands, and turn
out 1.800,000 yds. of cloth annually. They have a dry house,
machine shop, and gas works.
12 This establishment has a capital invested of $40,000, and
employs 80 hands.
13 Among the early settlers were Asahel Beach, Amos Tves,
Solomon Blodget, Salmon Butler, Joel Blair. Agift Hill,
Wyman. Stephen Bushnell, Oliver Collins, Joseph Jennings,
Joseph Higles, Nathan Seward, John French, Kellogg,
Risley Olmstead, Seymour, Butler, Hurlbut,
Kilborn, and Montague. Jedediah Sanger built the
first mill.
u Presb., M. E., Prot. E., Bap., Union, and Friends.
first removed hither, about 400 souls. Coming from many dif- 15 Named by the inhabitants in acknowledgment of the kind-
ferent stocks, they adopted the English language and some of I ness of Isaac Paris, a merchant of Fort Plain, who, in the year
30
466 ONEIDA COUNTY.
Cazenovia. (Madison co..) Sherburne, (Chenango co.,) and Sangerfield, were taken off in 1795, and
Kirkland in 1827. A part of Kirkland was annexed in 1839. It lies on the e. border, near the
s. e. corner of the eo. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the valley of Sauquoit Creek. The
hills bordering the valley are 200 to 400 ft. high, and their declivities are generally steep. Sau-
quoit Creek flows x. through the town, e. of the center. The soil is a sandy, calcareous loam.
East Sauquoit and "West Sauquoit, (Sauquoit p. o.,) contiguous villages on opposite sides
of Sauquoit Creek, contain 2 churches, extensive cotton factories,1 2 paper mills in the immediate
vicinity. - 2 sawmills, a gristmill, a tannery, and tVXl inhabitants. Clayville, (p. V.,) near the
center, contains a church, 2 furnaces, an agricultural implement manufactory,3 extensive woolen
mills,* and 817 inhabitants. Cassville. (p. v.,) near the s. border, contains a church, gristmill,
tub factory, and 40 houses; Paris Hill, (Paris p. o.,) in the w. part, a church and 30 houses;
Holllian City, in the e. part, a furnace, a whimetree iron manufactory, and 12 houses. The
first settlement commenced in 1789.5 The first church (Cong.) was formed in 1791, by Rev. Jona-
than Edwards; Rev. Eliphalet Steele was the first pastor. There are now 8 churches in town.6
RE3ISEV — was formed from Norway, (Herkimer co.,) March 15, 1798. A part of Steuben
was annexed in 1809. It is the >\ e. corner town of the co. Its surface is an elevated upland,
broken by hills and ridges and with a mean elevation of 1,200 to 2,000 ft. above tide. Black River
and its tributaries drain the central and x. parts ; and West Canada Creek forms a small part of
the s. E. boundary. Otter, Long, and White Lakes are in the x. part. The soil is generally a light,
sandy loam. A large part of the town is still covered by the primitive forests forming a portion
of the great Northern Wilderness. Remsen, (p. v.,) a station on the B. R. & U. R. R., in the
s. w. corner, contains a church, furnace, steam mill, and 510 inhabitants. Forest Port, (p. v.,)
on the line of Boonville, contains 20 houses. Port Woodliull is a hamlet. The first settle-
ment commenced in 1792, by Barnabas Mitchell.8 There are 12 churches in town.9
ROME — was formed from Steuben, March 4, 1796. It lies upon the Mohawk, a little w. of the
center of the co. Its surface is level, and some portion of the w. part is low and marshy. The
M bawk flows s. e. through the e. part, and Wood Creek flows w. through the x. w. part.10 Fish Creek
forms the x. w. boundary. The soil is generally a highly productive, gravelly loam. Rome,
(p. v.,) upon the Mohawk, s. e. of the center of the town, was incorp. March 26, 1819. It is a half-
shire of the co., and it contains the co. buildings, 12 churches, 4 banks, 2 newspaper offices, the
Rome Academy, and several manufactories.11 It is the s. terminus of the W. R. & C. Y. R. R. and
of the Black River Canal, and is an important station upon the Central R. R. and the Erie Canal.
P( ip. 7,083. West Rome is a thickly settled suburb just w. of the limits of Rome. Stan wix,
(p. v.,) a canal village, contains about 15 houses. Greens Corners is a station on the Central
R. R.. near the s. w. corner. Ridge Mills, near the center, contains 15 dwellings; and North.
Rome is a hamlet. The first settlement was made at the " Carrying Place," before the 12French
. 1780, RtppUl I them with Virginia corn on a liberal
: Dually accepted payment In such produce as they
supply.
i Tii- "Quaker Wi len Fact ry," established in lsie. In
1927 :* ■ mmeno 1 the manufacture of cotton, and now em-
nm' 110 looms, and can make 8JW0 yards per
hare another mill, tint employe 60 bands
and r ins.
* Theso mill* employ 80 hands, and make about 1J tons of
printing jn;
* Th<> riiirmf I • : J},.-
• :il-'llt
• • , 1 ,i rka, and
uw extensively manufactured.
(The woolen mill- Th-y manufacture
broadcloths snd Hani
Tli- first SStUeiB \ ni .ng the
-ir! '• nj'n Ban »on Benjamin, John
Iln phan Bai n Adam*. Abie! Simmons,
phi' !m and - i Shepard,
Kirkland Griffin, nr n Merrill. The fir-t death was
■ in. in 1700. n kept the first inn,
anl James Orton Itu m 1HQ2.
I 2 M. K... 2 I'r •
" Named from Tl-nnr R«ro«en. 1 ' P.-m»enburgh.
TJntOWnembl mwnbtirith Patent, and p- rri
Eton's Woodhnll t«.
* Anv. ii-.' tli- - ''hi Rock-
the State: and. including their children of American birth, the
Welsh Dumber more than half the population. The first birth
that Of Polly Mitchell; and the first death, that of Capt.
Peck. Broughton White kept the first store, in 1803.
»5 Cnlv. ifeth., 8 Cong., 2 M. E, and 2 Bap.
W Bet wren the Mohawk an <1 Wood Creek was n portage of abotit
1 mi. in length over level ground. Early in the last century
propositions were made to bnild a road across this point; and in
1708 thi Western Inland Navigation Co. constructed a canal
n the two streams, and the route speedily became the
thoroughfare Of travel. This canal was most of the way
-•ii the lii f the present Brie Canal, through tho village. The
Indians called the place De-o-wain-sta, "a carrying place for
W< 1 Creek was called Ka-ne-go-dick. The old canal
I under the superintendence of Peter Colt.
U Tli- principal manufactories are a plow factory, foundery,
planing mill, several sawmills, and tho repair shops of the W. It.
■t C. V. It. R.
12 The first settlers came in at an early period, but their names
aro unknown. John Hoof and Brodock were engaged in
the Carrying trade at thi* plane in 1700. The former was first
and inn keeper, Jededlah Phelps, John Barnard. (i'-orgo
and Henry Huntington, Joshua Hathaway, Dr. Stephen White,
ell Fellows, Matthew Brown, sen. and jun., Seth Hanney,
T":ivi<! Brown, Ebenezer, Daniel W., and Thomas Wright. Thomas
Seidell, S<.1-. ne >n and John Williams. Peter Colt, Wm. Oolbrath,
Abijah and Clark Putnam, Caleb Reynolds, Rufus Easton, Thos.
Gilbert. Moses Fish. Stephen Lampman, Jeremiah Steves, and
wood, 1; 1 I John Nlles were early settlers. — Jones's Annals, p. 872, The first
-. David Mound. John <i.i«. Griffith 1 •> Owens, birth was in the family of John Roof, Aug. 28, 1709. The first
an 1 Hugh Hugh) *. Welsh una mill was erected In 175S, and the first gristmill in 1795. A
1 by a large , their countrymen. This State Arsenal was erected here in 1808, on the present site of St.
town contains more natives of Wales than any rt Church. Tho V. S. erected an arsenal and workshop a
ONEIDA COUNTY.
40
>i
War of 1755. The subsequent history of the place is full of incident* of general interest.' The
first church (Cong.) was formed Sept. 5, 1800.'-
SANGERFIEED3— was formed from Paris, March 5, 1705. Bridgewater Was taken off in
1707. It was transferred from Chenango to Oneida co. April 4, 1804. It is the w. town On the
s. line of the co. Its surface is a moderately hilly upland, 700 to 800ft. above the Mohawk at
Utica. The streams are small, and flow n. to the Mohawk and s. to Chenango River. The soil
in the valleys is a rich alluvium, and on the hills a gravelly loam. Waterville,4 (p. v.,) near
the N. border, contains 4 churches, a bank, an academy, a newspaper office, a saw and grist mill,
distillery, and 1,100 inhabitants. Sangerlield Center (Sangerfield p. o.) contains a church
and 30 houses ; and Stockwell Settlement, in the s. part, about 20 houses. The first settle-
ment was commenced by Zerah Phelps, from Mass., in 1701.5 There are now 7 churches in town.6
STEUBEN7 was formed from Whitestown, April 10, 1792. A part of Mexico (Oswego co.)
was annexed, and Floyd and Rome were taken off, in 1796 ; and Leyden (Lewis co.) and Western
in 1797. Parts of Steuben's Tract in Western and Remsen were annexed in 1803 ; and a part was
annexed to Remsen in 1800. It lies in the interior, n. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a
hilly, broken upland, rising 800 to 1,200 feet above the Mohawk.8 The streams are small. Cincin-
nati Creek rises in the interior, and forms part of the e. boundary. The soil is a gravelly loam ;
and boulders are numerous. Quarries are worked, from which a good quality of building stone is
obtained. Steuben Corners (Steuben p. o.) is a hamlet, in the s. part. Steuben Station,
on the B. R. & U. R. R., is on the line of Boonville. The first settlement was commenced in
1789,9 under Baron Steuben. The census reports 7 churches in town.10
TRENTON — was formed from Schuyler, (Herkimer co.,) March 24, 1797. It lies upon the w.
bank of West Canada Creek, near the center of the e. border of the co. The surface rises from the
creek to the height of 400 to 600 feet ; and from the summits it spreads out into an upland broken
by ridges of drift. Cincinnati Creek flows through the n. part, and Nine Mile Creek through the
s. part. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam, best adapted to grazing. The celebrated Trenton
Falls, upon West Canada Creek, are within the limits of this town.11 Trenton,12 (p. v.,) upon
Cincinnati Creek, at the mouth of Steuben Creek, contains 3 churches and 50 houses. Trenton
Falls, (p. v.,) a short distance below the Falls, contains a church, gristmill, sawmill, and 20
houses. SoutU Trenton, (p. v.,) upon the old Utica turnpike, contains 2 churches and 30
houses. Holland Patent,13 (p. v.,) in the w. part of the town, is a station upon the B. R. &
little w. of the village, in 1813, under the direction of Maj< >r
James Dalliha. It is still owned by the General Government,
but is not in use. In 1784, Gen. AVashington came thus far on a
tonr of business and pleasure. He, in company with Geo. Clinton,
owned a tract of land in this co. of about 2,000 acres, comprising
a part of Coxborough and Carolina Townships in the town of
Westmoreland.
1 Fort Williams, on tho Mohawk, and Fort Bull, on Wood
Creek, were built on the line between Albany and Oswego
about 1725. Fort Bull was surprised by M. Do Lery and a party
of French and Indians, numbering 362 men, March 27, 1750.
The English lost tho fort and all the stores which it contained,
and 90 men. Forts Williams and Craven, located on the Mo-
hawk, just below Rome, were destroyed by Gen. Webb in 1750,
after the reduction of Oswego by the French. Fort Stanwix
was begun July 23, 1758, by Brigadier Gen. John ? tanwix, of
the royal army. It was a square work, with bastions at the
corners, and stood a few rods s. of the present park in the village.
It was of earth and timber, surrounded by a ditch and mounted
with heavy cannon. In June, 1776, Col. Dayton took possession
of it and named it Fort Schuyler. It was besieged in 1777 by
St. Leger. Within the last few years the ground upon which the
fort stood has been leveled ; and not a vestige of it now remain-!.
Fort Newport was a small square fort on Wood Creek, built in
the French War. An octagonal blockhouse was built about
1795. during tho alarm from Western Indian wars.
2 The census reports 17 churches ; 5 Calv. Meth., 2 Bap., 2 M. E.,
2 Presb., 2 R. C, Ev. Luth., Germ. Meth., Trot. E., and 1'niv.
8 Named from Jedediah Sanger tho pioneer of New Hartford,
who gave 50 acres of land to the first church. This town is No.
20 of the Chenango 20 Townships, and. together with No. 18 and
part of 19, was purchased in 1790-91 by Michael Myers, J. Sanger,
and John J. Morgan, for 3 shillings and 3 shillings 3 pence per
acre. Much of it was settled under perpetual leases.
4 Called by the Indians Ska-na-wis* " Large Swamp."
6 Hale and wife, and Nathan Gurney, came in in 1792;
and Benj. White, Phineas Owen, Sylvanus Dyer, Asahel Bellows,
Nathaniel Ford, Henry Knowlton. Jonathan Stratton, Clark,
Col. David Norton, and about 30 others, in 1794. The first birth
was that of a daughter of Z. Phelps, in 1792; the first marriage,
that of Sylvanus Dyer and Hannah Norton; and the first death,
that of Sybil Knowlton. Polly Dyer taught the first school;
and Justus and Ebenezer Hale kept the first inn and store. The
first store in Waterville was kept by Sylvanus Dyer, in 1799.
6 2 Cong., M. E., Prot. E., Presb., Bap., and R. C.
7 Named from Baron Steuben. In May. 1786. the Legislature
granted him 10,000 acres in this town. He settled soon after,
built a log house, and collected a colony of tenants, but did not
live to see his contemplated improvements carried out. He was
struck by paralysis Nov. 25. 1799, and died 3 days after. He
was wrapped in his cloak and laid in the earth with his star of
knighthood upon his breast. Shortly before La Fayette's visit in
1826, his remains were taken up and re-interred under a tablet
upon raised masonry. His property was mostly bequeathed to
Win. North and Benj. Walker, his aids. His library was given
to a young man named Mulligan. Col. Walker gave a Welsh
Bap. Society a lease of 50 acres of land. 5 of which was woodland,
around the grave, with no other rent than the obligation to
keep this woodland fenced and the range of animals prevented
therein. This condition is carefully observed.
8 Starrs Hill is the highest point in the co. On a clear day,
Lake Ontario, parts of 7 counties, and the buildings of Hamilton
College can be seen from its summit.
9 Samuel Sizer. Capt. Simeon Fuller, and David Starr were
early settlers. The first birth was that of Stephen Brooks, jr. ;
and the first marriage, that of William Case and Piatt. The
town wns extensively settled by Welsh immigrants. A religious
magazine, (Welsh,) " Y Cenhadwr Amerieanidd," is published
in town. 10 2 M. E„ 2 Cong.. 2 Bap., and Calv. Meth.
11 This favorite place of resort was first brought to public
notice by John Sherman, proprietor of the first public hotel for
visitors, erected in 1822. The falls are less interesting from the
volume of water and height of fall than for the peculiar mild-
ness of the surrounding scenery. The ravine through which
the stream flows is worn through the Trenton limestone to the
depth of 70 to 200 ft. The sides are nearly perpendicular: and
the water descends by 5 distinct cascades a total depth of 200 ft.
in the space of half a mile. The Indian names Ka-na-ta. •• dark
brown water," and Kuy-a-ho-ra, "slanting water," have been
applied to this place. Trenton Village was called One-ti-a -dah-
qne, •' in the bone."
12 Incorp. April 19, 1819; as " OldenhorneveUt," and changed
April 26, 1833, to its present name. Its first name was given
by Boon, in memory of a Dutch patriot and statesman who per-
ished on the scaffold in 1619. aged 82. — Jones's OnricUi. p. 449.
13 Named from Henry, Lord Holland, patentee of 20,000 acres,
principally in this town. He sold to Seth and Horace Johnson
and Andrew Cragie.
+:?
ONEIDA COUXTY.
U. R. R. It contains 6 churches, the Holland Patent Academy, and 353 inhabitants. Pros-
pect, (p. t.,) on West Canada Creek, above the Falls, contains 2 churches, Prospect Academy, an
extensive sawmill, a tannery, and 60 houses. Stittsville, (p. v.,) on the line of Marcy, in the s. w.
corner of the town, contains a church, cotton factory, sawmill, tannery, and about 40 houses. It is
:i"n upon the B. R. & U. R. R. Settlement was commenced in 1793, by Gerrit Boon, from
Holland.1 The first church (Presb.) was formed soon after ; Rev. Fish was the first pastor.2
UTICA3— was incorp. as a village April 3, 1798. It was
formed as a town, from "Whitestown, April 7, 1817, and was
incorp. as a city Feb. 13, 1832. It lies upon the s. bank of the
Mohawk, on the e. border of the co. A wide intervale extends
along the river ; and from it the surface rises in gradual slopes
tuward the s. w. It lies upon the Erie Canal, and is the n.
terminus of the Chenango Canal. It is an important station
upon the X. Y. C. R. R., and the s. terminus of the B. R. & U. R. R.
It is the center of one of the best agricultural sections of the
State ; and its trade is extensive. It is largely engaged in manu-
factures, among which are cotton and woolen goods, millstones,
screws, musical instruments, telegraphic apparatus, and a great
variety of other articles.4
The City Hall is a fine, large, brick building on Genesee St., s. of the canal. It contains a large
public hall, common council room, and rooms for the several city officers.
The Public Schools are under the charge of a Superintendent and Board of Education. They
graded, and include all departments from the primary to a thorough academic course. They
employ 45 teachers, — 6 males and 39 females. The whole number of children between the ages
of 4 and 21 is 8,000, of which 3,226, or 40 per cent., attend school during some portion of the
year. The total expenses of the schools for 1858 were $15,546.82. The number of volumes in
the district libraries is 3,018.
The Utica Academy, long an independent school, now constitutes the High School of the public
school system of the city.
The Utica Female Academy is a flourishing institution, situated between "Washington St. and
. Iway, near Genesee St. It was founded in 1837, and its property is valued at §25,000.
The Academy of the Assumption is under the care of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
The State Lunatic Asylum is located upon a large lot on an eminence near the w. line of the
city. It receives insane persons subject to co. charge, where there is a reasonable prospect of
relief, and such others as its accommodations will admit. Until recently it has received insane
icte; but this class will hereafter be sent to the asylum built for that purpose at Auburn.
average number of inmates during the last 16 years has been 381 annually.5
l R"n wa* an enterprising pioneer and agent of the Holland
Land C"mp«ny. the Mine ti> it purchased in western New Y"rk.
■. 1 Bnsti,he pur :
.•t for ih-it cmpai. f Outhoudf - Patent
1,200 of Machin'a Patent, and 23,609
m l. lying m istry In toil :
wmm ntadii 1768 1 Pel r Scrrl and 24 others for tb< benefit
reyi I by 1 1 «•- trustees
my in ] JOl. Among tli"
pa, I»r. Kr. A. Vender-
lyler,
•■ Win. Boll
11 ;.- torni I t ■
• bild l-.rn
■
<; and tbc nr«t death, thai of Hi
. 2 l'r<-ib.,
-
I nun-
da-ga-ges, "around th<- lull." le. built in
iitn ■ «. WM r Ml i, it was oal : i-gue,
i The 1 " ve rmploynv nt to 120 bands, and produce
innually.
T . " -luce
• i cloth daily.
.WIU nmploy 1*) ba-d'. and a
lbs ■ ■ It-
i II
- 50 hands, and
turns out ■ mnoally.
The Utica Millstone Manufactory and Plaster Mills give em-
ployment to 50 men, and turn out $00,000 worth of products
annually.
I be <ity also contains extensive manufactories of starch,
Door, Clothing, organs, pianos, castiugs, machinery, stone ware,
tip' brick, rirp't^. nilcdnihs. bather, lumber, boor, and cigars.
1 An asylum el" thii kind wiii recommended by the- Governor
in L880, and was annually urged by Its friends, until an act was
pit-vd. Mnnh 1 pointing 3 commissioners to purchase
a eit«- : ling $10,000 in value, and to contract for build-
v Dayl n. C. MeVean, and B, Withers wore appointed;
and in 1837 B I U m nf 120 acres was bought at the joint expense
..I tin- Stab.' and the citizens of Utica. (.^'..UuO of £10.31111. i and
in that yi ir Wm. Clarke, Francis E. Spinner, and Kliim Lynda
were appointed commissioners to erect buildings. The Drst
plan (prepared by Clarke) embraced 4 buildings, each 650 feet
lacing outward, connected by open verandas, and in-
. :i ..nit ..f about 13 acres. The main building was
! and the foundations were laid, when the plan was re-
duced and attention given to finishing the main building.
■ of April 7. 1842, the asylum was put in charge of 9
. i r*. appointed for a term of 8 yean each by the io.v.
and Senate, B majority of whom must reside within 5 mi. of
the asylum. Dr. Aim.h i..h Brigham was chosi n E up i int. n.leut,
and upon his death (Sept 8, 1840) Mr. Nathan D. Benedict suc-
'I hi present Superintendent is Dr. John P. Cray, who
; olnted in 1853.
Tli- building was partially destroyed by a fire set by one of
lb.- inmates July 14, 1857. The walls remained standing, and
the premise! have been refitted without interruption of opera-
mi with irnprovemcnis far exceeding in safety and con-
■ than that were destroyed. The sum of $08,742 was
granted hi 1*>5S to rebuild the premises ; and the labor i* now
ONEIDA COUNTY.
469
Besides the foregoing institutions, there are in the city 10 private schools, 5 banks, and 24
churches.1
The site of the city is included in the colonial grant of 1734, styled Cosby's Manor. Settle-
ment began soon after the Revolution; and in 1787 there were 3 log huts at this place.2 The
construction of the Seneca Turnpike and of a bridge gave the first impulse to its growth; and
the Erie Canal in a few years doubled its business and population. Although the city has ex-
perienced disasters, its general growth in wealth and numbers has been steadily forward, and its
jjou^raphical position, lines of communication, and natural advantages are guarantees of its
future increase.8
VERIVOJV — was formed from Westmoreland and Augusta, Feb. 17, 1K02. A part of Stock-
bridge (Madison co.) was taken off in 183G. It lies on the w. border of the co., s. of the center.'1
Its surface is rolling, the mean elevation being about 200 ft. above the Mohawk. The principal
streams are Oneida Creek, forming the w. boundary, and Skanandoa Creek,5 flowing through the
E. part. The soil is a fine quality of gravelly and clay loam, underlaid by limestone, watcrlime,
and gypsum. Very few towns in the State surpass this in all the elements of fertility. A
mineral spring is found a mi. N. w. of Vernon Center. Version, (p. v.,) upon Skanandoa
Creek, n. of the center, was incorp. April 6, 1827. It contains 2 churches, the Vernon Academy,
a private seminary, bank, newspaper office, and tannery. Pop. 330. Vernon Center (p. v.)
contains 2 churches and 30 dwellings. Oneida Castle, (p. v.,) on the w. line, contains a
church, academy, and 337 inhabitants, of whom 275 are in this town. Turkey Street is a
nearly completed. Tho buiMings are well supplied with water
and gas, and have ample fixtures for the extinguishment of
fires in future, including steam force pumps, ample reservoirs
of water, and pipes for tilling the attic and upper rooms with
Bteain. The asylum has shops and gardens for the employment
of such as prefer it, and various amusements, — fairs, festivals,
musical and theatrical entertainments, books, pictures, inno-
cent games, and such other modes of occupation as are found
to exert a salutary influence upon the "mind diseased." The
Opal, a monthly magazine, is edited and printed at the asylum
by Its inmates; and the American Journal of Insanity, a quar-
terly journal, is conducted by its officers. The aggregate sta-
tistics of the asylum from Jan. 10, 1843, to Dec. 1, 1858, have
been as follows : —
Percentage
Percentage
Yrs.
» t.
"B
■s
v
<
of Recov's.
op Deaths.
•ts
to'd
«-^ to
If
to
2 £
1 -5
33
s
tolS
s>-s
§ c
S?o
b i
^1
o
■a
3
fe: g
c s
ote;
a &
1843
1(19
276
53
7
267
48.62
19.20
2.53
6.44
1844
236
275
132
16
471
55.93
48.80
3.39
6.78
1845
265
293
135
21
553
50.94
46.07
3.79
7.92
1846
283
237
133
22
622
46.99
39.46
3.53
7.77
1S47
415
428
187
48
802
45.06
43.69
5.98
11.56
1848
474
405
174
86
877
36.70
42.96
9.S0
18.14
1849
454
362
203
69
857
44.71
56.07
8.05
15.19
1850
4:;:;
367
171
51
816
39.49
46.59
6.25
11.77
1861
440
366
112
48
795
23.45
30.60
6.03
10.91
1852
441
390
156
39
S25
35.37
40.00
4.72
8.84
1853
423
424
169
39
849
39.95
39.85
4.59
9.22
1854
444
390
164
65
836
37.16
42.05
7.75
14.63
1S55
467
275
128
32
72:.
27.40
46.54
4.41
6.85
1856
454
242
100
30
697
22.21
41.73
4.30
6.61
1857
463
235
95
32
696
20.52
40.42
4.59
6.S8
1858
489
333
114
31
787
23.31
34.23
3.95
6.33
Of the 5,516 patients received up to Dec. 1, 1858, 4,896 were dis-
charged, of whom 2,226 recovered, 801 were improved, and 1,194
Were unimproved: 636 had dii'd, and 39 were not insane. Great
success attends the treatment inmost cases when received at an
early stage ; but when the disease has continued a year or more
the chances of recovery rapidly diminish, ami in a few years cease
altogether. The asylum is not designed as a hospital for in-
curables; and when the prospects of recovery or improvement
cease, it is its general customs to return patients to their friends
or to local institutions of support.
Of those admitted in the year ending Nov. 30, 1858, 172 were
males and 161 females; 23 were between lo and 20; 91 between
20 and 30; 108 between 30 and 40: 62 between 40 and 60; 36
between 50 and 60: and 11 between 60 and 70. 98 males and
87 females were married: 76 males and 64 females were single;
6 were widowers and 10 widows; 17 had received academic and
239 a common school education: 43 could only read and write;
12 could read but not write: and 11 were entirely without edu-
cation. 296 had laborious, and 25 professional and literary, em-
ployments; 8 were in trade, and 4 had no occupation. 210
were natives of New York ; 44 of Ireland ; 19 of Eng. ; 16 of Ger-
many; 6 of Conn.; 4 each of Canada, Scotland, France, Penn.,
Vt., and Mass. ; 3 each of N. H. and Wales ; 2 each of Maine
and Switzerland; and 1 each of R. I., Ohio, 111., and Sweden.
The principal causes were, so far as ascertained, ill health, 48 ;
hereditary, 28 ; predisposed, 22 ; intemperance and vice, 20 ; re-
ligious excitement, 19 ; excessive labor and anxiety, 17 ; vicious
indulgences and domestic trouble, each 15; business perplexi-
ties, 12; menstrual irregularities, 11; and puerperal fever, and
excessive labor and exposure, each 10.
1 4 Bap., 3 M. E., 3 Prot. E., 3 R. C, 2 Presb., Evang.. Ev.
Luth., Jewish, Calv. Meth., Rof. Prot. D., Germ. Meth., Wes.
Meth., O. S. Bap., and Univ.
2 Fort Schuyler at this place was built in 175S, and named
from Col. Peter, an uncle of Gen. Philip Schuyler. It was a
stockaded work, and stood between Main and Mohawk Streets
below Second Street. A blockhouse was built before the
close of tho Revolution on the site of the present depot.
Among the early settlers were Uriah Alverson. Philip Morey,
Francis Foster. Stephen Potter, Joseph Ballon. Jason Parker,
John Cunningham, Jacob Chrestman, and Matthew Hubbell.
The first store and inn were kept by John Post, in 1790, on the
N. corner of Genesee and Whitesboro' Streets. Post had been a
dealer among the Indians, and purchased large quantities of
ginseng. Some years after, he run 3 "stage boats'' for passen-
gers to Schenectady. In 1S04, Parker & Stephens received a
grant of the sole right of running a stage to Canandaigna
twice every week between May and October. Mails were ex-
tended from Canajoharie to this place in 1793, the inhabitants
along the route paying the expense. Bryan Johnson, iu 1797,
commenced purchasing produce for cash, and began a business
that had been mostly monopolized by the Kanes of Canajoharie.
Tho latter soon removed to Utica; and the spirited rivalry of
these men, and others who soon joined in it, gave a wide repu-
tation to the place as a market town. John C. Devereux, Watts
Shearman, John Bissell. and Daniel Thomas were also early
merchants. Nathan Williams, Erastus Clark, Francis A. Blood-
g 1, and Joseph Kirklaud were early lawyers.
3 The population of the town and city of Utica has been as
follows : —
1840 12.782
1S45 12.190
1850 17.565
1855 22,169
1818 1.700
1820 2.972
1825 5.040
1830 8,323
1835 10,183
4 Tho territory of this town was included in the original
Oneida Reservation. Among the patents granted in town were
Bleecker's South Patent, Bas Chard's Patent of 4.911 acres,
Abraham Van Eps and Rev. John Sargent's Patent. The prin-
cipal Oneida village was called Kan-on-wall-o-hu-le. A small
remnant of this once powerful nation of Indians still live in
the 8. w. part of the town.
6 Named from the celebrated Oneida chief, and signifying
Hemlock, or stream of hemlocks. Alluding to this interpreta-
tion of his name, this chief once made this striking remark :
— "I am an aged hemlock. An hundred winters have whistled
through my branches. I am dead at the topi"
/
470
OXEIDA COUNTY.
thickly populated farming neighborhood. The first settlements were made in 1794-97.1 The first
religious services were held in 1801.2
VKROX.l — was formed from Westmoreland, Feb. 17, 1802. It lies on the w. border of the
co., near the center. Its surface is generally level, slightly rolling in the e., and marshy in the
w. Oneida Lake and Creek form the w. boundary, and "Wood Creek3 the n. boundary. Several
small streams in the town are tributaries to these. The soil is a deep, rich, alluvial loam. There
is a mineral spring in the e. part of the town.4 Verona (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a tannery,
and 30 houses. Durham vi lie. (p. v.,) on the w. border, partly in Madison co., contains 2
churches, a glass factory, founder}', tannery, and 1,034 inhabitants. Verona Depot, (p. o.,)
a station on the N. Y. C. R. R., contains 10 houses. Slate Bridge (p. v.) contains 20 houses;
IligTginsville (p. v.) 25 houses ; New London, (p. v.,) in the n. part, 30 houses ; Sconon-
doa, (p. v.,) in the s. part, on the line of Vernon, 20 houses; Verona Mills (p. v.) 20
houses: Dunbartoii a glass factory and 20 houses; and Staceys Basin 10 houses.
Settlement was commenced in 1792, by Geo. A. Smith ;5 Rev. Joseph Avery preached the first
sermon. There are now 10 churches in town.6
VIENNA7 — was formed from Camden, April 3, 1807, as " Orange." Its name was changed to
'• !!■ »'/•?.'." April 0, 1808, and to Vienna, April 12, 1816. A part of Annsville was taken off in
] 32 . It lies en the w. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface, rising from Oneida Lake
on the s. border to an elevation of about 100 ft., spreads out into a rolling plateau. The n. w. part
is hilly. Wood Creek and Oneida Lake form the s. boundary. Fish Creek forms most of the E.
boundary, and unites with "Wood Creek before it enters Oneida Lake. The w. branch of Fish
Creek forms a part of the x. boundary. The soil is a light, sandy loam, underlaid by clay; in
the s. w., along Fish Creek, it is alluvium. Good building stone is quarried in the e. part, and
large quantities of bog ore have been raised from the marshes near the lake. Vienna, (p. v.,)
in the e. part, contains a church and 110 inhabitants. North Bay, (p. v.,) in the s. part, near
the lake, contains 2 churches, 3 sawmills, a shingle mill, and 25 houses. McConnellsville,
(p. v.,) in the x. part, on the line of Annsville, contains 20 houses ; Elpis, a church and 8 houses.
Fish Creek Landing contains 20 houses ; "West Vienna, (p. v.,) on the lake, 20 houses.
Pine i- a hamlet, in the e. part. The first settlement was commenced near the close of the last
century.s There are now 6 churches in town9.
"IV KSTERN— was formed from Steuben, March 10, 1797. Lee was taken off in 1811. It lies
in the interior, x. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by numerous gul-
vrorn in the slate by the streams. Mohawk River and Lansing Kill Creek meet near the
■• and flow s. and s. W. into Rome. The soil in the valleys is alluvium. Stone quarries are
worked which have furnished large quantities of stone for the Black River Canal. Western-
ville p. v.) contains a church, a tannery, and 287 inhabitants. North Western (p. v.) con-
' T Joslah Bushnell, In 1794. Upon the
thi Indian title in 17'.'T. a i.n _ ■■• number of
and Conn, came in; and within -
ng the early settlers
nson, \v. on ■!-•'. Holmes, Stone,
Hi-- II. Fo ■ ■• I win, Frisblo, De Votle, Austin,
I. Thrall, Wilcox, Church, Spencer,
M :. Tattle, Hush. . •""I Web-
:,. around Vernon < "•■iit--r : i:> v. John
until'-* ii.im ■ I <'•> ln-r. Marvin, and nfcBu
r ; skinn' r. 1 - Qrntton, Del mi
Carter, M >oro, 81m
•
l> i. Ailing, I'
, Carpenter II , and Darling, "it the "Ri
lion;" Griffin. W
i I. Lin.- 1 ii. and Nailer, in I
I'pli ' amp-
bell, Uuntlngtcm, and Cook, in the >.; ■ . Bnbbell,
w irncr. I tteDt. The
thut of i> tshnell, in 17''">.
- • inght th>- : • ■ L Van Kpt kept
the :■ I Aaahal dridley bnflt 1 1.«- tir-t grist-
mill.
2Th'-tp .if now 8 ohurdm in town; 81 Bap,
rlt at the month of thU
I 1 7 :J J. It was about B r n a slight elev
and rarroande 1 by ■ dit<-h.
« A bob r-enre ha* h«>n erected tor th» accommoda-
tlon it-. Th" water is nearly saturated
with Bulphnretted hydrogen gas, and yielded to Prof. Noyes's
analysis the followln 5 Ingredients to the gallon: —
Muriate of soda 720 gr.
Lime, wiili a little magnesia os «
Bulphate of lime 60 "
Tli" w:it'-r resembles ill many respects that of the Ilarrowgate
■ in England.
■'■ Smith was B days working his way through snow, swamps,
and thlckob) from Westmoreland. Among the early settlers
\- ile-l Jackson, in 1796, near the hloclchouse; LaWhitten
!•■ Wardenon, at Oak 1 in hard. c,n Wixid Creek, iii 1796 or "07.
A 111 iir„' the early settler* in the s. part in 3 70S were Brooks,
Langdon, Avery, Barnes, Bosworth, Pomeroy, Day, Ellis, Fisher,
Pholps, Benedict, LoomiS, Warren. Tihlen, Todd, Skinner, 1 III—
D, Wheelan, Bobbins, (lark, Bishop, and Brown. The.
lii-I birth was that Of Eva Smith, in 1 705 ; and the first ilenth
was that ofa< hild oi Wardenon, in 17*.»7. who was imried in its
cradle f'r want ol B <'>tlin. — Jrmrx'tt Oneiihi Cb., p. 671. Asahe]
Jackson kept the tirst Inn, in 1796. The first saw and grist
nnlN were built for the Indians.
«3 M. i:.. 2 S. I>. Bap., I'resli.. Bap.. Friends. T'nion, and R.O.
' Qi ii. A. Hamilton, John Lawrence, and John B. Church, under
proceedings in chan »ry, became owners of this town.
8 Timothy Balsted, Fisher, .Tarvis. Peter fiibhnns,
Babcock, Alex, and Jonathan Qraves, Eliakun Btoddard,
Allen Nichols, and David Stone were early settlers. The first
birth was that of Polly Blakesley, in 1803; and the first death,
that of Alex. Graves, by an accident in a sawmill, in 1801.
Lyman Mathers taught the first school; Wm. Smith kept tho
first inn. in 1801. Ambrose .'ones bnflt the first sawmill, ia
Smith the first gristmill, about 1804.
» 3 M. E., Cong., O. S. Bap., Bap.
ONEIDA COUNTY.
471
tains a church and 15 houses. Hillside (p.o.) contains 8 houses. Big Ilrook (p. o.) is a
hamlet, near the e. line. Delta (p. v.) is in the B. w. corner, mostly in the town of Lee. The
first settlement commenoed in L789, by Asa Beckwith and his sons Asa, Reuben, Wolcott, and
Lemuel, and Henry Wager.1 The first church (Hap.) was formed in 1708; Rev. Stephen I'arsoi.-i
preached occasionally. There are now G churches in town.2
WESTMORELAND— was formed from Whitestown, April 10, 1792. A part of Whites-
town was annexed March Lr), 1708. A'erona and part of Vernon were taken off in 1802. It is an
interior town, lying s. of the center of the 00. Its surface is a rolling upland, with a mean eleva-
tion of 150 to 250 ft. above the Mohawk. The streams are mostly small brooks. Iron ore has been
obtained in large quantities for the Westmoreland, Lenox, Onondaga, and Paris furnaces. Several
quarries of fine building stone have been wrought; and from some of these grindstones were for-
merly manufactured. The soil is principally a gravelly and clayey loam, adapted to grain raising
and pasturage. HailiptOBi, (Westmoreland p.o.,) in the e. part of the town, contains 3
churches, several manufactories,3 and 400 inhabitants. Lowell, (p. v.,) in the N. w. part, con-
tains a church and 25 houses. Ilecla Works, (p. v.,) s. w. of the center, contains a large fur-
nace4 and 1G houses. Lairdsville,5 (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains a church and 15 houses.
Spencer Settlement, on the n. line, and Eureka, 2 mi. s., each contains about 15 houses.
The first settlement was made by James Dean, upon a patent granted to him under an act of May
5, 178G.6 The first church (Cong.) was formed Sept. 20, 1792.7
WHITESTOWN8 — was formed March 7, 1788, and originally included an indefinite amount
of territory extending westward, at the present time forming several counties. Steuben, Mexico,
Paris, and Westmoreland were taken off in 1792 ; Augusta in 1798 ; Utica in 1817 ; and New
Hartford in 1827. It lies upon the s. bank of the Mohawk, a little s. e. of the center of the co.
A broad, flat intervale extends along the Mohawk ; and from it the surface rises in gentle slopes
about 100 ft. and from the summits spreads out into a rolling upland. Oriskany Creek9 flows
n. e. through near the center, and Sauquoit Creek through the e. part. The soil is mostly a fine
quality of gravelly loam and alluvium, well adapted to grain raising. Wllitesboro',10
(Whitestown p.o.,) in the Mohawk Valley, in the s. e. part of the town, was incorp. March 20*
1813. It contains 4 churches, the Whitestown Seminary, a bank, and several small manufactories.
It is a canal and R. R. station. Pop. 953. Oriskany, (p. v.,) near the mouth of Oriskany Creek,
is a canal village and r. r. station. It contains 5 churches and several extensive manufactories.11
Pop. 711. Yorkville and Wcw York Mills, in the s. part, are manufacturing villages, upon
Sauquoit Creek, the former containing about 50 houses and the latter 3 churches and GO houses.12
Walesville, (p.o.,) Colemans Mills, and Pleasant Valley are hamlets or thickly
settled farming neighborhoods. The first settlement was made by Judge Hugh White and his 5
sons, Daniel C, Joseph, Hugh, jr., Ansel, and Philo, in May, 1784.13 This was the first settlement
in the co., and became the nucleus of civilization for Central N. Y. The first church (Presb.) was
formed Aug. 20, 1794 ; the first settled pastor was Rev. Bethuel Dodd.u
1 These settlers, with one exception, continued to reside on
their first locations until their deaths. Gen. Wm. Floyd, one of
the signers of the Declaration of Independence, settled here in
1803, and continued a resident until his death in 1821. The
leasehold tenure long retarded settlement, and is still a source
of dissatisfaction,
2 3 M. E., Calv. Math., Presb., and Friends.
3 The Malleable Iron Works of Smith, Parker, Ilallack & Co.,
at this place, employ 40 hands, and have a capital of $20,000.
J i\n II 's I lard ware Manufactory has a capital of $30,000, and gives
employment t<> 50 hands.
* These works, engaged in the manufacture of shelf hardware,
have a capital ol 840,000. and employ 40 hands. A blast furnace
established here, near the commencement of the century was
run 3o years.
5 Named from Samuel Laird, an early settler.
0 This patent names Dean's Creek as Kanaghtarageara. and a
small branch of Oriskany Creek, Kan-you-stot-ta. Among the
other early settlers were Jonathan Dean, Silas 1'helps, Ephraim
Blackmer, Nehemiah Jones', Joseph Jones, Joseph Blackmer. jr.,
and Samuel Laird, — all of whom located on Dean's Patent. In
1789. settlements spread rapidly, apd John and Nathaniel Town-
Bend. Benjamin Blackmer, John Vaughan, Josiah Stillman,
Nathan Loomis, Joshua Green. Joseph Blackmer. sen., Amos
Smith, John Morse, Daniel Seely, Elijah Smith, Samuel Starr,
Alexander Parkman, and Stephen Brigham located in town.
Mr. Dean was an Indian trailer, acquired the language of the
natives, and exercised much influence over them. He received
this grant through a stipulation made by the Indians as a
reward for services rendered to their nation. Although greatly
attached to him, theso savages upon one occasion came near
taking his life to atone for the death of one of their number who
was accidentally killed liy a Dutchman on the Mohawk, lie
died Sept. 10, 1823. aged 76 years. — Jones's Oneida, p. 749. A
MSS. account of Indian mythology, written by him, is in the
State Library.
' The census reports 6 churches in town ; 3 M. E., Bap., O. S.
Bap., and Friends.
8 Named from Hugh White, the pioneer settler.
9 Signifying " river of nettles."
10 The first courthouse of Herkimer co. was erected here in
1793. A clerk's office of the Supremo Court of the State was
established at this place April 4, 1807.
11 i uiskany Manufacturing Co., incorp. Feb. 16, 1811. for the
manufacture of woolen cloths, was the oldest CO. of the kind in
the .state. It had 8 sets of machinery, and employed 13U hands.
The Dexter Manufacturing Co. has 12 sets of machinery, and
employed 130 hands. These factories are not now in operation.
12 The New York Mills, an extensive manufactory of cotton,
has branches at Yorkville. New York Mills, and Upper New-
York Mills, — the last named in New Hartford. It has a capital
of 8200,000.
13 Among the other early settlers were Amos Wetmore, Jonas
Piatt, Geo. Doolittle, Thomas K. Gold, Reuben Wilcox, Arthur
Breese, Enoch Story. Elizur Moseley, Caleb Douglass, Wm. G.
Tracy, Genet Y. Lansing, and Henry K. Storrs. The first child
born was Esther White; and the first death, that of Mrs.
Blacksley, soon after the first settlement. The first gristmill in
the town and co. was built in 1788, by Judge White, Amos Wet-
more, and John Beardsley.
14 There are now 13 churches in town; 3 Presb., 3 M. E., 2
Bap., 2 Prot. E., Cong., Calv. Meth., and Union.
472
OXEIDA COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Pamilies, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Oneida County.
Names of Towns.
AnnsvOle
Angus ta—
Ava —
Boonyille
Bridgewater...
Oamden
Deerfleld
Florence
Floyd
Kirkland
Many
ttarafaall
>'i\v Hartford.
Paris
Remsen
Rome
.^anpTfield
il
D
fticn
Vernon
Vienna
11
W< -tiiioreland
■ ■ iwn....
Total
Acres of Land.
1
14.247 1
9.192
18,2901
11.575J
13.421 i
16J990
13.131
l.".71."-i
18,069
16,151
" I
I
14.050i
22.942
14. sM;
17,884*
21,800*
- _
- - .
13.595
21,762*
22 -
•
I
1S.S43
3:321*
13.295
21,810*
3. in;.;
!
4..M0
17.1 16
1
8,957
8,1 21 '
57. 887
19,326*
8J808
8,041*
6.8431
292
4,2821
15,34] :-
22 139
9,292*
4,242*
2;813f
•"* 286.594*
Valuation of 1858.
■s
2
■Si
fej
§£
"3
if
ft:
t,a<
-•_
$6,950
816J190
68^00
96,262
4,800
412,895
12,400
231^40
81,370
9.300
- -
4.01 in
137,986
2,650
2 7 60
22,616
588,750
104.700
287,430
28,550
279,410
8,400
347,166
28,760
654.030
04.'." "1
646,729
81.450
217,085
13.400
1.795.690
620,931
332.510
180,550
15s. 1"::
5,180
34S.160
56.760
3.126.920
1.347.511
675.410
24.170
193.350
17.700
278.900
27,952
278,900
27.952
422.500
33.000
729,650
231.218
13.558.133
3.020.659 '
o
$263,210
; 0s.:;;m|
101.002
425.295
262,610
304.149
303,299
140.635
276,375
693.450
315,980
287.810
875,916
68S.930
62^.179
230.485
2.416.621
513.060
163,2S3
404.920
4.474.401
699.580
21l!050
306.852
306.852
455.500
yon.sos
16.578,792
Population.
£
l..".Ml
1.1S3
670
■J.:::.:,
615
1.431
1:149
1.451
'725
l.sf,5
1.533
916
1.ii:i.-,
2.132
1>2.3
1.423
5.449
1.216
827
2.078
lu.;,4s
1.524
3,712
1,685
1.2S6
1.015
2.289
53.977
1. 035
1^200
'572
2.069
5S8
1.469
1,108
1,361
718
1.944
1.487
'851
1.052
2;385
1,870
1:261
5.271
1.20S
765
1.909
11.621
1,481
3.211
1,563
1,260
1,664
2.549
53,772
469
428
219
748
246
564
3S7
490
273
635
555
342
391
707
679
478
1,00(1
449
299
626
3,193
538
1,205
623
402
389
727
521
480
229
823
257
606
421
539
285
728
595
355
431
827
76S
505
2,032
491
307
734
4,339
619
l.:;.-,n
662
490
675
1,106
17.7S2 21.175 13,016
415
378
207
500
191
522
292
417
195
522
481
281
325
418
4S1
365
848
340
246
527
2,173
329
882
453
325
503
340
Schools.
°4S
£'<5
1,172
9S3
501
1.550
485
1.159
769
1.204
519
1.258
1.190
682
535
1.536
1.251
1,028
3.531
927
530
1,183
S.000
1.090
2.327
1.363
1.027
1.106
1.649
412 3S.015
Names of Towns.
Annsville
Augusta
Ava
Boonville
Bridgewater
Camden
Held
H irence
i
Kirkland
Hare;
hall
1 -
Remaen
1
Trenton
\ na.
ind .
Win:
Live Stock.
I
537
•J- 7
■ "
459
520
506
._„,,,
636
••"7
751
636
746
■
4*4
1.. ■ •■
27
771
S3
1.473
1,050
642
1.064
809
1.150
866
7 49
872
l.l::l
1.2-7
994
1,652
935
I429
■ ■
1,008
1,020
1,218
0:
§<
1
5
1.256
1.360
1,061
2.17s
1.217
922
2,612
800
1,131
2.039
1,106
1,878
2,378
874
l.ooo
SH7
2,062
1 ,6 1 1
1 ,255
2,043
2,216
2.1.',:,
1,889
2.00S
1,280
:
1.471
l.:;.vj
1,734
2|219
1,786
852
2^26
-:■
1,148
497
84
2.061
1.91(1
UOO
_03_
1.075
1.857
470
1.0511
853
881
1.258
'810
1.0*0
985
1 09
l.i::4
768
1 .-• 1
1.129
715
-
722
98 I
1,210
1.164
2,091
1.1'. 1
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
£
l.f,::7
2,3374
92
323
727
1.470
On,;
1.919
i;508
1,754*
3,158
1,716
8,455*
7 s:,
12281*
986*
9,008
B87
30
465
2,082
.".."17
I 24
73,370*
74,592
28,945
59,051*
.-S.7MI
39.484*
s-j.'ji 15
36,940*
73,807*
91.042
S7.O0.",
70,814
98:374
86,768
106.944*
87,638
li :. H2
38,774*
Icon
104,170*
01.257;
4
:;.7o9j
2.40I
3.015
6,5854
3.540
3.233
4,199
4.001
4.426
3,991
5.561*
4,282*
8,869*
4,088
4.0"o
4,168*
4,006
o.lio;
7,453
1.1.',.-,
4.107
8,229
1,707*
"*
fe.
20.004.
li:349
13.182
32,052
15,844
15,600
30,211
15.9S2
I'.'.SsS
25.S20
21,676
38,846
2o.:;sn
27,076
84,185
22,022
43,767
17.7::9
2s. 17.-,
17,561
31,306
16,876
23,781
27.0,05
8,341
38,135
1.942
3.775
22.150
23,508
17.300
11,770
l-.'jnl
49.290
22,812
62,328
I486
22,634
22,686
11,057
1.242
37,952
19.440
22.710
46,696
26,244
Dairy Products.
t, ft;
195.966
107.9S0
81,020
223.525
66,705
108.645
120,170
124.550
120,310
131.368
-
160.319
103,260
109,263
1 18,775
184,969
174*296
71,
200.SO0
157,958
7.712
186,465
244.277
82,715
263,090
225,012
9.V..YN
13 «;
3,5S5
34.330
110.200
5,300
140.0,7o
15.925
4S2.1
63.350
ISO. (Oil
87,508
112.0S
24,90'
31,37:
67,425
150,155
116,000
L27,629
15,080
i: .1.470
639,629
4on
357.075
176,565
26,210
2 17.9' 0
99.474
11,766
Total " 17.794 124,9: 624,648 ' 6842262 0.912.176 0.011.114
1,995*
803
1.124
973*
249
1,694
1.019
40
1,135
410
2.215
742
657
1.273
f..-,0
1.250
1.141
385
2.427
S59
500
1.552*
2,066*
1.70,o;
432
316
27.989*
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
This county was formed from Herkimer, March 5, 1794, and in-
cluded the original Military Tract. Cayuga was taken off March
8, 1799 ; Cortland, April 8, 1808 ; and a part of Oswego, March 1,
181G. It was named from the Onondaga trihe of Indians, whose
principal residence was within its border. It lies near the center
of the State, centrally distant 127 mi. from Albany, and contains
812 sq. mi.
Its surface is naturally divided into two nearly equal parts by an
E. and w. line, the n. half being nearly level, and the s. broken by
ridges of hills and gradually sloping upward to a height of about
1,000 feet on the s. border. These highlands constitute a portion
of the most northerly spurs of the Central Allegany Mountains,
where they sink down to a level with the lowlands which surround Lake Ontario. They are divided
into five distinct ridges, all having a general n. and s. direction and separated by narrow and deep
valleys. The most eastern of these ridges enters the town of Manlius from the e., and extends
northward to the immediate vicinity of the Erie Canal, the valley of Limestone Creek forming its
w. boundary. Its highest point is 600 to 800 ft. above the valley. The second ridge lies between
the valleys of Limestone and Butternut Creeks and embraces the highlands of Fabius and Pom-
pey, the w. part of Manlius, and the e. part of La Fayette and De Witt. In Pompey this range
attains an elevation of 1,743 ft. above tide. The lower or n. part of this ridge is subdivided by
the deep valley of the w. branch of Limestone Creek. The third range, between the valleys of
Butternut and Onondaga Creeks, comprises the highlands of the central part of La Fayette, the w.
part of De Witt, and the e. portions of Tully, Onondaga, and Syracuse. Its highest point, in La
Fayette, is several hundred ft. lower than the hills of Pompey. The fourth range, between Onon-
daga and Nine Mile Creeks, comprises the highlands of Otisco, the w. portions of Tully, La Fay-
ette, Onondaga, and Geddes, and the e. portions of Marcellus and Camillus. The highest point of
this range, in Otisco, is but a few ft. lower than the highest point of Pomtpey. The fifth range,
lying between Nine Mile Creek and Skaneateles Lake and Outlet, comprises the highlands of Spaf-
ford, the w. parts of Marcellus and Camillus, and the e. parts of Skaneateles and Elbridge. Its
highest point, Ripley Hill, in Spafford, is 1,981 ft. above tide. The axis of this whole system of
highlands, extending through Pompey, Fabius, and Tully, forms a part of the watershed between
Susquehanna River and Lake Ontario. The declivities of these hills are generally steep ; but their
summits are rolling and crowned with forests or cultivated fields.
The geological formation of the co. consists of alternate strata of shale and limestone, overlying
each other in nearly horizontal layers. The lowest of these, cropping out on the s. shore of Oneida
Lake, is the Clinton group of shale, and successively above these, toward the s., the Niagara lime-
stone, the red and green shales and gypsum belonging to the Onondaga salt group, the waterlime
group, Oriskany sandstone, Onondaga limestone, corniferous limestone, Seneca limestone, Mar-
cellus shales, Hamilton shales, Tully limestone, Genesee slate, and Ithaca shales. The last four
mentioned are found upon the summits of the southern hills. The salt group occupies the very
base of the hills ; and the limestones crop out along their declivities in an e. and w. line extending
through the center of the co. The celebrated Onondaga Salt Springs are in the deep valley in which
Onondaga Lake is situated, and the salt water is found above or within the strata of red shale.
The salt wells are 200 to 400 feet deep. The green shales, embracing the hopper-formed strata,
the magnesian or vermicular lime, and large quantities of gypsum in isolated masses, lie imme-
diately above the red shales, and form the first declivities of the ranges of hills. The gypsum is
extensively quarried, and is one of the most important minerals in the State.1 Next above these
shales is the waterlime stone, — another important and valuable mineral.2 The Onondaga limestone
1 Throughout the gypsum regions are found numerous tunnel-
shaped cavities at the surface of the ground, 5 to 30 ft. deep
and about the same in circumference. These are supposed to be
caused by the underlying rocks being slowly dissolved by the
rains, and the earth above falling into the cavity so formed.
Prom year to year new cavities are continually forming.
2 This stone is burned and ground, and used for cement. It
readily hardens under water, and may be used in all places ex-
posed to continual dampness. It was used in constructing tha
locks on the Erie Canal, and is used on rail road work through-
out the Western States and Canada. It forma one of the most
valuable exports of the co.
473
474 OXOXDAGA COUNTY.
furnishes a beautiful and valuable building stone; and nearly all of the limestone strata furnish
quieklirae of a superior quality.
In variety, strength, and fertility, and in all the elements of perpetual productiveness, the soil
of this co. is not surpassed by that of any other co. in the State. It is extensively derived from
the decomposition of the underlying rocks.1 But the northern towns are nearly all covered with
drift, and their soil is generally a light, sandy loam, alternating with heavy clay. The vast de-
posits of lime upon the hills go far toward enriching the soil of the valleys.2 In the central and
n. portions the marshes are covered many feet thick with peat and muck formation, formed by
the decaying vegetation of centuries, and furnishing the elements of almost boundless future
fertility.3 More than one-half the entire tobacco crop of the State is raised in this co.
The streams of the co. nearly all flow in a northerly direction and discharge their waters through
Oswego River into Lake Ontario. In their course from the highlands they often flow over perpen-
dicular ledges and through narrow ravines, forming a great number of beautiful cascades, the
principal of which will be more particularly noticed in the description of the different towns. Os-
wego River, which forms a part of the e. boundary of Lysander, is formed by the junction of
Seneca and Oneida Rivers. Seneca River4 enters the x. part of the co. from the w. and pursues a
winding course until it unites with Oneida River. It is a broad, deep stream, and has upon it one
series of rapids, which has been converted into a valuable water-power. In the lower part of its
course it contains a broad sweep or bend from a s. e. to a x. w. direction ; and at its extreme s. point
it receives the Onondaga Outlet from the s. Oneida River, the outlet of Oneida Lake, is a deep,
Bluggish, crooked stream, 18 mi. in length, and forms a link in the chain of internal navigable
waters of the State. Limestone and Butternut Creeks, after flowing through narrow and deep
parallel valleys among the hills, unite in the n. part of the town of Manlius, and flow into Chit-
tenango Crock a few mi. above its entrance into Oneida Lake. Onondaga and Xine Mile Creeks —
the latter being the outlet of Otisco Lake — both flow into Onondaga Lake. Otisco Inlet, a small
stream entering the co. from the s., may be considered the head branch of Xine Mile Creek.
Skaneateles Outlet discharges its waters into Seneca River just beyond the w. border of the co.
Several small streams take their rise in the s. part of the co., and, Sowings., form the head branches
of Tioughnioga River. The principal lakes in the co. are Oneida, Onondaga, and Cross Lakes,
upon the level land of the x., and Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes, in deep valleys among the hills
of the s. Oneida Lake, extending along the x. e. border of the co., is about 30 mi. in length ; and
it firms a portion of the chain of the internal navigable waters of the State.5 Onondaga Lake,
celebrated for the salt springs which are found in its immediate vicinity, is about 5 mi. long.6 Cross
Lake, upon the x. w. border of the co., is a shallow body of water, about 5 mi. long, and may be
considered as simply an enlargement of Seneca River. Skaneateles Lake, 16 mi. long, occupies a
deep and narrow valley among the hills, and is considered one of the finest sheets of water in the
State. The banks along its s. part rise precipitously to a height of several hundred ft., and the
scenery is singularly wild and rugged. Toward the x. the summits decline in height, and the
land gradually and smoothly slopes down to the very edge of the water, forming a rich and ex-
ceedingly beautiful landscape. Otisco Lake is about 4 mi. long, and is nearly surrounded by steep
hill-. '< > ft. above its surface. In the region occupied by the wati-rlimc and Onondaga lime-
Stone formations arc many deep rent-; and fissures, from 50 to 200 ft. below the surface, some of
which contain little sheets of water. These remarkable depressions arc evidently the result of
nstitnte tli- baclfl nf wir roils; hard ■-"il t" work, — being mixed 'with stones. — but of a most
tli. i ; !•;• Hi- action of the elements, have fruitful character, on still farther s. a grazing district takes
f time rendered fruitful. I'." the place of a wheat growing one. This change, however, may
1 and ronnded
ic fir North by «.iti ir .
■
here on Inland nt In the -< a that, In
a p.-: k in the » ■ .11 thll pai t
of th ntinent. The springs tli>t ti >w from the lime rodu
i. — in manyliul make
firm i :■• barn •• ..i these
pprn ' water
mr it pirts with a part ..f th lime and in
•■• red, 1 1.
I I forms upon the
■olid rock." — Ag. Add
I Tmrl in tbil ,• . : one Jnsl I of
through It The
gren- ■■ h ri, h in BUS Lake
Sodom, iii astantly deposit ng thi- mineral; the
- that f.ili into tli- lake arew:
■ inmmnde I by a m <rl be L Th- 1 ik< • of Tally are also
marl 1 ik »."— Ag. Adartm f II
' -As we go svuth, the ragged front of the linientonc giTcs ns n
not be .in.' entirely to changes in the compoaitton of the forma-
tions. The country has become decidedly hilly. We now find
dopes, Inclined surfaces, deep ravines, rounded hills. — in
liii". nil the • lin ties of good fields and walks for sheep
and rows, for sweet grass and pure Btrcams of water." —
■ ;).».
■ This stream forms the drainage of nearly all of the small
lakes in Ot ntral V V. Large minis ..f money have been ex-
pended In deepi-ning it « channel at .lurks Kerfs, upon the \v.
: "f the CO., for the purpose of draining the extensive
m. nsle s near the outlet ,.| Cayuga Lake. The enterprise has
' d partially successful, and a large amount of valuable laud
has i ii reclaimed.
6 The outlet of this lake is navigable; and a canal 7 mi. In
length connects Wood Creek, one of its tributaries, with <he
ma] at Hfgginsvllle.
• A low, semi-marshy pier" of ground, about 2 mi. in length
and 1 in width, extends southward from tie- head of this lako,
and Ii b irdered by steep bluffs 16 to -•"■ ft. high, — probably the
ani lent border of the lake. In and around this marsh the salt
springs are ( and.
ONONDAGA COUNT Y.
475
subsidence, as the faces of the cliffs are nearly perpendicular, and the surface of the rocks above
is much cracked and broken.1
The 00. scat is located at the city of Syracuse. The courthouse, B beautiful structure, built of
Onondaga limestone and elaborately finished, is situated on W. Genesee St., near the center of the
city.- It is one of the finest buildings of the kind in the State.3 The Onondaga Penitentiary, a
city and 00. prison and workhouse, is a commodious brick edifice, situated upon an eminence a mi.
n. e. of the courthouse. It contains apartments for a jail, and is also used for the imprisonment
of criminals sentenced for short terms. Prisoners are received from Oswego and Madison cos.
The clerk's office is a fireproof brick building, situated at the corner of Church and North Salina
Sts. It contains rooms for the Surrogate and Supervisors. The poorhouse is located upon a farm
of 34 acres on Onondaga Hill, 4 mi. s. w. of Syracuse. The average number of inmates is 200,
supported at a -weekly cost of $1.26 each. The building is commodious, but poorly ventilated.
Little attention is paid to the improvement of the inmates ; and in accommodations, cleanliness, and
attention to the sick and insane, the institution is not above the average of similar institutions in
the State.
The Erie Canal extends e. and w. through near the center of the co. The Oswego Canal ex-
tends from the Erie at Syracuse, n. through Salina and Clay, to Lake Ontario at Oswego. The
N. Y. Central R. R. extends through Manlius, De Witt, Syracuse, Geddes, Camillus, Van Buren, and
Elbridge. From Syracuse two divisions of this r. r. extend westward to Rochester, one via Clyde
and Lyons, called the New Road, and the other via Auburn and Geneva, called the Old Road.
The Oswego & Syracuse R. R. extends from Syracuse n. through Geddes, Van Buren, and Ly-
sander ; and the Syracuse, Binghamton & New York R. R. extends from Syracuse s. through Onon-
daga, De Witt, La Fayette, Fabius, and Tully, uniting with the N. Y. & Erie R. R. at Binghamton.
The Union R. R. is a short road extending from the n. terminus of the Binghamton road to the
Erie Canal, in Geddes.
Fifteen newspapers are published in the co. ; 3 daily, 10 weekly, 1 semi-monthly, and 1 monthly.*
1 These lakes are sometimes called " crater lakes," from
their peculiar form, and sometimes "green lakes," from the
color of their waters.
2 The first courts were held in hams and private residences
at Onondaga, Levana, on the shore of Cayuga Lake, Cayuga
co., and Ovid, Seneca co. The first courthouse was erected at
Onondaga Hill, in 1S05-06. The commissioners appointed to
select the site for the courthouse were Asa Danforth, George
Ballard, and Roswell Tousley. In 1829 an act was passed to
remove the co. seat to the village of Syracuse, and John Smith,
Oren Hutchinson, and Samuel F'orman were commissioners to
select the site. The courthouse was finally built on a lot about
midway between the then rival villages of Syracuse and Salina.
It was destroyed by fire in 1856, and the present structure was
erected soon after. The first co. officers were Seth Phelps,
JKrst Judge; Benj. Ledyard, Clerk; John Harris, Sheriff; and
Moses De Witt, Surrogate.
3 The library of the Court of Appeals is kept in the court-
house.
* The Dime Gazette, established at Manlius in 1806 by Abra-
ham Romeyn, was the first paper published in the co.
At that time an effort was made to change the name
of the village from " Manlius" to "Verne." The paper
was continued about 1 year.
Tlie Hi raid of the. Times was started at Manlius in 1S0S by
Leonard Kellogg. In 1813 its name was changed to
Tlie Manlius Times, aud it was successively issued by James
Beardsley, Seneca Hale, and Daniel Clark. October 2S,
lsls, Mr. Clark changed its name to
The, Onondaga Herald; soon after it was changed to
The Times, and continued about 3 years. June 27, 1821, Thur-
low Weed became editor, and the name was changed to
The Onondaga County Republican. October 27, ls24, it passed
into the hands of Laurin Dewey, who changed it to
The Onondaga !'• publican. Soon after, Luman A. Miller became
proprietor, and the name was changed to
The. Manlius Repository. It afterward passed into the hands
of L. Stilson, and was continued about 5 years.
Tlie. Onondaga Flag was published at Manlius a short timo in
1831 by Fonda.
Tlie Lynx was started at Onondaga Hollow in 1811 by Thomas
C. Fay. and was continued about 2 years. Thurlow
Weed commenced his apprenticeship in this office.
The Onondaga Register was established at Onondaga Hollow in
1814 by Lewis H. Redfield. and was continued until
1829. when it was removed to Syracuse aud united with
the Gazette, under the name of
The Onondaaa Register and Syracuse Gazette. In 1S32 it passed
into the hands of Sherman & Clark, who changed it to
The Syracuse Argus, and continued it about 2 years.
The Onondaga Gazette was established at Onondaga Hill in 1S16
by Bvander Morse. Wm. Kay, author of " The Horrors
of Slavery," was editor at one time. In 1821 it passed
into the hands of Cephas S. McConnell, and was
changed to
The Onondaga Journal. In 1827 Vivus W. Smith became proprie-
tor, and in 1829 he removed it to Syracuse and united
it with the Syracuse Advertiser, — the combined paper
taking the name of
Tlie Ouondaga Standard, Sept. 10, 1829, published by
Wyman & Smith. S. F., T. A., and A. L. Smith, W. L.
Crandal, and Marcellus Farmer were subsequently in-
terested in its publication at different times till 1S48,
when it passed into the hands of Agan & Summers. In
1856 Agan sold his interest to Wm. Summers ; aud the
paper is now published by Summers & Brother.
Tlie Syracuse Daily Standard was started in June,
1846, by Smith & Agan, and was continued 3 months.
It was revived January 1, 1850, and is now published
by Summers & Brother.
The Onondaga Gazette was established at Syracuse in April,
1823, by John Durnford, aud was the first paper started
at Syracuse. In about a year it was changed to
The Syracuse Gazette and General Advertiser, and continued
until 1829, when it was united with the Onondaga
Register.
The Syracuse Advertiser was started in 1825 by John F. Wy-
man & Thos. B. Barnum ; Norman Rawson was after-
ward connected with it, but John F. Wyman soon as-
sumed the entire control, and continued it till 1829,
when it was united with the Journal and its name
changed to the Standard.
Tlie Salina Sentinel was started in October. 1S26, in what is now
the First Ward of Syracuse, by Reuben St. John. In
1827 it was changed to
The Salina Herald, aud it was issued a short time by Josiah
Bunce.
Tlie Courier was published at Jordan a short time in 1831 by
Fred. Prince. In 1832 it was removed to Salina and
changed to
The Salina Courier and Enquirer, but was discontinued after
a few numbers.
The Onondaga Republican was started at Syracuse in 1S30 by
W. S. Campbell. In 1834 it passed into the hands of
J. B. Clark & Co., and its name was changed to
The Constitutionalist. In 1835 L. A. Miller became its proprie-
tor, and changed it to
The Onondaga Chief. In 1S37 it was sold to J. M. Patterson
and published as
The Syracuse Whig. In 183S J. K. Barlow became proprietor,
and continued it about 1 year.
The Syracuse American was started at Syracuse in 1S35 by
John Adams, and was continued about 1 year.
The American Patriot was started at Franklin Village ("now
476
OXOXDAGA COUNTY.
This co. was the chief seat of the Onondaga Xation of Indians, the central of the Five Nations.
Their name is said to signify " sons of the hills," or " men of the mountains." To this nation was
intrusted the care of the sacred council fire ; and upon their territory were held the great councils
of the Iroquois, to decide upon peace, war, and matters of general policy. The Onondagas were
regarded as particularly a sacred nation ; and their chiefs were more influential than those of any
other nation. The most authentic accounts of these Indians seem to indicate that they were origin-
ally a subordinate tribe, living upon the St. Lawrence near Montreal, and were held in subjection
by the Adirondacks, then the most powerful nation of the North. Several hundred years before
the discovery of America, they rose upon their oppressors, but were defeated. They then fled, and,
Fahius) in 1S36 by J. Tenncy, and was continued for 3
years.
The Western Slat? Journal vras started March 20,1839. by V. W.
i 8. Y. Smith. In 1-44 its name was changed to
The Syracuse AVeekly .Tournnl. In 1M7 it was
published by Barnes, Smith .v (...per; and in 1S49
- 1 into the hands of V. W. Smith. In 1850 Seth
Height became proprietor, and <".e..rge Terwilliger
editor. Tn 1868 Danforth Merrick became proprietor,
and in 1854 it passed into the hands of T. S. Truair,
Andrew Shaman editor. In 1865 J. G. K. Truair,
stablishment; and Sept. 1, 1856, Anson
G. Chester the editorial charge. It is now
published by J. G. K. Truair A Co., Rodney L. Adams,
■
The Syracuse Daily Journal was established July 4.
1 -41. 1 v B. Y. Smith. It is now issued by J. G.K.
Truair i Co., and edited by R. L. Adams and T. S.
Truair.
Tat and United Stales Review was
1 in 1840 by Hiram Cummings, and continued
-
The Oncm | q,r was started in 1841 by Joseph Barber.
-42 it was changed to
. and was continued about 1 year.
The Morning Sentini 1 I first daily paper in Syracuse) was started
in .'an. 1*43. by X. M. D. Lathrop, and was continued
about 1 year, when it was changed to
The Onond - ,d, and issued week! y, with a few intervals,
until
Tht Democratic Freeman was started in 1844 by J. X. T. Tucker,
continued a short time thereafter by James Kinney as
publisher and J. X. T. Tucker as editor, when it was
changed to
The Syracu • Star. In 1?46 it was published by Kinney, Marsh
A Barnes: in 1847-48 by Kinney & Marsh: in 1849-
£0-51 by Kinney & Masters. It soon after passed into
the hands of Geo. F. Comstock. publisher, and Winslow
M. Watson, editor. In 1852 S. Corning Judd became
r and proprietor. In October, 1853, it passed into
the hands of Rdwar III I, who changed it to
rracuse 1: and continued it about 1 year.
The I • v :. established in 1S46, and issued
with the II'. ddyStar until 1853, when it was changed to
Syracuse Daily Republican, and discontinued in about 1
'. a campaign paper, was published 3 months in
Smith.
Tow- mpaign paper, was issued about the
■ inner.
The I:- /• rdrr (Presb ted in Hay, 1844, by
tn 1847 II i a 1 into 1 1 1 - - bands of
Hulin. who continued it until 1 •
- started in lM.". by Silas Hawley,
and »»■ • 1 ye >r.
. . 7. l 346, by a
tinui I 12 •■■
Thr 7 i w Sail,
•
w York.
:•'. by
Wm. i ■ In 1847 ft
■
The
\S»n A .Summers and
merged in the '
The Dittr
■ was r- n-. red i. n 1 "47.
and published 2 ye*r« by L W. Mill, and 1 yi .r by
-niith i Cooper, wh- n it w. nt back to
Albany.
The >'1y. was started in ' m. L.
Palmer A W. .-unine rs,and was confirm- 1 until Jan. 1,
The I I nmpaigner, a rnmpaien p«p»T, was published 3
months in 1848 I mere.
The Clay Banner, a cam] r, was published about the
same time from the Journal office.
Hark A
The Impartial Citizen, semi-mo., was started in 1S48 by Samuel
R. Ward, and was continued about 1 year.
Tlit Crystal Fountain was started in 1S48 by A. B. F. Ormsby,
and continued 3 months.
The Advulist was published 3 months in 1S49 by L. Delos
Mansfield.
The Literary Union was commenced April 7, 1849, by W. W.
Newman. J. M. Winchell, and James Johonnot, and
was continued about 1? years.
The Free School Clarion was published a few months in the fall
of 1848 by Wm. L. Crandal.
The Liberty Party Paper was started July 4, 1849, by John
Thomas, and was continued 2 years.
The Central City, daily, was published a short time in 1S49 by
Ilenry Barnes.
The Syracusean, mo., was established in 1S50 by Wm. H. Mose-
ley. In 1851 it was changed to
The Syracusean and United States Si •■■'■ to, and in 1856 to
The Syracusean and Onondaga County Re-
view. It is still issued occasionally.
The Syracuse Independent was published about 3 months in
1850.
The Evening Transcript was started in 1850 by Washington
Van Zandt, and continued about 2 months.
The Archimedian was commenced in 1850 ; B. F. Sleeper, pub-
lisher, and John Abbott, editor, it was discontinued
in 1851.
The Central New Yorl-er was begun in 1850 by L. P. Rising,
and was continued but a short time.
The Family Companion, mo., was published a short time in
1850.
The Temperance Protector, semi-mo., was commenced in 1850 by
Wm. II. Burleigh, and was continued about 2 years.
The Carson League was started in 1S51; Thomas L. Carson,
publisher, and John Thomas, editor. It was continued
about 2 years, when it was removed to Albany.
The American Medical and Surgical Journal, mo., was started
Jan. 1. 1851. by Potter & Russell, and was continued
until 1856.
The Journal of Health was issued about 6 months by S. II.
Potter in 1851.
Tlie Onondaga Demnlrat (German) was started in September,
1852, by George Saul. In October, 1856. it was
changed to
The Syracuse Democrat, and is still continued by the
original proprietor.
The Deutsche Republican (German) was issued a short time in
1852.
The Free Democrat was started in 1852 by J. E. Masters, pub-
lish, r. and li. R. Raymond, editor. In February, 1853,
it was changed to
Tht By I kronicle. The paper was owned by a joint stock
company, and edited by H. K. Haymond about 1 year,
wb. i me proprietor. In June. 1855,
- muel 11. Clark bought the concern, and S. W. Ax-
[assumed the editorship of the paper. In February,
1 ■■ 8, tl Hi'-.- was burned, and the paper was merged
in the Journal.
Tht Evening Chronicle, daily, was issued from the Chronicle
office during the continuation of the weekly paper.
The Seraph' i Advocate, mo., was started in the fall of 1852 by
Mi^s Kr/iah K. I'rescott. and was continued 1 year.
La R-- I eh paper, was started in 1852 by A. L. Walliot.
\ few numbers only were issued.
The Wealeyavn was removed to Syracuse from New Vork,
.lan. i. 1868, by liev. l. E. Matlack. In October. 1856,
Cyrus Prindle became editor; and the paper is still
Issued by him.
The .1 uvc n lie Instructor, semi-mo., is issued from the
V. esleyan Office, and is under the same management.
r was published a short time in 1854 by A. Pryne.
Ttit Unionist, mo . and
T>,r Union Herald, mo., were issued from the Reformer office.
Tht Evangelical Pulpit was started in January. ls.>4, by Rev.
Luther Lee, and was continued about 2 years.
Thr Home Circle was published by L. W. Hall about 1 year in
1866.
The American Organ, daily, was commence] iii 1866 by Way &
kfinier. It toon passed into the hands of II. P. Wineor
and continued about a year.
The Onondaga Hard Shell was started October 26, 1855, and was
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
477
embarking in canoes, went up the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, coasted along tlie lake to tho
mouth of Oswego River, and went up that river and settled upon the Seneca, mar Three River
Point. The nation finally divided into live tribes, and the central or Onondaga tribe went up the
valley and settled near Onondaga Lake. Upon first entering the 00. they found it inhabited by
the Alleghans, or "Mound Builders," a tribe supposed to be akin to the Aztec tribes of -Mexico,
and one considerably acquainted with agriculture. The Iroquois gradually drove them off and
took possession of their lands. The celebrated League of the Five Nations is said to ha ve been
made about 100 years bofore the first Dutch colony was planted at Manhattan, — though there are
many reasons for believing it was of a much older date. The principal villages of the Onondagas
were along tho shore of Onondaga Lake and Creek. The first visit ever made by a white person
to the Onondaga country of which any record has been preserved was that of Samuel Cham plain
in 1615.1 In tho summer of that year Champlain, with 10 Frenchmen, accompanied a party of
Hurons in an attack upon the Iroquois. A battle was fought before the principal fort of the Onon-
dagas ; but the invaders were repulsed with loss and were obliged to retreat.2 The French at an
early period saw the necessity of obtaining the friendship of the Five Nations, the most powerful
of all the Indian tribes. To this end, Jesuit missions were established at an early period, and one
of tho principal stations was at the seat of the Onondagas. The first missionary that ever visited
the Onondaga country was Father Isaac Jogues, in 1G42. He was afterward murdered by the
Mohawks at Caughnawaga, Montgomery co. In the course of the next hundred years more than
60 missionaries were sent to this region, and at different times many of them were murdered.3 In
1655 a colony of 50 Frenchmen under the guidance of the priests, and with the consent of the Onon-
dagas, made a settlement on the n. shore of Onondaga Lake, near the principal Indian village. For
some time the colony flourished, and large numbers of the Indians were converted and baptized ;
but at length the Indians became jealous of their neighbors, and in March, 1658, they determined
to exterminate them. A friendly Indian having exposed the plan, the whites managed to escape.4
discontinued after tho publication of the second num-
ber. Supposed to have been edited by J. J. Peck and
John A. Green, jr.
Tlie Syracuse Daily News was started in 1856 by C. B. Gould, but
was discontinued in a short time.
The Syracuse Zeitung (German) was started August 15, 1855, by
Otto Reventlow, and was continued a short time.
The Syracuse Weekly Courier was started October 1, 1856, by
F. L. Hagadorn. In November, 1858, it passed into the
hands of Halsted & Co. and was changed to
The Onondaga Courier, under which title it is still
issued.
The Syracuse Daily Courier — started at the same time as the
Weekly — was changed by Halsted & Co. to
The Central City Dally Courier, and is still pub-
lished; n. S. McCollum, editor.
The Syracuse Central Democrat (German) was
started July 2, 1858, by Joseph A. Hoi'man, and is still
continued.
The State League was started in Aug. 1858 by Thomas
L. Carson, and is still continued.
The Skaneateles Telegraph was started in 1829 by William H.
Chilil, and was continued several years.
The Columbian was commenced in 1831 by John Greves. The
paper afterward passed into the hands of Milton A. and
George M. Kinney, and was continued until 1853.
The. Friendly Visitant, a child's paper, was commenced in 1833
by Joseph Talcott, a member of the Society of Friends.
In 1S37 it was changed to
The Child's Companion, and was continued several months.
The Acorn was established by Mr. Talcott in 1841, and was con-
tinued 2 or 3 years.
The Skaneateles Democrat was commenced in 1840
by William M. Beaucbamp. It was subsequently is-
sued by W. II. Jewett, Philo Rust, and Jonathan Keeney.
About 1851 it passed into the hands of llarrison B.
Dodge, by whom it is still issued.
The Naval Bulletin was issued from the Democrat office a short
time in 1843.
The Minerva was issued a short time in 1844 by W. II. Beau-
champ, and was finally merged in tho Democrat.
The Juvenile Repository was published at Skaneateles in 1838 by
Luther Pratt. In 1840 it was removed to New York,
and soon after discontinued.
The Citizens' JFVeM was published six months at Onondaga Hol-
low in 1832 by Russell Webb and James S. Castle.
The Fayetterrille Times was published at Fayetteville in 1836 by
Henry W. De Puy.
The Commundtist was started at Mottville Nov. 27, 1844, by John
A. Collins, as the organ of the Skaneateles community.
It was continued about 1 year.
The Baldwinsville Republican was started in 1844 by Samuel B.
West. In October, 1846, it passed into the hands of
C. M. Hosmer and was changed to
The Onondaga Gazette. In 1848 it was issued by
Sheppard & Hosmer, and is now published by S. Van
Allen.
The Jordan Tribune was established in 1S49 by P. J. Becker.
In 1853 it was cha»ged to
The Jordan Transcript, and is now issued by Nathan
Burrell. jr.
The Daily Record was established in February, 1S58,
under the auspices of the Franklin Institute, Syracuse.
It is published daily during the session of the Me-
chanics' Fair of the Franklin Institute; Anson G.
Chester, editor.
1 It is possible that some of the French or Spanish adven-
turers who flocked to this country about the commencement of
the sixteenth century may have penetrated into the wilds of
Central N. Y. In 1S20 a farmer in Pompey found a stone, mostly
buried in the earth, upon which was drawn the rode form of a
tree with a serpent twined about it, and the inscription. Leo De
Lon, VI, 1520. It is supposed that it was placed to mark the
grave of some early adventurer.
2 It is supposed that Champlain and hi3 party came in byway
of Oswego, and across the country to where Brewerton now
stands. At this place they captured a party of Onondagas
engaged in fishing. They then proceeded to the Onondaga fort,
supposed to have been situated on Green Point, about 1 mi. N. w.
of the principal salt springs. The fort was assaulted: hut it was
so bravely defended that the Hurons despaired of taking it, and
retreated. They were pursued by the Onondagas until they
embarked in their canoes upon Lake Ontario.
3 The principal of these missionaries who have left records
concerning the Onondaga country are Fathers Le Mercier, Da-
blon, On donee, Le Moyne, Quien, Le Jeune, Ragueneau, and
Lallemant. Father Lallemant is the first one who mentions the
salt springs, in his journal bearing date of 1615-40. At timea
these missionaries seemed to meet with considerable success;
but the intrigues of the rival French and English Governments,
who were striving to secure the friendship of the Indians, con-
tinually thwarted their work, and rendered their lives at all
times insecure.
4 Through the influence of the Mohawks, the Onondagas
agreed to murder the French, and the day was fixed for the per-
petration of the deed. A young Frenchman, who had obtained
considerable influence with the chief, persuaded him to have a
general feast a few days previous to the proposed massacre, and,
while the Indians were sleeping off the effects of the debauch,
the French launched upon the lake several light boats, which
they had secretly constructed in the granary or storen 10m of the
Jesuits' house, and set off as rapidly as possible. The next day
the Indians were surprised that the French did not leave their
houses, but waited until near night before they broke in. They
were completely astonished to hud that the French had disap-
peared, and — entirely ignorant of the construction of the boats
— they ascribed the escape to supernatural means.
478
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
It is reported, upon the authority of the missionaries, that the principal chief of the Onondagas
invited the French to establish another colony among them, for the purpose of instructing the In-
dians in the arts of civilization. Accordingly, in 1G65, a number of French families, under the
guidance of the missionaries, came into the country and located near the Indian fort and village
which stood in the vicinity of the present village of Jamesville. After living in peace for about
3 years, they were visited by a party of Spaniards who came in from the s., and the Indians be-
came jealous of both and murdered them all.1 It is supposed that several other attempts were
made by the French to colonize the country, as numerous remains of French works are found in
several places.2 In the wars that ensued between the English and French the Onondagas bore
their part, and were generally allies of the English. In 1G95, Count Frontenac, the French Go-
vernor of Canada, invaded the Onondaga country ; but he retired after burning a few villages and
murdering one old man. Puring the Revolution the Onondagas espoused the English cause, and
many of their warriors, under the leadership of Brant, were engaged in the various attacks upon
the frontier settlements. On the 19th of April, 1779, Col. Tan Schaick, at the head of 150 men,
invaded the Onondaga country by the way of Oneida Lake. A skirmish was fought near the s. w.
limits of the present city of Syracuse, in which the Indians were defeated.3 In the fall of the
same year, Col. Gansevoort, at the head of 100 men, was detached from Gen. Sullivan's army, at
Geneva, and sent through the country of the Cayugas and Onondagas to complete the work of
<h-truction which had been commenced. The villages of the Onondagas were burned, their corn
was destroyed, and their sacred council fire was put out. In revenge, small bands of the Indians
attacked the defenseless frontier settlements upon the Mohawk and committed the most horrible
atrocities.
In 1788 a treaty was made with the Onondagas, in which they ceded to the State all their lands
except the Onondaga Reservation.4 The land thus obtained, and another tract lying w. of it, were
set apart for bounty lands to Revolutionary soldiers, and became known as the Military Tract.5 It
included all the lands lying within the original limits of Onondaga co., and now constituting Onon-
daga, Cayuga, Cortland, and Seneca, and parts of Tompkins, Oswego, and Wayne cos.
1 Tt i= reported that 23 Spaniards came up the Mississippi, Ohio,
and Allegany Hirers to Olcan, and thence across the country to
Onondaga, under the guidance of an Iroquois. They had been
informed by the Indians that in the \. there was a lake the
banks <>f which were covered with something sbiuiug and white.
which they understood to bo silver. Their disappointment was
great when they found that the Indians meant salt instead. A
quarrel aroso between the French and Spaniards, which resulted
in the murder of both by the Indians.
5 In many of the old fortifications have been found the re-
mains of French arms and merchandise, and a variety of re-
main* evidl ntly of much older date. The French doubtless
f mi 1 tli" fortifications partly built, and took possession of them.
In Potnpey were found several of these, and a considerable
land cleared; and it la supposed that quite a flourish-
ing French settlement was here utterly destroyed at a period
• t" the Revolution.
•1 r'7»'rt makes t li»- Indian loss 12 killed aud 04
;
• T I On '< Bi BrvatioD was a tract of land
v the military townships "f Manilas and
i the t iwnships .,r Pompey and Marcellua, w. by
tu and c.iiniilii*. n. by the townships of
Camillas and Maniina and 1 1 > « - public Reservation bordering
upon Onoi The if. i • rnei wa originally at the
n-r of Syracuse. The Reservation was about
HJ mi. long n. and a, by '.<}„ mi. wide a. and «.. and iie Inded
"f tbe present town of La Payette. Camillas, Qoddes,
be w itt. and the i II and all of Onondaga. In
17 IS II m .. put ba ft Indians, reserving a trad In r 1 ■ . •
a. r. mi. at. and a. by m any 4 r at 3 «■„ and subdi-
nostly "f . ■ v ' u -iv. ■ .,f the
aq. mi. originally gi *he Indiana in 1788,
Th" I. ■■ ■ ■ . inclusive, wore
• I Into ■ public Bait
1 1 -I pur-
chaw was that of Fab. 26, 1817, twins mL wide from the
r -, l"f the ti ad In the first purcha rob-
divided Into 27 equan third pui
was tb.it "f Feb. 11. l-'-J, I- in« a strip ; ml, wide from the 8.
end of that reniaintog after the parol 1817. Itwaseub-
divid. 1 Into 7 I 4 mi. n. .•
by a little less than 1\ r. and a oxdo
arp'« In the u.w. portion, toEphralm
rin 1888 about riffio acres. It i« aUoati I onaHoalf in
Onondaga and one-half In La Fa lie. Th" number of Indians
remaining of the one" powerful i Nation, a
by th- last census, is 848. An Indian schi I i* taught ;
has had little success. The condition of th" tril* has visibly
Improved within the last few yar*. and they appear to be
slowly learning the arta of civilization. Th" Onondaga Salt
Springs Reservation was subdivided in 1S21-24, by John Ran-
dall, jr.
6 The Military Tract was laid out into 25 townships, each in-
tended to contain, as nearly as possible, 60,000 acres; and each
township was subdivided into 100 lots. Three more townships
were afterward added, making 28 in all. The following is a
complete list of them : —
T'p
No.
1
Township.
Present Towns.
County.
Onondaga.
and s. part of (Jranbv ...
Oswego.
2
Hannibal
Town and w.part of city of
Oswego, Hannibal, and
Oswego.
3
Cato
Victory and Ira, and N.
parts of Conquest k Cato.
Cayuga.
4
Mi nt/. and Brutus, and
parts "f Conquest, Cato,
Montezuma,Throop,and
Cayuga.
6
Van Huron and Kl bridge,
and part of Camillus
Onondaga.
H
Clay and Cicero
Onondaga.
7
Hi win and HanlinS) and
pari of Salina
Onondaga.
8
Fleming, Auburn ('itv.
and Owaseo, most of
Throopand Bennett, part
Oi AureliuS, and 1 lot in
Cayuga.
'.'
Marccllns....
Bkaneatelea and HarcelluB,
puts ,,f Spafford and
Onondaga.
10
Pompev, most of La Fa-
v.ll". ?, lots in Otisco....
Onondaga.
11
Romulus, W. parts of Fa-
yette and varick, 4 lots
Seneca.
12
Scipio and Venice, 8. part
of Ledvard, 5 lots in
Niles. and small point
(N.VT. ror.) of Moravia...
Cayuga.
18
Scmpronius
Moravia, Bempronius, and
Cayuga.
Onondaga.
11
Tullv
Tullv. s. part Spafford, and
Onondaga.
Cortland.
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
479
The first white person that took up his residence within the limits of the co. after the Revolu-
tion was Ephraim Webster, an Indian trader, who located his trading house on the banks of
Onondaga Greek, near its mouth, in 1786. The next year he was accompanied by another trader
named Neukerrk, who died in the spring of 17*7 and was buried near the trading house. Iii 1788,
Asa Danforth and bis son Asa, and Comfort Tyler, from Mass., came in, and located on the present
site of Onondaga Valley. The salt springs soon became generally known and attracted many
immigrants to this region. The State reserved for salt purposes the territory surrounding the lake
and known as the Onondaga Salt Springs Reservation, embracing the greater part of the "Id town
of Salina, now the towns of Salina and Geddes, and the city of Syracuse, all of which, except tie' land
needed for the manufacturing establishments alone, has since been sold. In the treaty with the
Indians, the salt springs were to bo jointly used by the whites and Indians forever. The salt
business immediately becamo important, and has since kept pace with the growth of the country.
It is now one of the most important branches of business carried on in the State, and is constantly
Townships of the Military Tract, continued.
Tp
No.
15
Township.
Present Town.
County.
Onondaga.
and N. parts of Truxton
16
Ovid
Seneca.
17
Cayuga.
Tompkins.
Cayuga.
18
Locke and Summer Hill ...
Tompkins.
19
Homer and most of Cort-
20
Solou, Taylor, and s. part
Cortland.
21
Schuyler.
22
Ulysses, Enfield, & Ithaca,
Tompkins.
23
nearly the whole of Dry-
Tompkins.
24
Virgil
Virgil, most of Harford
and Lapeer, and 2J lots
in Cortlaudville, and 1
Cortland.
25
Cincinnatus.
Freetown, Cincinnatus, &
26
Junius, Tyre, Waterloo, N.
Wayne.
27
Galen
Wayno.
28
Sterling
E. part Wolcott and Butler,
Cayuga.
Junius was added to compensate those who drew lots after-
ward found to belong to the " Boston Ten Towns;'' Galen, to
supply those who belonged to the Hospital Department, and
who at first wore not provided for; and Sterling, to satisfy all
the remaining claims. The U. S. granted 100 acres to each of
the soldiers in Ohio ; and it was left optional with them to sur-
render this claim and receive the whole 600 acres in this State,
or to retain the claim and secure but 500 acres. The 100 acres
reserved was taken from the s. E. corner of each lot, and be-
came known as the State's Hundred. A charge of 48 shillings
was made upon each for the survey ; and in default of pay-
ment a reserve of 50 acres, known as the Survey Fifty, was
made.
l The first mention in history of the Salt Springs of Onondaga
is found in the journal of Father Lallemant, who visited this
region in 1645-46. Ho speaks of a salt spring, and of a fine
spring of fresh water, coming out of the same bank, within 80
or 100 paces of each other, on the margin of the lake. Father
Le Moyne, who visited the country in 1654, speaks of a spring
which the Indians told him was fouled by an ovil spirit. He
made a personal examination of it, and made some salt from
the water, which he carried to Quebec. Other missionaries of
an early period make frequent mention of the salt springs ; and
before the English occupied the country the Indians had
learned how to manufacture salt.
At the time of the first settlement the salt spring was located
upon the marsh, immediately ill the rear of the site of the
present Salina pumphouse, and the salt water came up from the
bottom. The Indians had excavated a hole, which was con-
stantly filled with water to the surface of the ground. In 1789,
Asa Danforth and Comfort Tyler came down from Onondaga,
and brought with them a kettle, which they suspended from a
pole supported by 2 crotched sticks ; and in this they made the
first salt ever manufactured by the present race of settlers. In
about 12 hours they made 13 bushels of salt ; and, secreting their
kettle in the bushes, they went home with the product of their
day's labor, — feeling richer than they would had they discovered
a mine of gold. For several years it was customary for the
settlers from all the surrounding region to bring kettles with
them and manufacture sufficient salt fur their own use. Tho
first settlers of Salina came in 1700, and principally located
upon the summit of the bluff above the salt springs. Most of
them came with the intention of entering into the manufacture
of salt. At first kettles suspended from poles were used exclu-
sively ; but in a short time it was found more convenient to 1 1 vt
the kettles upon a pile of stones. The '"works" wen- afterward
covered to protect tho manufacturer from the weather. The
first caldron kettle, set in an arch, was used by Jamas Van
Yleck, in 1793; and in a short time caldrons were exclusively
used. Two kettles were afterward used, and additions Lav.- beta
made from time to time, until 20 to 104 kettles are now put in a
single block. The first salt made under a permanent building
was manufactured by Elisha Alvord, as agent of the Federal
Company, organized in 1798, and consisting of Asa Danforth,
Jedediah Sanger, Daniel Keeler, Thomas Hart, Ebenezer Butler,
and Hezekiah Alcott. A new well, about 30 feet deep, was dug
a little N. w. of the original one ; and a building was erected
large enough to contain 32 kettles, set in 8 arches of 4 kettles
each. From this time the works increased rapidly in size and
number. The manufacture of salt was commenced at Oeddes,
in 1793, by James Geddes, and in Liverpool about the same time,
by John Danforth. The first wells at the old village of Syra-
cuse were opened in 1830. By continuous pumping, tho water
in the wells becomes less and less salt, — the shallow wells
failing first. This renders the constant opening of new
wells a matter of necessity. The first solar works were con-
structed in 1821, by a company formed for that purpose. Tho
introduction of the solar vats produced so much opposition that
the Legislature was obliged to pass special laws for their pro-
tection.
The salt water was at first dipped up by pails and carried to
the places for boiling. In 1790 this method was superseded by
a pump placed upon a platform above the spring, with open
troughs leading to each block. At first each manufacturer
pumped water enough for his own use; but in a few years
thereafter men were employed to pump for all. As the works
increased and were located at a distance from the springs, lines
of pump logs were laid from the springs to the various works,
and a pump was used for each block, or group of blocks. A
horse-power for elevating salt water was used by Asa Danforth,
jr.. in 1805 ; and a water-power was obtained from several springs
in the vicinity by him soon after. In 1807 or '08, a water-power —
obtained by conducting Yellow Brook from the vicinity of tho
present county clerk's office, in a race, to Salina — was used by
John Richardson. All the works in which machinery was
used elevated the water by means of a wheel, to which buckets
were attached. An experiment was made at an early period
to raise salt water by means of steam. An immense tub. placed
over the spring and connected with it by tubes, was filled with
steam, which was suddenly condensed by the admission of cold
water, a vacuum was produced, and the water would rush up
with great violence and fill the tub. This experiment was
found too costly for general application. In 1821-22 the Coarse
Salt Company erected a large pump, worked by machinery
driven by the waste water from tho canal, for the purpose of
supplying themselves with salt water. They also made arrange-
ments to supply others, at certain prices. Up to this time, tho
greater part of the water had continued to be raised by hand-
pumps. In 1826 the State bought out the pump works of the
Coarse Salt Company and enlarged them sufficiently to supply
all tho manufacturers with brine.
The Saliua pumphouse is a fino stone building, completed
in 1S41, at a cost of about $30,000. The Syracuse pumphouse,
also of stone, was erected in 1S58, at a cost of $30,000. A large
ground reservoir has lately been constructed near the Syracuse
pumphouse, of sufficient capacity to contain water enough to
manufacture 600,000 bushels of salt. The State designs to
double its capacity immediately.
The first great improvement made in the manufacture of
salt was the introduction of bittern pans, which took place
within a few years after the commencement of the business. A
great number of experiments have since been made; but tho
480
OXOXDAGA COUXTY.
CAMILXr.S — was formed from Marcellus, March 8, 1799. A part of Onondaga was an-
nexed in 1834. It Lb an interior town, lying a little n. w. of the center of the co. The surface is
generally rolling, the ridges extending in a x. and s. direction. Xine Mile Creek flows n. e. through
near the center, and along the s. line it is bordered by steep banks 100 to 200 feet high. In the
y. w. corner is a swamp covering an area of several hundred acres. The soil is a rich, clayey and
process of manufacture remains essentially the same as at first.
Many experiments have been made to completely separate the
impurities from the water before boiling. — but so far without
comi ' 98. The addition of alum to the wntcr Is found
to harden the salt and to render the process of crystallization
more perfect. The immense consumption of fuel at the boiling
works has almost stripped the surrounding country of wood,
rendering that article scarce and high. Lata experiments in the
use of coal have been completely successful ; and by 111" con-
struction of the Binghamton R. R. an avenue is opened directly
to the Pennsylvania coal mines.
In 1797 the Surveyor-General laid out a tract of 15.000 acres,
Furroundin; the lake, known as the Onondaga Silt Springs Re-
servation, which was set apart for the location of Kilt works.
Itwa I that this tract was more extensive than would
ever be needed: and, pursuant to acts of the Legislature, all,
except about 550 acres, was sold in Js-j-j nnd 1S27. Sine- that
time, however, the State has re-pnrchased several tracts, and
large numbers of solar works have been erected upon private
property. The amount of land at present owned by the State
is about TOO acres.
The tall wells are 'ill located in the low lands that surround
the lak". Th-ir 'xi- QDtleffl owing to the nature and
positionof the r,«k- forming the basinof the lake. The Niagara
lim-^'on — i - I i and almost seamless rock, about 100 ft.
thick — crops out * mQea s.of the springs. In common with all
the rocks in the vicinity, it has a dip to the a. of about 26 ft.
mil". Tiii- would make it extend under the lake, form-
ing ft fl -r to the whole valley completely impervious to water.
lation are the red shales of the Onondaga salt
group, nearly B00 feet in thickness. Observation and experi-
ment have shown that these shales have been removed, by some
great force of nature, from the whole valley which extends from
tie a*, extremity at the lake several miles up the valley of Onon-
Aura Creek : and the excavation has been filled with drift depo-
chiefly of alternate strata of sand, clay, and
gravel. The salt water is found permeated through this drift
in all parts of tie- valley, the strongest being found where the
old valley is the deepest. The salt water is probably derived
from tie dissolving of particles of salt distributed through the
whole mass of the c-reen shales and plaster beds, which lie next
above the red shales and which extend perhaps many miles
under the hills. In evidence of the truth of this theory, it is
shown that the green shales which have been exposed are full
of small hopper-shaped cavities, — the precise shape assumed by
crystals of salt when left to form by themselves, and one which
no other crystal ever assumes. The water collectB in this great
basin, and is prevented from overflowing by the impervious floor
of Niagara limestone. The waters of the lake are probably
prevented from mingling with the salt water by strata of im-
pervious clay and marl. About 50 different wells have been
sunk for obtaining salt water, and a great number of experi-
ments have been tried. The depth of the borings has been from
50 to 600 ft. : and in every case where the tubing has been sunk
into the strata below the drift no brine has been obtained. Up
to 1825 the water was obtained from square holes sunk in the
marsh to the depth of about 30 ft. The first wells that were
bored were 50 to 80 ft. deep. Subsequent experiment showed
that by boriug farther out on the marsh the wellB could be
deeper and a better quality of water could be obtained. A tube
sunk to the depth of 414 ft. penetrated a clay bed or the
Niagara limestone, and destroyed the well, although at a depth
of 392 to 307 ft. a bountiful supply of excellent water was ob-
tained. A boring upon the hills, to the depth of 600 ft., pro-
bably penetrated through the limestone and entered the Clinton
group below. This last boring was made with the hope of
finding rock salt ; but not a single salt crystal has ever yet been
found here in a natural state.
Wells have been sunk at 4 points, giving to the salt manufac-
ture 4 distinct centers. These are situated respectively at
Salina, (now First Ward of Syracuse,) Syracuse, Liverpool, and
Geddes. The number of wells nowin use upon the Salt Springs
Reservation is 15, of which 6 — from 150 to 310 ft. deep — are at
Salina. 6 — from 255 to 340 ft. deep — are at Syracuse, and 3 —
from SO to 100 ft. deep — are at Liverpool. The Geddes wells
have been abandoned, as the water was not sufficiently strong
to make the manufacture profitable. The Geddes works are
now supplied from the wells at Syracuse.
The strength of the water is tested by an instrument called a
salometer, graduated so as to mark pure water 0° and water
saturated with salt 100°. The water from the wells as now
drawn ranges from 60° to 76°, averaging about 70°. An analy-
sis of the various springs was made in 1S37, by Dr. Beck, with
the following result : —
Localities.
■'
-
Salina
* o .
; 1--S
c
■"1
•53
s
a
5
3
s
c
4 ~
C-_3
5
o
3
C&3
§
<3
-2i
:§8
Is
S 5 s
1*
3
£
188.66
0.06
0.10
0.04
4.0.3
0.70
2.03
130.66
Sol .39
I
0.07
ll.lt
0.02
5.69
0.46
'<.-:.
132.39
M ,0.4(1
I 1,000
146.50
0.09
0.17
0,1, 1
4.72
0.6J
1.04
140.02
s.Vl.41
1 U : I
O.oT
0.13
0.03
4.04
0.77
1.72
142.85
850.39
1
An from a wi II yielding stronger water was after-
ward made, wit «ing result: —
1 173.50
, Ac - ■
r B]
T Ul I.000.OO
The wVt At the present time dosi not eSMOtially differ from
th»t last given, a b elding abonl
\ ! n«h< l of
from 86 gallon* of waUr. Th-
■
analysis of the in»nnl
.re Fftlt, and 1 1 ■ -- r- 11 under
and water. A ft In <
A-, 1 tie- remain let by soiai 1
w.-lls ri*. s to th" surface of the
- mad"
iter as 1 1
•ole it. An
It show r cent
' of lime
4 the *alt i» mode by boiling,
in the
combined suction at rvoira, from
which it . - 1 by pomp |i _-« to the van an w irks. The
nvs, hinery for ptimj --lied by water frwn th* canals.
The boiling works consist of two pnrall"l arch"*, cere rally set
with 2 I'.ach. They are covered with a roof,
tially .Tw»nf utrtini: and trader th"
- I ] the 1 dt.
. a " block." \
t<"rn" is conn"' md fr,m it a line.;
conducts the wat' r along the top Of th" *r h. between th'
of kettle, with s spout to each k<ttl". Th- greater perl of tb<-
Impurities ore \ 1 and fill I m of th"
tafora the water begins to boil. A shallow pen, called a
bittern pan, is placed in each kettle when first filled, to receive
ties" bitterns as they settle. The pan is removed before the
water boils, and the salt is left nearly pure. The kettles
nsnally have a capacity of about 100 gallons, and average in
weight ah ut I II s. each. The fuel is applied at one end of
tb" an h, tb" ■ bimnej I- ing situated at the other. Within the
1 chimneys, ranging from 75 to 150 ft. in
hei.-bt. hive I. ""ii erected, for the purpose of using coal. The
blocks an- all situated along the canals, or side cuts from them,
mvenii nee In obtaining fuel and in shipping the salt
Xhanmul-er of I,], , ks up 1, tin' Ki .-"i vatioii leportiil in 1S09
wu.s .",12. distributed as follows: —
No. of Blocks.
No. of Kettles.
52
152
62
46
2.098
8,042
Salina
'total
812
1 8,980
The solar works consist of shallow vats, constructed of wood,
and placed upon post! 2 to:,,; ft. above the ground. Kach vat
Is 16 ft. square, or 18 by 18, and 9 inches deep. Movable roofs
are so constructed that the vats can easily bo covered in wet
r and exposed in dry. An acre of ground contains
about 60 vats and covers, and an evaporating surface of more
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ONONDAGA COUNTY.
481
gravelly loam. Limestone and gypsum arc both found in abundance.1 A large sulphur spring ig
found in the n. w. corner, i aiilillilM, (p. v.,) on Nine Mile Creek, near the center of tho
town, was incorp. in 1852 ; it contains 3 churches, 2 flooring mills, and 552 inhabitants. Amboy,
in the n. e. part, contains a church and 170 inhabitants. Itelle Isle, (p. v.,) on the canal,
1 mi. e. of Amboy, contains I church and 1 10 inhabitants. Ff&J riiiouilt is a p. o. near the E.
border. The first settler was ('apt. Isaac Lindsay, who located upon Lot bO in 1790.2 The first
church (Presb.) was formed in 1817. There are G churches in town.'1
CICERO— was formed from Lysander, Feb. 20, 1807. Clay was taken off in 1827. It lies
upon Oneida Lake, in the N. E. corner of the co. Its surface is level or very slightly undulating.
An extensive swamp in the s. e part occupies one-third of the entire surface/ and another con-
siderable swamp extends along the lake shore w. of South Bay. The soil is a clayey and sandy
loam. Cicero Corners, (Cicero p. o.,) near the center of the w. line, contains 2 churches
and 242 inhabitants. Brewerton, (p. v.,) on the outlet of Oneida Lake, contains 2 churches
and 621 inhabitants, of whom 421 are in this town. South Bay and Frenchmans Island are places
of resort for pleasure seekers.6 Fort Brewerton,6 one of the line of English fortifications between
Oswego and the Mohawk Valley, was situated in Oswego CO., on the shore of Oneida Outlet, oppo-
site the present village of Brewerton. The first settlement was made by Dexter, a black-
smith, who located on the river, opposite the fort, in 1790.7 The first church (Presb.) was formed
at Cicero Corners, in 1819 ; Rev. James Shepard was the first preacher. The census reports 6
churches in town.8
CliAY — was formed from Cicero, April 16, 1827. It is the central town upon the n. border
of the co. Its surface is very flat, and but little elevated above the level of Oneida Lake. Seneca
River forms the w. and Oneida River the n. boundary. These streams are sluggish ; and along
the latter is an extensive swampy region. The soil is in part clayey, and in part a light sandy
loam. Fruit and onions are largely produced. Belgium, (Clay p. o.,) upon Seneca River,
contains a church and 190 inhabitants; Euclid (p. v.) 2 churches and 140 inhabitants; Cen-
terville,9 (Plank Road p. o.,) on the line of Cicero, 2 churches and 111 inhabitants. Tliree
River Point (p. v.) lies at the junction of Oneida and Seneca Rivers, in the n. w. corner.10
Pop. 90. The first settler was Patrick McGee, who located at Three River Point, in 1793.11 The first
church (Evang. Luth.) was located in the n. e. part of the town. The census reports 4 churches.12
DEWITT13 — was formed from Manlius, April 12, 1835. A portion of Syracuse was annexed
in 1858. It is an interior town, lying N. E. of the center of the co. The n. half is level, and the
S. broken and hilly. The declivities of the hills are usually steep, and their summits are 500 to
700 ft. above the valleys. Butternut Creek, flowing n., divides the highlands into two nearly equal
ridges. Upon this stream are several fine mill sites. In the s. w. corner, about 1 mi. n. w. of
than 15,000 sq. ft. The vats are usually arranged in three different
grades, the water being drawn down at different times, and the
salt bi>ing allowed to crystallize only in the lowest one. In this
process the impurities nearly all crystallize before the brine is
drawn into the last series of vats, leaving pure salt. It is found
that, on an average, tho covers can be taken off only 70 days in
a season. More than 500 acres are now covered by solar works ;
and the aggregate number of covers is 30.786, and the amount
of evaporating surface 8,403,840 sq. ft. The solar salt, is much
coarser than that produced by boiling. Large quantities of both
kinds are ground for dairy and table, purposes. Tho aggregate
amount of bushels of salt manufactured in 1858 was as
follows : —
Syracuse ..
Salina
Liverpool ..
Geddes
Total.
Solar.
573.236
469,483
.•io.VJS
436,707
1.514,554
Boiltd.
943,037
2,764.383
956,807
854,t:;s
5,518,665
Tot,:!.
1,.". 16.273
;;.-:;: ;.si;i;
991,935
1.291,145
7,033,219
The State levies a duty of one cent per bushel on all salt
manufactured ; and from the revenue so derived the State
works are kept up. The salt is usually packed in bbls., each
containing 280 lbs., or 5 bushels. The ground salt, for table and
dairy use, is packed in sacks, containing 14, 20, or 2S lbs., and
in small boxes. The barrels are principally manufactured in
the towns lying n. of the city.
1 It is siid that the first gypsum in the TJ. S. was found in
this town in 1792, by Wm. Lindsay. Do Witt Clinton, Samuel
Young, and other distinguished individuals visited the locality
in 1809 ; and about the same time quarrying was commenced
by a joint stock company, and a successful business was carried
op for many years.
2 James, Wm., and Elijah Lindsay, brothers of the first settler,
came soon after. Among the other early settlers were Nicholas
LmilKison, Moses Carpenter, Judge Wm. Stevens, Dr. 3. H.
Kri-bie, Wm. Reed, Selden Leonard, and David Hinsdale. Daiiel
Veal taught the first school, in 1808; Isaac Lindsay kept the
first inn, in 1793; John Tomlinson the first store, in 1808;
David Munro. Wm. Wheeler, and Samuel Powers built the first
saw ami grist mills, iu 1806.
8 2 M. V... 2 Presb., 1 Bap., and It. C.
* The Indian name of this swamp is Ka-nugh-wa-ka, "when
the rabbits run."
6 See p. 521.
6 The Indian name of this locality is Oh-saha-u-ny-tah-se-ugh-
kali, '• where the water runs out of Oneida Lake."
' Among tho other early settlers were Oliver Stevens. Ryal
Hin-bam. Elnathau Botchford, John Leach, and Patrick McGee.
The first child born was John L. Stevens, in 1802. Geo. Ramsay
taught the first school, in 1792; Patrick McGee kept the first
inn, in 1791 ; Isaac Cody the first store, in 1818; and Moses and
Freeman Ilotchkiss built the first sawmill, in 1823.
8 2 M. E., 2 Disciples, Presb., and Union.
9 Locally known as "Podunk."
10 The junction of these two rivers forms the Oswego River,
and from this is derived the name of the village.
11 Among the other early settlers were Adam Coon, in 179S ;
Simeon Baker, in 1799; John Lynn, in 1S00; and Joshua Kinne
and Elijah Pinckney, inl807. Hall taught the first school,
in 1808; A. L. Soule kept the first store; and Abraham Young
built the first sawmill.
M 2 M. E., Bap., and Evang. Luth.
13 Named from Moses De Witt, an early settler and prominent
citizen.
31
482
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
Jamesville, is a small lake, occupying a deep chasm in the rocks. It is nearly circular in form,
about 80 rods in diameter, and is almost surrounded by perpendicular banks 150 to 200 ft. high.1
Another lake, of a similar character, lies 2 mi. x. e. of Jamesville.2 Messina Spring, a strong
sulphur spring, n. w. of the center of the town, has considerable local notoriety for medicinal
qualities. Gypsum and waterlime are both extensively quarried along the banks of Butternut
Creek. The suil is a sand and clay loam in the .v., and a sandy and gravelly loam in the s.
Jamesville,3 in the s. part of the town, contains 3 churches and several manufactories.4 Pop.
270. Orville (De Witt p. o.) contains 2 churches and 158 inhabitants. Collamei*,5 (p. o.,)
in the x. part, is a hamlet. Messina Spring's is near the w. line. The first settler was
Benj. Morehouse, from Dutchess co., who came in April 26, 1789 .6 The census reports 7 churches
in town.1
ELBRIDGE4 — was formed from Camillus, March 26, 1829. It is the central town upon
the w. border of the co. Its surface is level in the N. and rolling in the s. Seneca River and
Cross Lake form a portion of the x. boundary. Skaneateles Outlet flows n. w. through the w.
part. Upon the banks of the Outlet, near the center, are found the peculiar tunnel-shaped cavities
in the earth, characteristic of regions abounding in gypsum. Several weak brine springs are
found along Seneca River.9 The soil is a rich, sandy and gravelly loam. Elbridgre, (p. v.,)
on Skaneateles Outlet, in the s. w. part of the town, was incorp. April 1, 1848 ; it contains the
Munro Collegiate Institute,10 3 churches, a pail factory, and several mills. About 1 mi. down
the stream is a mill for the manufacture of pearl barley. Pop. 630. Jordan, (p. v.,) upon the
Outlet, 2 mi. below Elbridge, was incorp. May 2, 1835. It contains the Jordan Academy, 5
churches, 2 flouring mills, and a wheelbarrow factory. It is a station upon the direct branch of
the X. Y. Central K. II., and an important canal village. A feeder from the Outlet connects with
the canal at this place. Pop. 1,331. Peru (Jacks Reefs p. o.) is a hamlet, on the canal, near
the x. e. corner. Junction (Hart Lot p. o.) is a R. R. station on the Auburn Branch of the
X. Y. C. R. R. Half War is a station on the same r. r. California is a hamlet, on the
canal, 2 mi. e. of Jordan. The first settler was Josiah Buck,11 who located on Lot 82, in 1793.
The first church (Bap.) was formed Dec. 30, 1816; Elder Craw was the first preacher.12
FA BIT'S13 — was formed from Pompey, March 9, 1798. Tully was taken off in 1803, and a
part of Truxton (Cortland co.) in 1808. It is the s. e. corner town in the co. It has a general
elevation of 1,000 to 1,200 ft. above the Erie Canal at Syracuse. The surface of the s. half is
l.rokon by a series of ridges extending in a x. and s. direction and separated by narrow valleys.
Their declivities are generally steep, and the summits are 300 to 500 ft. above the valleys. South
Hill, in the s. w. corner, is the principal elevation. The central and northern parts are level or
moderately hilly. The streams from the center flow s. into the Tioughnioga, and those upon the
i Called by the Indian* Kal-yab-Kooh, signifying "satisfied
wiili • Tradition Bays that ;ui ln<li:in woman once lost
h-r child here in a marvelous manner, and i hut Bho was Informed
by* spirit thai the child would be safe if she would annually
M this pond. The custom r .11-
tlnued nnrtl thi the whites; and hence the name. The
of the lake i« pur" upon the surface, bnt strongly im-
■inr below. The water is about 60 ft.
: [1 two cares have been dis-
covered snd expli n 1 for several r.-l-< nnder ground. The
sinks in wl iltuati 1 areovidentlj formed
by ih" dlsMMDg of ill' underlying rocks by the action "f
» Named fr-m Jamo* r> Witt, who star) bi re at an
■lay.
I I be prin-ij ,1 n •■ and 1 '
Tii- "nil Canal and the E B
' '1 1: 1: ifford ampli lor transportation,
known si •• Britton Bottler
■ Among other early settlers wei Keeler, Dr. II"]-
liungerford,
J.ilin Young, Jeretnl William BeudiiBoger
Merrill, Caleb Nortbrup, and Benjamin 8anf6rd, — nil ol whom
Tli" flr-t Child
bom • h Morchon i '""I the lir-t death
was • ■ mghl
tli..; Benjamin Morehouse kept the first inn,
in 1 ' 1 Danforth built lb" Iir*t sawmill, in 17
Hi" first j
1 8 M y... 2 v 1 . n'l c-nx.
• In the w. part of th» town, at Qte iim» of ttv- fir-t settle-
ment, WOTS bund tli" r.n .uin« of thf-o di'tir
one «im s-iuare, on" quadrangular, and r<w circular. When
first discovered, the embankments e I high; and upon
one of them stood an oak tree 4 ft. in diameter. These works
were each situated near a living spring of water. The remains
df various articles found here seem to indicate that these fort i-
ficntions were known to the French.
■ The channel of this riverat Jacks Reefs has been deepeni d
by the State, for the purpose nf draining the Cayuga marshes.
The work was commenced in ls;,| :m,l finished in lK/i". under
thesuperinl ndenceof Hon. <• geQeddes, More tlian 200.000
varus "i rock cutting were removed, and the marshes were
drained a- for weal as Musquito Point. The post was jisfi.otm.
( — yean previous to this work a deep channel was excavated
distance of — mi., near Oswego River, at an expense of
about 8100. I.)
I I • Hiel. I iii 1889. by Nathan Munro. who left it an endow-
ment "I -jo, 1. mi. The building — among the finest in the State
— is of brick, faced with brownstonc, and lias accommodations
for 800 pupils. The school is well sustained.
II The old elm tree under which Mr. Buck and family took
shelter before then; house was built is still standing, a little w.
of the house Of Col. John Munro. Among the other early
settlers were Robert Fulton, James Strong, Col. Chandler, Dr.
Pickard, Potter, .las. Wiesner. Win. Stevens. Iir. ,I"Ihi Pris-
I i •. /■ nas and Aaron Wright, Martin Tickner, Reynolds Corey,
Smith, Jonathan Rowley. Jonathan Hahcock. Moses Car-
penter, Squire Munro. Ezra and John Hrackctt, and Joseph and
Aaron Colman. John Hcal> taught the first school, in 1801 ;
Ji -,ili Buck kept the first inn. in 1703: Win. Stevens kept the
first store and built the first sawmill, in 17'J7 ; and Isaac Strong
the first gristmill, in 1798.
12 The census reports * churches in town; 3 M. E., 2 Bap.,
Cong- l're-li.. and not. B.
13 Th" tcrfl n at first embraced the military townships of Fabius
and Tully. each 10 mi. s,|h.,ic. The B. half of the township of
Kahins was erected into the town of Truxton, and now consti-
tutes the It. part of Truxton nnd Cuyler.
ONONDAGA COUNTY. 163
e. and w. borders flow x. into Limestone and Butternul Creeks. A small lake, known as " Labra-
dor Pond," lies at the w. foot of South Hill. The soil U generally a fine quality of gravelly
loam, intermixed in pi aces with clay and sand. Along the stream w. of Fabius Village is con-
siderable swamp land. From its elevation, and the broken character Of its surface, this town is
best adapted to pasturage. Dairying is the principal occupation of the | pie; ami in the amount
of daily products it is the first town in the 00. and among the first in the State.' I'ahins
(p. v.) i-i situated on a small stream, \. r.. of the center of the town. Pop. 172. 4|tlllia (p. v. J
is a staiion of the S. B. & N. Y. R. R., in the w. part of the town. Pop. 1 l<>. Ciooseville is
a hamlet, in the N. e. corner. The first settlers were Josiah Moore and Timothy Jerome, from
Stockbridge, Mass., who came in 1794.' The first church (Pros)).) was formed at Apulia, in 1804;
and the first pastor was Rev. Mr. Oshornc. The first church edifice erected was a Bap., at Fabius
Village, in 180G.4
CEDDES5- was formed from Salina, March 18, 1848 It lies upon the w. bank of Onondaga
Lake, a little x. of the center of the co. Its surface is level in the x. and rolling in the s. In
the s. e. part are several isolated, rounded drift hills, or knolls. Seneca River forms the x.
boundary, and Onondaga Creek a part of the e. Nine Mile Creek flows e. through near the
center. The soil is a clayey and sandy loam. Near the s. w. extremity of the lake are several
salt wells.6 The New York State Asylum for Idiots is in the e. part, near the line of Syracuse;
and the S. B. & N. Y. R. R. coal depot is on the canal. In the s. e. part are extensive stone quarries.
Geddes, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, was incorp. April 20, 1832. It contains 2 churches, a brewery
and distillery, and a large number of salt works. Pop. 950. The first settlement was commenced
by James Geddes, in 1794.7 The census reports 2 churches; Prot. E. and M. E.
liA FAYETTE — was formed from Pompey and Onondaga, April 15, 1825. It is an interior
town, lying s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is hilly and broken. Butternut Creek flows
x. through the e. part, and Onondaga Creek through the w. The high ridge between the valleys
of these streams has steep declivities, and its summit is 300 to GOO ft. high. Conklings Brook, in
the s. e. part, flows from the e., and within the space of 1 mile it descends 500 ft. The soil is
generally a sandy and gravelly loam; and a portion is thickly covered with large, water-worn
pebbles. About one-half of the Onondaga Indian Reservation lies in the x. w. corner of this
town. JjO, Fayette, (p. v.,) on the ridge near the center of the town, contains 1 church and
35 houses; and Cardiff, (p. v.,) on Onondaga Creek, a church and 25 houses. Eiltll is a p. o.,
in the s. e. part. The first settler was John Wilcox, who located upon Lot 14 in 1791. 8 The first
church (Cong.) was formed in Oct. 1809; Rev. Benj. Bell was the first preacher. There are 2
churches in town ; Cong, and M. E.
EYSA1VDER. — was formed March 5, 1794. Hannibal (Oswego co.) was taken off in 1806,
and Cicero in 1807. It is the x. w. corner town in the co. Its surface is level and somewhat
swampy in the e., and gently rolling in the w. Seneca River forms its s. and e. boundaries. This
stream takes the name of Oswego River, below the mouth of the outlet of Oneida Lake. In the
s. w. part is a slight fall in the river, known as Jacks Rifts. At Baldwinsville is a fall of 7 ft.,
affording a valuable water-power. Mud Lake, a large pond s. w. of the center, covers an area of
about 300 acres. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, with occasional patches of clay, formed
by the disintegration of the red shales. Baldwinsville, (p. v.,) on Seneca River, was incorp.
in 1848. It contains a union school, a scythe factory, ax factory, tannery, several extensive
1 The number of dairies in town of 50 to 125 cows each is
about 35, and the aggregate number of cows about 3,500.
2 Formerly called •'FrankHnrillf."
8 Among the other early settlers were Capt. Kbenezer lielden.
Col. Elijah St. John, Thomas Miles. Jonathan Stanley. Abel
Webster, James Harris, .John Wallace, Th08. and Simeon
Keeney, Jacob Penoyer. and Abel Pixley. The first child born
was Charles Moore, in 179S; the first marriages, those of Abel
Webster and Lydia Keeney. and of Luther St. John and Polly
Joy, in 1804; and the first 'death, that of Josiah Moore, in 1802.
A colored man belonging to Simeon Keeney died about the
same time from drinking too much maple syrup. The first
school was taught by Miss Jerome, (afterward wife of Judge
James Geddes,) in the E. part of the town ; Eunice Fowlei
taught the first school near Apulia, in 1802-08, The first inns
were kept by Josiah Tubbs. near Tully, in 1797, and by Capt.
St. John, at' Apulia, in 1802; David Caldwell kept tlie first
store, in 1804: Thos Miles built the first sawmill, in 1800; and
John Meeker the first grist mill, in 1808.
4 There are 6 churches in town; M. E. and Cong, at Apulia,
and Bap., M. E., F.W. Bap., and Univ. at Fabius. I sawmill, in 1705
6 Named from Hon. James Geddes, first settler.
6 The first salt well was dug by James Geddes, in 1796. The
Indians claimed the springs w. of the lake; but they adopted
Mr. Geddes into their tribe, and allowed him to go on with his
works. There are now in town 40 fine salt works, and 7.442
coarse salt covers. See page 479.
' Among the other early settlers were Freeman Hughs and
James Lamb. Nancy Boot taught the first school, in 1803;
James Lamb kept the first inn, in 1S03; and Noah Smith built
the first sawmill, in 1825.
8 Comfort Rounds and Wm. Hastens located in town in 17'J2;
Solomon Owen and James Sherman, in 1793; John Houghtalmg,
Amazial Branch, James Pearce, Samuel Hyatt, Amaso Wright,
and Reuben Bryan, in 1794: and Isaac and Elias Conklin,
Zenas and Ozias Northwav. and Isaac Hull, soon after. The
first child born was Amy Wilcox, in 1791: the first marriage,
that of Solomon Owen and Lois Rounds, in 1793; and the first
death, that of Moses De Witt, in 1794. Rev. Amaziah Branch
was the first teacher; Cheney kept the first inn; Stoagh-
ton Morse the first store; and James Sherman built the first
4-4 ONONDAGA COUNTY.
flouring and saw mills, a newspaper office, furnace, machine shop, and a large distillery. Pop.
1.675, — of which 1,115 are in this town and 560 in Van Buren. Belts Corners (Lysauder
p. o.) contains 3 churches and 35 houses; JLittlc I'tica. 1 church and 30 houses; Plain-
ville fp. v.) a church and 218 inhabitants; and Jacksonville (Polkville p. o.) a church and
25 houses. LiamsoilS (p. o) is a r. r. station. The first settler within the present limits of the
t-iwn was Jonathan Palmer, a Revolutionary soldier, who drew Lot 36, and located upon it iD
1793.1 The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1813.2
MAXLiirS — was formed March 5, 1794. A part of Onondaga was taken off in 1798, a pari
of Salina in 1809, and De Witt in 1835. It lies on the e. border of the co., n. of the center.
The surface of the x. half is level, and that of the s. half rolling and hilly. Limestone Creek
flows x. through near the center of the town, and at the northern extremity it receives Butternut
Creek from the w.. and the two united streams flow into Chittenango Creek, which latter stream
forms the n. e. boundary of the town. A few rods s. of the canal, near the center, are two small
lakes, similar in character to those already described in De Witt, but somewhat larger. They
are known as the '" Green Lakes." In the s. w. corner of the town is another small pond of the
same kind.' The e. branch of Limestone Creek, near the s. border of the town, falls down a
limestone precipice 100 ft., forming a beautiful cascade. Several sulphur and other mineral
springs are found in town, but none of any considerable note.4 In the w. part are extensive
quarries, from which are obtained immense quantities of waterlime, quicklime and gypsum. The
soil is a deep, fertile alluvium in the x., and a sandy and clayey loam in the s. Manilas, (p. v.,)
on Limestone Creek, near the s. line of the town, was incorp. March 12, 1813. It contains the
Manlius Academy, a union school, 4 churches, 2 carriage factories, 2 flouring mills, an ax factory,
2 founderies, and a paper mill. Pop. 934. Fayette ville, (p. v.,) on Limestone Creek, 2 mi. x. w.
from Manlius, and 1 mi. from the Erie Canal, with which it is connected by a navigable feeder,
was incorp. May 6, 1844. It is finely situated on a gentle elevation, and has a number of valuable
water-privileges.5 It contains 4 churches, a union school, a bank, 2 large flouring mills, 3 sawmills,
1 pearl barley mill, 1 paper mill, 1 sash blind and door factory, 3 lime and plaster mills, 1 tannery,
1 fuundery and machine shop, 1 wheelbarrow factory and 1 cradle factory, 5 carriage factories, and
- oral large establishments for the manufacture of lime, plaster, and waterlime.6 Pop. in 1859,
1 . 76. ]>Ianlius Center (p. v.) is a canal village, containing 40 houses. Manlius Station
and Rirkville (p. v.) are small villages and stations upon the Central R. R. Ilig'b
Isritlsrc. in the a. w. part, contains a church, 2 plaster and lime mills, a sawmill, gristmill, and
- -." Matthews Mills, (North Manlius p. o.,) Eagle Village, and Ilartsville
are hamlets. The first settlers were David Tripp, who located 1 mi. x. w. of the present site of
Manline Village, and James Foster, who located on the present site of Eagle Village, in 1790.8 The
fir-t church (Prnt. E.) was formed in 1798; Rev. Mr. Nash was the first preacher.9
ML4RCEULUS — was formed March 5, 1794. A part of Onondacra was taken off in 1798;
nillus in 1790; a part of Otisco in 1806; and Skaneateles in 1830. A part of Sempronius
ho other settlers were Beqj De Pny, Beuben Smith, barrels "f waterlime, and .10.410 bushels of quicklime were sold
mon Toll, Thomas Parrington,
J hn Mi ll-irri-. Win. Mnd t t Wells,
i Manly Vlckery, Job I.' mi-, and IT.
i r.r\ldwin. !>r Baldwin was t !»•• early proprietor and
r • f Bal II- built the iii-t n« and
■ - luring the I on
By bis energy, th< ;
rs kapt tha first inn. The first child
horn wa» John Toll
i Th" censni ru; 411 I'. J Preeb.,
Bar
hiili *p -
<\n n me of tin ru nr- nlbd with
r. Bii'l thoi during (li-
iii tip- village o( Fayetteville.
' A ti bxu n-i\'- water-power is formed at this place by (ho con-
■traction ol a hydraulic canal from Linn-stone Creek ami an-
other from a Im-ok flowing from the E. This power is need
in all tin- manufactories in the village, and but a small portion
of it is mi-, ni
8 Among Hie other early settlers were Joshua Knowlton and
ii Eaton, on the site of Fayetteville, in 1 7 '. • 1 : Conrad Lour,
' \iu- Kinnie, and John A Shaeffer, in 1792; and Caleb Pratt.
• apt. Joseph Williams, Wm. Ward, Col. Elijah Phillips. Charles
Mulbolland, Charles Moseley, Dr. Sturtevant, Alvan Harsh, and
Or. Ward, all of whom cann- previous to 1800. The first child
born was Baron Steuben Shaeffer, in 17U4. It is related that
on tin- night of his birth Baron Steuben and a party ol friends
l part of thf n;mm»r. The oat put up at Mr. Bbaeffer'a, who then kept an inn on the pre* nt
markable dk pn mi i
■ ■
< p. ep Spring - * ugh, ij a
spring 60 O . in 'n th- t r the
nea Turnpik".
The-<- nr" f rd Canal— which win built
by t
■rial i« ibtl
mi. g. of t: ■ with
• k. which run- igh the I
12 wntT-p-iwor- •
tring the year ending Jan. 1, 1*
for the manufacture of quit 1.: I
j tons of stone plant •« of ground i-i
-it'- .-f Manlius. The baron was much disturbed during the
night, and in the morning sevi-nly reprimanded Mr. S. for al-
lowing his guests to be so annoyed that they could nol sleep.
i j i. - i-ing tin' infant, he apologized for his ebullition of tem-
per, h - 1 his own name upon the child, and gave him a
deed of 260 urn s of land. The first marriage was that of
Nicholas Phillip- and Katv Oarlock. Jan. 14. IT'.':;; and the first
death, thai •■) tin- father of David Tripp, in 1702; Samuel Ed-
wards taught th'- Brat school, in Jamos Poster's bam: James
I the lir-t inn. in I790j Charles Moseley the first
Elijah Phillips and three others built th.- first
II. hi 1702-08; and \\ in. Ward tin- first gristmill, in 1794.
» Ti is 18 churches in town; 8 M. K., 2 Hap.,
: 1'r -;. I. . 2 I !• -I ... Moth. Prut., Wcs. Meth., R. C, and Union.
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
485
(Cayuga co.) was annexed La 1804, and a part of Spafford in L840. It i- an interior town, lying
s. w. of the center of the co. Eta Burface is a rolling upland, broken by the deep valley of Nine
Mile Creek, which extends s. and b. through the center. The declivitieB which border upon the
creek are steep, and 200 to 500 ft. high. Opon the creek are several falls, furnishing a large
amount of water-power. Lime and plaster both abound. The soil is generally a deep, black
loam, formed by the decomposition of the Marcellus shales, intermixed to Borne extent with claj
Manufacturing is carried on to a limited extent along Nine Mile Creek. Marcellus, (p. v.,)
on the creek, near the center of tli" town, was incorp. April 29, 1 853; it contains 4 churches, a
woolen factory, ami grist mill. Top. .".MO. MaixellMS Falls (p. v.) contains a gristmill, saw-
mill, and 2 paper mills. Top. 200. Marietta, (p. v.,) upon Nine .Mile Creek, in the 3. part.
contains 30 houses. Clilltoiivillc is a hamlet. Til 01 n Hill (p. O.) is a hamlet in the
s. w. part. The first settler was "Win. Cobb, who located on the e. hill in 1704. ' The lir-t church
edifice (Union) was built in 1803; Rev. Atwater was the first preacher.*
ONONDAGA — was formed from Marcellus, Pompey, and Manlius, March 9, 1798. A part
of Salina was taken ofi" in 1809, and a part of Camillus in 1834. The surface is mostly a rolling
and hilly upland, separated into two ridges by the valley of Onondaga Creek. The e. ridge is
rocky and broken, and the w. is generally smooth and rolling. A fine, wide intervale extends
along the creek, and is bordered by steep hillsides, the summits of which are 200 to 400 ft. high.
A valley, forming a natural pass between Onondaga and Nine Mile Creeks, extends s. w. through
the town. Along the n. line the highlands w. of the valley descend abruptly to the n., presenting
in some places the face of a nearly perpendicular precipice 100 to 150 ft. high. This declivity is
known as Split Rock. Upon these cliffs is an outcrop of Onondaga limestone, which is extensively
quarried for building purposes.3 The Split Rock stone quarry is near the n. w. corner. The soil
in the valley is a sandy and gravelly loam, and on the uplands a gravelly and clayey loam. Lime
and waterlime are both largely manufactured. About one-half of the Onondaga Indian Reserva-
tion lies in the s. e. part of this town. Onondaga Hill,4 (Onondaga p. 0.,) on the hill w. of
the creek, contains a church and 53 dwellings. Onondaga Valley (p. v.) contains 2 churches
and the Onondaga Academy. Pop. 385. South Onondaga (p. v.) contains 2 churches, several
mills, and a population of 290. Navai'ino, (p. v.,) in the s. w. corner, near the line of Mar-
cellus, contains a church and 115 inhabitants. Onondaga Castle is a p. 0. near the Indian
Reservation. Iflo wlel Hill is a p. 0. in the n. w. corner ; and West Onondaga a p. 0.
near the w. line. The first white man who lived in this town and vicinity was Ephraim Webster.3
an Indian trader. The first permanent settlers were Asa Danforth,6 his son Asa, from Mass., and
Comfort Tyler, a young man who accompanied him, — all of whom located upon a lot a little s. of
Onondaga Hollow. This was the first settlement made in the co.7 Rev. Samuel Kirkland, a.
1 Among the oilier early settlers were Cyrus Holcomb,
Bowen, Cady, Samuel Tyler. Dim Bradley, Samuel Rice,
Nathan Kelsey, Thomas Miller, Bigelow Lawrence, Martin Cos-
sitt. ami Samuel Wheadon, — all of whom lucated previous to
1800. The town rapidly filled up with settlers, principally from
Mass. The first child horn was a daughter of Wm. Cobb. Miss
Asenith Lawrence taught the first school, iu the summer of
1796: Ilea. Samuel Rice kept the first inn, iu 1790: Klnathan
Beach the first store, in 17110; Dan Bradley and Samuel Bice
built the first sawmill, in 1705-90; and May & Sayles the first
gristmill, in 1800.
2 The census reports 0 churches; 2 Presb., Bap., M. E., and
Prot. E.
3 In this ledge is an irregular crack or chasm, which is said to
extend downward to the depth of 100 ft. Ic- remains in it
during the greater pari of summer. The atone was obtained
from these quarries for building the locks upon the canal and
the aqueduct across Genesee River; and it is justly esteemed a
building stone of superior quality.
4 For many years after the organization of Onondaga co. the
co. seat was located at this Tillage, it was a place of considerable
business, and the most important village upon the Seneca Turn-
pike w. of Whitestown. For a long time its only business rivals
were Salina. or "Salt 1'uinl." and Onondaga Hollow; hut. on
account of the healthfulness of its situation, the Mill main-
tained its superiority until the completion of the Erie Canal.
in 1825. It is now a mere hamlet.
5 Mr. Webster was a native of N. II., and served 3 years in the
army during the Revolution. After the war he became an
Indian trader; and, in consequence of hie thorough knowledge
of the Indian language, he was employed as an interpreter in
several of the councils between the yvhites and Indians. In
17S6' he erected a trading house on the hanks of 1 Inondaga ('reel;.
near its mouth, and continued his traffic there for several years.
He married an Indian woman : and, becoming a great favorite,
the tribe made him a present of a square mile of land upon
I Inondaga Creek, a little S. of the present village of Onondaga
Valley. The Indians also granted him ".on acres near the x. w.
corner of the present reservation. He afterward married a
white woman, by whom he had a large family of children. He
was employed by the C.overnment as a spy, interpreter, and
counselor during the Indian wars that followed the Revolution;
and he was in active service during the last war with Great
Britain. For many years he was Indian Agent, and probal ly
had more influence with the Onondaga tribe than any other
white man. He died in 1825. Oneof his Indian children — Harry
Webster — is now chief of the Onondaga Nation.
0 Mr. Danforth was the pioneer, and one of the most energetic
and prominent of the early settlers of the co. He erected the
first sawmill and gristmill in the CO., on Butternut Creek, near
Jamesville; and during the many years of privation which fol-
lowed the first settlement, his cabin was always the welcome
bone- of the distressed and suffering settlers. He held at differ-
ent times the offices of Judge of Common Pleas, Superintendent
ol 1 he Salt Springs, and Major General in the State Militia. He
died in IMS.
' Among the other settlers who came soon after Mr. Danforth
were Abijah Earll, Levi Hiscock, and Roderick Adams, in 1788
or '89; NicholasJMickles, John O. Brown, Arthur Patterson, Job
Tyler, Peter Tenbroeck, Lewis, Cornelius Longstreet, Peter
?oung, Joseph Forman. John Adams. Geo. Eibbe, Wm. and
Gordon Needham, Wm. II. Sabine, Jasper Hopper, Aaron Bel-
lows. George Hall, Joseph Swan, Thaddeus M. Wood, Jonas C.
Baldwin, and Daniel and Nehemiah II. Earll. The first man iag
was that of Ephraim Webster and an Indian woman, iu IT-'.'.
The wife soon after died, and Mr. Webster took another Indian
wife, agreeing to live with her as long as she kept sober. He
lived with her nearly 20 years. As tin' settlement began to
advance, he was desirous of obtaining a white wife, and to this
end endeavored to make his wife drunk. For a long time -lie
resisted every attempt; but at last, with the aid of milk pun. h.
he succeeded. The next morning she left without speaking a
4*1 ON OXD AG A COUNTY.
missionary from Mas*., -was the first preacher. The first church (Presbyterian) was formed
at an early day, at the Hill.1
OTISCO — was formed from Pompey, Marcellus, and Tully, March 21, 1806. It is an interior
town, lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is principally occupied by the high ridge
between the valleys of Onondaga Creek and Otisco Lake. The declivities of the hills are generally
steep and the summits rolling, and elevated 800 to 1,000 ft. above the valleys and 1,600 to 1,700
above tide. Otisco Lake is 772 ft. above tide. It lies upon the w. border of the town, in a valley
1.000 ft. below the summits of the hills. Bear Mountain,2 in the n. w. part, overhanging the
valley of Onondaga Creek, is one of the principal elevations. The soil is generally a sandy or
gravelly loam, mixed -with clay, and well adapted to grazing. Otisco, (p. v.,) situated upon the
high ridge near the center of the town, contains 30 houses; and Amber, (p. v.,) at the foot of
Oti*co Lake. 25. Maple Grove is a p. o. in the x. e. corner. The first settler was Chauncey
Rust, from Northampton, Mass.. who moved his family from La Fayette in April, 1801. During
this year and the following, a large number of settlers arrived, principally from Mass. and Conn.
and the whole town filled up rapidly.3 The first religious service was a prayer meeting, held in
Sept. 1801, at the house of Rust. The first church (Cong.) was formed May 9, 1803, by Rev.
Hugh Wallace. There are now two churches in town; Cong, and M. E. This town is noted for
beiDg the birthplace and residence of several persons of distinguished literary reputation.4
POMFCT5 — was formed in Jan. 1789. Fabius and a part of Onondaga were taken off in
1798 : and La Fayette in 1825. It lies upon the E. border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface
is principally occupied by the high, rolling ridge which lies between the e. branch of Limestone
dreek and Butternut Creek. The highest summit is 906 ft. above the surface of Butternut Creek,
near the La Fayette r. r. station, 1,343 ft. above the canal at Syracuse and 1,743 ft. above tide.
The general ridge is subdivided into 3 ridges by the valleys of the 2 w. branches of Limestone
Creek. These valleys are 200 to 300 ft. below the summits and are bordered by steep hillsides.
The streams that drain the s. part of the town flow in a southerly direction. Pratts Falls, upon
the w. branch of Limestone Creek, are 137 ft. high ; and within a few rods of them are several
other fine cascades. Near the N. line, upon the same creek, is a cascade of 70 ft. Just e. of the
co. line, near Delphi, on the e. branch of the same stream, are 2 other fine cascades. Carpenters
Pond, in the s. e. part, covers an area of about 30 acres. The soil is a strong, clayey loam.
Pompey Hill, (Pompey p. o.,) on the summit of the ridge,6 contains 5 churches and the Pom-
pey Academy. Pop. 27<». Delplii, (p. v.,) upon Limestone Creek, in the s. e. corner, contains
3 churches and 219 inhabitants. Watervale, (p. v.,) upon Limestone Creek, n. of the center,
contains a grist and saw mill and 20 houses. Oran, (p. v.,) in the n. e. corner, contains a church
an^l <v2 inhabitants. Pompey Center7 (p. o.) is a hamlet. In the s. e. corner, above Delphi,
are an edge tool factory, and a woolen mill not in operation. The first settler was Ebenezer Butler,
who located on Lot 65 in 1792.8 The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1794; the first preacher
In a short time died of grief. The first child born was
rth, daughter of Lsa Danfi nth.. jr.. Oct 14, 1789.
I>r. '. • hi i!i'- lir-t -• 1 1, in 17'.<">: Comfort
Kibbe tli" Oral store; Gen.Dan-
boilt the first gristmill, in K'.'t; and Turner Fenner the
iirmill, in I
• TV- >-..n-ii« i churches; 5 MLB, 2 Presb., Cong.,
Bap.. W - M :h.. an'l Onion.
uned from I that infested it when
the settled.
• Aiivn.- th- fir*t - J nathsn B. Nichols, Charles
zine. a position which he has held for the last 25 years. Willis
died in 1S41. Their father was Kliakiin Clark, an officer in the
I; . lution, and their mother wns sister to Willis Qaylord. Rev.
Hi < ltnn. father of Owen OoltOn, author of a scries of Creek
text hooks, ami of Geo. II. Coltoii. founder and editor of the.
American Review, was many years a resident of the town.
8 Named by the Indians Oto-gepa-ja-ke, "a place of much
^-r.i--. opt Dings or prairies." Another name given to t Ids locality,
ften repeated, and about which there is ninth superstitions
reserve, is Ote-queh-sah-he-eb, ''the field of blood, or bloody
ground, — a place where many have been slain." It has been said
mnn .in. Id. and Lemon Qaylord, in that no Indian ever visits this neighborhood. They certainly dis-
i linos an i like to converse much about it — ClmVsOnonfiiif/.i.Vul. //. ]>.:;■>:■>.
Daniel r' Water from one side of the roof of the hotel at this place
I Thayer, Henry El thi p, Samuel, finds its way into the St. Lawrence, and from the other into
r 1 •■ snd Noah Parsons, and Chesapeake Bay.
rtnf'i i ird wife of Ri ••
Tie Brsl child
l-,rn .'-'. 1802; ml the lir-t death,
the fdl ora ip o, duly 10,
Inn. in 1802; tnd Michael
Johnson Ibe t: Merritnan built tho
■
l lly known as "Greens Corners."
8 Moses Blower and Moses Savage came in the same year.
Anions: the early settlers upon tho hills were Albums Bishop,
Josiah Holbrook. Timothy Sweet. John and Samuel Jerome,
ph Smith, Jesse Btttler, Dr. I> lalus Clarke. Jacob Soar,
Jns. Olcott, Trneworthy Cook, Selah Cook. Noadiah and Kpi-
phas Olcott. Mr. Samuel P.each, and families named Hinsdale,
> Willis Oaylord, widely known M lbs editor Of the Genesee llibbard. Messenger. Western, and Daniel Allen. The early
I an I Alb ' ful Mttlen in the K. hollow were Samuel Draper. James McClure,
■ *.. the liu'lit III line Into town Wm. Cook. < ► z i : i -. burr. Klihu barber. John Lamb, Daniel
with h. iather, from Bristol, OoniL, In 1801. H" was then 9 Tie. mas, Savs . Daniel Hubbard, Wm. Shankland, and
D i I Sweet The first child born was Sally Hoar, about 1794;
Hired in 1-41. Willi! rd Clark, the first male child born was Orange Butler: the first marriage
twin t re born in thi» town in April. 1808, The former wis that of Zachariali Kinne and Diadama Barnes; and the first
is kn t the author of uOUlpodku the editor death, that of Mrs. Jaa Cravath. Samuel clement taught tho
of the Phil i, | Iphia Qasette; and Ins lasts* Ins obtained a . first school in the town and >•„., on Lot 28, in 1704. Kbenezcr
national reputation a? the tbs Knickerbocker Maga- , Butler kept the first inn, in 17'.'.:; Henry Seymour the first store;
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
487
was Key. Mr. Robbins, a missionary from Conn.1 Several eminent personages, distinguished in the
fields of politics, literature, and art, were natives of this town, prominent among whom are Sara J.
Clarke, (now Mrs. Sara .1. Lippincott, better known as "Grace Greenwood,") Ex-Gov. Horatio
Seymour, Charles Mason, late Commissioner of Patents, and Erastus D. Palmer, the sculptor,
SAIjIJVA — was formed from Manlius and Onondaga, March 27, 1809. Syracuse and Geddes
were taken olf March IS, Is IS. It lies upon the i. bank of Onondaga Lake, N. of the center of
the co. Its surface is level or gently undulating. Mud Creek, in the s. E. part, and its tributary,
Bear Trap Creek, arc the only streams. Along their course is a considerable amount of swamp
laud. The soil is principally a sandy loam, with occasional intervales of tough clay. The people
are largely engaged in the manufacture of salt. Tobacco is cultivated to some extent. Uver-
]>ool, (p. v.,) upon the e. bank of Onondaga Lake, on the w. line of the town, was incorp. April
20, 1830. It contains 4 churches, a union school, a steam saw and stave mill, and a large number
of salt works. Pop. 1,305. The first settlement was made at Liverpool, in 1795, by John Dan-
forth and 3 sons, from Worcester co., Mass.2 There are 4 churches in town.3
SKAH1EATEE.es4— was formed from Marccllus, Feb. 26, 1830. A part of Spafford was an-
nexed in 1840. It is the s. town on the w. line of the co. The surface is rolling or moderately hilly.
Skaneatelcs Lake divides the s. half of the town into two nearly equal parts. From the lake the
land slopes beautifully upward to a height of 200 to 500 ft. The highlands upon both borders
overlooking the lake furnish a great number of sites for country residences, which, in beauty of
situation, have no superiors in the State. Many of these are occupied by fine cottages and villas.
Skaneateles Outlet, flowing n., is the principal stream. Upon it are numerous falls, furnishing an
abundance of water-power.5 The soil is principally a clay loam. SRaneateles,6 (p. v.,) beauti-
fully located at the foot of the lake, was incorp. April 19, 1833. It contains G churches, a union school,
and 3 carriage manufactories. Pop. 1,200. Mottville, (p. v.,) on Skaneateles Outlet, contains
1 church, 2 machine shops, a foundery, chair factory, fork factory, and gristmill. Pop. 250.
Milildillia., (p. v.,) on the w. bank of the lake, in the s. part of the town, contains 15 dwellings.
KelloggS Mills, a hamlet li mi. n. of Skaneateles, contains a woolen factory which employs
125 hands. The first settler was John Thompson, a Scotchman, who located upon Lot 18 in 1793. 7
The first church edifice (Cong.) was erected in 1807 ; Hev. Aaron Bascom was the first pastor.3
SPAFFORD9— was formed from Tully, April 8, 1811. Parts of Marcellus and Skaneateles
were taken off in 1840. It lies upon the e. bank of Skaneateles Lake, and is the w. town on the s.
line of the co. Its surface consists principally of a high ridge between Skaneateles and Otisco
Lakes, abruptly descending to the valleys on each side and gradually declining toward the n.
The highest summit, Kipley Hill, is 1,122 ft. above Skaneateles Lake and 1,982 ft. above tide.
Otisco Inlet is a small stream flowing through the valley which extends s. from Otisco Lake. The soil
is a sandy and gravelly loam. Borodino, (p. v.,) in the n. part of the town, contains a population
of 202. Spafford, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 30 houses. Spafford Hol-
low is a p. o. The first settlers were Gilbert Palmer and his son John, who located on Lot 76 in
1794.10 The first church (M. E.)was formed at an early day ; Elder Harmon was the first preacher.11
Pratt & Smith built the first sawmill, in 1790, and the first
gristmill, in 1798; Dr. Hezekiah Clarke was the first settled
physician. He served 2 years as a surgeon in the Revolutionary
Army, and was at the massacre of Fort Griswold.
1 The census reports 12 churches; 4 M. E., 3 Bap., Cong.,
Presb.. Prof. E., Univ., and Disciples.
2 Abel Ilawley, John Eager, and Patrick Riley came in about
the same time. The first marriage was that of Abrum Shoe-
maker and Betsey Danforth, in 1809. The first school was
taught by ('apt. Conner, about 17'. IT. in a salt block, which at
that time contained 4 kettles; and the school was taught while
the block was in operation. John Danforth kept the first inn,
in 1796.
3 2 M. E., Evan. Luth., and Presb.
4 Indian name: by some said to signify "very long lake,"
and by others, "the beautiful squaw." The outlet is called
"Hanauttoo." or '• liana u to," meaning "water running through
thick hemlocks."
5 A recent survey makes Skaneateles Lake 800.25 feet above
tide. Between Skaneateles and Mottville are two large distil-
leries, and below Mottville a woolen factory, a grist and saw
mill, a paper mill, and a distillery.
6 The beautiful location of this village upon one of the finest
lakes in the State renders it a favorite summer resort of people
from the cities and from the Smith.
7 Among the other earl; settlers were Robinson, James
Watson, Lovel Oibbs, Jonathan Hall, and Winston Day, who
came in 1790; Warren Ilecox, James and Samuel Porter, Dr.
Monger, Elnathan Andrews, John Legg, Moses Loss, John
Briggs, Nathan Kelsey, Win. J. Vredenburgh, Isaac Sherwood,
Dr. Benedict, and families by the names of Kellogg and Earll,
who came in soon after. Elisha Cole, now living, (1859,) came
in with his father in 1793. Capt. Win. Thomas came in 1796;
Hezekiah Earll and Samuel Greenman in 1797. The first child
burn was Richard P. Watson, June 1, 1796; and the first death,
that of Nehemiah Earll, in 1808. James Porter kept the first
inn. and Winston Day the first store, in 1797 ; and Judge Jede-
diah Sanger built the first saw and grist mill, in 1796.
8 The census reports 8 churches ; 2 M. E., 2 Friends, Bap.,
Presb., Prot. E., and Univ.
9 Named from Horatio Gates Spafford, author of the first
Gazetteer of New York.
10 Among the other early settlers were Jonathan Berry, Archi-
bald Farr. Warren Kneeland, M. Harvey, Isaac Hall. Elisha
Sabins, John Babcock, Peter Knapp, Samuel Smith, Otis and
Moses Legg, Jethro Bailey, Elias Davis, Abel Amadon. Job
Lewis, Daniel Tinkham, John Hullibut, Levi Foster. Benj.
Horner, James and Cornelius Williamson, Benjamin Stanton,
John Woodward, James Bacon, and Asabel Rouudy. The first
child horn was Alvah Palmer: the first marriage, that of Elisha
Freeman and Phoebe Smith ; and the first death, that of Benj.
Chaffee, in Aug. 1S01. Sally Packard taught the first school, in
1S03; .Tared Babcock kept' the first store, in 1809; Archibald
Farr kept the first inn and built the first gristmill, in 1S0S; and
Josiah Walker built the first sawmill, in 1810.
11 The census reports 5 churches; 3 M.E., Presb., and Union.
488
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
SYRACUSE1 — was incorp. as a village in the town of Salina,
April 13, 1825, and as a city, Dec. 14, 1847. A portion was
annexed to De Witt in 1858. It lies in a basin extending s. of
the head of Onondaga Lake, and upon the ridges immediately e.
A low portion, partly marshy, containing more than a square
mi., lies upon the lake,2 and is bordered by an abrupt declivity
10 to 30 ft. high. From the summit of this declivity the surface
spreads out into an almost perfect flat, on which is built the
greater part of the more thickly settled portions of the city. A
ridge 100 to 200 ft. high extends through the e. part.3 Upon
the highlands that surround the city are some of the most beau-
tiful sites for country residences to be found in the State. The
city is located in the midst of a rich agricultural region, and near the center of the State.4 The
several canals and railroads that terminate at or pass through this city give to it important com-
mercial advantages. Its local trade is very large. It is also largely engaged in manufactures,
the principal of which are salt,5 machinery, beer, and barrels.6 A large trade is carried on with
the surrounding country to supply the salt works with wood and barrels, and with Penn. to furnish
them with coal. The city is supplied with water by the Syracuse Water Company, from springs
and brooks which have their sources in the hills s. w. of the city.
The City Hall is a commodious edifice, on the s. side of the canal, fronting Washington St., and
containing rooms for the officers of the city government.
The Public Schools, 13 in number, are under the charge of a Board of Education, consisting of
8 members, of whom 4 are elected annually. In 1858, 61 teachers were employed, — 7 males and 54
females. The whole number of children, between the ages of 4 and 21, was 9,418, of whom 5,258,
or 55 per cent., attended school during some portion of the year. The total expenses were
$34,057.69. The number of volumes in the district libraries was 5,131.7 The schools are graded,
and have a classical department or High School. Few places have bestowed more attention upon
common school education ; and the schools now rank among the best in the State and country.
The Onondaga Counly Orphan Asylum, a city and county institution for the care of orphan and
destitute children, is situated upon Fayette St., in the e. part of the city. It was incorp. April 10,
1845, and is supported by public appropriations and private donations. The children are well
treated, and are amply provided with all the necessaries of life. A school is taught throughout the
year. At a proper age the children are bound out in respectable families.
The Syracuse Home Association, incorp. in 1853, is an association of ladies for the purpose of
systematically visiting the poor, and of furnishing a home for indigent and friendless females. It
occupies a fine building upon E. Fayette St., and is in a flourishing condition.
The Xcw York Slate Asylum for Idiots is located upon a beautiful site in Geddes, s. w. of the
city, ju<t outside of the city corporation. Its grounds contain 18 acres, lying upon an eminence
OTerlookiDg the whole city. The building is a beautiful brick structure, in the Italian style of
architecture, and is one of the best arranged and most convenient buildings of the kind ever con-
structed. It is under the superintendence of Dr. Ilcrvey B.Wilbur. The average number of
inmates is more than l1 !
> T! kn wn from 1 1'ir-
nm. 1812, as - Milan f from 1812 to 1814, as
: from 1814 to 1817 ■ 0 . ' from
. i from thai ti ii has been
k ii iwn ri- - n It bi John Will.
the firsl tltui Ins tho if. pai t
of ti. M h I .-' i 34, and i on-
tinned u an Independent i ij ration onto 1847, when it was
; .iniii.niv known as " Salt
'." The M vn as
•■ J ..',;•
s The unit sprin_-- : ■ 1. r-
>r tli" lake, I.e.' rp -■■ ir.m^;
sulphur -print;.
* This ridge i* divid. 1 i:c i two pnrt<. by the valley through
which the canal axt< nd*. Upon It, a ahorl : the
head of the lake, on ta the t;r and, generally
termed "salt holes." These bolea ->r ly forming; and
it ii 't nnfrequentiy bapfj ft in 'li.iiii--t'-r
will suddenly full to a depth of 1 o. 481.
* From its central location, th» city i^ n fa\ trite place f"r
holding conventions, politii sl.n riLand mUcellai
tins, it is often called "The City ■■> O nventlons," and
sometimes "The City of Isms." It is aim cat;- ntral
Pity," and -Thf City of Salt."
» Sec pages 480, 48L
• Several fonnderica and machine Bhops give employment to
about 200 bauds. Qreonway'a Brewery manufactures annually
60,000 bbls. of beer, worth $350,000. There are 8 other brew-
In the city, produ in^ 500 to 6,000 bbls. each. Barrels for
ih" salt tn li an also manufactured in the city, giving em-
ployment to a large number of hands. The Central R. It. re-
pair Bhops employ 160 hands, and ahniit Tail mure are enna^eil
ers, brakemen, and track hands, belonging to tin's
station. The city also contains large manufactories of agricul-
tural Implements, i i- and Bhoes, furniture, saddlery hard-
war", silver ware, cigars, and a variety of Other articles.
'The Central Library, kepi in the Citv Hall, is a consolidated
library for the use of the ci ntr.nl schools of the city. It was
founded in 1858, and contains 4,000 volumes.
s The building for thi- institution was erected in 1853-64, at
of about 170,000. The site and grounds were donated hy
Inhabitants of Syracuse, The enterprise bee been highly sne-
.!. and has fully demonstrated the utility and necessity of
schoi Is of this description. The Institution has attained b wide
reputation, and it now undoubtedly ranks among the first of
th" kind In th" world. The school was first established at Al-
ison, in 1848, by its preai nt supt., as a private institution. It
was adopted hy the State, and. was continued Beveral years at
Albany, bul was removed to this place ou completion of the
buildings, in IS.". I.
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
489
The Franklin Institute, a literary association, was inoorp. under the general law, Dec. 1819. It
has a fine library and reading room in Wleting Block, S. Salina St., and it supports an annual
course of lectures during the winter. The number of volumes in the lihrary is about 3,000.
Syracuse Post Office is situated near tho center of the old village of Syracuse, s. of the Erie
Canal. Salina Vast Ojfice is situated in the old village of Salina, near the Oswego ('anal.
The Library of the Court of Appeals was formed by act of Legislature, April 9, L849. It occu-
pies rooms in the courthouse, and contains 4,500 volumes.
The Office of the Superintendent of the Salt Springs, on N. Salina St., is a fine building of cut
stone.
The State Armory is a fine building, in Regimental Park, near Onondaga Creek. It was built
in lS,r>S. from a design by II. N. White.
The city also contains a Commercial College, 2 private seminaries, a classical school, a boarding
school for boys, a large number of Masonic, Odd Fellows, and Sons of Malta lodges, a City Tract
Society, a Bible Society, a Fugitive Aid Society, a Musical Institute, a German Turnverein, 11
banks of issue, 2 savings banks, 28 churches,1 and a large number of beautiful and costly private
residences. Its hotels and public halls rank among the best in the State.
The first settlement in the city and co. was made by Ephraim Webster, an Indian trader, who
located near the mouth of Onondaga Creek in 1787. In 1788 or 1789 John Danforth, who came
into the co. soon after his brother Asa, located at "Salt Point" and commenced the manufacture
of salt.* The settlement at this place increased with great rapidity, in consequence of the pros-
pective value of the salt springs. It took the name of " Salvia," and speedily became the most
important place in the co., — a superiority which it maintained for many years. The first settlers
within the limits of the old village of Syracuse, after Webster, the Indian trader, were Hop-
kins, in 1797, and Butler, in 1799. Calvin Jackson settled in 1800, and several others before
1805.3 The ground being low and marshy, the settlement did not progress rapidly for many years.
The first great impulse to its growth was given by the location of the canal in 1817 and its com-
pletion in 1825. In 1829, when the courthouse was removed from Onondaga Hill, Salina and
Syracuse were nearly equal in population, and the courthouse was placed about midway between
the two villages. Since that time, however, the growth of Syracuse has been rapid and nearly
uniform. In 1847 it completely absorbed its old rival, Salina, the two villages and Lodi at that
time being incorp. and forming the city of Syracuse. The business prosperity of the place has
been based principally upon the salt interests and its commercial advantages. The most notable
incidents of the later history of the city are the great gunpowder explosion of Aug. 20, 1841 ;4 and
the rescue of the slave Jerry from the custody of the U. S. Marshal, Oct. 1, 1851.5
TITLiIjY — was formed from Fabius, April 4, 1803. A part of Otisco was taken off in 180G,
and Spafford in 1811. It is the center town upon the s. line of the co. Its surface is an upland,
level in the center, but hilly on the e. and w. borders. In the s. part of the central valley are
several small lakes, known as the Tully Lakes. Two of these lakes lie but a few rods apart. The
smaller, just 800 ft. above the canal at Syracuse, gives rise to Onondaga Creek, flowing n\ ; and the
larger, 4 ft. lower, gives rise to Tioughnioga River, flowing s. In the immediate vicinity of these
lakes is considerable swamp land. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam. Tully, (p. v.,) in the
S. E. part of the town, contains 2 churches and 216 inhabitants ; and Vesper, (p. v.,) on the line
of Otisco, 2 churches and 25 houses. Tully Valley is a p. o. The first settler was David
1 4 R. C, 3 Prot. E., 3 M. E., 8 Presb., 2 Cong.. 2 Bap., 2 Ger.
Evan. Asso.. 2 Jewish Synagogues, Ref. Prot. D., Unit., Gar.
Lutli.. Ger. Prot., Af. Meth., Wes. Meth., and Swedenborgian.
2 In Aug. 1790, Col. Jeremiah Gould and family, consisting
of a wife, three bods, and a daughter, came to "Salt Faint," and
found there Deacon and Nathaniel Looniis. Hezekiah Olcott,
John Danforth, Asa Danforth, jr., and Thomas Gaston. In 1791
two families named Woodworth and Sturges came in. and
March 2. 1792, Isaac Van Vleck and family. Among the Other
early settlers were Thomas Osmon, Simon Pharcs. Patrick Riley,
Wm. Gilchrist, James Peat. Aaron Bellows, Elisha Alvord,
Richard Sawyer, and Dioclesian Alvord. The first child bom
was Abraham Van Vleck. in 1792: the first marriage was that
of Thomas Osmon and Katharine Van Derwricher, in 1795;
and the first death, that of an infant child of Thompson, in
179-1. Dr. Burnet, the first physician, died the same year. The
provisions for the first settlers were brought from Tioga, by
way of Cayuga Lake, and from Herkimer, by wav of Oneida
Lake. In 1793, 30 of the 33 inhabitants of the village were
sick,— the 3 well ones, with the help of the Indians, taking care
of the sick for 2 months. In 1794. out of a population of 63
persons 23 died. The first regular innkeeper was Wm. Gil-
christ, about 1795; though Isaac Van Vleck bad for several
years previous entertained travelers. Elisha Alvord kept the
first store, in 1795. In 1793 Mr. Van Vleck brought from Albany
a large coffee mill, which was used for grinding corn.
3 Among the other early settlers were Wm. Lee, Aaron Cole,
Amos Stanton. Henry Bogardus, and Jonathan Fay. The first
child born was Albion Jackson. Dec. 2S, 1800. A tract of 250
acres, lying near the center of the city, and including a mill
privilege upon Onondaga Creek, was sold by the State to
Abraham Walton and became known as the "Walton Tract."
It afterward passed into the bauds of the " Sj racuse Company."
Mr. Hogardus erected a log bouse for an inn. on the site of the
present Toorhees Block, in 1805: and Mr. Walton erected his
'• Old Bed Mill" the same year. The first steamboat ever used
upon the canal was built a mi. s. ofOran, and launched at
■• linellville," in Pompey. in 1823, by Wm. Avery.
4 Twenty-seven kegs of powder, secretly stored in a carpenter
shop, exploded, aud 25 men — principally firemen — were killed,
and more than 60 others were wounded.
6 Jerry was arrested as a fugitive slave and confined in the
police office; but in the evening a large number of citizens as-
semhled and forcibly took him from the custody of the officers.
Several men were arrested and tried for participating iu the
rescue, but no convictions were ever procured.
490
ONONDAGA COUNTY.
Owen, -who came into town in 1795.1 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1818 ;2 Rev. Mr. Hurd
was the first preacher.
V.i\ Bl'REX — was formed from Camillus, March 20, 1829. It is an interior town, lying
n\ w. of the center of the co. Its surface is level or gently undulating. Seneca River forms its n.
boundary; along its course is considerable swamp land. The soil is a clayey, sandy, and gra-
velly loam. C iintoii, (Canal p. o.,) on the Erie Canal, in the s. w. corner of the town, contains
a church and 188 inhabitants ; Tan Huron Center, (p. v. ; Warners Station on the
N. Y. C. R. R.,) near the s. line, a church and 16 dwellings. Van Bnren (p. o.) and Ionia
arc hamlets. Baldwinsville, (p. v.,) on Seneca River, is on the line of Lysander. The first
settlor was Joseph Wilson, who located in town in 1792.3 The first church (Presb.) was formed in
1803 ; Rev. S. B. Barns was the first preacher.4
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Slock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Onondaga County.
Xajies of Towns.
Camill
Clay
•t
Elbridg
! -
ler
M.tiilius.
Mara Mus
Onond
Pompey
Salina
Skanei
Bpaffbrd
.-••
Tolly
Van Boren...
TotaL.
A' rks or Land.
16,411
14,376J
15.643*
16,7924
-
4.786
Ism 4
27
21,640J
--."■-
33.001*
14,8031
32,4204
6,559*
20,935]
15,6431
1,992]
12,21
a
344,528
"3
I
3.5744.
14.912-
10.681$
6^294
4,638
6,9941
1.47 2 i
5.9S2
10.329
7.54' •
3.319j
7.846|
3.803
8.286
2.219
3,979
4.4-j".;
2931
3.996
4.K4
114.701
Valuation of 1S58.
4
$1,087,490
628,523
964,205
786,362
1.035.328
531.310
1,147,950
516.045
1,353,700
1.779.115
800.160
1,796,890
466,265
1.171.
Mi2..'.75
1.354.400
406,200
6,381,356
306,355
974,086
21 ::>■' !"'.:. 3.750.003
if
ir
ft, ft.
$125,850
42.200
37.850
41.100
163.300
52,900
17,000
59,925
172.820
256,500
99.600
223.050
56.555
100.500
32.900
224.400
75.350
1,765,463
98.400
104.400
Sl,213.340
070.723
1.002.055
827,462
1.198.62S
584.210
1.164.950
575,970
1.526,520
2,035.615
899.760
2.01 9.940
522.820
1,272.150
835,475
1,57S,S00
481,550
8.146,819
464,755
1,078,486
2S.1UO.02S
Population.
so
U
5
1
■g
Sce
0:
OD
3
e
"5>
*&
O
Ve
1
1
1
1
V
£
10
1,401
1.339
4S9
535
328
1,780
1.608
642
689
529
15
1,762
1.564
638
576
511
21
1.562
1.423
575
599
422
14
2.273
2.2ss
803
884
445
16
1 1.12S
1,128
442
43S
375
18
:! i,ii6
950
366
384
157
3
| 1,214
1.120
481
473
365
12
1 2.642
2.418
953
997
654
22
3,116
3,112
1,148
1,404
764
20
1,258
1.2S9
488
517
394
13
2,793
2,607
978
901
856
28
830
895
362
361
298
12
1,867
1.903
729
5S4
538
25
1,377
1.203
417
497
274
2,005
1,971
735
745
445
17
894
922
335
369
271
9
12,611
12,496
3,691
4,881
2,716
16
806
■ 813
352
352
2*9
7
1.598
1.407
591
612
426
16
294
44.033
42,542
12,215
16.798
11.057 1
a §
1.023
1.305
1.530
1.089
1.625
872
638
783
1>3S
2.2S3
1.858
1,990
641
1,463
1,484
659
9.334
633
1.174
31.42S
N.Miu of Towns.
<'an.il .
Bbrid
i
1 ! r
.<
in«
On< n i •
V
Snlitm
-
rd
-
Tolly
Van Boron. ...
Live Stock.
» =
1
•; 8 .„•
i% e «
= ; .
6
&
S
879
1.047
6,649
1.271
2.2:.:;
1,177
1,1 S3
1 .,..
4.202
1,168
1 170
•
1.21',
-
2.072
sll
1,640
7.494
W60
1.117
■
•
144
1,102
Agricultural Products.
1,93 !
1,632
_
1.11'
3,312
2.041
1.1 2J
-71
Burh. op Grain.
i' u H '.-..;
1,0
I
8,6 17
11.774
5.17;;.
2.271
4,264
787
1.421?
1,062
150.909
138 M 1
72,940]
217,0461
1 I-.. 8(
103,1331
-
44,288
■
100,3711
14,176
66,626
169,5221
2,666
4.'. 71. 1
0
3,4231
2.7:;' .
■
1,8661
1.659
8,766
2,1691
766
1.707
2 330]
■j 2.465,967] 63,241 |
*$
BJft,
19,867
24,842
84,011
11.: .21
17.'.7o
11,162
10,8841
16,291
88,268
17.975
is 2211
4 ii..-, is
15,620
26.467
15.5511
1. '1.O70
12,800
8,668
8.059
22,947
•§5
= 6,
3(1.343
20,131
27,578
12.564
26,816
10,056
4.1 'i ',7
:;i,.:;i,s
l-.lsl
25.170
86,895
78,8021
48,716
89,417
4.021
46,( 68
41.0110
1.2.1
21, 5
89,14]
Dairy Products.
11H.209
129,140
12H.0I 17
97,235
120.304
143.51X1
40.945
114.382
207,813
180,077
95.150
223.343
83.387
194,815
44,732
011.223
99,675
6,471
1OS.054
138 125
880,1411 624,6461 2.294,287 860,644 15,5791
5 s
12.470
28.1 1: (5
11,535
13,360
17,730
527.770
5.150
6.915
40,738
9,890
13,078
23,139
22.01;;
43.680
4oii
23.280
8,320
80,900
21X4o
v, V.
Si?
108
2.91)41
3.3171
140
374
095
41
1,00
2,4701
5S1
210
1.3631
700
464
94
335 1
710
25
.".23
88
1 \ri iog the Wm.
Howell, 1
Tli" ftr-t child born «»- Pi tcr Hnnlt-i n, it
I Timothy Walker and Bather
• .1 tli" firi-t death, ilker.
pp taoghl the flr-'t « bool. In 1801; Kich I
or.- inn, iii 1-' 2. M . and
'uilt thai • ' mill. In
5 TbecenflM reporta 5 i horehi - 1 2 B ip . 2 M B-aod Don
» \
Haynca, John McIIarric, R.uUn Smith, Jaaiea M'elli, Amos
ami Beth Warner, Eleazor Dunham, Bonj. Bolton, Ira and
Pbineaa Barnes, Jonathan Bklnner, Isaac Earll, Win. Lakin,
and Charles V. Hall. The flint child born wan Elizabeth
II vii,; tho first marriage WM Unit of James Wilson and
Taboi : and the Brat death, thai "f Mrs. Jonathan
Augustus Robinson tanghi (he firs! Bchool; Charles
Toll kepi the first Inn and store; James Paddock built the first
ill; and Nathan Bkeels and Bolomon Paddock built the
lir-l •»» mill.
* The census reports 5 churches ; 2 Bnp.. M. E., Christian, and
U.C.
ONTARIO COUNTY.
Tins county was formed from Montgomery, Jan. 27, 1789. It was
named from Lake Ontario, which originally formed its n. boundary.
Steuben co. was taken off in 1790, Genesee in 1802, parts of Mon-
roe and Livingston in 1821, and Yates and a part of Wayne in
1823. A strip was annexed from Montgomery co., w. of Seneca
Lake, Feb. 10, 1791, and a small tract in the fork of Crooked Lake,
'from Steuben, Feb. 25, 1814. It is centrally distant 180. mi. from
Albany, and contains an area of 040. sq. mi. It lies upon the
extreme n. declivities of the central Alleghany Mt. Range, and
has a northerly inclination, the summits of the s. hills being ele-
vated about 1000 feet above the general level of the n. portions
of the co. The s. portion, lying w. of Canandaigua Lake, is a
hilly and broken region, divided into ridges with steep declivities and summits 1,500 to 1,700 feet
above tide. The ridges all have a general n. and s. direction, declining toward the n., and termi-
nating in a beautifully rolling region, which embraces all of the co. e. of Canandaigua Lake, and
that portion lying w. of the lake and n. of the n. line of Bristol. The ridges in this section gradu-
ally rise to a height of 20 to 250 feet above the valleys, and give to the land sufficient inclina-
tion for thorough drainage. A terrace with declivities 100 to 250 feet high, descending toward
the n., extends through the n. portions of East and West Bloomfield and the s. part of Victor, at
right angles to the general range of the ridges. The extreme n. parts of the co. are occupied by
drift ridges similar to those in Wayne and Seneca cos.
The geological formation of this co. is nearly the same as that of the cos. lying e. of it in the
same latitude. The lowest rocks, occupying the n. parts of Phelps, Manchester, Farmington, and
Tictor, belong to the Onondaga salt group. The gypsum of this group crops out along the banks
of the streams, and is extensively quarried along the Canandaigua Outlet, in Phelps and Man-
chester, and upon Mud Creek, in Victor. The water limestone, next above, crops out in Phelps,
Manchester, and Victor, and is quarried for waterlime and building stone. The Onondaga and
corniferous limestones next appear, and are quarried for building stone in Phelps. The Mar-
cellus and Hamilton shales occupy all the central portions of the co. s. of the foot of Canandaigua
Lake ; and next above them successively appear the Tully limestone, Genesee slate, and the
Portage group, the last occupying South Bristol, Canadiee, and Naples. This last group furnishes
a sandstone used for flagging and building. Except in the extreme s. parts of the co., the under-
lying rocks have little influence upon the soil, as nearly the whole surface is covered deeply
with drift deposits, consisting of sand, clay, and gravel, intermixed with the disintegrated lime-
stone and gypsum evidently deposited by some great torrent that once swept across the co. in a s.
direction. The rocks are seen at some points along the banks of the lakes and the courses of the
streams. In Bristol are several springs of carburetted hydrogen gas emanating from the strata
of Genesee slate.1
The co. is drained by the Iloneoye Outlet, a tributary of the Genesee River, and by the Canan
daigua Outlet and Mud Creek, tributaries of the Clyde River. Iloneoye Outlet receives as tribu
taries Egypt Brook and the outlets of Hemlock and Canadiee Lakes ;2 Mud Creek receives Beaver,
Fish, and Hog Hollow Creeks ; and Canandaigua Outlet receives Fall and Flint Creeks. Besides
these, Irondequoit Creek flows through the n. w. corner of the co. Keshong Creek and Burralls
and Castle Brooks flow into Seneca Lake. Several of the beautiful lakes which form the most
peculiar and interesting feature of the landscape for which Central New York is celebrated lie
partly or wholly in this co. Seneca, forming a portion of the e. boundary, is described under
Seneca co.3 Canandaigua Lake lies almost wholly within the limits of the co. The shores are
beautifully sloping down to the very edge of the water, except near the head of the lake, where
they rise in steep bluffs to a height of 300 to 800 feet. Its surface is 668 feet above tide.
1 The principal of these gas springs are in Bristol Hollow, on
both banks of Canandaigua Lake, within 3 mi. of the village,
and in East Bloomfield and Richmond. A sulphur spring is
found ou tho outlet of the lake, but the principal one is at Clifton.
2 Hemlock Outlet, called by the Indians O-neh'da, signifying
hemlock.
8 See p. 613.
491
492
ONTARIO COUNTY.
Honeoye,1 Canadiee,2 and Hemlock Lakes are smaller bodies of -water, and are each surrounded by
bluffs and hills rising to a height of 500 to 700 feet above them.
The soil for the most part consists of clayey, sandy, and gravelly loam, formed from the drift
deposits. In the valleys and the rolling region -which extends through the central and n. parts
of the co. the loam is very deep and rich, forming one of the finest agricultural regions in the
State. Upon the hills in the s. part of the co. the soil is made up principally of disintegrated
shale and slate, forming a fine, fertile grazing region. Upon the drift hills in the w. are some
small sections covered with a deep, light sand, moderately productive.
The geographical and geological features of this co. render it eminently adapted to the various
branches of agriculture ; and few cos. in the State excel this in the progress of scientific improve-
ment a? applied to agricultural operati* ins. Wheat was for many years the staple crop ; but of late
more attention has been given to the production of the coarser grains, to stock growing, and the
cultivation of fruits. Wool growing has also received considerable attention, and the fine Merino
sheep were introduced at an early period. The manufactures are mainly of a domestic character,
such as pertain to agricultural districts.
The county seat is located at Canandaigua, at the foot of Canandaigua Lake. A courthouse, jail,
and co. clerk's office were erected here in 1793, soon after the organization of the co.3 In 1825 a
new courthouse was built ; and in 1858 a splendid edifice was erected at the joint expense of the
co. and of the U. S. Government, containing a U. S. and co. courtroom, jury and supervisors'
rooms, U. S. district clerk's and co. clerk's offices, surrogate's office, and p. office. The building is
of brick, with iron and tile floors, and is entirely fireproof. The poorhouse is located upon a farm
of 212 acres in Hopewell, 4 mi. e. of Canandaigua. It is built of brick, and contains ample
accommodations. The average number of inmates is 136, supported at a weekly cost of 57 cts.
each. The farm yields a revenue of $4,000. A school is taught during the whole year.4 The
general management and sanitary arrangements of this establishment are creditable to the co.
The principal works of internal improvement in the co. are the Erie Canal, which enters the
extreme x. z. corner of Manchester, the X. Y. C. R. R., extending through the x. and central por-
tions of the co., the Canandaigua it Niagara Bridge R. R., a branch of the Central, extending w
from Canandaigua to Tonawanda, and the Elmira, Jefferson & Canandaigua R. R., extending s. e.
and connecting with the X. Y. & E. R. R. at Elmira. Besides these, there are several lines of
plank road in the co. ; but most of them have been abandoned.
Seven newspapers were published in the co. in 1855. 5
1 Indian name lia'ne-a-yeh. lying like a finger.
* Indian name Pka/ne-a-diee, long lake.
* The first Circuit Court was held at the inn of Mr. Patt
In Genera, in .1 and the first court of Common Pleas,
at Ibe bouse of Nathaniel Sanbern. in Canandaigua. in Nov.
The tir-t co. officers were Oliver Phelps, First Jitdgi :
nam. Co. Clerk; John Cooper, Surrogate: and Judah
- of peace appointed in Wesb rn
Mm and Wm. Rumsey, for Ontario co., in
1' I ran • ■ ' ■ ;.ril .'{. 1798, deeds were required
n the < i. rk- i ih •■. Tlii?- was many years before
ng in < lerks' oflices.
I I j Lbs in: r. -t ..fa fund given by a
lividual for tin? purpose. The schoolhouse i- situated
in a f-; rarroanded by b
* The - r, the first paper
in It ■ i M i ;. n. \ i.
Apni. it ■•" ad r. moTed to I
(laisiw In
The 1 " vm, was pnblisl
The 1 .Tames
■ ■
The <•> in v» <;«z<t<. . n«l it until D
In 1-.T
Oreves
It until
r, when
it wai Jan. 1 Mo by
Ira n:i ! B. II. i' i- • - ' • '■'■ ; ton was at i as time
Interested in its publication, and it is o m pnhU
E II Partes'.
I ing A
v. and wan pal - P Unll.
John T W .:- n. and tamely, unto 1828, when it
was dtaconfkii
Tht i, by Ja. k«-.n, and
OOBttnned J ^
The. Inil'p"vl.nt American was published by T. 0 Strong in
The Genrryi American was published by Franklin Cowdery in
1830.
The Geneva Courier was established by John C. Mer-
rill in 1830, and continued until 1833, Its publication
was continued by Snow k Williams. Ira Merrill, Hew-
lett A: Van Valkenborgh, Cleveland A Hook, and Win-
throp Atwell, successively, until <irt. 1864, when it
passed into the hands of William Johnson, its present
publisher. A daily [.(per was issued from this office
about 6 months in 1846-46.
The Herald of Truth (Untr.) was started in 1834, at Geneva, by
Preecotl A Chase, and continued until 1837, when it was
removed to Rochester.
The Oeneva Democrat was published during the campaign of
1840, by Stone .v Eraser.
The Dutri' itrruzZ, mo., was started at Geneva in 1840
1 j Francis Dwight, and removed to Albany in 1841.
The Geneva Advertiter and Mechanics' Advocate was started in
ls-ll by 8. Merrill A Co., semi-w., and continued 1 year.
The <:■ ,■' was commenced in 1852, by Sproul i Tau-
ter, and continned 2 years.
suit'' InteUigt no r was published in 1848.
The Onion mi-w.. was started at Geneva by Wm. C.
Basted in I860, and continued until ls">2.
The Geneva Independent and Freeman's Gazette was established
in is.'.l, by W. K. Fowle, and continued by him until
■"•. and by II. '•■ Moore until June. 1867. Since then
it has been published by W. K. Fowls as
Tlic Geneva bidfjcv.
The Geneva Daily I'nlnn has been published since
LO, 1868, by W. K. Fowls.
The 0 ma Genetee Advertiser was brought from
i.n.va to Canandaigua in 1799, and published by
Lucius Carey until lso2. John Keep Gould, who then
1 .une the publisher, changed its name to
77.<- Western Repository and Genesee Advertiser; and in 1S03 it
was again changed to
The Western Repository. James n. Bemis became interested in
it- publication in 1804, and in 1808 b" issued il
The Ontario Repository, and continned it until 1828. It was
published by Morse A Ward. Morse k Wilson, and Morso
.v ll.uvey. until 1886, and until 1840 by Chauncey
Morse. The last named was succeeded by Geo. I, Whit-
ney, who in Jan. 1856, sold it to II. G. Moore. The fob
ONTARIO COUNTY.
493
The territory lying within the limits of this co. was the ohief Beet of the Senecas, the most
numerous and powerful tribe of tho "Six Nations." Their chief village was at Kfffiadeeaga, upon
and just w. of tho present site of Geneva, at the foot of Seneca Lake. In all the wars of tho
Iroquois League the Sonecas boro a conspicuous part; ami especially did they incur the bitter
enmity of the French occupants of Canada, in 1G87, Do Nonville, Governor of "New France,"
at tin' bead of 1,000 French soldiers and 400 Indian allies, invaded the Seneca country by way
of tho St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario. At a defile near the site of the present village of Vietor
an engagement ensued, resulting in the defeat of the Indians, though with great loss to the French.
De Nonville marched forward, burned the village of Gannagaro and several others, and returned.1
In the succeeding year the Senecas and their allies in turn invaded the French settlements in
Canada and took bloody revenge.2
In the progress of the wars that ensued, the Six Nations were sometimes neutral and sometimes
allies of the English; but the country of the Senecas was never afterward invaded by the French.
During the Revolution the Senecas espoused the English cause ; and in 1770 Gen. Sullivan in-
vaded their country from the s., burned their villages, destroyed their corn and orchards, and left
the most beautiful region in the Indian domains a desolate waste. At the conclusion of peace, the
force and spirit of the Indians were annihilated, and they quietly yielded to the gradual encroach-
ments of the whites, until the last acre of their hunting grounds within the limits of this co., and
the very graves of their fathers, passed out of their possession.3
lowing month the office was burned and the paper
suspended. In May following it was revived as
The National New Yorker and Ontario Re-
pository, by II. G.Moore and Dr. B. F.Tifft: and in
May, ls;,7. it passed into the hands of Geo. L. Whitney
& Son, by whom it is now published.
The Ontario Freeman was established at Canandaigua by Isaac
Tiffany in 1803. In 1806 it passed into the hands of
John A. Stevens, who changed its name to
The Ontario Messenger. It was successively pub-
lished by Day & Morse, L. L. Morse, B. W. Jones, and
T. B. Hohn. The latter was succeeded in Nov. 1845, by
Jacob J. Mattison, tho present publisher.
The Republican was started at Canandaigua by A. N. Phelps
in 1824, and was afterward published a short time by
T. M. Barnum.
The Ontario Phamia was issued at Canandaigua in 1827 by W.
W. Phelps. R. Koyce became its publisher soon after,
and changed its name to
Tite Freeman. In 1836 it was united with The Repository.
The Clay Club, a campaign paper, was published at Canan-
daigua in 1 ^44.
The Seminarian, a literary mo., was published at Canandaigua
in 1851.
The Ontario Co. Times was established Jan. 1, 1852, by N. J.
Millikon, and in 1855 sold to Wilson Miller, who changed
it to
The Ontario Times. In Feb. 1856, the establishment was burned
and the paper suspended. It was re-established in May
following by Mr. Mill iken, and is still published by him as
The Ontario Republican Times.
The Vienna Republican was started at " Vienna" (now Phelps)
in Jan. 1831. by C. II. Lowre and A. Kilmer. In 1832
it was published by J. O. Balch and in 1834 changed to
The Phelps Journal, E. N. Phelps, publisher, and soon after to
The Phelps Journal and Vienna Advertiser ; in 1838 to
The Plielps Democrat : and again in 1S45 to
The Western Atlas. From 1845 until 1856 it was published by
Washington Shaw, Dillon & Phelps, and W. W. Red-
field; and since then it has been continued as
The Ontario Free Press.
The Staples Free Press was established at Naples in 1S32 by
Waterman & Coleman, and continued 2 years.
The. Neapolitan was started iii 1S4U by David Fairchild. In
1S45 it was sold to Phelps, who changed its title to
The Naples Visitor. It was discontinued soon after.
The Village Record was published at Naples in 1842.
7/i. Naples Journal was published in 1851 by R. Denton.
The Phelps New Democratic Star was started
Sept. 3, 1858, by E. N. Phelps.
1 The commander of the expedition claimed that he desolated
the whole Seneca country; but one of his officers, (Le Honton,)
in giving the history of the expedition, lays no claim to a com-
plete victory; and the Indian traditions state that only a small
detachment of the Senecas went engaged in the battle, and that
the French retreated before the warriors could rally from the
different villages.
2 In this expedition 1000 French were killed and 26 prisoners
taken, who were afterward burned at the stake.
3 Numerous traces of ancient occupation — perhaps by a people
that preceded the late Indian race — are found in this co. Trench
enclosures have been noticed in Canandaigua, Seneca, and other
towns. — Squier's Aboriginal Monuments of N. T., 4to ed., pp.
89, 61, 62. 63.
Seaver, in his Life of Mary Jemisort, gives the following: —
"The tradition of the Seneca Indians in regard to their origin
is that they broke out of the earth from a large mountain at
the head of Canandaigua Lake; and that mountain they still
venerate as the place of their birth. Thence they derive their
name, ' Ge-nun-de-wah,' or 'Great Hill.' and are called 'The
Great Hill People,' which is the true definition of the word
Seneca. The great hill at the head of Canandaigua Lake, from
whence they sprung, is called Genundewah, and has for a long
time past been the place where the Indians of that nation have
met in council, to hold great talks and to offer np prayers to
the Great Spirit, on account of its having been their birthplace;
and also in consequence of the destruction of a serpent at that
place, in ancient time, in a most miraculous manner, which
threatened the destruction of the whole of the Senecas and
barely spared enough to commence replenishing the earth.
The Indians say that the fort on the big bill, or Genundewah,
near the head of Canandaigua Lake, was surrounded by a mon-
strous serpent, whose head and tail came together at the gate.
A long time it lay there, confounding the people with its breath.
At length they attempted to make their escape. — some with
their hominy blocks, and others with different implements of
household furniture, — and in marching out of the fort walked
down the throat of the serpent. Two orphan children, who had
escaped this general destruction by being left on this side of the
fort, were informed by an oracle of tho means by which they
could get rid of their formidable enemy. — which was to take a
small bow, and a poisoned arrow made of a kind of willow, and
with that shoot the serpent under its scales. This they did, and
the arrow proved effectual ; for, on its penetrating the skin, the
serpent became sick, and, extending itself, rolled down the hill,
destroying all the timber that was in its way. disgorging itself
and breaking wind greatly as it went. At every motion a hu-
man head was discharged and rolled down the hill into the
lake, where they lie at this day in a petrified state, having the
hardness and appearance of stones : and the pagan Indians of
the Senecas believe that all the little snakes were made of the
blood of the great serpent after it rolled into the lake. To this
day the Indians visit that sacred place, to mourn the loss of
their friends and to celebrate some rites that are peculiar to
themselves. To the knowledge of white people, there has been
no timber on the great hill since it was first discovered by them,
though it lay apparently in a state of nature for a great number
of years, without cultivation. Stones in the shape of Indians'
heads may be seen lying in the lake in great plenty, which are
said to be the same that were deposited there at the death of
the serpent. The Senecas have a tradition that previous to and
for some time after their origin at Genundewah the country,
especially about the lakes, was thickly inhabited by a race of
eivil. enterprising, and industrious people, who were totally
destroyed by the great serpent that afterward surrounded the
great hill fort, with the assistance of others of the same species;
and that they (the Senecas) went into possession of the improve-
ments that were left. In those days the Indians throughout
the whole country — as the Senecas say — spoke one language;
but, having become considerably numerous, the before men-
tioned great serpent, by an unknown influence, confounded
their language, so that they could not understand each other,
which was the cause of their division into nations. — as the Mo-
hawks, Oneidns. Ac. At that time, however, the Senecas re-
tained the original language, and continued to occupy their
mother hill, on which they fortified themselves against their
enemies and lived peaceably, until, having offended the serpent,
they were cut off, as I have before remarked."
494
OXTARIO COUXTY.
By the terms of the charter of the colony of Mass., the region between its n. and s. boundaries,
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, -was embraced ; and the title to this territory was claimed by Mass.
after the Revolution. The subsequent charter of the State of Xew York intervened and conflicted
■with tibia claim, — from which difficulties arose, which were finally settled by commissioners at Hart-
ford, Conn., on the 16th of December, 1786. It was there agreed that Mass. should cede to X. Y.
the sovereignty of all the territory claimed by the former lying within the limits of the latter, and
that X. Y. should cede to Mass. the property of the soil, or the right of the pre-emption of the soil
from the Indians. This agreement covered all that part of the State lying w. of a line running n.
from the "82d milestone," on the line between X. Y. and Penn., through Seneca Lake to Sodas
Bay. This line is known as the " Old Pre-emption Line."1 In 1787 Mass. sold the whole of this
tra.-r. containing 6,000,000 of acres, to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, for one million dollars.
In the following spring Mr. Phelps left his home in Granville, Mass., with men and means to
explore the country thus acquired. He collected the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the Six
Nations at Kanadesaga, and in July, 1788, concluded with them a treaty of purchase of a tract
containing '2.250,000 acres, bounded e. by the pre-emption line, w. by a line 12 mi. w. of, and run-
ning parallel with, the Genesee River, s. by the Penn. line, and n. by Lake Ontario.2
The portion of the tract to which the Indian title had not been extinguished, constituting about
two-thirds of the original purchase, was abandoned by Messrs. Phelps and Gorham and reverted to
Mass. It was re-sold by that State to Robert Morris, in 1796, and subsequently formed what is
known as the Holland Land Purchase. In 1789, Mr. Phelps, at Canandaigua, opened the first
regular land office for the sale of land to settlers ever established in America. The system he
adopted for the survey of his lands by townships and ranges, with slight modifications, was adopted
by the Government for the survey of all the new lands in the U. S. "When organized in 1789,
Ontario was the first co. set off from Montgomery, and embraced all that part of the State lying
W. of the e. line of Phelps and Gorhams Purchase, including what was called "The Genesee
Country."
The first settlement was made on the site of the Indian village of Kanadesaga, (now Geneva,) in
17-7. Soon after the land office at Canandaigua was opened, and several settlements were com-
menced in different parts of the co. From this period the progress of settlement was rapid, immi-
grants being attracted by the beautifully rolling character of the surface and the unsurpassed
fertility of the soil. Few incidents of general interest have occurred to interrupt the steady and
continued progress of peaceful industry. The most notable of its later historical events is its being
the scene of the birth of Mormonism. Joe Smith resided for many years in Manchester; and his
pretended discovery of the golden plates of the Book of Mormon was made on the 22d of September,
1 The history of this Pre-emption Line is interesting. Of
course, it wax mere conjecture where the line would fall as far
I ike, an<l parties were interested to have the line
fall w. ofQenei i. leaving that place and a considerable tract of
land the Military Tract and tho Mass. lands. Beth
Rjcknuo, both of whom had been Indian tra-
■ the State of New York for a remuneration for
ndered In some previous negotiations with the eastern
. and proposed to take a patent Cora
i which should begin at a tree on the bank
of tl on along the bank of the lake to the s.
untii' between the lake and the B.
bounds of the land i Uassachusetts. Their request was
; a patent lamed. Tim- situated, they pn ;
•-r->. Phelps and Qorham to Join them in running the Pre-
empt! 'i i furnishing a surveyor. The line was
run which it. known as the " Old Pi d Una." Hasan.
Pbel| iiim «-<re miKii disapp itntad in tli" result, — «us-
I arm or fraud, but made no i I for a re-surrey
I !■• the 1 • • n. Tbelr suspi-
had at ti' •■> offer from a prominent
member of ths Leasee Company fat "all the 1
east of the lin<- that had 1 u run.' They Wen
of the fisct that in their deed to sir. Morris tbcyapecifled a tract
in a g"r- between the line t li-n run and the w bounds of tli"
oountiesof Montgomery an »erountie« then embracing
all of the Military Tra. t. Ik ink' hilly C invinoed of th" r
racy of the fir*t survey, Morris. In his Ml" to the English I'-. in-
pany, i run it anew. Th" new survey wiu performed
under ti>" soptilittendenceof MaJ. Hoops, who < mpkryed Andrew
i tua Porter to partem the lal - a < irpsof
ax-men ware employed, and ■ vista 80 feet wh before
• Instrument until th- line had reach™! the head ,,f
a I>ike, wh"n Bight signals were employed to run down
and over the lake. So much pain" were tak-n to in«nre .
oca* tint th" survey was novae disputed; and thus the u New
Pre-emption Line" wax establiahed as the true divj«i ,nl
tween the lands of tl I HejW York and those that hail
been ceded to Massachusetts. In examining tho old survey,
Major IIoops had discovered the precise points of deviation to
the westward. It had commenced soon after leaving the Penn-
sylvania line, gradually hearing off until it crossed tli" outlet of
the Crooked Lake, where an abrupt offset was mad", and then
an inclination for a few miles almost in a \. w. course; then, na
if fearful that it was running w, farther than was necessary to
secure a given object, the line was made to incline to tli" i'.
until it passed the foot of Seneca Lake, when it was run nearly
N. and 8. to Lake Ontario. All this will be observed upon any
of the old maps. It will at once bo perceived that the site of
Geneva— the ]r,.noo acres of Iteed and Ryckman — had caused
more than a usual variation of the surveyor's compass. Judge
Porter's explanation Is as follows: — "Geneva was then a small
settlement, beautifully situated on the Seneca Lake, rendered
quite attractive by it" lying beside an old Indian settlement in
which there was an orchard."
The Old Pre-emption bin • terminated on Lake Ontario. 3
mi. w. of Bodus Bay, and the new line very nearly the center
of the lead of the bay. With the exception of theabrnpl rarla-
ti' na that have been noticed, the old Line, parting bom the true
meridian about G mi. s. r,f the Chemung Kiver. bears off gradu-
ally until it reaches the shore of Lake Ontario. The strip of
land between the two lines was called " The Oon." In addition
to the patent granted to Heed and Ryckman, the State had pre-
■umed the original survey to lie correct, and made other grants,
and allowed the loeation of military land warrants upon what
bad been made disputed territory. As an equivalent to the pur-
l hasers of this tract, compensation lands were granted by tho
Btate in the present towns ofWolcOtt and Galen. Wayno co.
5 The w. boundary of this tract was a line '< beginning in tho
northern line of Penn.. due south of the corner or point of land
made by the confluence of the Genesee Kiver and the CanaseragB
Creek; thence north on said meridian lino to the corner or
point, at the confluence aforesaid; thence northwardly along
the waters of the Genesee Kiver to a point two miles north of
CsmawagUS Village; thence running duo west twelve miles;
thence running northwardly, so aa to be twelve miles distant
from the w.-t.-rn bounds of said river, to the shore of Lake On-
tario.''— Turner's Phelps and Gorham Purchase.
ONTARIO COUNTY.
495
1827. Brigham Young was also a long time a resident of Canandaigua; and the first Mormon
society was formed at Fayette, in the adjoining co. of Seneca, in 1830.
BRISTOL.1 — was formed in Jan. 1789. South Bristol was taken off in 1838, and a part was
annexed to Richmond, March 23, 1848, and restored Feb. 25, 1852. It is an interior town, lying
s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface consists of a series of ridges, gradually declining to the x.
The highest points are about 500 feet above the valleys. These ridges are divided by the deer,
valleys of Mud Creek and Egypt Brook. The declivities that border upon these streams in the s.
part are usually very steep. The soil is a rich alluvial upon the intervales and disintegrated slate
and shale among the hills. Bristol Center (p. v.) contains 30 houses; Baptist Hill'
(Bristol p. o.) 25; and Muttonville3 15. Egypt is a hamlet in the s. e. part. Gamaliel
Wilder and Joseph Gilbert settled in 1788, at what was called the " Old Indian Orchard."* The
first religious services were performed by Rev. Zadock Hunn, in 1793. There are now 4 churches
in town.5
CAJVADICE6 — was formed from Richmond, April 15, 1829, and a part was annexed to Rich-
mond in 1836. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. Its surface consists of a high, broken upland
separated into two ridges by Canadice Lake. The w. ridge, known as Bald Hill, is bordered by
6teep declivities, and the e. by more gradual slopes. The highest summits are about 700 feet above
Honeoye Lake. The principal streams are the Canadice Inlet and Outlet and the Iloneoye Inlet.
The soil in the valleys is a clayey loam; upon the declivities of the hills it is mostly disintegrated
shale and slate, and upon the summits in the s. part it consists of gravelly loam and black muck.
Canadice Corners (p. o.) is a hamlet, forming the business center of the town. The first
settlement was made by Kimball, in 1807.' There are now 3 churches in town.8
CAHJA1VDAIGUA9 — was formed Jan. 27, 1789, and a part annexed to Gorham, March 16,
1824. It is the central town of the co., lying upon the w. and n. shores of Canandaigua Lake.
The surface is hilly in the s., but level or gently rolling in the n. The highest summits are about
600 feet above the lake. Canandaigua Outlet, Beaver Creek, and Stevens Brook are the principal
streams. The soil is a clayey loam in the N. and a deep, gravelly loam in the s., and in fertility
this town ranks among the first in the State. Canandaigua, (p. v.,) situated at the outlet
of Canandaigua Lake, is an important station on the N. Y. C. R. R., and a terminus of the N. F.
& C. Branch and of the E. J. & C. R. R. A daily steamer connects it with Naples, at the head
of the lake. It contains the co. buildings,10 a State Arsenal,11 5 churches, an academy,12 a female
seminary,13 a private lunatic asylum, u 3 newspaper offices, and a bank. It was incorp. April
18, 1815, and has a pop. of 4,154.15 Cheshire, (p.v.,) in the s. part, contains 20 dwellings.
Centerneld (p.o.) is a hamlet, and Academy, near the s. line, is a p.o. Wm. Morgan, of
masonic notoriety, was imprisoned at Canandaigua previous to his disappearance.16 Settlement
was commenced in 1788, by Phelps and Gorham and their associates, and considerable accessions
were made in 1789 and '90.17 The first religious service at Canandaigua, was held in 1789, by
1 Named from Bristol co., Mass., from which the first settlers
came.
2 So named because a Baptist church was erected there at an
early date.
8 Derives its name from the establishment of a tallow chandlery
there some years since. 30,000 sheep have been slaughtered
there in a year.
* William Gooding and George Godding settled in 17S9, James,
Elnathau, and George Gooding in 1790, and Alden Sears and
John, George. Farmer, Burt, and William Codding in 1792. The
first store and tavern were opened by Stephen Sisson, in 1793 ;
Gamal. Wilder built the first gristmill, in 1790. Thomas Hunn
taught the first school, in 1790. Cornelius McCrum was the
first child born.
6 Bap., Cong., M. E., and Univ.
6 This name is a corruption of the Indian name of Canadice
Lake.
" Soon after, John Wilson settled at the head of Canadice
Lake, and John Richardson, John Wheeler, Samuel Spencer,
and And. Ward near Canadice Corners. The first tavern was
kept by Llewelyn Davis : and Severance & Ford opened the
first storo. The first sawmill was built at the head of Canadice
Lake, by John Algur.
8 M. E., Meth. Prot., and Wes. Meth.
9 This name was derived from Gan-a-dar-que, a village built
by the Seneca Indians on the present site of the village of Canan-
daigua. It signifies a chosen spot.
10 In one of the courtrooms is a collection of portraits of the
prominent first settlers and residents of the co. : viz., of Oliver
Phelps, Gen. Peter B. Porter, Augustus Porter, Thilip Church,
Wm. Wadsworth, James Wadsworth, Abner Barlow, Moses At-
water, Mieali Brooks, Vincent Mathews, Walter HnbbeU, John C.
Spencer, John Oreig, Nathl. Rochester, Jos. Parish, Red Jacket,
Judge Fitzhugh. Ambrose Spencer, Wm. Williams. M.D.. N. W.
Howell, Wm. Wood, Stephen A. Douglas, Danl. Barnard, and H.
Welles. Among other distinguished residents of Canandaigua
were Hon. Gideon Granger. P. M. Gen. under Jefferson's adminis-
tration. Ids son. Francis Granger, P.M. Gen, under Harrison's ad-
ministration, the late Hun. M.H. Sibley, and Hon. J. R. Giddinga.
11 This arsenal was authorized before the war. and 1,000 stand
of arms were ordered to be deposited there, Feb. 12, 1808.
12 This academy was founded in 1795, by Gorham and Phelps.
It is in a prosperous condition.
13 The Ontario F'emale Seminary was founded in 1S25. Its
buildings are commodious, and pleasantly situated upon grounds
containing 7 acres. The number of students in 1S57 was 311.
!* Brigham Hall, incorp. in 1S59, is about 1 mi. s. w. of the
courthouse. The grounds consist of 70 acres, and the buildings,
with accommodations for SO patients, are located in a beautiful
grove of 16 acres.
15 The co. Agricultural Society has a lot containing 10 acres
within the village limits, with suitable buildings. " gce p. 303.
1? Among the settlers in 17S9 were Joseph Smith, Israel
Chapin, Nathaniel Gorham, jr., Frederick Saxton, Benjamin
Gardner, Daniel Gates, Daniel Brainard, Martin Dudley, and
James D. Fish. The first birth was that of Oliver Phelps Rice;
and the first death, that of Caleb Walker, both in 1790. Samuel
Gardner opened the first store; and the first school was taught
496 ONTARIO COUNTY.
Rev. John Smith. The first church (St. Matthew's, Epis., now St. John's) was organized Feb. 4,
1799 ; the Cong, church was formed Feb. 25, 1799. The census reports 10 churches in town.1
EAST BL,OOMFIEL,I>— was formed Jan. 27, 1789. as " Bloom field." Mendon and Victor
were taken off in 1812; its name was changed and West Bloomfield was taken off in 1833. It is
an interior town, lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling, with a gentle inclina-
tion toward the x. The ridges are 50 to 600 feet above the valleys. The principal streams
are the Mud, Fish, and Hog Hollow Creeks. The soil is a deep, fertile, gravelly loam, in places
mixed with clay. Griffiths Mills in the e. and Brag Village in the s. e. part are hamlets.
East ISloom field, (p. v.,) J of a mi. from East Bloomfield Station, on the N. Y. Central R. R.,
contains 3 churches, an academy,2 manufactories of agricultural implements and carriages. Pop. 590.
This township having been purchased of Phelps and Gorham by a company from Berkshire co.,
Mass.. its settlement was commenced in the spring of 1789.3 There are 4 churches in town;4 the
first (Cong.) was formed Sept. 8. and organized Nov. 15, 1795, by Rev. Zadock Hunn. The first
church edifice in all Western N. Y. was erected in this town in 1801.
FARMI\GTO\s- waa formed Jan. 27, 1789. It lies on the n. border of the co., w. of the
center. Ita surface is nearly level in the s., but in the n. it is broken by the drift ridges peculiar to
this Bection of country, rising to a height of 50 to 100 feet above the general surface. The declivi-
ties of these ridges toward the x.,E., and w. are generally steep, but toward the s. they become
gradual slopes. The streams are Mud and Beaver Creeks and Black Brook. A strip of land
acra<s tho B. part, embracing about 3 tiers of lots, has a clay soil. North of this is a marshy
:• gion; and farther x. the soil is a gravelly loam and very productive, with good proportions of
arable, meadow, and grazing lands throughout the town. Kew Salem, (Farmington p. o.,) a
village in the x. part, contains 206 inhabitants. Brownville (Nortons Mills p. o.) is a hamlet.
East Farniinglon and West Farmington are p. offices. The settlement was com-
menced in 17.s9, by Friends from Berkshire, Mass., among whom were Nathan Comstock, his sons
Otis and Darius, and Robert Hathaway.6 The first house of worship was erected by the Friends,
in lb<>4. There are now 2 churches in town ; Friends and Wes. Meth.
GORIIA]>I7 — was formed Jan. 27, 1789, as " Easion." Its name was changed to "Lincoln,"
April 17, 1800, and to Gorham, April 6, 1807. Hopewell was taken off in 1822. A part of Canan-
daigua was annexed in 1824. It lies upon the e. shore of Canandaigua Lake, s.e. of the center of
the co. Its surface is rolling, the ridges rising in gradual slopes to a height of 25 to 200 feet above
tho valleys. Flint Creek is the principal stream. The soil in the E. part is principally a gravelly
1 am, and in the w. it consists of clay, and is generally fertile and productive. Gorham,8 (p. v.,)
3 mi. from the Gorham Station, on the C. & E. R. R., contains 3 churches and 310 inhabitants.
Reeds Corners (p. v.) contains 3 churches and about 20 houses. The first settlement was
made at Reeds Corners, in 1789, by James "Wood.9 There are now 6 churches in town.10
lIOfFTfELL — was formed from Gorham, March 29, 1822. It is an interior town, lying e.
of the center of the co. The surface is level or gently undulating, with a northerly inclination.
0 nandaigoa Outlet, Fall Creek, and Fall Brook are its principal streams. The soil is a sandy
and gravelly loam in the w., and the same mixed with clay in the center and e. It is very fertile
and highly cultivated. Cliapiiiville, (p. v.,) a station on the N. Y. C. R. R., contains a
chur< h and about 30 dwellings; Hopewell tenter (p. v.) contains 1 church and 16 dwellings.
' .jor Walli'. In 1792. There wor<- in thai vnr -TO families
in town. The i " to Levi Ste-
phens anl Jaeon Parker the mle rik'ht of running (tagai from
•■ rm of 7 fi tra Th< trip wai to be
■ Ithln \8 t
nnH '"• » nil. If with paaeengere. A
Bimil ir m i •;- ily wai John
M ■ ■ ,riln.
l V - I ' I ■ - M I" . C ■■' '-. !>•••
Will Ba] I
> Tnrnrp. April'.'. 1 - - ■•'•tndent" i«100.
* iv-nrnn John Adams nnd Mi BOB, John. William, Abner,
h, bin sona-ln-law, Bphralra Roe and Lores
Hnll. and Klijih R Onnn, Lot Roe, John B
4 Cong.. M. E.. Trot. F... and K. C.
6 Named from Farmington, Conn. It was formed by tho Court
nf Qeni nl Bwatong.
' 1 ally in 17510, Nnthan Alilrirh, Isaac Hathaway, Nathan
II ■ i ■ ti.iiin. Welcome Herendnn, John McCumber, and Joshua
Bermgton, from tho same place, joined the infant settlement,
and were followed by 18 others the same year. Jacob and Jo-
jeph Siiutli luilt a gristmill in 1793, and the first sawmill, in
1795, The first birth was that of Welcome Herendun, in 1790;
the fir-t marriage, that of Otis Comstock and IIuMah Freeman,
in 1792; and the Bill death, that of Elijah Smith, in 1793.
' Named in honor of Nathaniel Gorham.
» Formerly called "BdheL"
» Parley lial.s. t"i . rii Ma-s.. settled on Lot 49 in 1790; and soon
laa Ui<-koT m"TM| in with tb.ir hmilies after, i liver Howard and Henry Greene, from Oneida co., N. Y^
in 1789. Tlv first death was t lint of Lot Roe, In 1798; the first ' and Samuel and Silas Reed, Elijah Ilurd. and others, came in.
ti the Pndp* nnri Oorbam Purchase The first tavern was kept by William Bberwood, at Reeda Cor-
— v»i thai ml a daughter of << the first gristmill was built by Levi Benton: and
The flr«t eawmill waa erected on Mod Creek. Qen. the first sawmill, by Buckley 4c Craft, in 1807, Timothy Moore
Fellows: and the fir'; opened |r u A I taught the first school, in Imv.;.
Beach. Laura Adam taught tho first school, in >» 2 Hap., Cong., Prot. E., l'resb., and M. E.
•
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ONTARIO COUNTY.
407
Hopewell is a p.o. Settlements were made b 1789-90.1 There are 5 churches in town;3
the first church (Presb.) was formed in 1808.
MANCHESTER— was formed from Farmington, March 31, 1821, as "Hurt," and its name
was changed April 16, 1822. It lies upon the N. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is
nearly level in the s., but is occupied by irregular sand and gravel ridges of the drift formation in
the n. Canandaigua Outlet, Fall Creek, and Black Brook are the principal streams. The soil is
a gravelly loam and is very productive. Hydraulic limestone is quarried on "the Outlet." There
are 3 flouring mills in town. Clifton Springs, (p. v.,) incorporated in 1859, a station on the
N. Y. C. R. R., is situated in the e. part of the town. Pop. 340. At this place are the celebrated
Clifton Mineral Springs and an extensive water cure establishment.1 MimelieNler (p. v.)
contains 374 inhabitants; SllOl'tsville (p. v.) contains 35 dwellings and a large distillery ; and
Port Gibson, (p. v.,) on the Erie Canal, 50 dwellings; Maneliesler Center (p. v.) con-
tains 18 dwellings. PlaiilKville (Gypsum p. o.) contains 12 houses. Coonsville (••>ntains
a flouring mill, plaster mill, and 12 houses. The first settlement was made in 17'.K>, by Stephen
Jared, Joel Phelps, and Joab Cillett.* Rev. David Irish preached in Manchester in Jan. 1797,
and in Feb. following a Bap. society was organized. There are now 8 churches in town.5 Joe
Smith, the Mormon prophet, resided in this town with his father; and Mormon Hill, the place
where the gold Bible was found, is situated a little n. w. of the center of the town.6
1VAPL.ES7 — was formed Jan. 27, 1789, as " Mhldletown" The name was changed April 6,
1808. Italy was taken off in 1815, and a part of Springwater in 1816. It is the extreme s. town
of the co. The surface consists of a hilly and elevated upland, broken by the narrow and deep
valleys of Canandaigua and Honeoye Inlets and Grindstone Creek. The summits of the bills
are 600 to 1000 feet above the surface of the lake and 1300 to 1700 feet above tide. Their declivi-
ties bordering on the streams are generally very steep. High Point and Hatch Hill are the
highest summits. The soil upon the hills consists of clay and gravel mixed with disintegrated
slate and shale; and in the valleys it is a rich, gravelly loam mixed with alluvium. Fruit grow-
ing is receiving much attention. Peaches are produced in great abundance ; and an experiment
is being maile in the cultivation of grapes, which promises to be successful. Over 30 acres are
now devoted to this object, and very satisfactory results have been realized. Naples, (p. v.,)
on the Canandaigua Inlet, 4 mi. from the lake, contains 5 churches and 3 flouring mills.
Pop. 700. The first settlement was commenced in 1790, by a company from Berkshire co., Mass.,
by whom the town was purchased from Phelps and Gorham.8 The first sermon was preached by
Rev. Zadock Hunn, in June, 1792.9
PHELPS10 — was formed in 1796, under the act of Jan. 27, 1789. A part was annexed to
Lyons, (Wayne co.,) April 11, 1823. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is rolling,
the ridges rising in gentle slopes 20 to 100 feet above the valleys. The highest point is 300 feet
above Canandaigua Lake. The soil in the e. is a sandy loam with a clay subsoil, in the n. a
mixed sandy and clayey loam, and in the w. a sandy and coarse gravelly loam, all highly produc-
tive. Canandaigua Outlet, the principal stream, flows E. and n. through the center. Along its
course are extensive quarries of gypsum and water limestone. In the town are quarries of Onon-
1 Among the first settlers were Daniel Gates, Daniel Warner,
Sweet, Ezra Piatt, Samuel Day, George and Israel Chapin,
jr., Frederick Follett, Benj. Wells, and Thomas Sawyer, mostly
from MasR., and William Wyckoff, from Penn. The first child —
Benj. Wells, jr.— was horn Feb. 4, 1791. Calvin Bacon taught
the first school, in 1792. The first tavern was kept by Ezra
Piatt ; and the first mill was built by Oliver Phelps and Israel
Chapin, in 1789.
2 3 M. E., Wes. Meth., and Presb.
8 A hotel was erected in 1806, as a dispensary ; and the water
cure was established in 1S50, by a company organized for that
purpose, with a capital of $45,000. It has accommodations for
150 patients, and is largely patronized. The water of the spring
was analyzed in 1852, by Dr. Chilton, of N. Y., with the following
result in grains to 1 quart : —
Sulphate of lime 17.30 grs.
" " magnesia 4.12 "
" " soda. 1.94 "
Carbonate of lime 2.42 "
" " magnesia 3.28 "
Chloride of sodium 2.32 "
" " calcium 1.02 "
" " magnesia 1.02 "
Organic matter trace.
Total 33.42
32
Hydrosulphuric and carbonic acids are also found in small
quantities.
* Nathan Tierce and John McLouth, from Berkshire, Mass.,
settled in the town in 1795 ; and John Van Fleet, Jedediah
Dewey, Benjamin Barney, William Mitchell, and Peleg Kedfield
soon after. Sharon Boothe and a daughter of Joab Gillett were
married in 1793. Theophilus Short erected the first mill, at
Shortsville, in 1S04; and the first store was opened by Nathan
Burton. Elam Crane taught the first school, in 1800. '
6 2 Bap., 3 M. E., 2 Prot. Meth., and a Univ.
• See p. 494.
'Originally called " Watkinstnum," from Win. Watkins, of
Berkshire, Mass., one of the purchasers under Phelps and Gor
ham, and called by the Indians Nun'da-wa-o, great hill.
8 In Feb. 1790. Samuel, Reuben, and Levi Parish, with theii
families, came in; and in April following, Nathan and Wm.
Watkins, John Johnson, Jonathan Bee. and William Clark,
with their families, 30 persons in all. The first birth was that
of Phineas P. Lee; and the first marriage, that of Benj. Clark
and Thankful Watkins, in 1795. The first sawmill was erected
in 1792, by Benj. Clark and Jabez Metcalf. Susannah Parish
taught the first school, in 1792. Myron H. Clark, late Governor
of the State, was born in this town, Oct. 23, 1806.
9 There are 5 churches in town; Bap., M. E., Presb., Wes.
Meth., and Christian.
10 Named from Oliver Phelps, one of the original proprietors of
the town.
498
ONTARIO COUNTY.
daga and corniferous limestone. Plielps,1 (p. v.,) on Flint Creek, near its junction -with the
Canandaigua Outlet, was incorp. Jan. 2, 1855. It contains a union school, newspaper office, and
G churches. Pop. 1,278. Orleans (p. v.) is situated on Flint Creek. Pop. 218. Oaks
Corners (p. o.) contains 15 houses.2 J. D. Robinson, from Claverack, Columbia co., settled at
Pheips in 1789.' Rev. S. Goodale was the first resident preacher; he held services in schoolhouses
and dwellings before any church edifice was erected. The first church (Presb.) was built in 1804.4
RICHMOND— was formed in 1796, under the act of Jan. 27, 1789, as "Pittstown." Its
name was changed to "Honeoye" April 6, 1808, and to Richmond April 11, 1815. A part of Cana-
dice was annexed April 30, 1836, and parts of Bristol and South Bristol in 1848 ; but the latter
were restored in 1852. It lies upon the w. border of the co., s. of the center. It consists of a
nearly square portion of land lying near the foot of Honeoye Lake, and a narrow strip extending
along the e. shore of that lake and its inlet to the s. border of the co.5 A wide valley occupies the
center, opening toward the >,., and surrounded by hills from 50 to 200 feet high on the 3 remaining
sides. The southern strip is very hilly, the summits rising 500 feet above the surface of the lake.
Honeoye and Ilemlock Outlets and Egypt Brook are the principal streams. The soil upon the
lowlands is clay, upon the hills a sandy loam mixed with clay. Much attention is given to im-
proving the breeds of cattle and sheep ; and it is the largest wool growing town in the co., and sec-
ond in the State. Honeoye, (p. v.,) at the foot of Honeoye Lake, is the business center of the
town. Pop. 244. Richmond Mills (p. o.) and Aliens Hill6 (p. o.) are hamlets. This
town was purchased of Phelps and Gorham by a company; and the first settlement was made by
Capt. Peter Pitts and his sons William and Gideon, in 1789.7 There are 5 churches in town.8
SE\EC A — was formed in 1793, under the act of Jan. 27, 1789. It is the s. E. corner town of
the i-".. lying upon the w. shore of Seneca Lake. The surface is beautifully rolling, the ridges
ri-ing 20 to 200 feet above the valleys. The shores of the lake are bluffs about 100 feet above
the surface of the water. The streams are Flint and Keshong Creeks and Burralls and Castle
Brooks. The soil is a deep, rich loam, consisting of sand, gravel, and clay mixed together, the
gravel predominating upon the ridges. The soil is admirably adapted to the production of
fruit trees, and the business of the nursery has become one of the leading pursuits in the town.
Two large nursery establishments are located within the limits of the village of Geneva. Com-
merce and manufactures receive considerable attention. Geneva,9 (p. v.,) incorp. April 4, 1806,
i- beautifully situated at the foot of Seneca Lake. It contains a flourishing union school,10 a large
private boarding school,11 3 newspaper offices, and 9 churches. It is also the seat of Hobart Free
1 'lege.12 The Geneva Water Cure and Hygienic Institute is finely situated near the center of the
village. A daily line of steamers connects this place with the upper ports upon Seneca Lake.
1* ;.. 5,057. Castleton, (Seneca Castle p.o.,) on Flint Creek, in the n.w. part, contains 2
churches and 35 dwellings. Flint Creek, (p.o.,) Halls Corners, (p.o.,) and Stanleys
1 Formerly called " Vienna."
- The culture • f raspberries has recently been Introduced in
thin vicinity, nrnl promises to be successful.
inborn, Qould, Pierce, Philctns Swift, and
lilm Granger, from Conn.. -. ttled in town in 1789; Tbaddeni
:. Oliver and Charles Humphrey, John Salisbury,
Uu Pullen. Walter Chase, and Ellas Ifickinsnn in 1791 :
John Patten and Dark) Boyd hi 1792; Jonathan Mel vin In 1708;
and .' Joseph and Lodowick Vandemark,and .Win
and Patrick Burnett in IT'') Si nry II. Robinson was the fir-t
■ till I i. m in - . iir-t marriage was that of Phfletns
Swift sad Bally l>can. in 1798. Thaddens Oaks opened the first
tavern. In IT'.'."!: an'l the fir-t «aw and grist mills Wen built by
Seth Dean.
• TV-p' an lfl cfaorchss in town; 4 Bap.. :; Presb.! 2 M. v...
and a i
5 Thi« "trip wm added to the town In OOMSCJUauCO of its posi-
tion, bit'h mountain .rntinjr it from the business cen-
ter" of both fanadiee and South BristoL
• Named in h Ibaniel Alb n. Mr. Allen was among
the first I Usbed the flr«t Harksmith's shop at
Alb n< Hill. Bnbeeonently be waaabsiUT >; In 1812
be was b membr < f I luring th» War of 1812 he
was army payaiast'-r; and in lM'J lie was elected member of
•rase Oram the 2l«t dial rant
• In 1796. Lemuel and Cyras Gbtpman, Philip Bead, Levi
BlacknuT. .Nathaniel Barmen. Pierce < lisiiil-rlain. Asa Dcni-
son, and Isaac Adam». from Vermont, ssttlsd in town. Cant.
Pitts Opened the first tavern: and the first saw and grist
mills wan built by Thomas M..rri«. in 1796. Dpoo ths divi-
sion of the lands, Capt. Pitts m -> acres at ths foot at
rye Lake, e,n). racing the flats and a rlear<-d fir-Id which
■ .in Indian vilUgo destroyed by Sullivan's |
army. I/.uis Philippe, during Us travels jn this country. upent
a night in the log house of Capt Pitts; and subsequently the
Duke do Liancourt and suite went from Canandaigua to make
him a visit.
8 2 Cong.. Prot. Epis., Prot. Metb., and Wes. Meth.
9 This village is justly celebrated for the beauty of its situa-
tion : and perhaps no village in the co. In this respect has been
80 generally and enthusiastically praised by tourists. For mnny
v. ir- it wns one of the leading business places in Central N. Y ;
but the completion of the r. r. lines has turned a largo share of
the business into other channels.
1» This nnlon school was one of the first established in the
St.it.-, and for a long time was taken as a model in establishing
others. It early contained an academic department that enjoyed
:in . \. .11. nt reputation. Theschoolsofthovillageare nowgraded,
and embrace ■ complete common school and academic course.
" The Walnut Hill Seminary, for boys, is a flourishing institu-
tion ..f its kind. For particulars see p. 741.
12 Formerly Geneva College. It was incorp. in 1825, and was
r-tribli-hi-d mainly through the influence of Bishop Hobart,
whose name it bears. A medical department was organized in
1836. The trustees and members of the College Faculty aro
generally members of the Prot. Epis. church. From the be-
ginning, however, the college has been equally open to all : and
It is now frtt U> oil, no charge being mado for tuition and room
r.iit. It has now two large bnildingB for the use of BtndentS —
one f>r libraries and lecture rooms, one for a chapel — and a
rns building for the use of the medical department. Tho
college has a president, 4 professors, an assistant professor, and
a resident (allow, who takes part In the business of instruction ;
and the medical department has a Faculty of 6 professors. In
1859 tho number of students in the free classes was 85. The
aggregate value of the college property is about $100,000. Tho
college buildings are beautifully situated in the 8. part of tho
village, on a bluff which overlooks Seneca bake. The collego
grounds contain above 12 acres. In 1858 the whole number of
graduates in arts was 246 and in medicine 520.
ONTARIO COUNTY.
m
Corners1 (p. o.) are hamlets. The first settlement was commenced in 1787, upon the site of the
Tndian village of Kanadesaga, by immigrants from New England.2 This village was situated at
the foot of Seneca Lake, where Geneva now is; and for several years after Geneva had become a
place of considerable importance it was called " Kana<lesaga." An ancient fortification, known
as Fort Hill, is located on lot 58. It was covered with large forest trees upon the first settlement
of the town. Another beautiful ground, called the "Old Castle," is about 1.] mi. n-.w. of Geneva.
It is covered by an Indian orchard, and the ground has never been plowed, because of a stipula-
tion to that effect made with the Indians in the treaty of purchase.* It contains an Indian lmrial
ground; and in one corner may be traced a trench of an ancient stockaded fortification. Here
was the largest Indian settlement in Western New York, and it is still a place of much interest to
the few remaining descendants of the once powerful Five Nations. Many relics — as stone hatchets,
arrow heads, pipes, &c. — are found in the vicinity of "Old Castle." As early as 1705, the Rev.
Samuel Kirkland came on a mission to the Indians at Kanadesaga.4 The first church (Presb.) was
organized in 1798 ; and the first settled minister was Rev. Jedediah Chapman.5
SOUTH BRISTOLr— was formed from Bristol, March 8, 1838. It lies upon the w. shore
of Canandaigua Lake, s.w. of the center of the co. The surface consists of an elevated upland,
divided into 4 ranges by the valleys of Grindstone and Mud Creeks and Egypt Brook. The sum-
mits of the ridges are about 1000 feet above the lake, and the declivities are very steep. The
bluffs upon the lake shore are 300 to 400 feet high. The soil is a mixture of clay and disintegrated
slate. Although the soil is rich and productive, the hilly character of the town has tended to retard
its settlement. Cold Spring (South Bristol p. o.) is a hamlet about a mi. from Cauandaigua
Lake. Frost Ilill is a hamlet in the w. part. Gamaliel Wilder, from Mass., purchased this
township from Phelps and Gorham, and settled at Wilburs Point, on Canandaigua Lake, in 1789.6
An Indian orchard on the lake shore at this point induced him to settle here. Rev. Mr. Rolpb.
was the first settled minister. There is now but 1 church (Presb.) in town.
VICTOR — was formed from Bloomfield, May 26, 1812. It is the n. w. corner town of the co.
The n. part is occupied by the drift ridges, which rise 50 to 150 feet above the general surface.
A ridge of 100 to 280 feet in height extends across the s. part in a general e. and w. direction.
The principal streams are Irondequoit, Mud, Hog Hollow, and Fish Creeks, and Trout Brook.
The soil in the center and n. is a light, sandy and gravelly loam, but in the s. e. it is principally
clay. It is particularly adapted to the cultivation of potatoes and root crops. Victor,7 (p. v..)
near the center, contains about 75 dwellings. The Indian village of Gannagaro, which was de-
stroyed by the Marquis de Nonville, was situated near this place.8 Fisliers (p. o.) is a station
on the N. Y. C. R. R., in the w. part; and East Victor is a hamlet, on Mud Creek The
first settlement was commenced in 1789, by immigrants from Stockbridge, Mass. Among the first
were Enos and Jared Boughton, and Jacob Lobdell.9 Rev. Reuben Parmelee, from Goshen, the
first settled minister, came to the town in 1798.10
WEST BLOOMFIELD-was formed from Bloomfield, Feb. 11, 1833. It lies upon the w.
border of the co., n. of the center. A ridge 200 to 300 feet high, forming the declivity of a southern
terrace, extends across the n. part. The surface is gently undulating. The soil is a deep, rich,
gravelly loam mixed with clay. In the s. part there is a spring of inflammable or carburetted
hydrogen gas. Tile and earthenware are manufactured to some extent in town. West ISlooili-
field (p. v.) is a village of 350 inhabitants,11 situated H mi. s. of the W. Bloomfield Station, on
1 Gorliam Station on the E. J. & C. R. R.
2 Among the first settlers were Horatio Jones, Asa Ransom.
Lark Jennings, Dr. Benton, Peter Ryckman, Peter Bortte, Col.
Seth Reed, and Dominick Debartzch, an Indian trader. Jona-
than Whitney, Jonathan Oaks, Benjamin Tuttle. Phineas Stone,
and John Reed settled in 1788 and '89; Solomon and William
Gates, Thomas Densmore, Solomon Weaver, and Oliver Whit-
more in 1790 , and Adam, Christian, Christopher, and George
Fisher in 1791. Lark Jennings kept the first tavern, in 1788 ;
the first gristmill was erected by Cornelius Roberts ; and the
first sawmill, by P. B. Wisner, in 1798. The first marriage was
that of Dr. Joel Prescott and Miss Phila Reed ; and the first
school was taught by Samnel Wheaton, in 1792.
8 For many years after this purchase the Indians came regu-
larly at plowing time and watched this orchard, to see that the
stipulation was not broken.
4 Subsequently Mr. Kirkland was commissioned by the State
of Mass. to treat with the Indians ; and he conducted the treaty
of purchase between them and Phelps and Gorham, in 1788 ; and
afterward he acted as Indian agent for 30 years at Canan-
daigua.
6 There are 12 churches in town; 2 Prot. E., 3 Presb., 2 Asso.
Ref. Presb., 2 M. E., Bap., Ref. Prot. D., Univ., and R. C.
6 Among the other early settlers who came in soon after Mr.
Wilder, between 1789 and 1796, were Theophilus and Matthew
Allen, Joseph Gilbert, Jared Tuttle, Peter Ganiard. Levi Austin,
Nathaniel Hatch, and their families. Mr. Wilder built the first
sawmill, the first gristmill, and distillery, at Wilburs Point, in
1795. He also erected the first public house, in 1S0S, which he
conducted for 9 years. Dr. Hewitt and George Wilder opened
the first store, in 1S28. The first school was taught by Joanna
Forbes. Eli Allen was the first child born, in 1793.
7 Called by the Indians Ga-o'sa-ga-o, in the bass wood country.
8 See page 493.
9 Levi Boughton and Rufus Dryer settled at Boughton Hill,
in 1790. The first birth was that of Frederick Boughton, in
June, 1791; and the first marriage, that of Zebulon Norton and
Miss Boughton. The first tavern was opened at Boughton Hill,
by Hezekiah Boughton, in 1792; and the first sawmill was built
the same year, by Enos and Jared Boughton.
10 There are 3 churches in town ; Cong.. M. E., and Univ.
11 Called by the Indians Ga-nun'da-ak. village on a hilltop.
500
OX TAR 10 COUNTY.
the X. Y. C. R. R. North Bloomfield, (p. v.,) on the Iloneoye Outlet, and Millers
Corners, (Taylorsville p. o.,) in the e. part, are r. r. stations. The territory forming this town
•was purchased by Amos Hall,1 Robert Taft, Nathan Marvin, and Ebenezer Curtis ; and the first
settlement was made by them in 1789.2
The first religious services were held in 1793.3
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Ontario County.
Names op Towns.
Bristol
Canadice
Canandaigua
East Bloomfield..
Farmington
Gorham
Hopewell
Manchester
Naples
Phelps
Richmond
Seneca
Bristol.
Victor
W. -t Bloomfield.
Total
' Acres op Land.
Valuation op
L858.
Population.
s
1
1
1
1
4
00
1
1
Sci
[mprortd.
t
s
Q
!
■S
a
if
fe£
C&,
"3
1
8
1
ft
1
12
17.023
5.9451
$452,676
V! 2.249
$524,925
862
853
334
397
316
i".: •.'
4.959;
195.699
86401
230,800
491
486
185
185
163
9
8.433
2,422.920
678,074
3,100.994
3,166
3.314
1,108
1,184
767
20
13.277
2J906
717.501
121.050
838,551
1,117
1.051
397
406
339
11
19.6761
5,419
761,849
151.805
913.654
998
952
354
368
309
15
22 294£
r,62i|
955,794
121,670
1.077,464
1.185
1.195
496
455
388
16
18,685
4.043
767,927
71.490
839,417
910
873
305
321
237
13
18^)85
3.17 51
930,704
111,679
1,042,383
1.541
1,468
533
569
349
15
13<958
10.117
257.589
56,814
314.403 !
1.0S8
1,030
408
409
346
17
33,409*
6.675
1,650.475
182,125
1,832,600
2.694
2,599
1.005
1,014
761
19
18J827
6,979
656,152
240,600
896.752
767
728
285
291
206
11
32,802
ln.324
3.087,504
1,354.265
4,441,769
4,033
4.265
1.480
1.589
909
19
10.1 SO
13.595
207.S51
12.948
220.799
614
565
225
241
202
12
16.051
3.969
787.083
105.430
892,513
1,153
1.055
415
426
295
11
12,726
2.946|
486,966
82.435
569,401
820
21,439
801
298
7,828'
325
258
9
209 1
290,6391
97.10nJ
14,338,690
3,397,735
17.736,425
21.235 1
8,180
5,845
it
571
449
2.213
701
669
932
634
1,232
911
1,905
543
2.822
477
782
594
15,435
Names op Towns.
Bristol
Canadice
Canandaigma
East Bloomfield..
Farmington
Gorham
Hopewell
Manchester
Naples
Phelps
Richmond
Seneca
South Bristol
\ : ■ r
Wr*t Bloomfield.
Total
Lr
-e Stock.
Agricultural Products.
Bosh, op Graik.
e
"5" •
"S>
Daisy Peoddcts.
I
Working
Oxen an
Calves.
05
i
S5
i
•2 S
■*: 8
•3 .
OS
C to
Co
736
925
683
6,949
1,427
28.440
68.949
2,795$
6,454
47.339
60.225
22.724
459
670
424
2,770
603
17,264
20,3441
1.2631
3.119
6.543
36,625
4,262
1,506
2.3 VL
1,615
15,988
3,618
60,744
169,425
5,3441
10,836
34,331
146.897
22,901
666
873
692
7,956
1,183
41,446
91,109
2.0571
9,511
19.052
53,939
8,838
823
1,600
1,130
10.264
1,748
31,322
110.3551
2,875
11,696
30.S48
93,258
27,407
1.318
1,433
892
10.279
1.649
27,6041
97,796
2,9721
6,034
22.318
90,059
10,053
737
1,072
734
5,625
1,503
21.401
96,619
2,394
9.201
31,881
66,170
12,522
882
1.315
965
7.419
1,773
29,8271
121.048
2.4641
14,838
22.729
79,571
15,293
643
1,089
708
6,602
1.121
16.867
27,3481
1,821
5,472
17,173
75,160
7.210
1,710
2,200
2,043
13,141
3.575
66.184
257.571
5,0851
48,284
43.154
174,832
33.096
719
1,485
658
1.413
38.050
64.936
3.224
4.172
19,773
64,236
12.715
1,556
1,969
1.795
884
2>92
32.044
206.446
4.863
12.514
47,753
149,581
11X15
400
691
464
557
787'
10,775
11,663
1.297
1.904
6.232
65,548
3,040
902
1,212
820
392
1.775
84,828
102,950
2.224
33,892
29.950
72,049
5,370
603
845
579
1.038
1 .252
26 119
37.698
70,924
1.767
10.973
18.022
14.947
8.685
13,660
19.76*1
14,202
10.086
5il.4'.t'>
1,527,4841
42,448}
188,900
397,098
1.223,097
205,921
11
Q-S
5511
130
6701
10
325
170
247
189
1,076
357
51
573
430
105
I Mr. nail was from Gnilfl,rd, Conn, no took tho first
om)»ti< of Ontario D&, in 1790; represented the co. in Assembly,
to 1796; Bad was Major General of militia in tho War of 1812.
• Jf'hn P. Baan, Pal Stilus Qsjrtnar, Clork Peck, Jasper Mar-
Tin, famti'l Millar. Jobd Algur, and S. Thayer settled In tho
town in 1789-90. Benjamin Gardner, with his sons John and
Peregrine, are supposed to have been tho first settlers. The
first birth was that of Lucinda Gardner, in Sept. 1791. Jasper
P. Scars kept the first inn, and Royal Ilendce the first store.
The first sawmill was built by Ebenezer Curtis; and the first
gristmill, by Ronbcn Thayer.
* There are now 3 churches in town ; Cong., M. E., and Chi is.
ORANGE COUNTY.
This county was formed Nov. 1, 1G83. Rockland was taken off in
179X, and a portion was annexed from Ulster the same year. It lies
upon the w. hank of the Hudson, s. e. of the center of the State. It
is centrally distant 90 miles from Albany, and contains 838 sq. mi.
The surface is mountainous upon the s. e. and N. w. borders, and a
; rolling upland through the center. The Matteawan or South Mts.
'extend in several parallel ranges from the N.J. line n. e. to the
Hudson, ending in the rocky and precipitous bluffs known as " The
Highlands." The highest summits attain an elevation of 1,000 to
1,500 ft. above tide. The ranges and peaks of these mountains arc
known by several distinct names.1 The whole region included
between these ranges consists of steep and precipitous rocky peaks
and narrow winding ravines, a small portion only being susceptible of cultivation. The Shawan-
gunk Mt. Range extends from Delaware River n. e. through the n. w. corner of the co. It is a
high, unbroken range, precipitous upon the w., but with more gradual slopes upon the E. The
highest summits are 1,500 to 1,900 ft. above tide. The extreme n. w. corner of the co. is occupied
by the series of highlands extending from the Delaware into Sullivan co. The central portion of
the co., lying between the twro mountain systems, is a rolling upland, broken in many places by
abrupt and isolated hills and the deep valleys of streams. This whole region, comprising more
than one-half of the entire surface of the co., is susceptible of cultivation, and forms a fine agricul-
tural district.
Along the s. w. border, extending through several towns and into N. J., is a low, flat region, lying
upon the streams, and known as the " Drowned Lands." This tract, consisting of about 17,000
acres, was originally covered with water and a dense growth of cedars ; but a large portion of it has
been drained and reclaimed ; and it now forms one of the finest agricultural portions of the co.
Neversink River flows s. along the w. foot of the Shawanguuk Mts. and forms a tributary of
the Delaware. Shawangunk River flows n. along the e. foot of the same mountains and forms a
tributary of the Hudson. Wall Kil flows n. through near the center of the co. and unites ffitb
the Shawangunk in Ulster co. Murderers Kil,2 and its principal tributary, Otter Creek, flow E.
through near the center of the co. and discharge their waters into the Hudson. Wawayanda
Creek flows s. into N. J. and, re-entering the State as Potuck Creek, unites with the Wall Kil.
Ramapo Ri,ver rises in the s. part of the co. and flows s. into Rockland. In the s. are several
small lakes, the principal of which are Greenwood Lake and Thompsons and Mambasha Ponds.
The rocks of the southern highlands are principally granite, gneiss, and sienite, with occasional
injected veins of trap. The rocks which compose the Shawangunk Mts. are the shales and
sandstones of the Chemung group. The central portions of the co. are occupied by parallel strata
of the Hamilton shales, Helderbergh limestones and grit, Medina sandstone, and the gray sand-
stones, all extending n. e. and s. w., respectively, from the e. foot of the Shawangunk Mts. An
abundance of iron, consisting of magnetic ores and red and brown hematite, is found among the
southern mountains ; and several veins have been extensively worked.3 The soil is as various as
the surface. Among the primitive mountains it is light, sandy, and unproductive. In the n. w
part it is a tough clay, generally underlaid by hardpan. Through the center it is a clay, sandy,
and gravelly loam upon the hills, and a fine quality of gravelly loam and alluvium in the valleys,
— all very productive. The Drowned Lands are covered with alluvium and vegetable mold, and are
among the most fertile lands in the State. The various branches of agriculture form the leading
pursuit of the people. The most important interest is the sending of milk to the N. T. market.
Butter, spring grains, and fruits are also largely produced. Market gardening is a large and
increasing source of public wealth. The manufacturing interests of the co. are considerable,
though they are mostly confined to a few places. The manufacture of iron has formed an exten-
1 Among the principal ridges are the Warwick, Bcllvale,
Rough, and Sterling Ranges, near the s. border of the co.. and
the Sehunemunk Range, between the towns of Monroe and
Blooming Grove.
3 The skeletons of several mastodons have been found in this
co.. — mostly in Montgomery and vicinity. One of these was ex-
hibited many years" in Peale's Museum. Philadelphia. One
found in 1814 by Nathaniel Brewster, 20 ft. below the surface,
2 Named from the murder of a family of whites who lived ' was 33 ft. lorg " The whole number of bones was 220, and the
upon its bpjjks, by the Indians, in early times. aggregate weight nearly 1,995 pounds.
501
502
ORANGE COUNTY.
sive business from an early period until within a few years ; but at the present time only two fur-
naces are in operation in the co. The proximity to New York renders the lands of the co. ex-
ceedingly valuable; and, with proper care, almost any crop adapted to the climate can be success-
fully and profitably cultivated. Considerable commerce is carried on by means of the Hudson, the
principal export being lumber brought from the "West upon the r. r. and trans-shipped at New-
burgh.
The county is a half-shire, the courts being held respectively at Goshen and Newburgh.1 The
courthouse at Goshen is a brick building, situated upon a fine lot in the e. part of the village. The
jail is a stone building, in rear of the courthouse. The co. clerk's office is a fireproof brick build-
ing, upon the street opposite the courthouse. The courthouse at Newburgh is located upon the
high land in the w. part of the village. It is a fine brick building, fronting s. upon Second St.
The jail at Newburgh is connected with the police establishment of the village. The poorhouse
is located upon a farm of 2G7 acres in Goshen, 3£ mi. s. w. of the village. The average number
of inmates is 200, supported at a weekly cost of §1.04 each. The building is of stone, and has
accommodations for 300. A school is taught during the entire year. The accommodations are
reported by the Senate Committee of 1857 as good, and the general management of the institution
as much above the average. The income from the farm is about §2,000. The N. Y. & Erie R. R.
extends through Monroe, Blooming Grove, Chester, Goshen, Wawayanda, Walkill, Mount Hope,
and Deerpark. The Newburgh branch of this road extends s. w. from Newburgh, through New
Windsor and Blooming Grove, to Chester.2 The Delaware & Hudson Canal extends from the
Delaware River x. along the valley of the Neversink, through Deerpark.3 In the central part of
the O". a wide ditch lias been dug, for the purpose of draining the Drowned Lands, which has been
of immense value to the county.
Thirteen newspapers — 1 daily, 9 weekly, 2 semi-monthly, and 1 monthly — are published in
this co.4
1 Th" first courts were held at Tappantown. in the present
town of Orangetown, Rockland co., March S, 1702. Courts wore
first held at Goshen in 1727. The first co. officers under State
authority were John Baring, First Judge, ; Thos. Moffat, Co. Clerk;
Isaac riff; and James Everett, Surrogate. Jesse
W. -'Ihull was appointed sheriff May 8, 1777, a few months
previous to Nicoll, but was not commissioned. A courthouse
■ uilt at Goshen in 177:'.. by James Webster, a Scotch High-
lander, who served under Wolfe at the battle before Quebec in
1759. This building was afterward converted into a jail, and
a portion of it is now used as a public house.
5 The Immense quantities of lumber brought from the pine
foreatc ay, Cattaraugus, and Steuben, over the N. Y. A
B. I'.. I:., an principally carried to Newburgh and transshipped.
Milk t r.ti-i- run daily upon this road for the purpose of carrying
lantitics of milk produced here to the X. Y. mar-
Tle milk business is the most important of all the local
bush.. -- ; the p.. o.
'Tin- canal extendi through the valley lying at the w. foot
/'ink Mts. to Port Jervis, and thence, up the
vail. ire t.. the w. bounds of the co.
* 1 !■'■/-■ itory, the fir>t paper published in Orat.ge
1 at G -ii'ii in I7ss by David Mande-
■ r. it waa lasui I by tfandeyflie A
nd in 1800 it was sold to >'•■ Ilurton and
I • ii. w ho • hanged the name to
In 1 - '1 ..r 'oj it pntwiod into the
■ ' I r. »li i ■ banged it to
Th/ i 1 Ward M. <;.i/.. |.<y became pro-
hanzed Its name to
Th* ' it- r the office waa burned and
th. ntinuod.
The ' irted at N"c« burgh in 170.') by
I. II' . ara.
',' trburgfa Bepl .'-. 17o<5, by
d ii me. In 1 ■ merged in
Th* /.' i. In 1- "•
v\ ird H. 0 r, and the name
The 1' 'I't. In 1*29 Charles M ' n«hman l*y-Amo pub-
li-li-r. and the D
Thr 0 n a few yean it waa changed
The X«- wlmrjjh Trlr|frn|ili. ! ha.* «inc*. txvn toned
[y t.v Mil- ail I I M
r until 1857, wh. n it passed Into the hands of
pfa Law»on. by wliom it i« now pabll
T'.' .V :'.' »w Windsor in
17 17 by Jl Its In 1780 it wu> r.-n.
Newburgh, anl in DMDS w»« chant'.
The O John W Karl — r an 1 David Dan-
. nfterwai . - 'ted in its publication.
■ - •...
TV ' vl »>.n after it « I in
The Eights of Man, which was commenced at Xewburgh in
1790 by Elias Wiufield, and was continued until 1S09
or "10.
The Orange County Gazette was commenced at Goshen in 1S05
by John G. Ilurton and Gabriel Denton. It was suc-
cessively issued by Gabriel Denton, Elliott Hopkins,
F. T. & A. 0. Houghton, until 1S13, whin Luther Pratt
became the proprietor, and changed it to the
Independent Republican, and removed it to Mont-
gomery, where it was published some years. It after-
ward passed into the hands of James A. Cheever. who
removed it back to Goshen. In 1S31 H. H. Van Dyck
became proprietor. It was subsequently issued by V.
M. Drake. Moses Sweezey, Clark and Montanye, James
McNally. and Montanye & Green. It is now published
by J. V. Montanye & Co.
The Orange County Republican was published at Wards Bridge
in 1806,
The Orange Oowtty Patriot an-/ Spirit o/'7ti was commenced at
Goshen in 1808 by Gabriel Denton. In 1818 it was
changed to
Tlic Orange, County l'itri"t. and was issued by Timothy B.
Crowell. It. ('. S. Hi'iidrics atb-rward became proprie-
tor, and continued it until 1832. whin it camo into the
bands of P. T. Parsons, who changed it to
The Goshen Demot rat, it was Boon after published by Mend &
tVi bb; and in 1846 it was united with tho True Whig,
as
The Oothen Democrat and Whig, In a few years the name
Whig, was dropped, and the paper again appeared as
The Gtoshen Democrat, under which titlo it is now
published by I Ibarles Mead.
The newburgh Gazette was commenced in 1822 by
J. D. Bpanlding. li was successively issued bySpauld-
iiil' A Parmenter, Spaulding s Rlsevels, Risevels &
Leslie, Wallace a Street, 8. T. OaUahan, and Win. L.
Allison, until 1866, when it passed into the hands of
i W. Qrny, its present publisher.
The Evangelical Witness, nn>.. was published a short time at
Newburgh in 1821 by Rev. Jas. R. Wilson.
The Orange Omnty Firmer was commenced in 1826 at Goshen
by Sui I Williams. It afterward passed Into the
batu 1 1 of Luther Pratt, who removed It to Montgomery,
where it was continued but a short tini".
77i/- Beacon was published a short time at Xewburgh in 1828 by
Beebe.
Journal of tt,, American Association, mo., was published at
WSSl Point in l^.'in. It uns the organ of an associa-
tion of cadets for the promotion of science, literature,
and the arts.
The Orange //, flit was published at Slate Hill, in Wawayanda,
by John <;. Wallace in 1 B8L
The "Republican Banner waa commenced at Walden, in Mont-
gomery, in June,1831,and was continued several years
ORANGE COUNTY.
;l I.
The first settlements in the co. are supposed to have been made by the Dutch, soon after th<- first
occupation of Manhattan Island. Traces of an early occupation were found upon the first advent
of the progenitors of the present race, anions which was a road known as the "Old Mine Road,"
extending from the s. line of the co. along the valley of the Shawanguni to Esopns, OH the Hud-
son. These settlements were broken up; and no record is left of them. The next race of settlers
came in about the commencement of the 18th century and located in various parts of the CO.
They were Dutch, French Huguenots, and English, nearly all seeking liberty in the wilderness.
The first patent issued was the Minisink Patent, in 1G97, embracing the greater pari of the C( .
lying upon the Shawangunk Mts., and a considerable portion of Sullivan co. The remaining
portions of the co. were embraced in Chesecock's Patent,1 issued in 1702, emhraoing the s. k. part ;
the Wawayanda Patent,- issued in 1703, embracing the w. and N. parts; and the John Evans
Patent,3 the precise date of which is not known. The boundaries of these various patents wen;
so vague that it was found impossible to locate them without conflicting with others; and serious
difficulties arose between the different claimants.4
The policy of granting large patents was soon abandoned, and the remaining parts of the co.
were patented in small tracts to actual settlers, from about 1718 to 1750. The settlements pro-
gressed but slowly, in consequence of the fear of Indian hostilities. During the French War of
1755 the frontier settlements were often attacked by small parties of hostile Indians and the de-
fenseless inhabitants were murdered and carried into captivity. The principal weight of these
attacks fell upon the settlements in the Neversink Valley. During the Revolution the frontiers
were again constantly in a state of alarm. In July, 1778, Brant, at the head of a large Indian
force, laid waste the whole Minisink settlement ; and on his retreat the disastrous battle of Mini-
sink was fought, in which nearly the whole force of the Americans was destroyed.5
The eastern part of the co. was also the scene of stirring military events. The importance of the
passes through the Highlands was early appreciated by Washington, and strong fortifications were
thrown up at various points to protect them. Fort Montgomery was erected oa the river, at the s.
line of the co., and Fort Clinton on the opposite side of a small creek in Rockland co. Several
The Signs of the Times, semi-mo., was commenced at
New Vernon, in Mount Hope, in 1S32, by Gilbert
Beebe. In 1S47 it was removed to Middletown, where
it is now published by G. J. Beebe.
The Tablets of Rural Ect nomy was published at Newburgh in
1S32 by J. W. Kiaevels.
The Sentinel was published at Minisink, now Wawayanda, in
1833, by Peter K. Allen.
The Newburgh Journal was commenced in 1S33 by J. D.
Spaulding. Tts name was afterward changed to
The Highland Courier. It was issued in 1856 by
Wm. E. Laidey, and in 1858 passed into the hands of
Edward Mixen, the present publisher.
The Reformed Presbyterian was commenced at Newburgh in
1836 by Rev. Moses Roney. In a short time it was re-
moved to Pittsburgh, Penn.
The Family Visitor was published a short time at Newburgh
in 1839 by D. L. Proudfit.
The MiddTetown Courier was started in April, 1840, by A. A.
Bensel. In 1846 it was removed to Kingston and
changed to the Ulster Democrat.
The True Whig was started at Goshen Aug. 5, 1842. by R.C. S.
Hendries. In 1845 it was merged in the Goshen
Democrat.
The Democratic Standard was commenced at Goshen in the fall
of 1843 by Vait & Donovan. In 1844 it was changed to
The Goshen Clarion, and it was continued until 1849.
The Christian Instructor was started at Newburgh in 1S45 by
D. L. Proudfit, and in a short time it was removed to
Philadelphia.
The. Orange County News was started at Goshen in July, 184C,
by John L. Drown, and was discontinued in 1849,
The Banner of Liberty was commenced at Middletown
in Aug. 1848, by Gilbert A. Beebe, as a monthly. In
1849 it was issued semi-monthly ; and it is now published
as a weekly.
Freedom's Guard was published at Middletown in Aug. 1849, by
W. L. Beebe.
The. Newburgh Excelsior was started in 1849 by Thomas George.
In 1*51 it was purchased by E. M. Ruttonberand merged
in the Newburgh Telegraph.
Tri States Union was commenced at Port Jervis. Nov. 7.
1851, by John J. Minford. In 1854 L. K. Barnes be-
came proprietor; and in 1855 it passed into the hands
of James II. Norton, by whom it is still published.
The Mirror of Temperance was started at Tort Jervis in 1851
by J. L. Barlow. In 1852 John Dow assumed the pub-
lication, and continued it until 1855.
The "Whig Press was commenced at Middletown, Nov. 26,
1851, by John W. Ilasbrouck, by whom it is still pub-
lished.
The Sejyarate American, a quarterly publication printed for the
colored people of the Separate American Methodist
Church, was commenced at Middletown in 1852 or
'53, Rev. David James, editor. It was discontinued in
1856.
The Sentinel was commenced at Port Jervis in Jan. 1855, by
John Williams. In June of the same year it was re-
moved to Susquehanna. Penn.
The Literary Scrap Hook, mo., was published at Newburgh in
1855 by R. Denton.
The Hardware Man's Newspaper, mo., was com-
menced Aug. 1855, at Middletown. by John Williams,
by whom it is still published. It is issued from the
office of the Whig Press.
The Newburgh American was commenced at Newburgh in 1855
by R. P. L. Shafer & Co., and was continued a short
time.
The Newburgh Times was commenced at Newburgh in
1856 by R. B. Hancock. It soon passed into the hands
of K. II. Bloomer, its present publisher.
The Daily News was commenced at Newburgh in 1856 by
E. W. Gray. It was subsequently discontinued, and its
publication resumed in 1S57 by E. M. Ruttenber & E.
W. Gray. It is now published by E. W. Gray & Joseph
Law son.
T!ie Catholic Literary Ufagazine was published at Newburgh in
1856.
The Sybil, semi-mo., was commenced at Middletown in
July. 1856, by Mrs. Dr. Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck. It is
issued from the office of the Whig Press.
1 Chesecocks. — March 25, 1797, to Anna Bridges and 6 others, a
tract of upland and meadow called Chesecocks, bounded K. by
(apt. J. Evans and Dr. Bridges & Co., w. by Bridges & Co. and
w. side of Highlands, s. by patent Daniel Honan and Michael
llandon. and E. by the Christian patented lands of Haverstraw
and Hudson R. (Act March 17, 17S3.)
- Wawayanda, — Queen Anne, on 29th of April. 1703, granted
to Dr. John Bridges and 11 others certain tracts known as
Wawayanda and other tracts, bounded r. by the High Hills of
the Highlands and patent of Capt. John Evans, s. by line of O.
and U.cos., and w. by Minisink Hills, and S. by N.J. (Act March
17, 1783.)
3 This patent was afterward set aside, as it was described in
so vague and unsatisfactory a manner that it was impossible to
locate it. The others were but little better.
* A portion of the territory was claimed by N. J., and several
collisions occurred between the settlers and the officers of the
State, and numerous outrages were perpetrated under the color
of law. The controversy was finally settled about 1767.
s See page 642.
504 ORANGE COUNTY.
other forts were built both above and below these, and chains were stretched across the river and
various impediments were sunk in the channel, to prevent the passage of vessels. Gen. Putnam
was left in command of these positions in 1777, when Gen. Howe marched to attack Philadelphia,
but with an entirely inadequate force. About the 1st of October, Sir Henry Clinton, in command
at New York, sent a force up the river to aid Gen. Burgoyne, who was then hard pressed by the
American army. This force first landed at Verplancks Point on the 5th, but in the night following
re-embarked, landed on the opposite shore, and on the 6th surprised and captured both Forts
Montgomery and Clinton.
The official reports make the loss of the British and Americans about ecpial ; but, as the former
were fully exposed to a galling fire while approaching the works, and the latter mostly escaped,
it is supposed that the British loss was much greater. The other American works were abandoned,
and Gen. Putnam retreated to Fishkill. The British spent some time in removing the various ob-
structions from the river, and advanced slowly northward, plundering and destroying on their way.
They reached Esopus on the 15th, and at the same time Gen. Putnam, whose force had been
augmented to 6,000 men by Conn., N. Y. and N.J. militia, sent a detachment of 2,000 to take pos-
session of Peekskill. The British, afraid to go farther x. with such a force in their rear, remained
at Esopos until they received news of the surrender of Burgoyne ; and then they returned to New
York.
The result of this expedition demonstrated the necessity of stronger fortifications among the
Highlands, and during the following winter the site of West Point was fixed upon, as the
Btrongest and must eligible on the river. Earthworks were thrown up early in the spring, and
from time to time more formidable works were added, until, at the close of the war, it was the
most strongly fortified of any place in the country.1
It was afterward the center of the American operations in the North. In the spring of 1780, Gen.
Arnold, who had not entirely recovered from the effects of a wound received at Saratoga, solicited
ami received the command of this post. The instruction which gave him this command was dated
Aug. 3, 1780. Arnold had been in correspondence with the British for more than a year; and he
soon negotiated with Sir Henry Clinton to deliver up West Point, for the sum of £10,000 in gold
arid a commission of Maj. Gen. in the British army. The final consummation of the compact on
the part of the British was intrusted to Maj. Andre, who crossed the American lines in disguise
and held an interview with Arnold on the 22d of Sept. Upon his attempting to return to New
York, he was arrested as a spy, and the whole scheme was discovered. Arnold escaped to New
York, and Andre was subsequently executed.2
The headquarters of the American army of the North was for a long time at Newburgh ; and it
was at this place that Washington finally took leave of his army,3 Aug. 18, 1783.
BKiOOimiffCi GROTE- was formed from Cornwall, March 23, 1709. A part of Ilampton-
waa taken "ft" in 1830, and a part of Chester in 1845. It lies a little e. of the center of the
(■«.. I;- surface i- mountainous in the s. and E., and rolling and moderately hilly in the N. and w.
Sohunemunk Bits., upon the line of Monroe, are 1,300 to 1,500 ft. above tide. The other principal
elevations are Lazy Hill, on the line of Chester, Toms l!<>ck<. Peddlers, liainer, Round, Musquito,
and W Icock Hills and Hd Ridge, These hills arc generally too steep and rocky to be ever
ptible "f cultivation. The hills in the n. have more gradual slopes, and are arable to their
BummitS. Otter Kil flows B. through the \. part, and receives as tributaries Cromlin,4 Slatter-
reral smaller creeks. The extensive l'o;_r meadows along Cromlin Creek, in the s.
part, have been drained, and are now the most vnlualdo agricultural lands in the town. The soil
i- a sandy and clayey loam. WfUhingtonTlllej (Blooming Grove p.o.,) upon Otter Kil, in
the u. part, oontaixu 3 churches and 369 inhabitants : Salisbury Mills, (p. v.,) upon the line
of Monroe, a chur<h, paper mill, gristmill, and 211 inhabitants; and Crai^svillc, (p-v.,) in
the w. parr, a church, cotton factory, and 'Jn dwellings.5 These places are all stations upon the
burgh Branch of the V JT. i T. R. R. Kloominpr Grove, near the center, contains 1
1 Tl n -tin of On -•• works wr* intrn-' usko, the 3 In the >-i .ri ti tr of 17^'.'. while the nrmy was Stationed nt New-
Polish • then errYing a* a volunteer In t *••* American burgh, a feeling ofdlscontent arose among the officers and men,
army in iti" capacity of a mtlUaij engineer The works eon- Inconsequence of the arrearages in their pay and the hardships
r a formidable battery n] n the bluff immediately upon they were called upon to endure. This was promptly checked
bore, named K^rt < ". Hfclnde- by Washington, and a formidable conspiracy was broken np.
r, named Port Putnam, and scwral redoubts * This creek Is called Gray Court Creek In Chester.
anil 6 During the Revolution a forge and powder mill were in
* An. Ire was executed at Tnp[.;int»wn. Rockland co., Oct. J. operation :>t Cralgsville. In 1790 James Craig erected a paper
]"« mill,— the fir-t in the co.
ORANGE COUNTY.
505
church and 18 dwellings; Oxford Depot (p.O.) is a bamlet and station upon the Erie It. R.
The first settlements are supposed to have been made about L73S.1 The first church was erected
at Blooming Grove, in 1759 ; Rev. Enos Ayres was the first pastor.2
CHESTER — was formed from Goshen, Warwick, Blooming Grove, and Monroe, March 22,
1845. It is an interior town, lying a little s. w. of tho center of the co. The surface is rolling
in the n. w., hilly in the center, and mountainous in the s. w. The principal elevations are (loose
Pond Mt., Lazy Hill, Snake II ill, and Sugar Loaf Mt., — all steep, rocky peaks, unfit for cultiva-
tion. The highest summits arc 500 to GOO ft. above the valhys. The principal streams are Gray
Court, Black Meadow, and Ditch Creeks. Along Gray Court Creek, near the n. boundary, are
extensive peat meadows, thoroughly drained, and forming the most productive tract in town.
The soil is a light, yellow loam, underlaid by clay. Limestone and slate are both found in town.
East Chester, (Chester p. o.,) Chester, and West Chester are three villages, situated
at the three angles of an equilateral triangle, 1 mi. apart. They contain the Chester Academy,
a bank, 2 churches, and about 1,500 inhabitants. Sugar LOilf, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, con-
tains a church and 36 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1716, at Gray Court, in the
n.e. corner of the town, by Daniel Cromline, from Long Island.3 There are 3 churches in town;
2 M. E. and Presb.
CORNWALL — was formed March 7, 1788, as "New Cornwall." Its name was changed
March 3, 1797. " Chesecocks," now Monroe, was taken off in 1799. It lies upon the Hudson, in the
E. part of the co. The surface is principally occupied by rocky peaks and ridges of " The Highlands."
Their declivities are usually very steep, and their summits are masses of rocks, in some cases covered
with a scanty growth of dwarfed forest trees. The highest peaks are Butter Hill, Crows Nest, and Bear
Mountain, — respectively 1,529, 1,418, and 1,350 ft. above the river.* The valleys among the mountains
are deep, narrow, and rocky. A small portion of the n. w. part of the town is rolling or moderately
hilly. The principal streams are Murderers Creek and its principal tributary, Otter Kil, flowing
through broad, beautiful valleys in the n. part, and Bog Meadow Creek, emptying into the Hudson
below West Point. Upon the latter, near its mouth, is a series of cascades, known as Buttermilk
Falls. Cranberry, Long, Sutherlands, and Bog Meadow Ponds are small bodies of water among
the mountains. The soil in the valleys is a sandy, clayey, and gravelly loam. The hills are too
steep and rocky for cultivation. Canterbury, (Cornwall p. o.,) in the n.e. part of the town,
contains 4 churches, a woolen yarn factory, and tannery. Pop. 428. Cornwall Landing",
on the Hudson, in the n. e. part, is the center of extensive brick manufactories. Pop. 615.
"West Point, (p. o.,) on the Hudson, is the seat of the U. S. Military Academy. It contains
extensive barracks for the cadets and soldiers, 20 officers' quarters, a philosophical building, con-
taining the library, apparatus, and observatory, a laboratory for ordnance and ammunition, a
chapel, hospital, riding hall, stable, equipment shed, Catholic church, and 150 dwellings for
employees.5 Buttermilk. Falls, (p. v.,) 2 mi. below West Point, contains 3 churches and
307 inhabitants. Fort Montgomery, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains 1 church and 16
dwellings; Bethlehem, in the n. w., a church and 12 dwellings. Ketchamtotvn, in the
w., and Townsville, in the n., are hamlets. The first settlements are supposed to have been
made about 1720.6 The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1730, at Bethlehem ; Rev. Mr. C.halkei
was the first pastor, and Rev. Enos Ayres the second.7 Fort Putnam, of the Revolution, was
situated immediately in the rear of West Point, and Fort Montgomery on the s. E. border of the
town.8 Idlewild, the residence of N. P. Willis, is near the Hudson, in the N. e. part of the town.
1 Among: tho parly settlers were the families of Strong;, Brew-
ster, Howell, Dubois, Coleman, Moffatt, Seely, Gilbert, Woodhull.
Tuthill, Goldsmith, Brooks, and Mathews.
2 There are 8 churches in town ; 1 M. E., 2 Cong., Presb., and
Friends.
3 In company with others, Mr. Cromline purchased the Wa-
wayanda Patent of Philip Rockby and Hendrick TenEyck. He
was accompanied by Win. Bull, an Englishman, whom he had
hired from an emigrant ship. During the first year of settlement
he erected a house long; afterward kept as a tavern and known
08 the "Cromline House." Its sign was the king's coat of arms;
and as the colors became gray with age it was called the "Gray
Coat," and in after years, a court being held in the house, its
name was changed to the '-Gray Court." The name of the
stream. meadows, and hamlet was derived from this.
4 The other principal elevations are Black Rock and Deer
Hills, near the center; Ant Hill. Lawyers Hill, and Mount Ras-
cal, in the s. W.; and Beat, Pine, Cold, and Round Hills, in the
N. part.
•In the yard at West Point is a large number of cannon
taken during the several wars of the U.S.; and among them
are 89 brass pieces captured in the several battles of the Mexi-
can War, each marked when, where, and by whom cap-
tured.
6 The first settlement was made at and near the village of
Canterbury. The tradition is that the first settlement was
made there by Germans, who made some clearings and planted
an orchard, but, becoming dissatisfied, sold out aud left. Tho
next settlers were English, some of whom had first settled in
Conn, ami Mass. Among the early settlers were the Suther-
lands, Sacketts, Sherods, Brewsters, Woods, Clarks, Smiths,
Townsends, Van Dnzens, Mandevilles. Bartons, Sands, and
Thorns. The first town meeting upon record in the precinct of
Cornwall was held in April, 17o5.
7 There are 11 churches in town ; 2 Fresb., 2 Prot. E., 2 Friends,
2 M. E., Bap., R. C, and Free.
8 A chain was stretched across the river from Fort Mont-
gomery, but the fort was taken by the British and the chain
broken in Oct. 1777. A chain was afterward put across tho
river at West Poiut, aud remained there during the war.
506 ORANGE COUNTY.
CRAWFORD — was formed from Montgomery, March 4, 1823. It lies in the extreme flr.
angle of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by several high ridges extending n. e. and
s. w. Oollaberg and Comfort Hills, along the e. border, are 300 to 400 ft. above the valleys. The
principal streams are the Shawangunk, forming the x. w. boundary, Dwaars Kil, Paughcaughnaugh-
sink and Little Paughcaughnaughsink Creeks. These streams all flow in a general n. e. direction.
Upon the Shawangunk is a large amount of water-power. The soil is a slaty and clayey loam
upon the hills and a sandy and gravelly loam in the valleys. Pine Busll,1 (p. v.,) on the
Shawangunk, in the jr. part, contains a sawmill, gristmill, and 120 inhabitants; Searsville,
(p. v..) on Dwaars Kil, near the center, a gristmill, 2 sawmills, and 16 dwellings; and Kaallville,
(p. v.,) in the s. part, 12 dwellings. Hopewell is a hamlet, in the s. w. CollaDurgta is a
p. o., 2 mi. e. of Bullville. The first church (Presb.) was formed at Hopewell, in 1779. The census
reports 2 churches ; Presb. and Asso. Rcf. Presb.2
DEERPARR- was formed from Mamakating, (Sullivan co.,) March 16, 1798. A part of
Mount Hope was taken off in 1825. It lies in the extreme w. angle of the co. Its surface is a
mountainous highland, broken by the valley of Neversink River and numerous deep, rocky ravines
of small streams. The Shawangunk Mts. extend along the e. border, and form a high, rocky
ridi;e 1,800 ft. above the valleys, with steep declivities on the w. The Neversink* River flows in
a deep valley at the w. foot of the mountains. The central and w. parts are covered with a rocky
and mountainous upland, ending in abrupt declivities on Delaware River in the s. The other prin-
cipal streams are Mongaup River, forming the w. boundary, Bashes5 Kil, Old Dam Fall Creek,6
Shingle, and Grassy Swamp7 Brooks. Big and Little Ponds are two small lakes in the interior.
Port Jervis,8 (p. v.,) upon the Delaware, near the mouth of the Neversink, was incorp. May 11,
1853. It is an important station upon the Erie R. R. and Delaware & Hudson Canal. It contains
5 churches, a saw factory, foundery, machine shop, planing mill, newspaper office, and bank. Pop.
3,023. Honesville, (Sparrow Bush p. o.,) upon the Delaware, 2 mi. w. of Port Jervis, contains
a larjro tannery and 26 dwellings ; Huguenot, (p. v.,) upon the canal, 4 mi. n. e. of Port Jervis,
25 dwellings; and Cuddebackville, (p. v.,) upon the canal, in the n. e. part, 1 church and
12 dwellings. Carpenters Point is a hamlet, at the mouth of the Neversink. The first
settlements were made about 1690.9 There are 7 churches in town.10 De Witt Clinton was born
at Fort De Witt, in this town, March 2, 1769, while his parents were on a visit at the residence
of his mother's brother. Lead ore has recently been found in this town.
GOSIIEY — -was formed March 7, 1788. A part of Hamptonburgh was taken off in 1830, and
* part of Chester in 1845. It is an interior town, lying a little s. e. of the center of the co. Its
surface is rolling or moderately hilly. The hills are bordered by long and gradual slopes, and are
arable to their summits. The s. w. corner is occupied by a portion of the " Drowned Lands/' most of
whi'h have been reclaimed.11 The principal streams are "Wall Kil, forming the w., and Quaker Creek,
the -. boundary, and Otter Kil, in the e. part. The soil is a sandy loam, underlaid by clay, slate,
ami limestone. Goshen, (p. v.,) x. e. of the center, was incorp. March 28, 1809. Besides the co.
buildings, ir contains 4 clmrches, a female seminary,12 several classical schools, 2 newspaper offices,
2 bank-, and about l.Stili in lml.it ants. It is the w. terminus of i lie N'ewhurgh Branch of the N. Y.
& E. K. I! ■■ and i- an important freight and milk station upon the Erie R. R. The first settlements
■fferf mad- from L703 to 1714. The first deeds of village lots in Goshen bear the date of 1714.
The original A\ ada Patent,13 covering the greater part of this town, was granted by Queen
M
» Nothin ' ' '':■'• tfd to tl nrlv
I
IA m.v thna, Incited n large
tract l'V a brush fence, and the Inclosura became known t- Mc-
Donald- ■• Deer Park." Thin nam" wiu afterward given to the
town.
I i lied by tlv Indian* M.i-tn. k-e-n
' Nmn.d from Hush-, an Indian woman who lived upon its
bank".
• This «fr.-nm bib oOO ft. in 1 mi., and DOOCC it« nani".
? Named from eaertoeof lowwunra] meadow* through which
the stream Bows.
» Vinio<l Qum J. 1). Jm ill. Iln«iglimn "Im 1'iilU the Delaware
k Had
■ Peter Gummaer. Jacob Cnddeback, Thomas and Gerardus
Dwai tout, John Ttm. and Da rid J I in town in 1
- in. J.', yearn ago a ditch of small size was dug about 3 mi.
in length across a bend in Wall Kil. through Che Drowni d Lands,
for the purpose of drainim: them. The action of the water upon
the llghl .-oil through which it was dug has bo enlarged it that
in many places it i- wider than Wall Kil. and much difficulty is
experienced In maintaining bridges over the ditoh.
12 Th^ Goshen Female Seminary is a flourishing institution.
Bevera] small family classical scl Is are located ill the village.
brlstopher Denn, one of the proprietors of the Wawayunda
Patent, located it. s. of Goshen Village in 1712. After visiting
the place and deciding upon a location, be returned to bis rest
dene i Btaten Island, and sent a company of carpenters, his
household g Is, and his adopted daughter, Mary wells, then
16 yi . to his new home, under the guidance of 8
friendly Indians. The carpenters erected a cabin, and Denn and
his wile came on the next 'lay after the cabin was built. Mr.
Baft, a young Englishman just arrived in an emigrant ship,
The fir re Huguen I Ths first general surreys came in n after. Among the other early settlers who came
made in 1718. Jacob Cnddeback built the tlr-t mill, previous to 1721 were John Everett, John Carpenter, John Gale,
Amon OnykeodaU, John William Ludlum, James Jackson, Isaac Pinch, Michael Dunning,
Pecker. Wd • - Bolomon Carpenter, William Jackson, Samuel Beely, Samuel
V> '1 Kef. Prat I'.. Hap., l'r -I .. M. K., Trot. E, and R. C. •, John Yelvcrton, Samuel Clowes, John Bruduer. and John
ORANGE COUNTY. 507
Anne, March 5, 1703. The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1721 ; Rev. John Bradner was
the first pastor.1
GREENVILLE — was formed from Minisink, Dec. 2, 1853. It lies on the s. w. border of the
CO., w. of the center. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland. The Shawangunk Mts., extending
along the w. border, are 400 to GOO ft. above the valleys and 1,400 to 1,000 ft. above tide. The e.
slopes of the mountains are generally gradual, and the hills are arable to their summits. The
principal stream is Shawangunk River, which takes its rise near the center and flows n. e. Benin
Water Pond is a small body of water in the N. part. The soil is a sandy, gravelly, and clayey loam.
Greenville, (Minisink p. o.,) in the w. part, contains 2 churches and 12 houses; and Smiths
Corners, n. of Greenville, contains 15 houses. Center I'uint, 1£ mi. s. e. of Greenville, is
a p. o. Woodsville is a hamlet in the e. part. The first settlements were probably made from
1720 to 1730.2 There are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
IIAMPTOrVBURGII3 — was formed from Goshen, Blooming Grove, Montgomery, New
Windsor, and Walkill, April 5, 1830. It is an interior town, lying a little n. of the center of the
co. Its surface is rolling and moderately hilly. The principal streams are Wall Kil, forming the
N. w. boundary, and Otter Kil, flowing n. e. through near the center. The soil is a gravelly and
slaty loam. Otterville, (p. o.,) on Otter Kil, near the e. boundary, is a hamlet. Otterkill,
s. of Otterville, contains 12 dwellings. Campbell Hall, near the center, and Hampton-
burgli, 1 mi. s., are hamlets. The first settlement was made by Wm. Bull, in 1719 or '20. In
1727 he erected a stone house, which is still standing. There are 2 churches in town ; Presb. and
Asso. Reformed.
MMVISINJK4— was formed March 7, 1788. A part of " Calhoun" (now Mount Hope) was
taken off in 1825, Wawayanda in 1849, and Greenville in 1853. It lies upon the N. J. line, s. w.
of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling and hilly. The slopes are generally gradual, and the
hills are arable to their summits. The principal streams are Wall Kil and Rutgers Creek,
each of which forms some portion of the N. and e. boundary. The Drowned Lands oc-
cupy a small portion of the e. angle. The soil is principally a gravelly loam. I nion ville,
(p.v.;) in the s. part, contains 2 churches and 25 dwellings; and West Town, (p-v.,) 3 mi. n.
of Unionville, 2 churches and 15 dwellings. Waterloo Mills (p. o.) is a hamlet, containing
1 church and 6 dwellings. No records of the early settlement have been preserved. There are
5 churches in town.5
MONROE6 — was formed from Cornwall, March 23, 1799, as " Ckesecocks." Its name was
changed to " SoutJifield," April 3, 1801, and to Monroe, April 6, 1808. A part of Chester was
taken off in 1845. It is the s. e. corner town in the co. It lies mostly among the Highlands; and
its surface is a hilly and mountainous upland. The principal ranges are Schunemunk Mts., in the
N., Black and Bear Mts., in the e., and the Southfield Mts., near the center, — all extending n. e. and
s. w.7 Their declivities are steep and in many places precipitous, and their summits are rough,
rocky, and broken. A large share of the whole town is unfit for cultivation. In the n. w. part
are several valleys containing arable land. The principal streams are Ramapo River, flowing s.,
and Murderers Creek, flowing n. The Forest-of-Dean Creek drains the e. part and discharges its
waters into the Hudson. Among the mountains are a great number of fine, small lakes and ponds.8
The soil in the valleys is a sandy and gravelly loam. The mountains are too rough for cultivation.
Monroe, (p. v.,) in the n. w. part of the town, contains 2 churches and 266 inhabitants. It is a
station upon the Erie R. R. Turners,9 (p. v.,) a station upon the r. r., near the center, contains
18 dwellings. Greenwood Works (p.v.) is a station upon the r. r., 3 mi. s. of Turners
Denton, many of whose descendants still reside in the town.
The first marriago was that of Wm. Bull and Sarah Wells, in
1718. The first inn was kept by Birdaye Yarrington. Noah
Webster, author of Webster's Dictionaries, taught "the first
academic school, in the village of Goshen, in 17S2. De Witt
Clinton was a pupil at the academy at one time. William II.
Seward studied law at the office of Judge Puer, in this village.
1 There are now 4 churches in town ; M. E., Prot. E., Presb.,
and R. C.
2 Facts relating to the early history of this town could not be
accurately ascertained.
3 Named from Wolverhampton, the birthplace of Wm. Bull,
the first settler.
4 Tradition says that long ago, before the Delaware River broke
through the mountain at the Water Gap, the lands for 30 or 40
mi. bordering upon it were covered by a lake, but became
drained by the breaking down of that part of the dam which
confined it, and that a part of a tribe of Indians from New Jersey
settled upon these lands from which the waters had retired.
The lands were called "Minsies," signifying -'lands from which
the waters had gone," and the name was afterward applied to
the Indians living upon it. From this name the term " Minisink''
is derived. — Eager's Hist. Orange Co., p. 408.
6 3 Presb., Bap., and Christiau.
6 Named in honor of James Monroe, afterward President of
the U. S.
T Among the principal mountain peaks are Black Top. Black
Cup. and Bong Hills, in the y.; Torn Mt. and Cape Hill, in the
E. ; Tom Jones Mt. and Hemlock Hill, in the s. f..: Pine and
Prickly Ash Hills, in the s.; and Hogback, Hall. Tiger, Cedar,
Burned, Rocky, and Macannon Hills, in the center.
8 Among the principal ponds are Hazard Pond, in the N.,
Slaughters, Two Pond, Bull, Poplopens, and Cedar Ponds, in the
E.; Little, Long, and Duck Cedar Ponds, in the s.; and Little
Long, Round, and Mambasha Ponds, in the w.
• Formerly called " CcnttrvilU."
508
ORANGE COUNTY.
Station. A blast furnace is situated near the r. r., and another about 1 mi. e. There are about
15 houses in the vicinity. 3Ionroe Works, (p. o.,) 3 mi. s. of Greenwood Works, was the seat
of extensive iron works, which have been abandoned. It is Southfield Station on the N. Y. & E.
R. R. Highland Mills, (p. v.,) in the n. part, contains 2 churches and 15 dwellings. Lower
Sin i Hi Clove, 1 mi. s., and Woodbury Clove, 1 mi. n., of Highland Mills, are hamlets.
The first settlements were probably made about 1741!.1 The Chesecocks Patent, granted in 1702,
embraced a portion of the Ramapo Valley in this town. There are 5 churches in town.2
MONTGOMERY8— -was formed Maivli 7, 1788. Crawford was taken off in 1823, andapart
of Ilamptonburgh in 1830. It lies upon the n. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is
generally a hilly upland. The Comfort Hills,4 600 to 800 ft. above tide, extend along the w. border
Wall Kil flows n. E. through near the center; and its principal tributary, Tin Brook,5 flows through
the e. part. Upon Wall Kil, in the n. part, is a fall of 40 ft., affording an excellent water-power.
Along the same stream, in the s. part, is considerable swamp land. The soil is a fine quality of
gravelly loam. Montgomery, (p. v.,) upon Wall Kil, s. of the center, was incorp. Feb. 17,
1810. It contains 2 churches, the Montgomery Academy, 3 gristmills, and a sawmill. Pop. 760.
Walden, (p. v.,) on Wall Kil, 3\ mi. n. of Montgomery, was incorp. April 9, 1855. It contains
3 churches, a shawl factory, satinet factory, and a manufactory of cutlery. Pop. 641. St. An-
drews, (p-O-.) in the x. e. part, contains 10 dwellings. ColdemliaiM,6 near the e. line, is a
hamlet. The earliest patent comprising land in this town was granted in 1709, to Henry Ilile-
nian. It was located at the mouth of Tin Brook, below Walden. It was settled by the proprietor
and divided into lots in 1712. Lieut. Gov. Cadwallader Colden, the owner of a patent in this town,
located at Coldenham in 1728.7 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed at Montgomery Vil-
lage in 1732.8
MOl'XT HOPE — was formed from Walkill, Minisink, and Deerpark, as " Calhoun," Feb.
15, 1825. Its name was changed March 14, 1833. It lies upon the n. border of the co., n. w. of
the center. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland. The Shawangunk Mts. extend through the
w. part; the highest summits are 1,400 to 1,800 ft. above tide. Shawangunk River flows n. e.
through the center, and the Little Shawangunk along the e. border. The soil is a sandy and
gravelly loam. Olisville, (p. v.,) near the w. border, contains 2 churches and 309 inhabitants.
It is a station upon the Erie R. R. Mount Ilope, (p. v.,) 2 mi. s. e. of Otisville, contains 2
churches and 120 inhabitants ; New Vernon, in the n. part, a church and 20 dwellings.
Finehvillc is a hamlet, in the s.w.part. The precise date of the settlement of this town is
unknown. James Finch settled some time previous to the Revolution.9 There are 6 churches in
town.10
\ EWRI'RGII" — was formed March 7, 1788. It lies upon the Hudson, and is the n. e. corner
town in the co. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland, the highest summits being 600 to 900 ft.
1 A f.mily of Smiths settled Very early in the town, and from
the town was raii<-.| •• .v, > - ." Among the early
Millers, Galloways, Carpenters, Bulls,
D ats, Wards, Cottons, Nobles, Cunninghams,
1 ireaux, — 1 tly English families from the
i ■ iron works was that of Ward A Colton,
I in 1T.M for the m innfactnre of anchors. It was situate 'I
In Warwick, Just over * 1 j ■ - line from Monroe. In 1762 Abel
Noble, from !•• •! this town, near the Ward
Here t >>- • fir-t anchor was made, In
ind during the Revolution one of the
chniin thrown across the I I bore. II
US. iMirini; tli" Revolution, ' liii'l ill - Btnlth, a
noted t..rv. resided ;:i toil town. II" was hong al Goshen,
Jan. -
. ath! Friends.
• Named In honor of ry. Inl767th<
in ittj it was
i ss the ■• II i per In K-j Its name was
changed t" the Montgoma ■
« Nai I frm a family • : Burly settlers in
gkm.
& Nam.- derived from Tinn and I na «mall ii\. r.
• Named from 1 1 ••• family of Oadwalladi r Colden, who was an
eorh proprietor.
I .i hannes Mill- r - ttli d -n Wall Kil. 2 ml. p. of Mi ntgomery,
in ITjT. Among the <t Ii- r early settlors were John Neoly,
Charles Booth, Win. Eager, I nn'l Jol
YouagbloodV— all of whom settled bet1 11741. The
e. r«rt "f th" town was originally settled by Irish, and th"
vbII- of Wall Kil by Hollanders. Tli-! pt by
Alexander Golden, hi 1742; and th" Oral gristmill was bnOI at
Walden, by James KkkL In the fall of 177'; tin- people of Bos-
t..ii. by reason of the great scarcity "f supplies and provisions,
applied t" this State for aid; and accordingly a public meeting
wnt called, which convened in the town of "Hammer" (now
Montgomery.) In tin1 mean time the friends of the mother
country, always cm the 11 !• -it . had procured I he. services of u
talented orator for the purpose of defeating the objects of the
meeting. As no one could be found among tin- adherents of
th" cans" of hi.Tty wln> was able to spe.ak in pnl li". recourse
was had to th" Rev. Mr. Annan, of Neelytown, who at first
d' 'hie d. hut at ii-n^th coiim nt'il. A multitude were assembled
on the Occasion to hear B discussion upon a subject which was
thi'ti th" absorbing topic of the day. The discussion was con-
tlnned for some time with fairness and ability on. either side,
until at length, to check B Btrife Of angry Words and to test tho
disposition ol the assembly, Mr. Annan suddenly said. " As many
in favor of assisting the pei pie of Boston and the cause
of Liberty, follow me.'' The effect was electric. Immediately
up "ii hi^ leaving the house he beheld, to his utter astonishment,
tb" whole multitude at his heels. — Eager3 & Hitt, Orange Co., p.
« There are 7 churches in town ; 2 Ref. Prot !>.. 2 M. K., Prot.
K.. I'o-b.. and Covenanter. The Ref. Prot. I>. <lnii.li. near
M n' omery, has connected with it a farm of 75 acres, valued
o. and a parsonn
0 Mr. Pinch was a soldier in the French War, and a minute-man
during tie- Revolution.
Pn -i'.. 2 M, K.. Cong., and Hap.
11 Until 1768, the present towns of Newburgh and New Wind-
sor w Included in iba " Precinct qf Hit Bighlandt." During
th it year this precinct was divided into the precincts of New-
burgh and New Windsor, and continued as such until they were
organized as towns in 1788.
ORANGE COUNTY.
509
above the river. A series of Muffs 100 to 300 ft. in height extends along the river. The greater
part of the hilly region is arable. The principal stream is Qnassaio Creek,1 forming a part of the
boundary of New Windsor. It receives from the n. Fostertown and (Sidneys Creeks and Orange
Lake Outlet. Orange Lake,2 in the w. part, covers an area of about 400 acres. Along its inlet is
considerable marshy land. The soil is principally a (day and sandy loam. Newburgll, (p. v.,)
on the Hudson, near the s. e. corner of the town, was incorp. March 25, 1S00. It lies upon a steep
slope which rises from the river to the height of about 150 ft. and thence spreads out into a rolling
region. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 14 churches,8 5 banks, and several private Bchools
and academies.4 It is largely engaged in the manufacture of printed cotton cloths, castings, beer,
and a variety of other articles.5 The commercial interests of the place are also hirgc and import-
ant.6 The village is supplied with water brought from Little Pond, 3 mi. s. w., by the Newlmrgh
Waterworks Co. These works were erected in 1853, at a cost of $90,000. In the lower part of
the village the water has a head of 230 ft. A steam ferry connects this place with Fishkill Land-
ing. Pop. 9,250. Overlooking the Hudson, in the s. part of the village, stands an old stone man-
sion known as " Washington's Head Quarters." It is surrounded by a fine lawn of several acres ;
and the whole premises are owned and kept in order by the State.7 S»\'il is a p. o., about 5 mi.
N.w. of Newburgh. Middle Hope, (p. v.,) in the n. e. part of the town, contains 1 church
and 12 houses ; Fostertown, 4 mi. N. w. of Newburgh, a church and 10 houses ; and diiird-
nertown, E. of Orange Lake, a church and 14 houses. Coldeilbam is a p. o., in the w. part
Balmville, 2 mi. n. of Newburgh, is a hamlet. The first settlement was made on the present
site of the village of Newburgh, by Palatinates, in 1708.8 The first church (St. George's Prot. E.)
was formed about 1728 ; and the first minister was Rev. Mr. Charlton, sent out by the " London
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel."9 An almshouse, for the support of the town poor, is
situated upon a farm of 75 acres on the s. w. line of the village corporation of Newburgh. The
buildings are of brick ; and the cost of the whole establishment was about $30,000.10
HfEW WIIVOSOR11— was formed March 7, 1788. A part of Hamptonburgh was taken off in
1830. It lies upon the Hudson, n. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling and hilly up-
land. The slopes and the summits of the hills are usually smooth and arable. Snake Hill is a
rough, rocky eminence in the n.e. part, 500 to 600 ft. above tide. The principal stream is Mur-
derers Creek, flowing through the s. e. corner. Tin Brook flows n. along the w. border. Little
Pond, in the N. e. part, supplies the Newburgh Waterworks. It is 230 ft. above tide. The soil is
a gravelly and slaty loam. Xew Windsor, upon the Hudson, 2 mi. s. of Newburgh, contains
2 churches and about 75 dwellings. It is a steamboat landing, and the center of a large brick
1 Named from a tribe of Indians who formerly lived in tbis
vicinity. Sometimes called 'Chambers Creek."
s Formerly called "Moose Pond." It was afterward called
" Machins Pond," from Capt. Macbin, who erected upon its
outlet a manufactory of copper coin.
s 4 Presb., 3 M. E., 2 Bap., 2 Asso. Ref, Ref. Prot. D., Prot. E.,
and R. C.
4 The Highland Academy, a private boarding school, was com-
menced Sept. 1, 1808. (See p. 751.) The Newburgh Collegiate In-
stitute was commenced May 1, 1857. There are several other
select schools in the village.
5 Among the manufacturing establishments are 3 founderies,
giving employment to 117 men, and turning out work to the
amount of $118,000 annually; the Newburgh Steam Printing
Cloth Manufactory, employing 325 hands, and producing
$200,000 worth of goods per annum : a brewery, employing 35
men, and producing 35,000 bbls. of beer; and an agricultural
implement factory, a car factory, a car wheel factory, a piano
forte factory, a soap factory, a machine shop, boiler works, and
a barrel manufactory, — in the aggregate giving employment to
200 hands, and producing annually goods to the amount of
$240,000.
8 Shipping to the amount of about 4,000 tons burden is owned
at this place. The receipts of lumber brought by the R. R. to
this place in 1858 amounted to about 21,000,000 ft., and 20,000
bunches of shingles.
1 The main body of this house was erected by Jonathan Has-
brouck in 1750, and from this circumstance it was formerly
known as " The Old Hashrouck House." The kitchen on the s.
was added in 1700, making it a long, narrow building. In 1770
an addition was made upon the whole length of the w. side, and
a new roof was thrown over the whole. There are 8 rooms
on the first floor, and from the principal room 8 doors open
leading to every part of the house, Including the chambers and
cellar. This building was used by Washington for his head-
quarters wlule the Amoricnn army occupied this position upon
the Hudson. It was purchased by the State in 1850, and is
kept as nearly as possible in its original condition. The rooms
and the grounds are filled with relics of the Revolution and
mementos of the War of 1S12 and the Mexican War. The walls
of the bedroom occupied by Washington are covered by original
letters of Washington. La Fayette, and other distinguished men
of the Revolution, framed and glazed. Among the curiosities
are the tables used by Washington and La Fayette, links from
the chain which was stretched across the Hudson, and a great
variety of warlike implements. Near the N. E. corner of the
house is the grave of Uzal Kuapp, the last of Washington's Life
Guards; he died in Jan. 1856.
8 The " Newburgh Patent" was granted to George Laekstead,
Michael Wiegard, Hernan Shoreman, Christian Henreich,
Cockertal. Burgher Myudus, Jacob Webber, Johannes Fisher,
and Andreas Valch. — all from Palatine, on the Rhine. They made
a settlement, designated a site for a village, and called it New-
burgh. How long they remained is not known ; but previous
to 1752 they sold out their grant, as at that date the patent was
renewed by Gov. Clinton to Alexander Colden, Richard Albert-
son, Edmund Conklin, jr., William Ward, Thomas Ward, Nathan
Truman, Jacob Wandell, Johannes Wandell. Daniel Thurston,
James Denton, Cahless Leveridge, Michael Demott. Wm. Smith,
Henry Smith. Duncan Alexander, and William Mitchell. It is
supposed that those last named were from England. Some of
the early settlers were of Dutch descent; and a few were Hugue-
nots originally from France. Of this last class were the Has-
broucks, Demotts, Slutts, Devines, Devolls, Degroves, Duboises,
Hardenburghs, Snyders, Terwilligers, and Benscotens. The
Hasbroucks came as early as 1750. The old Glebe School House
was erected in 1752. Jonathan Hasbrouck erected the first mill,
in 1753. A tract of 500 acres, called the "Glebe," near the N.
line of Newburgh Village, was originally granted for the support
of the gospel and schools.
9 Outside of Newburgh Village there are 3 churches in town;
all M. E.
w This building will accommodate 200 inmates. It is amply
supplied with bath rooms and water, and is one of the best fur-
nished and managed institutions of its kind in the country. A
school is maintained throughout the year.
11 The Precinct of New Windsor was formed from the " Pre-
cinct o/tlie HigMands," in 1763.
510 ORANGE COUNTY.
manufacture. Moodna1 (p. o.) contains a cotton factory, paper mill, and 10 dwellings. Mor-
ton ville, (p. o.,) in the s. e. part contains 1 church, a gristmill, and 6 dwellings. Little
Britain, near the center, is a p. o. The first settlements were made in 1731, by several emi-
grants from Ireland, prominent among whom was Col. Charles Clinton, grandfather of De Witt
Clinton.2 The first church (Asso. Ref.) was formed at Little Britain, in 1760; Rev. Robert Annan
was the first pastor.3
>V ILRBLL. — was formed March 7, 1788. A part of "Calhoun," now Mount Hope, was taken
off in 1^*25, and a part of Hamptouburgh in 1830. It lies upon the n. w. border of the Co., n. e.
of the center. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland. The principal streams are Shawangunk
River, firming the N. w. boundary, and Wall Kil. forming a part of the s. e. boundary. Monhagan
Creek and several other streams are tributaries of these two. The soil is a clayey and gravelly
loam. Middletoivn. (p. v.,) in the s. part, was incorp. Feb. 10, 1848. Next to Newburgh, it
is the largest village in the co. It contains 7 churches, the Walkill Academy, several private
seminaries. 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and several manufacturing establishments.* It is an
important freight and milk station upon the Erie R. R.5 Pop. 1,873. Circleville, (p. v.,) 5
mi. x. of Middletown, contains 2 churches and 16 dwellings. Scotch Town, (p. v.,) 4 mi.
n. e. of Middletown, contains 1 church and 20 dwellings. Moivells I>epot, (p. v.,) a station
upon the r. r., 4 mi. x. w. of Middletown, contains a church and 15 dwellings. Mechanic
Town. 2 mi. e. of Middletown, contains a woolen factory and 20 dwellings. Philipsburgll
and Rockville arc hamlets. The first settlement was made by Wm. and Thomas Bull, sons
of Wm. Bull, of Goshen, who located upon Wall Kil in 1767.6 There are 12 churches in town.7
W IRWK'R — was formed March 7, 1788. A part of Chester was taken off in 1845. It lies
up. 'ii the line of N. J., in the extreme s. angle of the co. Its surface is mountainous in the s.
and e. and broken and hilly in the n. and w. The principal mountain ranges are the Sterling,
Rough, and Warwick Mts. in the s. e., and the Bellvale Mts. in the e.8 They are high, steep, and
rocky, and have all the characteristics peculiar to a wild, mountain region. In the extreme w. part
is a nearly level region, occupied by the Drowned Lands.9 Several eminences in the midst of these
lands are denominated islands.10 The principal streams are Wall Kil, forming the w. boundary,
Quaker Creek, forming the n. w. boundary, and the Wawayanda, or Warwick, and Pochuck
Creeks. Greenwood Lake, upon the s. line, extends about 4 mi. into this town. The other prin-
cipal bodies of water are Sterling, Wickhams, and Thompsons Ponds, near the e. border.' The
soil is light and unproductive upon the hills, and a gravelly and sandy loam in the valleys.
"Warwick, (p. v.,) on Wawayanda Creek, near the center of the town, contains 3 churches, the
Warwick Institute, and 358 inhabitants. Florida, (p. v.,) in the x. part, contains 3 churches,
the S. S. Seward Seminary,11 and 45 dwellings; Amity, (p. v.,) in the w. part, 1 church and 30
dwellings; Edcnvllle. (p. v.,) 2 mi. x. e. of Amity, a church and 24 dwellings; ]Vew
Milford, (p. v.,) in the s. part, a church and 26 dwellings; Bellvale, (p. v.,) in the e., a
church and 102 inhabitants; and Dutch Hollow, 2 mi. s. e. of Bellvale, a church and 15
dwellings. Sterling Works, in the extreme s. part, is a hamlet.12 The precise date of the
. "mont is unknown. Daniel Burt, from Conn., came into town in 1746. 1S The first church
was farmed in 1764, and the second (Bap.) in 1766.M Hon. Wm. II. Seward was born at
the village of Florida.
• Nam« derived from fcfuruVren Creek, and bestowed by N. p. Round, Rocky, and Chocks Hills, in the s.; Ponchuck Mt. and
Willi". Formerly known U Orangevllte. Qroon and Adn.-ys Hills, iii thow.; and Mts. Adam and Eve,
'It. lllson. niamV^ri. nnd and Round Hill, iii the v. w,
ir Village. »Th< ■ lands have mostly been drained and converted into the
Bw headqnartera ol I u army won it this place al most v.-iiii:ii>i.- meadows.
irmgthe Revolution. u> Among these eminences are Pine, Merritt, Gardners. Black
*TbereanSchareheain town;8M. ) Pri I . trot E.. and Walnut, Cranberry, and Pox Islands.
Ret " This '•••miliary was founded about 1846, by Judge S. 8. Seward,
• The principal establishments lad btherofWm.IL Seward, who endowed it with a fund of $ai, i.
ry, grain cradle hctory, hat I blind (ao- •* sterling Works receives its name from tin- in n works
I i Ibundery and • these
. *k!9 to the
ami net of £ IV i.OOO annually.
1 2, 500 fill, of milk arc scut daily to N. V. from the B. R.
Stations in thi< town.
* Among the other early w>ttl«T* wars families n«nv<l McCord,
McNeal. Borland, Rogers, BatterfteM
McVey, tfcWhorter, KeDennis, McLaughlin, Campbell, Wat-
Una, and Paulkner, the mmt of whom » migrants.
i 4 Pi . .. Bap- 2 i one - M * ■ '
• The principal elevations in town sxs Hogback, Decker, One
Pine, and lltiils Mills, in the r. : Hill and Coxcomb Mills, in the
center; Long. Cedar. Pond, and BUI Whites Mills, In the s. *. ; . ReC Prat I)
I upon the outlet of Stirling Pond. The manufacture of
iron has Is. n i -arrii-d on at this place for 100 years or more.
ion. wm. Alexander, Lord Sterling, is said to have been inte-
I in tluni al oni' tiiw: and hence t h ■ ■ i r name. Anchors and
steel were manufactured lien during the Revolution. 12 to 15
t"iis of pig iron are now made here per day.
11 Among the Other early settlers were Thos. Willing, Daniel
Whitney, BenJ.Bnrt, John Vance, and David McOauley The first
mill was DUllt by David Hurt, at I'.ellvale. in 1700. Many of the
<• irly settlers were Dutch, and others English, from Mass. and
Conn.
i* There are 11 churches in town; 6 M.E., 3 Presb., Bap., and
ORANGE COUNTY.
.11
WAWAYASDA'-ma funned from Minisink, Nov. 15, 1849. It is an interior town, lying
s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is rolling and hilly. The highest summit is Joe (U-.c
Hill,2 in the tt.w. part. The Drowsed Lands occupy a portion of the s. e. corner. The prinoipal
streams are Wall Kil, forming the 8. S. boundary, Rutgers (.'reck, forming the S.W. boundary,
Wawayanda Creek, in the w. part, and Monhagan Creek, in the n. b. comer. The soil ie chiefly
a clay and sandy loam, and is best adapted to pasturage.8 Xcw Hampton, (p. v.,) on Wall
Kil, in the N. e. corner, contains a gristmill, sawmill, and 28 dwellings : l><>nton, 1 mi. s. w. of
New Hampton, 1 church and 25 dwellings; Kidgebury, (p. v.,) near the center, 2 churches
and 30 dwellings; Slate Hill, (p. v.,) 1 mi. w. of Ridgebury, 1 church and 25 dwellings;
Centerville,in the w. part, 1 church and 15 dwellings; Millshurgh, (Wells Corner p. o.,)
1 mi. s. of Centerville, on the line of Minisink, a grist and saw mill and 15 dwellings ; and
Gardnersville, in the s. part, on the line of Minisink, a gristmill, sawmill, and 15 dwellings.
The first settlements are supposed to have been made previous to 1700.4 There are 5 churches in
town ; 3 Presb., M. E., and Bap.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Diocllinys, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Orange Count//.
Names of Towns.
Blooming Grove
Chester
Cornwall
Crawford
Dearpark
Goshen
Greenville
Hamptonburgh
Minisink
Monroe
Montgomery
Mount Hope
Newburgh
New Windsor
Walkill
Warwick
Wawayanda
Acres of Land.
J
15,491
12,5214.
10,8744,
19,575
8,998}
20,853}
12,678
14,519}
11,590
19,959*
l'3.isi;j
12,070}
23.244}
17,500
32.391}
36,003|
17,146
g
5,549}
2.908
15,594
4,088
22,173
3,67 6}
4,736
2.184
2.497
77,666}
5,703
3.890
4.07s.'
3,371
7.358}
20,326}
2,855
Valuation of 1858
(3
05
i,921
689,132
656,729
692,445
1,342,945
1.288,175
414,703
693,2*7
521,863
1.034.800
1,434,841
560,195
3.939.S75
977,825
1 810.800
1,704.901
724.934
5 &
0,0.
$320,109
311.850
107,650
125,975
210,090
438,450
41,100
131,607
97,450
149,662
460,135
57,650
2,383,716
301.6S7
569,800
268,475
139,S94
l\rtal 308,59! 13 189,015 1 19 483 431 ( 6.115.900
858.
Population. |
Schools.
i
«c
<=>
^
OB
*i
»:
S
*§•
■&
e
c1 £
*- ~
s
1
1.094
1
1
389
£
11
6S
$1,310,030
1,090
304
211
781'
1,000,982
841
855
277
310
189
5
403
704,379
2,420
2,158
648
808
401
9
1.:;4s
818,420
959
1.041
338
356
221
10
701
1,553,035
2,946
2,558
851
972
44!)
9
1,637
1,726,625
1,566
1,647
482
529
226
10
1,040
455,803
600
612
217
233
140
i
514
824,894
662
641
212
223
141
6
4:i4
619,313
635
660
231
242
161
8
656
1,184,462
2,380
2,171
737
812
290
16
1,703
1,894.976
1,820
1.972
642
715
3S0
15
1,376
617,845
857
878
318
303
220
4
4:i3
6.323.591
0.122
6,651
1,729
2,443
630
13
.-.047
1,279.512
1,278
1,277
3S6
44-1
210
9
817
2 3S6.600
2,636
2.779
915
1.04O
622
IS
2.114
1.973,376
2,488
2,499
875
930
477
24
1,808
804.828
1,007
30,317
1.1)02
300
377
172
5,146
10
184
643
21.575
25,599,331
30,551
9,582
11.1*
Names of Towns.
Blooming Grove.
Chester
Cornwall
Crawford
Deerpark
Goshen
Greenville
Hamptonburgh..
Minisink
Monroe
Montgomery ,
Mount Hope ,
Newburgh
New Wludsor
Walkill
Warwick
Wawayanda
Live Stock
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
10,054
sjil.-i'.
6,301
13.820}
10,548
1 0,025 J
6,908
11,819
7,0634.
10.70S
34.928}
7,518*
32,521
17,040
20,553}
30,475
6,068
26.538 i
24,719}
13,S2nJ
44.723
21,818
49.835
21.576
31,781
28.839}
;;3.07:;J
70,537i
19J217J
71,0114
45,607 J
05,010
73,525}
29.575
Total 9,986 17,415 40,18
■S B
85 0,
40,684 245,0041' 672,414} 103,2114 123.551} 80,180} 3,285,587| 80.600
4,303
14,582
2.049}
6,617
12J304
10.188
2.705
1.965
2.828
8.102
13,252
3.379}
10/75S}
0,407
10,309
8,932
4,030
"&
B5^
2.01)4
347
3.179
11,836
5.505
921
2.470
2,862
3,182
2.173
11,071
1,066
5,001
5,333
17,510
3,8S0}
634
<
Dajry Products.
>tl
tL C
is 4
w £
m
1*1
g B
0, nq
£ 5
a.s
95,060
21.175
77,844
252.020
747
46.194
142
129,918
249.24 8
60
300
177,820
243,749
138
98.270
600
130
312.400
179
141,140
171
218,963f
249
218,832
305.843
461}
416.494
80,000
345|
220.545
85
3,285, 5S7 i
80.600
2.9484
1 The name is said by some to be an Indian corruption of the
English phrase '-away over yonder." — Ectgcr's Hist. Orange Co.,
pp. 432. 433.
" Named from the last Indian who had his cabin on the hill.
3 1,500 gallons of milk are sent daily from this town to the
N. Y. market.
4 Among the early settlers were John Penton, Richard Car-
penter, Isaac Dolson.and Daniel and David Cooley. Isaac Dolson
built a blockhouse as a protection against the Indians, in 1756.
ORLEANS COUNTY.
This county was formed from Genesee, Nov. 11, 1824 ; Shelby was
annexed from Genesee April 5, 1825. It lies on Lake Ontario,
between Monroe and Niagara cos., centrally distant 232 mi. from
Albany, and contains 405 sq. mi. Its surface is level or undu-
lating, and, except in the extreme s. part, it has a gradual inclina-
tion toward the lake. It is divided into three distinct plateaus by
the lake and mountain ridges,1 which extend e. and w. through the
co. nearly parallel to the lake shore. The lower plateau slopes
slightly and uniformly upward from the lake shore to the lake
ridge, a distance of 6 to 8 mi., where it attains an elevation of about
165 feet. This ridge is composed of sand and gravel, and its sea-
ward side is covered with coarse gravel and water-worn pebbles,
resembling the present lake beach.2 It is elevated 20 to 30 feet above the lower plateau, to which
it descends with a gentle inclination uniform in its whole extent. There is generally a similar
slope upon its inland side; but in many places the level of the country is nearly and sometimes
quite as high as that of the ridge. The ridge is 100 to 300 feet wide at the top, and nearly level.
From the earliest settlement of the co. its summit has been used for a road. The second plateau
is gently undulating, and 4 to 6 mi. wide, attaining an altitude of about 300 feet at the base of the
mountain ridge. This ridge, entering from Niagara co., runs nearly e. through the towns of Shelby
and Barre, and s. and e. through Clarendon. It preserves the character of a steep declivity in
Clarendon and Shelby, but in Barre its ascent is gradual. The upper plateau is undulating, and
from the mountain ridge southerly it gently rises for about 2 mi. to the culminating ridge, which
is the highest land in the co. and nearly 450 feet above the lake. For about 2 mi. further the
surface is quite level; and thence it gradually descends to the Tonawanda Swamp, on the s. border
of the co. The principal streams are Oak Orchard,3 Johnsons,4 and Sandy Creeks, which take their
rise in or near the Tonawanda Swamp and flow n. and e. to the lake. Their channels are deeply
excavated ; and upon them are numerous waterfalls and rapids.
The underlying rock of the x. part is the Medina sandstone; while the upper plateau rests upon
a base of Niagara limestone. Along the ridge in Clarendon and on the banks of Oak Orchard
Creek in Shelby are outcrops of this limestone. Hydraulic limestone has been obtained from both
these localities, and quicklime is burned at various places along the ridge. The upper layers of
the Medina sandstone afford an excellent material for building and flagging purposes, and several
quarries have been opened at Medina and other places on the line of the canal. Elsewhere in the
C". this rock La friable, and readily disintegrates upon exposure to the atmosphere. It separates
at first into small, angular fragments, and then decomposes into a dark red, loamy clay. Nume-
rous Bali springs originate in this formation, from which salt was manufactured until, by the
Completion of the Erie Canal, they were brought into competition with the salines of Onondaga.5
The soil in the n. part of the co. is generally sandy; but it is everywhere modified by the under-
lying formation ; and near the lake are several traits in which clay predominates. In the s. it is
ft mixture f day, sand, and limo, and the whole is well adapted to grain raising. The various
branches of agriculture form the leading pursuits. Barley, oats, corn, beans, and potatoes are the
principal crops,' and considerable quantities of apples and other fruits are raised. A limited
amount of manufactures i- carried on within the co.
The county Beat ifl locati 1 at Albion,1 on the Erie Canal, in the central part of the co. The
' The lake ridge has l"ii at some timo th" l.iko shore; the
mountain i Minus! ion oftbi mountain ridge of Niagara
>nd i» Ibnnod by the oateroontna; of tl Lima itone.
1 Ttx- primitive character of this slope baa become aomewli.it
oblltermtt d by cultivation.
named fr. -m a I f oaks formerly at it« month.
I Named after BJrWm. Johnson, who. with bli forces, en-
runi.fi at it= month one ni^-ht whan, on his way t ■ Port Niagara
in IT
5 Salt works were crcetH at a «prii hard Creek,
at-ont 1} mi. x. of Medina, at BoUej, and at Oak Orehard; and
■alt was made by the early asttlan in nearly every town s. of
the canal. A boring; of 140 feet at Oak Orchard raanlted in
■lightly increasing the strength of the brine, but not iu quau-
512
tity: and at other places, by blasting and boring, tho springs
vrere destroyed.
0 Wheat was formerly the principal crop of this co.; but of
late tho ravages of the midge have been so extensive that its
cultivation has been nearly abandoned.
t Previous to the erection of the co. buildings nt Albion, the
courts were held at the house of Selah Bronson, in the village
of Gaines. The commissioners appointed by the Legislature to
locate the county seat were 1'hiletus Swift, of Phelps, nntario
co., Victory Birdscye, of Onondaga Co., and J. Hathaway, of
Cortland co. The site of the co. buildings was deeded to the
supervisors by Nehemiah Ingersoll; and the courthouse was
built in 1827. Gilbert Howell, of Kidgeway, Klihu Mather, of
Gaines, and Calvin Smith, of Barre, were the commissioners
ORLEANS COUNTY. 513
courthouse is a fine building, situated in the midst of a park, near the center of the village. It
is built of brick, and is surmounted by a dome 110 feet above the ground. It contains the court,
jury, supervisors', and surrogate's rooms.1 The jail, situated just e. of the courthouse, is a com-
modious edifice, built of Medina sandstone. The county clerk's office is a small, one story brick
building, adjoining the courthouse. The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 107 acres in the
town of Barre, 3 mi. s. of Albion. Its average number of inmates is 50, supported at a weekly
cost of 80 cts. each. The farm yields a revenue of about $700.
The works of internal improvement in the co. are the Erie Canal, extending through near the
center; the Tonawanda Swamp Feeder, conducting the waters of the swamp into Oak Orchard
Creek and the canal; and the Rochester & Niagara Falls R. R., a branch of the N. Y. Central.2
Three weekly newspapers are now published in the co.s
Long before the advent of the whites this co. was the hunting ground and probable residence
of the Iroquois ; and there are traces of an occupation long anterior to them and by an entirely
distinct race.* The 3 eastern towns of the co. belonged to the Conn. Tract and the Pulteney
Estate, and the remaining part of the co. to the Holland Purchase. There is a tradition that a
Canadian, with his family, settled at the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek as early as 1792-93 ; but
his stay was of short duration, and by some he is now regarded as a myth. The first permanent
settlers were James and Wm. Walsworth, two brothers, who came from Canada by the way of the
lake, and who located respectively at the mouths of Oak Orchard and Johnsons Creeks, in the
present town of Carlton. A few settlers came in each year until 1809, when the great natural
thoroughfare, the ridge road, was opened, inducing a much more rapid influx of settlers. Immi-
grants continued to pour in rapidly and settle near the ridge road, until settlement was checked
by the "War of 1812. Upon the capture of Fort Niagara by the British, in 1813, many of the people
fled from their homes, but soon returned.5 After the return of peace, the tide of immigration again
set in toward this region, and continued to flow steadily and uninterruptedly for several years.
The settlers generally chose locations in the immediate vicinity of the ridge road, and continued
to do so until the completion of the Erie Canal, when the regions further s. began rapidly to fill
up. Since that time steady progress has been made in every element of material prosperity, until
the co. has taken front rank among the best agricultural regions of the State.
BARRE6 — was formed from Gaines, March 6, 1818. It is the most southerly of the middle
tier of towns, and is the largest town in the co. Its surface is undulating, and its soil a rich loam
underlaid by the Niagara limestone. The Tonawanda Swamp occupies the s. part. Albion,7
appointed to superintend its erection. The first officers of the
co. were Elijah Foot, First Judge; S. M. Moody, Cyrus Harwood,
Eldridge Farwell, and William Penuiraan, Judges; William
Lewis, Sheriff; and Orson Nicholson, Co. Clerk.
1 The courthouse was erected in 1857-58, at a cost of $20,000.
The courtroom is a large and spacious apartment, 50 feet long
by 55 feet wide, and 26 feet high.
2 The Medina & Darien E. R. Co. was organized in 1835, and
the road was opened as far as Akron. Stages drawn by horses
were put upon the road ; but the whole was abandoned in 2 or 3
years.
8 The Gazette, the first paper published in the co., was started
at Gaines in 1S22 by Seymour Tracy, and was continued
4 years.
The Newport Patriot was started at "Newport." now Albion,
Feb. 9, 1824, by Franklin Cowdrey. In Feb. 1825, Timo-
thy C. Strong became proprietor, and changed it t6
The Orleans Advocate. In Feb. 1828, in the midst of the excite-
ment following the abduction of Morgan, Mr. Strong
chanced it to
The Orleans Advocate and Anti Masonic Telegraph ; and in Feb.
1829, it took the name of
The Orleans Anti Masonic Telegraph. In June of the same
year it was changed to
The Orleans Telegraph ; and soon after to
The American Standard. It was issued 2 years by J. Kemp-
shall, when it passed back into the bauds of Mr. Strong,
who changed it to
The Orleans American. In April, 1*44, it passed into
the hands of J. & J. II. Denio, and was continued by
them until 1853, when it was bought by S. A.Andrews,
by whom it is now published.
The Orleans Republican was commenced at Albion
in Oct. 1829. by C. S. MeConnell. It was published by
him until 1841: by II. W. Dupuy a few months ; by an
association until 1845: by H. E. Purdy until 1846:'and
by C. S. MeConnell until 1848, when it was sold to Wil-
son & Beach, its present publishers.
The Albion Times was established Oct, 23, 1853, by J. O. Nicker-
son. Jan. 11, 1855, it was changed to
The Spirit of Seventy-Six, and continued until May 27, 1858.
The Orleans Whig wa3 commenced at Gaines in July, 1827, by
John Fisk, and continued several years.
The Medina Hera Id was issued in 1832 by Daniel P. Adams, and
continued 2 or 3 years.
The Medina Sentinel was started in Aug. 1837, by J. & J. H.
Denio. The following year it was changed to
The Orleans Sentinel, and continued until May, 1S42.
The Bucltail was commenced in 1840 by S. M. Burroughs. It
was subsequently changed to
The Medina Democrat, and continued 2 or 3 years.
The Medina Citizen was started in 1S50 by H. A. Smith. In
1S52 it was changed to
The Medina Tribune, and is still issued by Mr. Smith.
The People's Journal was published at Medina a short time in
1858 by J. W. Swan.
* About I3 mi. w. of Shelby Center are the remains of an an-
cient fortification, nearly circular in form, enclosing an area of
about 3 acres. A broad ditch encircled the whole. Flint arrow
heads, stone axes, several piles of small stones, and pieces of
earthenware have been found within the enclosure. Trees of
400 years' growth stand upon the embankment. Large numbers
of human skeletons, many of them of giant 'size, have been ex-
humed near the fort. Many of these seem to have been thrown
promiscuously into one common grave; and it is generally sup-
posed that this has been the scene of a great battle.
6 As soon as the news of the capture of Fort Niagara reached
the village of Gaines, Capt. Eleazur McCourty, with a company
of volunteers, started for the Niagara frontier. On their way
they surprised arid captured, after a short conflict, a body of
marauding British and Indians at Muleneux's tavern, in the
town of Cambria, Niagara co. They subsequently captured
another party near Youngstown, and compelled them to carry
back their booty to " Hardscrable," (Dickersonville.) They re-
mained upon the lines about 20 days, until the arrival of the
militia drafted fiom Cayuga and the adjoining cos.
6 Named from Barre, Mass.
* Originally called "Newport," but changed at the time of ita
incorporation.
33
514 ORLEANS COUNTY.
(p. v.,) the county Beat, was incorp. April 21, 1828. It is situated on the Erie Canal, in the n.
part of the town, and is the principal station upon the N. Y. C. R. R. between Rochester and
Lockport. It contains 5 churches, the Phipps Union Female Seminary,1 the Albion Academy,
a bank, 2 newspaper offices, and several manufactories.1 Pop. 3,776. Barre Center, (p. o.,)
4 mi. s. of Albion, contains 30 dwellings. Eagle Harbor lies partly in this town. South
Barre (p. o.) and Jaeksons Corners (West Barre p.o.) are hamlets. Rich's Corners
is in the n. e. part. Settlement was commenced by Wm. McAllister, in 1811.3 The first church
(Cong.) was organized Nor. 5, 1816, by Revs. Eleazur Fairbanks and Comfort Williams.4
CtRLTOX— was formed from Gaines and Ridgeway. April 13, 1822, as "Oak Orchard:' Its
name was changed in 1825. It lies on the lake shore, between Kendall and Yates, and is crossed in a
n . B. direction by Oak Orchard and -Johnsons Creeks. The surface is level, and the soil generally sandy.
Salt water has been discovered near Wot Carlton.5 Carlton,6 (p. o.,) East Carlton, (p.o.,)
West Carlton, (p.o.,) Waterport, (p.o.,) Kenyonville, Carlton Center, and
Manilla are hamlets. Settlement was commenced in 1803, by two brothers, James and William
Walsworth, — the former at the mouth of Oak Orchard Creek, the latter on Johnsons Creek. Mat-
thew Dunham and his sons Matthew, James, and Charles, from N. Y. City, settled near Johnsons
Creek in the fall of 1803.7 The first church (M. E.) was organized at West Carlton, about 1816.8
CE.4.REXDOX — was formed from Sweden, Monroe co., Feb. 23, 1821. It is the s.e. corner town
of the co. The e. branch of Sandy Creek rises in the Tonawanda Swamp and flows n. Upon this
stream arc two waterfalls, — one at the village of Clarendon and the other in the n. part of the town.
Aloii£ the line of the mountain ridge the surface is broken, and elsewhere it is gently rolling or
level. The soil is a sandy loam; in the n. stony. Limestone for building purposes and hydraulic
limestone have been obtained at Clarendon. Clarendon9 (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a limited
number of manufactories,10 and about 30 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1811, at
the village of Clarendon, by Eldridge Farwell.11 There are now 3 churches in town.12
(« VIXES13 — was formed from Ridgeway, Feb. 14, 1816. Barre was taken off in 1818, and a
part of Carlton in 1822. It is the central town in the co. It is crossed by Otter and Marsh
Creeks, branches of the Oak Orchard, and by the w. branch of Sandy Creek. The lake ridge
extends e. and w. through the center. The surface is level and the soil sandy. Eagle
Harbor, (p. v.,) on the Erie Canal, contains 2 churches, 2 flouring mills, and a large stave
ry and cooperage. Pop. 639, — 509 in Gaines and 130 in Barre. Gaines14 (p. v.) contains 2
churches and 342 inhabitants. East Gaines and West Gaines are p. offices; and Fair-
haven and Gaines Rasin, on the canal, are hamlets. The first settlement was made prior
to 1809, by Gilbert. Noah Burgess, Samuel Crippen, Elliott, and Elijah Downer came
in lsi)9.15 The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1816.16
1 The Phipps Union Femnle Seminary was established in 1833.
Tli- main building WM erect •! in 1*36. ami additions havo been
made, until the whole outlays have reached $20,000. The
average Dumber of pupils i- about "J50.
* Flouring nulla, (urnac -. a woolen factory, a tannery, a
cabin factory, and a planing mill.
• y. I on the present liteol the Phipps Female
Seminary, near the the earliest settlers
were Joseph Bl nben Clark, Joseph Hart, and Elijah
Darrow. who located in the n. part ..f the town in 1812. The
flr«t death. tb.it f Mr- M Ulister, occurred in Sept. 1811. The
by Geo. Ktick. The first school was taught by Pelcg llelms, in
the winter of 1810-11.
8 There are now ft churches in town; Bap. and Presb. at
Carlton, M. K. at West I'.u -lt«-n. li.np. at East Carlton, and M. E.
at Ei nyonville. The first religious services in town were con-
ducted by " Old Mr. St. . ■!• ." a M. !•:. preacher from Canada, sonio
t i i ■ t > - prior to 1 slo. '■' Formerly known as "Farwells Mills."
'' '_' Sawmills, a gristmill, and a furnace.
11 BenJ. Thomas, Benajan Worden, Elisha Hun tly, John Cone,
John Stephens, David Church, and Chauncey Robinson were
among ti arliesl Bettlers. Eldridge Farwell built tho first
first sawmill vu built by Wm. White in 1 ^ 1 '". on Sandy Creek, a saw mill, on Sandy Creek, in 1811, and the first prist mill, in 1S13.
Hub- f.. of Albion; thi ■ ..ill. in 1819, by Wm. Bradner, The Brst store was kepi by Hiram Friabee, in 1821; and tho
i,...ir the i and the flr«t tavi rn was kept by Abraham
. in 1816, Bl ' 'it - n.i. s. ,,f Albion.
Tie ■ Mrs. Cyras Benton.
I There are 7 chnrehet In to* I r . M. E..
and K. C. at Albion] Cong.
In-I - hi "I "as taught by Mrs. Amanda Bills.
'2 M. K. and CJnlv. at Clarendon, and a Christian church about
1* mi. w. r.f Clarendon.
" Named in honor of Con. E. V. Gaines, through the instru-
mentality ..f Wm. J. Babbitt.
U Incorp. by the Legislature in 1832, but never organized
nan Fulb r. in dii.'t:i"8 a well. Wed throogh a stratum under tho act.
rfrock, an I I aafi « Uat of n ■ that 'J palls. l& Among the early settlers were Reuben Rowley, Harry Wil-
yielded a pint of salt. The bote through the rw k was plngged cox, Ji ph and Aaron Adams, Robert and Cotton Leach, New-
mi', in fr..m ab , bury Chafey, Dyer Sprague, Samuel Rosier, Wm. Bnrlingame,
•Twolin Walter Fairfield, Lansing Bailey, John Proctor, and James
"In 1804, Elijah Hunt. llni> Lovell, " B t. Elijah I Mather. Thefilst death was that of fiilbrrt, who died in
Brown, and Job Ships : I wn. The first death or before 1809. His wife and niece, Amy Scott, remained, and
in town, in: - lli.t of i ne mi aroftheC IB I U in Gunily wintered a yoke of oxen and several cows upon browse cut by
, wae that of a deserter from I themselves. The first birth was that of Samuel Crippen, jr., in
gam, who was drowned in attomi as Creek. lMn; and thefirsl marriage, that of Cyrus Daniels and Elisabeth
abonl 1800. Tie., first death of an ■ trwai that of Freeman, July 4, 1812. The first Inn was kept by Wm. Sibley,
Elijah rirown. Mav 7. l'".V The first birth in 1811 ; and the first store, by Wm. Perry, in 1816. OrlnQleason
of twins, children' of Jamel Walsworth. in !.t the lii-l school, in the winter of 1813-14. Henry Drake
marriage, that of Wm. Carter and Amy Hunt. in 1804. Tie- first bnul thefirsl sawmill, in 1S13; and the first gristmill was built
gristmill was built ..n Johnsons Creek, by Matthew Dunham, in by Jonathan Gates, in 1822.
1806; and the first store was opened in 1816, at West Carlton, [ '• There are C churches in town ; M. E. and Wes. Mcth. at
ORLEANS COUNTY.
515
KEIVDAI^L.1— was taken from MurrayrApril 7, 1837. It lies on the lake snore,2 in th(
part of the co., and is crossed by Bald Eagle Creek near the center, and Sandy Creek in the s.
part. Its surface is level; and the soil, with tho exception of a belt of clay aCTOBS the B. part, is
a sandy loam. There arc several small salt springs in the town. Kendall (p. v.) contains 4
churches and about25 dwellings. West Kendall (p. o.) and Kendall Mills (p.o.) are
hamlets. The first settlement was made in 1812, by Samuel Bates, from Chittenden co., Vt.s
The first religious service, conducted by Elder Stephen Randall, was held in tho spring of 1810.*
MURRAY — was formed from "Northampton," (now Gates, Monroe co.,) April 8, 1808. Sweden
was taken off in 1813, Clarkson in 1819, and Kendall in 1837. It lies on the e. border of the co.,
between Clarendon and Kendall, and is crossed by Sandy Creek, the two branches of which unite
at Murray, in the N. part of the town. This stream has worn a deep channel; at Ilolley it is
about 75 feet below the level of the land. The embankment over which the N. Y. C. R. R. crosses
the gulf is one of the largest on the line of that road. The surface is generally level, except in
the s. w. part, where it is rolling. The soil is mostly a sandy loam ; in some parts, however, it is
clayey. Near Holley are two sulphur and several salt springs, at the latter of which salt was manu-
factured previous to the opening of the canal. The Medina sandstone approaches near the sur-
face ; and quarries have been opened in the neighborhood of Hulberton.5 Ilolley,6 (p. v.,) incorp.
Sept. 3, 1850, a station on the N. Y. C. R. R., is situated in the s. part of the town, on the Erie
Canal. It contains 2 churches, the Holley Academy, and several manufacturing establishments.7
Pop. 614. Hulberton (p. v.) contains 278 inhabitants; and Hindsblirgh (p. v.) 167.
Murray8 (p.o.) and Brockville are hamlets. Murray Depot is a r. r. station. The
first settlement was made by Epaphras Mattison, prior to 1809.9 The first church (Cong.) was
formed Jan. 5, 1819, by Rev. John F. Bliss.10
RIOGEWAY11 — was formed from Batavia, (Genesee co.,) June 8, 1812. Gaines was taken
off in 1816, Shelby in 1818, and Yates and a part of Carlton in 1822. It lies on the w. border
of the co., between Shelby and Yates, and is crossed by Johnsons and Oak Orchard Creeks. Upon
the latter, at Medina, is a waterfall about 30 feet high ; and at Jeddo and Oak Orchard, where
the streams cross the lake ridge, are low waterfalls. The surface is generally level, and the soil a
sandy loam. Some of the most important of the salt springs of this co. are in this town.12
Within and near the village of Medina are extensive quarries ; and large quantities of building,
flagging, and paving stone are sent to Rochester, Buffalo, and other places on the canal.13 Me-
dina, (p.v.,) incorp. March 30, 1832, lies on the Erie Canal, mostly within this town. It is an
important station on the N. Y. C. R. R., and is connected with Ridgeway on the n. and Shelby
Center on the s. by the Medina & Alabama Plank Road. It contains 5 churches, an academy,14 a
newspaper oflSce, and several manufactories.15 Pop. in 1855, 2,104, — in Ridgeway 1,915, in Shelby
189. Knowlesville,16 (p.v.,) a station on the N. Y. C. R. R., situated in the e. part of the
town, on the Erie Canal, contains 3 churches and several manufactories.17 Pop. 490. Oak Or-
chard18 (p.v.) has a pop. of 136; Jeddo (p.v.) of 124; and Ridgeway (p.v.) of 64.
North Ridgeway is a p. o. The first settlement was made by Ezra D. Barnes, from De Ruyter,
Eagle Harbor, Cong, and Presb. at Gaines, Univ. at Fairhaven,
and Free Will Bap. at East Gaines,
i Named in honor of Amos Kendall. P. M. Gen.
2 Near the mouth of Bald Eagle Creek the lake makes rapid
encroachments upon the land, and whole fields have been swept
away.
3 Among the early settlers were Amos Randall, David Jones,
Benj. Morse, and Nathaniel Brown, who came in 1815. The
first birth was that of Bartlott Morse, in 1816; the first mar-
riage, that of James Aiken and Esther A. Bates, March 2, 1S17;
and the first death, that of a eon of Geo. Balcom, in 1816. The
first store was kept by Hiram Thompson, in 1823 ; the first inn,
by Lyman Spicer, in 1823; and the first sawmill was built by
Amnion Auger & Ebenezer Boyden, in 1819. The first school
was taught by Gerdon Balcom, in 1819.
* There are 5 churches in town ; Univ., Bap., Presb., and
M. E. at Kendall, and M. E. at West Kendall.
6 St. Paul's Church in Buffalo is built of material obtained at
one of these quarries.
6 Named in honor of Myron Holley, one of the first canal
commissioners.
' A gristmill, a tannery, a furnace and plow factory, and a
cabinet ware manufactory.
8 Locally known as " Sandy Creek."
9 Among the early settlers were Daniel Wait, Joshua Rock-
wood, and Peleg Sisson. The first birth in town was that of
Betsey Mattison, in 1811 ; the first marriage, that of Zimri Per-
rigo and Lucetta Spafford. Jan. 17, 1815: and the first death,
that of Mrs. Daniel Reed, in 1814. The first inn was kept by
Epaphras Mattison, in 1809; the first store, by Isaac Leach, in
1815 : and the first gristmill was built by Perry & Luce, in 1816.
Fanny Furguson taught the first school, in tho summer of 1814.
10 There are 4 churches in town ; Bap. and Presb. at Holley,
M. E. at Hulberton, and Bap. in w. part of town.
11 So named from the ridge way or road formed by the lake
ridge running E. and w. through the town.
12 Salt works were erected at a spring N. of Medina by the Hol-
land Land Co. as early as 1805, and thrown open for the use of
tin- settlers. Two roads opened by the Co. at the same time —
one from the works s. to the '• Old Buffalo Road," and the other
e. to the " Oak Orchard Road" — were widely known as the "Salt
Worls Roads."
13 Tho principal quarries are owned by Isaac Hathaway and
John Ryan. The upper layers cleave off in smooth slabs from
2 to 5 inches thick. The succeeding layers are thicker, — some
of the lower ones several feet. Besides what has been sent to
tho larger places for building, flagging, and paving, large quanti-
ties have been quarried for building bridgo abutments and canal
walls.
i* The Medina Academy was incorp. in 1849, and is both an
academy and a common school, participating in both the litera-
ture and common school funds. The average number of pupils
is 400.
16 5 flouring and grist mills, with an aggregate of 22 run of
stone, 2 oil mills, 2 iron founderies, 2 sash and blind factories, a
tanmery, and a machine shop.
18 Named after Dea. Knowlee, one of the earliest settlers
H A steam sawmill, steam gristmill, tannery, and plaster mill
18 At Oak Orchard is a distillery.
516
ORLEANS COUNTY.
Madison co., N. Y., in 1809.1
Rev. Jedediah Fairbanks.2
The first church (Presb.) was formed at Oak Orchard in 1817, by
SIIEL.RY3 — was formed from Pudgeway, March 6, 1818. It is the s. w. corner town of the
co. Johnsons Creek and a branch of the Oak Orchard take their rise in this town, and the Oak
Orchard crosses it through the center. Upon the latter stream, at Shelby Center, is a fall, affording
a valuable water-power. The surface is undulating ; and the soil a mixture of sand, clay, and lime.
The Tonawanda Swamp occupies the s. part. Shelby* (Shelby Center p. o.) contains 1 church
and several manufactories ;5 Millville (p. v.) contains 3 churches, the Millville Academy, and
about 45 dwellings. East Shelby (p. o.) and Shelby Basin (p. o.) are hamlets; and "West
Shelby is a p. office. Medina is partly in this town. The remains of Indian fortifications
have been discovered in this town. The first settlement was made by Alex. Coon, from Rensselaer
co., in 1810.6 The first church (Bap.) was formed July 25, 1818.7
TATES8 — was formed from Ridgeway, April 17, 1822, as " KortTiton ;" its name was changed
the following year. It is the most westerly town upon the lake shore. It is crossed by Johnsons
Creek and two smaller streams. Marsh Creek and Four Mile Creek have their whole course in the
town. The surface is level, except along Johnsons Creek, where it is undulating; the soil in the
*. is a sandy loam, and along the lake clayey. Lyndon ville (p. v.) contains 3 churches and
several manufactories. Pop. 242. Yates Center (Yates p.o.) contains 1 church and the Yates
Academy. Pop. 101. County L<inc (p.o.) is on the w. line of the town. George Houseman,
from Adams, Jefferson co., settled in this town in 1800, and John Eaton, from Penn., in 1810.9
There are now 6 churches in town.10
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Orleans County.
Names of Towns.
Barre ,
Carlton
Clarendon.
Gaines.
Kendall
Murray
. way..
by
Yates
Acres of Land.
"8
3
k
S.
34,7 60^
21,330
15,080J
14,MVJ
16,297
16,387
21.:;-''.
20,573*
1 0.052
1M.91-}
a
I,
13.893
5,623|
11,350
3,845
4.940
4.7sr,>
I .7 -
6,913
4,177
Valuation of 1858.
3
?2.417.118
sss.r-r;
711,951
741,s:j4
551.947
740.5' «l
1,641,397
1,043,007
729,387
62,326J 9,465,823
ft, a,
$310,693
27.720
97.509
77.:;<H)
70,287
1S9.791
201.540
71,900
70.000
1,126,400
£
$2,727,811
916,393
809,520
M9.134
622,234
930,300
1.842,937
1,114,907
sosos7
Population.
5
S
3,428
1,233
918
1,339
975
1,470
2,793
1.593
1,023
10,592,223 14,772 13,663 I 5,299
3,369
1,096
831
1,193
909
1,406
2,433
1,453
973
1,223
4C0
336
461
375
519
933
593
399
I
1,142
466
350
493
381
552
977
205
427
364
258
322
306
391
779
395
322
4,993 I 4,025 132
Schools.
s-s
2,372
1,039
713
860
693
1,017
2,013
999
808
10,514
Naves of Towns.
Burr.
OrlU.ri
ndon.
Gain**.
KendalL.-.
Murray
way.
Shell
Yatos
Total
Live Stock.
S
708
■r » »
= : 5
2.655
1.'7.;
14.18
1,483
<3
1 '1.579 3,615 90
007112,452 1,450 :
B72 I.Mir, 1,278 36,782
12 972 21.M7'
87X10,677 1,459
781 6,708 1,079 !
11,402 2,H
M4
-.■•-1 '■:..-:, 16,692 379,726
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Bosh, of Graik.
ft
E
164,0561
:
95.234 J
106,871
... . oo
a.
o.o:".:
2.926
8J270|
8,39]
8,176|
4,879
2.949$
87,416
14.532
10.S22
12.295
19,597
0.5-7
2S.1S1
2:1.055
15. IS",
768£42f 34,6204. 171,867 281,781*
66.000
31,092
25.966
29,872
16.216
19.1 .07
32,417
40.S24J
20.107
Daiht Pboducts.
„° 3
6.eq
IS 1.006
93.201
86,261
90.317
77,035
6ti.,S!-.l
115,124
112.57"
S6.IKIS
o J
t.5
31,116
S.730
10.I-S7
6.555
5.375
8,942
17.710
11,40-1
9,770
912.013 110.2981 6.324
5
0.=
1.1 42 J
1.107*
383
79
886
786
270*
(-2::.;
846
i ED More, no, Otis Turni r, Dr.
Wm. Wh.' I 8. B Mm ■ k were among the
traill by the Holland I
tn encourage aettli n I be I I
mill was t.iiiit by Otii Tune r tad Dr. W hiti , In 1812; an I thi
flr't tavern w,- 110, by lis Mr.. I.t
taught ill- Drat school.
■there ur" now 9 chnrchee in i.'*n; io • i . Bra. U. v...
• "
•{lie, and Unlr. at Rldgeway. • Nami n roffl
* Generally known as "Shall <U><1 at an early clay
•all- 1 "H*rn<o<il."
s 2 fl. .urine and crist tnllln. 1 paper mill, 1 tannery, 1 carding
mill, and 2 wwmilw.
ir Frary, Henry and Robert Carter, David Tv-mara,
Joseph Kllirntt. and Wm. Rennott « -t get-
tJers. Tho first birth ww th it of Aaa Coon. Feb. 14, 1811; and
the am death, that of Wm. Bennett, Oct. 4, 1812. Tho first
iwimll wai built by Joseph Ellicott, on Oak Orchard Creek,
In 1812, and the first gristmill, la 1818, The first innwask.pt
l.\ havid Tiininerman, in 1816; and the first store, by Christian
QroB; In 1MS. Cornelius Ashton taught the first school, in the
winter of 1815-16.
' Thero are 9 churches in town ; 4 M. E., 1 Presb., 1 Quaker,
1 Christian, 1 Hap., and 1 P. W. llap.
* Nairn d in I1.11. .r of Gov. Ynt •■.•<.
9 The lii -t marriage In town was that of Geo. Houseman, jr.
and Sally Covert, in 1817; and the first death, that of Mrs. (ieo.
man, sr.. in Dec. 1813. The first inn was kept by gamui 1
T.ippen. at Yates Center, in 1826; and the first store, by Moore
■• Hugh, in 1824. The first school was taught by Josiah Perry,
In 1819.
10 pre?!,., M. E„ and Christian at Lyndonvillfl, Bap. at Yates
Center, Wee. Meth. on E. town line, and M. E. on co. lino.
OSWEGO COUNTY.
This county was formed from Oneida and Onondaga, March 1,
181G.1 It is situated upon the s.e. extremity of Lake Ontario,
centrally distant 135 mi. from Albany, and contains an area of
1,038 sq. mi. Its surface is generally level or gently undulating. A
series of bluffs 20 to 40 feet high border immediately upon the lake ;
and from their tops the land stretches out in long and gradual
slopes, occasionally broken by the valleys of the river courses. The
general inclination is northerly, as indicated by the drainage,
though the summits of the ridges within half a mi. of the lake have
about the same altitude as those upon the s. border of the co. A
low ridge extending in an easterly and westerly direction, from 3
to 5 mi. n. of Oneida Lake, forms the watershed between Lakes
Ontario and Oneida In the e. part of the co. this ridge turns northward and unites with the
system of highlands which separates Lake Ontario and the valley of Black River. The highest
point of this range, in the town of Redfield, is 1,200 to 1,500 feet above tide.
The rocks of this co. consist of the Lorraine shales, in the extreme n. part, on the lake ; the gray
sandstone,'2 extending from the n.e. corner to near the center, its southern limits being marked by
a line drawn due e. from Oswego River about 1 mi. from its mouth ; the Medina or red sand-
stone, bordering on the last, and comprising more than one-third of the area of the co. ; and the
Clinton group of shales, slate, and sandstone, occupying the extreme s. border. These rocks are
exposed only in the n. e. part and along the river courses, being generally covered with a thick
mass of drift and alluvial deposits, consisting of sand, gravel, and clay. The gray sandstone is
hard and compact, and is little affected by the action of the elements; hence the disintegration is
slight, and the soil upon it is thin and poor. The Lorraine shales are easily disintegrated, and form
the basis of the strongest and richest soils in the co. The red sandstone crops out on the banks of
all the streams which flow through the region which it occupies. It is extensively quarried for
building stone, though it is more easily acted upon by the elements than the gray sandstone.
Weak brine springs are found associated with this red sandstone throughout the co. The Clinton
group, occupying the entire s. border, consists of parallel layers or beds of shale and red and gray
sandstone. This is the same geological formation in which is found the principal iron ore beds of
Penn. and Oneida co. ; and throughout the formation in this co. iron ore is found.
The drainage of the w. and s. parts of the co. is principally through Oswego River, and of the sr.
and e. portions through Salmon River and a great number of smaller streams that flow directly into
the lake. Oswego River is formed by the junction of Seneca and Oneida Rivers at Three Rber
Point. It is 23 mi. in length, and falls 128 feet in its course, in several distinct falls, each of which
furnishes an excellent water-power. Oneida River, forming the outlet of Oneida Lake, is 18 mi. in
length, and falls about 12£ feet in its course. Salmon River and other streams flowing into the E.
extremity of the lake all have successions of rapids and cascades, which furnish to that portion of the
co. an abundance of water-power. The principal bodies of water are Lakes Ontario and Oneida.
The former, constituting the n, w. boundary, presents an almost unbroken coast line for a distance
of 40 mi. -within the limits of the co. Little Sandy Pond, in the town of Sandy Creek, is the only
considerable indentation. The mouth of Oswego River furnishes a valuable harbor, the only one of
importance in the co. Oneida Lake, constituting a portion of the s. boundary, is 141 J feet above
Lake Ontario.3 It is one link in the chain of the internal water communication of the State. A
considerable portion of the land in its immediate vicinity is marshy. Iron ore beds and a fine quartz
sand, used in the manufacture of glass, are found upon its n. shores. The soil found in the shale and
sandstone region has already been noticed. The drift and alluvial deposits which cover the greater
portion of the co. furnish a great variety of soil. The sandy portions are light and weak, while the
clayey portions are hard, tough, and unyielding in many places. Where these are mixed, a rich, deep
soil is the result. Along the E. border of the co. are great quantities of limestone boulders, which essen-
i It? name was derived from the Indian ftn-ti-ah-an-taque. The
early French explorers called it "Chonaquen." Tin- portion lying
E. of Oswego River was taken from Oneida, and that 1 ving w. from
Onondaga. The Onondaga portion embraced the township of Han-
nibal and 33 lots of Lysander, belonging to the Military Tract.
2 This gray sandstone has heen used for grindstones.
3 This height is that given by the State Geologists. Joseph E.
Bloomfield. Civil Engineer of Oswego co., who has made several
surveys through this region, makes the height of Oneida Lake
124 feet above Lake Ontario.
517
518
OSWEGO COUNTY.
tially modify the soil of that region. The marshes are generally composed of beds of black muck and
other vegetable matter, and form the richest kind of natural meadow -when drained and cultivated.
Agriculture, manufactures, and commerce about equally engage the attention of the people.
Stock raising and dairying are the principal branches of agriculture ; spring grains and wool are also
extensively produced.1 The commerce is mostly concentrated at Oswego City, and is carried on by
means of the lake, the Oswego Canal, and the R.n. The manufactures consist of flour, lumber,
barrels.'-' starch, and a variety of other articles. The amount of flour annually manufactured is greater
than in any other co. in the State. The principal mills are at Oswego City, Fulton, and vicinity.
The Oswego Canal, connecting Lake Ontario with the Erie Canal at Syracuse, is 38 mi. long, and
for most of the distance is formed by the alackwater navigation of Oswego River. Oneida Lake and
River also form a part of the internal navigable waters of the State, connecting with the Oswego Canal
at Three River Point and with tlie Erie Canal at Iligginsville. The Oswego & Syracuse R. R. con-
nects with the New York Central R. R. at Syracuse. The "Watertown & Rome R. R. enters the
co. in the n. e. corner, and passes through Williamstown, Albion, Richland, and Sandy Creek.
This co. is divided into two jury districts,3 the courts being held respectively at Pulaski Village
and Oswego City.4 At the former place a brick building, including a courthouse and jail, was
erected in 1820, and at the latter a wood courthouse about the same time.5 A stone jail was
erected in the city in 1S.">0. and a fireproof co. clerk's office. in 1851.6 The co. poorhouse is located
upon a farm of GO acres in the town of Mexico. It is an old building, and is poorly adapted to its
purpose. The average number of inmates is about 50. An asylum for insane paupers is in process
of erection adjacent to the poorhouse. The Oswego Orphan Asylum, located at Oswego City, is in
part a co. institution. All the children of the inmates of the poorhouse between the ages of 4 and
are supported at the Orphan Asylum at the co. expense.7
Two daily and G weekly papers are published in the co.8
> The first settlers of the co. were principally engaged in the
manufacture of lumber and potash. Wheat was once a staple
production; bat since tho commencement of the ravages of the
midce it has given place to the coarser grains.
s Barrels to the amount of 1 ,500.000 are annually manufac-
I i r the Oswego flour mills and the Syracuse salt works.
* The eastern district comprises the towns of Albion. Amboy,
Oonstantia, Bastings, Mexico, New Haven, Orwell, Parish. Red-
fleld, F.i.'hl ii '1 - ' k. West Monroe, and Williamstown;
and the western, the towns of Granby. Hannibal. Oswego, Pa-
lermo. Schroeppel, Scriba, Volley, and the city of Osw. .go.
* I'.irl'-v Eeyes and Ethel Bronson, of Jefferson co., and Ste-
phen ■■ ■ i appointed commissioners to locate
the county seats and select the sites for the county buildings.
The first co. officers, appointed by the Governor and council,
were Barnel Mooney, Fir. i Judge; Henry Williams, Smith Dun-
Peter D. Hngnnin, David Easton, and Daniel Hawks, jr.,
■ .i and Jiu.'i" : Edmund Hawks. ./»</,,...■ i-.ihi. itr.-w-ter.
Surrogate : James Adams. Cb. Clt rk; and John 8. Pa vis, Sheriff.
Th'- : I were held in schoc lhotises from the first organ-
d of the co, in 1816, to the completion of the courthouses,
in is.
6 The fity s/*-,n outgrew th" first courthouse, and the courts
' were held in the city ball. They are now held
in Ml .id - II ill, on K. liridu-- St. 'I'll-- old courthouse for several
: bul recent!] it has been re-
i Into a Sunday school chapel for the Church
t i ceive religions in
At their la«t annual meeting the Board of Supoi
Mithftrixnl the . approprl I for the erection
l!'l tile
building is now boing limestone,
* Pi • me the i i alternately
In private boa h of the ihire towns for periods of n
years, the books bein -• ■ u i >■ d back and forth at the end of i icb
A. ■■'- 1 .
I J r of the co., wns
■
Th' I 17 by A. Bnckin-
li .in. nnl i mtinni I .
The 0 John H. Lord and
■ed Into
the I Mr. 1 by bin) until
1830. John I ' ho proprii I
tinned
it until 1846, wl ■ sold to I". Brockway, who
■ : it to
The Oku r«o Pnllnill tun, to If I It to
• whom it was sold in 1863 to Dudley
litor, whosold ! ii duly,
Is' i. t., T- P. I • her.
The- OtrvregO Dully Pnllnillnin
connection with the weekly - l
Thf I 1 Wm.
■\ \bl-y. In 1837 it passed in'o tin. hands of Samuel
ud was issued a short time as
The Oswego Gazette and Advertiser. In 1S2S it was sold to Wm.
C. Shope, who published it as
T7ie Oswego Advertiser untillS29. It then passed into the hands
of the late Dr. Burdoll, of Cunningham notoriety, who
changed its name to
The Freeman's Herald, and continued it 1 year. It was theb
suspended for 2 years, and revived in 1S32 by John Q.
Adams, by whom it was published as
The National Republican 1 year, and was then discontinued.
The Oswerjo Democratic Gazette was published a short time in
1S30 by James Cochran.
The Osw"/o Free Press was published by Richard Oliphant from
1830 until 1834, and by Geo. G." Foster as
The Oswego Democrat until 1S35, when it was discontinued.
The Osweqo Observer was started in Feb 1835. by Bailey &
Hawks, and continued until the latter part of 1836.
The Commercial Herald was published at Oswego by Hull &
Henry from 1887 to 1843.
The Osw'i/o Patriot was published at Oswego during the Patriot
War of 1838-39 by John Bunner and John Cochran,
member of tho 36th and 30th Congress from the 0th
district. (City of New York.)
The Oswego Oounty FPAtywas founded in PC.s by Itichard Oli-
pliant, and sold to Daniel Aycr in 1844. In 1847 C. D.
Brigham became proprietor, and changed its name to
The Otwego Cbm mrs. In Nov. 1848. .lames N. Brown
became the publisher: and in Feb. ]s;,;. he was suc-
ded by Win. luster ti Fergerson, by whom tho Os-
wego Journal was pun based and united with it, and
the combined paper was Issued as
Tht Weekly Tim* i and Journal. In 1^57 it was changed to
Tlie Oswego Times, under which name it is Still pub-
lished by J. Tarbell.
Tht 0 Idvertiser, the first daily in Ihe co„ was
i sued in is-i", in connection with The Whig, and was
contimi. .1 until W7. when its name was changed to
Tii' Oswego D ' ' C mmercial Times. It was published in con-
11. .ti. ii with The Commercial Times until 1854, when it
tnged to
The Otwego Times and Journal. In 1S57 it was changed again
to
The Oswego Dally Times, and is still issued by J.
Tarb.ll.
Tht F"i '• '. .Th umnl was started at Oswego in March. IM'.t. by
n'l.'.'iv .'. Dean, and the nexl year it was sold to L. A.
Winchester, to 1851 it passed Into tho hands uf Sum-
ner A: Poucher, who started
The 0 -/ News in connection with it. The following
r I.. A. Winchester again became proprietor, and
changed the name ,,r the daily p.
The 0 D Ug Journal. In 1864 the two papers were united
« Itfa tb" Dally and We. i,i\ Tim
The /' ' -■ r was commenced In April, isno. at Pulaski,
and published by Nathan Randall until 1832; by A. A.
Matbewson and Q. 6, Poster until 1833 ; and by Jnmea
' II until 1884, when it was suspended. In 1836 it
again appeared, as
OSWEGO COUNTY.
510
The portion of the co. of Oswego lying near the mouth of the river was discovered in 1654 by
French Jesuits, who established missions here for the conversion of the [roquois.1 The French had
previously explored the St. Lawrence; and in 101") Champlain, in an expedition against theOnon-
dagas, passed through the e. part of the co. In 1700 the English explored the country occupied by
the Five Nations as far \v. as Oswego; and in 1722 a trading house v.ns limit here under the direc-
tion of the N. Y. colonial government. From that period considerable trade was carried on by
the English between Oswego and Albany through Oswego River, Oneida River and Lake, Wood
Creek, and the Mohawk.2 In 1727 the English built a fort on the w. bank of the river, near
its mouth.3 The French, claiming this whole territory, remonstrated against the action of the
English, and several times planned expeditions to destroy the fortifications, but did not carry them
into effect. Upon the commencement of the "Old French War" of 1753, Fort Ontario was erected
on the e. bank of the river; and another fort was built upon the summit of the w. ridge in 17">5.
In the summer of 1750, 5,000 French under Montcalm, with a heavy train of artillery, consisting
of 30 guns of large caliber, crossed the lake from Fort Frontenac (now Kingston) and appeared
before this place. The forts were invested Aug. 11, and, after 3 days' hard fighting, they were
surrendered on the 14th.5 The victors demolished the forts, burned the English vessels, and retired.
In 1758, Col. Bradstreet, with 3,350 men, crossed the lake from this place and reduced Fort Fronte-
nac. After destroying the fortifications and securing the military stores and vessels, he returned to
Oswego and rebuilt the forts there. Fort Ontario was greatly enlarged, and built in the most sub-
stantial manner. In the summer of 1700, the powerful army of Lord Amherst embarked here on
an expedition down the St. Lawrence. From this time Oswego became the most important military
station upon the western frontier. During the Revolution it was strongly garrisoned, and formed the
headquarters of many of the marauding parties that desolated the frontier settlements. It continued
in possession of the British until 1796, when it was surrendered under the provisions of Jay's treaty.
In 1700, George Scriba, a merchant of N. Y. City, and a German by birth, purchased 500,000
acres of land lying between Lakes Oneida and Ontario, for the sum of S80,000.6 This purchase,
known as " Scriba's Patent," was bounded on the e. by Fish Creek and on the w. by Oswego River,
and embraced 14 towns in Oswego co. and 4 in Oneida. In 1794, Mr. Scriba caused a settlement
to be made and a sawmill built on the shore of Oueida Lake, to which he gave the name of "Rot-
terdam,"— now Constantia. In 1795 he built a gristmill — the first in the co. — and several other
buildings at the same place. During the same year his patent was surveyed and divided into
townships and subdivided into lots.7 About the same time he commenced a settlement at the
mouth of Little Salmon Creek, on the shore of Lake Ontario, 12 mi. n. e. of Oswego, which he called
The Pulaski Advocate, and was published by Daniel Ayer until
1S38. It was then sold to Dickinson and united
with the Port Ontario Aurora, the united papers taking
the name of
The Advocate and Aurora. The name, Aurora, was dropped in
1S40, when the Advocate again passed into the hands
of Daniel Ayer, and was discontinued in 1x42.
The Pulaski Courier was started in 1S43 by W. Winans. In
1^47 it passed into the hands of A. A. Mathewson, and
was changed to
The Richland Churier. In 1850 it was sold to Joseph Hatch,
who changed its title to
The Pulaski "Democrat. In 1S56 it passed into the
hands of Miller, its present publisher.
The Fulton Chronicle was started in Nov. 1837, by Thomas
Johnson. In 1840 it was sold to Isaac S. Clark and
Edwin Thompson, who gave it the name of the
Ben Franklin. It.was discontinued the following year, and suc-
ceeded by
The Weekly Despatch, published by E. C. Ilatten about 1 year.
The Fulton Sun was started in 1S41 by N. B. Northrop. In
1842 it was united with the Mirror.
The Fulton Mirror was established Aug. 20, 1842, by Daniel
Ayer. It was soon after united with the Sun and issued
as
The Fulton Sun and Mirror. In Sept. 1844, it was sold to
Spencer Munroe, and soon after discontinued. It was
succeeded liv
The Fulton Patriot. M. C. Hough, John A. Place, and
T. S. Brigham were successively interested in its publi-
cation. The latter was succeeded by R. K. Sandford,
its present publisher.
Tlve Oswego Count;/ Gazette, commenced at Fulton in 1853 by
Geo. E. Williams, was merged in The Fulton Patriot in
1S5S.
The Port Ontario Aurora was published by Van Cleve and
subsequently by Dickinson from 1837 to 1839, when
it was united with The Pulaski Advocate.
The Oswego Count// Democrat was started at Mexico in 183S by
Thomas Messenger. It was afterward styled
The Messenger, and was discontinued iu 1839.
The Phccnir Gazette, started at Phoenix in 1851, was published
by Jerome Duke, and afterward by Geo. E. Williams
until is;.:;, when it was removed to Fulton.
The Pluenix Democrat was established in 1852 by an association.
Iu 1S54 it was sold to James II. Field, and the next year
he gave it the name of
The Phoenix Banner. In 1855 it was published a short time as
The American Banner and Oswego < 'motto Times. It was sus-
pended in 1855, and in 1856 it was revived by Mary
Frances Tucker, and called
The Am, rican Banner and Literary Gem. Eight months after-
ward it was sold to Levi Murrill, by whom it was pub-
lished as
The American Banner until 1857. After being suspended two
months, it was revived, under the title of
The Phoenix Reporter, by Joshua Williams, by whom
it is still published.
1 There is a tradition that the French established a military
post here at a very early period ; but research among the papers
of that period does not corroborate the statement.
- There were several portages on this route, — around the falls
in the streams, and across from Wood Creek to the Mohawk.
3 Not a single trace of this fortification now remains.
4 This fort stood at the junction of AVest Gth and Van Eureu
Sts.
6 The French landed 50 mi. E. of Oswejro, and marched along
the lake shore under cover of their naval force. The English
garrison numbered 2,000 strong. Col. Mercer, the English com-
mander, was killed by a cannon shot on the 2d day of the siege
6 In this grant the State made reservations of the territory at
the mouth of the river, within the limits of the city of Oswego,
and also at the falls in the village of Fulton. Most of these
reservations were disposed of at public sale in 1827. At an
earlier date, considerable tracts iu Scriba's Patent, on Oswego
River, were jointly purchased by Gen. Alexander Hamilton,
John Laurence, and John B. Church. Several other grants wero
also made along the river. Other tracts of considerable magni-
tude were purchased by Schroeppel, Rosevalt, and others.
" This survey and subdivision was made by Benjamin Wright,
who in 1793-94 ran the base line from Rome to Fort Ontario,
on which the towns of Scriba's Patent were laid out. The town-
520
OSWEGO COUNTY.
" Vera Cruz,"1 (now Texas.) He here built a saw and grist mill, store, and other buildings, and
commenced an active trade on the lake : and for some years the place bid fair to become a formid-
able rival of Oswego, and the most important commercial station upon the lake. A few other
settlements were made at other points in the co., principally under the auspices of Mr. Scriba, pre-
vious to 1800 ; but immigration did not begin to flow in rapidly until a few years later. The lands
of Mr. Scriba were divided and sold to a great number of different parties; and while his exertions
and expenditures were of great service to the first settlers, they proved extremely unprofitable to him-
self.2 In common with all the frontier settlements, the growth of this region was seriously retarded
by the War of 1812. Oswego Village became the theater of stirring military events ; and on the 5th
of May, 1814, it was taken by the British.3 At the return of peace, immigration again flowed in, and
the subsequent history has been one of steady and continuous progress. The opening of the Erie and
Oswego Canals, in this State, and of the Welland Canal, in Canada, greatly increased the commercial
importance of the city and stimulated the manufacturing interests throughout the co.
ALBIOX — was taken from Richland, March 24, 1825. It is an interior town, lying e. of the
center of the co. Its surface is level or gently undulating. The summits of the ridges are 50 to
100 feet above the valleys, and the highest point in town is 392 feet above Lake Ontario. The low-
lands are wet and in some places marshy. Salmon River flows through the n. part.* In the n.e.
part are 2 or 3 small ponds. The soil consists of deposits of sand and gravel, and is of medium quality.
Drift deposits covet the whole surface, except along the river courses, where the underlying rocks
crop out. Much of the s. part of the town is yet unsettled. Considerable manufacturing is carried
on.5 Sand Bank, (p. v.,) on Salmon River, is a station on the Watertown & Rome R. R., midway
between the two places. . It contains 1 church, a hotel, 4 stores, 2 tanneries, 5 sawmills, and a flour-
ing mill. Pop. 313. Pineville, (Salmon River p. o.,) a station on the W. & R. R, R., situated on
Salmon River, contains 1 church, an inn, a store, a sawmill, and a large tannery. Pop. 144. IVew
C'eiiterville, (p. o.,) a station on the W. & R, R. R., Dug Way, (p. o.,) and South
Albion (p. o.) are hamlets. Settlement was commenced in 1812, by Cary Burdic, of Williams-
town, on Lot 29, and Peter Henderson, at Sand Bank.6 There are 4 churches in town.7
A3IBOY — was formed from Williamstown, March 25, 1830. It lies upon the e. border of the
co., s. of the center. The surface is rolling and has a general southerly inclination. Its highest
point is ab nit 450 feet above Lake Ontario. It is drained principally by Fish Creek and other
small tributaries of Oneida Lake. In the s. and w. parts are numerous small lakes and ponds, the
principal of which are Painter Lake, North and South Ponds. The n. half of the town is in the
region of the gray sandstone, and the s. half in that of the red or Medina sandstone. The soil is
principally a sandy or gravelly loam. Aniboy Center (p. v.) contains 13 houses; West
- Patent, like those of Macomb's Purchase, re-
ceived names from the proprietors that are known only in deeds ;
Til_—
L K'lMi \v.i. Lee, and Annsville.
- Hand a. Lee and i:..ni<-.
n Inn grille
4. Florence Flon a
I- klin Williamstown.
6. Middleburgh tmboy.
I in, i D.
8. I I and Amuvflla
Kmi»i. i> Vienna.
10. i Vieni
11. Rotterdam I taotla.
12 D If! Wesl M t
13. Breda. Having*.
14. Bruges.. Palei
15. Metrts
■ i hrueppeL
IT. 7redefkkatmrgh - ity.
19. VeraCrui N< v Karon.
2f>. Mi xi bo Mi I
ZL Richland Richland.
Ml
2!. BtTMDurgD IViri-h.
-I Briang - enpeL
The townships <,f thf \'r I in this c •• are, —
6. Campania B
7. Kn >'> RedfleU
10. Rk bland Bands Creek and Richland.
11. Longtnius OrwelL
eld
Kichlnnd appears to be uncurtain, or this name has been
applied to two surreys.
1 Vera Cruz was laid out into city lots by Mr. Wright, who
was an agent of Scriba, and considerable improvements were
made. A 4 rod highway was eut from Rotterdam to Vera Cruz,
a distant f 20 mi., from lake to lake. In 1708 a schooner was
built there by Mr. Serilia's agent, which was engaged in the
trade between Vera Cruz and the Canadian port of Kingston.
It i- said that in 1804 more merchandise was sold there than at
Oswego i I 'i i; and in the imagination of many persons Vera
t'ru/. w.i- dl Unad to command the trade of Canada and the
lint, by a scries of disasters on the lake, a large portion
Of the male residents were l,,st to t lie infant settlement: and the
"I Mr. Jefferson's administration, followed by
the War of 1812, extinguished the nattering prospects of Vera
CrtU. The events and the action of half a century have nearly
obliterated all traces of the once promising city.
• Che time of the purchase Mr. Bcriba'e fortune was esti-
mated : but t lie whole of it became swallowed up
in hi- i Obits t" promote the inten BtS of the infant settlements;
and he died Aug. 14. 1830, at the age of 84, a poor man.
page ■',:.'■''.
* lief. , re the dams were built upon this river, great numbers
• •( salmon were annually taken.
Large quantities Of lumber, leather, and barrels are manu-
al, the latter for the Onondaga salt and Oswego Hour
market-. Here are 38 sawmills, 3 tanneries, and 2 gristmills
in town.
•In 1818 David, Luther, and BenJ. Lilly and Allen Mellaril
settled in the town. Tin.- first birth was thai of a s,,n ofLuther
Lilly, in 1818; the fir-t marriage, that of Henry Baker and Lucy
Burdic, in 1819; and the firsl death, that of a s,,n ofLuther
Lilly, in 1818. The Oral Inn was kept by Dr. Brace, at Sand
Bank, In 1814; and the fir-t si by Ammi Sinkley, In 1828.
I The Lilly brother- built the first sawmill, in 1Kb;, and Kzekiel
.-until the first gristmill, in 1S18. The fir-t school was taught
by Sylvia breed, in the summer of 1817. 7 2 Onion, Bap., M.E.
OSWEGO COUNTY.
r.o
21
Amboy (p. v.) 20; and Carterville (p. v.) 12. Joseph Perkins, from Conn., was the first
settler, in 1805.1 There are 2 churches in town; M. E. and Bap., both located at Amboy Center.
BOYL.STONP— was formed from Orwell, Feb. 7, 1828. It lies upon the n. border of the CO.,
E. of the center. Its surface is rolling in the center and e., and moderately hilly IB tlie w. It has
a westerly inclination, and its highest points are 700 to 800 feet above tide. The soil in the m. and
vr. parts is a productive, gravelly loam, the underlying rock being the Lorraine shale. The s. E.
corner of the town extends into the gray limestone region, and the soil is light and thin.
Roylslou (p.O.) is in the n. w. part. The first settlement was made in 1810, on Lots 2 and 3, by
John Wort and Michael Swcetman, both from Canajoharic.3 Meetings for religious worship are
held in the town by the Episcopal Methodists and the Wesleyan Methodists.
CONST AHJTI.44— was formed from Mexico, April 8, 1808. Hastings was taken off in 1825,
and West Monroe in 1839. It lies upon the n. shore of Oneida Lake, in the s.E. corner of the co.
The surface is nearly level, and is slightly inclined toward the s. The principal streams are Scriba
and Black Creeks, flowing into Oneida Lake. Iron ore is found in the Clinton group of rocks,
which extend through the s. part. The soil consists of clay, gravel, sand, and vegetable mold, and
in general is fertile. Most of the interior is yet unsettled. Frenchmans Island, in Oneida Lake,
about 4 mi. from Constantia, belongs to this town; it contains about 28 acres.5 Lumber, leather,
glass, and iron are extensively manufactured.6 Cleveland,7 (p. v.,) incorp. April 15, 1857, is
located on Oneida Lake, in the e. part of the town. It contains 2 churches, 2 glass factories, and
several other manufactories. Pop. 1,005. Constantia, (p. v.,) in the w. part, on Oneida Lake,
contains 2 churches and has a pop. of 600. ISernltarris Bay, (p. v.,) on the lake, contains 2
churches, a glass factory, and 3G0 inhabitants. Constantia Center is a p. o. Soon after the
purchase of Scriba's Patent, in 1790, Mr. Scriba commenced the first settlement of his lands at Con-
stantia, and established agents and laborers there in 1793.8 There are 7 churches in town.9
GRAMBY — was formed from Hannibal, April 20, 1818. A part of Oswego was taken off in 1836.
It lies on the w. bank of Oswego River, in the s. w. part of the co. The surface is gently rolling, with
a slight inclination to the n.e. Oswego River flows through a valley from 30 to 00 feet below the
general level of the town ; within this town it has a fall of 40 feet. Lake Nea-tah-wan-ta, near ihe
center of the e. part, is about 1 mi. in diameter. It lies about 25 feet above the river at the head of
the falls. The streams are Ox Creek, Six Mile Creek, and the outlet of Nea-tah-wan-ta Lake. The
soil is generally a sandy or gravelly loam. Bradstreets10 or Battle Island is in Oswego River, about
4 mi. below the Oswego Falls. Starch, leather, lumber, and the products of wood are extensively
manufactured.11 Oswego Falls, (p. v.,) incorp. Oct. 12, 1853, a station on the S. & O. R. R., is
situated on Oswego River, opposite the village of Fulton. Pop. 703. Granby Center and
South Granby are p. offices. The first settlement was made at the falls in 1792, by Laurence
Van Valkin, from Rensselaer co., N. Y.12 There are now 2 churches in town.13
1 Among the early settlers were David Smith, in 1S15; Win,
and Isaac Claxton and John Drought, in 1818 .- and Sage Park.
in 1821. The first inn was kept by Joseph I'erkins. in 1M15: the
first sawmill was built by Joseph Murphy, in 1822, and the
first gristmill by Sage Park, in 1828. The first school was
taught by Cynthia Stoddard, in the summer of 1823.
2 Named from Thos. Boylston, who held, for a few hours, the
title of a tract since known as the Boylston Purchase. He never
owned the tract ; the conveyance was simply a trust, and quickly
passed into other hands.
8 Among the first settlers were David Webb, in 1810; R.
Strcetor. in 1S14; and Peter and Samuel Wells, in 1815. The
first birth was that of Phebe Ann Wood; the first marriage,
that of Samuel Wells and Elizabeth Gordon ; and the first death,
that of an infant child of Mr. Ward. Reuben Snyder built the
first sawmill, in 1822. The first school was taught by Polly
Allport. in lsi". 4 Named i>y the proprietor, tiro, si-riba.
6 "During the French Revolution of 1793. when the French
nobility were compelled to seek safety in flight, and the trains
of exiles to this country were crowded with dukes and princes
of the blood, the Count St. Hilary, a young Frenchman, and his
beautiful and accomplished wife, a daughter of the QOble house
of Clermont, landed upon our shores. Following the trail of
emigration westward, they reached Oneida Lake, then on the
great thoroughfare of travel; and. attracted by the beautiful
island and its primitive forests, they landed upon it, and con-
cluded to make it their future home. Here, in the deep soli-
tude of nature, they enjoyed for many months perfect peace and
quietude. Their place of residence was at length discovered by
Chancellor Livingston, who had formerly enjoyed the elegant
hospitalities of the lady's family at Paris. lie visited them in
their rural home, and, after spending some time with them, he
prevailed upon them to return with him to his mansion upon
the Hudson. There they continued to reside uutil Bonaparte
had put an end to the reign of terror and restored much of the
confiscated property to the exiles of the Revolution, when they
returned to France. Several years after, as Livingston stood
upon the bank of the Seine, amidst a crowd of distinguished
Parisians, to witness the first experiment of Robert Fulton in
steam navigation, he was recognized by the Count, who at once
took him to his residence, and treated him during his stay at Paris
as a generous benefactor and an honored guest. Livingston's man-
sion upon the Hudson and the first steamboat of Fulton and Living-
ston were both named, in honor of the lady's family, ' Clermont.' "
6 There are 34 sawmills, 2 flouring mills, 3 glass factories, 2
tanneries, an iron foundery, and other manufacturing establish-
ments in town.
' Named from James Cleveland, who settled here in 1828.
8 Solomon Waring, Joshua Lynch, and Dr. Vandercamp settled
in town in 1793 1 and John Bernhard in 1795. The first birth
was that of George Waring, April 11, 1796. The first store was
Opened in 1793, by Mr. Scriba, and the first inn the same year,
by Major Solomon Waring. In 1794-95, Mr. Scriba erected in
this town the first sawmill and gristmill built in the co. The
first school was opened in 1797, at Constantia.
9 Presb., Prot. E., M.E., Asso. Presb., Friends, Ref. Prot. D., R.C.
10 So named from the circumstance of a battle having been
fought upon it between the English, under Col. Bradstreet, and
the French, with their Indian allies, in 1750.
11 There are 15 sawmills, 1 gristmill, 2 tanneries, and a starch
factory in town.
12 Henry Bush settled in town in 1793 ; Penoyer in 1794*
Peter Hugunin in 1803; Barnet Morrey in 1S04: and John Hut-
chinson in 1808. The first store was opened in 1792. by an Hunan
trader by the name of Fowler; and the first inn was kept by John
J. Walrad, in 1807. The first sawmill was built by Scbcnck &
Wilson, in 1814, and the first gristmill in 1822. Benj. Robinsoc
taught the first school, in 1S12. is Prot. Episc. and M. E.
522 OSWEGO COUNTY.
IIIWIBAL — was formed from Lysander, as a part of Onondaga co., Feb. 28, 1806, and em-
braced all that part of Oswego co. lying vr. of the river. Oswego and Granby were taken off in
1818. It is the x. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is gently undulating, the ridges being
30 to 50 feet above the valleys. In the e. part are several swamps, one of which covers 500 acres.
The ?'>il is a rich, sandy and gravelly loam. A salt spring, from which salt has been manufactured,
is found in the x.w. corner. Springs of brine, characteristic of the Medina sandstone strata, have
been discovered in several other localities, but none of sufficient strength to render their working
profitable. The principal manufacturing establishments are those of leather, lumber, and the pro-
ducts of w I.1 EEannibal, (p. v.,) on Nine Mile Creek, a little w. of the center of the town,
contains P, churches and about 60 !i rases; llamiilml Center (p. v.) contains 20 houses ; and
Hulls Corners (South Hannibal p.o.) 18. Wheelers Corners is a hamlet in the n. part,
and Kinneys Four Corners is a p.o. Settlement was commenced in 1802, by Thomas
Sprague and his sons, from Milton, Saratoga co.2 The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1815.3
IIASTTXGS — was formed from Constantia, April 20, 1825. It lies upon the N. shore of Oneida
River, in the s. part of the CO. Its surface is level or gently undulating, its northern boundary
"boiiiLT about 75 feet above Oneida Lake. The soil is clay, sand, and gravelly loam. In some parts
of tin- town it is difficult to find fresh water by digging. Brine springs are found in several parts
in the red Medina sandstone formation. In the n.e. part is a tamarack swamp, of about 5 acres, in
the center of which is an immense spring 10 feet in diameter. This spring is on a level with the
surrounding summit: and it is surrounded by a deep, loose muck which extends downward to an
unknown depth. There are 18 sawmills, several gristmills, and 2 tanneries in town. Central
Square (p. v.) contains about 50 houses; Blasting's, (p. v.,) in the x. part, 30 ; Caug-lidenoy,
(Coc-e-noy,) (p. v.,) on Oneida River, in the s. w. part, 30; and Hastings Center (p. v.) 15.
Smiths Mills and Fort Breivert on are villages of about 20 houses each. The latter is
situated at the foot of Oneida Lake, on the site of old Fort Brewerton.4 The first settlement was
made at Fort Brewerton, by Oliver Stevens, in 1789.5 There are 4 churches in town.
MEXICO — was formed from Whitestown, April 10, 1792, as part of Herkimer co. Parts of
Richland and Xew Haven were annexed May 9, 1836. It included the northerly towns of Oneida
co., nearly all of Lewis and Jefferson cos. w. of Black River, and all of Oswego co. e. of Oswego River.
Camden was taken off in 1799, Champion, Redfield, Turin, Watertown, and Lowville in 1800,
Adams in 1S02, Lorraine and Williamstown in 1804, Volney in 1806, Constantia in 1808, New Haven
in 1813, and Parish in 1828. Its surface is gently rolling. It is well watered by numerous small
streams, the principal of which are Little Salmon and Sage Creeks. There is scarcely a foot of waste
or broken land in the town. The underlying rock is gray sandstone, covered deep with alluvial
dej '•-. The soil consists of clay, sand, and gravelly loam, and is very productive. Considerable
tention is eiven to stock raising and dairying; the manufacture of lumber, barrels, and leather is
carried on t.> some extent.6 Mexico, (p. v.,) near the center, was incorp. Jan. 15, 1851, and con-
toii il , an act demy,7 12 stores, 2 banks, 3 hotels, 3 flouring and grist mills, a sawmill, a
fur 1 machine shop, 3 coach factories, 1 carriage shops, and 3 cabinet shops. Pop. 948.
COlOMe, p. v..) in tin' s. B. part, contains 1 church, 2 inns, a store, 2 sawmills, and 2 gristmills.
Pi p. 119. Texas," (p. v..) located near the mouth "f Little Salmon Creek, contains 30 houses;
Union Square, (p. o.) in the B., i- a hamlet The names of the earliest settlers within the pre-
ttt limit- of this ■ • D are lost There were about 25 who had already located in 1798; Jonathan
Parkhurst and ' B 1, from Oneida co., came that year.9 By the upsetting of a boat upon
the lake, in 17'' I G rman and 6 others were lost, and in 1804, by a similar disaster, 9 others,
i There are 1* Mwmill«, a itai istmflla, and 2 iMl-ws and iMsey Yi.-u<Tv. in isnS; and the first death, Chat
tnni: ii
a v. . Bamnel '
I
[n 1805. The first birth was t] I uo, in 1806 ; the
i". in
■
llwastmill
and the first sawmill, nlMl. The lir-i inn
- : the Ii r • |',..|)j.
Phelps, in 1816; and the Brat - h il
I The cenraa eporti lebt u i M 1".
I \ • •■■ r the fori groun I is a
Moral i SI rens, In 1792. Cheater Loomhi kepi the first inn,
in 1816; and Hastings Curtis, the first store, in 1820. The first
school \v:\h taught l>y Pntiiek VieUn-y. at Caughdenoy.
0 There are 19 - a\( mills. 5 gristmills, B fulling and cloth dress-
ing mill, a woolen factory, and 3 tanneries.
: The Mexico Academy was organized in 1828, as the " Hemtd-
my." It- name was changed May 19, 1S45.
H Formerly called "Vera Onit." Bee p. 620,
"iMiin'.is i>:,\is and Calvin Tiffany, from Conn., Bettled in
John Morton and \-a Davis in 1801; Peleg Brown, Daniel
. and i.i' •nn.nl Ames iii 1804; and Solomon Peck In 1806.
The Brat birth was that of Truman Rood, Aug. id. i~w, and
men ovcr7(! t hi I ".l at the the first marriage, that of Richard Gaflbrd and Mrs. Rood, widow
mlty of the bank is fall of Iranian : the "f V K I. Tho firel u i i ■ t and sawmill were bnill by Mr.
182 Scrih's au'-nt : and the lirst store was I' pi 1'V I !enj. Wright.
sAi ii were Tlmotl The flrat school was taught I iy San ford Douglass, at Colosse, in
Loomis. Solomon Allen, an 1800.
that }f Jobi -hefir*t marriage, thai "f -
OSWEGO CO UN TV.
523
leaving but 1 male adult inhabitant in tbc settlement.1 There arc 10 religious societies and 9
church edifioes in town.2
NEW HAYEHT— wa8 formed from Mexico, April 2, 1813. A part was annexed to Mexico
May 9, 1836. It lies upon the shore of Lake Ontario, w. of the center of the co. The surface ie
rolling and generally smooth. It is watered by Spring Brook, Catfish and Butterfly Crocks, 3 .-mall
streams flowing into Lake Ontario. There is quite an extensive marsh mar the mouth of Butterfly
Creek, in the n.k. part of the town, and another in the s.w.part. The underlying rock is gray
sandstone, and the soil is principally a sandy and gravelly loam. Stock raising receives more atten-
tion in this than iii the other towns of the co., and a limited amount of manufacturing is done.'
IVew Jiliiven, (p. v.,) situated near the center of the town, on Catfish Creek, contains 2 churches,
2 inns, a store, a saw mill, a gristmill, and about 50 houses. Butterfly is a p. o. near the e. line
of the town. The first settlement was made by Rood and Doolittle, at New Haven, in
1798.4 * The first church (Cong.) was organized at New Haven Village, in 1817; and Rev. "William
Williams was the first minister. There are now 2 churches in town; Cong, and M. E.
ORWELL- was formed from Richland, Feb. 28, 1817, and Boylston was taken off in 1828. A
part of Richland was annexed March 27, 1844. It is an interior town, lying x. e. of the center of
the co. The surface has a s. w. inclination, its e. border being elevated 300 to 500 feet above it- w.
and 700 to 1,000 feet above Lake Ontario. It is moderately hilly, and is considerably broken in places
by the deep ravines of the streams. Upon Salmon River is a fall worthy of note. The stream flows
over a rocky bed in a series of rapids for 2 mi. and then falls over a precipice 110 feet perpendicular.
The banks of the stream below the fall are 200 feet high. The soil is generally a gravelly loam.
The e. half of the town is yet uncultivated. Lumber and other products of wood form the leading
articles manufactured ; and considerable attention is given to stock raising and dairying.5 Orivell
Corners, (Orwell p. o.,) in the w. part, contains 1 church, 3 stores, an inn, a sawmill, a gristmill,
a tannery, a steam cabinet factory, and about 40 houses. Maline is a hamlet in the s. part. The
first settlers were Nathaniel Bennett and his son Nathaniel, from Rensselaer co., N. Y., on Lots 82
and 83, and Capt. Noyes, on Lot 29, in 180G.6 There are 3 religious societies in town.7
OSWECJO CITY— formed from Oswego and Scriba, was
incorp. as a village March 14, 1828, and was enlarged and
organized as a city March 24, 1848.8 It is situated on Lake
Ontario, at the mouth of Oswego River,9 that stream dividing the
city into two nearly equal parts. The river is bordered upon
each side by a ridge, which rises in gradual slopes to a height
of about 100 feet, and ends in bluffs on the lake shore 40 to 60
feet high. The summits of these ridges are about 1 mi. apart,
and descend from the river in the same gradual slopes as toward
it. One mi. w. is a valley opening through the ridge into the
river above the falls, through which the Oswego must have once
flowed into the lake. The s. border of the city is skirted by a
bluff or escarpment about 160 feet above the lake, indicating an ancient lake or sea beach. Here
commences the deep ravine excavated by the river through strata of red sandstone of the Medina
group and underlying shale. From this the geological induction is made that, at the last great
physical change which elevated the country from the bed of an ancient ocean and brought the
river into existence, it fell directly into Lake Ontario, at the escarpment, by a fall of moderate
i Capt. Geerman, Nathaniel Rood, Spencer and son,
Wheaton, Clark, and Doolittle were those who were
lost by the first accident, fienj. Winch was the male survivor.
2 2 Bap., 2 M.E., Cong., Presb, Free and Union Bethels, R.C.,
Prot. Fren., and Union. The Union Society holds its meetings
in the Town Hall at Mexico.
8 There are 9 sawmills, 2 gristmills, and other manufacturing
establishments in town.
* Mr. Wright settled in the town in 1798; Solomon Smith in
1800; C. Drake and Capt Gardner in 1804; David Enos, Joseph
Bailey, and James Jerret in 1805; and Warner Drake in 1M)S.
The first birth was that of John D. Smith, in Feb. 1S05. The
first sawmill was erected by Ira Foot, in 1S05, and tl»e first
gristmill by Waldo Brayton, in 1809. Harriet Easou taught the
first school, in the summer of 1S06.
6 There are 16 sawmills, 16 shingle mills, a gristmill, and a
tannery in h iwn.
* Among tli» early settlers were Benj. Reynolds, Joshua Mol-
lis. Alden, Gilbert, and Timothy Balrh. The first marriage was
that of Robert Wooley and a daughter of Nathaniel Bennett,
sm.. in 1807 ; and the first death, that of the mother of Timothy
Balch, in 1810. The first school was taught by Jesse Aiken, in
1810. Joseph Watson built the first sawmill, in 1810, and
Jonah Tompson the first gristmill, in 1816.
" M. E., Presb., and Bap. A Union church at Orwell Corners
is occupied by the Presb. and Bap. societies.
8 At the first village meeting, held May 13. 182S, Hon. Alvin
Bronson was elected President, and Daniel Ilngnnin. jr.. George
Fisher, Nathaniel Vilas, jr.. David P. Brewster, Theophilns S.
Morgan, Joseph Turner, and Orlo Steele. Trustees. The first
city officers, elected in April, 1S18, were as follows: Mai/or,
.biines Piatt: Aldermen, Hunter Crane, Gilbert Mollison, Ste-
phen II. Lathxop, Robert Oliver, Geo. S. Alvord. John Boigeol,
Samuel S. Taylor, and William S. Malcolm. The council ap-
pointed J. M. Casey City Cleric.
9 By the river and canal it is 3S mi., by p. R. 35 mi.. w. jr. w. of
Syracuse; by the Oswego and Erio Canals 208 mi, by the Oswego
and Central' line of r.r. 183 mi., and by the surveyed route of
the Oswego & Troy R.R. 170 mi., w. nr. w. of Albany.
524 OSWEGO COUNTY.
height, the upward movement heing gradual and intermittent. The pauses hy which it was inter-
rupted are marked hy ancient heach lines, ridges, and terraces found at different heights above the
lake:. The Oswego Falls are now 11 feet high; and, as they have receded s. 12 mi., to the village
of Fulton, with an ascending average grade of about 9 feet per mi. in the excavated bed of the river,
they must have diminished in height and grandeur from age to age during the whole period of re-
•n. This hypothesis is sustained by geographical and geological analogy with the Falls of the
Genesee and the Xiagara. The aggregate fall of the river within the 12 mi. is 110 feet, of which
34 feet are within the limits of the city; and the whole fall is so distributed by 6 successive dams,
built by the State for canal and slackwatcr navigation, that the water of the river may be used by
raceways nearly the whole distance, affording one of the finest water-powers in the world. The
river forms the outlet to the 11 lakes which cluster in the basin of Central Xew York, and drains
a wide extent of territory. These lakes form natural reservoirs which prevent floods or undue ex-
haustion, the extreme elevation and depression of the river not exceeding 3 feet, so that destructive
freshets, so common to great water-power rivers, never occur. The mouth of the river admits vessels
of the largest class navigating the lakes; and the erection of piers and a lighthouse by the U. S.
Government renders it one of the safest and most accessible harbors on the lakes, susceptible of inde-
finite enlargement, and combining canal and r. r. transportation with the advantages of position
as the nearest lake port to tidewater. A hydraulic canal extending along both sides of the river is
Btudded with mills, elevating warehouses, and other manufacturing establishments.
The city is handsomely laid out, with streets 100 feet wide, intersecting each other at right angles.
The r. and w. banks of the river are connected by two bridges, built by the city, — the lower one,
an iron bridge with a draw for the passage of vessels, on Bridge St., the upper on Utica St., at the
terminus of the Oswego & Syracuse R. R. The principal public buildings are an edifice recently
erected by the U. S. Government, containing a custom house, post-office, and U. S. courtroom,1 a
city hall.2 jail, orphan asylum, city hospital, city library, and 12 churches.8
The OrpJian A.v/him is situated upon the elevated ground in the southern part of the city, com-
manding a fine viow of the city, harbor, and lake. It was founded in 1853, mainly through the
influence of the ladies of Oswego, and continues to be principally supported by them. Orphans
and children of destitute parents, from earliest infancy to 8 years of age, are admitted and cared
for and afterward placed out in respectable families. A primary and Sabbath school are connected
with the institution. The number of inmates ranges from 50 to 100.
The City Library was founded by a donation of $25,000 from Hon. Gerrett Smith. The edifice is
finely located upon the e. side of the river; and the library at present contains 9,000 volumes.4
The Public School.? are graded and free; they are under the care of a Board of Education and
Superintendent. The system embraces the primary, junior, senior, and high school departments ; and
pupils fan receive instruction from the primary branches to an extended academic course. In 1857
tlu-re were in the city 23 school districts, in which were employed 47 teachers, — 8 males and 39
lee. The number of children between 4 and 21 was 5,516, of which 4,175, or 75 per cent.,
■1 'luring some portion of the year. The total receipts and expenses during the year
11 14; the number of volumes in the district libraries, about 3,000.
The enmmerer- of Oswego is very extensive, and is increasing much more rapidly than the popu-
lation.5 B itnated near the foot of lake navigation, anil nearer to X. Y. than any other lake port,
mmercial facilities superior to those of most of the Western cities. A considerable share of
the produce of th< Wi I Bows through this port on its way to the seaboard markets; and it is the
prineipnl entreat of the agricultural products of Canada West. The salt of Onondaga is mostly
distributed through the Great West from this place: and vast quantities of the manufactured goods
of tl re sent through the same channel. The official report of the value of the lake and
canal trade, derived from the Custom Souse and Canal Collector's Office, for 1845, was $7,951,409,
and for 1856 was bowing an annual average increase of nearly 20 per cent. The
amount of i in 18 W was 15,513 tons, and in 1850 it was 40,467 tons.6
The manufacturing in' the city have attained to considerable magnitude, although the
water-power of ( I r is occupied but to a limited extent. Flour made from the wheat
1 T ! Iron,
and fa entirely fireproof Itscostwoj 2o.<¥<o.
' T)ii-> bunding contain* tti« room* of the Common Conncil
an<l Bou I Bom of th" City Clerl
r ritr r.fflr. r*.
with 2 «tori. a :il ova, having an aggregate height of wall of 36
bore tl>" basement.
■'• Pop. in 1865, 16,816. Estimated in 1868, 18,000.
"Th" operation of the late Reciprocity Treaty "it'1 England
hai proved, as was anticipated, most favorable u* Oswego. Tha
'-' L ft, 2 B I '. I'niv., and importatl fgrain at the port in 1856 was 13,504,074 bushels;
Af. Mnth. ind the i" ■ nllar inanufactnring and commercial advantage* of
* Thi-i edifice, erected in 1c.','". |g bolll -.r tirir-k. an-! made it the great flow and grai.n market of Cen-
:, with a Tcstibule 15 by 10 feet, a ba«otii fork ami Northern -New EDgland.
OSWEGO COUNTY. 325
of Canada and the "Western States forms the leading article manufactured. The Oswego mills, 18
in number, with an aggregate of 100 run of stone, are capable of grinding and packing 10,000
barrels of ioxa per day, — a greater amount than is manufactured at any other place on the continent.1
Shipyards and 2 marine railways rank among the important manufacturing establishments of
the city, and give large employment to labor. The Oswego Starch Factory, erected in 18 B, upon
the hydraulic canal, on the w.'bank of the river, is one of the most prosperous and extensive esta-
blishments of the kind in the world.2 Lumber is extensively dressed in the city for the
Western markets, from Canadian sawed lumber entered free under the Reciprocity Treaty. The
Oswego Cotton Mills is a well managed and productive establishment, operating 88 looms, 2,004
spindles, and giving employment to 65 operators. A little above, on the same canal, is an exten-
sive tannery. The Ontario Foundery, Steam Engine and Machine Works, is one of the most
extensive and prosperous establishments of the kind in the State. Many other branches of manu-
factures are carried on in the city.
The early history of Oswego has already been noticed in the general history of the co.3 Its
distinctive and modern history dates from its surrender by the British in 17%. The withdrawal
of the British garrison took away from the place all that had ever been established of civilized
society, and left it as new as though man had never resided there. During the year following the
evacuation, Neil McMullin, a merchant of Kingston, moved thither, bringing with him a house
framed at Kingston.4 In 1802 but 2 or 3 vessels were owned on the American side of the lake,
trade being principally carried on by vessels belonging to the Northwest Fur Company. During
this year Benajah Boyington built a warehouse on the w. side of the river, and Arch. Fairfield became
a forwarding merchant. Salt from the Onondaga Springs was at that time the most important
item in the commerce of Oswego. In 1803, Matthew McNair engaged in the forwarding business
and purchased a schooner. In 180-4 he built another, and, in connection with other gentlemen,
purchased a number of Canadian vessels.5 From this period shipbuilding was carried on briskly,
and it formed a leading interest until the breaking out of the War of 1812.
The war put an end to commercial transactions ; but the place became the scene of stirring mili-
tary events. The fort was garrisoned and commanded by Col. Mitchell. On the 5th of May, 1814,
the British fleet under Sir James Yeo appeared off the harbor and opened a heavy fire upon the
place. The fire was returned by the 4 small guns which constituted the only armament of Fort
Ontario, and by a small battery on the w. side of the river. The next morning the British took
position still nearer the shore, and under the cover of a heavy fire 2 columns of the enemy effected
a landing. After a gallant but vain defense, Col. Mitchell retreated, leaving the fort and town in
possession of the enemy.6 The principal object of the attack was to secure the naval stores destined
for the new vessels building at Sackets Harbor ; but a large share of these were at Oswego Falls,
12 mi. above, and were not taken. Several cannon and other heavy articles lying upon the wharf
■were sunk in the river-, at the command of Col. Mitchell; these were afterward recovered. On the
morning of the 7th the British retired, and the fleet proceeded n. to blockade Sackets Harbor. Lieut.
Woolsey, who had charge of the stores, immediately dropped down the river, and, with 19 boats
laden with stores, set out on the lake under cover of night, and supported by a body of riflemen
and Indians, under Maj. Appling, on shore. The boats were pursued, and took refuge in Sandy
Creek, where an action took place, resulting in the capture of the entire attacking party.7
Oswego recovered slowly from the effects of the war, and its commercial transactions were com-
paratively unimportant until the opening of the Oswego and Welland Canals.8 In the mean time
1 Fire of these mills are located on the harbor, and elevate
their grain from lake vessels and discharge flour and grain into
canal boats. Six grain warehouses on the harbor elevate and
discharge in the same way. The other mills, located above,
elevate from and discharge into canal boats. The elevating
capacity on the harbor is 37,500 bushels per hour, and the
storage' room over 2,000.000 bushels of grain, — rendering Oswego
the best receiving port on the lakes.
2 This factory was founded by a. stock company, with a capital of
$50,000; and, under the supervision of Thos. Kingsford & Sons,
its capital has been increased to $4:"iO,o00, and its main block
of buildings have grown to the enormous dimensions of 510 feet
front by 250 feet deep, with numerous detached buildings and
an extensive box factory. The main establishment works up [ and Eli Stevens.
Matthew McXair and Bradner Burt and his father came in 1802;
Henry Eagle in 1S0S; Alvin Bronson in 1S10; and Wm. Dollo-
way in 1811. In 1810 the population numbered 300. Rankin
McMullin, son of Neil McMullin, born in 1S0O, was the first
child born within the present limits of the city.
5 In 1804 all commercial transactions were carried on with
unrestricted freedom. No ship papers, licenses, reports, or oaths
were required, the keen-scented custom house officers not having
yet smelt out the commerce of the lakes.
6 The British loss in the action was about 200, and the Ame-
rican 60. The British carried off several of the prominent citi-
zens, and kept them prisoners until they were duly discharged.
Among the prisoners were Alvin Bronson, Abraham Hugunin,
500,000 bushels of grain (mostly corn) and makes 12,000.000
pounds of starch per annum. Large quantities of the article
are sold and used in London, Liverpool, and the principal cities
on the continent of Europe. It gives employment to 200 men.
8 See page 519.
* When Mr. McMullin and his family landed at Oswego they
found two American residents, — John Love and Ziba Phillips.
They were traders, and left soon after. Capt. Edward O'Conner,
of the Revolutionary Army, came in during the same year.
T See page 358.
8 In 1818, 10 years before the Oswego Canal was completed,
36,000 barrels of Onondaga salt were received at Oswego, of
which 26,000 barrels went to Western States by the portages
round Niagara Falls. At that period the price of salt at Oswego
was $2.50 per barrel, and the cost of transportation from Salina,
by Oswego, to Black Rock $1.41 per barrel. In 1S56 there were
received at Oswego 700.000 barrels, of which over 500,000 went
to upper lake ports through the Welland Canal, at a cost of
526 OSWEGO COUNTY.
shipbuilding became a leading pursuit of the people. In 1816, steam navigation was first intro-
duced on Lake Ontario, and its great progress since lias been of immense importance to Oswego.
In 1829-30, Alvin Bronson and T. S. Morgan erected the first flouring mill. In 1828 the Oswego
Canal was finished, and in 1830 the Welland Canal was opened, giving a new impulse to trade
and opening to the place an almost boundless commerce in the future. "With the advantages of
natural position and the stimulus of the lines of internal improvement, both the commerce and
manufactures of Oswego have increased in an almost unprecedented manner ; and there is every
reason to believe that this increase is to continue for many years to come.
OSWEGO (town) — was formed from Hannibal, April 20, 1818. A part of Granby was
annexed May 20, 1836. It lies upon the shore of Lake Ontario, on the w. side of the river. Its
surface is generally rolling, ending in a bluff shore upon the lake. The streams are the Eight Mile,
Ric . Snake, and Minett Creeks. A fall in Oswego River within the limits of this town affords an
abundance ofwatec-power. The underlying rock is principally red sandstone, and the soil a gravelly
loam. Boulders and water-worn pebbles are scattered over the surface, making it very stony in places.
Minetto,1 (p. v..) situated on Oswego River, 4 mi. from the city, contains 150 inhabitants. South
West Osivecro i- a p.o. The first settlement was made in 1797, by Asa Rice, from Conn. Reuben
Pixleycame in 1800, and Daniel Burt in 1802.2 There are now in the town 2 churches ; M. E. and Bap.
PALERMO — was formed from Yolney, April 4, 1832. It is an interior town, lying just s.w.
of the center of the co. Its surface is undulating. The large swamp in the e. part of the town is
57 feet above Oneida Lake, and the ridges are about 25 feet above the swamp. The streams are
Scotts and Fish Creeks. The soil is generally a sandy loam. Lumber and the products of wood
are the principal manufactured products of the town.3 Palermo, (p-v.,) situated near the
center of the town, and Vermillion (p.v.) each contains 1 church and about 15 dwellings.
The fir*t settlement was made in 1806, by David Jennings, Simeon Crandall, and Sylvanus Hop-
kins.4 The first settled preacher was Rev. Asaph Graves. There are now 4 churches in town.5
PARISH" — was formed from Mexico, March 20, 1828. It is an interior town, a little s. e.
of the center of the co. Its surface is undulating, but considerably broken by ravines, and in
some parts rough and stony. The streams are Salmon Creek and its branches. The valley in the
w. part is 246 feet above Lake Ontario, and the e. summits are 25 to 50 feet higher. The soil con-
sists of clay, sand, and gravel, and is moderately fertile. Less than half of the town is under culti-
vation. There are 12 sawmills, 4 shingle factories, and other manufacturing establishments in town.
Parisbville, (Parish p.o.,) on Salmon Creek, in the w. part, contains 1 church and 34 houses.
Tho fir^t settlement was made in 1804, by Thomas Nutting, Eliada Orton, Jonathan Bedell, Amos
Williams, and Rev. Gamaliel Barnes.7 There are 2 churches in town; M. E. and Bap.
REDFIELD — was taken from Mexico, as part of Oneida co., March 14, 1S00.8 It is the N. E.
Corner town of the co. Its surface is hilly in the s., but in the n\ it spreads out into a high, roll-
ing plateau K00 to 1,000 feet above tide. A wide intervale extends along the course of Salmon
River, which stream drains nearly the whole town. The underlying rock is gray limestone, and
- il upon it is generally a thin ami moderately fertile gravelly loam. The-soil of the intervale
ndy loam of good quality. The greater part of the town is still unsettled, and the
uplands are frosty and forbidding regions. Center Square, (Redfield p.o.,) situated on Salmon
-. in the 3. part of the town, contains 2 el lurches and about 30 houses. Greenborougli
is a p. o. in the N.w. part. The settlement of t lie town was commenced in 1798, by immigrants
y fp'in C"nn.9 The first charcfa (Cong.) was organized with 19 members in 1802, by Rev.
oa Johnson. Then w 2 churches in the town ; Cong, and M. E.
tmniportatinn ranging from 1 taper barrol from
much leM ill in it i-
fr.'tn Sf. Clair I ■-, ', ,:r t!
ill'i-tr ait . I for Dp n si the
;n2 point of down
i \ sawmill nt thin pi iw i» on« nf thi Inrg it in tho State, and
i» c :
' Among th< and
B«v*k\vith. ln 1- , Bud riiri
.' b Thorpe, In 1806; n- ' • Th" fir*!
hirtli that of Thomas ■ ' ' mnr-
. Mi .• ..f \ ] and Hi"
thai "fin infant cbil ' '
' There arc in tli" town 8 sawmill". 3 shingle nnd stave fac-
torio". 'J crittmill'. and 2 tSJUMt
* Among th" Brat settlers were. V'vin Walker Blake,
and '/ Win'. The flrtt birth wal that ifAlrinWa
jr.: th<> ftrit marriage, that of .1 seph Jennings »n> -
Th" Brat inn was opened In 1816, by Stephen Blake; and tho
first sawmill was built by Phineas Chaptn, in 1812. The first
- hool was taught by Harriet Bason, in tho summer of 1812.
" 2 81 E. and 2 Hap.
c Named from David Parish, who purchased tho town before
ttlementi
" Paul Allen Battled in town in 1805. TV' first birth was that
.f l'.:in-..m Orton. in 1805; tho first death, that of Jonathan
B ! 11, killed by th" fall of a ti"": and the first marriage, that
of Nathan ParkhuIBt and tli" widow Kcdrll. John Miller k.j.t
the first inn. in 1811"; and Martin Way and Paul Allen bull) the
fir«t sawmill, in Ikos. Tli" first school was taught at Parish-
viii.'. in the mmmei of 1 807.
8 Tli" town of "Arcadia," ho called, was annexed Feb. 20. 1807
Th" town of " (•!■■■ nboro" was erected Feb. 21, 1843, and re-an
i March 1. 18-is. in consequence of fraudulent practices
with regard I a nts upon t > ■ . - lands of non-residents.
'Among those Who settled in the town in 1798 were Amos
pin; and the first death, that of Zodock Hopkins, — all in 181 L Kent, Jotiah Tryon, Nathan Sage, Jonathan Harmon, James
OSWEGO COUNTY.
527
RICIIX.11VI> — was formed from Williamstown, as part of Oneida 00., Feb. 20, 1807. Orwell
was taken off in L817, Sandy Creek and Albion iii 1K25, a part of Mexico in lK.'JG, and a part of
Orwell in L8 1 1. It Lies upon the shore of Lake Ontario, n. of the center of the co. The surface 18
generally level or gently rolling, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. The z. pari is 250
feet above Lake Ontario, and Pulaski Village is 131 feet above,— giving to the town B decided
westerly inclination. Tlic principal streams are Salmon River,1 Deer and Sandstone Creeks; and
upon each of them arc falls, furnishing a large amount of water-power.'2 Spring Brook is a small
stream flowing from several large springs in the e. part of the town, and in the course of 3 mi. falls
150 feet. The springs are perpetual, and rather increase than diminish in summer; so that the
power furnished is abundant and constant. The mouth of Salmon River furnishes a good harbor.
The underlying rock is the Lorraine shales; the soil is a sandy loam, with some elay in the B. "'.
part, and is generally fertile. Pulaski, (p. v.,) on Salmon River, about 3 mi. from its mouth,
is the half shire of the co. and was incorp. April 26, 1832. It contains 4 churches, a courthouse,
an academy,3 a newspaper office, a bank, and several manufacturing establishments.4 Pop. 1,168.
Port Ontario, (p. v.,) on Salmon River, near its mouth, contains about 50 houses; and
Ilolmcsville (South Richland p.o.) 1 church and 20 houses; Selkirk, at the mouth of
Salmon River, contains a church, a U. S. lighthouse, and 30 dwellings. Richland Station.
on the W. & R. R. R., is in the e. part of the town. The first settlement was made near the mouth
of Salmon River, in 1801, by Nathan Tuttle, of Canada, and Nathan Wilcox and Albert Bohannan,
from Rome.5 The first church (Cong.) was organized Jan. 22, 1811; and the Rev. Oliver Leavitt
was the first settled pastor. There are 7 churches in town.6
SANDY CREER— was formed from Richland, March 24, 1825. It lies on the shore of Lake
Ontario, upon the n. border of the co. Its surface is rolling and has a westerly inclination, its e.
border being elevated about 500 feet above the surface of the lake. It is drained by Little Sandy
Creek and many smaller streams, all of which have rapid currents and are frequently interrupted
by falls, which furnish a good supply of water-power. Little Sandy Pond, a portion of Lake Ontario,
nearly landlocked, lies principally within the limits of this town. The soil consists of gravelly loam
and disintegrated shale, and is generally productive. Lumber is the principal manufactured pro-
duct.' Washin^toiiville, (Sandy Creek p.o.,) situated on Little Sandy Creek, 4 mi. from
its mouth, is a station on the W. & R. R. R. Pop. 423. The first settlement was made in 1804,
by Joseph Hurd and Elias Howe, from Oneida co.8 The first church (Presb.) was organized in
1817, by Rev. Mr. Dunlap. There are now 3 churches in town.9
SCIIROEPPEE10— was taken from Yolney, April 4, 1832. It lies in the s. part of the co.,
in the n.e. angle formed by the junction of Oneida and Oswego Rivers. The surface is level or
gently rolling. It is watered by Scott and Fish Creeks and many smaller streams. A swamp
extends northward from the mouth of Fish Creek to the n. border of the town, and is a half mile
to a mile in width. The soil is a rich sandy loam and clay. The underlying rocks, which belong
to the Clinton group, nowhere crop out in the town. There are 10 sawmills, 4 shingle mills, and
other manufactures in town. Phoenix,11 (p. v.,) on Oswego River, 2 mi. below Three River
Point, was incorp. in 1848. It contains 3 churches and a newspaper office. Pop. 1,104. Gil-
bcrtsville, (Gilberts Mills p. o.,) in the n. part, contains 2 churches. Pop. 442. Hinmans-
ville, (p. v.,) in the extreme w. part, on Oswego River, contains 25 houses; and Pennelville,
Drake, Eli Strong, Benj. Austin, Samuel Brooks, Eliakim Si-
moinR Nathan Cook. Ebenezer Chamberlain, David Harmon,
ami Eliliu Ingraham. The first birth was that of Ezra L.H. Cham-
berlain; and the first death, that of an infant son of Dr. Alden,
in 1801. The first saw and grist mills were built in 1801; and
the first inn was opened the same year, by David Butler. The
first school was taught in 1802. by Rev. Joshua Johnson.
1 At, the mouth of Salmon River is a harbor admitting vessels
of light draught.
2 There are 19 sawmills, 8 shingle mills, 6 flouring and grist
mills, 2 cotton factories, 2 paper mills, a tool factory, and several
other manufacturing establishments in the town.
3 The Pulaski Academy was organized June 4, 1853.
* 2 paper mills, 4 flouring and grist mills, 3 sawmills, and 3
tanneries.
6 Among the early settlers were Ilugh Montgomery, in 1801 ;
John Ingersoll, Benj. Bull, Israel Jones, John Farnham, and
Johnson, in 1S04; Jeremiah Matthewson, in 1807; and
Ephraim and Justus Fox. in 1808. The first birth was that of
Benj. Ingersoll, Aug. 28, 1804; the first marriage, that of Sand.
Crippen and Ruth Tuttle, the same year; and the first death,
that of a child of Nathan Tuttle. The first inn was kept by
Benj. Winch, in 1806 ; and the first store, by John Meacham. in
1810. The first sawmill was built by John Hoar, in 1S06: ard
the first gristmill, by Jeremiah Matthewson. in 1S08. Milly
Ellis taught the first school, in the summer of 1808.
6 3 Bap., 2 M. E., Cong., and Prot. E.
I There are 11 sawmills, 2 shingle mills, 2 gristmills, and 2
tanneries in town.
8 in 1S05 Asel Hurd and 5 families from Vt., by the name of
Meacham, settled in town. The first sawmill was built by Wm.
Skinner and Joseph Hurd. in 1804; and the first gristmill, by
James Hinman, in 1806. Simeon Meacham kept the first store
and tavern, in 1806 : and the first school was taught at the
house of George Harding, by his daughter, in 1807-08. The first
birth was that of Laura Hurd ; the first marriage, that of Henry
Patterson and Lucy Meacham, in 1S06 ; and the first death, that
of Mrs. Elias Howe, in 1807.
9 Presb.. M. E., and Bap, — all at Washingtonville.
10 Pronounced scru'ple; named from Henry W. Schroeppel-
nis father, Geo. C. Schroeppel. purchased the whole of Township
24 and a large part of 16. of George Scriba. Henry W. settled
in the town in 1S19, and is still a resident.
II Named in honor of Alex. Phcenix.
523 0 S W E G 0 C 0 U N T Y.
(p.v.,) near the center, 15. Settlement was commenced by Abram Paddock, in 1S00.1 The first
church (M. E.) was organized in 182G. There are now 5 churches in town.2
SCRIBA3 — was taken from " Fredericksburg Ji" (now Volney) as part of Oneida co., April5, 1811.
It lies upon the shore of Lake Ontario and the e. bank of Oswego River. Its surface is rolling,
the ridges extending n. and s., and elevated 100 to 180 feet above the lake. It is drained by
Black Creek, flowing s., and Nine Mile, Four Mile, and Wine Creeks, flowing n. Upon several
of these streams are valuable mill privileges. The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, stony in
places, and only moderately fertile. Scriba Corners, (Scriba p. o.,) near the center of the
town, contains 1 church and about 40 houses. North Scriba is a p. o. The first settlement
was made by Henry Everts, in 1708.'4 There are 3 churches in town.5
YOL.XEY6 — was formed — by the name of "Fredcricksburgh" — from Mexico as part of Oneida
CO., March 21, 1806. Its name was changed April 5, 1811. Scriba was taken off in 1811, and
Schroeppel and Palermo in 1832. It lies upon the e. bank of Oswego River, s.w. of the center
of the co. Its surface is undulating, with high, steep banks bordering upon the river. The
ridges are 50 to 100 feet above the valleys and 100 to 200 feet above Oswego River. The red
sandstone crops out on the bank of the river and is extensively quarried for building stone. The
falls upon the river furnish an immense water-power.7 The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam.
Fulton,s (p. v..) on Oswego River, at the Oswego Falls,9 was incorp. April 29, 1835. It contains
6 churches, the Falley Seminary,10 2 newspaper offices, and a large number of manufacturing
establishments. Pop. 3,192. Seneca Hill, (p.v.,) on Oswego River, in the n. w. corner of the
town, contains 50 dwellings and the largest flouring establishment in the State.11 Volney Cor-
ners. (Volney p. o.,) near the center, contains 18 houses. The present village of Fulton became
the seat of a floating population in the early part of the eighteenth century; but permanent settle-
ment was not commenced until 1793.12 The first church (Presb.) was organized in 1814; and the
Rev. Mr. Leavitt was the first settled minister. There are 9 churches in town.13
WEST MOXROE- was formed from Constantia, March 21, 1839. It lies upon the n. shore
of Oneida Lake, s. e. of the center of the co. The surface is level and marshy in the s., and rolling,
broken, and stony in the x. A marsh on the bank of the lake covers an area of more than 1,000
acres, and a considerable portion of it produces cranberries. In the valleys between the ridges,
in the x. part of the town, are several smaller marshes. Red sandstone, the underlying rock, crops
out in this town and furnishes a plentiful supply of valuable building stone. Bog iron ore is
found in the x. part ; and it is said that traces of lead and silver have also been found. The soil
is a medium quality of clay, sandy and gravelly loam. West Monroe and Union Settle-
ment are p. offices. The first settlement was made in 1806, by Martin Owens, Abel and Joseph
B. An, -. Ebenezer Loomis, and Sylvanus Allen.14 The first church (Presb.) was organized in 1843.15
WILLIAMSTOWi\-was formed from Mexico, as part of Oneida co., March 24, 1804.
Richland was taken off'in 1807, and Amboy in 1830. It lies near the center of the e. border of
the co. Tho surface is undulating in the s., but broken and stony in the w., and moderately lilly
in the r. It is drained by Fish Creek, flowing into Oneida Lake, and the head branches of Salmon
> Thoma» Vi. fcerj and La Eommedien settled in 1807; internal water communication between Schenectady and tho
and v. The fir»t birth was that of Joseph port* upon Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, after the
\ 7; and tho Brat marriage, that of John construction of the canal connecting Wood Creek with tho Mo-
i Tho iwmillwas erected by hawk Hirer, by the 'Western Navigation Co., in 1790.
H v, - n 1819; and the first gristmill, by a. -v li. "Tho Pulton Female Seminary was incorp. in isrifi, and in
Gilbert, t). it. Tim fir- 1 store »n» kept hy An 12 it «a.s chanced to the Fulton Academy. In 1849 it received
Gilbert, In 1821 ; and the ftr»t inn. by Alex. Phoenix, In 1828. a donation oi £8,000 from Mrs. M. E. Falley and assumed the
lit ■ i River Point, In
i : M i ■ . Bap., and v. W. Ilnp.
I Named In honor ol ■. the original proprietor of
thi« at ■- town'.
« Asahel Baal town in 1801 :
Wm. I- ■ -' : and It. Do datni 'lark in
■ iiirth »™< thai : He- Orel
marriage, that of .1. tin Ml ln,in 1806; and
i),. Q • of a child of Ilirnm Warier. The lir-t inn
ws« kepi by lliel Stone. It I store, by Orrin
l'irkhnr«t, in 1819. BonJ. Robinson, from
Manilas, t tophi the fir«t school, in i
B : M. K... and a Bethel Vr<- and t'nion.
• Named in honor of Volney, th» Prencb author, who visited
the town in 1808, while on a Umr through the i
I There ir.- 7 Soaring mill* in town, baring an aggregate of
t; run • iirc° numl>cr of sawmill" and Othi t
mannfart'. liahmonta.
» Named in honor of Robert Fulton. It was originally called
"Onugo F<Vtr
* The portage at this place was the only interruption in the
name of the Falley Seminary. At the same time it came under
the charge of the Black Hirer Conference of tho M. JO. Church.
It in now a private institution.
11 Thin flouring mill has larun of stone, with a separate wheel
to each run. and a capacity of grinding and packing 1,200 bar-
rels of Hour per day.
is Daniel Masters settled at Oswego Falls in 1793; Laurence
Van Valkenburgh, below the falls, in 1795; and John Van lluren
in 1796. John Waterhouse settled in tho town in 1797; and
i i ■ ne7.er Wright in iwjo. The first birth after the permanent
settlement was inl79.'>: and the first death, that of John Water-
honse, in Aug. 1799. Daniel Masters kept the first inn, at tho
falls, in 1794 ; ami he and Qoodell erected the first sawmill,
in 17'."'.. Mi--i A. Waterhouse taught the B.rs1 school, in 1800.
» 2 M. >:., Presb., l'rot. E., Cong., Bap., 1'rot. Moil,., Wes. Meth.,
and Union.
'* Deacon Smith, from Mass., settled in the town in 1808, and
Hiram Nickorson in 1810. Tho first birth was that of Azariah
Ames. The first inn was kept by Deacon Smith, in 1812; and
the first school was taught by Caroline liarnes, in 1810.
t* The census reports 2 churches; I'rcsb. and F. W. Bop.
DC
O
03
DC
<
o
o
CO
o
OSWEGO COUNTY.
529
River. The surface of Fish Creek at Williamstown Mills, in the s. e. part, is 354 feet above Lake
Ontario, and the hills in the n. e. are 200 to 300 feet higher. The greater part of the town is yet
unsettled. The soil is a moderately fertile sandy or gravelly loam. Lumber and leather are the
principal manufactured products. Williamstown, (p. v.,) on Fish Creek, in the s. part, is a
station on the W. & R. R. R. Pop. 240. Rasoag, (p. v.,) a little w. of the center, is a station
on the W. & R. R. R. and contains about 25 houses. The first settlement was made in 1801, by
Gilbert Taylor, Solomon Goodwin, Ichabod Comstock, Dennis Orton, Henry Williams, and Henry
Filkins.1 The first church (Cong.) was founded in 1805, by Rev. Wm. Stone.*
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dioellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Oswego County.
Names of Towns.
Albion
Amboy
Boylston
Constantia
Granny
Hannibal
Hastings
Mexico
New Haven....
Orwell
Oswego City...
Oswego-Town.
Falermo
Parish
Redfield
Richland
Sandy Creek...
Schroeppel
Scriba
Volney
West Monroe..
Williamstown
Total
Ackes op Land.
6
9.196J
6,327!
5,486
6,161
16,458
15,094|
13,252|
20,206!
11,4101
8,537!
2,042
12,2424.
12^2331
9,010!
5,988i
19,632
16.73S
18,055!
14,39Si
16,141
5,237!
5,271!
244,126
16,109
18,070!
17,379
28,660
13,574*
12,035
14,010
8,011
7,603
17,345
783!
7,494!
12,777
15,921
51,835
11,859
6,559!
11,619
8,936
12,521!
14..;.;::;
20,281!
Valuation op 1858.
32S,047|
1
e S1
^
e
if
ft!
a, &.
$262,340
$7,750
105,160
5,550
70,117
1,300
324,299
15,100
608,863
20,270
410,170
13,650
645,900
44,300
533,030
95,400
283,880
41,195
170,581
7,000
4,262.372
1,401,410
559,736
26,900
347,670
18,100
241,014
16,975
181,547
7,455
709,161
881,950
410,995
34,300
603,290
24,100
1,417,675
30,800
574,963
44,250
120,390
5,700
140,161
3,100
12.983,314
1,946,555
2
$270,090
110,710
71,417
339,399
629,133
423.820
690,200
628.430
325,075
177,581
5,663,782
,risti. .;:;.;
365,770
257,989
189,002
791,111
445,295
627,390
1,448,475
619,213
126,090
143,261
14,929,869
Population.
«5
.5
i
|
0
g
"5>
fc
^
1
tei
435
1,147
1,065
413
636
536
215
222
424
391
144
146
1,591
1,764
592
632
1,963
1,784
694
767
1,555
1,473
590
639
1,610
1,459
581
608
2,015
2.0117
782
831
1,011
1,001
396
433
669
589
241
260
8,022
7,794
2,618
2,962
1,428
1,332
523
545
1,048
975
424
457
875
800
323
337
452
346
144
158
2,079
1,933
735
677
1,175
1,098
418
488
1,937
1,810
6S6
756
1,539
1,419
558
687
3,365
3,111
1,166
1,343
631
5S6
224
241
490
463
1S2
187
35,662
33,736
12.649
13,711
9.7*1 307 27.249
Names of Towns.
Albion
Amboy
Boylston
Constantia
Giauby
Hannibal
Hastings
Mexico
New Haven....
Orwell
Oswego City...
Oswego-Town.
Palermo.-
Parish
Redfield
Richland
Sandy Creek.-
Schroeppel
Scriba
Volney
West Monroe..
Williamstown
Total
Live Stock.
5
g
429
220
169
392
903
1,097
669
1,007
531
278
596
748
591
403
162
866
557
760
691
904
249
1'
°>1
■s s 4
813
622
314
640
1,381
1,490
1,180
1,656
1,250
580
53
884
1,146
835
420
1,6
1,134
1,275
931
1,096
519
392
S
6
769
464
570
457
1.120
1,317
956
2,290
1,04S
909
594
936
1,005
822
757
2,244
1.5*3
1,054
1.174
1,124
465
325
g
1,296
854
460
996
3,025
2,215
2,692
3.170
1,878
582
194
1,934
2.331
1,263
451
3,042
2,126
2.768
1.302
2,185
907
417
A
To;,
404
30S
654
1,600
1,887
1,243
1,994
S86
470
1,204
1,060
1,074
900
176
1,513
1,139
1,155
1.080
1,606
465
313
12,398120,189 21,983>36,0S8 21,836
Aqricultukal Products.
Bush, op Grain.
i
a
s
"4.:i49
1,251
881
2,767
2,900!
3,289!
6,258
4,714!
1,558!
3,572
292!
1,720
5,037!
2,264
180
2,259
5.786
2,243
2,727
1,686
1,183!
1,234
58,153;
'£
42,716!
22,193!
19,196
27 .952
108,261|
101,995
70,766
109,560
47,495!
35,744
4,305!
48,183
64,211
40,613!
15.218!
97,019!
64,207
83,548
36,261!
76,339!
25,251
17,510
1,158,647
Si
a
1.755!
1,273!
1,063
1.208
3.409
3,670
2,527!
5,376
2,655!
1,766
492
4.054
2,874!
1,808!
2,352
5.077
3.346!
3,313!
4.756!
4.367
1,403}
6891
58,138
•S.
391,912!
V.
2 O
S5
eqft.
8,020
20,454
7,184
6,248
5.S71
2,731
9.000
5.050
36,795
25,932
31.255
37,664
18.041
20,016
51.244
40.064
18,716
35.141
9,631
4,244
1,910!
5,225
19,928
16,830
24,640
30,885
14,350
16,099
5,786
327
30,962
47,315
14,370
24,S73
14,689
13,356
21,652
33,325
23,235
39,370
7,142
7,943
5,057
5.257
Daisy Pbodccts.
ft. K)
Slj.SOO
45,822
36.S60
47,885
105,210
127,843
87,643
204,992
133,550
105,324
3,400
97,306
107,315
M.ii.V,
33.9S0
174,675
139,117
81,222
159,514
102.652
47,609
28,800
»S8
425,915 2,036,174 975,4611 28,617
10,550 ■
1,314
70,522
1,050,
3,201
13,756
5,641,
130,915!
15,804,
122,780,
3,530,
12,050
15,100,
151,900
123,970|
167.575
44,555
11,490]
5S,451
8,357
2,950!
1,821
1.432
1,264
837
1,893
1.295!
2,549
2,070!
1,027
1,052
363
1.444
2,242
2*4
1,931
2,220
1.0S7
906
1,351
916
632
1 The first marriage was that of Joel Rathburn and Miss P.
Alden, in Sept. 1802; and the first death, that of Mrs. Sarah
Orton, in the spring of 1804. Isaac Alden opened the first inn,
in 1803, built the first sawmill, the same year, and the first
gristmill, in 1S04. The first store was opened in 1S06, by Danl.
Furnian. The first school was taught by rhilander Alden, in
1803.
2 There are now 2 churches in town ; Cong, and M. E.
34
OTSEGO COUNTY.
This county was erected from Montgomery, Feb. 16, 1791, and em-
braced the 2 original towns of Otsego and Cherry Valley. A part
of Schoharie was taken off in 1795, and a part of Delaware in 1797.
It lies upon the highlands at the head of Susquehanna River, s. e.
of the center of the State. It is centrally distant 66 miles from
Albany, and contains 1,038 sq. mi. Its surface is a hilly upland,
divided into several ridges separated by deep, broad valleys. The
declivities are generally gradual ; and the highest summits are 400
to 700 ft. above the valleys and 1,700 to 2,000 ft. above tide. The
ridges have a general n. e. and s. w. direction. A high and rocky
upland extends into the s. E. corner from Delaware, terminating
upon Schenevas Creek in an abrupt and wall-like declivity 300 to
500 ft. high. The other ridges of the co. have a nearly uniform elevation, and generally terminate
in steep declivities upon the valleys of the streams. The principal streams are Unadilla River,
forming the w. boundary, "Wharton and Butternut Creeks, Otego Creek, Susquehanna River,
Cherry Valley and Schenevas Creeks. Charlotte River forms a small portion of the s, boundary.
Besides these, there are a large number of smaller creeks and brooks, tributaries to the above. A
few small streams rise in the n. e. corner and flow into the Mohawk. Otsego Lake, in the n. e. part,
is a fine sheet of water 8 mi. long and about 1 mi. broad. It is 1,193 ft. above tide, and is sur-
rounded by hills 400 to 500 ft. high. Its outlet forms the principal head branch of the Susque-
hanna. Schuyler Lake, n.w. of Otsego, is a similar sheet of water, 3i mi. long. The other bodies
of water in the co. are small ponds. The rocks in the n. e. corner consist of the limestones of the
Helderbergh division. The hills in the s. part are composed of the shales of the Hamilton group
and the shales and sandstones of the Portage and Chemung groups. The summits in the extreme
s. part and s. e. corner are crowned by the red sandstone and shales of the Catskill group. Al-
most all the valuable quarries of the co. are found in the limestone region of the n. e. The soil in
the x. e. is a good quality of gravelly and calcareous loam ; but further south it is a clay and shaly
loam upon the hills, and a gravelly loam and alluvium in the valleys. The uplands are best adapted
to grazing; and the river intervales are well adapted to the cultivation of grain. The people are
principally engaged in stock raising and dairying. More hops are raised in this co. than in any
other in the State. The manufacturing interests are limited, though the available water-power is
very great.
The county seat is located at Cooperstown, in the town of Otsego, at the foot of Otsego Lake.1
The courthouse is a brick edifice in the w. part of the village.2 The jail, near by, is built of
stone, but has few of the modern improvements or conveniences. The average number of inmates
is 8, supported at a weekly cost of $3.00 each. The clerk's office is a fireproof brick build-
ing, oontigacraa to the courthouse. The co. poorhouse is situated upon a farm of 153 acres in
Mi'Ml'ti'M. 4 mi. s. of Cooperstown. Its average number of inmates is 90. The children attend
the district school. The farm yields a revenue of SI, 400. The general arrangement and manage-
ment of this institution are far better than the average. The only work of internal improvement in
the co. is the Albany & Susquehanna R. R., now in process of construction. It extends along
Susquehanna River and Schenevas Creek, through Unadilla Otego, Oneonta, Milford, Maryland,
and Worcester.
Three weekly nowspapr-rs are published in the co.8
1 TL. rm.« Farrlngtun. On, Of 0»?
and Archibald Campbell, "f Dn( re the commissioners
apfvilnt'-l to lecaN- Hu OS. "*at.
■ The Oral manly offlcen wore Win. Cooper, First Judge;
Jacob M<irri«. OmmTJ CUrk; Ui.-hard II. Smith, Sheriff; and
James Cannon. SurrryaU.
* The. Otttgo Beralaattd WtsUm AdoerHmr, the Ant piper pub-
lished in the eo, and the second in u»n State w. of
Albany, ffanromnnni"! el Cooperetown, April 8, 1706,
I y l.lihu F'hlnmy. a native of Conn. Mr. Miinn-y r"n-
tinued It* publication until 1KA3. wh<n h» died. It wax
then published by his sons, K. k H. Thinner, until
1821, when it wa* di»continu<*l.
7he Impartial Obmrrxr wee established at Cooperetown In 1808
630
by William Andrews. It soon after passed to John II.
Prentiss, who changed its name to
The Oooperttovm Federalist, under which title it was published
until 1828, when the name was again changed to
The Frrcmnn'H Jonrnnl. In 1850 it passed into tho
hands of Samuel M. Shaw, by whom it is now pub-
lish, d.
Th'. Ol.'frio li'T'ihliran was published at Cherry Valley in 1812
I ■• Clark &Crandal.
Thf. Jfhtchtower was established at Cherry' Valley in 1813. In
1814 it was removed to Cooperstown, where it was
published by Israel W. Clark until Jlay, 1S17, when
Edward B. Crandal became proprietor, and continued
the publication until 1831.
OTSEGO COUNTY.
531
The first settlement in this co. was made at Cherry Valley, in 1740, by John Lindesay, who, with
3 others, held a patonffor a tract of 8,000 acres lying in that town.1 Mr. Lindesay was a Scotch
gentleman of some fortune and distinction, and, by his influence, induced ;t settlement on his lands
of several families, comprising about 30 persons, originally from Scotland and Ireland. A few
years later, small settlements were made in the present towns of Springfield, Middlcficld, Laurens,
Otego, and at other points in the valley of the Susquehanna. These settlements then formed the
extreme outposts in the advance of civilization west. They increased very slowly, in consequence
of the fear of Indian hostilities. In L765, 25 years after the first, settlement, hut 40 families had
located at Cherry Valley. At the commencement of the Revolution it was still a frontier settle-
ment. On the 11th of Oct. 1778, it was attacked by the tories and Indians, under the lead of
Butler and Brant, and a horrible massacre ensued. The family of Robert Wells, father of the late
John Wells of New York, consisting of 12 persons, wore brutally murdered ; and one of the tories
boasted that he killed Mr. Wells while at prayer. John Wells, the only member of the family
who escaped, was at school in Schenectady at the time. The wife and daughter of Mr. Dunlop
were murdered in cold blood, as were also the wife and 4 children of Mr. Mitchell. Thirty-two of
the inhabitants, mostly women and children, and 10' Continental officers and soldiers, were killed ;
the residue of the inhabitants were taken prisoners and carried off, and all the buildings in the
place were burned. All the frontier settlements were ravaged, and nearly every building, except
those belonging to tories, was burned. These horrible outrages aroused the whole country, and in
1779 Gen. Sullivan, at the head of a large body of troops, was sent against the Western tribes. In
Feb. Gen. Clinton, with a force of 1,200 men, marched up the Mohawk, and thence opened a road
to Otsego Lake, a distance of 20 mi. At the foot of the lake he halted and built a dam across the
outlet, and prepared boats to descend the stream. When the lake was sufficiently high, the boats
were launched, the dam was broken down, and the army descended the river on the flood thus pro-
duced. The Indians upon the banks, witnessing the extraordinary rise of the river at midsummer
without any apparent cause, were struck with superstitious dread, and in the very outset were
disheartened at the apparent interposition of the Great Spirit in favor of their foes. Gen. Clinton's
forces joined Sullivan on the Chemung. At the close of the war, settlements progressed with
great rapidity ; and much of the best land in the co. was taken up before the fertile lands in the
western part of the State were opened to immigration. In late years the progress of the co. has
not been so rapid as that of other sections of the State, from the fact that no great work of public
improvement has yet been constructed within its limits, and hence it is comparatively isolated and
difficult of access.
BURLINGTON— was formed from Otsego, April 10, 1792. Pittsfield was taken off in 1797,
and Edmeston in 1808. It is an interior town, lying n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is
a hilly upland, divided into 3 general ridges extending n. and s. These ridges are about 400 ft.
above the valleys, and are arable to their summits. The streams are Butternut Creek, flowing s.
through the center, and Wharton Creek, flowing s. w. through the w. part. The soil upon the
hills is a slaty loam, in many places underlaid by hardpan, and in the valleys a gravelly loam.
Tlte. Tocsin was established at Cooperstown in .Tune. 1 K'20. by
Duttnn & Hews, and was published by them until 1831,
when it took the name of
The Otsego Republican. It was issued by Duttnn & Hopkins
for about 1 year; by Hopkins alone, 1 year; Hop-
kins & Clark, a year; by A. W, Clark, about 1 year;
and by Andrew W. Barber, 4 or 5 years. In 1845 it was
issued by ,1. K. Williams & Co. Soon after it again
came into the possession of A. W. Barber, and was con-
tinued by him until his death, in Aug. 1855. In Oct.
1855, the paper was united with The Otsego Democrat,
and issued as
The Republican and Democrat, under which title
it is now published by .lames J. Hendi ix.
Tlie Otsego Democrat was commenced at Cooperstown in 1846
by James J. Hendrix, and was published by him until
it was merged with the Republican in 1S55.
The Otsego Examiner was commenced at Cooperstown in 1854
by Robert Shankland, who soon after withdrew, and
the publication was continued by B. W. Burditt until
1857.
The Cherry Valley Gazette was started in Oct. 1818, by Wm.
McLean, who continued its publication until 1S32. It
then passed into the hands of Charles McLean, who
continued it until Jan. 1, 1S47, when A. 8. Bottsford
became proprietor and continued it until 1851. It
then reverted to Charles McLean ; and in 1853 it was
sold to John B. King, who published it 1 year unde»
the name of
The American Banner, when he sold it to A. S. Bottsford, who
changed the name back to
The Cherry Valley Gazette, under which title it is
still published.
The Otsego Farmer was published ?tt Cherry Valley in 1841.
The Otsego County Courier was commenced at the village of
Louisville, in the town of Morris, by Wm. H. S. Wy
nans, in 1845. This paper was succeeded by
The Village Advertiser, commenced at the same place in 1851
It was a quarterly publication, conducted, in 1855, by
II. S. Avery.
The Oneonta Herald was commenced Feb. 9, 1853, at Oneonta
Village, and was published by L. P. Carpenter in 1855.
The Vnadilla Advertiser was published at the village of Una-
dilla for a series of years; but its history is wanting,
1 During the first winter the snow fell to so great a depth
that it was impossible for Mr. Lindesay to go to the nearest
settlement, which was 15 mi. distant. His provisions gave out,
and his family were in clanger of perishing by starvation. In
this extremity they were visited by an Indian, who came on
snow shoes, and who, on learning their situation, undertook to
supply them with food. He went to the Mohawk, and returned
with a load of provisions, and continued his visits of mercy
until the close of the winter. Mr. Lindesay afterward left
the settlement, joined the army, and served for several years.
."532 OTSEGO COUNTY.
Buii5;ssrlon Green, (Burlington p. o.,) on Butternut Creek, near the center, contains 3
churches and 118 inhabitants; Burlington Flats, (p. v.,) on Wharton Creek, n.w. of the
center, 2 churches, a cotton factory, gristmill, sawmill, and about 30 dwellings ; and West
Burlington, (p. v.,) on "Wharton Creek, 2 churches and 143 inhabitants. The first settlement
was commenced near West Burlington, in 1790, by Robert Garrat, and Eber and Benj. Harrington.1
The first church (Bap.) was formed at Burlington Green, in 1793 ; Rev. James Southworth was
the first minister.2
BITTERXITS- was formed from Unadilla, Feb. 5, 1796. Morris was taken off in 1849,
and a part of Unadilla was annexed in 1857. It lies upon the w. border of the co., s. w. of the
center. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided into several ridges extending n. and s. Unadilla
River, forming its w. boundary, is bordered by a narrow intervale, from which the highlands rise in
a series of steep bluffs to a height of 500 to 600 ft. Butternut Creek flows s. w. in a deep valley
through near the center of the town. A large number of smaller streams, tributaries to these,
flow in deep valleys among the hills, dividing the ridges and giving to the region a peculiar broken
character. The hills are arable to their summits, and the soil is a good quality of red shale and
gravelly loam. Gilbertsville, (Butternuts p. o.,) near the center, contains 4 churches, the
Gilbertsville Academy and Collegiate Institute, an oil mill, tannery, and various other manu-
facturing establishments. Pop. 442. Settlements were commenced about 1790, at Gilbertsville,
by Gordon and Wyatt Chamberlin and Abijah Gilbert.3 The first church (Cong.) was formed in
1795-96; Rer. John Stone was the first preacher.*
CHERRY V.1L.L.EY— was formed from Canajoharie, (Montgomery co.,)' Feb. 16, 1791.
Middlefield, Springfield, and Worcester were taken off in 1797, and Roseboom in 1854. It is the
x. E. corner town in the co. Its surface is a hilly and mountainous upland ; and much of it is too
rough and rocky for cultivation. Mount Independence, s. e. of the center, is a rocky eminence
1,000 ft. above the valleys and 2,000 ft. above tide. It is the highest summit in the co. A range
of highlands extends along the N. w. boundary. The central and s. parts of the town are drained
by the head branches of the Susquehanna, and the n. part by tributaries of the Mohawk. The
soil upon the uplands is a slaty and gravelly loam, and in the valleys a fine quality of calcareous
loam. Upon a small creek in the n. part is the Te-ka-ha-ra-nea Falls, 160 feet in height. In the
vicinity are several sulphur springs and quarries of limestone. In the N. e. corner are several
spriugs of weak brine, from which salt was formerly manufactured. Cherry Valley,6 (p. v.,)
at the head of the valley of Cherry Valley Creek, was incorp. June 8, 1812. It contains 3 churches,
the Cherry Valley Academy,6 a bank, newspaper office, and gristmill. Pop. 933. Salt Springrs-
Ville7 (p. o.) is a hamlet in the n. e. corner. The first settlement was made on the present site
of the village in 1739, by John Lindesay, an emigrant from the Londonderry Colony of Scotch-
Irish in N". II.8 The first religious services were held in 1743, by Rev. Samuel Dunlap, a native
of Ireland.9
DEC ITER"1— was formed from Worcester, March 25, 1808. It lies upon the e. ime of the
co., s. of the center. The surface is hilly, and broken by the narrow valleys of several small
t Pnul Gardner - ttli •! in 1792, anil BenJ. Curd. Miles Potter,
Caleb Gardner, Alexan ler Parker, lr.\ Johnson, Jolm Johnson,
Lemuel Bnbbell ,i Hubbard, about the - Hup or
aoon after, In toe vicinity ol Burlington Plata, The first school
• i . .i - Wright, at BurUngt n Green. Paris Hrlggs
anil Will.ir. I Church kepi the t.rft Inns, andWalbiidge .v Co.tbo
it Burlington Flats. Augustus and Adolphns Wai-
ted the flrsl mill, nt the same plai •
'T! Bap, P nub., Cong., Prot.
E.. Friends, and i WM
* John Harsh, ■ hn and Daniel Eastwood were
atn'.ni: the urst settlers in thew. i the town, sndWm.
d r.n l Di irgess in the s. part The flrsl child
born was Wm. Shaw, and h- i- =uj ; ve been the lir.it
sue that died; the first m that of Jos. Cox and Betsey
:t. The first I taught l.y Lot] BoWbert, at the
bonse of Jos. Cox. Abijah Gill».rt U- pi the fir-t inn. and Wm.
n the Oral si Bflbertsvflle. The first mill wan
i I by Jos. Shaw and AbUab Gilbert
♦ The census reports 6 churches ; Cong., Presb., Prot. E., Bop.,
ami M.K.
'This plaee ban been ton sral of the ili-tin-
sruished political and proS "-i'.nal nvn In the I-tate. among whom
wen .'"bn Hills, Esq., the distinguished lawyer of N. V. City;
Hon. Wm. W. Campbell, author ..f lbs Annals of Tryon Co.;"
I',..v. KUphalet Not! : Jabes D. Hammond. K«|., author; of " 1 '■ >I i-
1 1 i-t- -ry of New York ;" Hon. 1 I Ul.y. author of
"Bemmiaoancee of utvi; •. A Irin Stewart, Ssq.; and James C.
Horse, Esq.
6 This institution was incorp. Feb. 8, 1706, and is the oldest
academy w. of Schenectady. Its first principal was Hev. Solo-
mon Spaulding, the reputed author of the Book of Mormon;
his .successor was Rev. Eliphak-t Nott, the venerable President
of Union College. The institution has maintained a high repu-
tation for more than half a century ; and the female department
under its present organization has attained a wide celebrity.
' Named from the brine springs in the vicinity.
8 Mr. Lindesay was ono of the original proprietors of Cherry
Valley, under a patent granted in 17.18. by George Clarke, then
Lieut Governor Of New York, to John Lindesay, Jacob Rose-
boom, and others. David Ilnmsey and James Campbell, from
Londonderry, N. II.. and Wm. Gait and Wm. Dickson, from Ire-
land, settled on tlie patent, in 1742, at and near the village.
John Wells, from Ireland, settled at the village, in 1744. From
the fear of Indian hostilities, the settlement of Cherry Valley
proceeded slowly, there being in 1752, 12 years after the first
- til. ment, but 8 families in the town; and at the breaking out
of the Revolution, in 1775. the number of families did not exceed
io. James Kitchie kept the first store and inn, anterior to the
war; and James Campbell erected the first gristmill, in 1743-44.
John Wells erected the second gristmill. Rev. Samuel Dunlop
taught a classical school at bis own house, in 1743-44, — the first
probably, of the kind w. of the Hudson. The whole settlement
was destroyed by the Indians, and the greater part of the in-
habitants were murdered and taken prisoners, on the evening of
Nov. 11,177k. See page 531.
B The census reports 4 churches; 2 M. E., Presb.. and Prot. E.
10 Named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur.
OTSEGO COUNTY.
533
streams. The hills generally have gradual slopes and rounded summits, and are elevated 250 to
300 ft. above the valleys. The town is drained s. by Oak and Parker Creeks, flowing into the
Sehenevas. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Decatur, (p. v.,) near the s. w. corner,
contains a church and 120 inhabitants. The first settlements were commenced in or about 1700,
by Jacob Kinney, originally from New Milford, Conn., at or near the village of Decatur.1 The
first religious association (M. E.) was formed at an early period.'2
EDMESTON— -was formed from Burlington, April 1, 1808. It lies upon the w. border of the
CO., n. of the center. The surface is an elevated upland, broken by numerous irregular valleys.
The highest elevations are 400 to 500 ft. above Unadilla lliver, which (onus the w. boundary
Wharton Creek flows across the s. e. corner. Mill Creek and several other small streams take their
rise in the town. Smiths Pond is a small sheet of water in the n. e. corner. The soil is a sandy
and clayey loam. Edmeston Center (Edmeston p. o.) contains 3 churches, a grist and saw
mill, and tannery. Pop. 275. West Edmeston, (p. v.,) on Unadilla River, and partly in
Brookfield, (Madison co.,) contains a church and 35 houses. South Edmeston (p. v.,) contains
a church and 30 houses. East Edmeston is a p. o. Of the first settlement in town, authentic
data of the precise date are wanting. It was made, however, on Unadilla River, during the
interval between the close of the French War, in 1763, and the commencement of that of the
Revolution, in 1775, by Col. Edmeston, an officer of the French War, and Percifer Carr, a faithful
soldier who had served under him.s The first church (Bap.) was formed at Taylor Hill, March 8,
1794 ; Rev. Stephen Taylor was the first preacher.4
EXETER — was formed from Richfield, March 25, 1799. It is an interior town, lying n. w.
of the center of the co. The surface is hilly and broken, consisting mainly of elevated uplands.
Angel Cliff and Town Cliff Hills, in the e. part of the town, are 400 to 500 ft. above the valleys.
The town is drained e. by several small streams flowing into Schuyler Lake, and s. by Butternut
and Wharton Creeks, both of which rise in this town. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam, well
adapted to grazing. Exeter Center (Exeter p. o.) contains a church and 10G inhabitants.
Schuylers Lake, (p. v.,) at the outlet of Schuyler Lake, on the e. border of the town, contains
2 churches and 280 inhabitants. West Exeter (p. v.) contains 1 church and 100 inhabitants.
The first settlements were made by John Tunnicliff, near Schuyler Lake, and William Angel, on
Angel Hill, in 1789.5 The first religious association (Presb.) was formed at Exeter Center, in 1800 :
Rev. T. W. Duncan was the first regular preacher.6
HARTWICR'- was formed from Otsego, March 30, 1802. Its n. line was changed in 1803. It
is the central town in the co. It is a hilhy upland, the highest summits being 200 to 350 ft. above
the valleys. Its e. part is drained by the Suscpiehanna, and its w. part by Otego Creek. The soil
is chiefly a sandy and gravelly loam, with an occasional mixture of clay. Hartwick, (p. v.,)
on Otego Creek, in the w. part, contains 4 churches, 2 iron founderies, several mills, and other
manufacturing establishments. Pop. about 400. Hartwick Seminary? (p. v.,) in the
valley of the Susquehanna, contains the "Hartwick Theological and Classical Seminary,"8 a
church, and 20 dwellings. South. Hartwick (p. v.) contains a church and 17 houses.
Toddsville, (p. v.,) upon the line of Otsego, in the n. e. corner of the town, contains the Union
Cotton Factory9 and about a dozen dwellings. Clintonville, a hamlet in the s. e. corner, is
the seat of the Clinton Cotton Factory.10 The Hartwick Patent, including the greater part of the
area of this town, was granted April 22, 1761 ; and settlements were made in the town before the
1 Jacob Brown, John and Calvin Seward, and Oliver Mclntyre
settled soon after; and Sloan, from Columbia co., settled
near the village, in 1797. Mr. Sloan opened the first tavern
and the first store, N. of the village. 0 olm Champion erected the
first gristmill, and James Stewart the first carding and fulling
mill, about 1810. The first school was taught by Samuel Thur-
ber, in 1798. The first death is supposed to have been that of
Mr. King, about 1797.
2 The census reports 2 churches; M. E. and Bap.
8 At the close of the war, Col. Edmeston, for his military ser-
vices, received the grant of a tract of land covering a large por-
tion of the town on which he made the first settlement. At his
death the lands fell to heirs and minor children residing in
England, from whom no safe title could be obtained for many
years, — which greatly retarded the settlement of the town.
During the Revolution, the hired men of Mr. Carr were killed
while at work, his barn was burned, his property destroyed, and
himself and family were taken prisoners by the British and In-
dians and detained to the close of the war. Abel De Forest and
Gideon De Forest were among the early settlers on the Unadilla ;
Aden Deming and James Kenada, at Edmeston ; and Stephen
Taylor, on Taylor Hill, where the first school was taught. Rums
Graves kept the first inn ; and James Kenada erected the first
gristmill, both at Edmeston Center.
4 The census reports 5 churches; 2 Bap., 7th da. Bap., M.E.,
and Univ.
5 About the samo time, or soon after. Asa Williams settled in
the s. part of the town ; Joshua and Caleb Angel, on Angel Hill :
Seth Tubbs and Bethel Martin, at West Exeter; and Si. Cush-
man, on the Rockdunga. Eliphalet Brockway kept the first inn.
at Schuyler Lake ; and C. Jones the first stove, in 1810. John
Hartshorne erected the first gristmill, on Herkimer Creek.
6 The census reports 6 churches ; 2 M. E., Cong.. Bap., Prot. F...
and Union.
1 Named from Christopher Hartwick, the patentee of the
Hartwick Patent.
8 This institution, established in 1815, was originally endowed
by John Christopher Hartwick with a fund of $80,000.
9 The Union Cotton Factory was erected in 1809, and burned
down and rebuilt in 1848. It gives employment to about 40
hands.
10 The Clinton Factory, erected in 1847, gives employment to
35 hands, and turns out 624,000 yards of printed cottons per
annum.
534 OTSEGO COUNTY.
Revolution.1 The first church (Bap.) was formed Aug. 19, 1795 ; Rev. John Bostwick -was the
first settled preacher. -
jLAI'REXS — was formed from Otsego, April 2, 1810. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the
center of the co. With the exception of the broad valley of Otego Creek, the surface is high and
hilly. It is drained s. by Otego Creek and several tributaries, among which are Harrisons and
Camps Creeks. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, in some parts slaty, and generally produc-
tive. One and a half mi. w. of Laurens is a sulphur spring. Laurens, (p. v.,) on Otego Creek,
in the e. part, was ineorp. April 22, 1834. It contains 3 churches, 2 flouring mills, the Otsego
Cotton Mills,3 an iron foundery, and a tannery. Pop. 726. Jacksonville, (Mount Vision
p. 0.,) in the N. e. corner, contains 2 churches, a grist and saw mill, and about 30 houses. West
Laurens (p. v.) contains about 15 houses. Settlements were made in this town prior to the
Revolution, by Joseph Marshall and Richard Smith, a little N. of Laurens Village ; by John Sleeper,
at the village; and by Win. Ferguson, a little s. of it.* The first religious association was formed
by the Friends, who erected a meetinghouse in 1800.5
MARYLAND — was formed from Worcester, March 25, 1808. It lies on the s. line of the co.,
E. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. Sche-
nevas Creek flows s. w. through near the center and receives several tributaries from the n. South
Hill, a steep, unbroken ridge 350 to 500 ft. above the valleys, extends along the s. bank of the
creek through the town; and from its summit the surface spreads out into a rocky and broken
upland, extending into the s. border. The soil is principally a sandy loam, and is best adapted to
grazing. Maryland, (p. v..) near the center of the town, contains a church and 20 houses;
Schenevus, (p. v.,) near the e. border, a church, tannery, and 383 inhabitants. Cliaseville
is a p. o. The first settlement was made by Thomas Thompson and his son John, from Columbia
co., in 1793.G The first religious association (Presb.) was formed at an early period ; Rev. Mr
Ralph was the first preacher.7
MIDDLiEFIELiD — was formed from Cherry Valley, March 3, 1797. It is an interior town,
lying K. e. of the center of the co. The surface is a hilly upland, abruptly descending to Otsego
Lake and Outlet, which form its w. boundary. The summits of the hills are 400 to 600 ft. above
the valleys. Cherry Valley Creek flows s. w. through the e. part of the town. The soil is a
gravelly and sandy loam. Middlelield Center, (p. v.,) in the n. part of the town, contains
15 dwellings. Clarksville,8 (Middlefield p. o.,) on Cherry Valley Creek, contains 2 churches,
a tannery, and 260 inhabitants. The first settlement was made about 1755, by emigrants originally
from Ireland and Scotland.9 The first religious association (Presb.) was formed by Rev. Andrew
Oliver, in 1805 ; the first church edifice was erected in 1808. 10
JVIILFORD — was formed from Unadilla, Feb. 5, 1790, as " Suffrage." Its name was changed
April 8, 1800. It is an interior town, s. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland,
divided into two distinct ridges by the Susquehanna, which flows s. w. through the town. The
valby is deep and bordered by steep hillsides. Crumhorn Mt., on the e. border, is 500 to 600 ft.
above the valleys; and the w. hills are 300 to 400 ft. high. Crumhurn Lake, a body of water 3
mi. in circumference, lies upon the summit of Crumhorn Mt. The soil is a sandy and gravelly
loam. Milford Center (Milford p. o.) contains 1 church and 15 houses; Collierville and
i ^, iod Stephen BUB were among the Oral settlers
at H.irtw lb. iiri'l Ruins Hawkins and V
l.j .ii In tha i r. i>art of Hi- town. James Bntterfleld kept Hi"
7 The census reports 4 churches; 3 M. E.. and Bap.
8 Aheut 'J ml. n. of Clarksville is a rock called by the Indiana
Ni-ka-yu-na. (prohaldy meaning loiincil Rock.) where various
fir-t Inn, end Dune] taireni the Brsl -' ire,al what Ii called trii><-n from the s. were accustomed to meet the Mohawks in
White House. The Ant mill «w m-oii hy Sammi Mud^e, ai council. In former days the rock was covered with hierogly-
II irwick Vill I
M: report* 6 churehee; - Christian, Bop., I.oih..
tad M ■.
> This factory wan erected in 1840, by an InTosttnent of »lo,ono.
Itemployi oa, and makee aheotlnga exclusively, to the
Tain- .| $60,000 pel nnnnm.
* Brasilia Crafts kepi tha fir.t Inn, about 1812; and Knutna
and I. t i Dean, the fir-it store, .' •■'■. i ■ reeled the lint
gristmill, and Denial Johnson the fir-t bctoty.
s Xbe i • niiis reports 8 oh nds, Bap., Chris-
ti in ii i Pi
•In IT -i, Jostah Chase, Col J. O ughton, Ezcklel Rico, and
Caleb Bytngton, from vt.. .-ml Daniel Bongfaton <nd Wilder
bui from its shaly nature all are now obliterated.
'Among i hose who settled prior to the Revolutionary Wai
wero Wm. Cook. Daniel, Benjamin, and Reuben McCoilum,
Bamnel and Andrew Wilson. Andrew Cochran, Andrew Cameron,
and Ball, all in 1 1 1 ■ - \. pari Of the town. They cane- from
in x. nf Irelaii'l, hut wre mostly of Scotch descent. Among
those v. ho settled Dear the close of and after the war were Ben-
jamin Gilbert, in the if, part, in 1780; Reuben Deals, in the a
part, in 1Tm>; Wm.Compton, Bernard Temple, Rice, Stephen
.and Thomas Pratt, Whitney Juviii. and Moses Rich, all from
Hasa., and Wm. Cook, from KnJand. in 1"*T; Dunham,
Wm. Temple, and Daniel Moore, from New England, In the s.
put of the town, soon after. Hannah Hubbell taught the first
1 ivar BchenOVUS, Daniel Slaver, from M. .<■*.. settled school, aboat IT'.'O. Alexander Mel '"Hum and Andrew Cameron
kl • tenevtia, and Joseph Howe on H I The flrsl _-n-t- kept the llrst Inns, and Benjamin .lohnsi.n the first store, in
ruiU was boilt by Israel opencer,and the 11^ sawmill by Jotham 1700. Mr. MoCoUnm also bnilt the Bxst sawmill, before the
II Ighton, in 1706, on Scheoev Josiah Chase kepi the war; and Moses Rich the first gristmill, in 17'.'5.
fir-t Inn. near Roaevflle; and Stephen O. Viigil the nr«t fulling j 1" The census reports i churches in town; 2 Bap., Presb., and
and doth dressing mill. The first death was that of John Rico, | M. K.
killed hy the fall of a tree. I
OTSEGO COUNTY.
535
Poi'Uamlvillc are p. offices. The first settlement was made on the Susquehanna, about 1770,
hy a squatter named Carr. As the settlements made at that period wen- broken up by the border
wars which followed, little or no progress was made until the close of the Revolution.1 The first
religious services (Cong.) were held near Milford Village, in 1793, by llev. Heed, the first
preacher. The census reports G churohes.'-'
MORRIS — was formed from Butternuts, April G, 1840. It lies upon the w. border of the co.,
s. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided into two principal ridges by Butternut
Creek, which flows s. w. through near the center. The w. ridge terminates in a series of steep
bluffs bordering upon Unadilla lliver, which forms the W. boundary of the town, The soil
upon the uplands is composed of clay, gravel, and disintegrated slate, and in the valleys of
gravelly loam. Louisville, (Morris p. o.,) on Butternut Creek, contains 4 churches, 2 cotton
factories, 3 tanneries, a gristmill, and several other manufacturing establishments.3 Pop. about
400. Maple Grove is a p. o. The first settlement was made about 1770, by Andre Renouard,
at Elm Grove, and Louis and Paschal Franchot, at Louisville, emigrants originally from Prance.*
The first church (Bap.) was organized Aug. 28, 1793 ; Rev. John Lawton was the first preacher.5
NEW LISBON— was formed from Pittsfield, April 7, 1806, as ''Lisbon." Its name was
changed April G, 1808. It is an interior town, lying w. of the center of the co. Its surface is
a hilly upland, divided into several ridges by the deep ravines of the streams. The highest sum-
mits are 300 to 500 ft. above the valleys. The principal streams are Butternut Creek, flowing s.
through the w. part, and Otego Creek, in the e. Gilberts Lake is a small sheet of water on
the s. border. The soil upon the uplands is a clay and slaty loam, and in the valleys a gravelly
loam. Garrattsville, (p. v.,) on Butternut Creek, contains a church, gristmill, sawmill, dis-
tillery, and fork factory. Pop. 192. Noblesville (New Lisbon p. o.) contains a church, grist-
mill, and 25 dwellings. New Lisbon Center and Stitsonville are hamlets. The first
settlement was made in 1775, by William Lull and Increase Thurston.6 The first church (Bap.)
was formed at New Lisbon Center, in 1804, by Elder S. Gregory. A Cong, church was formed
the same year by Rev. Wra. Stone.7
ONEONTA — was formed from Unadilla, Feb. 5, 1796, as " Otego." Its name was changed
April 17, 1830. It is the central town upon the s. border of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland,
broken by the deep valley of the Susquehanna, which extends n. e. and s. w. through the s. part.
Otego Creek and several small streams flow into the Susquehanna from the N. A range of hills
500 ft. high extends along the s. e. bank of the Susquehanna. The center and n. part are hilly,
and broken by narrow and irregular valleys. The summits are 150 to 300 ft. above the valleys.
The soil is gravel, slate, and clay on the uplands, and gravelly loam and alluvium upon the river
bottoms. Oneonta, (p. v.,) on the Susquehanna, in the s. part of the town, was incorp. Oct. 14,
1848. It contains 3 churches, a woolen factory, an iron foundery, tannery, gristmill, sawmill, and
distillery. Pop. 678. "West Oneonta (p. v.) contains 15 dwellings; Oneonta Plains,
2 churches and a dozen houses. Henry Scramlin and Youngs settled in town previous to the
Revolution.8 The first religious association (Presb.) was formed at Oneonta Village, in 1786 ;
Rev. Alexander Conkey was the first settled preacher, when the church was built in 1816.9
1 Matthew Cully, from Cherry AT alley, and George Mumfurd
settled near Milford Center in 1783. Abraham and Jacob Beals,
nnd a family named Ford, all from Mass., settled at and near
Milford Village in 1784. Henry Scott, from Ireland, settled a
little N. of the village in 1786. The first child born was David
Beals. in Sept. 1786 ; the first marriage, that of James Brown
and Rhoda Marvin, in 17SS; and the first death, that of Mrs.
Beals, about the same time. Increase Niles taught the first
school, in 1700. Matthew Cully and Isaac Collier kept the first
inn, below Milford Village, and Isaac Edson the first store, at the
village, in 1794. The first gristmill was erected by David Cully,
in 1788. and the first sawmill by Matthew Cully, "in 1792-93.
2 2 M. E., Presb.. Bap., Christian, and Friends.
8 The Butternuts Cotton and Woolen Factory was erected at
the village of Louisville in 1S12. It employs 40 hands, and
manufactures sheetings to the value of $50,000 per annum.
4 Benjamin, Joseph, Caleb, Benjamin, jr., and Nathan Lull
and Jonathan Moore, from Dutchess co., settled at Louisville in
1773. Andrew Cathcart, Jacob Morris, and Ebenezer Knapp
were also among the early settlers. The first marriage was
that of Joseph Lull and Martha Knapp, in 1770. The first inn
was kept by Sturgess Bradley, and the first store by Louis and
Paschal Franchot, at Louisville. Louis De Villier erected the
first gristmill, on Aldrich Creek, and Paschal Franchot, John C.
Morris, and A. G.Washburn the first factory.
6 The census reports 5 churches; Bap., Friends, Prot. E.,
M E.. and Univ.
6 Among the other early settlers were S. W. Park, Moses
Thurston, Hughey Marks. O. Park, William Pierce, Brook,
John Johnson, William and John Garratt. all in the vicinity of
Garrattsville. Elnathan Nobles was among the first settlers at
Noblosville; from him the place derives its name. Joseph
Baldwin and John L. Stitson were among the first settlers at
Stitsonville. In 1778 the first settlers were driven off by the
Indians and tories. Their buildings were burned and "their
crops destroyed. After the close of the war, all the first settlers
returned to their improvements. Sally Thurston was the first
child born in town; James McCollum taught the first school ;
Charles Eldredge kept the first inn, in the 8. part of the town ;
and William Garratt the first store, at Garrattsville. Louis De
Villier, a Frenchman, erected the first mill.
J The census reports 3 churches in town; Bap., Cong., and
M. E.
8 Aaron Brink, Frederick Brown, and McDonald were
among the early settlers at Oneonta Village. James Youngs
settled at the mouth of Charlotte River; Baltus Himmel, u. of
the village; Abraham Houghtaling, Jacob Elias Brewer, and
Peter Swartz, in the u. part of the town, in 1786; and Josiah
Peck, on Oneonta Creek. The first birth was that of Abraham
Houghtaling 2d, in 1786. Baltus Himmel kept the first inn,
and Peter Dininey the first store. John Vanderwerker erected
the first gristmill.
9 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 M. E., Bap., Presb., and
F. W. Bap.
536 OTSEGO COUNTY.
OTEGO— was formed from Franklin (Delaware co.) and Unadilla, April 12, 1822, as "Hunts-
ville." A part of Milford was annexed and its name changed April 17, 1830. It lies on the s. border
of the eo., w. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided by the Susquehanna, which flows
8. w. through the s. part. The tr. part is separated into ridges 200 to 400 ft. high, all extending
N. and s. The streams are Mill Creek, east and west branches of Otsdawa Creek, Flax Creek,
and Center Brook. The soil is a clay and sandy loam. Otego, (p. v.,) on the Susquehanna,
contains 4 churches and 331 inhabitants; Otsdawa, (p. v.,) on Otsdawa Creek, contains a
church, tannery, mill, and 20 dwellings. Center Brook is a p. o. on the stream of the same
name. Settlements were made in this town, along the Susquehanna, soon after the close of the
Revolution ; but the precise date of the first settlement is not known.1 The first church (Presb.)
was organized at Otego Village, Sept. 17, 1805 ; Rev. Abner Benedict was the first preacher.2
OTSEGO — was formed as a part of Montgomery co., March 7, 1788, and originally included
the greater part of Otsego co. Burlington, Richfield, and Unadilla were taken off in 1792, Hart-
wick in 1802, and Laurens in 1810. It is an interior town, lying upon the w. bank of Otsego
Lake, x. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, lying between Otsego and Schuy-
ler Lakes and descending abruptly towards each. The summits are 300 to 500 ft. above the
water, the uplands being divided into two ridges by Fly Creek, which flows s. through the center.
Oak Creek, the outlet of Schuyler Lake, flows s. through the w. part. The soil is clay, gravel, and
saii'ly loam. Cooperstown, (p. v.,) at the foot of Otsego Lake, was incorp. April 3, 1807, by
the name of " Otsego." Its name was changed to Cooperstown June 12, 1812. Besides the co.
buildings, it contains 5 churches, a bank, 3 newspaper offices, an academy,3 the buildings of the
Cooperstown Seminary and Female Collegiate Institute,4 a flouring mill, and various manu-
facturing establishments.5 The location of the village is pleasant and attractive from its many
elegant private residences and historic associations. Pop. about 1,500.6 Fly Creek, (p. v.,)
upun the stream of the same name, contains 3 churches, several manufactories,7 and 30 houses.
Oaksville, (p. v.,) s. of the center, contains a church, factory, and 15 houses. Otsego
Lake is a p. o. Toddsville (p. v.) is on the line of Hartwick. Settlements were made at
Cooperstown and Fly Creek, in 1784-85, by Judge "Wm. Cooper, Wm. Jarvis, "William Ellison,
Israel Guild, John Howard, and Elisha Finney.8 The first religious association (Presb. and Cong.)
wa> formed Dec. 29, 1798 ; Rev. Isaac Lewis was the first preacher.9
PITTSFIEL.D — was formed from Burlington, March 24, 1797. New Lisbon was taken off
in 1806. It is centrally situated upon the w. line of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, termi-
nating in abrupt declivities upon Unadilla River, which forms its w. boundary. Wharton Creek
flows across the n. w. corner, and several small tributaries of Butternut Creek flow through
the B. part, The soil is generally a slaty and gravelly loam. Pittsfield, (p.o.,) on the Una-
dilla, contains 10 houses. The first settlements were made in the valley of the Unadilla, about
1793, by Jacob Lull, Aaron Nobles, Hubbard Goodrich, and Matthew Bennett.10 The first church
(Bap.) was formed at an early period, in the s. e. part of the town. The only church (Union) now
in town was organized in the e. part in 1849.
1 Km -<.m Hunt. Abraham Bukealey, John Bird-all. Benjamin
Cumn •-. J - ■ "i • , Joseph Pierce, and Barnard Overhyer,
lllage and along the
river. Phin-as Oook lettled on the a. branch of the Otsdawa
In 1800, tad built then the Orel cloth dressing mill, in 1801.
. and em ted the Oral gristmill
■
:|1, i.urchcs; Presb., Pr<>t. E., Bap., F.W.
■ bri-ti in. and M I
3 Tli-' fin-t academy wax f-nn«l In 17M, nn«l the building
burned down Man b 31,1809, and was iub« qnently rebuilt. It
baa 1 insd, and ha* nrospsced for most of the time, for
half a century.
« Tliis institution was established and opened in 1^54, and
extensive and oaaun >t a cost of
-■0. It started with i I '• McKown n- Principal It
■asm n !•• I ■ [•• -rnti-.M In 1867, « ■•- parabMed by E.C. Ha 1. in
1869, and the school is sgain In operation, with indications of
permanent prosperity. See p. 749.
the Hope Ootl I . I vrv. rr.-ted In 1-1".. withan aggregate
capital of about $100,000, has through a KDj
given employment to 80 persons. Aftaf undergoing various
chat . in-ry, and pt . p, the
establishment at -till oontiimi 1, witl
* J. Fenimo/e Cooper, the not d bis man-
sion an I grounds were among th- r i i
' • thfi place is a fork factory, with a capital of {76.000, em-
ploying 30 men ; a pail factory j* a manufactory of agricultural
Implement! and machinery, employing a capital of $25,000; and
a foundcrv and machine shop, employing 25 men.
1 lm Miller, Widow Johnson, Wm. Abbott,and Avorell
lettled In 1786. The first child born was Wm. Jurvis, at Fly
Creek, in 178T. The first deaths in town were those of two dc-
,- soldiers, who were shot by order of Oen. Clinton, in 1779,
before Uio settlements were commenced. The first school was
taught at Cooperstown, by Joshua Dewey, in 1788. Wm. Ellison
ojiuii'd the first inn, in 1780; and Judge Wm. Cooper the first
■tore, in 1780-00. The first mill was erected by Samuel Tubbs,
at Toddsville. in 1790. In 1779, Oeneral Clinton, on his way to
Join Sullivan's expedition, built a dam across the outlet of the
take to raise tho waters sufficiently to float down the Susque-
hanna the boat, containing bis men and military stores. Tho
remains of this dam are still visible. In 1784. Uen. Washing-
ton, on ■ journey of observation, visited the foot of Otsego
Lake. In 1786, John Miller felled a large tree across the outlet
to servo as a bridge. Judge Cooper removed his family from
N..I. in 1790.
» Tho census reports 10 churches; 3 M. E., 2 Presb., 2 Univ.,
It it K.. Hup., ana K. C
1" Beth Harrington and Bcnj. Eddy settled in tho E. part of tho
town non alter tho settlements on tho Unadilla. The first
school was taught by Benjamin Pendleton, at Pittsfw-hl P.O.
Matthew Bennett kept the first inn, in 1797. and Henry Bandall
tie Dial Store, in 1810, at tho P.O. Benj. Atwell built the first
mill, and the Arkwrtght ManufacturingCompany the first cotton
factory, both on tho Unadilla.
—
OTSEGO COUNTY.
537
PLAINFIELD— was formed from Richfield, March 25, 1799. It is the N.w. corner town of
the co. Its surface is a broken and hilly upland. Unaililla IJivcr, forming the w. boundary, is
bordered by steep bluffs rising to the height of 400 to GOO ft. The soil is a clay and sandy loam.
Unadilla forks, (p. v.,) at the junction of the e. and w. branches of Unaililla River, con-
tains 2 churches, a hoe factory, flouring mill, sawmill, and machine shop. Pop. 253. Plain-
field Center contains a church and 15 houses; SpoonerN Corners is a p. 0. ; Leon-
ards*'ille, (p.v.,) on the Unadilla, in the s. part, is mostly in Madison co. The first settlement
was made at and near Plainfield Center, in 1793, by Ruggles Spooner, Elias "Wright, and John
Kilbourne.1 The first church (Bap.) was formed and the church erected in 1800; Rev. John
Wait the first preacher.2
RICHFIELD — was formed from Otsego, April 10, 1792. Exeter and Plainfield were taken
off in 1799. It is the extreme northern town of the co. Its surface is rolling and moderately
hilly, with a mean elevation of 150 to 200 ft. above Schuyler Lake, — Pray and Nine Hills, on either
side of the head of the lake, rising about 200 ft. higher. Schuyler Lake, in the s. e. corner, occu-
pies a deep valley ; and into it flow several small streams from the n. and w. The soil is of a diver-
sified character, consisting of gravel, slate, clay, and sandy loam, well cultivated and productive.
About 500,000 pounds of cheese are made in the town annually, — being more than double that made
in any other town in the co. Richfield Spring's, (p.v.,) near the head of Schuyler Lake, in
the n. e. corner of the town, contains 3 churches, a flouring mill, and 368 inhabitants.3 Monti-
cello, (Richfield p. 0.,) near the center, contains a church and 139 inhabitants. Mayflower
is a p. 0 ; Brighton contains about 15 houses. Settlements were made prior to the Revolution ;
but they were broken up during the war. The first settlers after the war were John Kimball,
Richard and Win. Pray, John Beardsley, Joseph Coats, and Seth Allen, in 1787.* The first church
(Prot. E.) was formed at Monticello, May 20, 1799; Rev. Daniel Nash was the first pastor.5
ROSEBOOM6— was formed from Cherry Valley, Nov. 23, 1854. It lies on the e. border of
the co., n. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by the valleys of several streams.
The hills are generally rounded, and their summits elevated 300 to 350 ft. above Schoharie Kil.
The soil is a gravelly loam. Roseboom, (p.v.,) in the n. w. part, on the line of Middlefield,
contains a church and 111 inhabitants ; and South Valley, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, 2 churches
and 175 inhabitants. Pleasant Brook (p. 0.) is a hamlet.7 The settlements in this town
were commenced about 1800. There are 5 churches in town.8
SPRINGFIELD— was formed from Cherry Valley, March 3, 1797. It lies upon the n. line
of the co., e. of the center. The surface is a rolling and moderately hilly upland, the hills gene-
rally rising about 200 ft. above the valleys. Mt. Wellington, e. of the head of Otsego Lake, in the
s. part of the town, is 300 to 400 ft. high. Summit Lake, in the n. part, in high water discharges
its waters both n. and s. The streams are small brooks. In the n. part is a deep sink, called " The
Chyle," into which a considerable stream of water runs and flows through a subterranean passage
to Braman's Factory, where it again appears on the surface. The sink is tunnel-shaped, 240 feet
in circumference and 15 ft. deep. After heavy rains it is sometimes filled with water, which, while
discharging through the orifice below, often moves round in rapid gyrations. The soil is a black
and yellow loam, resting upon limestone and slate. More hops are grown in this town than in any
other town in the co. Springfield Center (p.v.) contains 2 churches, a tannery, and 15
1 Sam'l Williams settled on the Unaililla, in the N. part, and
Benj. and Abel Clark, at the Forks, about the same time. The
first school was taught at Spooners Corners, by Jas. Robinson,
in 1797-98. Wm. Lincoln kept the first inn, at Lloydville, and
Luce & Woodward the first store. Capt. Caleb Brown built the
first mill, in 18U5, on the Unadilla.
2 The census reports 4 churches ; 2 F. W. Bap., Prosb., Bap.
8 liichfield Springs — from which the village derives its name —
are celebrated for their medicinal properties in the cure of cuta-
neous disorders, and largo numbers of invalids are annually at-
tracted here. Professor Reid has given the following as the result
of an analysis of a wine-gallon of tho water of these springs : —
Grains.
Bicarbonate of magnesia 20
Bicarbonate of lime 10
Chloride of sodium and magnesia 1.5
Sulphate of magnesia 30
Hydrosulphate of magnesia and lime 2
Sulphate of lime 20
Solid matter 153.5
236.10
Sulphuretted hydrogen gas, 26.9 inches.
4 Wm. Tunnicliff, Dan'l Hawks, John Hatch, Ebenezer Eaton,
and Jos. Rockwell settled at or near Richfield Springs in 1789;
Obadiah Beardsley and his son Obadiah, jr., the father and
grandfather of the late Levi Beardsley, and Hon. Samuel
Beardsley, of Utica, settled near Schuyler Lake in 1790. The
first birth was that of Jos. Beardsley; and the first marriage,
that of Ebenezer Russell and Mrs. Moore. James S. Palmer
taught the first school, at Richfield Springs ; Israel RawsoD
kept tho first inn, and Cyrus Robinson the first store, at the
Springs ; William Tunnicliff erected the first mill, at the same
place.
6 Tho census reports 7 churches ; 3 M. E., 2 Prot. E., Tresh.,
and Univ.
6 Named from Abram Roseboom, one among the earliest
settlers.
' Abram Roseboom erected the first sawmill and carding and
fulling mill, in 1806, at Lodi ; Dan'l Antisdale kept the first inn
and the first store, at the same place, in 1832. The first gristmill
was erected at Lodi, by Cornelius Law, in 1818.
8 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 M. E., Evan. Luth., Chris-
tian, and Bap.
538 OTSEGO COUNTY.
houses ; and East Spr iiisrflold (p. v.) a church and 20 houses. Spring-field is a p. o. near
the center. The first settlements were made in 1702, by Juhn Kelly, Richard Ferguson, and
James Young, from Ireland, at East Springfield; and Gustavus Klumph and Jacob Tygart, at the
head of Otsego Lake. Most of these settlers -were driven off during the war.1 The first church
(Bap.) was formed at an early period ; Rev. Fairman was the first preacher.2
■Tlf ADILLi- was formed from Otsego, April 10, 1792. Butternuts, " Suffrage," (now Mil-
ford,) and " Otego" (now Oneonta) were taken off in 1790, a part of " Huntsville" (now Otego)
in 1822, and a part of Butternuts in 1857. It lies at the junction of Unadilla and Susquehanna
Rivers, in the s. w. corner of the co. The surface is a rolling and hilly upland, the highest sum-
mits being 400 to 500 ft. above the valleys. Unadilla River, forming the w. boundary, Susque-
hanna River, the e., and Sandy Hill Creek, in the e. part, are the principal streams. The soil on
the river bottoms is an alluvial loam, and on the uplands a slaty and gravelly loam. Unadilla,
(p. v.,) on the Susquehanna, was incorp. April 2, 1827. It contains 3 churches, the Unadilla
Academy, a bank, newspaper office, cotton factory, furnace, 2 tanneries, a flouring mill, sawmill,
paper mill, and various other manufactories. Pop. 795. I nadilla Center (p. v.) contains
a church and 15 houses. Settlements were made at Unadilla, along the valley of the Susque-
hanna, prior to the Revolution ; of the precise date, and by whom, no records or tradition inform
us.3 A conference took place between Gen. Herkimer and Brant, the Indian warrior, at Unadilla,
in July, 1777. The first church (Prut. E.) was formed Nov. 1, 1809 ; Rev. Russell Wheeler was
the first pastor.*
WFSTFORD — was formed from Worcester, March 25, 1808. It is an interior town, lying
s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is hilly, the highest summits being 400 to 500 ft. above
the valleys. It is drained s. by Elk Creek and w. by tributaries of Cherry Valley Creek. The
soil is a sandy loam of good quality. Westford, (p. v.,) a little e. of the center of the town,
contains 2 churches and 12 houses. Westville, (p. v.,) in the w., on the line of Middleford,
contains 3 churches and 15 houses. The first settlements were made about 1790, in the s. e. part,
by Thomas Sawyer, Benjamin Chase, Oliver Salisbury, Alpheus Earl and father, Artemas, Moses,
and David Howe, and Ephraim Smith, — all from Yt.5 The first religious association (M. E.) was
formed in 1791.6
WORCESTER — was formed from Cherry Yalley, March 3, 1797. Decatur, Maryland, and
Westford were taken off in 1808. It is the s.e. corner town in the co. The surface is a hilly and
broken upland. The highlands which occupy the s. part of the town descend toward the n. by
an abrupt declivity 350 to 400 ft. high. This declivity forms a continuous ridge extending x. e.
and s. w. through near the center of the town. The principal streams are Charlotte River and
its tributaries and Schenevas Creek. The soil is a sandy loam. "Worcester, (p. v.,) in the
N. w. pnrt, contains 2 churches, 2 gristmills, a tannery, and 40 dwellings; East Worcester
(p. v. 2 churches, a gristmill and sawmill, and 25 dwellings ; and South Worcester, (p. v.,)
on Charlotte River, a church, a bank, and 20 dwellings. The first settlements were made on
Schenevas Creek, from 1788 to '90. The first church (Presb.) was formed at an early period;7
Rev. Bushnell was the first preacher.8
> Mr. T.v.-.-irt bad tWO B n«. John and Jacob, who were taken Chase was the fir-t child born in town. Nathaniel Griggs kept
prl» nada daring 1 1 ■ • - w:ir. Boon after thnflrrt Inn, at Westford Village, In 1795; and David Smith, tie
Hcrrick, and Aaron Blgelow, from Bret store, about tie • sanu- time. Capt. Artemus Howe built the
Onn . an I t kim Sheldon, and [sane M bite, from first gristmill. j„ 17114. anil nlso erected the first sawmill.
Mas*., settled m " partoi tli" (■ »n. The first Inn , ° Tin- census reports 5 churches; 2 M. E., Cong., Prot. E.,
\mj> . 'pringfleld, and the first stow and Prot. Meth.
by Thoma« and - >t Btaata erected the Oral
gristmill and sawmill, before the war.
»!.. tv i churches; Bag ., M. v.., Pre*i>., and
.'
» Anvnt: the enrh re Ihin'l lii— •■!. Abijah I'- u h.
and - ■ Martin, at Unadilla, ltati-s, Morefleld,
md r Portal and Win.
Buckley, in the r.. part of the I n kept the
< 1 .-ini| •-■ ' tmill.
* The a u in reports 1 " ' ■ - B ip . Prot, E.,
and I
* Among the other early settler! w«m Lnther Seaver and
Sarnuej Baboock, from "— ; the late r In Mart b, 1798. Win.
' A mong the early settlers were Silas Crippen and Henry Stever,
from Colombia CO., Solomon Hartwell, Uriah Bigelow. and Nn-
thaniel Todd, Oram Mass., and Charles Wilder and Joseph
Tainter, from Vt Philip Crippen. son of Silas Crippen, was the
first child born in town. The first school was taught by Joseph
T.iint'-r. in 1798. Isiuic Puffer kept the first inn, in 17Si:i; and
Aaron Kinney, the first store, in 1798. Silas Crippen 1 uilt tlio
tn-t gristmill, in 1790. and the first sawmill, about the same
time. Tie- first clothing and carding works were erected by
Ilutns I>r:i|i.-r.
8 The census reports 4 churches; 2 Bap., M. E., and Evan.
Luth.
OTSEGO COUNTY.
539
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Da; II hugs, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Prod arts, and Domestic Manufactures, of Otsego Count 'y.
Names op Towns.
Burlington ...
Butternuts....
Ohenj \ alley
Decatur
Kdmeaton
Exeter
Hartwlck
Laurens
Marylitiiil
Middlefield ...
Mllford
Morris
New Lisbon...
Oneonta
Otego
Otsego
Pittsfleld
Plaiufield
Kichfield
Roseboom
Springfield....
Unadilla
Weatford
Worcester ,
Total
Acres ok La.ni>.
x
1
I
20,6164.
21,178
18,012
9,566
18,0911
14,136
19,848
19.9141
18,819
26,062
18,773j
17,812
20.025
15,238
19.3935
20.374*
13,201*
12,857*
15.681
13,366|
22,2361
20,543
14,831*
19,862
428,932|
1
7,229|
8,768
6,i m;;
8,617
B,292
4,916
6,688
•'.,'.174
13.541J
11,121.;
9.400J
6,756
6,481
7,303
S.H-.4
9,619
7,072
4,103
4,213
6,730
7,1141
10,7071
5,804
9,5881
Valuation of 1«5H.
o
\
I
$339,808
632,240
461,980
165,666
419,478
295,015
434,454
420,820
371,350
612,195
484,s:>,0
382,295
387,905
373,107
373,705
790,549
297,720
264,780
407,355
204,353
536,045
482,337
298,000
405,245
179,5591 9,731,741
If
§b
\\
a. a,
$41,400
110,626
292,886
1. -1.200
68,830
39,116
71,931
60.500
39,900
98,348
122,418
77,650
39,025
40.508
30.050
563,270
27,850
21,356
84,236
62.921
161,776
136,906
30,650
43,900
2,281,812
$3812208
642,765
75 I, MO
168,765
478,308
334.731
506,385
4S1 320
411.250
710,543
607,248
459,945
426.990
410.075
410,865
1,353,819
325.570
280,130
491.591
267,274
097.821
619,243
328,650
449,145
Population.
3
s'..o
1,000
1,307
475
888
757
1,038
1,029
1,102
1,558
1,156
1,001
882
1,105
914
2,115
805
641
791
949
1,235
1,393
678
1,055
12,013.553 1124,836 24,899
1
%
842
427
427
168
858
284
449
412
39S
551
449
375
339
407
388
738
317
294
252
345
426
516
275
387
370
435
2-5
181
884
305
60]
446
482
571
483
434
373
440
394
825
345
280
312
373
611
533
314
411
9,324 1 10,138
Schools.
18,131
Names op Towns.
Burlington...,
Butternuts
Cherry Valley
Decatur
Kilmi'Ston
Exeter
Hart wick
Laurens ,
Maryland
Middlefield....
Milford
Morris
New Lisbon...
Oneonta
Otego
Otsego
Pittsfleld ,
Plainfield
Richfield
Roseboom
Springfield....
Unadilla.
Westford
Worcester
Total
Lite Stock.
*
665
605
820
338
664
478
686
581
599
933
662
514
545
512
594
1,009
438
410
487
528
1,019
558
534
673
1,163
1,05s
1,200
766
1,407
906
1,086
1,153
1,413
1,657
1,138
1,459
1,132
884
1,588
1,395
1,137
535
817
1,005
1,268
2,054
909
1,355
S
6
1,529
2.hm:;
1,250
855
1,618
1,167
1.255
1,757
1,168
1,844
1,414
1,531
1,379
1,335
1,591
1,854
1,160
1,223
1,745
1,107
1,673
1,550
1,118
1,587
6,704
5,733
2,480
2,551
6,355
5,239
3,728
5,007
4,105
3,430
3,242
3,719
7,035
3.950
8,453
8,220
4,576
3,34'
2,414
1,875
3,425
7,867
3,703
2,773
eg
840
1,152
968
710
1,028
619
850
1,108
799
1,284
967
669
758
850
1,026
1,469
730
665
660
776
1,083
1,212
880
1,265
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Geain.
235
1,3261
1,298
1,0641
557
190
9251
847
3,869
4,736
3,138$
9371
54
2,6371
3,5941
9011
1,218
196
138
1,258
580
3,911*
2,044
4,239
•£
53,6191
50,320
101,395
39,236*
54,5571
31,2491
61,4851
55,501
77.198
116,9941
75.3S9*
43,125
51,178
32,3091
57,920
86.7091
43,5341
41.3661
41.3531
77,6821
119,8434
59,880*
57,864
66,9191
I
eq>%
4,8941
5.977
3,9841
2,125
5,5001
4,850
3,170
3,9721
3.971
5,7121
3.8791
5.0S71
3,997
3,284
5,0691
6,6204
4,3684
4,008
5,248
3.147
6,011
6,004
2,9301
4,2511
20,585
11.239
17.3S0
12,212
18,790
12,7761
15,659
15,333
24,611
23,672
20.282
11,581
13,nou
16,272
19,115
21,916
15,031
13,405
10.825
15.044
21,586
19,488
16,863
20.038
%>
<? 3»
3 A
38,596
46,420
21,107
12.344
33,133
30,911
26.946
30.400
15.899
36.608
20.823
27.252
26,779
19,990
24,822
36,860
11,780
19.756
26,176
11.236
25.292
25,741
18,310
13.955
Daiby Products.
t,«;
122.572
173.046
105,160
81.985
106,826
85.235
105,280
195,763
122.045
153,130
14s. hi
134.46S
144,600
140,935
179,195
134.801
104,705
57,755
70,375
115,160
157,430
143.184
109,780
183,759
123.086
100,8971
22,218,
12.435'
157.540
156.305
22,390
10,530
3.150
96.415,
1%820
53,625!
21.022!
5,720:
14.S40J
94.807,
22 500,
25.710;
451.700]
4,010!
173,479'
31.749:
19,560
1,925
19
1.0,781
792
1,1761
8821
3.146*
9821
8111
1,798
1,755
725
23
652
7571
1,110
2.571*
1.411
550
6901
239
994
5.2371
1,099
662
3,034
14,652 29,086 34,713 '109,937 22,368' 39,8964 1.486,632$ 108,069*' 412,7031 '601,196 3,0752206 1,63S,493' 132.7791
PUTNAM COUNTY.
This county1 was formed from Dutchess, June 12, 1812. It lies
upon the Hudson, between Dutchess and "Westchester cos., and
extends e. to the Conn. line. It i3 centrally distant 85 mi. from
Albany, and contains 234 sq. mi. It embraces nearly all of The
Highlands e. of the Hudson. The mountains consist of several
steep, rocky ranges, extending in a >\ e. and s. w. direction and
separated by deep, narrow valleys, the principal of which are
Peekskill Hollow, and Canopus and Pleasant Yalleys. The co.
is watered by the upper branches of Croton River and several
smaller streams. Among the mountain valleys are numerous
picturesque lakes, the largest of which are Lakes Mahopac,2 Cano-
pus,3 and Gleneida.* In the valleys the soil is a productive, sandy
loam, but the mountains are bare and rocky, and only valuable for their mines5 and quarries.6
Iron ore abounds ; and serpentine, magnesian limestone, and several other minerals are also found.7
The rocks belong chiefly to the primitive and lower sedimentary or metamorphic series, consisting
of granite, gneiss, granular quartz, talcose slate, metamorphic limestone, serpentine, greenstone, and
hornblende. Peat and marl are found in various localities.8 In the farming districts the people
are principally engaged in dairying and furnishing milk for the New York market. Manufacturing
is extensively carried on at Cold Spring. The principal works of internal improvement are the Hud-
son River R. R., extending through Philipstown, and the Harlem R. R., through Patterson and South-
east. The county seat is located at Carmel.9 The co. buildings consist of a courthouse,10 jail,11
and co. clerk's office.12 The poorhouse is located on a farm of 196 acres in Kent, about 2} mi.
from Carmel.13 Two newspapers are published in the co.u A strip 580 rods wide along the E,
border of the co. constitutes a part of the " Oblong" Tract, and was patented by Thomas Hawley
and his associates, June 8, 1731.15 The remaining part of the co., and a small part of Dutchess,
are included in the great Highland Patent of Adolph Philipse. At the time of the Revolution this
patent was owned by Philip Philipse, and Mary and Susannah, wives of Col. Roger Morris and
Beverly Robinson, of the British army. Morris and Robinson, together with their wives, were
attainted, and their property was confiscated and sold by the Commissioners of Forfeiture. It was
subsequently shown in court that one-third of the patent was vested in the children of Col. Morris
and his wife, and was not reached by the bill of attainder. The State was therefore obliged to
1 (tuned frrm Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, who was stationed
in the c - ■ pari of the time during the Revolutionary War. In
the an ■: ]>•■•. \.\ 1737, the co. waa styled " South Precinct;"
5Iar.li J I. 1 77'J. it was subdivided into " Southeast," " Fredericks-
Precincts. The first of these precincts
tnofo • towns of Southeast and Patterson, the
and Kent, and the third Putnam Valley and
i gb.
*<" r 1779 this word iswritt'-n " MncnoJcpack."
* Thi« lak- m f rm<rly Called ' II«rt/ms Pond." It is now fre-
," from on Indian chief said to have
resid>-d in thi-
I i rmerly called .-haw's Lake.
'M n i« the mrwt important of tho ores
. 'Ugh llmonito and • • I A
bed of magnetic ore wu jrean since on Break-
neck ' ' bat not ) I Anothi
has ! ' Point
ked .it the Town-
aend Mine on Simewog II
at abort intervals a distance < I hare
ll the pi I
of t! Br «n the Dean]
in the n. part Of Putnam Yalle;. I .t the Cold
I ' Mine* are in the
borbood of the Denny Min". 1 eel <»n// Imn
d several ; 5 tat, from win. Ii in >x-
nt quality of on fcrt the man u lac tu re of steel was obtained;
bnt I r n w a rked.
• lilimt'a Quarry, on the «. «id» Of Breakneck Point, near the
line of ImtcbeM co.. ad' -h cray granite, whkb has
I for tie Ilreakwat-r I
boon, and Fortress Monro*-. Tbe Highland Oral iiarry,
principally own ! !•;. II ■ ri •. II Mane, i« rear :
HI distance from Blunts Quarry. It is elevated about
200 ft. above the river. Stony Point Quarry, on a rocky penin-
540
eula extending into the Hudson, Fhilips Quarry, on an estate
of the same name, and other quarries in the co., have been
worked. Marble is found in the N. part of Patterson.
J Among the minerals of the co. are arsenical and common
iron pyrites, nrsenite and chromato of iron, pyroxene, tremolite,
orragonite, graphite, kerolite, brucitc, actynolite hornblende,
alblte,lsnmonite stilbito,chabasite, epidote mica, zircon, sphene,
and diallaga.
8 The principal localities where peat is found are near Patter-
son and on the I. side of Lake Mahopac.
• The firr.t courts were held at the Baptist Church. The first
eo. officers were Stephen ISarmini, First Judge; John Jewett,
' ,• Wm. II. Johnston, Sheriff; and Joel Frost. Surrogate.
1" The courthouse is a wooden building, erected in 1813, at a
t$2fiO0. Joseph Cran, Stephen Bnrnum, Joel Frost. Jona-
than Ferris, and John Jewett were appointed to superintend its
erection.
11 The jail is a stone building, erected in 1S44. It adjoins the
courthouse on the E.
13 The clerk's office is n stono fireproof building, located a few
rods s. of the courthouse.
18 The average number of inmates in the poorhouse is 52. sup-
ported at a weekly cost of 4,3 cts. each. Tin income from the farm
is $600 per annum. A 6chool is taught throughout tie- year.
n The Putnam Co. Courier was established at Carmel in ls!4.
It was successively issued as
Thr Putnam Republican, published by Thos. Smith: and
The Putnam Democrat, published by W. H. Sloat, and after-
ward by V.lijab Yerks. James D. Little succeeded Verbs,
■nd changed the paper to
The Democratic Courier; and again, in 1852, to
The Putnnm Co. Democrat* By this name it is now
publiahi d.
The Putnnm Free Press was commenced at Carmel,
June 12. 1858, by Wni. J. Blake, by whom it is still
published. I6 See page 18.
PUTNAM COUNTY
541
protect the purchasers by settling the claims of these children.1 During the Revolution the passes
through the mountains in this co. were carefully guarded, and at different times large bodies of
troops were stationed thero. It was the principal scene of the consummation of Arnold's treason,
and of many events of minor interest, though no buttle took place within its limits. Gen. Putnam
had command of the army stationed here most of the time.
CARMEL-was formed from " Frederickstown," March 17, 1795. It lies upon the s. border
of the CO., between Putnam Valley and Southeast. Its surface is rolling and hilly, with inter-
vening valleys extending in a N. and s. direction. Peekskill Hollow Range and Big Hill are the
highest summits.2 The w. branch of Croton River and Michaels Brook flow through the E. part
of the town, and Peekskill Hollow Creek through the n. w. In the town are several beautiful lakes
and ponds, the principal of which are Lakes Mahopac,3 Gleneida,4 and Gilead, and Kirk and Long
Ponds. The soil is a light, sandy and gravelly loam intermixed in some places with clay.
C'a riDM'l , (p. v.,) the co. seat, is situated on Lake Gleneida. It is the seat of the Raymond Col-
legiate Institute,5 and contains 3 churches, a bank, and 2 newspaper offices. Pop. 391. Ma-
hopac (p-v.) contains 1 church, a bank, and about 40 houses; and Red Mills,6 (p-v.,) con-
tains 1 church and about 20 houses. Settlement was commenced about 1740.T Enoch Crosby, the
" Harvey Birch" of Cooper's Spy, lived in this town till after the Revolution, when he removed to
Southeast. A church was organized, and an edifice erected near Gilead Lake, a short time before
the commencement of the Revolution. There are now 7 churches in town.8
K.EHT9 — was formed as " Frederickstovm," March 7, 1788. Its name was changed to "Frede-
rick" March 17, 1795, and to Kent April 15, 1817. Carmel was taken off in 1795. It is the
central town on the n. border of the co. Its surface in the e. part is broken by numerous hills,
and in the w. by steep and rocky mountain peaks separated by deep and narrow ravines. Smally
Hill is the highest peak. The w. and middle branches of Croton River, and Horse Pound and
Pine Pond Brooks, are the principal streams. In the town are several ponds and small lakes,
the principal of which are "White and Pine Ponds.10 Farmers Mills (p. v.) contains 1
church and several manufacturing establishments.11 Coles Mills (Kent p. o.) and Lucling-
tonville (p. o.) are hamlets. The first settlement was made about 1750, by Zachariah Mer-
ritt.12 The census reports 3 churches in town, — 2 Bap. and 1 Union.
PATTERSON13 — was formed from " Frederickstoum" and Southeast, as "Franklin," March 17,
1795, and its name was changed April 6, 1808. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. Its surface
Report of Trial, by E. V. Sparhawk; Legis. Doc. 1830, V. 347;
Sen. Doc. 1831, II. 24, 28; Assem. Doc. 1832, 149, 205; Uteri?
Reports U. S. Supreme Court, IY. 1.
2 Among the principal peaks in town are Round, Turkey, and
Comus Mts., and Goose, Barrett, Burned, and Prospect Hills, in
the N. part; Pisgah, Watts, Pond, and Drew Hills, in the e. ; Ball,
Watermelon, Indian, and Round Hills, in the s. ; Austin, Golden
Root, and Hemlock Hills, in the w. ; and Rattle and Hazens Hills,
and Adams Ridge, in the central part.
8 Lake Mahopac is 9 mi. in circumference, and in it are 3 beau-
tiful islands, — Big, Petre, and Goose Islands. Around the lake
are several large hotels and boarding houses, which are thronged
during the summer season by visitors from New York and Brook-
lyn. A number of beautiful summer residences have been erected
on the surrounding heights.
* Lake Gleneida covers an area of 170 acres, and is 130 feet
deep.
6 The Raymond Collegiate Institute was built in 1851, at a
cost of about $40,000, by James Raymond. It is a private insti-
tution, owned by the heirs of Mr. Raymond.
8 A gristmill at this place was filled with Government grain
at one time during the Revolution, and soldiers were stationed
to guard it. When on his way to West Point, Andre lodged one
night at the house of Jas. Cox at this place.
7 George Hughson settled near Lake Mahopac. and Wm. and
Uriah Hill at Red Mills. The first mill was erected at the latter
place.
8 3 M. E., 2 Bap., and 2 Presb.
» "Frederickstoum Precinct" was formed March 24. 1772, and
was named from Frederick Philipse. The town received its
present name from the Kent family, who were early settlers.
10 The other ponds and lakes are Barretts, China Forge, and
Drews Ponds, and Lake Sagamore.
n A fulling mill, sawmill, gristmill, and tannery.
12 Families named Boyd, Wixon, Farrington, Burton, Carter,
Burrett, Ludington, and others, from Mass. and Westchester,
were early settlers.
18 The town was first named in honor of Dr. Franklin. Its
present name was derived from a family of early settlers.
1 The Philipse Patent was granted June 17, 1697, to Adolph
Philipse, a merchant of New York, who died, in 1749, without
issue, leaving his estate to his nephew, Frederick Philipse. The
latter had 5 children, — Frederick, Philip, Susannah, Mary, and
Margaret. By his will, dated June 6, 1751, Frederick was dis-
inherited, and, Margaret dying young, the property was equally
divided among the remaining three. Philip left a widow, who
married one Ogilvie ; Susannah married Beverly Robinson, and
Mary married Col. Roger Morris. On the 7th of Feb. 1754, the
patent was divided into 9 lots : 3, each 4 mi. square, bordering
upon the Hudson and denominated " water lots ;" 3, each 4 mi.
wide by 12 long, extending n. and s. across the patent, and de-
nominated " long lots ;" and 3, each 4 mi. sq., upon the E. border,
denominated "back lots." Philip, Susannah, and Mary Philipse
each owned one of each kind of lots. On the 14th of Jan., 1758,
previous to the marriage of Mary, a deed of marriage settlement
was executed, by wliich her estate was vested in such children as
might be born under the marriage, reserving only to herself and
husband a life interest in the property. When Robinson and
Morris and their wives were attainted, their property was sold,
chiefly to the former tenants. In 1809. John Jacob Astor bought
the interest of the heirs of Morris in this property for £20,000.
The State, to! protect those who held title from the Commis-
sioners of Forfeiture, passed a law, April 16, 1827, directing 6
suits to be prosecuted to judgment in the Circuit Court of the S.
Dist. of N. Y., and presented by writs of error to the Supreme
Court of the U. S. for review and final decision. If against the
defendants, the State agreed to pay $450,000 in 5 per cent, stock,
redeemable at pleasure; and if the decision included the im-
provements that had been made by occupants, $250,000 more.
Three 6uits were tried, each resulting in favor of Astor; upon
which the comptroller was, by act of April 5, 1832, directed to
issue stock for the full amount, with costs. The amount issued
was $561,500. Few suits have been tried in the State involving
larger interests to greater numbers, or which were argued with
more ability, than this. In the suit against James Carver the
counsel for the plaintiff were Messrs. Oakley, J. O. Hoffman, Em-
met, Piatt, and Ogden ; and for the defendant, Talcott, (Attorney
Gen.) Webster, Van Buren, Ogden Hoffman, and Cowles. See
542
PUTNAM COUNTY.
is hilly; but, with a few exceptions, the hills are arable to their summits. The principal streams
are the e. branch of Croton River and its tributaries, Quaker, Birch, and Muddy Brooks. Croton
Lake U in the w. and Little Pond in the e. part. " The Great Swamp" extends along the e.
branch of Croton Paver.1 The soil is a sandy loam. Patterson, (p. v.,) a station on the Harlem
R. R., contains 2 churches and 37 houses. Tovrners Station (Towners p. o.) and Clavlland
HoSIovr (p. o.) are hamlets. The Prot. E. Church at Patterson was built in 1770. There are
4 churches in town.2
PUILIPSTOWX8- was formed March 7, 17S8. A part of Fishkill (Dutchess co.) was taken
off in 1806, and Putnam Valley in 1839. It is the most westerly town of the co., and extends about
10 mi. along the Hudson. Its surface is broken by numerous steep and rocky mountain ridges
separated by deep and narrow valleys.4 These mountains constitute the most elevated portion
of The Highlands.5 The ranges have a general n. and s. or n. e. and s. w. direction. Clove
Creek flows through the n. part of the town, and Canopus Creek through the n. e. corner.
Foundry, Breakneck, Andreas, Indian, and other brooks flow through narrow valleys and rocky
ravines into the Hudson. The greater part of the surface is unfit for agricultural purposes.
Constitution Island6 is a promontory opposite West Point, connected with the mainland by a
marshy meadow. The " Sunk Lot" is a tract of 1300 acres of low and apparently sunken ground.
Several mines of magnetic iron ore had been opened in town ; but none are now wrought. Granite
is extensively quarried, and brick are made at several points along the river. The soil is a gravelly,
sanrlv. and clayey loam. C'oldsprinsr, (p. v.,) situated on the Hudson, was incorp. April 22,
W0, and includes the suburban villages of Nelsonville and Marysville. It is a station on the
Hudson River R. R., and contains 6 churches and an extensive foundry.7 Pop. 2,237. Break-
neck and Griffins Corners contain each about a dozen houses. Davenport Corners
contains 1 church and 10 houses. Continental Tillage8 has 1 church and about 12 houses.
Garrisons, (p. o.,) on the Hudson, is a station on the Hudson River R. R. The first settlement
was made about 1715, by Thos. Davenport.9 This town was principally settled under Col. Beverly
Robinson,10 who acquired title by marriage with Susannah, daughter of Frederick Philipse.
Undercliff, the residence of Gen. Geo. P. Morris, is situated on a high bluff in the n. part of Cold
Spring. The census reports 9 churches in town.11
PIT.MM VAIAEY— was formed from Philipstown, as " Quincy," March 14, 1839. Its
1 Pine Inland is a rocky ledge 200 ft. high, containing about
30 acres, in the middle of Great Swamp.
* Prot. K.. Bap., Friends, and Presb.
» Named from Adolph Philipse, patentee of the Philipse Manor.
TV- Philips Precinct was formed March 24, 1772.
* ■■ Maruaen Rack," or the Martyrs Reach, was a short stretch
of the Hudson just above West Point, where early navigators
(ten n t irded by baffling winds. There were 13 racks, or
reaches, on the Hudson, known to sailors as " Horse." " Sad-
re,"" Cboto,"" H ,-•.'"■■ /.j-," u Bakers," "John Pleasures,"
•II •Past." "Martlaers," and
l.i-t named extending from Pollepels Island
t. KrOD BUebCOgh. — lUn.'rm's Memoir, p. 42.
6 Ai poaks of The Highlands in this town are An-
Mt.. and Hull. Hog-Back,
ind Port Bills. Anthonys Noso la 1228 feet
'.. a:, 1 Suj - I
•Thin promontory *«» called " Mirllnrrn Tsland" before the
B lotion. In July. 1775. a fort was built upon it, under 1 1 1*-
and in 177- i be iTj i iii
fort to West Point. OoL
Timothy P to have charge of this work, in
it ttin Bterling
Iron Works at Wan ' ostructlon of the
chain. The task w»'
in m .int. Tli" link* weighed from 100tol60
It each ; and the entire w.-ittht was 1M tons, and its length
1,500 ft. It was Imojod Bjp t .-. us, a few f- t apart,
sect) n I ) ;. -'r .ng timbers framed and firmly nt-
Uched to the twk on both ibores. In eintef it ««* drawn on
shore by a windlass, and replaced In th« »prinu. It was never
nttiroad in oat antfl 1 1 »*• peace.
A similar chain, of half H ' - and 1,800 ft. In li
(mad" it th> Bingwood Ina Works, H.J.,) was stretched ■
■inn'! from Anthony*! Host to Fort "
1776. It parted twice, and tie- enemy broke and passed it in
the fall of 1778. Another. «tr I I' U spall [aland to
the w. shore, consisted of spars, pointed, and their ends unit"!
by iron links. There was also a cherauz 4' trim "ink at the
same place to prevent the passage of vessels. Most of these
works were constructed snd placed under th" immediate direo-
f OsDt. Thomas Morhin, an engineer in the service.
Traces of Fort Constitution and the outworks arc still visible.
1 The West Point Foundry is one of the largest establishments
of the kind in the country. It was established in 1S17. by an
association organized for that purpose. A tract of 150 acres
was purchased of Frederick Philipse, and a moulding house,
boring mill, blacksmith and pattern shops, and drafting and
business offices, were erected. An act of incorporation was ob-
tained, April 15, 1818; and in 1S39 the finishing or machine,
smiths and boiler departments of the establishment wore brought
from New York. The works now consist of a moulding house,
with 3 cupola furnaces; a gun foundry, with 3 air furnaces; 2
boring mills,— one driven bj tin oversnot waterwheel and the
other by a steam engine; 3 blacksmith shops; a turning shop;
a finishing shop, with a pattern shopon the second floor; a boiler
shop, a punching machine house. 5 pattern houses, a fire engino
house, an office, and several smaller buildings. A dock on the
river belongs to these works, and a branch from the r.r. extends
to them. From 400 to 000 men are employed. Bhafts 2 ft. in
diameter, and of 16 tons' weight, have been forged here.
• This Tillage, together with barracks for 2000 men, was burned
in Oct. 1777, by a detachment of the enemy on their way up the
Hudson to co-operate with (ion. Uurgoyne. Two small forts were
I here during the Revolution, and traces of thorn are yet
visible.
* Davenport built the first house at Coldspring, in 1 7 1 "> . David
Hurt in. and several families named Haight, Bloomer, and Wilson,
settled in the town in 1730. John Moeks was the first settler at
Continental Village, and John Rogers settled a little N. of the
same place alioutl730. Jos. Stanley settled in the town in 1750,
uiol Tbos. Sarles in 1750. The firstgristmill was built about 1702,
b] Hv. rly Kobinson. at Continental Village.
10 Col. Robinson's house, situated at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mt.,
was the headquarters of Gens. Putnam and Parsons in 1 77-1-'— 79,
and of Gen. Arnold at the time of his treason. The building is
still standing, and is owned by Richard D. Arden, by whom it is
C irefnlly preserved in its original character. Col. Robinson
granted a glebe to St. Philip's Church in The Highlands. 1 mi.
a, of 'iarrisons, which was confirmed by the act of March 27,
1794. Tie- chnrcb was used as a barrack during the Revo-
lution.— Blake's Hist. Putnam Co. pp. 180-209; Sabine's Loyal-
ists, p. 602.
» 4 M. K., 2 Prot. E., Bap., Presb. and R.C.
PUTNAM COUNTY.
543
name was changed Feb. 13, 1840. It lies on the s. border of the co., between Philipstown and
Carmcl. Its surface is broken by steep and rocky mountain ridges extending in nearly a n. and
s. direction, and separated by narrow valleys. These mountain ranges constitute a part of The
Highlands. The principal streams are Canopus Creek, Canopus Lake Creek, and Pcekskill Hollow
Brook. Canopus Lake is a beautiful sheet of water near the center of the town.1 The soil in the
valleys is a moderately fertile, Band; and gravelly loam. Iron ore has been found in several locali-
ties, but in places so difficult of acoeu that it is not mined to any considerable extent. Oregon,
at the confluence of Pcekskill Hollow Brook and Canopus Lake Creek, contains 17 houses, and
Crofts Corners contains 2 churches and 10 houses. Tomkins Corners is a hamlet.
Among the early settlers were families named Dusenbury and Adams.2 The census reports 4
churches in town ; 3 M. E. and 1 Bap.
SOUTHEAST — was formed from Frederickstown and " Southeasttown,"3 March 7, 1788. A
part of Patterson was taken off, as " Franklin," in 1795. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its
surface is rolling and hilly. The streams are the e. and middle branches of Croton River and
their tributaries. Several small lakes and ponds lie among the hills.4 The soil is a sandy and
gravelly loam. Iron ore abounds, but no mines are wrought at the present time. About 4,000
gals, of milk are sent daily from this town to the New York market. Brewsters Station,
(p. v.,) on the Harlem R. R., contains 1 church and a bank, and has a pop. of 176. Ifedding-
ville and Brush Hollow are hamlets. Southeast Center has 144 inhabitants, and
Milltown (p.v.) 167. De Forest Corners, Doanesburgh, Foggingtown, and
Dykemans Station (Dykemans p.o.) are hamlets. This was one of the first settled towns in
the co.5 The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Elisha Kent, grandfather of the late
Chancellor, about the year 1730.8
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stoc7c, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Putnam County.
Names of Towns.
Carmel
Kent
Patterson
Philipstown
Putnam Valley.,
Southeast ,
Total..
Acres of Land.
Valuation of
1858.
Population.
•S
s
g; No. of Families.
1
o
1
Set
"1
§
a,
1
1
o
1
1
1
It
6,6,
"3
1
i
1
e
1
.5
ii
19,300
5,271*
941,864
362,690
1,304,554
1,169
1,237
470
345
Ui.L'41}
6,617
425,020
151,175
576,195
755
784
275
308
225
8
13,7S9£
6,523
609.825
100,650
710,475
702
720
266
302
204
9
11,505
15,236
761.793
131,300
893,093
2,427
2.382
722
932
433
14
16,313
7,637
365.440
88,500
453,940
826
747
298
312
264
7
18.056J
3,163|
990,179
227,285
1,217,464
5,155,721
1,091
1,094
6,964
374
2,405
409
2,746
268
10
59
94,205J
44,447*
4,094,121
1,061,600
6,970
1.739
739
572
480
1.760
735
690
4.976
Names of Towns.
Carmel
Kent
Patterson
Philipstown
Putnam Valley..
Southeast
Total.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
i
U
1
o,1
•8 B °*
III
too
3
6
|
V3
i
1
Bush.
dp Quad*.
1
1
**
jj
Daery Products.
is
s
e
t
1
■Si;
5 3
ft,cq
50
£ S
3,375
100
458
208
268
357
313
334
1,120
1,165
2,179
1,145
1,081
966
7,656
2,113
1,493
853
935
2,457
2,171
1,420
539
698
822
154
5,804
1,847
766
971
1,194
1,144
1,075
5,326
3,886£
3,14Si
5,393*
4,505
4,181J
57.941 i
25,28S|
22.251J
23,753
28,072
40,511 J
6,040
4.261
4.0fiOJ
3,370
3,443
6,582|
27,756f
14,088
5.866
9,854
6.976
17,649
10,071
64,504
8,616
4,091
3.321
3,890
5,159
2,081
121,479
75,856
61.400
65,591
73.070
96.300
1,938
7,851
6,9971
26,441*
197,8184.
27,158
493,696
3,4751
C.2
550
646
25
751 1,221
1 Canopus Lake is 2 mi. long by 1 wide. Clear, Mnddy, Pel-
tons. Sal peu, Owens, Cranberry, Bargers, and Wickopee Ponds are
smaller bodies of water in the town.
2 On the farm of Harry Gillet are the ruins of the Hempstead
Huts, built in 1780 by a detachment of the Mass. Line, andono
or two companies from Hempstead, L. I.
8 " Southeasttown" was formed as a precinct Dec. 17, 1737, and
confirmed March 24, 1772. The word " town" in the name was
dropped March 17, 1795.
* Tonetta and Kishewana Lakes, and Covils and Peach Ponds.
6 Among the early settlerB were families named Crane, Crosby,
Hall, Moody, Paddock, Hane, Howe, Carpenter, and Pickinson,
from Mass. and Conn. Joseph Crane built the first mill, at Mill-
town, about 1730. Chancellor Kent was born in this town, July
31, 1763.
6 The census reports 3 churches in town ; M. E., Presb., and
Union.
QUEENS COUNTY.
This county was organized Nov. 1, 1683,1 having previously been
included in the North and "West Ridings of Yorkshire.2 Its original
bounds have not been changed. It lies upon Long Island, near the
w. extremity, is centrally distant 133 mi. from Albany, and con-
tains 410 sq. mi. It extends across the island, bordering both upon
Long Island Sound and the ocean. Its coasts are deeply indented
by irregular inlets, bays, and harbors. The principal of these upon
the sound are Oyster Bay, Cold Spring and Oyster Harbors, Mill
Neck Creek, Hempstead Harbor, Manhasset Bay, Little Neck Bay,
Little Bay, Powells Cove, Flushing Bay, and Bowery Bay. Upon
the East River are Halletts Cove and the narrow passage of Hell
Gate, and upon the s. shore, Jamaica, Hempstead, and South Oyster
Bays. Along these bays and the creeks that flow into them are wide salt meadows, the most ex-
tensive being upon the s. shore. Outside of the bays on the ocean side is a series of beaches and
shifting sand-ridges, affording a complete protection from the storms of the ocean. These beaches
are divided into distinct parts by several inlets opening into the bays.3
Inclosed in the bays within the beaches is a great number of low, marshy islands separated by
narrow tidal streams and covered with sedges.* A wide strip bordering immediately upon the
bays ifi of the same marshy character. Along the deep bays upon the K. coast are small patches
of salt meadow ; but the greater part of the land upon the capes, necks, and promontories is of a
most excellent character.6 A range of hills 100 to 300 feet high extends in a general e. and w.
direction through the co., a little n. of the center, and irregular spurs extend northward to the
sound. From the base of the ridge a wide, unbroken plain extends to the s. to the salt marshes
which surround the bays.6
The streams of the co. are mostly small, and afford but a limited amount of water-power. At the
mouth of several of the creeks on both the n. and s. shores the ebbing tide is used for hydraulic
purposes. At the head of several of the streams are little, fresh water ponds,7 the principal of
which is Success Pond,8 near the top of the high ridge in the s. e. corner of Flushing. The soil
upon the n. side is a productive, sandy loam, in some places mixed with clay. The plains have a
coarse, sandy soil, which is rendered productive only at considerable cost. Along the borders
of the salt meadows is a strip of light, sandy soil, easily cultivated and of moderate fertility.9
The people are principally engaged in agriculture and market gardening. Fishing and the
taking of oysters afford occupation to a large number of people. An extensive coasting trade is
carried on, and the co. each year furnishes a large quota of sailors. Manufactures are extensive
an<l various, and are confined principally to the n. shore.
The co. courthouse is situated upon the plains of North Hempstead, a little N.w.of Mineola sta-
tion and p.o., and near the geographical center of the co.10
' Named in compliment to the wife of Charles II.
1 By * convention held at Hempetead in 1665, Long Island.
ii Inland, mil t pirt i f Wotb better co. were era n l into a
called ■• J'rki'nTv." for the purpose of holding courti and
admini-t'Tins ju«tii-e. This w.n (undivided Into "Bidlnga,"
known a* Wed Riding" I Kings
co., Btataa 1- /»:/."
(Qneem oo. ei ept Newtown.) — Thomptan't BUL L. I.. P. \-',~.
; he principal of th« inM* ar- n ,- [aland, New and QOgo
Inlets, and tie I Bay; and the principal
iea are Jones, Long, and The last
nam umnarreeid a bathing.
4 These inlands are I ty of t !»•• towns,
an 1 ir-' rained chiefly for their banting ud ashing grounds.
Imm»n«e numiHTs of wawf iwi frequent them; and a consider-
able nuraWr of persons gain a li i il-hing hore In
summer and hunting in winter. Tli- I nment has
■ the a. shore, and tho Governor
:iN 12 »t.' king masters for the
■ A consider ibta portion of this coast is high, affording beau-
tiful siti-s for eoanttj residence*.
• The R. a. at Jamaica is 4.i feat ahoTe sea level. The ascent
from Jamaica to Hempstead Junotfcn is M feet, and from
theDOS to the Byoaaat Branch 50 feet, making the latt-r 1M feet)
whili is the highest putnl nn the road. The descent of th— •
plains southward is so gradual as scarcely to be apparent.
Ml
The Hempstead Branch of the r.r. descends 40 feet in 24, mi.,
ami the Syosset Branch rises 66 feet in less than 4 mi. Tho
highest point on the island is Harbor Hill, at the head of
Hempstead Harbor. :;l'.i feet above tide.
I Several of these ponds have recently been purchased to
supply the Brooklyn Waterworks.
'Called by the Indians •• Saeut," from which the present
name is supposed to be derived. The water is clear and cold,
with an average depth of 40 feet. The pond is about 500 rods in
circumference, is surrounded by a high bank, and has an outlet,
but docs not usually overflow. It is said to be 100 to 150
feet above tide. — JPrime's Hist. L. I., P. 27 ; Thompson's L. I.,
II, /'. 60.
" Bztenslve tracts in the southern section are devoted to gar-
dening for tho city markets. The N. side, originally covered
with B heavy growth of timber, is under fine cultivation, and is
largely devoted to the raising of fruit. Flushing excels in
nurseries of fruit and ornamental trees, for which this co. is
second only to Monroe. Locust-timber is raised along tho N.
shore eastward from Little Neck, in considerable quantities, for
treenails and pusts. In Oyster Bay largo quantises of asparagus
are rai- 1 l.r market; and the soil appears to be finely adapted
to this crop. Milk is sent to market in large quantities by
R.R.. asp icially from near Jericho. Westbury. anil Hempstead.
10 The court of sessions of the "North Iiviing of Yorkshire" was
located at Jamaica in 1633; and a building called the "County
QUEENS COUNTY.
545
The jail occupies a portion of the courthouse building.1 The county records are kept in a
spaciouH briek building in the village of Jamaica; and in the same building aro offices for the
Surrogate and Board of Supervisors.* The co. has no poorhonse ; but each town provides for the
accommodation of its own paupers.
The Brooklyn and Jamaica R. It., extending w. from Jamaica to the co. line, is leased by the
Long Island It. It., which extends e. from Jamaica through Hempstead, North Hempstead, and
Oyster Bay. The Flushing It. It. extends w. from Flushing Village through Newtown to the
mouth of Newtown Creek. The Syosset Branch R. R. connects Hicksville, upon the L. I. R. R.,
with tho village of Syosset, 3£ mi. n.
There are 7 newspapers published in the co. ; 2 at Jamaica, 2 at Ilempstead, 2 at Flushing, and
1 at Glen Cove.8
The co. was mostly settled by English immigrants, under the authority of the Dutch Govern-
ment during the last 20 years of its existence. The e. extremity of Long Island was claimed by
the English colonies of New England ; and the boundary line was the subject of a long and angry
dispute, which was never entirely settled until the final subjugation of New York by the British in
1GG4.* The whole of this co. was under the Dutch, except Oyster Bay, which was a disputed terri-
tory. The first planters came on in considerable numbers, and were associated in the purchase
of the lands from the Indians. They were mostly united by a common religious faith ; and they
were invested with certain civil rights, which were afterward confirmed by the English Govern-
ment of New York, and some of which continue to the present time. The people chose a dupli-
cate set of magistrates and municipal officers, from which the Dutch Governor selected such as
he pleased.
The people employed their own minister, and enjoyed comparative religious freedom. The
Dutch, however, did not faithfully carry out the agreement which they had entered into with the
settlers, and, in 1653, delegates were sent to the city to remonstrate against certain abuses. This
was not heeded, and when the people again met for a like purpose they were ordered to disperse.
The inhabitants rejoiced when the Dutch rule was finally broken and they came under the pro-
tection of the English. Gov. Nicoll, the first English Governor, convened deputies from the several
towns upon Long Island, who met at Ilempstead in the spring of 16G5. A code of laws and ordi-
nances was adopted, a shire was erected, the names of towns were changed, boundaries were
settled, and affairs were regulated to meet the views of the new government. From this time no
land could be taken without purchase from the Indians and patent from the Governor.
During the Revolution considerable numbers of the people joined the loyalists, and the co. was
mostly in quiet possession of the enemy. Robberies were common, especially along the n. shore.
Presbyterian churches were everywhere used for military purposes. A petty warfare was carried
on in whaleboats, and daring exploits were performed by partisans of both sides.
Hall" was erected in 1684. From 1700 to 1708 the courts were
held in the Prosb. church, when a new co. hall was built, which
continued in use until the Revolution, when it was burned. By
an act of March 1, 1785, the sum of £2,000 was raised to erect
new buildings on tho present location under the direction of the
co. judge. The building is a half mi. N. of the R. R., aud trains
stop opposite when courts are in session. Efforts have been
made to remove the site to Jamaica, but thus far without suc-
cess, although most persons will admit that the present site is
inconvenient to a majority of the inhabitants.
1 In the absence of sufficient accommodations in tho vicinity,
this building is also used as a hotel during the session of tho
court. Tho sheriff, who lives upon the premises, usually makes
provision for dining a large number, and for furnishing lodgings
to a limited extent.
2 The surrogate's and clerk's offices were kept at tho houses
of the incumbents until 1833, when they were located at Ja-
maica. The present clerk's office was erected in 1857.
' The Long Island Farmer was commenced at Ja-
maica in 1819 by Henry G. Sleight. It is now published
by Charles Welling.
The Union Flail Gazette, semi-mo., was published at Jamaica in
1832 by L. Booth.
Tlie Long Island Democrat was established at Ja-
maica May 1, 1835, by Jas. J. Brenton, present publisher.
The Journal and, Messenger was published about 1843, by S. V.
Berry.
The Long Island Telegraph and General Advertiser was started
at Hempstead in May, 1830. by Wm. Hutchinson and
C. F. Le Fevre. In Nov. 1831 it was changed to
The Hempstead Inquirer. It is now published by
Morris Snedeker.
The Queens County Sentinel was established at
Hempstead in May, 1858, by John II. Hentz, its present
publisher. 35
The Church Record was started at Flushing in 1840, and con-
tinued 3s years. It was edited by Rev. Dr. F. L. Hawks,
and published by C. R. Lincoln.
The Flushing Journal was commenced March 19, 1842,
by Chas. R. Lincoln, its present publisher.
The Flushing Pomolngist was published in 1848, by William R.
Prince.
The Public Voice was started at Flushing in 1852 ; and in 1855
it was changed to
The Long Island Times. It is now published by W.
R. Burling.
The North Hempstead Gazette, was started in Dec. 1846, at Man-
hasset Valley. In 1850 it was removed to Roslyn and
changed to
The Plain Dealer. It was subsequently removed to Glen Cove,
and was continued until 1855; Jas. L. Crowley was its
last publisher.
The Glen Cove Sentinel was published a short time in 1854 by
Bright & Perry.
The Glen Cove Gazette was started in May, 1857, by
E. M. Lincoln, its present publisher.
The Woodhaven Advertiser was published a short time in 1853.
The Astoria Gazette was started in 1853 by Wm. L. S. Harrison,
and continued about 18 months.
The Journal of the Institute was published at Flushing for
about 3 years.
* Commissioners were appointed to settle these claims in 1650.
Thev were Simon Bradstreet and Thos. Prince on the part of the
New England colonies, and Thos. Willett and Geo. Baxter on the
part of the Dutch. The boundary was fixed along the W. line
of Oyster Bay; but the States General did not ratify the agree-
ment, and the Dutch Governor neglected to carry it into effect.
The Dutch subsequently planted a colony at Brookville, (Wolver
Hollow,) e. of the Hue, to assert their claims.
546
QUEENS COUNTY.
FLrsniXG' — was first granted by letters patent — issued by tbe Dutch Governor Keift, Oct.
10, 1645 — to a company of English immigrants.2 This grant was confirmed by Gov. Nicoll, Feb.
1666, and by Gov. Dongan, March 23, 1685.s Under the provisions of these charters a con-
siderable amount of land was held in common, to be under the charge of 5 trustees, elected
annually.4 It was recognized as a town under the State Government, March 7, 1788.5 It lies upon
the k. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is moderately uneven and has a gentle
inclination to the n. A low range of hills extends along its s. border and separates it from
Jamaica. Flushing Creek, the principal stream, firms a portion of the w. boundary. The princi-
pal indentations upon the coast are Flushing Bay, Powells Cove, Little Bay, and Little Neck Bay.
An extensive salt marsh extends along Flushing Creek and the head of Flushing Bay.6 The soil
is a fine quality of productive sandy loam. Gardening, fruit growing,7 and the nursery business8
constitute the leading pursuits of the people. The town supports its own poor, and has a house and
farm for their accommodation. Flushing', (p. v.,) at the head of Flushing Bay, was incorp.
April 9, 1813. It contains 8 churches, 2 newspaper offices, several private seminaries,9 and has
a limited amount of manufactures.10 It is connected with New York by the Flushing R. R. and by a
steam ferry from Hunters Point. From its proximity to New York, it has become the residence
of many wealthy persons doing business in the city. Pop. 3,488. College Point,11 (p. v.,) on
the sound, e. of Flushing Bay, is a modern village, settled mostly by Germans. It contains 2
churches, and an immense manufactory of whalebone, India rubber, and ratan, giving employment
to 500 to 70^ hands. Pop. 1,150. Wnitestone12 (p. v.) is located on the sound, in the extreme
n. part of the town. It contains 2 churches, and an extensive tin and sheet ironware manufac-
tory." Pop. 630. Marathon, at the head of Little Neck Bay, is a small, straggling village
with one church. Several of the neighborhoods in this town are known by distinct local names.14
Yt'ilkins Point has recently been purchased by the U. S. Government for the site of a fort.15
There are now 13 churches in town.16 The first settlements were made by English, who probably
had first settled in Holland. They arrived at " New Amsterdam" in 1645. They were Non-conform-
ists in religion, and settled on the Dutch dominions under the promise of entire religious free-
dom.17 But the Dutch soon commenced a series of persecutions that continued until the time
of the British conquest in 1664. Several French Protestant families found their way into this
town after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes ; but few of their descendants are now found.
The fruits introduced by these people are said to have given the first direction to the nursery
business for which this town is so celebrated.
tioned here.
During the Revolution a British force was sta-
HEMPSTEAD- was granted by Gov. Keift to several English families, Nov. 14, 1644.
This patent was confirmed by Gov. Nicoll, March 6, 1666, and by Gov. Dongan, April 17, 1685.18
* Named by the Dutch "Vlissengen,'' from a place in Holland.
* The first patentees were Tho«. Farrington. John Lawrence,
John Hicks, John Townsend, Thos. Stiles. Robert Field, Thos.
Suit John fctarston, Hum. Applegate, Lawrence Dutch, Wm.
Lawn t: lb nrv BawtelL, Wm, Tborne, Michael Willard, Robt.
Firman, and \N DEL Widgeon, for themselves and associates.
ntees named In the patent of Got. Nicoll were
J..hn Lawiuni lo of New York fity.i Richard Corn-
well i \\m. Lawrence, Robert ftrry, Wm. Noble,
John Fori I Doughty, Robt. Field, Philip I'd. ill. Thos.
I I. Wm I'idgeon, John Adams, John Blnchman,
Nlcholaa Parcell, Tobias Fi-aks. and John Howno: and those in
ih- patent of O ■ Dongan were Kliai Doughty, Thos. Willett,
J ..n n Bowne, Matthias Harvey, Thos. Ricks, Richard Corn well,
John Hlnchman, Jonathan W right, and nmi'I ii.-.i /' ■■ ' .
1,64. V. -
* i ! a mostly taken up try Individuals,
though the trustee* are •till elected to take i barge i i the re-
main br. Tie- town records wars burned, Oct SI, it-t, by a
•arrant girl, who wu afi< rward hong tr the deed.
I Itv the < ;. n. ml Act, e«b> -viiii.
* A chalybeate spring wax diw-overed near the head "f this
marsh in 1MH. It was named ■•( fittlaiham Sjprtngt," and for a
rime attrart-.i rnui h attant
' Tli- principal innt grown i>p cherries, of which largo o,nan-
titi"« are annually mrl to 1 1 1 •• New York mark't.
■ flushing li.i» a wide reputation for it* nurseries, of which
there arc six. i • res and valoed at $12iJ000. "I I ■ - -
first nursery was oommei m furnish
eTery special of fruit tree, ornamental shrub, an i sxotii plant
cultivated in the country.
•Tli- principal Of titan lehOOtl are the Flushing In«titnt<\
the Hushing Female College, and the Linn«an Hill Seminary.
10 The principal manufactories are the I I mery and
Sand 1'aper Manufactory, a steam planing and saw mill, and a
tide gristmill.
11 This place was formerly known as "Txiwrmces Keck." Seve-
ral farms have been laid out into village plats, each one taking
a distinct name. An Kpiscopal college was incorp. here in
1S40: but it has since been abandoned. Tho location of this in-
stitution gave the mimo to tho village.
l- Nannd from a large bunlder near the landing. The place
was fir.-t called "Obokie HOP' and afterward "ClintonviUe."
'3 Tin- estal Ushment gives employment to 430 hands.
h Bay Side— tho seat of A. O. Mickle, Ex-Mayor of New
York — and Spriiicville are near Little Neck Hay. Fresh
>1 i i ilmi -. Ireland, and Spring Hill are localities
h. r...f Flushing Village. Rocky Hill and Union Place
are farming neighborhoods. Spring Hill was tho residence of
Oadwallader Golden, who died hero Sept. 20, 1776. His son
ised the cause of tho Royalists, and his estate was con-
I. — Ondfrdrmk-'s Rex\ Inc.
14 When fortified, this point will completely command the
channel on the jr.. and render the approach of ships of war
toward New York impossible from that direction.
i« of this, there are at Flushing. 2 Friends, I'rot. E., M. E., Ref.
Trot H.. R.O., Cong., and Ban.; al College Point, R.O.and Luth.;
:it \\ bit) "tone. I'rot. B. and M. E.; find at Marathon, a I'rot. E.
l" The religions faith of these people was much tho same as
th.it afterward professed by the (Junkers, who had not become
at that period a distinct serf in England. Their first religious
teacher was Brands Doughty, from Taunton. .Mass.. a Baptist,
who became a Quaker in HOT. as did many of the inhabitants.
The celebrated Geo. Fox risited America in 1072 ami preached
in this town. He was entertained at tbe house of John Bowne,
who had particularly suffered from the persecutions of tho
Dutch; but. his dwelling not being sufficiently large to accom-
modate the audience, his hearers assembled nnder the sliado of
the venerable oaks, one of which is still standing. Tho Howne
Bouse Standi in Parsons ACo.'s Commercial Garden and Nursery,
and is in a fine state of preservation.
'• The grantees named in tho first patent wcro Robert Ford-
QUEENS COUNTY.
547
Upon the erection of North Hempstead, in 1784, its Dame was changed to South Hempstead; and
its present name was re-ndopted Feb. 5, 1700. It w:i* recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It
lies upon the s. side of the island, extending 20 mi. along; the ocean, and embracing about 100
8q. mi. The shore is bordered by a line of bcadic* and sand bills ; and within them are Hempstead
and South Oyster Hays, inclosing b large d ber of low, sedgy islands. West of the bay a long,
narrow sandbar, known as Rook&way Beaoh,1 extends to the b. W., forming the b. boundary of
-Jamaica bay. Wide salt meadows border upon the bays, and from them the land spreads out
into an almost perfectly level plain.-' The soil along the borders of the marshes is moderately
fertile, and upon tho plain it consists of sand and fine gravel, which is naturally barren,
although it may be made productive by the proper application of manures. A considerable
portion of the marshes and plain belongs to the town and is used as common property.1 The
people are largely engaged in market gardening. There is no poorhouse; but the paupers are
annually put up at auction and struck off to the lowest bidder. Hempstead, (p. v.,) near the
center of the town, was incorp. June 20, 1853. It contains 'A churches, the Hempstead Seminary,*
and 1,480 inhabitants. Along the s. shore are several villages, generally scattered and extended
over a large territory. They are mostly surrounded by gardens and orchards. Jerusalem
South, (p. v.,) in the s. e. corner, contains a gristmill and Friends' meetinghouse; next w.
are respectively Bridge Haven, containing a gristmill and church, Merrick,5 (p. o.,) and
Greenwich Point, two farming neighborhoods; Freeport,6 (p. v.,) a fishing village,
containing 2 churches; Milburn, Baldwinville, and Christian Hook, hamlets;
Rockville Center, (p. v.,) containing 1 church; Mear Rockaway, a hamlet, and Far
Rockaway, (Rockaway p. o.,) a noted seabathing place.7 Valley Stream and Fosters
Meadow are two scattered settlements along the e. border. ]\ew Bridge, (formerly
"Little Neck,") Washington Square, and Brookfield are farming neighborhoods. The
first settlements were made in 1643, by a colony of English, who had previously settled at
Weathersfield and Stamford, in Conn. They founded the first English settlement within the
co.8 The town early acquired a prominent rank, and its records (preserved at North Hemp-
stead) contain a large amount of valuable historical information. Horse races were established
here by the Governor in 1G90. The first church (Presb.) was started in 1648. There are 18
churches in town.9
JAMAICA10 — was first granted for settlement by Gov. Stuveysant, March 21, 1656 ; and a
more ample patent was granted in 1660. The rights of the town were confirmed by Gov. Nicoll,
Feb. 15, 1666, and by Gov. Dongan, March 17, 1686.11 It was recognized as a town March 7,
hum, John Strickland, John Ogden, John Karman, John Law-
rence, and Jonas Wood; those in the second patent were John
Hicks, J. P., Capt. John Seaman. Richard (iildersleeve, Robert
Jackson, John Karman, John Smith, sr. and jr.; and those in
tlic third were Capt. John Seaman. Simon Searing, John Jackson,
James Pine, sr., Kichard Gildersleeve, sr., and Nath'l Pearsall.
— Thompson's Hist. L.l, II, H ; Patents, I V. 55. V. 1S1> ; Sec.Office.
1 The co. seal presents a view of sea and shore from this
beach. The name is of Indian origin. This point was formerly
inclosed by a fence from Hempstead to Jamaica Bays, and was
used lor pasturing cattle, horses, and sheep.
2 This plain is 15 mi. long and 4 broad. When first known to
the Europeans, it was destitute of timber and covered with grass.
The annual burning of this grass was prohibited by statute in
1726. It is mostly uninclosed, and need as pasture.
3 About 16,000 acres of the plain and the salt meadows are
common property. The time for cutting the hay is fixed at the
annual town meetings, and the first one on the ground has the
choice of location. This leads the farmers to the meadows at an
early hour on the appointed day. and sometimes during the night
previous, where they stand scythe in hand, ready at the first
glance of sunrise to strike into the grass before them and mow
around as large a piece as they may be able. Several hundred
men are often thus employed. Each inhabitant may hire as many
laborers as he chooses, and may cut for sale. North Hempstead
formerly enjoyed the right of cutting grass upon those meadows,
but has been practically deprived of it for many years. See
page 545.
* This is a private seminary, owned by a joint stock company.
6 On old documents variously spelled "Jferie," "Moroke," and
"Merikohe." The name was derived from a tribe of Indians that
lived in the vicinity.
8 First settled by Edward Raynor. and formerly known as
"Raynortovm."
7 This place contains the Pavilion, — an immense hotel, — and
several large summer boarding houses.
8 Among the early settlers were Rev. Richard Denton, Jonas
Wood, Wm. Raynor, Robert Coe, Richard Gildersleeve, Robert
Jackson, John Ogden, John Karman, Capt. John Underhill,
Andrew Ward, Thurston and Robt. Raynor, Matthow Mitchell,
and Robert Fordham. In 1647 the first eight, with Robt. Ash-
man. Jeremy. Edmnnd. and Terry Wood, Benj. and John Coe,
Sam'l Strickland, John Topping John Fordham, Wm. and John
Lawrence, Henry Hudson. Thomas Ireland, Richard Valentine,
Wm. Thickstone, Nicholas Tanner, Wm., John. sr. and jr., Jas.,
and Alvin Smith. Richard, jr., Sam'l, Dan'l, and Nath'l Denton,
Tho8. Armitage, Simon Searing. Thomas Wilson, Henry Piers in,
Jos. and Wm. Scott, Henry Whiston, Richard and John Lewis,
Thos. Stevenson. John Storge, John and Robert Williams, Wm.
Rogers, Richard Ogden. John Foucks, Wm. Washburne. Thos.
Sherman, Francis Yates, John Ellison, Wm. Shadding. Thomas
and Chas. Foster, Roger Lines, Sam'l Clark, John Hudd, Thos.
Pope, Daniel Whitehead, Edward Raynor, John Smith, Samuel
Baccus, and John Strickland were freeholders, and shared in the
division of the lands. A part of the above locations are now
included in North Hempstead. Tho first child born of white
parents in town was Caleb Karman, son of John Karman, Jan.
9, 1645. An order was made at their General Court, Sept. 16,
1650, requiring all persons to "repaire to the publique Meetings
and Assemblies on the Lords dayes, and on publique dayes of
tastings and thanksgivings, appointed by publique authority,
bothe on the forenoons aud afternoons," under a penalty of S
guilders for the first. 10 for the second, and 20 for the third of-
fense. The Rev. Richard Denton, a prominent founder, was
their first pastor. He returned to England in 16o9. and wrote
a historical account of New York, which was published in Lon-
don in 1670.
9 10 M. E.. 3 Prot. E., 2 Presb.. 2 R. C, and one Friends. Near
the M. E. Church in South Hempstead is a monument, erected to
the memory of 139 English and Irish immigrants who perished
on the ships Bristol and Mexico, wrecked Nov. 21, 1836, and
Jan. 2, 1837.
10 It was first proposed to name this place "Canorasset." Many
of the first settlers preferred the name of "Crawford;" and the
Dutch named it " Rusdorp" signifying " county town." The
present name is by some considered as from the Indian "Jameco."
11 The first patent of confirmation contained the names of
Daniel Denton, J. P., Robt. Coe, Capt. Bryan Newton, Wm. Hal-
let, Andrew Messenger, and Nathaniel Denton : and the second
named 24 persons.— Patents, I. 66, 91, V, 432; Ac. Office.
548 QUEENS COUNTY.
• >
1788. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. A range of low wooded hills forms its n. boundary;
but the remainder of the town consists of an extensive sand plain, and a series of wide salt
marshes along the shore. Jamaica Bay, forming its s. boundary, incloses a large number of low,
marshy islands. Several small streams take their rise in springs and small ponds among the
hills and flow s. to the bay.1 The soil is light and sandy. A considerable tract immediately
bordering upon the marshes is kept in a high state of fertility by artificial means, and is devoted
to market gardening. This town has long been celebrated for its race courses.2 The town poor
are annually let to the lowest bidder.3 Jamaica, (p. v.,) near the n. border of the town, was
iucorp. April 14, 1814. It contains G churches, the Union Hall Academy,4 several private semi-
naries, a union school, 2 newspaper offices, and several manufactories.5 Pop. 2,817. Wood-
haven was organized in 1850 by a number of capitalists for the manufacture of shoes.
Cypress Avenue is a r. r. station near the line of Kings co. The country in the immediate
vicinity is laid out in a village plat, and named I'n ion v ille. from the Union Race Course ;
Clarenceville is a village plat on the r. r., w. of Jamaica; Centerville, a plat adjacent
to the trotting course; Ilopedale and Jamaica Heights, two prospective villages in
the x. part; Willow Tree, a r. r. station, e. of Jamaica; Queens,6 (p. o.,) a R. R. station
near the e. line, and Springfield, a vicinage 3 mi. long, in the e. part, extending to the
bay. The first settlement was made about 1656, by people from Hempstead, who in that year
obtained leave of the Dutch Government to purchase lands and erect a town, "according unto
their place limited, named Canarise, about midway from Hempstead." In 1702 the civil officers
of government removed to this place, on account of prevailing sickness. An attempt was
made soon after to appropriate the church to the use of the Episcopalians,— which was resisted,
and a controversy commenced, which was not settled until 1728. In 1753 the General Assembly
again convened at this place. During the Revolution the town was occupied by the British, and,
ially in winter, large bodies of troops were stationed here. The Dutch Church was used as
a storehouse. The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1663. The Ref. Prot. D. Church was
formed in 1702 ; and the first Prot. E. services were held during the same year. The Chapel of the
Sisters — a neat edifice, built of hewn granite — was erected in the Presb. Cemetery, by Nicholas
Ludlum, of New York.7
NEWTOWX3 — was first conveyed by patent, by Gov. Stuyvesant, in 1652. The grant was
confirmed by Gov. Nicoll, March 6, 1666, and by Gov. Dongan, Nov. 25, 1683.9 It was recog-
nized as a town March 7, 1788. It lies upon the East River and Long Island Sound, in the n.w.
corner of the co., and includes North and South Brother, Rikers, and Berriens Islands.10 A range
of hills extends along the s. border; but the remaining part of its surface is level or moderately
uneven. Flushing Creek forms a portion of the e. boundary, and Newtown Creek a portion of the
w. boundary. Extensive salt meadows border upon these creeks and the bays. Hell Gate is a nar-
row, tortuous passage between "Wards Island and Hallets Point, near the x. extremity of the town.11
The soil is a fine fpualityof sandy loam. Market gardening and the cultivation of flowers are the
in ■ -• important business. The town poor arc let out by contract. Astoria,12 (p.v.,) upon East
River, Dear Hell Gate, was incorp. April 12, 1836. It contains 5 churches, a female seminary, union
1, and several extensive manufactories.15 It is particularly distinguished for its floral gardons
i- hare been purchased bythe Brooklyn Blchard Retts, . 1. 1\, Gapt.Thos. Lawrence, Capt. John Coe, John
Wat. r ' tnpaoy. The remaina of a mastodon ware Brand BnrnraghB, Ralph Hunt, Dan'l Whitehead, and J. Burger Yost;
iTdtinc al I'ond. in tliH t'lwn. Mun-li -7. 1 S5S. ami th ■ - < nd tin n:i mi-s of luS freeholders. The annual ijuit-
Mil \va».';C4.«.— Patent!. 11,78 ; Sec. Office: Thompson's HULL.
1.. II. 142.
T)i molar teeth and » one ninall fragment! "f
hut not mineralised.
* A course w«.« Ui.i oat. la c lonlal tunes, around the border
10 These islands are cultivated as gardens. Berriens, near
of Bea- t to tho Tillage, since Lawrence Point, has an area of 12 acres. Hikers is the largest
drained. I i laid out aoon after the passage of the ami >t valuable, and was formerly called "Hewlttts Island,"
act of 1821, ander that of 1834. It is now owned Brum it h having l>ren tho residence of Geo. Hewlett. It is 1 mi.
by the •• l'ni oi \ ■••! under general act, Ang. 2, from the mainland, and contains over 50 acres. It was con-
It i- i few feel i mile In Armed to (inisbert Riker by Stuyvesant, Dec. 24, 1667, and is
ejre nit. There is a trottim: rour»«> «. r. ••! the former.
1 Tho town (■'■ nouallj t manage its property.
It has a fund— given !■}• Henry Toarnsend nearij twooentnrles
rincc — "f.,r the raU I children, persona
blind, lamed, nr ag-d. an I such a* should be nnaUe H get a
lirinff, or any tint should suffer It fire and whose
mik'ht rail f r relief.1'
« This institution was incorp. Feb. 29. 1792.
* Three carriage factories and the repair sb' >ps of the L I. R. R.
• fOl MBa." Tho name was changed at a
public meeting. .Ian. 1, 1867.
' There an ie« 9 chun lies in town; 2 M. E, 2 Ref. Prot. D..
1're-h. IT t. K. Af. Meth.. and K.C.
• Named ■•Mtd'll'Jrurg" under the Dutrh.
* The first deed of confirmation contained tho names of Capt.
till owned by the family. — Thompson's Hist., II, 154.
11 Thi* name was probably derived from the Dutch "Hellig,"
angry, and "Oat" a gate. It is often softened down to"//»H
'.'<■'• ." From the earliest time this has been a difficult strait to
na\ Igate, owing to sunken rocks and the strong current of tho
tide. In 1862 the rocks were mostly removed by a system of
submarine bin-tine and the navigation greatly improved.
13 This place was formerly known as "Uallcts Oove," and was
settled by Stephen A. and John C. Halsey. At tho time of its
incorporation it was proposed to call it "Sumwick," from tho
Indian name of a Stream near by; but tho name Astoria was
adopted, in hope of securing a gratuity from John Jacob Astor.
In this, htiwerer, the people were disappointed, as he gave only
$1<K) to the seminary.
" The principal manufactories aro the chemical works for
QUEKNS COUNTY.
540
and greenhouses.1 It is connected with NV\\ Yolk by f.-rries, and is inhabited by many persons doing
business in the city. Pop. about 3,200. Itav« iis\voo<l, (p. v.,) upon the East River, is a suburban
village, and the houses consist mostly ofcostly residences. The poorhonee farms of NewYorkCity
were located at this place previous to the purchase of the islands in the river for that purpose.3 A
rifle cartridge factory exploded hen! about L850, occasioning a great destruction of life. Hun-
tors Point* is a newly surveyed and thinly settled village, immediately n. of the mouth of New-
town Creek. It has several manufactories,' and is rapidly Increasing ill business and population.
Newtown, (p. v.,) near the center, and Penny Bridge are stations upon the noshing it. R.;
and Wlnfleld and Weal Flushing arc village plats uj t he same roads. Mtt*peth*(p.o.)
lies near the head of Newtown Creek; and Melvina, C'olliliihusville, and Winailts-
ville are village plats in the same vicinity. L,awreneeville, n. w. of Winfield, and .llid-
dletown, b. b. of Astoria, are village plats. Locust Grove, linden Hills, Sew As-
toria, Middle Tillage, and South Williainsburgh are localities and prospective
villages. Hutch Hills is a gardening neighborhood. St. Ronans Well, a wooded island
near the head of Flushing Bay, contains 7 acres, and is a favorite resort for picnic parties. Cal-
vary Cemetery, on the Laurel Hills, n. of Newtown Creek, contains 75 acres, and is owned
by the II. C. denomination. The Cemetery of the Evergreens, in the s. w. corner, is
partly in Brooklyn and partly in New Lots, Kings co. It is beautifully situated upon the Cypress
Hills, and contains 115 acres, with the privilege of extending its area to 500 acres. Cypress
Hills Cemetery, e. of the latter, is also situated upon the highlands, and contains 400 acres.6
Mount Olivet Cemetery lies near Maspeth, and the Lutheran Cemetery near
Middle Village. The National Race Course, incorp. May 31, 1854, is located near the Flushing
R. R.7 The first settlements were made in 1651, by English immigrants, who had first located in
New England. The first grant of privileges obtained from the Dutch in 1652 was followed by
another more liberal in its character in 1665. The early records of the town were lost during the
British occupation in the Revolution. A blockhouse was built at Hell Gate during the Revolu-
tion, and a water-battery, named Fort Stevens,8 during the War of 1812. The first church edifice
(Presb.) of which there is any record was erected, in 1670, at Newtown Village; and the first
preacher was Rev. John Moore, who was employed from the first settlement until his death, in
1661. The census reports 15 churches in town.9
NORTH HEMPSTEAD10- was formed from Hempstead, April 6, 1784. It lies upon
Long Island Sound, between Hempstead Harbor and Little Neck Bay, and on the s. extends to
near the center of Hempstead Plains. A range of hills extends e. and w. through near the center ;
and from them spurs extend to the Sound, giving to the n. part a moderately hilly character. Hemp-
stead Harbor and Manhasset Bay are irregular bays extending far inland, dividing the coast into
"necks" and points, — the principal of which are Cow and Great Necks, Motts, Prospect, Sands,
making dry alkalies, the V. S. Vulcanized Gutta Percha Belting
and Packing Works, and an extensive carpet factory.
1 Grant Thorburn, the celebrated seedsman and ilorist. bad a
nursery here from 1832 to 1851. There are nuw 0 floral estab-
lishments for supplying the city market, besides many gentle-
men's greenhouses, graperies, &c.
- About l->:>4— :;.">, the corporation of New York City erected ex-
tensive buildings, about lj mi. s. from Astoria, for a pauper
establishment, which were sold at public auction, April 15,1847,
np 'H the removal of these institutions to the islands in (lie river.
Three large buildings — called the "Boys' Nursery,'' ".School
House,'' and " Infant Nursery," the property of Win. W. Miles
— were leased (May 25) to the Commissioners of Emigration for a
ship lever hospital, and other purposes. A public meeting was
held immediately alter at Astoria, to express indignation at the
application of the property to these uses and to remonstrate
ae;iinst it. The people failing to obtain their object, the pre-
mises were assailed and destroyed on the night of May 26-27,
1S47, by a lftrge mob in disguise. An attempt was made to
fasten the expense of these losses upon the town: and, after
repeated efforts, the owuer recovered $3,0011 from the State by
act of March 17,1855.— Assem. Doc. 1848, Nos. 19, 101, 164, 180;
& note Doc. 1849, No. 31, and 1850, Nos. 02 and 82.
3 Originally called "Dominies Hook." The place was after-
ward owned by Geo. Hunter, who died before 1825. It is desig-
nated in deeds as " Long Island City." Much of the property
given to Onion College by Rev. Dr. Nott as an endowment is
located here, and consists of graded lots.
4 The principal manufactories are a flint glass factory, chemical
works, paint and varnish factory, foundery for the manufacture
of iron pipes, and an oil and locomotive grease factory. Con-
siderable ship-building is also done here.
6 Sometimes written "Mespat." "Mispat," &c. It was settled
by English, and often designated '•'■English Kills" to distinguish
it from Dutch Kills. De Witt Clinton formerly resided heie.
A foundery for casting metallic burial cases was established
here several years since.
6 The general act forbids cemeteries to hold more than 250
acres in one co. ; and hence this was located in two. A special
act allows this cemetery to hold 100 acres more in Queens co.
The highest point is 219 ft. above tide.
i The company that owns this course is incorp., with a capital
of $250,000.
8 Named from Maj. Gen. Ebenezer Stevens, who in bis youth
was a member of the " Boston Tea Party" and subsequently an
officer in the Revolution and the War of 1812.
9 4 Prot. E., 3 Ref. l'rot. D., 3 M. E., 2 Presb., 2 B. C. and 1
Bap. The Ref. Prot. D. Church at Newtown was formed in 1704,
and a Prot. E. church at the same place in 1731. A M. E. church
was erected near Middle Village in 1836, chiefly through the
liberality of Jos. Harper, father of the Harper Brothers, pub-
lishers in New York.
10 Under the act of organization each town was to enjoy the
right ofoystering, clamming, and fishing in the other; and both
continued to cut grass upon the South Meadows until 1815.
They each assumed the sole care of the common lands that fell
withiu their several bounds. At the town meeting in Hemp-
stead, April, 1797, a resolution was passed, giving to the people
of that town 10 days' precedence of right in cutting grass. A
suit was instituted, and was appealed to the Court of Errors,
which decided, in Dec. 1828, that North Hempstead had no power
to interfere in the regulations of Hempstead. — Opinion of Chan-
cellor Kent, Johnson's, II, 320-338 ; of Chancellor Sanford./Top-
kins, I, 289-300 : Decision of Court of Errors, Wendell, II, 109-
137. The public lands of the town were sold under an act
passed March 25, 1830. Obadiah Townsend. Singleton Mitchell,
Benj. Albnrtson. and Jos. Dodge were appointed commissioners
for this purpose.
550 QUEENS COUNTY.
Barker, and Hewletts Points, and Plum Beach.1 The soil upon the plains is light and sandy,
and in the n. part a sandy and clayey loam, very productive. The town poor are supported by
the Jones Fund,- at an institution situated at Brookville, in the town of Oyster Bay; and 2 trus-
tees arc annually elected to the board having this fund in charge. Manhasset,3 (p. v.,) near
the center, a straggling village, contains 4 churches. The neck of land extending eastward of
Manhasset Bay is called Manhasset.4 Roslyn, (p. v.,) at the head of Hempstead Harbor, 2 mi.
above the steamboat landing, contains 2 churches and several manufactories.5 Pop. 592. North
Hempstead (p. o.) is 2 mi. e. of the courthouse; .llineola (p. v.) is a scattered village
at the junction of the L. I. & Hempstead Branch 11. Roads; Flower Hill is a farming neigh-
borhood near the center of Manhasset Neck; Montrose, a village plat near the country seat
of Win. C. Bryant. West bury6 is a forming neighborhood, extending from near the courthouse
to the e. line of the town. Carl Place, near "Westbury, aud Clowesville, near Mineola, are
village plats. Hyde Park,7 near the r. r., Lakeville,8 near the line of Flushing, and
Farmers Tillage, on the edge of the plains, are farming localities. Port Washington
(p. o.) is a small village on the w. side of Manhasset Bay. The first settlement was made in the
spring of 1640, by a small company of English immigrants from Lynn, Mass., under the lead
of Capt. Daniel Howe, who took possession of the head of Cow Bay, under the authority of Farrett,
agent of the Earl of Stirling. The Dutch sent a party of soldiers, who captured several of the in-
truders ; but they were released upon promising to quit the place. These persons afterward made the
trrst settlement at Southampton. The necks of land of this town were first used for pasturage in com-
mons. During the Revolution marauding parties committed various depredations upon the people
of this town, rendering both property and life insecure. The census reports 9 churches in town.9
OYSTER BAY10— was patented by Gov. Nicoll, Nov. 29, 1667, and confirmed by Gov.
Andross, Sept. 29, 1677. u It was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It occupies the e. ex-
tremity of the co., and extends across the island from the sound to the ocean. The N. shore is
deeply indented by irregular bays, the principal of which are Oyster Bay, Cold Spring, and Oyster
Bay Harbors, Mill Neck Creek, and Mosquito Cove. Cove Neck, Center Island,12 and Mosquito
Neck are long peninsulas formed by these bays ;13 Lloyds Neck is a peninsula extending e. of Cold
Spring Harbor. The great indentation of South Oyster Bay, separated from the ocean by Jones
Bi.'arh, forms the s. boundary. This bay is bordered by salt meadows, and incloses several marshy
islands belonging to the town. A range of hills extends through the n. part; and the remainder
of the surface is level. The soil is a sandy and clayey loam, and with proper care is very pro-
ductive. The town poor are supported by the Jones Fund.14 Oyster Bay, (p. v.,) on Oyster
Bay Harbor, contains 6 churches and 900 inhabitants;15 Glen Cove,16 (p. v.,) near Hempstead
Harbor, in the N. w. part, contains 3 churches, a printing office, fire insurance office, and a corn
Bteurah factory.17 South Oyster Bay (p.o.) is a scattered village on the s. shore. Farni-
liiKdale (p.o.) is a hamlet and r. r. station near the e. line; Hichsville18 (p.o.) is a r. r.
Station mar the w. line. Syosset19 (p.o.) is the present terminus of a r. r. extending n. e. from
I A lighthouse has been erected upon Sands Point, and a life-
beat station i* maintain"! here.
14. • Formerly called "Bead cf Om X
t Formerly called "Cbio Neck," and by the Indiana USM
It wiw originally inclosed fr- rn Hempstead Harbor to
tbj enat by a fence separating it from Great Neck; and every
r«-r*on am He nj>on it as be built
standing gate* or panels of fence. w bi n afterward distributed,
The camber oi i ■ o-
trfbnton I fj • tool li
» let iimly called "Btmptead Harbor." Bar) n mil, in the
r> ar of the Mii !>»i'l i'i tb"
r» said to base bo d bnfll >" n la 1773, t j HeudHck Onder-
■i' ok, I grandfather of two btaboaa of thi« name,) Hugh Qalne,
end II- r. Ii.mwn, There are 2 paper mills. 'J gristmills,
and a sawmill at thi" place
« The i pie in tin- rl itnty are ehlaflyi mpl' ycd in furnishing
milk for the V w fort m
ll Henry Townsend, sr.. Nicholas and Gideon Wright, Ttichard
Harrison. Joseph Carpenter, and Josiah Latting were named in
both patents.— .FtotenXs, I. 104, 162; Sec. Office.
w Formerly called "Bog Uland." It is connected with the
main island by a beach, includes COO acrea of excellent soil, and
ban a brickyard, with steam power, that makes 3,000,000 bricks
annually.
" lb" principal rapes or points upon the N. shore are Olivers,
- i'i-. M..-.'s. i'luni. Center Island. "Id Keck, Fox Island, 1'ea-
cock, Matlnecock, and Bed Spring Points.
'• In Kin. Sam'l .lones gave $:S0.000 — known as the "Jones
Fund" — for the support Of the poor of this town and North Hemp-
stead; and if the income of tliis fnnd was more than sufficient for
ill- purpose, the overplus WEI to belongtO Hushing. A farm was
purchased at Brookville, upon which suitable buildings have
I .•■li erected for the support Of the p,.nr. Walter B>. .tones, the
distinguished financier, nlso a citizen of this town, gave J.1.000
in !• for the tame purpose. The fund is managed by 8 trustees,
■ c p. in ■ rmnnds s. of tbi* place, anciently called chosen by this town, and 2 by North Hempstead. The institu
•' urv I 'In int." a race c..nr»e wat established by Gov. Nicoll ti "n is known as the ",i„neg Institute;" and it supports B0 to 70
in 1606. It was called "Aim tfarW," and continued devoted to
the sports "f the turf more than ODS bun -
• Formerly called "flkrfrrf " fr-.m Boo ess Pond In the rl< Inlry.
Tie' n mi" was chancd to lAkevflle in 1886. The towns of
Hushing and Hemp-- en the ink,, and
Hyde Park, to Qov. Doogan, wl ncenem
j '.l t ,A1 Hi th.. Prat 1 • n . .nd 11. C.
10 The lands and commons of this town are under the charge
Indigent persons annually.
•6 P. O. changed to u9yoUtf -Ian. 20. 184fl. and old name re-
stored one Week after. Jas.Colwell, appointed P. M. by Jeffer-
son, held the office till his death, in 1S54, when his granddaughter
was Appointed. ,6 Formerly called "JUnsouitnCf/ve."
U (il'iii ove Starch Mannfac'g Com., under the supervision of
Messrs. Duryea. Incorp. Nor. IB, 1866; capital, 1100,000. Pro-
duces'jo tons ]>er day. Works destroyed hy BXS Feb. 0,1868; rebuilt
of the supervisor. The South Mea/i ll annually at same year, covering over 2 acres, and capital Increased to (800,000.
n. for about fl.2nfl. Townsmen only have the right of fi«h- '» Named from hlias Hicks, the Quaker reformer.
log and oystsrhtg in the waters of the town. i* Formerly known as "Euit iVt/odt."
QUEENS COUNTY.
551
Ilicksville, projected to Cold Spring. Norwich (East Norwich p.o.)is a fanning settle-
ment 3 mi. s. e. of Oyster Bay.1 Cedar Swamp, ( p.o.,) s. i. of Glen Cove, and Locust
Valley,2 n. e. of the Bame place, are farming settlements. Jericho (p. o.) is a settlement, s.
of Hioksville;* Woodbury (p.o.) is a small village, near the i. border; Lloyds Neck isa
{arming vicinage, in the extreme n. s. part;4 Betnpbage is a farming locality, and Ilrook-
vllle is a hamlet' Fort Neck was named from two ancient Indian forts.6 Dosorls,1
Lattl uptown, and Matlnlcock8 are localities n. k. of Glen Cove. An attempt was made
by a party <>f English to make a settlement in this town in 1040; but the settlers were driven off
by the Dutch. In 16 12 other English parties, who had purchased lands of the Indians, were also
driven off. The question of jurisdiction was a matter of debate until 1050, when commissioners
were appointed on both sides to settle it. The w. boundary of Oyster Bay was fixed upon as the
line of separation of the two colonies; and in 1053 the first permanent English settlement was
made, upon land previously purchased of the Indians.9 In 1602 the town formed a close alliance
with Conn. De Lancey's corps of royalists built a small fort on the hill, in the village of Oyster
Bay, in 1770 ; and it was occupied by Simcoe's Queen's Rangers in 1773 and '78. The census
reports 10 churches in town.10
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, FreeJwlders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Queens County.
Names of Towns.
Flushing
Hempstead
Jamaica
Newtowo
North Hempstead.
Oyster Hay
Total
Acres of Land.
Valuation op 1858.
Population.
0B
•5
(5
i
1
SCH00L8.
o
0
«#
8
,
£ .
5
6
i
a;
a* a.
a
1
1
"3
1
4.011
1,113
•&
i
8
11,083
3,813
$3,184,960
$257,110
$3,442,070
3,959
1,500
657
2.953
26,463
14,888
2,650,760
349,667
3,000,427
5,264
5,213
2,022
2,051
1,409
19
4,056
14.042J
5,555
2,186.430
196,156
2.382,586
2,796
2,836
866
1,005
640
7
2.246
10,2884.
2,009
3. 140.000
253,290
3,399,890
2,331
2,363
1,518
904
434
10
1.733
23,150^
7,9S9
2,534,400
288,750
2,S23,150
4,683
4,763
867
1,766
914
11
3,190 j
35.522
119,549
22,950
57,204
3,368,695
17,071,845
420,769
3.7S9,464
4,109
23,142
3,938
23,124
1,510
1,456
994
5.048
21
74
3.187 |
1,765,742
18,837,5S7
7,896
8,682
17.365 1
Names of Towns.
Flushing
Hempstead :.
Jamaica
Newtown
North Hempstead.
Oyster Bay
Total
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
«0
1
!* .
•5 - A
««!
£s-s
554
1.3S3
325
159
889
1,776
5,086
8
eg
862
548
2,777
5,527
•5
E
Bush, of Grain.
"5-
1
30,489
63,082
64,494
53,983
34,438
38.649
11
Daiby Pboddcts.
i
u
3 S
is
9S9
1,651
7'. 17
1,397
1,230
1..SM
878
2,542
852
1,163
1,611
2.194
1,924
2.919
926
1,209
2,997
4,253
14,228
18,386
45,844
23,103
7.422
28,6701
49.7 02*
173,188*
65,771
145,0501
50.515
86,677
111,309
157,64Si
616.971
7,105
9,179
7,060
2.6551
11.1U1J
14,294
51,395
955
100
51
448
1,205
587
42.793
155,048
46,285
17,416
61,494*
118.947
240
525
7,954
9,240
9,714
291,135
3,346
441,9831
765
■C-6
is
1 The town records are usually kept at this place.
* The p.o. at this place was called ''Buckram" until recently.
8 Elias Hicks formerly resided here. The first settlement was
made by Robert Williams, in 1650; called by the Indians
"Lusum."
* This neck, containing 2.S49 acres, is separated from the re-
mainder of the town by Cold Spring Harbor. It is connected
with Huntington, Suffolk co.,bya narrow isthmus. It is princi-
pally devoted to the raising of stock. The Indians called it
"Oaumrsett,' and it is called •• Horse- JVeck" on old documents.
It was patented, in 1685, to Jas. Lloyd, of Boston, and erected
into a manor. The British maintained a post ben- during the
Revolution ; and one of the officers stationed there was the
Duke of Clarence, afterward William IV. Daily steamers touch
at Lloyd's Dock, on the w. side of the neck.
6 This place was settled by the Dutch, to assert their claim to
lands claimed hy the English. The Jones Institute is located
here.
6 In 1775, Daniel Jones, of this place, gave £300 sterling for
8 charity school at Oyster Bay.
7 Sometimes written IJesoris. It is an abbreviation of dos
lixorti, or "dowry of a wife," — the property having come to the
first settler, Coles, by his wife.
8 A Friends' meetinghouse was erected here in 16S2.
9 l'eter Wright, IViii. Leveridge. Samuel Mayo, Wm. and John
Waahbnrne, Thos. Armitage, Anthony Wright, Kobt. Williams,
and Richard Holdbrook were joint purchasers. Henry Town-
send obtained a grant for a mill Sept. 1661. and erected the finst
mill, in 1663. There were 53 freeholders in town.
10 4 M. E., 4 Prot. E., 4 Friends, Bap., Bef. Prot. D., Presb.,
and Af. Meth.
EENSSELAER COUNTY.
This county was formed from Albany, Feb. 7, 1791, and named from
the Rensselaer family.1 It is centrally distant 12 mi. from Albany,
and contains an area of 690 sq. mi. Its surface is very broken and
hilly. Two distinct ranges of mountains extend through it N. and s.,
known as the Taghkanick and Petersburgh Mts. The Taghkanick
Range occupies the extreme e. borders of the co., and is divided from
the Petersburgh Mts. by the long, deep valley through which flow
Kinderhook Creek and Little Hoosick and Hoosick Rivers. These
mountains are wild, rugged, and rocky, rising to a height of 1000
to 2000 feet above tide, and affording wild and picturesque scenery.
Their declivities are usually precipitous, and their summits are
crowned with forests or masses of naked rocks. These mountains
are composed of the slate, quartz, sandstone, and limestone which constitute the Taconic rocks
of Prof. Emmons. The quartz exists in the form of injected veins, and in many places the slate
has been decomposed and washed away, leaving the quartz veins in the form of sharp pointed
rocks, or of isolated masses. Upon the summits and sides of the mountains the soil is thin and
poor ; but in the valleys it consists of gravelly loam, and is moderately fertile. The Petersburgh
IftB. occupy the whole central part of the co. They are wild, irregular, and broken mountain
masses, with precipitous sides on the e., but with more gradual declivities on the w. In some
places the summits spread out over a wide surface, constituting a high, sterile plateau broken by
hills and rocks. They are composed of the graywacke slates and limestone belonging to the
Hudson River group. An extensive tract among these mountains, comprising a portion of Stephen-
town, Berlin, Sand Lake, and Poestenkill, is still covered with forests. The soil is generally hard
and sterile, consisting of a stiff clay and disintegrated slate, largely underlaid by a retentive hardpan.
Hudson River is on the w. boundary of the co. ; and along its bank extends an intervale varying
from a few rods to a half mile in width, and bounded by a series of bluffs 100 to 200 feet in height.
From the summits of the bluffs to the foot of Petersburgh Mts. the country assumes the character
of a broken, hilly upland. This region is composed of the drift deposits mixed with disintegrated
slates, in some places the clay, and in others the sand, predominating.
The valley of Kinderhook Creek, Little Hoosick and Hoosick Rivers extends through the e. part
of the co. The summit level in this valley at S. Berlin, between the waters flowing s. and those
Bowing n., is 600 feet above tide. The numerous streams that flow from the Petersburgh Mts.
;ird to the Hudson have worn deep ravines through the clay bluffs, forming lateral valleys,
which extend eastward from the valley of the Hudson. Among the wild and rocky regions of the
Petersburgh Mts. are numerous small lakes and ponds, forming a peculiar and beautiful feature
of tb<' landscape. Several interesting mineral springs are found within the county.
The narrow intervales, and a large portion of the uplands, are adapted to grain, and produce
liberal Crops, chiefly of corn, oats, spring wheat, potatoes, and flax; but the soil is generally best
adapted to gracing and dairying, es| ially along the r.. towns, where these occupations form the
leading pursuits. Mai ufacturea are extensively carried on at Troy and in the Hoosick Valley, and
commerce hai K ived much attention at Troy, and, at an earlier day, at Lansingburgh.
The principal works of internal improvemenl in the co. are the Troy & Greenbush R. R., a con-
tinuation of the Hudson River K. B* to Troy; the Albany & West Stockbridge 11. R., extending
from Greenbush in a B.S. direction, through Easl Ghrconimsli and Schodack, to the s. bounds of the
7 mi. from the river; the Troy A Boston 11. R., extending from Troy k. e. through Lansing-
burgh, Schaghticoke, Pittetown, I! Quick, and a corner of Petersburgh, to the Yt. line; the Troy &
Bennington B. R.. forming a branch [5-ffo mi. long) of the Troy & Boston R. R., from Hoosick
Fall Junction to the State Line toward Bennington, Vt. ; and the Albany, Vt. & Canada
K. K.. extending through Bohaghticoke across the n. w. corner of the co., terminating at Eagle
Bridge, where it connects with the Vt. roads. Besides these lines, which are within the co.,
:al others communicate with Troy from the w. side nf the river. Among these are the A. V. &
' Tliii co. included a laree *h»re of the Rensselaer Manor e. of the river, and the present towns of Hoosick, I'ittstown, Scliagh-
tici'ke, and a part of Lansinghurgh.
652
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
553
C. R. R., which sends a branch to West Troy; a brunch of the N. Y. Central R. R., extending to
Schenectady;1 and the Rensselaer & Saratoga 11. R., extending from Troy to Saratoga. The
Northern and Erie Canals also both connect with the Hudson at Troy, and there is an uninter-
rupted steamboat navigation to New York.2
The first newspaper in the county was established at Lansingburgh, in 1787.8
The county scut is the city of Troy, situated at the head of sloop navigation on the Hudson.*
The courthouse — built at the joint expense of city and co., and containing tin; courtroom and co.
and city offices5 — is situated on the corner of Congress and Second Sts.6 The jail is on Ferry,
corner of Fifth St. A bouse of industry, for the support of paupers, located on a farm of 140 acres
2 mi. s. E. of the city, was founded in 1821, on the plan of Count Rumford. In 1S07 the co. DOOT-
house was reported as being located upon a farm of 152 acres. The co. poor were let, by contract,
at $1 per week, the contractor having free use of the farm, and the sendees of the paupers as far
as they were able to labor.7
The greater part of the co. was included in the patent of Killian Van Rensselaer, in 1630;
and the first settlement was made by tenants under him the same year.8 The lands were held by
the same tenure as those in Albany co., and similar difficulties have frequently occurred in
endeavoring to enforce the collection of rents. Upon the death of the late Stephen Van Rensselaer
the manor was divided, the portion e. of the river passing into the hands of his son William P. ;
and since that time a considerable portion of the leased land has been conveyed in fee.9 During
1 A R. R. bridge 1600 feet long, upon this road, crosses the
Hudson at Troy. Connected with it is a common road bridge.
2 These ample facilities for travel are in striking contrast to
the condition of things 60 years ago. By an act of March 30.
1798, Alexander J. Turner and Adonyah Skinner, for a period of
5 years, obtained the exclusive right of running a stage wagon,
drawn by at least two good horses, at intervals of one week, (unless
prevented by badness of roads,) from Troy to Hampton, on the
border of Vermont. They were allowed to charge 5 cts. per mi.
for passengers, and a like sum for every 150 lbs. of baggage over
14 lbs.
8 The Northern Ccnlinel and Lansingburgh Advertiser was
started at Lansingburgh, May 15, 1787, by Claxton &
Babcock; it was subsequently removed to Albany.
The Lansingburgh Gazette, started in 1798, was sub-
sequently for many years published as
The Rensselaer County Gazette, but it is now published under its
first title by Alexander Kirkpatrick.
Tfie Farmers' Register was started in 1798 at Lansingburgh by
Francis Adancourt ; it was removed to Troy a few years
after, where it was published until 1832.
The Iianslngbtirgh Democrat was commenced in
Dec. 1838, by Win. J. Lamb, by whom it is still published.
The Golden Rule was established at Lansingburgh in 1841 by
the Rev. K. W. Smith, and was published several years.
The Juvenile Pearl, of the same place, was started Sept. 1, 1845,
by Rev. J. A. Pitman.
The Farmers' Oracle, started at Troy by Luther Pratt in 1796,
was of short duration.
The Northern Budget was started at Troy in 1798 by
Robert Moffitt and Col. Wells, and has been con-
tinued to the present time, with slight changes of
name. It is now issued as a daily and weekly by F. L.
Hagadorn.
The Troy Gazette was founded in 1802 by Thomas Collier, and
was discontinued before 1818.
The Troy Post was commenced Sept. 1, 1812, by Parker & Bliss,
and was changed July 15, 1823, to
The Troy Sentinel, semi-w., and continued until Jan. 1, 1833.
From May 1, 1830, to Aug. 1831, a daily edition was
issued.
The Evangelical Restorationist, semi-mo., was commenced in 1825
by Adolphus Skinner.
The Troy Review, or Religious and Musical Repository, began
Jan. 4, 1826, and continued 2 years.
The, Evangelical Repository (Univ.) was published in 1828.
The Troy Republican (Anti-Masonic) was started in 1828 by
Austin ft Wellington, and was continued about a year.
The Northern Watchman (Anti-Masonic) was commenced in
1831 by B. Wellington. In 1832 it was styled
The Troy Watchman, and was continued one or two years.
T/ie Gospel Anchor, (Univ.,) started in 1831, was published by
John M. Austin, and afterward by H. J. Green; it was
continued until 1834.
The Troy Press was started in 1832 by Wm. Yates and Seth
Richards, and was continued until July 1, 1834. From
1833 a daily edition was issued.
The Troy Whig, da. and w., was founded in July, 1834, by
James M. Stevenson, and is still continued. The weekly
since Sept. 1855, has been published as
The Troy American, by George Abbott.
The Troy Statesinaii was commenced in 1834, by T. J. Suther-
land.
The Botanic Advocate was published in 1834 by Russell Buckley.
The Trojan, da., was started in 1835, and continued a few
months.
The State Journal was issued in 1886 by Richards & Mastin,
and continued 1 year.
The New Turk State Journal was published in 1837 by T. Has-
tun.
Tlie Troy Daily Mail was started in 1S37 by Wellington & Nafew,
and was continued until 1841.
The Troy Daily Bulletin was started in Dec. 1841, by R. Thomp-
son.
The Troy Daily Herald was published in 1S43 by Isaac D. Ayres.
The Troy Temperance Mirror was issued in 1843 by Bardwell &
Kneeland.
The Family Journal was started in 1844 by Fisk & Co. In Sept.
1848, it appeared as
The New York Family Journal, and it is still
continued.
The Troy Post was commenced by Alexander McCall, and in
1845 it was superseded by
The Troy Traveler, da. and w. Fisk & Avery were the pub-
lishers, and Wm. L. Avery editor.
The Trojan was started in 1845, and continued several years.
The Rensselaer County Temperance Advocate was begun in 1846
by S. Spicer.
The Daily Telegraph was published at Troy in 1846.
The Journal of Temperance was started in 1846 by Wm. Hagei.
The National Watchman was commenced in 1847
by Allen & Garnet, and is still published.
The Troy Dally Times was founded in 1851 by J. M.
Francis, and is still published.
La Ruche ('anadienne was established at Troy in 1851 by Dorian
& Mathiot.
The Nassau Gazette was started in Dec. 1850 by J. M. Geer.
The Lutheran Herald, semi-mo., was started at West Sand Lake
by II. L. Dox, in 1844.
The Greenbush Guardian was commenced in Aug.
1856 by A. J. Goodrich. It is now published by J. D.
Comstock.
* By an act of Jan. 11, 1793. the sum of £600 was appropriated
for the erection of a courthouse and jail, to be built under the
direction of Cornelius Lansing, Jacob C. Schermerhorn, Abraham
Ten Eyck, Mahlon Taylor, and Jacob Vanderheyden. who, with
others, had pledged £1000 for that purpose. In 1794 a further
sum of £800 was granted; in 1797, §5500 ; and in 1798, $500.
6 The first co. officers were Anthony Ten Eyck, Judge; Moss
Kent, Surrogate; Nicholas Schuyler, Clerk; and Albeit Paw-
ling, Sheriff.
« This building was begun in 1828 and finished in 1831. It
is in the Grecian style, modeled from the temple of Theseus at
Athens, omitting the side columns, and is built of Sing Sin^
marble. The first building was of brick, on the present court-
house site.
' Senate Doc. No. 8, 1857. The committee making this report
were very severe in their censure of the manner in which
this establishment was kept, the inadequacy of its arrange-
ments, and the treatment of its inmates.
8 See page 157.
9 The proportion of leased land in the several towns in 1858
is stated by the agents as follows : — In Stephentown nearly all
leased ; in Grafton, Nassau, Schodack. E.Greenbush. N. Greenbush,
and Brunswick, each about two-thirds leased ; Berlin and Peters-
burgh, each about one-half leased; Poestenkill, nearly all free-
hold ; and Sand Lake, one-third originally deeded, and one-third
of the remainder now leased.
554
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
the French wars, the n. border of the co. was repeatedly ravaged by the enemy and the
settlements were broken up. Upon the approach of Burgoyne's army, in 1777, the American
families hastily fled with such property as could be easily removed, leaving the houses and farms
to be plundered by the enemy. Scouting parties of the British penetrated as far s. as Lansing-
burgh. The battle of Bennington was fought within the limits of the co., Aug. 16, 1777 ;*
and from that moment the American cause daily grew brighter.2 The proprietor of the manor
extended every possible assistance to the distressed families flying before the invaders, proving to
them a sincere friend in their hour of need.
BERLI\ — was formed from Petersburgh, Schodack, and Stephentown, March 21, 1806. A
portion of Sand Lake was taken off in 1812. It lies near the center of the e. border of the co.
Its surface consists of 2 ranges of mountains separated by a narrow valley extending n. and s.
The hilly region is wild and broken, and the declivities are generally precipitous. The principal
streams are Kinderhook Creek, flowing s., and Little Hoosick River, flowing n. The head-
waters of these streams are but a few rods apart, near S. Berlin. The w. part of the town is
covered with forest, in which are several fine lakes. The soil in the valley is a gravelly loam, but
among the mountains it is a hard sterile clay intermixed or covered with fragments of rock.
Berlin, (p. v..) containing 326 inhabitants. South Berlin (p. v.) and Center Berlin, (p. v., )
an1 all situated in the valley of the Little Hoosick. West Berlin is a p. o. Godfrey Brim-
mer located mar N. Berlin in 1765.3 The first church (Seventh Day Bap.) was formed at N.
Berlin, in Dec. 1780 ; Win. Coon was the first preacher.*
BRUNSWICK — was formed from Troy, March 20, 1807. A part of the town was reannexed
to TtOj, April 15, 1814. It lies a little n. w. of the center of the co., upon the hilly region w.
of the summits of the Petersburgh Mts. The most elevated portions of the town, in the
extreme e. and in the N. w. parts, are 800 to 1000 feet above tide. The principal streams are
Poesten Kil, its tributary Quacken Kil, and Tomhannock Creek. The soil upon the summits
of the hills is hard and sterile, but in the valleys and lowlands it consists of a fertile, gravelly
loam intermixed with clay. The people are largely engaged in furnishing milk, vegetables, and
hay to the Troy market. Brunswick Center, East Brunswick,5 33 ill v i lie, (Eagle
Mills p. o.,) and Cropseyville6 (p.o.) are small villages. The first settlement was made about
1760, by a company of Germans.7 This town suffered greatly upon the approach of Burgoyne in
1777, and after the battle of Saratoga many families of royalists withdrew to Canada, and but
few returned. There are 4 churches in town.8
EAST GREEABESn— was formed from Greenbush, as " Clintoji," Feb. 23, 1855, and its
name was changed April 14, 1858. It lies on the bank of the Hudson, s.w. of the center of the
co. The bluffs which border upon the river rise from the edge of the water to an elevation of 100
to 300 feet. The principal one of these, opposite Albany, is known as Pon-o-kose Dill.9 From the
summit* of these bluffs the surface spreads out into a rolling upland, rising toward the e. The
chief streams are Tierken Kil,10 or Mill Creek, in the central, and Moordeners Creek in the s.w.
part of the town. The soil consists of sand, gravel, and clay, and is very fertile. There are
several sulphur springs in town, the principal of which is opposite Albany and is known as
"HaiTOWgate." A lar^c island called Papskanee11 lies in the river, and belongs to this town.
East <»rcculMisli (p.o.) is the only village. It contains the Greenbush and Schodack Aca-
demy" and about a dosen houses. Settlements are supposed to have commenced here as early as
1 8ee p. 558.
* From thl« time the timid w< r" wnholrtwurt, tie- MCntly dis-
satisfied ovenwiil, and great mini1- undecided now
committed their BMluim to 'I n.
• Am^nz tl Hot enily Mttiafl m !!• i;t • n BoDWtMl and a
family named Ri<-|>er. wh'- D titer Mr. Brimmer. In
1768, Pen r BimmoiM and • J liTed .-it the Hollow,
and in tfaa HUM y'-.ir Daniel Hull and Joseph Green came into
town. OoL Besttey Mttl ". »"d Tbos. Bweut,
a blacksmith, nt S lUrlin. Jas. Gl !i <!.,
died in 1867, a^.- tra. Danie] Hull kepi the first tav,.rn
before the Revolution, and Hezekiah Hull opened an ini.
after llv»sr. Caleb Beotlej built the fir»t gri«t mill, and '
Bweet the firM sawmill, in 1780. I»r. John Forbes, the first
phynirian, - Berlin t& 1776. Soon after the l«ttle of
Lexington, two nom panics were formed in this and the adjacent
towns, a part of whom were «tationed at D. Hull'« f r local pro-
tection; the of ben were engaged elsewhere in active service.
4 The consus reports 3 churches; 2 Rap. and Christian.
* Thin village is the seat of a cotton batting and a sash and
blind factory.
* A woolen factory and tannery are located here.
' Among the early settlers were David Coons, and families
Domed llardwlck, Hraunschweigrr, Springer, Horck. Hayner,
Onthont, Van Arnam, Hogg, Fisher, Benn, Watson, Fret,
Quackenboss, Muller, Ooeway, and Clum. A man named Filo
kept the first inn, near the Lutheran Church, in 1790, and
Henry Clum the first storo at Cropseyville. The first factory
was erected by a company at "Albia," now a part of Troy. The
first mill was built by Cross, in 1792, with no tools but an
ax, saw, and anger.
» 2 M. EL, Kv. I,uth., and Presb.
* Name ns given by an aged Stockhridge Indian.
r .signifying "blustering or noi-y creek."
11 Souieuiuea written " Poepskenekoes" and " Papakenea."
,J This academy is now nearly extinct.
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
555
iGoO.1 During tho war of 1812, extensive barracks wore erected on the hills e. of Greenbush
Village; and for B67era] years the place was the center of active military preparation, and the
rendezvous of large bodies of troops.-' Edmund (.'. Genet, Minister of the French Republic to the
U.S., was long a resident of this town, and died here July 14, 1834. There is but 1 church (Ref.
Prut. D.) in town.
CSIt.iFTOIV— was formed from Troy and Petersburgh, March 20, 1807. It lies n. of the
center of the CO., upon the summits of the Petersburgh Mts. Jts surface is very rocky and
broken, and a large part of it is yet covered with forests. The summits of the hills are 800 to
1200 feet above tide, and many of them are covered with huge and jagged masses of graywacke.
Among the hills are 25 ponds, several of which cover an area of several hundred acres each.3 The
Quacken Kil is the principal stream. The soil is chiefly clay, underlaid by hardpan, and is wet,
cold, and hard of cultivation. Mineral paint is made from the red argillite at Quackenkill. Con-
siderable quantities of wood, tan bark, and charcoal are sent from this town to Troy. Gra Hon4
(p. v.) contains 14 houses, East Grafton (p. v.) 12, and Quackenkill (p.o.) 10. The first
settlements were made by tenants under Van Rensselaer ; they paid an average annual rent of 10
bushels of wheat per 100 acres.6 The census reports 2 churches; Bap. and M. E.
GREENBUSH6 — was formed from " Rensselaerwyck," April 10, 1792. Another act of incor-
poration is dated March 17, 1795. A part of Sand Lake was set off in 1812, and "Clinton" (now E.
Greenbush) and N. Greenbush in 1855, leaving but the corporate bounds of the village as defined
by the act of April 9, 1852. Its surface consists of the flat intervale on the river and a portion
of the adjacent hillsides. The soil is clay mixed with sand and alluvial deposits. Greenbush
(p.v.) was incorp. April 14, 1815.7 Pop. about 3303. The upper part of the village, locally known
as "East Albany," contains the depots, freight houses, and machine shops of the several railroads
which terminate opposite Albany, and is a place of considerable business.8 The first settlement
was made previous to 1G31.9 A ferry was established at the mouth of Beaver Creek in 1G42, and
was first kept by Hendrick Albertsen. The country around " Beverwick" was thrown into alarm
by the news of the Indian massacre at Esopus in June, 1063, and the settlers took refuge in Fort
Cralo, on the patroon's farm, and a night watch was estabbshed.10 There are 4 churches in the
village.11
HOOSICK12 — was formed as a district, March 24, 1772, and as a town, March 7, 1788. It
lies in the n.e. corner of the co. Its surface consists of the narrow valley of Iloosick River,
and the wild, rocky regions of the Taghkanick and Petersburgh Mts., rising respectively on
the e. and w. The two highest peaks are Fondas Hill in the s.e. and Potters Hill in the s. w.
each about 900 feet above tide. The valleys are very narrow, and are bordered by steep hillsides.
A belt of dark slate, which is quarried for roofing, extends along the e. bank of the river. East
of the river, the rocks consist of a slaty shale and limestone, the latter furnishing lime. The
principal streams are Hoosick and Walloomsac13 Rivers, Punch Kil, White Creek, and Shaw Brook.
The soil among the mountains is hard and sterile, but in the valleys it is principally clay, mixed
with disintegrated slate. In the s. e. corner are 3 springs, from which issue nitrogen gas.14 Flax
is very extensively cultivated.15 Considerable attention is also paid to manufactures. Iloosick
1 Among the early settlers were the names of Van Buren. Tan
Hegen, Staats, BriH, Vandenburgh, Witbeck, Cuyler, and Van
Wesipe.
8 The cantonments contained accommodations for 4000 troops.
There were also hospital accommodations for 100. This elevated
position, sometimes called " Mount Madison," was supposed to
be a very healthy locality; but during the first year of its occu-
pation much sickness occurred, in consequence of the unavoid-
able exposures of the camp. — Seo Matin's Medical Sketches.
Several military executions for desertion took place here during
the war. The old barracks have nearly disappeared.
8 These ponds are noted for the wild beauty of their locality,
and they are favorite resorts of sportsmen.
* Often called " Grafton Center," and formerly "Patrnons Mills."
6 Among the first settlers were families named Coon, Dim-
mons, and Owens. Stephen McChesney kept the first store and
inn, in 1800. A grist mill was built at an early day by the pa-
troon at the Center.
6 It was named Greene Bosch by the Dutch, from the pine
woods which originally covered the flats. Called by the Indian
names of Pe-tu-qua-poen and Tns cum-ca-tick in early docu-
ments. A part of Sand Lake was annexed in 1S43.
1 The village was purchased and laid out in 1806, and for
several years after its growth was quite rapid. During the
War of 1812 it contained from 50 to "0 houses.
8 See page 552.
9 In that year it is mentioned that Gerrit Teunissen de Reus
occupied a well stocked farm. Cornelius Maessen Van Buren,
an early settler on the river below, died in 164S. Evert Tels
Van Steltyn lived on Mill Creek at an early day.
1° The following names of persons constituting this watch have
been preserved. Chief Officer, Cornelius Van Ness ; Cornelius
Stephenson Mullen, Adam Dingermans, Gerrit Van Ness, Jan.
Juriaensen, Jan.Van Ness, Jacobus Jansen, Tyman Hendricksen,
Wm. Bout, (Corporal,) Jan. Outhout, Hendrick Van Nes, Hen-
drick Maessen, (Van Buren,) Gerret Teunisson, Hans Jacobsen,
Hendrick Williamson, and Claes Claessen.
" Presb., R.C., (St. Johns,) Prot. E.. and M. E.
12 Variously spelled Hoosack, Hosack, Hoosick, 4c. By some
it is said to be an Indian name, and by others to be derived
from Alexander Hosack, an early settler.
13 In early maps and documents variously spelled ''Wallom-
sock," "Wailamsock," " Wallomschock," " Walmscock." -Wal-
lamschock," " Wallamsac," " Walmseec," " Walloomscoick," anil
'• Walmsook."
14 This gas is not combined with the water, but seems to com 9
from the gravel beds beneath. By pressing upon a surface equal
to 4 or 5 inches square, a quart of gas can be collected in 10
seconds. — Eaton's Geol. Survey, Hens. Q>.. p. 29; Beck's Mineral
ogy of N. Y., p. 134.
u In 1854 the product of the flax crop was over 250,000 lbs. of
lint and 8300 bush, of seed.
556
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
Falls (p. v.) was incorp. April 14, 1827. Pop. 1200. It contains Ball's Seminary, 2 foundries, 2
cotton factories, 2 reaping and mowing machine factories, and 1 establishment for the manufacture
of machinery for cotton and woolen factories. IVortli Uoosick.1 (p. v.) contains 175 inhabi-
tants, and Husk irks Bridge (p. v.) 125; Hoosick Corners (Hoosick p .o.) contains 30
houses, Eacrle Bridge (p. v.) 14, Wallooiiisac-- 12, "West Uoosick (p. o.) 10, and
Potter Hill (p. o.) 7. This town was included in the Uoosick Patent,3 granted June 3, 1688,
and the Walloomsac Patent,* granted June 15, 1739. The first settlements were made upon the
Hoosick Patent by several Dutch families.5 A Dutch church was founded, and known as the
" Tyoshoke Church," at San Coick, near the K. border of the town. The settlement at Hoosick
was entirely broken up by a party of French and Indians on the 28th of Aug. 1754. Two persons
were killed, and the houses, barns, and crops were destroyed.6 The next day the settlement
of San Coick, s. of Hoosick, was also destroyed. The battle of Bennington was fought in this town,
Aug. 16, 1777.7 The census reports 6 churches in town.8
L4XSI\GBrRGU9-was formed from Troy and Petersburgh, March 20, 1807. A tract
was annexed from Schaghticoke in 1819. A part of Troy was taken off in 1836, and a part of Bruns-
wick in 1839. It is a narrow strip of land extending along the Hudson. In the s. part the river
intervale is one-fourth of a mile in width; but in the n. the bluffs rise directly from the water. In
the x. e. is a high, rocky hill, 400 to 600 feet above the river. The high bluff e. of the village is
called Diamond Rock. The streams are Deepi Kil and Koola Kil. The soil is a gravelly and clayey
loam. The people are largely engaged in the manufacture of brushes, oilcloths, flax cordage, and
malt liquors. A lock at Troy admits the passage of sloops up to this place.10 Lansingburgh11
(p.v.) contains extensive brush, oilcloth, and other manufactories, the Lansingburgh Academy,12 a
Female Seminary,13 6 churches, 2 printing offices, and about 4000 inhabitants. A covered bridge
* On gome maps called " McNamarasville." It is the seat of
a paper mill and machine shop.
s This village contains a paper mill.
* This patent was granted to Maria Van Rensselaer, Hendrick
Van Ness, Jacobus Van Cortlandt, and Gerrit Finnise. The
patent extended from the Schaghticoke Tract, a distance of 2
mi. each side of the river, up to a "certain fall, called Que-
quick : and from said falls, up the creek, to a place called Nach-
a-ouick-quack."
* This patent contained 12,000 acres, on both sides of Walloom-
sac River, and lying partly in Washington co. and Vt. : it was
granted to Edward Collins. James De Lancy, Gerardus Stuy-
vesant, Stephen Van Rensselaer, Charles Williams, and Frede-
rick Morris.
6 Among these early settlers were Adam Vrooman, (an Indian
trader.) Henry Van Ness. Abraham Fort, Lewis and Peter Viele,
John Van Buskirk, Walter Van Vechten, Geo. B. Nichols, Jacob
Ob-kirk. Daniel Bradt, and Rcykert Borie.
* The invaders were supposed to be Schaghticoke Indians, who
a little time before had abandoned their settlements and gone to
Canada. The loss of the two settlements was estimated at £4000. —
i'j Hut. of N. T., Alb. ed.. p. 307 ; Tram. Ag. Soc^ 1848, p.
909: I fair t Hut. Eastern Ft, p. 66.
i The Battle of Be nnington was one of the most important of
v .vents connected with the expedition of Burgoyne
In 1TT7. Atxiut the first of Aug. the British army reached the
HndfOD and took po-- --ion of Fort Edward. For several weeks
bad b> en eng iged in repairing the bridges and in clearing
th" raadi from the Impedimenta left by I1"' retreating Ameri-
can": ->iel. upon tleir arrival at the Hudson, Burgoyne con-
gT»tul.it<-i himself that hi» tronblei were at an end. Hit
embarrassment was in securing provisiona
fr hi« army and to obtaining means of transportation. With
rd labor he was only enabled to bring in bateaux and
4 days' pi I truing that the Ameri-
cans had collected a large qn inttty of mill I tie, and
ratosl
of bis most lap urtj I
tore them. Tbedetachmei f '."< lb ..i.m'.i hnadians,
and tories, under the romman mm. They were in-
structed " to try the afltctkms of thi Reldsel'i
i; • Pi ind obtain a
supply of rattle, hnr***, nn ' !
plished, be was to scour the country fr id to utter
..C" down tv> far as Brattli boro, and Join the main body by
the great road to All«ny. The detachment left the ramp at
Fort Edward, Aug. 18; sad m Us evening
they turprisi 'I and ' i in
tli" llth they adraaoed a* far a» the mill upon Walloomnac
• I! .irk nnd within 12 ml. of Ben.
nington. ■ ■ breesal
Bern truing of the apuioacb of tJ ■ i«'k immo-
br defense, n - Tit an order to Ool Warner.
nt Manchester, to march Immediately with hii regiment of
. M unt ain Boys; he rallied the neichl-'rin^ militi
on the 13th he sent out an advance guard Of 3 under
•.Col. Gregg, to Impede the progress of (be ' ir my. On the
morning of the 14th he marched with his whole force to the
support of Gregg, and about 5 mi. from Bennington he met
Gregg in full retreat, with the enemy within 1 mi. of him.
Both armies chose strong positions and threw up temporary
intrenchments. Baum, alarmed at the number of Americans,
6ent for a reinforcement. On the 15th a heavy rain set in; and
the day was spent in skirmishing nnd in preparing for the
battle. Col. Warner's regiment arrived at Bennington in the
evening, and there stopped to dry themselves and recruit after
their fatiguing march. Stark, fearing the enemy might receive
reinforcements, resolved to attack them early on the morning of
the 16th. Previous to the signal for attack he made the follow-
ing laconic speech to his men : " See there, men ! there are the
red-coats. Before night they are ours, or Molly Stark will be
a widow." The attack was at once made simultaneously at all
points. The Indians fled at the beginning of the conflict, and
the tones were soon driven from their posts, leaving the Hes-
sians to sustain the weight of the engagement. After 2i hours
of hard fighting the enemy gave way at all points, and com-
menced a disorderly retreat. While the Americans were busy
in plundering the abandoned camp of the enemy, and in do-
taehed parties were engagiil in pursuit. Col. Breyman, with 8
reinforcement of 500 men, arrived. He met the flying fugitives
about 2 mi. from the scene of action, and immediately charged
upon the broken ranks of tho Americans. The tide of battle
now turned, and Stark had the mortification of seeing his army
driven helplessly from the field where they had so lately been
victorious. At this moment Col. Warner's regiment arrived
from Bennington and checked the advance of the British.
Stark rallied his broken forces behind the fresh troops, and
h. « .ti the battle again became general. At sunset the British
Bod toward the Uoosick and were pursued by tho Americans
until dark. Thi' America us lost about 30 killed and 4(1 wounded.
The British loss, jn killed, wounded, and prisoners, was 934.
The result of this battle was disastrous in the extreme to Bur-
goyne, and contributed moro than any other event to his final
surrender at Saratoga.
« 2 M. K.. Bap.. Kef. Prot. T)., R. C, and Union.
•The town was named from tho village, and the latter was
named from Abraham Jacob Lansing, its founder.
10 This lock was completed and opened for use Sept. 10, 1823.
About 1800 the State expended largo sums for the improvement
of navigation to this place, and granted a lottery for that pur-
pose.
11 Formerly known as " Nrw City." It was once claimed by
Vermont as within its Jurisdiction. Soo page 18.
u The Lansingburgh Academy, chartered Feb. 8, 1706. By an
act passed Feb. 20, 1816, tho trustees of this academy were
authorized to subscribe 1000 shares to tho Bank of Lansing*
Dnrgh. A. Heed, from New Windsor, Conn., commenced school
here in 1793, in a gnmbrel roofed building, used as the firHt
ng house. Rev. Br. Leo taught tho languages at the same
time.
'* In Oct. 1857. Rev. Salmon Hatch opened a privato female
seminary and boarding school. It has about 100 pupils, and
employs 9 teachers.
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
557
here crossos the Hudson to Watcrford. The Troy & Boston R. R. passes through the town. The
village was foundod l>y Abraham Jacob Lansing, about 1770. It was first organized under the
name of " Slune Arabia" in 1771.1 In May, 1775, 50 of tho citizens — at the head of whom was
A. J. Lansing, the proprietor — signed articles of association pledging themselves to sustain the
measures recommended by the Continental or Provincial Congress. The first act of incorporation
under the State government was passed April 5, 1790, at which time the village was included in the
town of *' Renaxtlaa-u-yck."1 In 1791 it was included in the town of Troy. The place rapidly
increased in population, and early became an important trading and commercial village. The
first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was organized in 1784; and reorganized in 1792 as a Presb. church.3
Spclgletown is a village of 15 houses.*
NASSAU — was formed from Petersburgh, Stephentown, and Schodack, March 31, 1806, by the
name of " Philipstoum."5 Its name was changed April 6, 1808. It lies near the center of the s.
border of tho co. Its surface is very broken. Snake Hill, in the s. w., is about 800 feet above tide.
The principal streams are Kinderhook and Tsatsawassa6 Creeks, and Valatie Kil. There are several
fine lakes among tho hills, the principal of which are the Tsatsawassa and the Pattawassa. The
Psanticoke Swamp, w. of the center, covers several hundred acres. The soil is clay and gravel under-
laid by hardpan. Considerable manufacturing is carried on in town.7 Nassau, (p. v.,) incorp.
March 12, 1819, is the seat of Nassau Academy. Pop .300. West Nassau8 has 57 houses, East
Nassau (p. v.) 45, Iloags Corner (p. v.) 25, Alps (p. v.) 24, Nortb Nassau (p. v.) 15, and
Millers Corners 10. It i a i nards (p. v.) contains a female seminary and 20 houses.9 The
first settler was Hugh Wilson, who located on the site of Nassau Village in 1760.10 At that time a
few families of the Stockbridge Indians were living where Mr. Hoag's orchard now stands.11 The
Indians conveyed to Joseph Primmer a tract of land n. of Hoags Pond,12 and another tract s. of it
to Hugh Wilson, May 16, 1760.13 Within the last 20 years a considerable quantity of land has been
allowed to produce a second crop of timber. There are 7 churches in town.14
NORTH GREENBIJSH— was formed from Greenbush, Feb. 23, 1855. It lies upon the
Hudson, directly w. of the center of the co. The clay bluffs, 100 to 200 feet high, rise from the
edge of the water, leaving little or no intervale. From the summits of the bluffs the surface spreads
out into a rolling upland, broken by the deep gulleys of the streams. The principal stream is
Wynants Kil, in the n. e. Aries Lake, on the e. border, is a fine sheet of water. The soil is a
sandy and gravelly loam interspersed with patches of clay. The people are extensively engaged in
supplying the markets of Albany and Troy with garden vegetables and milk. Bath,15 opposite
the upper part of Albany, contains about 12 houses," Defriestville16 (p. v.) 12, andWynants-
kill (p. v.) 15. The first settlement, made by tenants under Van Rensselaer, was among the first
in the manor.17 There are 3 churches in town.18
PETERSBURGH19— was formed from Stephentown, March 18, 1791. Its boundary on the
line of Berlin was changed, Jan. 4, 1793 ; parts of Berlin and Lansingburgh were taken off in 1806,
and parts of Nassau and Grafton in 1807. It lies upon the e. border of the co., n. of the center.
Its surface consists of two precipitous mountain ridges separated by the narrow valley of Little
Hoosick River. The highest peaks are 1000 to 2000 feet above tide. The mountain regions are
barren and almost inaccessible. The Hoosick River breaks through the Taghkanick Mts. in the
n. e. part. The soil in the valley is a gravelly loam. Petersburg!!, (p. v.,) formerly " Bens-
1 At the first meeting in " Stwie Arabia,'" held Jan. 1, 1771,
it was voted that A. .1. Lansing and his heirs forever should be
a committee of the village, with a power equal to each of the
four annually chosen by the people.
2 By an act of 1790, John Van Rensselaer, Charles Tillman,
Elijah James, Aaron Ward, Stephen Goreham, Ezra Hickock,
and Levinus Lansing, were appointed trustees, to take charge
of the waste lands of tho village and to perform certain munici-
pal duties, their successors to be elected annually.
3 The census reports 8 churches; 2 M. E., 2 l'resb., Bap., Af-
rican Meth., Prot. E., and R. C.
* The first settlers of this village were Charles W. Douglass
and John Follet.
6 Named from Philip Van Rensselaer.
8 Sometimes written " Tackawasick."
I There are a foundery and machine shop at Nassau Village, a
paper mill at Brainards, a carding machine and chair factory at
Hoags Corner, and a hoe factory at Dunhams Hollow.
6 Formerly '• Unirm Village P. O."
9 Formerly '• Brainards Bridge I\ O." Transylvania Institute
was established here in 1837.
1° Among the early settlers were Thos. Hicks, Henry Post, John
McCagg, Danl. Litz, Titus Hemsted, Abram Holmes, Ja«. Marks,
John M. Schermerhorn, Maj. A. Brush, Reuben Bateman, Nath'l
Gillet, David Waterbury, McNeil, and Wiltsie. Win.
Primmer is said to have been the first child born. The first
gristmill was built on the outlet of Tsatsawassa Pond, by Mr.
Schermerhorn, before the Revolution. The first inn was kept by
Hicks before, and the first store by Hoag & Vail a little
after, the Revolution.
u They called their village On-ti-ke-ho-mawck; and their chief
was named Kesh-o-mawck.
12 This pond was called by the early settlers the "Beaver Dam.'"
13 The former of these deeds is still preserved.
i« 2 M. E., 2 Presb., Bap., Ref. Prot. D., and Union.
14 Named from a mineral spring in the vicinity. It was laid
out as a village by the Patroon toward the close of the last
century. In 1800 the traveller Maude, in his " Vigii to Niagara,"
says that it is likely to soon surpass Troy and Lansingburgh in
trade, and Ballston and Saratoga as a watering place.
14 Sometimes called " Blooming Grove." The first settler was
Martinus Sharp.
II Among the early settlers were John Cranel, Juriah Sharpe,
Roinier Van Alstyne, Marte, David, and Philip Defriest, Philip
Wendell, Rutger Vandenburgh, Cornelius Van Buren, John
Fonda, Ed. Hogg, and Lawrence Rysdorf.
is 2 Ref. Prot. D., Free Dutch.
i» Named from Peter Simmons, one of the first settlers.
558 RENSSELAER COUNTY.
selaer Mills," contains 40 houses, and Petersburg!! Four Corners (p. v.) 12. The first
settlers were Dutch, -who came in about 1750, as tenants under Van Rensselaer.1 A few years later,
many families came in from Rhode Island. The census reports 3 churches.*
PITTSTOWST — was erected as a township by patent, July 23, 1761, and was formed as a
town. March 7, 1788. Its boundary was changed Feb. 14, 1793. It lies in the center of the n.
part of the co. Its surface is mountainous in the s. and e. and declines into a moderately hilly
region in the N. The highest summits, in the s. e., are 800 to 1,000 feet above tide. The soil is
principally a gravelly and slaty loam. Flax is extensively cultivated,3 and there are several
manufactories in town.* Johnson ville (p. v.) contains 35 houses, TomliaimocU (p. v.) 40,
Raymertown (p. v.) 27, Pittstown Corners (Pittstown p. o.) 22, Boynton 20,
Pittstovrn Station (Valley Falls p. o.) 16, Xorth Pittstown 20, and Cooksborough
(Havnerville p. o.) 10. Shermans II ills is a hamlet. Settlement was commenced about
1650.5 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1784 ; Elder Isaac Webb was the first preacher.6
POESTEXK.IL.Li7 — named from its principal stream — was formed from Sand Lake, March 2,
1848. It lies near the center of the co., upon the western declivities of the Petersburgh Mts. The
central and e. portions arc rugged, rocky, and mountainous, and the soil is cold, sterile, and unpro-
ductive. The w. part is hilly, with a gravelly loam well adapted to pasturage. Snake Hill, near
the center, is one of the principal elevations. Upon the Poesten Kil is a fall of about 80 feet.
One mi. w. of the falls is a medicinal spring, with a local celebrity for the cure of eruptions and
cutaneous diseases.8 Poestenkill (p. v.) contains 300 inhabitants, East Poestenkill
(p.o.) 10 houses, and Barberville 16. A union academy was formed in this town in 1854,
but it is not under the regents. The census reports 4 churches.9
S 1 \ I) LAKE — was formed from Greenbush and Berlin, June 19, 1812. Apart of Greenbush
was taken off in 1843, and Poestenkill in 1848. It lies a little s. of the center of the co. Its sur-
face is mountainous in the e. and hilly in the w. Perigo Hill, in the n. e. corner, is 900 feet
above tide, and Oak Hill, near the center, is but little less in height. The e. part of the town is mostly
covered with forest.10 "Wynants Kil, flowing n.w. through the center, and Tsatsawassa Creek, in
the e., are the principal streams. Along the valleys of these streams are several fine lakes, the
principal of which are Sand, Glass, and Crooked Lakes, and Big Bowmans Pond. The soil among
the mountains is a hard, sterile clay, but in the w. it is a good quality of gravelly loam. Three-
fourths of a mi. e. of W. Sand Lake is a chalybeate spring. Large quantities of cordwood,
charcoal, and tan bark are carried to the Troy and Albany markets. Sand Lake (p^v.) con-
tains the Sand Lake Academy, a boarding school,11 foundery, cotton warp factory, knitting mill,
and 300 inhabitants. "West Sand Lake12 (p-v.) contains 300 inhabitants, Sliters Cor-
ners 106, and Glass House 200,13 South Sand Lake is a p.o. Settlement commenced
before the Revolution.14 The census reports 7 churches in town.15
S< IIAGIITICOKE18— was formed as a district, March 24, 1772, and as a town, March 7,
1788. Pittstown was taken off, March 7, 1788, and a part of Lansingburgh in 1819. It lies on
the Hinlson, in the s. w. corner of the co. The surface is principally a rolling upland, about 200
above the river. The summits of the hills in the s. are 800 feet above tide. Hoosick River,
1 Among the early nMMor* wen Wm. Prend.rga-t. John I 8 Tho census repr>rtsl5 churches; 6M.E.,3Presb., 2Christian,
BrimniT. J«c, I Ifi • y Brimmer, John Bp«n."r. Hans nnd Hap., Ev. Luth., Friends, Union.
i'i . !ni-..i b u .:■ &aj t'-r. Henry Utcher, Hani Lantman, " Pronounced '• Poos-ten-kill." It is a Dutch word, signifying
-Inirg. Bast Ian Deal, Frans. " puffim; or foaming creek."
Burn. Juriah Kreigi r. II. nry Voting, v. ..and I • A bathing establishment erected here was swept away by
i kndrfea. John - nfll a log gristmill before the a freshet, » Hap., F. W. Bap., Disciple, and Ev. Luth.
){< volution, al B. 1 irgb; and Barber A Murray built a w This town is a favorite resort of hunting and fishing part ies.
carding mill at> vl ral of the settlers were killed or U Tto- Sand Lake Collegiate Institute was established in 1855
tnk'n prisoners during the French War,— prolial.lv l.y the same
■ Em II - - III i:i I7.'l.
Bap.
» Th- census of 1866 reports that, in 1864, more than 250.000
lbs. of Baa and niOQ bosh, of flaxs***! Irarl raised, and that
then sran 13 flax mill" in town.
* Therr are two manuf " n tog* at Shermans
Mill", a paper mill at Vsjfsss Falls, and manufactories of cordage
and axes at Johnsonvillo.
* Wm. Prendl ; ban Hunt, and Kdmnnd Aiken wen
by Wm. II. Bchram.
12 Formerly called "UlinesrWc," from Bernard TJline, who built
the first house. His son, of the samo name, was first innkeeper.
18 This village was formerly tho seat of an extensive glass fac-
tory, and was called " Renttelaer Village." The company was
organized in 1805, incorp. in 1806, and discontinued in 1852. In
1818 100 men were employed by the co.
'* Among the early settlers were Abram Frero, Nicholas Fel-
low s, Andreas Barcnt, Fred. Shaver, Abram Bristol, Eph. Qninby,
John Carmichael, Andreas Weatherwax, and Stephen Miller,
among the first settlers bear JohnsoovfUs : Lodorlcoi Vlek it Joshua Lookwood and Wm. Carpenter built tho first grist mill
Vall-v Fall", in 1772; and Christian rTsbeT and Mil bacl Vander- in 1768, nt \V. Sand Lake.
itCooksboroagh. Inl770,Wm.8bepai l m m New England) i* 2 M.E., 2 Ev. Luth., Ger. Meth., Bap., Prcsb.
(wttU-d on 500 acres: in 1778-80. Bonj. Alk«n.fr>tn Dutches* '« I'ron. " Skat-i-kook." In old documents it is variously
co.) on 950 acres: and in 17*.ri. Alex. Tbomp«.n. on .'h'i a. i.-. ipelled " Schetekoke," " Schactekoke," "ScahWahook," and
Wm. Hammond kept a school at N. Httatowa in 1785, and " SchagOOgae.'1 It is said to bo an Algonquin word, signifying
llebecca Thompson at Shermans Mills in 1780. " landslide." The Stockbridgo Indians called it " Pahha-koke."
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
559
flowing through tho V. part, is bordered on a portion of its course hy steep hanks 200 feet high.
On this stream, at the mouth of Tomhannock Creek, is a beautiful circular valley, three-fourths of a
mi. in circumference, and hounded on nearly every side hy steep hills.1 The soil is generally a
fertile, sandy or gravelly loam. Considerahle manufacturing is carried on in town.2 Schaghtl-
cokc Point (Schaghtiooke p. o.) contains a pop. of 1148. Schaghticoke Hill contains
25 houses, The Borongb 8, Junction (p. v.) 17, and Old Schaghticoke G. About
1070, Gov. Andros settled a remnant of tho Pequots and other Kastern trihes, under the name
of " Schaghticokes," in this town, on land given them hy the Mohawks, as a barrier against the
Northern Indians.3 By the charter of 1G80 tho city of Albany was allowed to purchase of the
natives 500 acres of land in this town; but, neglecting to do so, Ilendrick Van Kmsselaer obtained
the same privilego in 1698. Ho sold his right to the city the next year, and in 1707 an Indian
deed was obtained for a tract 6 mi. square, mostly within the limits of this town. In Oct. 1709,
the city conveyed the land to actual settlers.* The early settlements suffered greatly from Indian
hostilities. A fort was built in 174G at Old Schaghticoke and garrisoned by 2 companies of soldiers.
Tho whole settlement was abandoned on the approach of Burgoyne; but, through the influence
of the royalists', the place was not burned, though held for some time by the British and Hessian
outposts.6 The Schaghticoke Seminary was incorp. May 4, 1836. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.)
was formed in 17 14.6
SCIIODACR7 — was formed March 17, 1795, at the time of the division of "Rensselaerwyck ;"8
parts of Berlin and Nassau were taken off in 1806. It lies upon the Hudson, in the s. w. corner
of the co. From the river the surface rises in a series of bluffs 200 feet high, from the summits
of which it spreads out into an undulating upland inclined toward the w. Bunker Hill, the
highest point, is about 500 feet above tide. The surface is intersected by numerous deep gulleya
of small streams. The principal streams are Vierdee Kil,9 Moordeners Kil,10 Vlockie Kil, Muitzes
(Mitch-es) Kil, and Valatie (Vola-she) Kil.11 The soil in the e. is clay, and in the w. a fertile,
sandy and gravelly loam. Castleton12 (p. v.) is a fine village upon the Hudson. Pop. 431.
Schodack Landing (p. v.) contains 250 inhabitants, Muitzes Kill20houses,Schodack
Depot (p.v.) 18, East Schodack (p. v.) 15, and Bunker Hill 9. Schodack Center
and South Schodack are p. offices. This vicinity seems to have been thickly inhabited by
native tribes at the time of Hudson's visit in 1609.13 The first settlements were made by tenants
under Van Rensselaer. Over 40 settlers are mentioned in Bleeker's survey of 1767.u The census
reports 7 churches.15
STEPIIEXTOWSI16- was formed from "Rensselaerwyck," March 29, 1784. Petersburgh was
taken off in 1791, and parts of Berlin and Nassau in 1806. It lies in the s.e. corner of the co.
Its surface consists of 2 rocky mountain ranges separated by the valley of Kinderhook Creek.
The highest summits are about 1800 feet above tide. The principal peaks are Round Mt., and
Whitney and Butternut Hills, e. of the valley, and Brockway Hill and Webster Mt. w. A con-
l A Fmall stream called the Ihvaas Kil (stream running both
ways) flows from tho Hudson into the mouth of the Hoosick.
When Hoosick Kiver suddenly rises, the current of this stream
is often changed ; and it is not uncommon to see it running N.
in the morning and s. at night. — Fitch's Ag. Surv. Wash. Co.,
1849, p. 939.
* The manufactures consist of cotton and linen goods, flax,
powder, plaster, and agricultural implements.
* A portion of these removed to Kent, Conn., in 1728, and the
remainder, numbering 400, joined the French in Canada,
* These were Johan do Wandelaer, Jr., John Heermans Vischer,
Corset Voeder, Daniel Kittlehuyn, Johan Knickerbacker, Louis
Vielo, and Derick Van Veghten, who went there to reside, and
were joined soon after by Martin do Lamont, Wouter Quacken-
bosch, Peter Yates, David Schuyler, Wouter Groesbeck, Philip
Livingston. Ignace Kip. Cornelius Vandenberg, and many others,
whose descendants still reside in the vicinity.
6 Col. John Knickerbacker, of this town, raised a regiment
during the Revolution.
6 A new church was built in 1760, and Rev. Elias Bunschooten
was installed pastor. This quaint edifice was GO by 40 feet, with
low side walls and a high pitched mansard roof and turret, sur-
mounted by a weathercock over the southern gable. There was no
burial ground attached, and the oldest is that of the Knicker-
backer family, on the site of an Indian cemetery. The first
European burial occurred in 1715. A few rods s. E. of this spot
is the ''' Wittenagemote," or "Council Tree," a remarkably
vigorous and symmetrical oak, more than 15 feet in circum-
ference. The census reports 8 churches; 2 Ev. Luth., 3 M. E.,
1 Presb., 1 Ref. Prot. D.. and 1 R. C.
7 Sometimes written " Shodac*' or " Schoddack."
8 A confirmatory act of incorporation was passed March 17, 1795.
8 " Fourth Creek," reckoned from Albany.
10 " Murderers Kil," from an obstinate battle fought between
the settlers and a band of robbers at an early day, (traditional.)
11 " Little Fall Creek." Another small creek in town is named
Adams Killetye, (Little Creek,) from Adam Moll, who was taken
prisoner by the Indians while drinking of its waters.
12 Named from an ancient Indian castle on the adjacent hills
It was first settled in 1792, and incorp. April 13, 1827. Formerly
called " Morriches Hastie."
13 " On the evening of the 15th he arrived opposite the moun
tains which lie from the river side, where he found 'a very
loving people and very old men,' and the day following reached
the spot hereafter to be honored by his own illustrious name.
One day more wafts him up between Schodac and Castleton ; and
here he landed and passed a day with the natives, greeted with
all sorts of barbarous hospitality ; the land ' the finest for culti-
vation he ever set foot on ;' the natives so kind and gentle that
when they found he would not remain with them over night,
and feared that he left them — poor children of nature! — because
he was afraid of their weapons, — he, whose quarterdeck was
heavy with ordnance ! — they ' broke their arrows in pieces and
threw them in the fire.'" — Everett's Address, Inauguration Dud-
ley Observatory, p. 54.
1* Among the names of the early settlers are Tan Buren, Bar-
hudt, Van Valkenburgh, Springsteen, Schermerhorn, Janze,
Ketel, Poel, Miller, Schevers, Lodwick, Huyck, Beekman, Mills,
Molls, Salsberg, Witbeck, and Nolton. The first mill was built
before the Revolution, below Castleton. Barhydt kept the
first inn, in 1778. A carding mill was erected on Muitzes Kil
in 1800.
is 3 Ref. Prot. D., 2 M. E., Bap., and Ev. Luth.
16 Named from Stephen Van Rensselaer.
560
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
eiderable portion of the town is covered with forest. The principal streams are Kinderhook
and East Creeks, Black River, and Black and Roaring Brooks. The soil is hard and sterile among
the mountains, but a gravelly loam in the valleys. Steplientoivn (p. v.) contains 15 houses.
Steplientoivn Flats contains a cotton wadding and batting factory, a machine shop, and
about 20 houses. IVortb Stephentown, South Steplicntown, and West Ste-
plientoivn are p. offices. Settlement was commenced here in 1766.1 The first church (Bap.)
formed in 1782, under Rev. Justus Hall. Rev. Robt. Miles was the first pastor.2
TROY CITY — was formed as a town from " Eensselaer-
vyck," March 18, 1791. Brunswick, and parts of Grafton and
Lansingburgh, were taken off March 20, 1807, and a part of
Greenbush in 1836. A part of Brunswick was annexed in 1814.
The first village charter was passed in 1791 ;s and another
Feb. 16, 1798. The village was formally incorp. by acts passed
April 2, 1801, and April 9, 1805. The city charter was granted
April 12, 1816. A portion of Lansingburgh was annexed
May 4, 1836. It lies upon the Hudson, near the center of the
w. border of the co. Its surface comprises the alluvial flat,
three-fourths of a mile wide, upon the river, and the high bluffs
which border it on the e. The high land immediately e. of the
city is known as Mt. Ida, and that on the n. e. as Mt. Olympus. Mt. Ida is principally clay, and
has been the scene of several destructive landslides. Poesten Kil and Wynants Kil both break
through these hills in narrow ravines and in a series of cascades, forming an excellent water power.
The first religious meetings were held in a store, and afterward in a schoolhouse, about 1785.
The first framed house of worship was erected in 1791, now the First Presb. Church ; Rev. Jonas
Coe, of Lansingburgh, -svas the first pastor. There are now 33 churches in the city.*
The Public Schools are under the charge of 20 commissioners, elected for two years.5 In 1857
the city was divided into 25 school districts, and employed 76 teachers, — 14 males and 62 females.
The number of children, between 4 and 21, was 11,200, of which 7228, or 63 per cent., attended
the public schools during some portion of the year.6
The Troy Academy, incorp. May 5, 1834, and received under the regents Feb. 5, 1839, is located
near the center of the city.
The Troy Female Seminary,'' situated on Second Street, between Congress and Ferry Sts., was
first established at Middlebury, Vt., in 1813, removed to Waterford in 1819, and to Troy in 1821.
It was incorp. May 6, 1837, and received under the regents Jan. 30, 1838. It has gained a
national reputation under the charge of Mrs. Emma Willard.
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,6 endowed by Stephen Van Rensselaer, is situated near the
head of State St. It was organized in 1824. It was formed for the purpose of teaching the
application of mathematics to civil engineering and the natural sciences. It numbers 14 pro-
fessors and has about 100 students. Next to West Point, this institute has the best reputation, in
its special departments, of any school in America.
The Troy Lya um of Natural History was incorp. March 7, 1820. Its cabinet and library are
kept in the Troy University.
The Troy Unit 'v9 is located upon Aft. Ida, & beautiful situation, overlooking the city and
valley. It ]* under the charge of the M. E. denomination, and was opened in 1859.
St. Peter'* (' ' is under the charge of the R. C. denomination, and is not yet fully organized.
* Asa Douglas, his son Wm.. and hi* gnind»nn IV>nj.. Nathan
Bose, Ftt +*»"«■ flweet ■ml i (tiled near the center
ofttf town, .'• -ini i Gardiner w lbs impart, Bdward Oatr near
Kinderhook Creek, John Mill-. Baited, l>»i«.
Berry, end others, toward the v parti The fin-t inhabitants
ware chiefly from Rhode [aland. Wia, grandson at Ami Dooglae,
wa» ill- first child born In town; and ha married the Brat white
female born in town. Eton Bb i ■ l j - d A. Douglas h a descendant
of tli" first settler of Oih town.
* Th.- eeneni mporti '■< ■ - !"• W. B«p., Bap., Christ
('•int: . (inil l'reab.
» 1h<' first trustee* named in thf set Of incorp. were Jar I'.
Vaaderheydeo, Ben). Oorill, Anthony (ioodspeed, John Pease,
Bphrahn Morgan, Chris Mutton, and Snml I
* Ofthi -•■ there are : M. ^... 6 Presb, 4 Prot K.,3Bar>., 3R.C
2 Was. Hi th.. Z A--". i'r.-b., licr. Mission, Unit., Unit., Cong,
Friends, Disciples, and Jews.
• A Lancastrian school was established hero at an early
period, and continued until superseded by a special school
m item. lbs present school law was passed April 4, 1849.
• The tots] receipts and expenditures for 1857 were $38,074 36.
I More than 7000 pupils havo been educated hero, a largo
number Of whom have become teachers. See p. 742.
8 Rev. S.iml. illatch ford was its first President, and Amos Eaton
Its first senior prof, under whom the school obtained a high
and merited reputation.
• The grounds of this institution cover 36 acres. The main
building is in the Byzantine stylo of architecture, and is 269 feet
long on an average 68 feet broad, and 4 stories high. See p. 741.
10 The college building, in process of erection, was destroyed
by a landslide, March 17, 1859, and is beiug rebuilt on Mt. St.
\ lL,' lit.
O «
h
o
£ S
uJ
>
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
561
St. Josep?i Academy, under the charge of the R. C, was founded, in 1842, as a free school. In
1852 it was enlarged, and a boarding house was annexed.
The Troy Hospital, a charitable institution, was incorp. March 1, 1851. It was founded chiefly
through the exertions of Rev. P. Ilaverinans, and is supported by the R. C. denomination. The
nurses belong to the Sisters of Charity.
Marshall Infirmary was incorp. in 1851. It was founded by Benjamin Marshall. The buil ling
and grounds cost $35,000; which sum was donated by its founder.
Troy Orphan Asylum, incorp. April 10, 1835, is situated on Grand Division between 7th and
8th Streets. The building is of brick, and has about 100 inmates. The Asylum is supported
by donations and State appropriations; and children are received between the ages of 3 and 9, and
dismissed at 10 if an opportunity offers. At this age they are indentured to farmers until the age
of 17. During the first 22 years over 500 had been dismissed; and most of them have since filled
respectable stations in life. A school is maintained regularly in the Asylum.
St. Marys Orphan Asylum is an institution connected with St. Marys Church, (R. C.) The
male department is under the charge of the " The Brothers of the Christian Schools," and the
female, of " The Sisters of Charity."
The Warren Free Institute, a school for indigent female children, was incorp. March 19, 1846.
It was founded and endowed by the Warren family. A free church, (Prot. E. Church of the Iloly
Cross,) for the pupils and their parents, is connected with the Institute.
The Troy Water Works were built by the city in 1833-34, and they have been subsequently ex-
tended. The water is drawn from Piscawin Creek, and the reservoir is sufficiently high to throw
the water to the top of most of the houses. The works are under the charge of water commissioners,
and the rents are charged to property owners and collected with the taxes.
The city is 150 miles from New York, with which it is connected by r. r., and, in the season
of navigation, by lines of steamers. Its commerce is extensive, and it has a large trade with the
region n. and e. The Union R. R. Co. have erected a magnificent depot in the central part of the
city for the accommodation of the various lines of roads that center here.1
The manufactures of Troy are extensive and various.2 Wynants Kil, on the s., furnishes 12 mill
sites, with an aggregate of 2000 horse power ; Poesten Kil, on the n., has 10 sites, equivalent to
1000 horse power, and the dam across the Hudson furnishes 4000 horse power. Besides these
there is an immense amount of steam power in use.
In 1720, Derick Vanderheyden3 acquired from Van Rensselaer the title to 490 acres of land,
now included in Troy, at an annual rent of 3| bush, of wheat and 4 fat fowls.4 The tract was
occupied as a farm until about 1786, when a company of New Englanders induced the owners
to lay it out as a town. It was surveyed between 1786 and '90, and was variously known as
"Ferry Hook," " Vanderheydens Ferry," and "Ashleys Ferry." In the spring of 1789 the place
contained 5 small stores and about a dozen dwellings. The name, Troy, was adopted at a
meeting of the freeholders, Jan. 5, 1789. The first settlers came in soon after the war.5 The
completion of the Erie Canal gave an impulse to this place that speedily raised it from a com-
paratively obscure village to a large and important city.6 Several destructive fires have occurred,
occasioning great losses.7
1 The Troy Union R. R., 214 mi. long, was built by a com-
pany, composed of persons chosen by, and representing the in-
terests of, the Hudson R., N. Y. Central, Troy & Boston, and Rens-
selaer & Saratoga R. Rs. The depot, built in 1853-54, is 400 by
150 feet, walls 27 feet, and roof a single arch, (Briggs's patent,)
supported only by the walls. It is built for 10, and has 7,
parallel tracks its entire length. Tower, 115 feet high. Four
complete suites of rooms and offices.
2 The iron manufactures consist of R. R. iron, rolled iron, spikes,
nails, stoves, firearms, malleable iron, steam engines, safes, agri-
cultural implements, Ac. The business is carried on by more
than 30 firms, and gives employment to 2500 men. The Troy nail
works are among the most extensive in America. Besides
these, there are 6 large flouring mills, 3 grist mills, several
breweries and distilleries, and establishments for the manu-
facture of cotton and woolen goods, hosiery, paper, carriages,
clothing. Ac, in the aggregate employing about 7000 hands.
One establishment for the manufacture of shirts, bosoms, and
collars employs 670 hands ; 3 others employ 1070 hands, and 17
others 2750 hands. The most extensive mathematical instrument
manufactory in the U. S. is located in this city.
8 A descendant of his was known as the " Patroon of Troy."
4 Brandt Van Slechtenhorst, director of the "Colonie of Rens-
3elaerwyck," in 1646, purchased for the Patroon two additional
tracts of land e. of the Hudson : one, called " Paanpaack," (Field
of Corn,) included the site of Troy ; and the other, called Pan-
hoosick, farther t*.—Brodhea(?s Hist, of N. T., pp. 420-534.
6 The upper part of the city belonged to Jacob Vanderheyden,
and the southern to Matthias Vanderheyden. Stephen Ashley
and Benjamin Covill were the earliest settlers under the Van-
derheydens. They came in about 1786; and the former kept an
inn in the old farmhouse of Matthias Vanderheyden for several
years. Dr. Saml. Gale, the first physician, came from Guilford,
Conn., in 1787. Among the other early settlers were Eph. Mor-
gan, John Boardman, Benj. Smith, Phil. Heartt, Anthony Good-
speed, Mahlon Taylor, Eben'r and Saml. Wilson, Moses Vail,
Lewis Richards, Eben'r Jones, Howard Moulton, Amasa Pierce,
Jere'h Pierce, Townsend McCoun, Nathan and Steph. Warren,
David Buel, and Benj., John, Saml., and Wm. Gale.
• The following table shows the increase of the population of
Troy for each semi-decade since 1810: —
1810 3.895
1815 4.841
1820 5.264
1825 7,859
1830 11,556
1835 16.959
1840 19.334
1845 21,709
1850 28.785
1855 33,269
' The fire of June 20, 1820, destroyed property to the amount of
$370,000, and another, Aug. 25, 1854, to the amount of $1,000,000.
36
562
RENSSELAER COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stoclc, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Rensselaer County.
NAMES o? Towra.
Berlin
Brunswick
East Greenbush...
Grafton
Greenbush.
Hoosick.
Lansingburgh
Nassau
North Greenbush
Petersburgh.
Titt^town
Poestenkill.
Sand Lake
Schaghticoke.
Schodack
Stephcntown
Troy City
Total
Acres op L.un>.
i
19.437 4,
23.5124
11.674
15,1224
31.341
3,6724
20,2Sli
10,374
17.075
33.857J
14.206
15,2684.
21.979
31.531
20,982
1.-.'-
§
16.759
4.264
2,789i
13,0174
8.339
1,2124
5,754
2.1 M
7.388
6,311
4.247
6.696
4.474
8.039 J
9,404
1264.
Valuation op 1858.
5
1
$2ir,.s>Mi
1.050.195
"ss.175
196.427
841.555
1.374.017
1,012,859
630.010
744.njt)
203.344
1,061,327
255.495
356,385
916.133
1,623.825
258.235
7.919.570
sf1
$20,050
166,119
111.469
35.337
11.100
199.S77
811,718
156.467
106,800
2s.fi22
237.368
36.332
57,805
168.093
239.786
39,150
4.891.675
3
S
292.2124 101,0024. 19.348.452' 7.317.763
$2;;i'..'.<3ci
L216,314
899.644
231.764
852,655
1,573.894
1,824,672
t>sf,.477
850.820
231,966
1,298.695
291,827
414.190
1.084.226
1,863,611
297,385
12.811.245
Population.
1,089
1,533
829
962
1.642
2,029
2.697
1,470
901
809
1,762
965
1,251
1,660
1,978
1.1 s.S
16^23
26.666,215 38,988 40,246
l.nTS
1,568
777
926
1,661
2,091
3,003
1,530
911
854
1,840
913
1,337
1,643
1,859
1,209
17.046
3
397
499
286
343
324
658
901
576
309
316
652
399
465
498
672
431
3.757
11.683
s;
455
570
227
370
709
736
1,120
587
358
313
707
403
522
608
757
481
6.495
15.418
289
370
131
254
299
327
391
423
137
192
497
223
291
318
512
323
1.4S2
Schools.
£3
6,459 213 29,744
It
.5 s
773
1,132
431
771
1,374
1.563
2J13
1,187
2,217
640
1,163
710
966
1,217
1,177
882
11.428
Names op Towxs.
Berlin
Brunswick
East Greenbush....
Grafton.
Greenbush
Hoosick.
Lansi ngburgh
Nassau
North Greenbush.,
Petersburgh
Pittstown
Poestenkill
Sand Lake
Schaghticoke.
Schodack
Stephen town
Troy City
Total
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
BUBH.
)P Grain.
ta
Dairy Products.
^"3
|q
o> •
"§.
3
L,
Si
6
|
e
£
Ol
03
.5 ■£
■3
€
S 8 B
BOO
6
4
3,630
1
£
l
e
3 O
05 a.
a 5,
15,375
ft, to
Ill
ft.O
250,646
449
676
1,187
765
760
38,638
3,280
25,370
59,071
973
813
1,538
1,269
2,567
36,360
107,400
5,0824.
88.6S8
11.232
112,757
125
492
501
1,101
632
1,128
17,350
47,234
3.469
48,361
4.990
63,765
368
785
734
1,017
537
728
18,726
3,461?
25,750
4,780
65,209
4,070
863
1,455
1,243
22.394
2,574
14.305
132,0884
6.356
33,671
5,694
69,325
36,590
314
178
290
651
690
8,439
20,285
759
9,605
1,550
10,173
644
1,176
1,188
3,458
1,838
22,242
57,110
3,8034.
24,135
12.634
124.100
8,725
445
304
999
252
863
19,789
40.265
2,7154.
56,125
3,959
64,590
505
780
770
5,708
828
627
43,222
2,861
22.643
10,338
45,543
82.820
1,050
1,504
1,772
11,340
2,983
35,004
157,037
6,630
47,924
6,757
158,529
29.516
428
541
667
804
878
10.238
30,741
2,530
37,261
4,896
65,305
2,780
535
646
997
742
1,218
16,063
41,884
3,224
35,882
10,593
90,848
1,072
712
1,255
1,137
5,910
3,064
55.055
149.529
3,247J
61,860
4,740
95,098
1,036
935
1,575
3.977
3.111
60.203
106,182£
6,097
43,224
17,682
161,530
3,563
472
1,104
1,305
2,707
956
4,071
41,034
4,751
24,716
15,611
107,940
118,555
898
84
361
118
1.007
1,288
6,979
290
11.344
410
7,955
1110.1*4
12,737
16,864
64,609
25,007
302.522
1,038,355
58,557*
596,559
131,241
1,291,738
538,462
<5.£
296
454
534
354
299
978
361
715
333
585
40
4,949
RICHMOND COUNTY.
This county1 was organized Nov. 1, 1G83. It includes Staten Island,1
Shunters Island,3 and the islands of the meadow in Staten Island
Sound. It is separated from Long Island by New York Bay, the
Narrows,4 and New York Harbor; from Bergen, N. J., by the Kil
Van Kull; and from N. J. on the w. by the Arthur Kil, or Staten
Island Sound.5 Staten Island is nearly oval-shaped, its longest
diameter extending n. e. and s. w. It is 14 mi. long by 8 broad,
has an area of 58£ sq. mi., and is centrally distant 140 mi. from
Albany. Princess Bay and Great Kils are small bays upon the s.
shore. Fresh Kils is a tidal estuary extending about 3 mi. inland
from Staten Island Sound, and during high tide it is navigable
nearly its whole extent. The surface of the co. is mostly level or
gently undulating. A broad range of hills extends from the Narrows across the island, termi-
nating between the branches of the Fresh Kils. Near Tompkinsville these hills attain an elevation
of 310 ft. They are composed of granitic rock upon the n. slope and steatitic rock and serpentine
upon the s. Hematitic iron ore6 and many other interesting minerals are found in the co.T
Along the Fresh Kils, and along Staten Island Sound, in Northfield, and also around the head
of Great Kils and the mouth of New Creek, are extensive salt meadows. The waters of the
sound and the bays adjacent to the island abound in oysters; and the oyster trade is the principal
industrial pursuit of those inhabitants not engaged in business in New York, Brooklyn, or Jersey
City. The right of taking oysters belongs to the owners of the adjoining banks.8 At Port Rich-
mond, Factoryville, and other places along the n. shore, are extensive manufactories.9 Market
gardening is followed to a limited extent, chiefly to supply the home demand. The erection of
forts, hospitals, and other public establishments of the General and State Governments has given
employment to great numbers of persons and caused the expenditure among the people of the co.
of large sums of money. Since the establishment of regular steam ferries,10 many wealthy citi-
zens engaged in business in New York City have erected residences upon the island. These coun-
try seats are mostly upon the n. shore and upon the heights that overlook the bay and sound. All
the villages along the n. shore are lighted by gas furnished by the Richmond Gas Light Works,
located near the Quarantine. A company was incorp. in 1830 to build a R. R. across the island to
connect with the Camden & Amboy R. R.11
The co. seat is located at Richmond.12 A courthouse and jail, in the same building, was erected
pursuant to the act of March 23, 1837, at a cost of $10,000.13 The co. clerk's office was erected in
1 Named from a natural son of Charles II.
2 Staten Island was so named by Hudson. The Indian name
is " Matanucke," " Monocknong," or "Aquehonga Manaclcnong." —
Coll. iV. J. Hist. Soc., 1. 17 ; N. T. Common Council Manual,
1857, p. 545.
s A small island at the entrance of Newark Bay.
* The width of the Narrows opposite Fort Hamilton, where
they are the narrowest, is about 2600 yds., and opposite the
Quarantine it is 3700 yds.
5 The average breadth of Staten Island Sound is about one-
third of a mile. It is not usually closed by ice, although in
severe winters it has been frozen many weeks together. It is
the ordinary routeof steamers of theCamden & Amboy R. R. Co.
6 This ore has a fibrous texture, and is found in botryoidal
forms, often with black polished surfaces, and in the granular
condition it is known as " shot ore." It is said to be abundant.
A heavy gray ore is also found. These ores have never been
sui'dtcd on the island.
7 The minerals of the co., beside iron ore, are red and yellow
ochre, asbestus, amianthus, marmolite, hydrate and carbonate of
magnesia, sulphuret and chromate of iron, quartz, chalcedony,
feldspar, and lignite.
8 This right is often leased. The average annual rent is 75 cts.
per ft., measured along the shore. By an act passed May 9, 1846,
the taking of oysters from the planted grounds of another is pro-
hibited, under a penalty of $50 for each offense.
9 The principal articles manufactured aredyed stuffs, and prints,
common fire brick, adamantine candles, white lead, and ivory
black. A large amount of lager beer is made in Castleton and
Southfield, and the island has of late become a Sabbath day
resort of the German population of N. Y. City, thousands of
whom repair every Sunday to the saloons and gardens attached
to tho breweries.
io The boats of the Staten Island & New York Ferry Co. ply
hourly between Whitehall St., in New York, and the island,
touching at Port Richmond, Factoryville, New Brighton, Quaran-
tine, Stapleton, and Vanderbilts Landing. This company was
organized Oct. 26, 1853, with a capital of $900,000, and now has
7 boats in constant use.
11 This enterprise was recently revived, and a route surveyed
running s. of the hills from Vanderbilts Landing to a point op-
posite S. Amboy. About $40,000 were expended in purchasing the
right of way and grading ; but the work is at present suspended.
12 The first record of an order for the erection of a prison is
dated March 4, 1710. It runs as follows : — " Ordered that Mr.
LambartGarisone and Mr.Wm. Tillyer see the prison house built
at Cuckols Towne. Y« Demensions Twelve ffot in breadth, ffour-
teen foot Long, two story high, six foot ye Low Roomo from
beam to plank, and the uper story, 6 foot : and all to be built with
stone." This building was inadequate to the requirements of the
co., and a larger one (of brick) was afterward built. The latter
building is still standing, and was used as a co. prisou until 1837.
The first colonial Court of Sessions on Staten Island was held
Oct. 4, 1680. The first court after the Revolution convened May
3, 1784 ; and the first court of Oyer and Terminer under the
State Government was held May 22, 1787, Richard Morris, Chief
Justice, presiding. The first co. officers under the State Govern-
ment were David Mersereau, First Judge : Cornelius Morseroau,
Hendrick Garrison, Peter Rezeau, Anthony Fountain, John
Wandle, Gilbert Jackson, and Lambert Merrill, Judges and Jus-
tices; Abram Bancker, Sheriff"; John Mersereau, Clerk ; and
Adrian Bancker, Surrogate.
w The commissioners under whose supervision this building
was erected were Richard D. Little, Harman B. Cropsey, and
Walter Betts. The jail is reported as without ventilation or
means for the classification of prisoners.
563
564
RICHMOND COUNTY.
1848 and enlarged in 1857. It is a 2 story brick building, and contains the supervisor's room,
office for the surrogate and district attorney, and accommodations for the sheriff. The poorhouse
is located upon a farm of 105 acres in Northfield.1 Several of the public schools of Castleton
and Southfield have been organized as union schools under a special act, and are in charge of a
board of education. The schools of the co. generally are in a flourishing condition.2 Richmond
co. is -within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Police Commissioners; but no men have
hitherto been detailed for ordinary service within its limits.
Two newspapers are published in the co.s
Staten Island -was visited by Henry Hudson in his celebrated voyage of discovery in 1609. It
was purchased from the Indians, Aug. 10, 1630, by Michael Pauw, one of the 4 Patroons of New
Netherlands, and formed a part of the tract known as "Pavonia" in the early Dutch records.*
It soon reverted, however, to the "West India Co. ; and in 1636 a part of the island was granted
to D. P. De Yries, by whom a colony was planted upon it in Jan. 1639. The remaining part
of the island was granted by the Directors of the West India Co. to Cornelius Melyn in July,
1640. The following year, Melyn with his family settled upon this grant, and in June, 1642, he
obtained letters patent. In Sept. 1641, the settlement of De Vries was attacked by the Indians,5
and hostilities between them and the whites ensued. A peace was concluded in 1642 ; but in
Feb. 1643, under a frivolous pretest, the Indians were attacked opposite Manhattan and at Cor-
laers Hook and great numbers of them slain. This barbarous measure invoked retaliation, and
the white settlements within reach were laid waste. The island was again purchased of the
natives, Dec. 6, 1651, by Augustine Herman, and finally quitclaimed to Gov. Lovelace, April 13,
1670.* Possession was given on the 1st of May following, and at this time the island was
finally abandoned by its primitive inhabitants.
A considerable number of French Huguenots, after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in
1685, found their way into the English colonies, and a part of them settled upon Staten Island.
The family names of these immigrants are still common in this co.T The earliest grants upon
the island under the English were made to the officers of the ship Elias, immediately after the
conquest.8 Two manors were subsequently granted, — one on the n. shore, styled "Cassiltown
Manor," to Gov. Dongan,9 and the other in the s. part, known as "Billop Manor." This island
was first occupied by British troops in the Revolution, July 4, 1776, and it was held by them
until their final removal from the State late in 1783. On the 21st of Aug. 1777, the British
posts upon the island were attacked by an American force under Gen. Sullivan. The expedition
was well planned, but it failed to accomplish its main object.10 During the severe winter of
1779-80, while the Americans were encamped near Morristown, (N. J.,) a second expedition was
sent out, under Gen. Lord Stirling, to surprise the enemy in the interior of the island. The
party, consisting of 2500 men, crossed the sound on the ice from Deharts Point, on the Jersey
shore, on the morning of the 15th of Jan. ; but the movement was observed in time to prepare
for defense. Contrary to expectation, the passage to New York was found to be free from ice,
and during the day the British were reinforced from the city. Two or three were killed on each
side, and a few prisoners were taken by the Americans. "While the party remained, some persona
from the mainland passed over and plundered several of the inhabitants; but a strict search
was made and the stolen property was recovered and restored to its owners.11 On the 11th of
' The oonnty I of - it me buildings, each 2 sto-
ries Ugh. H>« Bauata Oom. In th-ir report "f 1857. my that
It i* " without v.-ntil.ition and without any provision* for bath-
ing: and a general mrteyofthah rase, with i (m fixtures, as you
aypt Dttrelj iii harmony with It* name." The average
numhor of Inmate* i* My rout of
ji ■ i nn yield* an an Dual n • (3000.
* In 1M7. effort! »T« to Tompkins and other resi-
dent to establish a college D] land. A provisional
coart'-r wi I from tbe ■ under the namo of
"Washington CbUrgt," and -i sul - rlptl in of $10,000 for a site
and $5,000 for * Ubrarj mu escort i The effort failed; and
it was afterward proposed tounite the institution with Columbia
Oollege. — but without ncoeei Ann • I, April 18, 1838,
incorporating " Itiehmott'l fyJl/fi'" np n condition that $S0,000
to raked within 3 jean; bat the aflorl (ailed.
* Thr Bic/mumd RepuUtOtM wa* . stabllabed at Tornpklnsvillo
in 1838 I'.v 0. V Baldwin, and ooottnind 3
The Rirhmnnd 0b. Free I'Tesi wm started it Kir hmond I]
by Wm.Ila.radorn.androntinu'd 8 yearn.
The Statrn Inlander wni BttabUabfd at BtapletOD, as a
■■llil I journal. In 1M0, by Y. U Hagadorn, and is now
pnblished semi-weekly.
Tht Deutsche Slnten Inlander vru commenced in IK.',.', at Staple-
ton by August Price, but ha* lince been discon-
tinued.
The Staten Island Chronicle was started at Tomp-
kinsvillc in 1S58, and is still published.
« C.J1. X. ./. Hht. Soc. I. 17; Dunlap's Hist. X. Tn L, 48.
'• X. V. /fist. Coll.. I. 263.
• X. Y. Com. Council Manual, 1857. p. 544.
1 Among these are Guion, Mersereau, Dissosway, Ryorss,
Hlchean, Fontaine, He/oau, Scgnine, Crocheron, La Tourrctte, &c.
» Oct. 4-10, 1 1^4. to dipt. Wm. Hill, 500 acres; Lt. Ilumphrev
Kot. .".on; .la*, ("'oleinan. 250; and 7 others, each 200,— PaUnts,
7.6-0, Sec. Office; Jacques Bandovcn and Jacques Guion each
received 200 acres at the same time.
• Tho greater part of the lands to which existing titles are
traced were granted under Dongan's administration. The
de-'ceiidants of Gov. Dongan were living upon the original estate
until the elose of the last century. Between 30 and 40 grants
of land from the colonial governors are upon record in the co.
rh-rk's office,
" About 150 British prisoners were taken. Tho Americans
lost 13 killed and 136 in prisoners, and tho wholo party ran a
narrow risk of capture. Gen. Sullivan's conduct was subjected
to a court of inquiry by ordor of Congress ; but he was acquitted.
A particular account of this affair is given in Marshall's Life of
Washington, III. 135. See also Sparks'! Life and Writings of
Washinqtim, V. 47. and Peaboily's Life of Sullirun,05.
» Coll. X. J. Hi ft. Soc., II. 206; Sparks' t Life and Writingt of
Washington, VI. 441-448.
RICHMOND COUNTY.
5C5
Sept. 177G, a conference between Lord Wm. Howe and a committee of Congress consisting of
Dr. Franklin, J. Adams, and E. llutledgo was held at the house of Capt. Billop, opposite Perth
Amboy.' No events of special interest occurred upon the island during the late war with Great
Britain. A brigade of militia, consisting of 2000 men, was stationed here, and remained in
camp from Aug. to Dec. 1K14. During the troubles that preceded the War of 1812, the Legis-
lature of New York memorialized Congress for the erection of defensive works around the harbor
of Ni'w York, olaiming protection against the arms of a foreign power as no more than an equi-
table return for the revenues which the State had surrendered to the General Government upon
the adoption of the Constitution.'2 Failing in this, the governor was directed to purchase a
tract, not to exceed l2~» acres, at the Narrows;3 and upon this tract fortifications were afterward
erected. The amount of the appropriation made by the State for the defenses upon Staton
Island previous to 1820 was $154,105 46. These works were purchased by the General Govern-
ment, pursuant to an act of Congress passed Aug. 3, 184G,* and they are now being rebuilt at an
immense cost. When these and the other contemplated works along the approaches to New
York Harbor are completed, the city will be among the best fortified in the world.5 A quarantine
was established by the State, undei an act passed Feb. 25, 1799, upon the n. extremity of the
island, in the town of Castleton, and maintained until it was destroyed, on the evenings of Sept.
1 and 2, 1858, by an armed mob encouraged and led by prominent citizens.6
CASTXETON — was first recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It lies in the n. part of the
island, and is the smallest but most populous and wealthy town in the co. The surface is mostly
hilly. The people are principally engaged in manufacturing. Factoryville (North Shore
p. o.) is a populous village in the N. w. part of the town, containing extensive dye and print
works7 and other manufactories. Elliottsville8 is a hamlet. A little e. of this place is the
1 Tliis conference terminated without any practical results.
The old stouo house in which it was held is still standing. —
J., a nml Onng.. Stpt. 0-17, 1776; Sparks' 8 Washington, 7.198.
1 Journal of Senate and Assembly, March 27, 1S07.
3 Art of Feb. 3, 1810. The erections were chiefly made inl814.
4 These defenses consisted of Fort. Richmond, a water battery
near the water's edge; Fort Tompkins, a heavy fortress on the
heights above, and Batteries Hudson and Morton. The last was
named from Gen. Jacob Morton, of the N. Y. Artillery. In 1811,
the removal of the U. S. Military Academy to this island was
proposed, and the governor was empowered to convey to the
General Government the jurisdiction of so much territory as
might be necessary for this purpose. No further steps toward
Its removal have been taken.
5 Additional laud was bought in 1857 near Fort Tompkins,
and this work is now about to be replaced by one of great
strength, at an estimated cost of over $500,000. The aggregate
of the appropriations made by the General Government for these
Works has been as follows: for Fort Richmond. $375,000; for
Fort Tompkins, $192,300; for Batteries Hudson and Morton,
$10,000. A new fort is to be erected upon Sandy Hook, (N. J..)
which it is estimated will cost $1,500,000, $250,000 of which has
been appropriated. For an account of Fort Hamilton and the
fortification of the inner harbor, see pp. 373,419. The recent de-
fensive works and those now in progress were chiefly ordered
upon the advice of Gen. Totten.
6 In 175S an actwas passed to prevent the spread of infectious
diseases, and a law of similar import was enacted May 4, 17S4.
By the act of May 4, 1794, Governors Island was assigned as a
quarantine; and in March, 1797, a lazaretto was directed to be
built upon Bedloos Island. The awful visitation of yellow fever
in 1798 led to the passage of an act (Feb. 25, 1799) for the pur-
chase of 30 acres upon Staten Island for a permanent quaran-
tine. Of this lot 5 acres were sold, and ceded (April 1. 1800) to
the U. S. for warehouses. The first buildings erected were of
materials taken from the Lazaretto on Bedloes Island. In 1819
a long brick building was erected; in 1823, a fever hospital; in
1828-29, a smallpox hospital; and subsequently other build-
ings as the wants of the institution required. As the surround-
ing country became thickly settled, the same difficulty arose that
led to the removal of quarantine from the vicinity of New York,
and for many years an earnest desire had existed among the
citizens of this island for its removal. Memorials for this object
were met by remonstrances from the importers, and nothing was
accomplished. In 1S50 the yellow fever appeared, aud 709 cases
occurred, of which 538 were on Staten Island, between New
Brighton and Clifton, 138 in Fort Hamilton and Bay Ridge, 64 on !
Governors Island, aud 29 in Brooklyn. Of those upon Staten
Island one-third were fatal. This alarming event convinced the [
public that new safeguards were necessary, and the citizens of
this co. renewed their demand for the removal of the quarantine.
An act for the removal of the " Quarantine Station" was passed,
March 6, 1857, under which George Hall, Egbert Benson, and
Obadiah Bowne were appointed commissioners to purchase a
new site and erect the necessary buildings. The sum of $150,00(1
was fixed as the limit of expenditure under this act. After in-
effectual efforts to obtain a site on Sandy Hook, the committee
purchased a farm of 50 acres, late the property of Joel Wolfe,
situated at Seguines Point, in Westfield. The sum paid was
$23,000, and the land had upon it farm buildings valued at
$15,000. The site was approved, and the purchaso completed,
May 1, 1857. On the night of the 5th of May all the buildings
were burned to the ground by a mob of some 40 persons with-
out disguise. Temporary buildings were erected on the site in
June. An attack was made on the 12th of July by a few armed
persons, and several shots were fired. The new buildings, con-
sisting of two hospitals and a cook and wash house, were burned
on the evening of April 20,1858, and no effort was made to re-
build them, or to bring the incendiaries to justice. The hostility
against the old establishment continued unabated, and gained
confidence from the approval of many of the leading citizens,
some of whom declared their willingness to unite openly, by
daylight and without disguise, to destroy the premises that they
deemed an insufferable nuisance. In the summer of 1S56 a
barricade had been erected, by order of the Board of Health of
Castleton, to prevent communication with the premises. This
was taken down by a party of men from the city under the direc-
tion ofthe Health Office The occurrence of a few cases of yellow
fever outside the walls in Ang. 1858, led to the passage of a series
of resolutions by the town Board of Health, declaring the whole
quarantine establishment a nuisance too intolerable to be borne
any longer, and recommending the citizens of the co. to protect
themselves by abating it without delay. Copies of these reso-
lutions were posted up in the village on the 1st of Sept., and on
the evening of the same day the walls were broken down and
the gates burst open by a mob, the sick carried out upon their
mattresses, the family of the resident physician hurried from
their dwelling, and every building except the women's hospital
was burned. On the following evening the mob completed the
ruin by destroying the last building upon the premises. The U. S.
stores were saved by a party of marines stationed for the pur-
pose. On the 7th the governor issued a proclamation declaring
the co. in a state of insurrection. Temporary quarantine accom-
modations were soon after erected under the protection of a de-
tachment of the State militia, who were detained in the service
till the close of the year. The expenses attending this duty
were assumed and paid by Governor King, and reimbursed by a
special appropriation soon after. The necessity for a permanent
removal of quarantine from Staten Island has been conceded by
most persons who have given the subject an investigation; and
the practicability of constructing an artificial island upon one
of the shoals in the lower bay has been certified by competent
engineers. The governor, in his message of 1859. recommended
the appointment of a new commission to investigate this diffi-
cult but highly important subject and report to the legislature.
1 The N. Y. Dyeing and Printing Works were established in
1819. They employ from 200 to 250 persons.
8 Named from Dr. Samuel M. Elliott, oculist
566
RICHMOND COUNTY.
Sailors' Snug Harbor, an institution established for the support of aged and infirm mariners.1
An institution for the support and education of the destitute children of seamen is situated near
the Sailors' Snug Harbor.2 \ew Brighton (p. v.) contains 5 churches, several manufac-
tories,3 2 large family boarding houses, and the residences of many persons doing business in
New York City. Tompkinsville4 (p. v.) contains 4 churches and a number of manufactories.
In this village are numerous suburban residences ; and near by is the Quarantine. Center-
ville is a hamlet. The census reports 7 churches in town.5
IVORTUFIEL.D — was formed March 7, 1788. It is situated in the n. w. part of the co.,
and includes several small islands in Staten Island Sound and Newark Bay. Its surface is level
in the northern and central parts and hilly in the southern. Fresh Kils form the boundary
between this town and Weatfield, The soil is a clayey loam, under excellent cultivation. Along
the w. and s. borders are extensive salt marshes. The town is very thickly settled along the
shore of Newark Bay and the Kil Yan Kull. Port Richmond, (p. v.,) in the n. e. part of
the town, is a large manufacturing village,6 with convenient docks for shipping. Pop. 1,429.
Graniteville, adjacent to Port Richmond, is a small settlement, with a pop. of 481. Granite
was formerly extensively quarried at this place.7 Mariners Harbor is a thickly settled
street along the shore of Newark Bay. Pop. 1,142. Old Place and Jfew Springville
(p. o.) are hamlets. Chelsea is a small village nearly opposite the mouth of Rahway River.
Southficld and Ilollins Hook are hamlets, and Long IVech. is a p. o. near Fresh Kil.
A part of Richmond and of Egbertsville8 are in this town. St. Andrews Church,
(Prot. E..) at Richmond, is the oldest on the island, and under the colonial Government it was
supported by a co. tax.9 The census reports 11 churches in town.10
SOITIIFIEL.D — was formed March 7, 1788. It is along, narrow town extending along
New York Bay. Great Kil is a bay in the s. part.11 Its surface is level or gently undulating,
terminating in bluffs upon the e. shore. In the s. part are several small streams bordered by
salt meadows. Stapleton (p. v.) is a scattered village in the n. part of the town. It con-
tains 4 churches. The Seamen's Retreat12 and the Mariners' Family Asylum13 are located here.
Clifton contains 2 churches and many beautiful residences. Richmond (p. v.) is situated
1 This establishment was founded by Robert Richard Randall,
of Hew York. By the provisions of his will, dated June 1, 1801,
(several annuities and legacies were to be paid, and the residue
of his estate conveyed in trust to the State Chancellor, the
Mavor and Recorder of New York, the senior minister of the
Episcopal and of the Presbyterian churches of the city, the
President of the Chamber of Commerce and the President and
Vice-President of the Marine Society, and their successors, for
the support of aped and infirm sailors. The trustees were incorp.
Feb. 6, 1806. The property thus bequeathed lay near Union
re, in Hew York, and a protracted and expensive lawsuit
ptcn nt. 1 the trustees from fully executing the intentions of
the benefactor until many years after his death. This suit
wan di . i' 1 in the U. S. Supreme Court, in Feb. 1830, in favor
of the trustees. It was allowed to accumulate until 1830,
When tb<' ptesent site (embracing 168 acres) was purchased, and
,r;iii n» w«-re made for the erection of tin- necessary bnild-
injr«. Tii- cornerstone of the edifice was laid Oct. 21,1*31. The
bufldli -t >f a main edifice with two wings, a hospital,
mmodlous diningand lodging ball,(ei
in 1- ted in 1856,] the governor, physician,
chaplain, and steward's dwellings, a laundry, a gardener's boose,
and other building*. The remains of the founder of the matt
lottos wen Interred beneatb a monument in front of the main
bunding. Ana :.i.i- - .,t o rtabllsbment con-
flj.it nU secretary, governor, treasurer, chaplain, phy-
ird. and agent, chosen annually
by the trust ■ • ' nor, and i
innr. baa held that ffj • Th< total number
of inma'- l" been 477: the present mini-
nmber
of.; per annum. The annual Income of the Institu-
y ,000.
i- (y forOu R'K'f- I rhiltirtn of Seamen"
was formed in 1846 and I. An annual |
$j ■ -n- 1 i t ii t • « a member, and a»incl" paymt nt of (25, a life mem-
l„r. bleflysup] rted bj ladies Tbeyearlj
■speDdlturet are aimut *7
■ A Pilk handkerchief printing establishment, started here in
IBM, grrei smploymenl • tpereoua
* Named fromttov. Dnni>4 IX Tompkins, who resided herefrom
1814 till bii death in
' 1 Pro*, y . Bap. Moravian. Kef. Prot D..R.C and Unit
• The Damascus Steal Oft ■ -nij I" in the mann-
meters of iron from the ore, and of stssl from bun. At tiiis
plan- an •evecal large brickkiln". The NorthfHd Brick Oft
eoipliy about 30 hands, and the lli<hmond Co. about 45. White
lead is also manufactured to some extent.
7 The granite obtained at this place is very tough, and consists
of hornblende and feldspar intimately blended. It was quarried
by the Brick and Granite Co., (organized in May. 1*48.) and was
largely used in making the Russ pavement of New York City. A
R. R. has been built from the quarry to the dock, — a distance of
1 mi.
8 Named from Jas. Egberts, a former resident.
9 Elias Duxbury, by will in 1768, devised a certain plantation
as a glebe to this church. By the act of Feb. 18, 1814, the trus-
tees were authorized to sell this, and the proceeds were invested
for the benefit of the church. A large amount of valuable real
estate adjoining the Quarantine Ferry is owned by this society,
and is leased for a term of 50 years.
io 3 Bap.. 2 M. E., Evang. Luth., Cong., Meth., Prot. E., Ref.
Prot. D., and R. C.
u The waters of the bay S. of this town were selected for the
anchornge of Infected vessels by the commissioners for the re-
moval oi the quarantine. June 9. 1857.
12 In March. 1*01, a tax was imposed upon seamen and pas-
sengers entering the port of New York, the proceeds of which
were applied to the Quarantine Hospital. But the injustice of
devoting B revenue derived from the hard earnings of seamen to
• ■l j. .is having no connection with their interests or support led
to thl i sau ' -of a law in 1881, by which this tax was directed
to be paid to the Hoard of Trustees of the Seamen's Fund and
Retreat In the city of New York. A surplus that had been paid
Into the State treasury, amounting to $12,197 68, was also placid
in the hands 01 the trustees. A tract of 40 acres was bought for
$10,000, temporary buildings were erected, and, on the 1st of Oct.
1881, 47 patients were admitted. The cornerstone of the present
Structure was laid July 4. 1*35, and the building was finished in
1 - 87. It i- built of hammered stone, is 3 stories high, and will
accommodate 200 inmates. An insane hospital, nouses for the
superintendent and physicians, and other buildings, have been
I. The COSt of the main building was $90,000, of tho
Insane hospital $6,000, and the total cost has been $115,000.
Up to .Ian. 1. 1*54, 16.704 patients had been received, of whom
680 bad died. By an act passed April 7, 1*54, the mayor and
health officer of Hew York, the presidents of the Seamen's Sav-
ings Hank and the Marine Society, and 7 other persons, (4 of
whom mu«t be masters of vessels, appointed by the governor and
Senate,) were constituted trustees of the establishment. Tho
tru-t. . I must bfl residents of New York, Kings, Queens, or Rich-
mond Cos.
l» By an act passed in 1*47, the trustees of the Seamen's Re-
tn ,t wire directed to provide for the support of destitute sick
or infirm mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and widows of sea-
men, and $10,000 was applied for the erection of suitable build-
RICHMOND COUNTY.
5C7
on a creek tributary to the FreHh Kils, on tins line of Northfield. It is the co. scat, and contains
the co. buildings, 1 church, and about 50 honees. Hay View is a p. o., and Egbcrtsvllle
(New Dorp p. o.) is a small village. The census reports 5 churches in town.1
WESTllULD- was formed March 7, 1788. It occupies the s. w. extremity of the island,
and is the largest town in the co. Its surface is generally level or gently undulating. Princes
Bay is an indentation upon the s. coast, to the e. of which is Scguines Point.2 Fresh Kils forms
the boundary between this town ami Northfield. Material for fire brick is found in abundance
near Statcn Island Sound, and considerable quantities of it have been taken to New York for
manufacture. Upon the coast, near the w. extremity of Princes Bay, is a lighthouse.8 The people
of this town are principally engaged in fishing and taking oysters. A limited amount of manu-
factures is carried on.4 Tollenville5 (Bcntley p.o.) is situated on Staten Island Sound, op-
posite Perth Amboy. Pop. 600. Kreischerville, (p. v.,) on Staten Island Sound, contains
a large firebrick manufactory, and 1 church. Pop. about 400. In the vicinity are large beds of
fire clay, paper clay, fire sand, and kaolin. Rossville0 (p. v.) has a population of 300. The
inhabitants are chiefly engaged, directly or indirectly, in the oyster trade. Lemon Creek.
(p.o.) is a hamlet, known as "Pleasant Plains," and Marshland is a p. o. Blooming
View7 and Woodrow are small villages. Richmond Valley (p. o.) is a hamlet, and
Soulhside a p. o. The census reports 7 churches in town.8
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Richmond County.
Names op Towns.
Castleton...
Northfield..
Southfield. .
Westfield...
Total.
Acres of Land.
1,359
3.775±
2,752
7,1S5J
15,072}
I
8624
2,932
1,483
2,325
7,602}
Valuation of 1858.
$.",03i>,U'.Mi
1,259,095
1,830,833
824,800
$6,944,818
$325,000
75,000
17,500
75,000
$492,500
B
$3,355,090
1,334,095
1,848,333
899,800
$7,437,318
Population.
4
4,102
2,064
2,654
1,749
10,569
4,150
2,123
2,795
1,752
10,820
s
1,154
696
759
611
3,220
S
1,447
939
1,003
667
4,056
■8
623
618
473
473
2.087
Schools.
sT!
24
gf
2,638
1,790
2,409
1,296
8,133
Names of Towns.
Castleton...
Northfield..
Southfield. .
Westfield...
Total.
Live Stock.
3
k
J_
101
229
135
380
845
o/S
IIS
137
230
207
427
1,061
132
399
212
446
1,189
25
30
~57~
e
a
183
396
291
856
1,726
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Chain.
e
1,019
3,1934.
4,970
5,284}
14,467*
5,641
16,366i
12,910
27,2154
62,132}
%>
652
1,501
l,58fi
3,293
7,032
05 ft,
4,077
8,471
2,972
6,219
21,739
28
"S>
Dairy Products.
11
0 3
ft, aj
■5 „•
a, 6
28
2,595
12.525
8,945
800
24,365
•2.!|
ill
ings. An association of ladies, styled " The Mariners' Family
Industrial Society," was incorp. April 9, 1849, having for its
object the relief of the destitute families of seamen. The build-
ing was completed in Dec. 1853, opened in May, 1855, and dedi-
cated June 9 of the same year. By an act passed March 17, 1851,
a board of trustees was created for its management: this board
consists of certain ex-officio members and the Board of Counsel-
lors of the M. F. I. Soc. Ten per cent, of the receipts by the
Trustees of the Seamen's Fund and Betreat was applied to this
establishment bv a law passed April 12, 1854.
1 2 Prot. E., 2 Kef. Prot. I)., and 1 B.C.
2 Pronounced Se-guine. This point was purchased by the
6tate as a site for the quarantine. See page 565.
8 Built in 1828.
4 The Staten Island Oil Co. was organized in July, 1853, and
incorp. as the " Staten Island Oil and Candle Co." in Feb. 1S57 ; 30
to 40 hands are employed in the manufacture of adamantinb
candles and red oil from palm oil and animal fats. On the
Fresh Kils is a manufactory of nre brick, and near Kossville a
manufactory of bone black.
5 Named from the Totten family, the members of which aro
numerous in the locality.
6 Named from Wm. E. Boss.
J A seminary, called the " Huguenot Institute," was formerly
located at this place.
8 2 M. E., Bap., Af. Meth., Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D., and R. C.
ROCKLAND COUNTY.
This county was formed from Orange, Feb. 23, 1798. It is tri-
angular in form, Hudson River, New Jersey line, and the s. bounds
of Orange co. being respectively its e., s. w., and n. w. boundaries.
It is centrally distant 105 mi. from Albany, and contains 208 sq.
mi. The Raniapo Mts., extending along the n. w. border, are the
connecting link between the Blue Ridge of Eastern Penn. and N. J.
'and the Matteawan Mts. of Putnam co., E. of the Hudson. They
are separated into numerous distinct spurs, ridges, and peaks, and
occupy more than one-third of the entire surface of the co. They
are generally steep, rocky, and barren, and the valleys between
them are narrow, rocky ravines. The Palisade Range from N. J.
enters the extreme s. angle of the co., and terminates abruptly s.
of Piermont. A broken ridge, known as the Nyack Hills, forming a n. spur of this range, but
without its continuous and wall like character, extends n. along the river to the N. part of Clarks-
town, where it unites with Yerdrieteges Hook, an e. spur of the Ramapo Range. The surface
of the central and s. w. portions of the co., lying between these ranges, is rolling or moderately
hilly. The highest summits in the n. w. part are 700 to 1,000 feet above tide. The principal
streams are Hackensack River, flowing s. through Clarkstown and Orangetown, Ramapo River, in
the w. angle of Ramapo, and Minisceongo Creek, Minas Fall Creek, and Spar Kil, tributaries
of the Hudson. The rocks of the Ramapo Mts. are principally primitive. Granite, gneiss, and
metamorphic limestone abound. The hills along the river and Verdrieteges Hook are composed
of red sandstone, known to geologists as the New Red Sandstone ; and the central and w. portions
of the co. are principally underlaid by limestone. These rocks yield an abundance of most
excellent building material,1 and from the white limestone in the n. e. corner of the co. large
quantities of lime are manufactured.2 Trap rock extends from N. J. into the s. border of the co.
The people are largely engaged in fruit growing and gardening. Milk is sent from some parts
of the co. in considerable quantities to the New York market. The manufacture of lime and brick
and the exportation of ice are important branches of the industry of the co. Large quantities of
red sandstone for building are annually quarried and exported. The manufactures of the co. are
also important and various, consisting principally of shoes, wooden ware, and woolen yarn.
The co. seat is located at the village of New City, in Clarkstown. A combined courthouse and
jail, built of brick, is situated upon a beautiful eminence overlooking the village.3 The clerk's
office is a fireproof brick building adjacent to the courthouse. The poorhouse is located upon a
farm of 43 acres at Mechanicsville, in Ramapo, 7 mi. w. of the courthouse. The average number
of inmates is 100, supported at a weekly expense of 75 cts. each. The farm yields a revenue of
fl A school is taught during the entire year, and the house is well kept. The N. Y. & Erie
R. R. extends through the w. part of Ramapo, and the Piermont Branch of the same road extends
from Piermont, on the Hudson, to Sufforns, where it unites with the main track.4
Two weekly newspapers are now published in the co.5
This co. was included in patent" known as the Kakiate Patent, granted to Daniel Ilonan and
Michael Kawdon, Juno 25, 1696; the Wawayanda Patent, granted to John Bridges, April ?9,
1703; and the C 1 1 • • ■ - • ■■ i-ks Patent, granted to Ann Bridges and others, March 20, 1707. The first
patent recorded in the CO. clerk's office is one granted to Samuel Bayard, bearing date Sept. 16,
p iga .',70.
1 Thi- lime 1* used exclnslTcly for agricnltnral purpose*.— See-
ps ee 560.
1 Tii" fir«t cetirtV'tioc aft»r the ereeUotl of the m. wn« built in
Th. present boose « nd the jail
was added in ISM. Tli,- wbd «t was al-mt 116.000. The
flint iron John Baflarn, VtrtLJ D rid Pye, Cb.
Jacob Wood, Sheriff} Peter Talmnn. Mvnnafe
♦ A p.. r. extendi ?. fr.im Plennonl la Jeney City. It wu
flni«h"i in 1860, and ia Intended to oontbraa S. lo Warren.
I The JMIadmm was started at Warren, about 1812, by Ae-
ki'l Bnrronjrh". and was eon tinned a shnrt time.
Th' Rockland Regitter was r.immcnr"! at Warren, in USB, by
Baektr] Burroughs; In 190 it was changed to
The KockUind Gazette^ am] in 1-34 it was united with The Ad-
vertiser.
668
The i{r*-j.-i,i»t) Adoerttter was started at Warren, in May, 7X13,
by John Douglas; and in 1834 it was united with Tho
Gazette, tinder the name of
The RncMand AdvttrtUtr and Family Gazette; and in 1843 it
was published as
Thr Rockland Nam and Oeneral Advertiser, by John L, liurtiB.
The North River Times was started at Warren, in 1*34, by
Alexander n. Wells, and was continued a short timo.
Tlu Mirror was published al Warren a short time in iv:*-.
The I! •.< U l.i ml County MrsBriijrer was established
»t Warren, in May. 1840, by Bobert Marshall; in 1852
it passed Into the hands of Robert Smith, by whom it
i- '-tin continued.
The Rockland County .Tournnl was rommeneed in
.inly. I860, at Nyark, by Wm. G. Ilaeselljurth, and is
stili continued by him.
ROCKLAND COUNTY.
5C9
1703. ■ The old courthouse, built about 1739 for that part of Orange co. 8. of the mountains, was at
Tappantown, opposite the old Ref. Prot. D. church, and was burned before the Revolution. The
first settlers were Dutch, who located in the s. e. part of tho co. from 1090 to 17 10.2
CLARKSTOWW-was formed from Havcrstraw, March 18, 1791. It lies upon the Hudson,
and is tho central town upon tho E. border of the co. Vcrdrietcges Hook, a rocky ridge 500 to 800
feet above tide, extends along tho n. line, and tho Njack Range occupies a considerable portion in
the s. E. corner. The remaining parts of the town, comprising four-fifths of its surface, are rolling
or moderately hilly. Hackonsack River flows s. through near the center, and a narrow swamp
extends along the greater part of its course. Rockland Lake, about 1 mi. from the Hudson, is a
fine sheet of pure water, 3 mi. in circumference and 160 feet above the river. The soil is a reddish,
sandy loam underlaid by clay. Considerable attention is given to fruit growing. Rockland
Lake,3 (p. v.,) in the e. part of the town, and extending from the lake to the river, contains a
church, a foundry and machine shop, and a ship yard. Pop. 430. An extensive business is
carried on at this place in preserving and exporting ice.4 New City, (Clarkstown p. o.,) the
CO. seat, a little n. w. of the center, contains the co. buildings, a church, and 28 dwellings.
Nanuet, (p. v.,) formerly "Clarkstown Station," a station upon the Piermont Branch of the Erie
R. R., in the s. w. part, contains 1 church and 20 dwellings. Clarksville, (Nyack Turnpike
p.o.,) in the s. part, contains a church and 18 dwellings. Dutch Factory, a hamlet in the w.
part, contains a cotton factory and 2 woolen yarn factories. The first settlements were made by
the Dutch, at an early period. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed near Clarksville.5
HAVERSTRAW6 — was formed March 7, 1788.7 Clarkstown and Ramapo were taken
off in 1791. It lies upon the Hudson, in the N. angle of the co. Nearly the entire surface is
hilly and mountainous. The Ramapo or Blue Mts., extending through the n. w. part, are divided
into numerous precipitous and rocky peaks, and spurs from the principal range extend to the banks
of the Hudson.8 Verdrieteges Hook, a long, rocky ridge, forms a considerable portion of the
N. border. The s. e. portion is moderately hilly. The valleys separating these mountains
are mostly narrow, rocky ravines. Stony Point is a small rocky peninsula on the river, near the
center of the e. border of the town.9 The principal streams are Minisceonga and Miners Creeks,
flowing into the Hudson, and Stony Brook, a tributary of Ramapo River, a branch of the Passaic.
The soil is a sandy loam underlaid by clay. Extensive beds of a fine quality of clay border upon
the river above Warren, and from them are annually manufactured 150,000,000 of bricks, giving
employment to over 1,000 men. Limestone crops out near Tompkins Cove, from which large
quantities of lime are manufactured. A gas spring is found 2 J mi. s. of Stony Point.10 Warren,11
(Haverstraw p. o.,) situated upon the Hudson, in the s. e. angle of the town, was incorp. in 1854.
1 This tract is described as follows : — "A certain tract of va-
cant land within our county of Orange called by the Indians
Whorinims, Peruck, Gemakie, and Nanashunck, and is in several
small pieces; and also another parcel of land, beginning: at the
south bounds of lands lately granted to Daniel Honan and
Michael Hawdon, being a small creek that runs into Demaree's
Creek to the southward of Nana9hunck, and runs from thence
by Demaree's said creek as it runs southerly to the lyne parting
our said Province from the Jerseys ; and soe by the said parting
lino westward to a small river called Saddle River, thence by the
said river northward until an east line doe run to the southwest
corner of the said Honans and Ilawdons land, containing by
estimation two thousand acres of improvable land, &c. &c."
Another deed on record commences, " To all X Tian People,"
(Christian People,) Johannes Mynno, of Haverstraw, &c. &c. to
Albert Mynne, of Haverstraw, &c. &c, and dated 1694.
Witness, Thomas Luirens, Frans Wessel, and Peter Jacobus
Maurius.
s Among these early settlers were Capt. Cornelius Cuyper,
Capt. Cornelius Harring, Johannes Meyer, Gerhardus Clowes,
Derrick Straat, Jacobus Swartwout, Jonathan Ross, Thomas
Pulling, John Gaile, Cornelius Smith, Jacob King, William Kur-
track, John Ellison, Rinear Kisarike, Col. Vincent Matthews,
Hendrick Ten Eyck, Guylbert Crom, Minard Hogon Kamp,
Garret Sneideker, Daniel Denton, Petress Decker, Jonathan Sea-
mons, Thos. Maybee, Daniel De Clark, William Wyant, Evert
Hombeck, John Van Fliet, Johannes Blauvelt, Nicholas Conckliu,
Lambert Auriancey, Teunis Van Houten, and Teunis Talman.
8 The landing at this village is sometimes called Slaughters
Landing.
* 200,000 tons of ice are annually exported. The business
gives employment to 1000 men during the season of securing
the ice, and to about 100 men continually.
B There are 4 churches in town ; 2 M. E., Ref. Prot. D., and
Seceders.
6 Signifying Oat Straw. The name is said to he derived from
the quantities of wild oats growing on the borders of the river
when the town was first settled.
7 The date of formation as a precinct was not ascertained.
Their distance from Tappan occasioned an act, June 24, 1719,
allowing the inhabitants to elect a supervisor, a collector, 2
assessors, a constable, and 2 overseers of highways, on the 1st
Tuesday of April annually.
8 The principal of these peaks aro the Dunderhergh and West
Mts., in the N. E. ; Buchau, Barrack, Bulson, Pine, and Collaberg
Hills, neat the center; Rock House Hill, Blackmine Ridge, and
Horseponcf Mts., in the w. ; and Hasha Hill and Cheese Coats
Hill in the s.
9 During the Revolution, Stony Point and Verplanks Point, on
the opposite side of the Hudson, were strongly fortified, the two
fortresses commanding the channel and Kings Ferry, the prin-
cipal route between New England and the South. On the 1st
of June, 1779, Gen. Vaughn, at the head of a considerable British
force, made an attack upon these places and captured both.
The garrison at Fort La Fayette, on Verplanks Point, consisting
of 70 men, were taken prisoners ; and that at Stony Point, con-
sisting of 40 men, evacuated the place on the approach of the
British. Gen. Clinton immediately ordered the works strength-
ened, and prepared for permanent occupation. Stony Point \va8
surrounded on 3 sides by water, and on the fourth by ajuarsh
covered at high tide, and crossed by a narrow causeway. On
the night of July 16, 1779, this place was stormed and taken by
an American force under Gen. Wayne. The loss of the Amei icaus
was 15 killed and 83 wounded, and of the British, 63 killed and
543 prisoners. This action was one of the most daring and bril.
liant that occurred during the war. A light was erected on the
site of the fort in 1S26.
1° Geol. 1st Dist.p. 107.
11 Locally known as Haverstraw. The large rolling mill of
the Sampson Iron Co., I5 mi. w. of this place, usually employing
100 to 150 hands, has suspended operations.
570
KOCKLAND COUNTY.
It contains 5 churches, a newspaper office, academy,1 paper mill, ship yard, foundry, and a silk
manufactory. Pop. about 1,700. Tompkins Cove, upon the Hudson, is a village grown up
around the extensive limeworks of C. Tompkins & Co. It contains a church, a private school
supported by the company, and 60 dwellings.2 Garncrville, 2 mi. n. w. of "Warren, contains
I church, the Rockland Print Works,8 and 40 dwellings. North Haverstraw, (p. v.,) upon
the Hudson, 3 mi. n. of Warren, contains 2 churches and 28 dwellings. Thiclls Corner, 4
mi. w. of Warren, contains a needle factory, 2 gristmills, a church, and 15 dwellings. Mont-
ville. Caldwells Landing,4 and Grassy Point are hamlets. *'ort Clinton, the ruins
of which are still visible, was situated upon the river, in the N. e. angle of the town. The
house in which Arnold and Andre met to consummate the bargain for the delivery of West Point
to the British is still standing, about halfway between Warren and North Haverstraw. There are
II churches in town.5
ORA\GETOW.\ — was formed March 7, 1788, and was named from Orange CO., of which it
then formed a part. It lies upon the Hudson, in the s. angle of the co. Its surface is broken by
abrupt and rocky hills in the e. ; but in the center and w. it spreads out into a rolling or moderately
hilly region. The Nyack Hills, extending along the river, are 300 to 500 feet high, with steep,
rocky declivities upon the e., but more gradual slopes upon the w.6 Their summits are rocky and
oovered with a light growth of forest trees. Snake Hill, in the N. E. corner, upon the line of Clarks-
town, is one of the principal peaks. The principal stream is Hackensack River, flowing s. through
the w. part. Pascasck Creek flows through the extreme w. angle, and Spar Kil is a tributary
of the Hudson. Near the n. line are several bog or peat meadows, generally well drained
and under cultivation. The red sandstone which crops out on the E. declivities of the hills, within
a few rods of the river, between Piermont and Nyack, is extensively quarried and exported for
building stone.7 The soil is a reddish, sandy loam intermixed with clay. Fruit growing and
furnishing milk for the New York market have become leading pursuits. Nyach, (p. v.,) upon
the Hudson, in the N. E. corner of the town, contains 5 churches, 5 shoe manufactories,8 a steam
tub and pail factory,9 the Rockland Female Institute,10 and a private academy.11 Pop. 1,458.
Piermont,12 (p. v.,) upon the Hudson, in the s. part, was incorp. May 21, 1850. It is the k.
terminus of the Piermont Branch of the N. Y. & Erie R. R., — the one over which the freight is
carried. Nearly the whole business of the place is connected with the r. r. establishment. A pier
1 mi. long has been built into the river, where the freight is transferred to and from the cars and
barges in the river. Upon each end of the pier are extensive offices for the transaction of the busi-
ness of the road. At this place the r. r. co. also have a large iron foundry and extensive repair
shops. Pop. 2,204. Tappantown,13 (p. v.,) near the N.J. line, contains 2 churches and 30
dwellings. This place was the scene of the trial of Andre, and for a time in 1780 was the head-
quarters of Gen. Washington.14 Rockland, (Palisades p.o.,) upon the Hudson, in the s. part
1 The Haverstraw Mountain Institute, a private institution,
was established in 1853. It employs 2 teachers, and has an
aver i. f 40 pupils.
• Tlii« Company havo 40 limekilns, and manufacture 100.000
bush, "f lime annually, giving employment to 100 men. The
lim- i« sent s. and is used for agricultural purposes.
• Tlii* establishment, inc.rp. in is;,:!, with acapital of $100,000,
glv- - . :nj.! • n: • hands, and turns out goods to the
r annum.
I Thi" place i' jii*' bel w th- Highland*, and opposite Peeks-
kill, with which II i« connected by a steam ferry. The day linn
of -'■ New Y"rk and Albany land here. About
U yean ibioe, a conn inj ma formed for raising an old wreck
at this place, (i.i. r the ph tte i< i • ! ■ r - resseli laden
with treasure : A coffer '1 im wa« l.uilt, machinery erected, and
Immense Minn w.-r-' • ntended in « i ■ i -< Insane project,— which, it
is n<"fd|csB to add. resulted In nothing but a total lost to all
concern-d. MM J 2 Pi t. K., AC Moth- and B I \
• The valley >>f Boat Kil formi a break la these hills,
through which the Ptermont Branch of the i'ri" it. it. is con-
structed. In the hill ju«t n. of Ptennonl hi an opening in the
rocks, supposed by some t» be the "haft of an mn lent mine and
hers to be a natural av-. It i. dil . I Into - passages,
one extending 70 f«-*-t w. g. w. and the otlv>r 10 to 60 feet w. by
If. The passage n very irragnl ir. I to 8 I- ' in width and 3 to
9 Bh t high. At the extremity of the longer passago is an im-
nwnse iprlng of i tear, sold w in
' The Btate BfoOM at Albany was built of this stone.
• The manufacture of women'* and ChQdTCn'l iboal at this
S ace is an extensive business. It gives employment to about
O hand° in the vicinity, and 30 sewing mafhinaa arc kepi in
constant operation. Goods to the amount of $',£15,000 arc annu-
ally produced.
• This factory employs 30 hands, and producea $00,000 worth
el* goods annually.
10 This institution is beautifully located upon a lot of 10 acres,
upon the hank of the Hudson, in the H. part of the village. It
is supplied with pure spring water from the mountain, is heated
with furnaces and lighted with gas. It has accommodations
for 100 hoarding pupils. The institution owes its origin to the
late Simon V. Sickles, of Nyack, who gave $25,000 toward the
erection of the building.
11 The N'yiiek Classical School and Commercial Academy, in-
tended to prepare young men for college aud commercial pur-
suits, has recently been established.
12 Name derived from the 1'irr built by the R. R. company and
the mountain In rear of the village.
u According to Heckewelder, Tappan is from the language of
the Delaware's, and derived from Thuphane orTnphanne, "Cold
Stream." — Jfoulton and Yatttfi Hist. A". T.
1* The house occupied by Gen. Washington, still standing, is
owned and occupied by Dr. Smith. It is a stone house, and is
said to have been erected in 1700. The house in which Andr6
was confined during his trial is now kept as a tavern, under the
name of "Tho Old '70 House." The trial was held in the old
Ref. Prot. D. Church. Tho scene of Andrfe's execution and
burial was upon an eminence | ml. w. of the village, and about
20 rods from the N.J. line. In Aug. 1831, his remains were
disinterred, under the superintendence of Mr. liuchanan. Hritish
Consul at New York, and taken to England. A small cedar tree
that ft 1 by the grave was also taken away, and a box was
afterward made from its wood, lined with gold, and sent to liev.
Mr. Demarest, of Tappantown, in acknowledgment of the ser-
m ' - rendered by him at the disinterment. On the box was the
following inscription : — "From his Royal Highness the Duke of
York to the Rev. Mr. Demarest." No monument now remains
to mark the spot of the execution or the grave. A boulder was
formerly placed to mark the spot; but this has been broken up
and removed.
ROCKLAND COUNTY.
371
of the town, contains 3 churches and 40 dwellings.1 Orange Mills, Itliddlelown, and
lllauveltvlllc, (p. o.,) a station on the N. Y. & E. K. It., are hamlets. The first settlement ia
supposed to have been made by the Dutch, as curly as 1680.1 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was
formed Oct. 24, 1G94; and the first preacher was Rev. Guilliam Bartholf.8 The first church edifice
was erected in 1716. There are 1G churches in town.4
HAJI1.4.PO — was formed from Ilaverstraw, March 18, 17'J1, as "New JIumpslead." Its name
was changed to " Hampstead" March.'}, 1707, and to Ramapo in 1828. It is the most westerly
town in the co. The Ramapo or Blue Mts. extend n. e. and s. w. through the w. part.5 They are
steep and rocky, and the valleys between them are deep and narrow. Ranges of rounded and
arable hills extend through the s. e. half of the town and occupy the greater part of its surface.
The principal streams are Ramapo River, flowing s. through the w. corner, and its tributaries
Maway River and Stony Creek. Niggar and Shepard Ponds, on the line of N. J., in the s. W.
angle, are small bodies of water. The people are principally employed in raising vegetables for
the New York market. Ramapo, (Ramapo Works p. o.,) a station on the N. Y. & E. R. R., in
the w. part of the town, contains 1 church, several manufactories, and 50 dwellings.6 Sit flei ais,
(p. v.,) near the line of N. J., in the w. part, contains a rolling mill and 20 dwellings. It lies at
the junction of the two branches of the Erie R. R., and is an important station. Sloatsburgli,
(p.v.,) on the Erie R. R., in the extreme w. part, contains a church, cotton twine factory,7 hoe
factory, and 180 inhabitants. Spring- Valley, (p.v.,) on the Piermont Branch of the Erie
R. R., contains a church and 18 dwellings. Mechanics ville, near the center of the town,
contains a church and 15 dwellings. Furmanville and Mousey Depot (Monsey p. o.)
are hamlets. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed near the center of the town, Dec. 4,
1774 ; Rev. Peter Leyt was the first preacher.8
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Rockland County.
Names of Towns.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
Population.
g
i
'i
1
$
743
1,263
1.210
644
Schools.
1
1
15,9034.
7,151
9.922
13,505±
1
o
1
e
1
ft!
$1,147,673
819,105
1,692,158
896,417
ii
ft. a,
"a
1
£
1
1,831
3,706
2,895
1,723
5
"a
1
1.6S1
3,041
2,943
1,691
9,356
8
^0
s-
§1
9
13
7
12
41
J3
1,120
2,386
2,012
1,477
16,742* j
14,481
3,184
16.445
$227,388
74,950
372,994
303,300
$1,375,061
894,055
2,065,152
1,199,717
643
974
986
585
498
348
568
400
Total
46,481|
50,8524. 1
$4,555,353
$978,632
$5,533,985
10,155
3,188
3,860
1,814
6,995
Names of Towns.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Propucts.
1
i
I
677
1,873
418
747
si
a! s
ill
850
499
350
791
s
<3
l,m
1,647
732
1,218
$
s
"5
Bush, op Gsxra.
a-.
1
4.S24'
2,585
3,213
4.'J.i;,,;
~S
05 ft,
7,956
3,974
11.726
23,567
47,223
£ *
3 a,
\ 1,015
65
3S8
1,785
\ 3,253
Dairy Products.
i
5
K
30.47S
\ 9,251
17.384
f 31,782$
- 88,8954.
£ via
3 O'S
„° s
ft, cq
ft. 6
Haverstraw
97
4
82
743
876
483
515
1,311
11,582
4,387,
6,055
12,521;
80,033
40,070
35,328
110,575
2,500
Ramapo
Total
3,715 2,490
4,70s
926
3,1
85
34,546;
14.828
266,006
2,500
1 Locally known as " Snedens Landing."
2 Among the early settlers wore families named Auriancej,
Harring. Blauvelt, Van Houton, and Tallman. These names
appear upon the records of the church in 1694. The first bap-
tism on record was that of Derick, (Richard,) son of Cornelius
Cooper and Elsie Bogert, his wife, Ort. 13, 1696; and the first
marriage, that of Marinus William Flousso Crom and Gertrude
Femusse Van Houton, in 1699. The first school was taught by
Hermanus Van lluysen, from Hollanu, soon after the first or-
ganization of the church. The first inn is Delieved to huve been
kept by Casparua Maybee, in the "Old '76 House," now i-ccupied
for the same purpose. Abram Maybee built the first mill : his
boh, Cornelius Maybee, owned it during the Revolution, but,
espousing the cause of the British, his property was confiscated.
8 A tract of 55 acres was originally donated to this church ;
but at different times all but 14 or 15 acres have been sold.
The records of the church during the Revolution, kept in a
small book by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Verbryck, for convenience in
carrying when obliged to move from place to place, have been
lost.
* Ref. Prot. D., Presb., M. E., Af. Meth., and Bap. at Nyack;
Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D., M. E., Bap., and R. C. at Piermont; Ref.
Prot. D. and M. E. at Tappantown; Bap. at Middletuwu; and 3
M. E. at Rockland.
6 Cedar Hill and Table Rock, in the w„ Horsepond Mts. and
Pine Hill, in the N.W., and High Mt.. on the line of N\ J., are
the highest points, and are 500 to 700 feet above tide.
6 These establishments, consisting of a cotton factory, file fac-
tory, steel works, and car works, are all idle, and only 10 dwell-
ings are occupied. The whole village is rapidly going to decay.
1 This factory, incorp. in 1854, with a capital of $100,000, gives
employment to 150 hands.
8 There are 7 churches in town; 4 M. E., and 3 Ref. Prot. D.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
This county was formed from Clinton and parts of Montgomery
and Herkimer, March 3, 1802.1 It contains an area of2,880sq.mi.,
and is the largest co. in the State. It is centrally distant 140 mi.
from Albany. The surface is broken by a series of parallel ridges
extending in a n. E. and s. w. direction, and gradually declining in
height from the summits, about 1000 ft. above tide, on the s.
border, to the level of the banks of St. Lawrence. The highest
summits, in the s. e., are about 2000 ft. above tide. The declivities
of the ridges are usually gradual slopes, giving to the surface a
rolling character, changing from gentle undulations along the
river to a hilly and almost mountainous character in the s. E.
The principal streams are the Indian, Oswegatchie, Grass, Racket,
St. Regis, and Deer Rivers.2 These streams all have their rise upon the highlands, which occupy
the center of the great northern wilderness, flow for a considerable distance in a N. w. direction, and
most of them gradually bend toward the n. e. and finally traverse the greater part of the co.
nearly parallel to the St. Lawrence. They all are frequently interrupted by rapids and cascades
in their upper and middle course, but as they approach the St. Lawrence they become sluggish ;
and most of them are navigable for short distances from their mouths.3 The southern and central
parts of the co. are thus abundantly supplied with water-power. In the s. part are numerous
small lakes, the principal of which is Cranberry Lake. Long Lake, the largest body of water in
the co., lies along the course of Indian River, near its junction with the Oswegatchie.
The geological formation of the co. is very simple. The whole central and southern portions are
underlaid by the primitive formation, consisting of gneiss and white limestone.* The northern ex-
tremity of this formation may be readily traced, by a line commencing upon the border of Jeffer-
son co., about 2 mi. w. of the Ox Bow, thence extending northerly to near the center of the s.
shore of Black Lake, thence bending toward the e., and extending to the e. border of the co. on
the n. line of Ilopkinton. A belt of country 5 to 10 mi. wide, n. of the primitive region and
parallel to it, is underlaid by Potsdam sandstone ; and the remainder of the co., comprising a belt
3 to 20 mi. wide bordering upon the St. Lawrence, is underlaid by the calciferous sandrock. The
primitive portion of the co. is generally elevated and considerably broken. Its soil is light and
sandy ; and in some parts are extensive sand plains, entirely unfit for agricultural purposes. A
considerable portion of the co. is covered with drift deposits, which go far to neutralize the effect
of the underlying rock upon the character of the soil. In this region the intervales along the
streams are usually fertile ; but the whole is best adapted to grazing. Magnetic iron ores abound
in the s. part; but they have never been examined or worked to any considerable extent, owing to
their remoteness from settlements.5 In Rossie rich veins of lead have been found and extensively
workfl f and \\\c rich specular iron ore found along the w. border of the co. and in the adja-
cent portions of Jefferson, lies between the gneiss and sandstone.7 The sandstone region is level
or gently undulating, broken in some places by disrupted masses of the underlying rock. In this
region are numerous quarries, from which are obtained sheets of sandstone of 2 inches to a foot in
thickness and of almost any <l<sirable size. This stone acquires hardness by exposure and is
indestructible by atmospheric agencies. The soil in this region is usually thin, but fertile, and is
derived principally from drift. The calciferous sandstone region commences as a narrow strip on
the St. Lawrence, in the n. part of Hammond, and continually widens to the E. border of the co.
The soil, consisting of drift and marine clay, is usually very productive.
>Thi« co. Inclnded the" 7Wi Vmmf UdOml TrnrtiNon.il
and III of Macomb*! I'lirrhiwo were provisionally annexed, and
now form part of the co.
■ Than Itn MM an known to thr St. Kcria Indians by the
following nnni'-i : — Indian. < i-Ni-kwn-ke, " where the a»h tree
grows with knob*:"' OaWtUtcMs, « Horn word, laid to signify
"black Wattf? Ora»*. Nikeiit-sia-ke, "full of large fi-li.«;"
Racket. Nihn-na-wn-te, "racket, or noisy river; la, Ak-
■!■ ail IM>, " where the partridge drums;" Deer, Oie-ka-rout-ne,
"Trout River.'
• In «evere cold weather the tributaries of the St. Lawrence
672
are liable to a sudden reversal of their currents near their
mouth*, from the damming up of that strenm by ice: the
stream* in consequence overflow the lowlands, making the
maintenance ..f fences and bridges impossible.
* This region is remarkable for the variety and beauty of its
mire-rals. of which ttl species are found. — HdiiiIl': ll< I. St. Lnw
rtnry. ami Franklin Cos., p. 684.
* Tho Clifton Mine in Pierrepont has furnished 1,500 tons of
iron. » See p. 682.
7 In the town of Pierrepont a substance used for red paint
has been found in the same relative geological position.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
573
Dairying and stock raising are the branches of agriculturo most extensively pursued.1 Grain is
also cultivated to some extent.2 Fruits are not extensively cultivated. Manufactures, consisting
of iron,8 castings, lead,4 lumber,5 and articles of wood,6 are carried on. Commerce to some extent
is carried on by means of the St. Lawrenco and the various railways.
The chief works of internal improvement in the co. are the Ogdensburgh R. R., extending from
Ogdcnsburgh to Rouses Point, on Lake Champlain;' the Potsdam & Watertown R. R.,8 forming h
connection with tho 0. R. R. on the n. and with the W. & R. R. R. and N. Y. Central on the s.
Improvements have beon made by tho State in tho navigation of several of the rivers, for the pur
pose of floating down logs from tho s. forests.9 Daily lines of steamboats connect Ogdensburgh
and other points on the river with Montreal and with the various ports on Lake Ontario.
The county seat is located at the village of Canton,10 on the P. & W. R. R., 18 mi. s. e. of Ogdens-
burgh. Tho courthouse, jail,11 and clerk's office are in separate buildings, situated adjacent to
each other. The co. poorhouse is situated on a farm of 130 acres 1 mi. w. of Canton Village. '-
Six newspapers are now published in tho co.; 3 at Ogdensburgh, 2 at Potsdam, and 1 at Canton.13
I This co. stands first in tho State in the value of its stock,
amount of pasturage and meadow, and among the first in tho
amount annually produced of spring wheat, potatoes, peas, and
maple sugar.
* The marino clay deposits produce fine crops of winter wheat.
* Furnaces are or have recently been in operation at Rossie,
Wegatchie, Fullersville, and Brasher Iron Works. The supply
of ore is inexhaustible, and large quantities of iron are annually
made.
* The Rossie Load Mines are now worked by an English com-
pany. Lead has also been found in several other localities in the co.
6 The principal lumber operations are carried on on the Racket
River. Since 1851, 10 gang sawmills have been built within 17
mi. In 1855 it was estimated that 120,000 logs were worked up.
* Consisting of shingles, staves, lath, heading, boxes, doors,
sash and blinds.
^ Opened to Ogdensburgh Oct. 1, 1850.
8 Opened through the co. Aug. 23, 1855.
* These improvements have been made on the Indian, Oswe-
gatchie, Racket, and Grass Rivers.
10 The county seat was first located at Ogdensburgh, but was
removed to Canton in 1828. The first courts were held in the
stone barracks, w. of the Oswegatchie ; and a bomb-proof maga-
zine adjacent was used for a jail. Tho first courthouse stood on
the site recently purchased by Government for a customhouse.
The first co. officers were Nathan Ford, First Judge ; Alex. Turner
and Joseph Edsall, Judges; Stillman Foote and John Tibbetts,
Assist. Justices ; Thos. J. Davies, Sheriff; Lewis Hasbrouck, Co.
Clerk ; and Matthew Perkins, Surrogate. The present court-
house was located by Joseph Grant, Geo. Brayton, and John E.
llinman, commissioners from Oneida CO.; and the buildings
were erected under the supervision of Ansel Bailey, David C.
Jud.ton, and Asa Spraguo, jr. The records of the supervisors
previous to 1814 were lost in a fire at Ogdensburgh in 1839.
II The jail is a miserable building, poorly adapted to the pur-
poses for which it was erected.
12 This institution yields an annual revenue of about $1,000.
The average number of inmates is about 150. The supplies are
furnished by contract. The poorhouse is deficient in necessary
conveniences for the health and comfort of its inmates.
13 At Ogdensburgh the following papers have been published :
The Palladium was begun in 1810 by Kip & Strong, sold in 1812
to John P. Sheldon, and continued to 1814.
The St. Lawrence Gazette was begun in 1815 by D. R. Strachan
and P. B. Fairchild. In 1830 it was bought by Preston
King, and united with
The St. Lawrence Republican, removed to this
place from Canton, and continued by him till 1833. It
was afterward published by Hitchcock, TillotBOn & Still-
well, and is now published by James & Hopkins.
The Northern Light was begun July 7. 1831, by W. B. Rogers, as
an anti-masonic organ. In 1834 A. B. James became its
publisher, and changed it to
The Times ; and at the end of the 4th volume it was enlarged,
and called
The Ogdensburgh Times. In 1S37 Dr. A. Tyler became associated
with James, and the title was changed to
The Times and Advertiser. In March, 1S44, it was transferred
to H. G. Foote and S. B. Seeley, and changed to
The Frontier Sentinel. In Juno, 1S47, Mr. Foote changed it to
Tlic Ogdensburgh SentineU under which name it was published
by Stillman Foote until 1858, when it was merged in
the Daily Journal.
The, Meteorological Register was commenced, and a few numbers
issued, in 1839; edited by Jas. H. Coflin, now Vice-Pres.
of Lafayette Coll., Kaston, Penn.
The Ogdensburgh Forum was begun April 24, 1848, by A. Tyler,
and discontinued in 1851.
The Daily Sentinel was started April 14, 1848, by S. Foote, and
published for 5 months.
The St. Lawrence Budget, a small semi-mo. advertising sheet, was
issued from The Sentinel office in 1850-51.
The Daily Morning News was begun in March, 1852, by Wm. N
Oswell, publisher, and Fayette Robinson, editor.
The Weekly News was issued from the same office in Sept. 1852.
Both were discontinued in tho Doc. following.
The St. Lawrence American was begun March 1, 18.r.5, by Wm.
Yeaton and E. M. Holbrook, and continued 3 years.
The Boys' Daily Journal was begun May 1, 1N55, by II. li. James,
J. W. Hopkins, and C. Foster. As lads belonging to the
Ogdensburgh Academy, they had previously issued the
Morning Glory and Young America. In 1857 FoBter
withdrew, and the name was changed to
The Dally Journal ; the paper is still issued.
The Weekly Journal is made up from the daily. K either of the
publishers is of age (1858.)
The St.Lawrence Democrat was commenced at Can-
ton in the fall of 1855 by H. C. Simpson ; and was after-
ward continued at that place by John F. Ames. It is
published by Abbott & O'Brien.
At Potsdam the following have been issued : —
The Potsdam Gazette was begun Jan. 13, 1816, by F. C. Powell,
and continued till April, 1823.
The Potsdam American was commenced by F. C. Powell in Jan.
1824, from the old Gazette press, and was continued by
Powell & Reddington till April, 1829. In May of the
same year it was revived as
The Herald, and published as an anti-masonic organ till Aug.
The St. Lawrence Republican was begun in 1826 by W. H.
Wyman, and removed to Canton in 1827.
The Day Star was published 6 months in 1827 by Jonathan
Wallace.
The Patriot was commenced in April, 183-, by Wm. Hughes,
and published one year.
The Northern Cabinet was removed from Canton in 1845 ; and
from the same office was issued
The Repository in 1846, semi-mo., made up of the literary matter
of The Cabinet. This latter was sold to Wm.L. Knowles,
and changed to
The St. Lawrence Mercury in 1848. W. H. Wallace became pro-
prietor in 1850 ; and H. C. Fay in 1851, who changed
it to
The St. Lawrence Journal. It was continued till July, 1852,
when it was united with The Courier.
The Potsdam Courier was begun in 1851 by V. Harrington, and
continued till July, 1852, when it was united with The
Journal, and issued as
The Potsdam Courier and Journal was removed
to Canton in 1859, and is now published by H. C. Fay
& Brother.
The PhUomathean was begun in 1852, and a few numbers were
issued by students of the St. Lawrence Academy.
The Elementary Republican was begun in 1852, and a few num-
bers issued from The Journal office.
The Northern Freeman, removed from Gouverneur in
1856, is still published by Doty & Baker.
The Evangelical Herald, mo., was begnn in 1856 by
Jos. A. Livingston. Printed part of the time at North-
field, Vt. Now published at Boston and Potsdam.
At Canton the following have been published : —
The Canton Advertiser and St. Lawrence Republican, removed
from Potsdam in 1827, was published here by Preston
King till 1830. when it was removed to Ogdensburgh.
The Northern Telegraph was begun in 1832 by C. C. Bill. It
was soon sold to Orlando Squires, and changed to
The Canton Democrat, and continued a short time.
The Luminary qfthe North, begun in July, 1834, was published
a short time.
The St. Lawrence Democrat was begun in Sept. 1840, by E. A.
Barber, and contiuued 2 years.
The Northern Cabinet and Literary Repository, semi-mo., was
begun Jan. 2, 1843, by Chas. Boynton, and in 1845 re-
moved to Potsdam.
The Engineer was isimed in 1844 by Chas. Boynton.
574
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
The first white settlement in this co. was made by Francis Piequet, a French Sulpitian, who estab-
lished an Indian mission at the mouth of the Oswegatchie in 1749 and styled it "La Presenta-
tions'1 In 1759 the first island below Ogdensburgh, 3 mi. down the St. Lawrence, was taken pos-
session of by the French and strongly fortified.2 It was named Fort Levi ; and here the lasi
French resistance was made against the English, in 1760. During the Revolution it was the
rendezvous of scalping parties of tories and Indians, who harassed the frontier settlements on the
Mohawk and Hudson. Two expeditions were fitted out against this place during the Revolution ;
but the English held possession of the fort at Oswegatchie until 1796, when it was surrendered
under the provisions of Jay's Treaty.8 The Oswegatchies collected by Piequet were removed, in
1793, from the vicinity of Johnstown, U. C, to a point opposite, on the s. shore, known as Indian
Point. In 1807 they removed to St. Regis and elsewhere.*
The co. includes the tract known as the " Ten Towns,"5 Tract No. II,6 of Macomb's Pur-
chase, containing 821,879 acres, Tract No. Ill,7 of the same purchase, containing 640,000 acres,8
a small portion located by Revolutionary land warrants,9 and the islands in the St. Lawrence.10
The first settlement under State authority was made at Ogdensburgh, in 1796, by Nathan Ford,
agent of Samuel Ogden. Before 1800, small beginnings had been made at Lisbon, Madrid, and
Ma>sena. The " Ten Toiens" were opened for settlement, under the original purchasers, within
the next 5 years, and the adjacent parts of the Macomb Purchase soon after. At the commence-
ment of the War of 1812 there were about 8,000 inhabitants in the co., thinly scattered over
nearly the whole territory now settled. Great alarm was felt along the whole frontier, and
many families left the river towns. It soon became the theater of stirring military events, and
various expeditions were planned and attacks made on both sides of the border.11
At the close of the war the co. rapidly filled up with an immigration chiefly from Vt. and the
other New England States. The completion of the Erie Canal checked the growth of the co. by
opening to emigration the more fertile lands of the West. The price of wild lands greatly fell,
and many visions of immense wealth were blighted. For the last twenty years a steady and
healthy improvement has been going on, which has been greatly increased by the lines of rail-
road completed through it.12 In 1837-40 the whole frontier was greatly excited by the "Patriot
The Inquirer and Tariff Advocate, a campaign paper, was issued
from The Cabinet press in 1844 by Chas. Boynton.
The Canton Weekly Citizen was begun Jan. 1, 1852, by J. S. Sar-
geaut, and continued 4 weeks.
Thf Canton Independent was removed from Madrid in 1853, and
published by O. L. Ray. It was soon discontinued.
The St. IiRwrence Plain Dealer was begun in 1855
by Goodrich & Remmington ; it is now published by S. P.
Remington.
Yotinjr, America is now published by C. W. Ames.
The other papers in the co. have been —
The Northern New Yorker, begun April 2, 1849, at Gouverneur,
by Wm. Goodrich and M. F.Wilson; and issued a little
more than one year.
The St. Lawrence Advertiser was begun in 1850, at Gouverneur,
nnd a few numbers issued.
The Iji},',rrr was commenced in July, 1852, at Gouverneur, by
M Miti-hi-1. 1 1 was succeeded by
The St. Larrrmce Fret, Prett, begun in 1853 by J. J. Emmes, and
afterward published by G. K. Lyman. It was removed
t.. Ogdensburgh in the fall of 1S54 and united with
Tli- If iitiiu-l.
The 1 I Age was begun in June. 1855, at Gouverneur,
r>. Greenfield. It was removed to Potsdam in
changed to The Northern freeman.
The True firmocrat wu begun in May, 1*50, at Madrid, by M.
F. Wil«..n and O. L. Ray. In its 2d year it liecame
The GHmmMm Independent ; wai r,,nt jnned 1 yr., when It was re-
moved to Can ton and change. 1 t. . the Qattton i ndependant.
1 This place became a French military station, and a irmgmrtflfl
for supplying expeditions sent to their «. w. porta; and from this
r».int wore fitted out many of the parties that ravaged the back
settlement" "f N. V., I'enn., arvl \ i
' Thi" Idand was called by the Indians u (Xra-^r^ni-n-ton,"
and by the Frenrh it" It is now called Chimney
1. fr.rn the ruins still visible.
> Upon the approach of Lord Amherst In 1760, the f.rt at the
mouth of the Oswegatchie was abandoned, The Hand was in-
verted on th" 18th of Aug. Open Qallop Island the BngUah
found a number of scalps, which so ox*»perat< d them that tho
burned the chapel and house*, th" ruins of which ar still i i - i -
ble. The batteries opened on the 23d. and on the i'.th the
place, under Pooehot, surrendered. The Engliih named the f rt-
reas, Port Fimltilflfc Aufrn«tu«. °n their Tojrago down the river
from this plsr- il, the Kngli'h lost in the rapids 4''.
bateaux, IT whaleboat*. and 84 men. The Island was OO
but a short time, and the works soon fell into ruins. — KJMc'j
Journal ; Mante't But. ; Memoir of Poucliot ; Entiek't But.
* These Indians claimed large tracts of land and leased them
to parties from Canada, who cut off the most valuable timber
and committed other wasteful depredations.
6 The " Ten Towns" were sold at auction by the land commis-
sioners in 1787, in quarter sections, except Madrid and Oswe-
gatchie, which were sold in square miles. In each town a mile
square was reserved for literature, and another for the gospel
and schools.
6 The original townships in this tract were named as follows :
— 1. Sherwood; 2. Oakham: 3. Mortlake: 4. Hare wood; S.Janes-
town; 6. Pierrefield ; 7. Granshuck; S. Hollywood; 9. Kildaro;
10. Matildavale; 11. Wick; 12. Riversdale ; 13. Cookham ; 14.
Catharineville ; 15. Islington ; 16. Chesterfield; 17. Grange; 18.
Crumack.
7 The original townships of this tract were named as follows:
— 1. Hammond; 2. Somerville; 3. De Witt; 4. Fitz William; 5.
Ballybeen; O.Clare; 7. Killarney : S.Edwards; 9. Sarahsburgh ;
10. Clifton; ll.Portafcrry; 12. Scriba; 13.Chaumont; 14.Bloom-
field: 15. Emilyville.
8 These tracts were conveyed to Dan'l McCormack by patent
in 1795-98.
• The town of Massena comprises this portion of the co.
10 The islands were sold in 1823.
11 A regiment of militia was stationed at Ogdensburgh during
the hummer of 1M2. In July. 1S12. a fleet of 6 schooners —
caught at Ogdensburgh by the war — attempted to reach the
lake, but were intercepted: 2 were burned, and the rest hastened
back. On the last day of July a bloodless engagement took place
between the American schooner, Julia, and the British vessels,
Karl of Moira and Duke of Gloucester. In Sept. an attack was
made upon a number of bateaux at Toussaint Island, opposite
LiBbon, in which the Americans lost one and the British several
in' ii. On the 2d of Oct. the British made a show of attacking
Ogdensburgh, and on tho 4th made a real attack, but were re-
nnJwd, with the loss of a gunboat and 2 men killed. In Jan. tho
Americans surprised and captured Brockvflle, liberated several
prisoners, paroled 50 of the rit i/ens, and took a quantity of stores.
On the 2Jd of Feb. the British, in retaliation, captured Ogdens-
burgh. carried away tho cannon and stores, and paroled a largo
number of citizens, who were afterward exchanged for those of
Brorkville. Late in 1813 Gen. Wilkinson's expedition passed
down the St. Lawrence, and suffered a disastrous defeat at Chrys-
lers Field, opposite Louisville. The British followed the retreat-
ing Americans and landed at Hamilton, (Waddington.) — Bough's
l(<<t. St. tew. <f: Frank. Cos.
13 The lands in the co. have doubled in value by the completion
of the railroads.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
575
War." The battle of Windmill Point, the most memorable event of that ill-concerted movement,
■was fought within sight of Ogdensburgh, in Nov. 1838.1 The U. S. Collection Dist. of Oswegut.liio
was established March 2, 1811, and embraces the whole co. Its chief office is at Ogdensburgh,
with subordinate offices at each of the river towns.
BRASHER2— was formed from Massena, April 21, 1825. A part of Lawrence was taken
off in 1828. It lies on thow. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is generally level,
with gentle undulations in the w. part. The principal streams are St. Regis and Deer Rivers
and Trout Brook. The soil in the w. part is stony and in parts sandy ; in the s. e. it is light and
sandy; and in the n. it is a clay loam and very productive. Bog iron ore is obtained abundantly
in the e. part, in the range where the sand rests upon the clay deposits. Brasher Falls3 (p. v.)
is a manufacturing village upon the St. Regis, in the s. w. corner of the town, 1 mi. below the r. r.
station. Pop. 257. Helena* (p. v.) is situated at the mouth of Deer River, and has a limited
amount of water-power. Pop. 100. Brasher Iron Works, (p-o.,) 2£ mi. above Helena, on
Deer River, is the seat of an important furnace. Brasher Center is a hamlet on the St.
Regis River. The first improvement in town (at Helena) was under the agency of Russell At-
water, in 1817. Stillman Fuller built the furnace at Brasher Iron Works in 1825 .5 The first
settlement at Brasher Falls was made in 1826. In 1839 C. T. Hulburd purchased 600 acres,
including the village site of Brasher Falls, and in 1841 made the first considerable improvement.
On the 26th of May, 1857, a fire in the woods ravaged this town, and destroyed the furnace and
nearly the whole village at the "Iron Works."6 The census reports 6 churches in town.7
CANTON8 — was formed from Lisbon, March 28, 1805. It occupies a nearly central position
in the co. Its surface is level or gently undulating. Grass River, flowing through the center, and
the Oswegatchie, flowing through the N. w. corner, are the principal streams.9 It is underlaid
by white limestone and gneiss in the s., and by Potsdam sandstone in the central and n. parts.
The soil is a deep, fertile, gravelly loam. Iron pyrites, from which copperas (sulphate of iron) has
been manufactured, is found in abundance near High Falls, on Grass River.10 Canton,11 (p. v.,)
the county seat, is pleasantly situated on Grass River, a little e. of the center of the town. It is
an important station on the P. & W. R. R. It has a number of manufactures,12 and is the seat
of the Canton Academy, founded in 1831, and of the St. Lawrence University,13 an institution
founded under the auspices of the Universalist denomination in 1856. Pop. 1,029. MorIeyu
(p. v.) is on Grass River, near the n. border of the town. Pop. 350. Rensselaer Falls15
(p. v.) is a small village on the Oswegatchie, in the N. w. corner of the town. It was formerly
the seat of an iron forge. Crarys Mills (p. o.) is a hamlet on the line of Potsdam. South
Canton is in the e. part. Daniel Harrington settled on the site of the Agricultural Fair Grounds
in Canton Village in 1800. The first permanent settler was Stillman Foote, who bought a mile
square where the village now stands, and removed thither in 1801, accompanied by several men.
In 1802 he built a mill, and the town began to be rapidly settled.16 Religious meetings were held
as early as 1804. The first church (Presb.) was formed under the Rev. Amos Pettingill, in 1807.17
l The leaders in this movement dared not risk their own lives
in the battle, and left the few, consisting mostly of young men
and boys, to engage the greatly superior numbers of the British.
The battle was short and bloody. Of the 159 patriots taken
prisoners, 18 were released without trial, 3 were acquitted, and
129 were sentenced to bo hung. Of the last number, 10 were
hung. 60 transported to Van Diemens Land, 56 pardoned, 2 sen-
tenced to a 7 years' term in the penitentiary, and 2 died of their
wounds. — Hough's Hist. St. Law. <& Frank. Cos.
* Named from Philip Brasher, of Brooklyn, part owner. It
embraces the townships of " Grange" and '' Crumack," or Nos.
17 and 18 of Great Tract No. II, Macomb's Purchase.
8 Mills, a fork and hoe factory, and an agricultural implement
factory, are located here.
* Named from Helen, daughter of Joseph Pitcairn, of New
York, former owner of a large part of the town.
5 In 1827 the furnace was purchased by Isaac W. Skinner and
R. W. Bush. In 1830 the latter was succeeded by W. H. Alex-
ander, and the business was continued by Alexander & Skinner
until the village was destroyed by fire in 1857. The works are
about being rebuilt.
6 The fire desolated nearly the whole town, and for a time
threatened Brasher Falls. The country around was also deso-
lated by running fires in 1849.
1 2 Presb. and M. E. at Brasher Falls, Presb. at Helena, M. E.
at " Maple Ridge," w. part of the town, R.C. near Brasher Falls,
and F. W. Bap.
» It embraces No. 6 of the " Ten Towns," and is 10 mi. sq.
* A natural canal connects the channels of the two streams.
This canal was formerly 3 to 20 rods wide, and was navigable for
small boats in high water. It flowed toward the w., and over-
flowed an alluvial flat of 4500 acres. To reclaim this, both ends
of the canal have been closed, and a drain dug along the Oswe-
gatchie to below Rensselaer Falls.
10 Fruitless explorations for copper have here been made at
great expense.
» Incorp. May 14, 1845.
12 Consisting of lumber, shingles, sash, wagons, flour, and
leather.
13 An elegant brick building was erected here in 1S57 ; and
in 1858 a theological school was organized by E. Fisher. The col-
legiate department has not yet been organized.
14 Formerly " Long Rapids." Named Morley from a relative
of the Harrison family. It contains several sawmills, a sash
factory, and tannery.
15 A forge was erected here in 1839, by Tate, Chafee & Co., and
the place named " Tateville." It was more generally known as
" Canton Falls" until the p. o. was established in 1851. The
present name was derived from H. Van Rensselaer, who laid
out the village in 1846.
18 Daniel W. Church, the pioneer millwright of the co., erected
the first mill here, for S. Foote, in 1801. The summer of that
year was very sickly; and in May the father of S. Foote died of
the smallpox and was buried in a bark coffin. Wm. Barker
taught the first school, in 1804. The first birth was a daughter
of L. Johnson.
17 The census reports 9 churches ; 2 M. E., Bap., Univ., Prot. E,
(Grace C.,) Wes. Meth., Cong., F. W. Bap., and R. C.
57G
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
The late Gov. Silas Wright settled in Canton Tillage as a lawyer in 1819, and continued to reside
here until his death, Aug. 27, 1847.
COETOA1 — was formed from Parishville, April 12, 1843. A small part was annexed from
Parishville in 1851. It is a long, narrow town, lying s. e. of the center of the co. and extending to
Hamilton co. on the s. Its surface is broken and hilly; and it is nearly all covered with forest. It
is crossed by the Racket, Grass, and Oswegatchie Rivers. In the central and s. parts are numerous
small lakes, the principal of which is Cranberry Lake. The extreme n. part only is inhabited. The
principal business is lumbering. Colton (p. v.) is an important lumber station upon Racket
River, near the n. w. corner of the town. Several extensive gang sawmills were erected here in
1850-52; but the business has been partially suspended. An extensive tannery for the manu-
facture of sole-leather was built here in 1857. 2 Pop. 379. South Colton is a p. o. at Three
Falls. The first settlement was begun in 1824, at Colton Village.3 There are a M. E. and a
Univ. church in town, both built in 1852.
DE KALR* — was formed from Oswegatchie, Feb. 21, 1806. A part of De Peyster was taken
off in 1825, and a part of Hermon in 1830. It lies on the Oswegatchie, w. of the center of the
co. Its surface consists of broken ridges of white limestone and gneiss with narrow valleys
between them. The soil is excellent and is generally under a good state of cultivation. De
Kalb5 (p. v.) is situated on the Oswegatchie, near the center of the town. Pop. 120. Eich-
ville6 (p. v.) is situated on the Oswegatchie, in the s. w. corner of the town. Pop. 250. East
De Kalb is a p. o. and station on the P. & TV. R. R. Coopers Falls is a hamlet. The first
settlement was made in 1803, under Judge William Cooper, of Cooperstown, as agent. The first
settlers were principally from Otsego co. There are 5 churches in town.7
DE PEYSTER8— was formed from Oswegatchie and De Kalb, March 24, 1825. It lies on
the s. shore of Black Lake, n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is broken in the s. by the
parallel primitive ridges, and is level in the n. The principal streams are the Oswegatchie, on the
n. border, and Beaver Creek, on the s. Moon Lake lies in the s. part. The soil along the lake is
very fertile, in the center of average fertility, and in the s. it is light and sandy. The " Old State
Road," the first traveled route through this part of the co., extended through this town. De
Peyster Corners (De Peyster p. o.) is a small village. Edenton is a p. o. The first settle-
ment was made in the fall of 1802, by Sam'l Bristol and others.9 The census reports 2 churches;
a M. E. and a Cong.
EDWARDS10 — was formed from Fowler, April 7, 1827. A part of Hermon was taken off in
1830, and a part was annexed from Hermon in 1850. It lies on the Oswegatchie, s. w. of the
center of the co. Its surface consists of ridges of the primitive formation and the narrow valleys
between them. The soil is generally a light, sandy loam, and in the valleys is very productive ;
but the town is best adapted to grazing. A large number of minerals are found among the
primitive rocks.11 Edwards (p. v.) is situated- on the Oswegatchie. Pop. 350. South Ed-
Tvar<ls,? (p. v.) contains a grist and saw mill and several mechanic shops. The first settlement
commenced along the St. Lawrence Turnpike, in 1812.1S Several Scotch families came into town
in 1817. There are 5 churches in town.1*
FI\E" — waa formed from Russell and Pierrepont, March 27, 1844. It lies in the extreme s.
1 Named Ikon .'• -- ' II D ttigloy. an early settlor. It em-
brace* tli pi of "Sherwood," " Bbrewoodf* "Gran-
Ihuek" m ■ r New. 1, 1, 7, and 8 of Great Tract
No. II. ' 1'nrrhaw.
J Thi* ■ Stablithnii tit • mployl nlxiti! 2-> man.
* Amniw the fir«t «ett|er« w.-r- A- ill. 1 Lymaa, AMI Brown,
Win. Bollard, H Jam'I Partridge. MiM Young
tanghl the hr-t u hoot, in 1826. The first death waa that of a
rhild Of Jaa.1 in H29.
* Named in honor of lUron De Kalb. It originally embraced
n."
(Originally named "WBKwutowii."
* Alxmt 90 f.irnilir>« rame in tli" first year. Salmon Rieh,
- I. Pratt wore among the first settlors of
Richviii.-. m 1804. The fir*t child born irai Jehlel Dlmick; the
fir-' marriage, tl it of Kli'ha Cook and I/tta Will-v; and the
first death, thai rey. IW» Willi* tango! thoflrst
school at De Kalh. and Jo*. K norland at Rirhrille. Wm. C'oper
l.'iilt the Aral b ■'■, and the first mills, at Coopers Falls,
inisi)4.
» Bap. and Tone, at Uirhville, Presb, M. E., and Cnion (M. E.
and Bap. at Bant De Kalh.
» Named from Frederick De Peyster. of New Tork, former pro-
prietor. Mr. De P. gave the town *.".00 to assist in building a
Onion church and townhouse: and he also caused a bell to be
ca-t. with an appropriate inscription for its use.
* Among the first settlers were Thos. Wilson. Joseph Round,
Sam'l Barnard, Green, Ichabod Arnold, Uobt. Hill. Fred. R.
Plympton, David Day. Rtifus Washburn, and Smith Stillwell.
Beta Willis taught the first school and was the first local
pr-arher.
10 Named from Edward McCormack. brother of the proprietor.
It nmliraces most of No. 8 of Great Tract No. III.
u Among these are iron ore, mica, Rensselaerito, serpentine,
and tourmaline.
12 Locally known as " .Sflaiwflfe," from Elijah Shaw, who
opened the first store in 1825. FtUMtaubuih, in the E. part,
was the seat of a large furnace destroyed by fire.
'3 Among the first settlers were Asa Brayton, Jos. M. Bonner,
S.A: E.Jones, and Johnson. The first birth was that of John
11. Brayton, in 1812; and the first death was that of Part-
ridge, accidentally killed in 1812. OrraShead huilt the first grist-
mill, in 1814. In"l817 a largo number of Scotch settlers came
In town.
11 M. E., Univ., Cong., Bap., and Union.
!* Named from John Fine, of Ogdcnshurgh, principal pro-
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
577
part of the co. Its surface is elevated and broken, and its soil is a moderately fertile, gravelly
loam. It is drained by the Oswegatehie and its branches. It is principally a wilderness, the set-
tlements being confined to the N. part. Iron ore is found in town. Fine is a p.o. in the n. There
is no village in town. The first clearing was made in 1823, by Elias Teall.1
FOWLER1 — was formed from Rossie and Russell, April 15, 1816. The townships of Edwards
and Fit/. William (now a part of Herman) were annexed from Russell in 1818. Edwards was
taken oft' in 1827, a part of Hermon in 1830, and Pitcairn in 1830. It lies upon the Oswegatehie,
in the southwesterly part of the co. Its surface is much broken by ridges of gneiss. It is
drained by the Oswegatehie and its branches. Silver Lake lies s. of the center of the town. The
soil along the streams is a fertile loam, in the N. W. a clayey loam, and in the E. a light sand.
Several valuable minerals are found in town.3 Ilailesborough, on the Oswegatehie, and
Little York (Fowler p.o.) are small villages. Fullerville (Fullerville Iron Works p.o.)
is the seat of an extensive manufactory of iron.4 West Fowler is a p.o. The first settle-
ments were made by Brig. Gen. Ilaile, at Hailesborough, in 1807,* and by Sam'l B. Sprague, at
Little York, in 1811. The town did not begin to be settled rapidly until after 1820. The census
reports 4 churches in town.6
GOUVERNEUR7 — was formed from Oswegatehie, April 5, 1810. A part of Macomb was
taken off in 1841. It lies in the w. part of the co. Its surface is generally level, but somewhat
broken in the n. by low ridges of white limestone. It is drained by the Oswegatehie, which twice
flows across the town. The town abounds in interesting minerals.8 The soil is sandy in a few
places, but is chiefly clay and loam, and is highly productive. The Kearney Iron Mine, in the s.
corner, has furnished an immense quantity of ore. Gouverneur (p. v.) was incorp. Dec. 7,
1847. Pop. 785. It is the seat of a flourishing academy,9 and has a considerable local trade and
the only p. o. in town. Riverside Cemetery is beautifully located on the opposite bank of the
Oswegatehie, e. of the village. It was consecrated June 23, 1858. It is a station upon the P. &
W. R. R. The first settlement was made in the summer of 1805, by Dr. Richard Townsend, agent
of Gouverneur Morris, the proprietor.10 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1810.11
HAMMOND12 — was formed from Rossie and Morristown, March 30, 1827. A part was
annexed to Macomb in 1842, and a part to Rossie in 1844. It lies upon the St. Lawrence, in the
extreme w. part of the co., and includes a portion of The Thousand Islands. The surface is
generally level, but broken upon its n. and s. borders by low primary ridges. A level terrace of
sandstone, forming a continuous and regular mural wall, extends from the n. shore of Black
Lake through the center of the town into Jefferson co. Black Brook flows through a stagnant
swamp, which borders upon this sandstone terrace. Its soil is generally a deep, fertile loam.
Hammond, (p-v.,) °n the Rossie Plank Road; South Hammond, on the "Old Milir-
tary Road;" and Oak Point,13 (p. v.,) a landing on the St. Lawrence, are small villages.
Cliippewa is a hamlet on a bay of the same name. Slight improvements began here in 1812 ;
but settlements did not increase until 1818-21, when a number of Scotch families located just w.
of the present site of Hammond Village.14 There are 4 churches in town.15
prietor. It embraces " Scriba," " Bloomfield," " EmilyviUe," and
the south half of '' Sarahsburgh," or Nos. 12, 14, 15, and 9 of
Great Tract No. Ill, Macomb's Purchase.
I Jas. C. Hailc built a rudo mill in 1828. The settlement was
soon after abandoned, but renewed in Feb. 1834, by Amasa J.
Brown.
* Named from Theodocius Fowler, of New York, former pro-
prietor. It embraces " Kilkenny," or No. 7 of Great Tract No.
Ill, Macomb's Purchase.
8 Iron ore, white marble, sulphates of lead, copper, and zinc,
asbestus, Kensselaerite, mica, and chalcedony.
* This village contains a furnace, 2 forges, and several mills.
6 Gen. II. purchased a mile square, with an agreement to build
a mill within a year. Among the other early settlers were Elijah
Sackett. Lemuel Arnold, John Kyan, and Ebenezer Parker. The
first birth was a child of Merrills; the first marriage, that
of John Parker and Elizabeth S. Sackett, in 1812.
6 Univ., Bap., F. W. Bap., and M. E.
" Named from Gouverneur Morris, the proprietor of most of
the town. It originallv embraced the township of "Cambray"
or No. 8 of the " Ten Towns."
8 Among the useful minerals are red specular iron ore, marble,
limpid calcite, sulphate of barytes, serpentine, Rensselaerite,
mica, tourmaline, and fluorspar; and among those interesting
to men of science are spinelle, seapolite, tremalite, schorl, sphene,
cliondvodite, opatite, Babingtonite, and Houghite.
9 The '• Griuverneur High ScliooV was opened in 1S26, and incorp.
April 25, 1S28. A new edifice was erected in 1834; and in 1837
37
it was received under the patronage of the M. E. Black River
Conference. The building was burned in 1839, and a new stone
edifice erected the next year. The name was changed to the
Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary April 25, 1840. It is a flourish-
ing institution.
1° The first party of settlers came through the wilderness from
the head of Lake George, guided by a compass. They were seven
days on the journey. Among the settlers in 1806 were Pardon
Babcock, Willard Smith, Eleazar Nichols, and Isaac Austin, who
all occupied a small shanty in common. In 1810 there werg 50
families in town. A blockhouse was built in 1812, near where
the store of Harvey D. Smith now stands. Miss E. S. Sackett
taught the first school, in the first shanty; Israel Porter kept the
first inn, and John Brown the first store, in 1S08. The first reli-
gious services were held in 1806, bjT missionaries. The first child
born was Allen Smith ; the first marriage, that of Medad Cole
and Miss Patterson ; and the first death, that of Emily Porter.
u There are 5 churches in town; 2 Cong., Univ., Bap., and M.E.;
the last hold their meetings in the chapel of the academy.
12 Named from Abijah Hammond, of New York, proprietor. It
embraces the greater part of No. 1 of Great Tract No. Ill, Ma-
comb's Purchase.
13 Cross-over-island Lighthouse was built just above this place
in 1847.
n The first of these were John and David Gregor, John Baird,
John and James Hill, and Peter Allen. James Scott taught th«
first school, in 1818-19.
15 Presb., M. E., F. W. Bap., and Prot. E.
578
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
HERMOX1— was formed from Edwards and De Kalb, April 17, 1830, and named "Depau."
The name -was changed Feb. 28, 1834, and a part was annexed to Edwards in 1850. It lies in the
primitive region, s. w. of the center of the co. The surface is generally rolling, but broken and
hilly in the s. part. Elm and Cedar Creeks are the principal streams. Trout and Clear Lakes
lie near the s. border, and Gardners Pond near the center of the town. The soil is generally a
sandy loam interspersed with tracts of sand, and is best adapted to grazing. Ilermon (p. v.) is
situated on Elm Creek, in the n. e. corner of the town. Pop. 346. Marsliville is a hamlet, 1 mi.
s. of Ilermon. The first settlement was made by Jas. Taylor, and a few others who came soon
after him, previous to 1S12.2 The town did not begin to be settled rapidly until 1822-25. Rev.
Mr. "Wright was the first preacher.3
IIOPKIXTOA"4— was formed from Massena, March 2, 1805. Russell was taken off in 1807,
Parishville in 1818, and a part of Lawrence in 1828. It lies along the e. border of the co., and is
the second largest town in the State. Its surface is level in the n., but broken and hilly in the s. It
is crossed by the St. Regis and Racket Rivers ; and in the central and s. parts are several extensive
lakes, the principal of which is Tuppers Lake, on the line of Franklin co. The whole town is a
wilderness, except the extreme w. part and a small tract upon Tuppers Lake. The soil is a fertile
loam in the sr. part. Hopkinton (p. v.) contains about 20 houses. IVicholville is a small
village on the line of Lawrence and mostly in the latter town. Fort Jackson, in the n.
part, on St. Regis, is a hamlet of a dozen houses. The first settlement in town was made by
Roswcll Hopkins, in 1802.5 In 1814 a party of British, consisting of 30 men, under Maj. P. W.
I1'- Haven, visited this town and captured a large amount of flour belonging to the U. S., which
was here stored in a barn.6 In the spring of 1858 a company consisting of 13 families located
in the vicinity of Tuppers Lake, with the design of forming an agricultural settlement.7 The
township of Mortlake, or No. 3 of Tract II, has been called " Atherton," but it has yet no legal
organization. There are 4 religious societies in town.8
LAWRE\CE'- was formed from Hopkinton and Brasher, April 21, 1828. It lies on the e.
border of the co., K. of the center. The surface is very level, and the soil is a fertile, sandy loam
underlaid by Potsdam sandstone. It is drained by St. Regis and Deer Rivers. Lawrence-
ville (p. v.) and IVortn Lawrence (p-v-) are villages upon Deer River, each with a pop.
of about 220. The latter is a station on the Northern R. R. Xicliolville,10 (p. v.,) on the line
of Hopkinton, contains about 200 inhabitants. The first settlement began in 1806.11 Since the
completion of the r. r. this town has rapidly increased in population. The Quakers held the
first meeting in 1808. There are 7 churches in town.12
L.ISBO\ — was formed March 6, 1801.13 Madrid and Oswegatchie were taken off in 1802, and
Canton in 1805. It lies upon the St. Lawrence, n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is level
orgently undulating. It is drained by Great and Little Sucker Creeks, and several smaller streams.
Its soil is a light but fertile loam underlaid by calciferous sandstone. The town includes Gallop14
bland in the river. Lisbon Center (p. o.) is a station on the Ogdcnsburgh R. R., and contains
about a dozen houses. Flacliville15 (p. o.) is a hamlet, on the Ogdcnsburgh & Canton Road.
Retl Willis" (Lisbon p. o.) is a hamlet, on the river, opposite Gallop Island. This town was the
lir-t one organized in the co. The first settlement was made by Win. O'Neal, in 1799. Alex. J.
Turner came in as agent in Feb. 1800. 17 He was from Salem, N. Y., and induced many families
1 Named from 1' • mbracos " FiU Willinm," at No.
9of Great Tract No. III. M i iinb'l Purchase, and parts of other
trtrrnthlirt
j.\: ■ .irlv settlers wi via, Philemon Stuart,
inman. and Rafoi II pkins. William D. Mooro
III tho first school, iu 1M7. Tho first death was that of
i irr.
.. .i!-" " '-luirrlir* In l»«rn ; M B . B ip . and Christian.
• Named from Roswell Hopkins, tin It embrace*
the townships of "Oak/tam, "
. ■•//..'■■/.
1.2,3,5,6,8,9,12, and 16 of Great Tt II, Macomb's
Purchase.
& Mr. II"|ikin« bought a part of Islington. Among the early
Mttteca wen Joel and Bamaal • B W. Hopkins, 1
Dewey, ami Blpbalet Branch. The fir«t birth wm In the family
of — — Bbeldon : nn-1 the firxt death, tli.it of an infant, in 1807.
Judgo Hopkins built the fir-t gristmill, la
•There i« good reason t !iat on this, and other occa-
sions the British noatnd information from a pmillMMII citi/.. n
of Franklin co.
i This township was purchased Oct. 23. 1853, by a company con-
listing of Chas. G. Atherton, John 11. Gage, and Dan'l U. Dear-
born, of Nashua, N. II.. Elbridgo G. Read and Wm. D. Beason,
of Clul-'M. M.i.-*.. and Moses A. Ilerrick, of Boston, for its lum-
ber. Tho settlement was made under tho auspices of this Com-
pany.
8 Cong., Bap., M. E., and F. W. Bap.
9 Named from Wm. Lawrence, of New York, proprietor. It
embraces " C/iestcrfidd," or No. 16 of Groat Tract No. II, Ma-
CoIllb'H I'llIC ll.-lSC.
" Named from E. 8. Nichols, an agent of tho proprietors.
11 Mr. Brewer, a nub-agent, came iu as early as 1801 ; J. and 8.
Tyler, A. Saunders, A. Chandler, J. Allen, and J. and J. Pierce
camo in 1807. Ephraim Martin built tho first sawmill, in 1809;
Mis S. Tvler taught tho first school, in 1810.
12 2 Cm:;.. 2 M. K.. 2 Bap., and F. W. Bap.
13 It originally contained tho whole territory of tho " Ten
Tmnnt." It now includes No. 5 of tho " Ten Towns."
'* Pronounced " Gal-loo" Island.
16 Named from John P. Flack, first p.m.
'* Named from the color of the niillB erected by Daniel W.
Church for the proprietor, Stephen Van Rensselaer, in Imii.
1T Among tho first settlers wero Peter Sharp, Peter Ilinnon,
John Tibbets, Keuben Tuner. Win. Shaw, Lemuel lloskins. Wm.
| Lyt tie, James Aikcus, Bonj. Stewart, Matthew Perkins, Wesson
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
570
to remove from Washington co. A fatal epidemic prevailed in town in 1813. In the fall of 1813
a small party of dragoons stopping at the village were surprised by the Canadians; one was shot*
another wounded, and two or three were taken prisoners t<> Canada. There areOchurcl .vn.1
LOUISVILLE" — was formed from Massena, April 5, 1810. A part of Norfolk was taken
off in 1823, and a part of the same town was annexed in 1844. It lies upon the St. Lawrence,
in the N. e. part of the CO. The surface is level. Grass River, the principal stream, flowing cen-
trally through the town, affords a water-power at the village. The soil is a fertile, sandy loam,
underlaid by oaloiftroua sandstone. Louisville,3 (p. o.,) on Grass River, and Louisville
Luaidillg, (p.o.,) on the St. Lawrence, are hamlets. The water-power at the former place has
been somewhat improved ; and the latter place is a landing for the American line of Bteamera.
The first settlement was made by Nahum Wilson and Aaron Allen, in 1800.* The growth of the
town was checked by the war ; but it soon revived. There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Union.
MACOMB5 — was formed from Gouverncur and Morristown, April 3, 1841. A small tract
was annexed from Hammond in 1842. It lies upon the s. shore of Black Lake, in the w. part
of the co. Its surface is broken by ridges of gneiss and white limestone parallel to the lake. Fish
and Birch Creeks are the principal streams. Pleasant and Yellow or Hickeys Lakes are fine sheets
of water, with rocky shores, in the central part of the town. The soil is a light, sandy loam. The
ridges are often without vegetation, but the valleys are fertile. Several valuable minerals are found
in town.6 Macomb, (p. o.,) on the " Old State Road," and Popes Mills, (p. o.,) on Fish Creek,
are hamlets. The first settlements were made upon the " Old State Road," about 1805-06. ' Timo-
thy Pope made the first improvement at Popes Mills, in 1816. There is 1 church (M. E.) in town.
MADRID8 — was formed from Lisbon, March 3, 1802, and Potsdam was taken off in 1806. It
lies upon the St. Lawrence, E. of the center of the co. The surface is level or gently undulating.
It is watered by Grass River, and by Great and Little Sucker, Brandy, and Trout Brooks. Upon
both the St. Lawrence and Grass Rivei's are rapids, from which are derived an immense amount of
water-power. The soil is a light, sandy loam, generally fertile. Waddington9 (p. v.) is situated
upon the St. Lawrence, opposite Ogdens Island and the " Rapide Plat." The rapids at this place
impede the river navigation, but furnish an abundance of water-power.10 The entire fall is lift.
Pop. 705. Columbia Village (Madrid p. o.) is situated at the falls of Grass River, 1 mi. from
the r. r. station. It is a place of considerable business. Pop. 300. Chases Mills (p. o.) is a new
settlement, upon Grass River, on the line of Louisville. The first settlement was made along
the St. Lawrence, in 1798, under Joseph Edsall, agent of the proprietors.11 In Jan., 1814, a party
of Canadian militia, under Capt. Sherwood, crossed the St. Lawrence at Point Iroquois and marched
to Columbia Village, pressed teams, and carried off a quantity of merchandise which had been
captured upon bateaux on the preceding Oct. There are 9 churches in town.12
MASSENA13— was formed March 3, 1802. Hopkinton was taken off in 1805, Stockholm in
1806, Louisville in 1810, and Brasher in 1825. It lies upon the St. Lawrence, in the n. e. corner
of the co. The surface is generally level or gently undulating. The principal streams are the
Grass14 and Racket Rivers, which flow through the town in parallel channels 1 to 2 mi. apart.
Its soil is a productive, gravelly and sandy loam. Massena (p. v.) is situated upon Grass River,
at the lower falls. It has a limited amount of manufactures. Pop. 310. Massena Spring's15
Briggs, and Ilez. Pierce. The first birth was in the family of J.
Tibbets, in 1800. Rev. Alex. Proudfit held the first meetings.
Dr. Jos. W. Smith, the first physician in the co., settled here in
1803 and remained two years.
i Cong., Asso. Ref. Presb., M. E., Wes. Meth., Ref. Presb., and
Prot. E. (St. Luke's.)
2 It comprises the greater part of No. 1 of the " Ten Trnvns."
8 Locally known as " MUlrrsville," from Rev. Levi Miller, of
Turin.who came here as agent of McVickar, the proprietor, in 1823.
* Among the early settlers were John Wilson, Lyman Bost-
wick, Elisha W. Barber, and Griffin Place. The first child born
was a son of Nahum Wilson ; and the first death, that of Philo
Barber. Elisha Barber taught the first school, aud N. Wilson
kept the first inn.
6 Named from Alex. Macomb, the great land speculator.
6 Among these are lead, mica, coppor pyrites, and blende.
Stock companies have been engaged quite extensively in lead
mining at Mineral Point, on Black Lake, and elsewhere.
7 Among the first settlers were Sam'l Bristol, Rufus Wash-
burn, Sam'l and E. Wilson, and Sam'l Peck.
8 It embraces No. 4 of the " Ten Toions," and is about 10 mi. sq.
8 Named from Joshua Waddington, proprietor. Formerly
called " Hamilton."* Incorp. April 26, 1839. A furnace, supplied
with bog ore, was established here in 1834 ; but it was abandoned
in 1840. A tract of 1,135 acres on the shore opposite the island,
together with the island and water-power, were conveyed in 1811
to Joshua Waddington aud Thos. L. and David A. Ogden.
10 In 180S-11-15, acts were passed to improve the navigation at
this place, and a lock was built for the passage of small boats.
11 Among the early settlers were John Sharpe, Barton Edsall,
John Tuttle, Benj. Bartlett, Godfrey Myers, Benj. Campbell, and
E. Dimick. Dorothy Fields taught the first school : Seth Robert;,
built the first mills, at Columbia Village, in 1803. Mills were
built at Waddington in 1803-04.
12 2 Cong., 2 M. E., Univ., Bap., Prot.E., (St. Paul's,) Asso. Ref.,
and R.C.
18 Named from Marshal Massena, of the French army.
14 This stream near its mouth is liable to a sudden reversal ot
its current by the damming up of the St. Lawrence by ice in
severe cold weather. These back currents have been felt at
Massena Village ; and no bridges have been made to stand below
the lower mills. The water has been known to rise 15 It. in as
many minutes, and to attain a maximum height of 25 ft. The
lower dam is built to resist the current both ways.
16 These springs are saline and sulphurous. Capt. John
Polly built the first public house here, in 1822. A spacious
brick hotel was erected in 1848. for the accommodation of those
who resort here for health or pleasure.
630 ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
lies upon the Racket, about one mi. distant from Massena. Pop. 120. It is a favorite summer
resort. Massena Center (p. v.) contains about 25 houses, and Racket River (p. v.)
about 20. By the treaty of 1796, a mile square at the mouth of Grass River -was reserved by the
St. Regis Indians; and most of the other lands in the town were located on Revolutionary land
■warrants before the sale of the rest of the co. Before the treaty the Indians issued unauthorized
leases to different parties ; and hence arose much annoyance from conflicting claims.1 The first im-
provements were made on Grass River, on land leased of the Indians, in 1792. The first settlements
'>u Revolutionary grants -were made in 1798, by Amos Lay and others.2 In 1812 the U. S. Government
erected barracks here, which -were occupied 3 months by militia. In Sept. 1813, a party of Cana-
dians burned the barracks and carried away several prisoners. There are 5 churches in town.3
3IORRISTOTVV* — was formed from Oswegatehie, March 27, 1821. A part of Hammond -was
taken off in 1827, and a part of Macomb in 1841. It lies between the lower end of Black Lake and
the St. Lawrence. Its surface is gently undulating, rising from either side toward the center. Chip-
pewa Creek, flowing though the center, is the principal stream. The soil is a gravelly loam and gener-
ally fertile. Morristown (p. v.) is situated upon the St. Lawrence. Pop. 254. Edwards-
ville5 (p. o.) is a small village on Black Lake, at which point a ferry has been established. Brier
Hill (p.o.) is a hamlet. Pavid Ford — as agent of Gouverneur Morris, the proprietor — made the
first settlement on the site of the village, in 1799.6 John K. Thurbur and Henry Ellenwood made
the first improvement in the vicinity of Edwardsville, in 1810. In 1817-18 several English families
heated at a place still known as the "English Settlement." There are 7 churches in town.7
\ORFOLK — was formed from Louisville and Stockholm, April 9, 1823. A part was annexed
to Louisville in 1844. Its surface is moderately uneven. Racket River, the principal stream,
rl ws diagonally through near the center of the town, and affords a large amount of water-power,
partially improved.8 The soil is generally fertile, resting upon drift deposits of gravel and
marine clay, and all underlaid by calciferous sandstone. The e. part is sandy; and a swamp
lies between the Racket and Grass Rivers. Norfolk (p. v.) is situated upon Racket River. Pop.
about 200. It has manufactories of lumber, shingles, and articles of wood. Raymond ville9
| p. o.) is a small village on the Racket, below Norfolk. The first settlement was made by Erastus
Hall, in 1809, at Raymondsville.10 The Racket was formerly navigated, to some extent, as far aa
this place. There are 4 churches in town.11
OSWEGATCIIIE12— was formed from Lisbon, March 3, 1802. De Kalb was taken off in
I ^'6, Gouverneur in 1810, Morristown in 1821, and a part of De Peyster in 1825. The surface is
level or gently undulating. Oswegatehie River, the principal stream, affords water-power at
II uvelton and at Ogdensburgh, which is available most of the year. The soil is a fine quality
if gravelly loam, and is under a good state of cultivation. Ogdensfourgh,13 (p. v.,) situated
n the St. Lawrence, is one of the largest and most important villages in Northern New
^ rk. It is the w. terminus of the Ogdensburgh R. R., and stands at the foot of sloop navigation
upon the grout lakes and St. Lawrence River, giving to it important commercial advantages. A
limited amount of manufacturing is also carried on, chiefly on the w. side of the Oswegatehie. It
■ontains the depSts and buildings of the Ogdensburgh R. R., — among the finest in the CO., — an
S£ademy,u a towzthaIl,u U. S. customhouse,19 and an armory.17 Pop. Jan. 1858,7,308. Ileuvel-
i M -i of tie v iliuiM" tin l.-ri before settlement. | A furnace wm built at the villago in 1825, and supplied with
■ Among tb< : iwera Mamrl Victory, Calvin Plum- bog ore. It was burned in 1844.
Icy, Blic- II I j ib Bailey. David Lyttle, Nth Read, | " M. K., Trot. E., and l'resb., ot Norfolk, and Prcsb. at Ray-
Oilbert Read taught the flrat Kbool, In I mondsvllle,
Amabel Fouchcr tu a lessee of tin- lir-t mill, under the >'- i'ronounced Os-we-gotch'ee ; named from the river. It cm-
Indians. • 2 Cong., I .| . M. I... .>n>l K.C.
1 Named' fp in principal proprietor. It
■.ally embraced ttai luwudulyoi •//.,..'••! No.9 of the
IbtMU."
6 Loo-illy known o.« th- " .Y-ir ' . ] from Jonathan S.
rds, the first po*tma.-t- r. on early maps it was marked
•Arnold Smith and Xbomaj Mil! wan first settlers on the
r, and II. Ha id BenJ. Tnbba an the
Bmith kept tie- fine inn, I I uiit the flmt bouse.
Cong* Prot F... Bring. Loth., and Union.
•There is a dam 1 mi. fr>m the a. a. r thus. w.
corner of the town, another at Norfolk, and another at Ray-
mondvilb-.
» Named from Benj. Raymond, the first agent for this town and
Potsdam. Vir.it Dam
I :ii' nc the early settler-, a I 11810, wan Ebon
Jad«on, Martin Barney. .1. W. Oaborn. ' . and Milo
Br- war. Th" fir»t death was that < I K. Judson. in 1813. I ha
-lcaring at Norfolk Villaee was made for lx- Kay. in 1811;
and the first settlement v.i* began by Russell Atwater, in 1810.
- most of No. 8 of the " Ten ZbtOM.
13 Named from Sam'l Ogden, tho first proprietor. Incorp. in
117. Mi' unsold lands in and aliout the village were bought
by David Parish in 1S08, tho owner of large tracts in tho co. Ho
built an extensive warehouse and several vessels, and laid plana
for « large business, which the war prevented him from realizing.
n This academy now forms an incorporate part of the public
educational system of the village. The schools are all graded,
and the pupils are advanced, according to attainment, from the
primary schools to tho complete academic course. The academy
receives the income from the ferry at this place. In 1867 thero
wre 7 sehoolbouscs and 18 teachers. The average number of
pupils on the rolls was 1328, and average daily attendance 755.
16 By special act of 1858 a town ball was erected, at an expense
of ilU.OOO, on the corner of Washington and Franklin Sts.
10 The cornerstone of the old French Mission houso is placed
over one of its entrances.
" An appropriation of $110,000 was made in 1857 for a custom-
bouse, p. o.. and O. B, courtroom. It is to be erected on the site
of the old courthouse, corner of State and Knox Sts.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
581
ton1 (p. v. ) lies upon the Oswcgatehie, 7 mi. above Ogdcnsburgh. It has a limited amount of manu-
factures. Pop. 300. Black. Lake is a p. o., in the s. w. part of the town. The early history
of the town has already been noticed.2 The first improvement, after Ogdcnsburgh was aban-
doned by the British, was made in 1790, by Nathan Ford,8 aud it soon became a place of com-
mercial importance. The. war checked the prosperity of the place, and after the return of peace
business revived slowly. The opening of the Welland Canal and completion of the Ogdensburgh
R. R. greatly increased the trade and added to the population of Ogdensburgh.4 The completion
of the Grand Trunk Railway through Canada has in some measure checked its growth, by divert-
ing business into other channels. The first religious meetings were held while it was a French,
and afterward a British, post. The census reports 11 churches.6
PARISH VIL,L.Efi— was formed from Ilopkinton, April 15, 1818. Colton was taken off in
1843, and another part of Parishville annexed to it in 1851. It lies upon St. Regis River, s. e.
of the center of the co. Its surface is level in the n. and considerably broken in the s. The
soil is a deep loam in the n., but in the s. is light and sandy. A large portion of the town is yet
a wilderness. Parish villc (p. v.) is situated upon the w. branch of St. Regis River. Pop. 230.
It has a limited amount of manufactures.7 Parishville Center, in the n. part, is a hamlet.
Daniel Hoard settled in 1810, as agent for the proprietors.8 During the war the settlement was
greatly increased by immigrants from the frontier towns. The census reports 4 churches.9
PIERREPOMT10- was formed from Russell, April 15, 1818. A part of Fine was taken
ofi' in 1844. It occupies a long, narrow strip s. of the center of the co. The surface is quite
broken. The three branches of Grass River, e. branch of the Oswegatchie, and Racket River are
the principal streams. The soil in the N. is well adapted to grazing, and that in the s. is light and
sandy. Settlements are confined to the n. part. Magnetic iron ore and other valuable minerals
are found in large quantities. Pierrepont (p. o.) is a small village upon the hills, near the center
of No. 3. East Pierrepont11 (p. v.) is situated on Racket River. Pop. about 100. Flavius
Curtis settled upon the line of Canton in 1806-07. The principal settlement commenced upon the
completion of the St. Lawrence Turnpike, in 1811-12.12 There are 2 churches ; M. E. and F. W. Bap.
PITCAIR1V13— was formed from Fowler, March 29, 1836. It lies on the s. border of the co.,
w. of the center. Its surface is much broken by ridges, separated by swamps, lakes, and fertile
intervales. The soil is light and sandy, with a few alluvial flats along the streams. Iron ore,
marble, and lead are found in town. The Jay Iron Ore Bed has been worked ; and unprofitable
attempts have been made to work some lead mines. The town is thinly settled. Pitcairn and
East Pitcairn are p. offices. Settlement was begun in 1824 by immigrants from Potsdam.14
There is no church in town.
POTSDAM15— was formed from Madrid, Feb. 21, 1806. It lies on Racket River, n. e. of the
center of the co. Its surface is rolling ; and its soil is a deep, rich loam. The streams are Racket
River, affording a large amount of water-power, and Grass River, with a limited amount. Lumber
and articles of wood are largely manufactured. There are extensive quarries of sandstone above
the village.16 This is the leading agricultural town in the co., and every part is under improve-
ment. Potsdam17 (p. v.) is located upon Racket River, e. of the center of the town. The
river is here divided by islands and broken by rapids, and furnishes an extensive water-power.
Pop. in 1st and 4th election districts, 2,123. It has a considerable amount of manufactures, and
1 Named from Jacob Van Heuvel, who invested a large sum in
a ruinous attempt to establish business here.
2 See p. 574.
8 Among the first settlers were Ezra Fitz Randolph, Thomas
Lee, John Lyon, John King, Louis Ilasbrouck, Steph n Sloossen,
and Powell Davis. The first school was taught by Richard Uub-
bard, in 1809.
4 A marine railway, constructed here in 1853, has been of groat
service to the interests of navigation.
6 3 M. E., 2 Presb., Univ., Unitarian, Bap., Cong., Prot. E., and
E. C.
6 Named from David and Geo. Parish, proprietors of No. 13.
It embraces the most of " Catharineville" and " Wick," or Nos.
13 and 11 of Great Tract No. II of Macomb's Purchase.
7 The river here descends 125 ft. within a mi., furnishing an
abundance of water-power.
8 Among the early settlers were Luke Brown, Isaac Tower, II.
Shattuck, and Levi Sawyer, who came in about 1811. During
this and the succeeding year the proprietors caused a road to be
opened to Carthage, and mills, a distillery, hotel, and forge to be
built. The first birth was in the family of Luke Brown, in 1812.
Harriet Bronson taught the first school, in the barn of Mr. Hoard.
» Cong., M. E., Wes. Meth., and Bap.
10 Named from Hezekiah B. Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, pro-
prietor. It embraces the townships of "Cltauniont." " Clifton,"
« Clare:' and a part of "X>e Witt," or Nos. 13, 10, 6, and 3 of Great
Tract No. Ill, of Macomb's Purchase.
11 Sometimes called " Coxes Mills," from Gardner Coxe, who
settled here and built mills in 1817-22. It has a large gany
sawmill and a starch factory.
12 Among the early settlers were David Denton, Pet.R. Leonard,
Jos. Matthews, and Ebenezer Tupper.
18 Named from Joseph Pitcairn, proprietor. It embraces the
township of " Portaferry," or No. 11 of Great Tract No. Ill, Ms
comb's Purchase.
14 Among the early settlers were Nath'l Dickinson and sons.
Levi Gleason, Nathan C. Seovil, and James Streeter. Caroline
Dickinson taught the first school. The first birth was in the
family of N. C. Seovil ; the first marriage, that of Anson Bing-
ham and Caroline Dickinson.
15 It embraces No. 3 of the " Ten Towns."
18 From these quarries the city of Hamilton, C. W.. is supplied
with flagging. The stone also is an excellent building mate-
rial. « Incorp. March 3, 1831.
582 ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
is the seat of an academy.1 It also contains a bank and 2 printing offices. Racketville
(North Potsdam p. o.) lies on Racket River, in the n. corner of the town. Pop. about 150. It has
an extensive -water-power, and is the Potsdam Junction station on the Ogdensburgh R. R. Bucks
Bridge2 is a hamlet upon Grass River, in the w. part of the town. West Potsdam (p. o.)
is a small village in the midst of an agricultural region. The first settlement commenced in 1803,
under Benj. Raymond, agent for the proprietor, and the town rapidly filled up by immigrants
from Vt.3 In Nov. 1804, "Win. Bullard took up 2,427 acres of land, and formed an association,
styled " The Union," holding the land in common. The association broke up in 2 or 3 years.*
There are 10 churches in town.5
ROSSIE6— was formed from Russell, Jan. 27, 1813. A part of Fowler was taken off in 1816,
and a part of Hammond in 1827. A part of Hammond was annexed in 1844. It lies on the s. w.
border of the co. Its surface is level in the e., and broken by ledges of gneiss, limestone, and
sandstone in the remaining parts. It is drained by Oswegatchie and Indian Rivers. Its soil is
like that of the adjoining towns. Between the gneiss and limestone, near Indian River, are
extensive and valuable mines of lead and iron,7 and a great variety of valuable minerals.8
Rossie (p. v.) is situated on Indian River, at the head of the Black Lake navigation. Pop. 214.
It owes its importance to its iron manufacture, commenced here in 1813. Churchs Mills,9
(Wegatchie p. o..) situated on the Oswegatchie, is the seat of a furnace. Pop. about 170. Soulier-
ville (p. v.) contains 20 houses. Shingle Creek is a p. o., in the s.e. corner. The first settle-
ment was made in 1807 .10 A number of Scotch families came in about 1810. A blockhouse was
built near Somerville in 1812. There are 2 churches in town; Univ. and M.E.
Rl'SSEUL11 — was formed from Hopkinton, March 27, 1807. Rossie was taken off in 1813,
a part of Fowler in 1816, Pierrepont in 1818, and a part of Fine in 1844. It lies upon Grass
River, s. of the center of the co. Its surface is much broken, and its s. part is still a wilderness.
[te Boil is light and sandy, but fertile in the valleys. Russell (p. o.) is a small village, upon
Grass River, in the central part of the town ; JVorth Russell is a p. o. The first settlement
was made in 1804, under the agency of R. Atwater.12 A State arsenal was built in the village in
1809 ;u and the St. Lawrence Turnpike was opened the same year. The principal growth of the
village was received in 1811 and 1812. A forgo was built in 1846, and supplied with bog and
magnetic ores. There are 2 churches in town; Bap. and M. E.: the Presb. and Prot. E. each
have societies formed.
STOCKHOLM1'— was formed from Massena, Feb. 21, 1806. A part of Norfolk was taken
off in 1823. It lies in the northeasterly part of the co. Its surface is rolling. Its soil is a light,
sandy loam, generally productive. It is watered by the two branches of St. Regis River. It is
strictly an agricultural town, and one of the most wealthy in the co. Stockholm Depot
(p. o.) is a small village upon the r. r., in the e. part of the town. East Stockholm (Stock-
holm p. o.) and Sanford ville are hamlets of a dozen houses each. West Stockholm
(p. o.) is a small manufacturing village upon St. Regis River. Hnapps Station (North
Si ekholm p. O.) is a r. r. station on the N. w. border of the town ; and South ville is a p. o.
skiiim'iville is a hamlet on the w. branch of the St. Regis. The first settlement was begun in
1802, by Ebeneeer Bfalburd and I>r. Luman I'cttiliono, agents.15 The census reports 5 churches.18
i The Pt. lAwreni '• Academy was commenced, through t li«- ex-
- -- -it j - Raj mond, In 1 -TJ. It baa long maintained ji high
motuj the schools of Northern New York.
5 Kamed fr-'m uue Ba< \~. (tied here In 1807.
* Anxmg the early eettlen were Wm.*ndOnrdon Bmlth, Benj.
Delanee, David French, Cheater Dewey, Joseph
1; nl Unwell Parkhnrst, Win. Ballard, Reabon
8 Among theso minerals are marble, graphite, heavy spar,
pit" I'liit. (if lime, copper pyrites, calcitc, pearl spar, apatite,
■/inim, tremolite, satin spar, eclestino, carbonate of iron, chon-
drodlte, and splnelle.
9 Formerly culled " CaMonia," and "Howards Mills," from
.I:i-. ll'WU'l, fnrmor proprietor.
,0 Among the first settlers were Jos. Teall, Reuben Streoter,
Field, and Abnor Royce. The flrtl birth waa a daughter "f Win. A. Simmons, o. Malterner, A. Keeney, jr., S. Bonfy, S. Waters,
gmith; ami tin- flrat dvntb, that "f Ja». Chadwi< k. Mills w.-re and .1. Stearns. Tho first child horn was Wrn.Rossio Williams.
built by Raymond
■* 'iii.- in n ti"t profandly milted in religious or
j.'lir . Bpofford, in I rroneoualy calls
tin-in " M.r.iviiri"."— Hougk'l Bist. >'. /.. and Frank. fnt.,j, 136.
M i . IT- I.. I : r. IT I I . I rn.ily.) Bap., Rcf. l'rcsb.,
B.C, u i C itli-li' A| •
• lT"!i"iinc«i Boa- I fr- m ■ rish r "f David Parish,
the i It embraoM " S'lmervHU," or No. 1 of Great
: ' I " iTirrbaw.
I Tb- : r-t h ad milling "I" -rati n« lotbJatOWn vt« unskilfully
rmed and attended with rafaoai rcaalta, win. b U d t" tinir
abaadoament, After 20 years' auapenirinn. the alines wen re-
opened bj an English company, nadn l- id Com-
pany, funned ander «|»" lal act, and working uj"n ■ lease of 20
(Tom Jane 1. 1860; rod they are said to hare been success-
'iin and Keens bm Min<«. n-ar th-R.R., owned
I •■- r iri-h, hars yielded an immense 'jnantity of ore, which baa
:i worked at Boade Ir"U Works.
Iteubi'ii StnitiT built the first mill.
" Named from Hussell Atwater, first settler.
15 Among the early settlers were Nathan, Loren, and David
Knox, lb man Morgan, Elias Havden, Hiuben Ashman, Jesse
Bunnell, Kliliu Morgan, and Joel Clarke, who came in 1805. Tho
tir.-*t ihild born was a son of Reuben Ashman, in 1806; the first
marriage, that of Calvin Hill and Harriet Knox; and the first
death, that of Curtis. Rollin Smith taught the first school,
and Atwater built the lir-d mills.
U Bud for a school building, in 1850.
M It originally comprised No. 2 of tho " Ten Tmtms," and is
nearly 10 mi. sq.
16 Among the early settlers were Benj. Wright, Isaac Kelscy,
Abrarn ShHdon, and John and Robt. Bisbee. S. Reynolds built
the first mill, in 1*>04. Mrs. Sheldon was the first woman who
came into town.
i« 2 Cong.. M. E., Bap.. W. Meth.; the Christians and F. W.
Bap. have also societies in town.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
583
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dial/in;/*, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Lice
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of St. Lawrence County.
Names of Towns.
Brasher
Canton
('..lion
IV Kalb
D.' i v\ star...
Edwards
Fine
Fowler
Gouverneur..
Hammond...
Harmon
HopUnton ..
Lawrence
Lisbon
Louisville ....
Macomb"
Madrid
Massena
Morristown ,
Norfolk
Oswegatchie
Parishville ..
Pierrepont...
Pitcairn
Potsdam
Kossie
Russell i
Stockholm ..
Total....
Acrks or Land.
I
1
18,280
;i4,ioi
8,460
22,668
12,334
7.834
1.824
16,732
26,111
15,701
12,537
12.041
17.338
36,959
15,367
10,435
32,788
19,620
19,407
12.2S6
26,669
20,52S
10,339
3,900
40,297
8,482
12,080
30,846
499,554
Valuation of ls's-
40.725
29,698
127,293
28,616
18,706
19,286
93,932
12,687
12,157
1 8,823
12,25s
36,427
7,905
24,491
28,881
29,765
28,551
9,037
24,691
9,459
12,496
42,602
115,121
20,767
20,521
12,911
38.068
21,763
Hi
$115.10(1
1,343,810
166,908
478,808
327,990
170.213
55,197
296,498
768,248
339,876
264,698
4so,so3
421,800
825,780
820,216
192,660
1,119,222
389.574
372,170
359,320
2.416,555
367,230
274,845
79.960
1,528,405
270.419
305,111
706,691
Ej
148,680
4,780
11.20U
18,650
12,850
3,225
43.200
7.3(10
4.5(10
29,350
68,900
7,780
3,850
69,850
63,385
21,750
29,550
1,149,035
22,800
3,200
945
244,300
7.200
10,300
25.600
a
5
(460,410
1.192.190
171,658
485,008
841,540
183,063
55.1117
200.723
700,448
347,175
250,003
518,163
490,700
833,560
324,066
192,660
1,188,572
452,959
393,920
388,870
3,565,590
390,030
278,045
80,905
1,772,705
277,679
315,411
732,291
885,531 1115,066,061 2,011,860 17,077,921
POPI UTXOH.
K
1
O
•>
0
■§•
1
S
£
1,514
1.11
487
2,497
2^498
874
646
404
2oo
1.31.0
1.316
482
500
504
195
625
555
208
172
144
57
814
8. Ml
292
1,406
1.450
498
970
005
314
854
794
289
775
779
293
1,226
1,139
457
2,622
2.487
907
1.087
1,033
345
749
717
260
2,435
2,427
844
1,341
1,360
459
1,049
1,062
399
882
922
341
5,033
5,027
1,65.8
1,054
1,060
395
906
928
348
269
262
106
3,328
3,303
1,126
752
728
252
1,115
993
399
1,954
1,836
697
37,934
37,043
Il3,191
=2
I
Schools.
US
800
140
819
153
211
56
211
899
112
244
2411
407
761
338
221 1
736
341
281
310
1,096
404
309
89
1,015
153
262
610
607
880
212
511
196
210
07
303
512
320
305
267
473
905
356
124
877
468
399
350
1,474
395
347
106
1,191
314
392
726
13,177 10,690 377
VI 2 5
1.21-
2.005
402
1.065
502
589
162
688
1,146
705
663
861
987
2.34S
017
663
1,884
1,227
889
758
4.509
760
781
215
2,238
750
750
1,619
L8
27
7
22
10
9
4
14
20
11
10
18
15
33
1 1
13
25
19
16
12
24
15
18
6
34
lo
15
27
10,997
Names of Towns.
Brasher
Canton
Cotton
De Kalb
De Peyster
Edwards
Fine
Fowler
Gouverneur ..
Hammond
Hermon
Hopkinton ....
Lawrence
Lisbon
Louisville
Macomb"
Madrid
Massena
Morristown...
Norfolk
Oswegatchie.
Parishville ...
Pierrepont....
Pitcairn
Potsdam ,
Kossie
Russell
Stockholm....
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
"I
31,450
61,525
8,221
41.927J
28,311
17.877
3,776
32,324
55.052
67.006
26.214
19.387
29,106
50.8 ss
46.228
18,225
86.43S
50.802
52.702;
20.631
75,057|
45,110
20.106
11.726
61,419
25,3054.
30,918
50,521i
4,440
11.192
2,503
6,050
2.556
2,205
304
4,353
5.170
3,665
3,621
2,786
4,776
10,681
4,686
2,536
9,454
6,501
5,133
3,738
7,704
4,584
2,466
554
13,397
2,055
3,912
8,378
■SI
•<= e
a; a.
•to
la
26,317
36.454
8,434
15,495
7,985
12.64o
3,546
9.988
16,653
6.576
8.057
24.046
50,285
52,804
18.053
10,683
46,055
20,542
9.811
16.968
24.3S0
29,110
12.328
8,314
50.108
8,054
11,670
58,667
Total 1120,261 44,247 52,161 86,454 24,0861 50,5054. 1,068,3444. 139,400 604,023
200
3,546
1,173
8
165
410
2,342
832
3,566
1,107
9.603
4,067
194
8,711
4,920
7,335
5,798
8,789
4,377
2,141
14,553
46
2.10S
4,416
Dairy Products.
1,3 ^
*CJ <&
ss
§ 8
a, a;
ft, 5
90,497
135,320
30,840
10.340
206.370
136.050
92,909
10.900
159,870
278,028
112.821
136,615
82,627
140,525
349,863
14S,730
95,850
339,082
148,570
196,289
87,970
191.901
16S,890
80,643
3,270
452,116
110,119
104,170
257,236
24.982
252,988
950
233.965
12.200
26.023
128,044
254,561
52,750
155,500
15.190
31,7
16,245
4,8S0
7,069
122,620
24,940
11,928
24.8451
3,570
58,307;
17,290,
500|
44,608 1
14,880;
87.320
45,119
Q.S
3.368
4.514
256
3.SS9
1,632
2.565
461
927
1,876
2,507
2,133
1,274
1,823 j
12,811
4,461 !
2,379
9,974
2,159
5.392
2.268
5.314
3,178
1.S46
699 1
4.443'
1.172!
2,975
3,567
4,268,809 1,672,999 89,863
« The town of Waddington was formed from this town in 1859.
SARATOGA COUNTY.
Tnis county1 was formed from Albany, Feb. 7, 1791. It lies in tbe
x. angle firmed by tbe junction of tbe Hudson and Mohawk
Rivers, centrally distant 31 miles from Albany, and contains 862
sq. mi. Its surface is billy or undulating in tbe s. and mountainous
in tbe x. Two ranges of mountains traverse tbe co. from x. e. to
I s. w. Tbe Palmertown or Luzerne Mts., tbe most eastern of tbese
I ranges, extend from "Warren co., tbrough the w. part of Moreau and
Milton and the e. part of Corinth, into Greenfield, where they termi-
nate in a series of low, irregular hills. Hudson River breaks through
this range on the x. border of the co. in a deep ravine 3 mi. in
extent. Tbe mountains rise abruptly from the water's edge to a
height of 800 feet. Their declivities are generally rocky and pre-
cipitous, and tbeir summits spread out into a broad, rocky upland covered with forests. The
Kayaderosseras Range extend through the x. part of the co. and occupy the greater part of Corinth,
Edinburgh, Day, and Hadley. The declivities of these mountains are generally precipitous, and
their summits spread out into broad, rocky uplands broken by ledges and craggy peaks. A group
of isolated hills, 450 feet high, with rounded summits and terraced declivities, extend through the
w. part of Stillwater and Saratoga. A broad intervale extends along the Hudson, bordered by a
ran ire of clay bluffs 40 to 200 feet in height. From the summits of these bluffs an extensive sand
plain extends westward to the foot of the mountains, covering the greater part of Moreau, Wilton,
Northumberland, Saratoga Springs, Malta, and Clifton Park. Tbe s. w. portion of the co. is rolling
or moderately hilly.
Hudson River flows nearly 70 mi. along the e. border of the co. It is interrupted by falls
and is crossed by several dams and bridges.2 The Mohawk forms a portion of the s. boundary.
The Sacondaga, forming the outlet of the principal lakes in the s. part of Hamilton co., flows in a
tortuous channel through Edinburgh, Day, and Hadley. It is navigable for boats and steamboats
of light draught from Fish House, on the border of Fulton co., to Conklingville Falls, in Hadley, a
di-tance of 20 mi. Below the falls it flows between high, rocky hills in a series of rapids to the
Hudson, Kayaderosseras River drains the central part of the co. and flows into Saratoga Lake.
The nutlet of the lake takes the name of Fish Creek. The other principal streams are Snook Kil,
An-: - Kil, and Glowegee Creek. Saratoga Lake is a beautiful sheet of water, GJ mi. long
and 2 broad, situated about 4 mi. s. e. of Saratoga Springs. Ballston, Round, and Owl Lakes are
small sheets of water in the s. part of the co. Among the mountains and forests in the x. are
nunv iei -mall lakes but little known.
The Kayaderosseras and Luzerne Mts. are both principally composed of primary rocks. A stratum
of crystalline limestone extends along the foot of the mountains; and this is succeeded by Pots-
da! >ne. In these formations iron ore has been obtained; but the beds have been imper-
fectly explored.1 The rooks in the s. half of the co. belong to the shales and slates of the Hudson
River group. A lar^'e part of the co. is covered with drift deposits, consisting of sand and clay.
The soil among the mountains is a light, sandy or Lrravel]y loam, and is best adapted to grazing; upon
the intervales along the riven it i- a deep, fertile, clayey loam and alluvium; and in the s.w. part
it is a heav loam. A strip "f Light -and occupies the greater part of the two eastern tiers
of towns. The people are ohiefly engaged in -rain and stock raising. Lumbering and tanning
are extensively carried on in the v. part of the co. Considerable attention is also paid to the
manufacture of cott"n and woolen goods and paper.4
The county seat is boated at the village of Ballston Spa, in the town of Milton.5 The courthouse, a
1 The origin of the word Saratoga if uncertain. TV t<rmina-
" <■ r " aga," is said t. . «ictiif y
the wt I has been thought to imply "hillside" by eon
" pi are of mIi spring*" by <>tl>< [■«.—-•' soragh" in some Indian
■ t- :r._- the nams for salt.
* See descriptions of Warren and Washington COS.
* Among the other mineral? are agat. .
beryl, garnet. tourmalin, plwpliatu of lime, paanlta, iron
Syrit-«. and tnta. A full f mineral* is given by I)r.
obn 11. Steele in his geological surrey of tbe co.
:•*
* Important manufactures have for many years been carried
on in Hilton, Moreno, Uechanicsville, Scbnylerrille, and Water-
ford. The manufacture of lumber is chiefly limited to Ulcns
Falls and Jem Dpi I. andlngj on the Hudson.
6 The first courthouse was located 2 mi. P. w. of Ballston Spa.
By act of March 26, 1784, the sum of £1500 was appropriated
to 1'iiild a oonrthonae and jail: and in each of the following two
years £000 wosaddi-d to the amount. John Bradstreet Schuyler,
Richard I>.ivi<<, jr., John Ball, .John McClelland, and Jas. Bmott,
were appointed commissioners to superintend the erection of the
SARATOGA COUNTY.
.085
plain brick building, contains the usual rooms and offices and the jail. The co. clerk's office is a
small building situated on Main Street. The co. poorhouso is situated on a farm of 112 acres 1J
mi. n. w. of Ballston Spa. The average number of inmates is about 100; and the institution yields
an annual revenue of S'JOO.1
The Champlain Canal extends along the Hudson from Waterford to the s. border of North-
umberland, at which point it crosses the river into Washington co.2 The Saratoga & Schenec-
tady R. R. extends from Saratoga Springs through Milton, Ballston, and Clifton Park to Schenec-
tady.3 The Saratoga & Whitehall R. R. extends from Saratoga Springs n. through Wilton and
Northumberland to Moreau, where it crosses the Hudson to Fort Edward. The Reus duer &
Saratoga R. R. crosses the Mohawk at Waterford, and passes through that town, Half Moon,
Clifton Park, Malta, and Ballston to Ballston Spa. The Albany, Vermont & Canada R. R., cross-
ing the Mohawk at Cohoes, intersects theR. & S. R. R. at Saratoga Junction, and crosses the Hudson
at Deepikill into Rensselaer co. The Lake Ontario & Hudson River R. R.4 has been laid out and
partly worked from Saratoga Springs through Greenfield, Corinth, and Hadley.
Eight weekly and 4 daily papers are published in the co.5
The greater part of this co. is embraced within the "Half Moon," "Clifton Park" or "Shan-
nondhoi," "Saratoga," "Appel," and " Kayaderosseras" or " Queensborough" Patents.6 The last
named patent includes the greater part of the co. The purchase of the tract was confirmed by the
MohawKs, July 26, 1083. The bounds were so loosely defined that disputes arose between the
buildings. By an act passed March 14, 1817, Jas. Merrill, Elisha
Powell, Isaac Gere, John Gibson, and Gilbert Warring were ap-
pointed commissioners to superintend the erection of now build-
ings in the place of the old ones, which had been burned.
1 The house is reported as old, ill constructed, and badly out
of repair, but generally well kept. — Report of Senate Com., 1857.
2 The towing path of the canal is constructed across the river
on the Fort Miller Bridge.
8 This was the second r. r. built in the U. S. It is leased and
used by the Rensselaer & Saratoga R. R.
* Formerly the Saratoga & Sackets Harbor R. R.
6 The Waterford Gazette, the first paper published in the CO.,
was established at Waterford about 1801, by Horace L.
Wadsworth, and was continued until after 1816.
The Waterford Reporter was published in 1822 by Wm. L. Fisk.
The Anti Masonic Recorder was published at Waterford in 1830
by J. C. Johnson.
The Waterford Atlas was started Dec. 1, 1832, by Wm. Holland
& Co. In 1834 it was changed to
The Waterford Atlas and Manufacturers, Mechanics, and Far-
mers' Journal. It was soon after discontinued.
The Democratic Champion was published at Waterford in 1840
by II. Wilber.
The Waterford Sentinel was started by Andrew
Hoffman, and is now published by J. II. Masten.
The Saratoga Advertiser was established at Ballston in 1804 by
Samuel B. Brown. It was changed 60on after to
The Aurora Borealis and Saratoga Advertiser, and published by
Brown & Miller. About 1810 it again passed into the
hands of Mr. Brown, and was changed to
The Advertiser, and continued some years.
The Independent American was started Sept. 27, 1808, by Wm.
Child. In May, ISIS, it appeared as
Tlie People's Watch Tower, published by Jas. Comstock ; and in
1820 as
The Saratoga Farmer, published by H. G. Spafford. In 1821 it
was changed to
The Balh-tnn Spa Gazette and Saratoga Farmer, and in 1822 to
The Ballston Spa Gazette, published by J. Comstock. April 20,
1*47, it appeared as
The Ballston Democratic Wliig Journal, edited by J. O. Nodyne.
In 1S4S it was changed to
The Ballston Journal ; and it is now published by Al-
bert A. Moore.
The Saratoga Courier was published at Ballston in 1818 by
Ulysses F. Doubleday.
The Saratoga Journal was published at Ballston by Josiah Bunce,
in .
Tlie Saratoga Recorder and Anti Masonic Democrat was pub-
lished in 1831 by D. Tehan.
Tlie New York Palladium, was published in 1S31 by Ansel
Warren.
The Schenectady and Saratoga Standard was published at Balls-
ton in 1832-33 by Israel Sackett.
The Ballston Democrat was started in 1843 by Newell Hine. In
1853 it was united with the Northern Mirror as
The Ballston Democrat and Mirror. It is now published as
The Ballston Atlas, by Seymour Chase.
The Northern Mirror was started by S. Chase, and in 1853 it
was united with the Ballston Democrat.
The Saratoga Gazette was published at Saratoga Springs in 1810.
Tlie Saratoga Patriot was started by Samuel R. Brown, and in
1812 it was removed to Albany.
The Saratoga Sentinel was commenced iu 1819 by G. M. David-
son, and in 1845 it was merged in The Republican.
The Saratoga Whig was started in 1839 by Huling & Watts.
Sold to G. W. Spooner in 1840, and afterward to E. G.
Huling. In 1851 it was changed to
The Saratoga County Press. A daily edition, started
in 1S44. was issued in 1855 as
The Saratoga Daily News, Huling & Morehouse, pub-
lishers.
The Daily Sentinel was started at Saratoga Springs in 1842 by
Wilbur & Palmer. From 1855 to 1857 it was issued as
The Daily Post, and then changed back to The Sentinel. Jan. 1,
1859, it was merged with The Republican.
Tlie Republican, da. and w., was started in 1844 by John A.
Corey, and in 1853 it passed into the hands of Thos. G.
Young. Jan. 1, 1859, it was united with The Sentinel,
under the title of
The Republican <fc Sentinel, da. and w., Thos. G.
Young, publisher.
The Old Settler was pub. at Saratoga in 1849 by A. II. Allen.
The Advent Revievj and Sabbath Herald, semi-mo., was published
iu 1850 by Jas. White.
The Temperance Helper was started in Jan. 1853, by the Sara-
toga Co. Temperance Alliance. In 1855 it was bought
by Potter & Judson, and in 1856 it was changed to
The Saratogian. A daily edition is published during
the summer season.
The Saratoga Sentinel was started in 1854 by Allen
Corey, and sold in May, 1855, to Clark & Thayer.
The Schuylerville Herald was published at Schuylerville in 1S44
by J. L. Cramer.
Old Saratoga was started in 1848 at Schuylerville by J. L. Cra-
mer, and continued until 1852.
Battle Ground Herald was published at Schuylerville from Aug.
1853, till July, 1857, by R. N. Atwell & Co.
The Saratoga County American, started in Dec.
1857, is now published at Schuylerville by J. R. Rock-
well.
The StillwaUr Gazette was commenced at Stillwater in 1S45 by
Isaac A. Pitman, and was published about 3 years.
The Cold Water Battery was published at Stillwater in 1845 by
Isaac A. Pitman.
Tlw Hudson River Chronicle was published at Mechanicsville
from Oct. 1856, to March, 1858, by Samuel Heron.
The Crescent Eagle was published in 1852 by C. Ackerman.
The Morning Star was published at Mechanicsville in 1S54-56,
by C. Smith & Co.
8 The "Half Moon" Patent, including Waterford and part of
Half Moon, was granted to Anthony Van Schaick. The '• Sarar
toga Patent," including the present towns of Easton, Saratoga,
and Stillwater, was granted, Nov. 4, 1684, to Cornelius Van
Dyck, Jan Jans Bleecker, Peter Phillips Schuyler, Johannes
Wendell. Dirk Wessels, David Schuyler, and Robt. Living-ton.
The " Clifton Park Patent," embracing the E. part of the present
town of Clifton Park and the w. part of Half Moon, was granted
Sept. 23, 1708. The "Appel Patent," in the w. part of the pre-
sent town of Clifton Park, was about i mi. wide on the Mohawk
and extended back nearly 4| mi. The " Kayaderosseras Patent"
was granted Nov. 2, 170S, to Manning Hermanse, Johannes Beek-
man, Rip Van Dam, Ann Bridges, May Beekley. Peter Faucon-
neer, Adrian Hogelandt, Johannes Fisher. John Tuder, Jovis
Hogelandt, John Stevens, John Totham, and Samson Broughton.
This patent contained 400,000 acres, and embraced nearly all of
Saratoga co. N. of the small patents already described, and por-
tions of Montgomery, Fulton, and Warm cos. The portion of
the co. n. of this patent was embraced in the '• Palmer" and
" Glen" purchases.
586 SARATOGA COUNTY.
proprietors and the owners of the Schenectady, Clifton Park, and Half Moon Patents, -which were
not settled until after the Revolution.
The first settlements in the co. were made hy the Dutch, within a few years after their first colo-
nization of the country about Albany. These settlements commenced near Waterford, on the
Mohawk, and gradually extended up the valley of the Hudson. Lying in the great thoroughfare
between the English settlements at Albany and the French posts on Lake Champlain, the continual
passing of military parties checked the progress of settlement and exposed the few hardy pioneers
to all the dangers and anxieties of border warfare. Immediately after the conquest of Canada, in
1760, settlements rapidly extended along the river valleys and to some distance into the interior.
During the Revolution, some of the most important events of the war transpired within the limits
of this co. Upon the approach of Burgoyne in 1777, Gen. Schuyler retreated from Fort Edward
and made a stand first at Saratoga, then at Stillwater, and finally at the mouths of the Mohawk.1
This last stand he considered the best position for checking the advance of the enemy, which he
was expecting both from the N. and w. The inhabitants of the co. above fled in consternation to
Albany, leaving their homes and fields of grain to be destroyed by the advancing foe. The islands
at the mouth of the Mohawk were fortified about the 1st of August, and Burgoyne took possession
of Fort Edward at nearly the same time. While the armies lay in this position, two events took
place which served greatly to embarrass Burgoyne and to render sure his final defeat. The first
of these was the defeat of Baurn at Bennington, and the second the retreat of St. Leger from the
ED ge of Fort Schuyler.8
The American army in the mean time, under Gen. Gates, who had superseded Gen. Schuyler,
advanced toward the enemy, and about the 1st of September took possession of and fortified the
high bluffs known as Bemis Heights, upon the river, in the n. part of Stillwater.3 Greatly perplexed
and embarrassed, Burgoyne finally concluded to continue his march toward Albany. On the 14th
of September he crossed the Hudson, above the mouth of the Batten Kil, into the n. part of Sara-
toga, and continued his march southward. On the 19th the first battle of Stillwater was fought, in
front of the American intrenchments at Bemis Heights. The American loss was 315 and the
British 500, the former returning to their camp and the latter retaining possession of the battle
field. On the 7th of October another severe battle was fought, in which the British lost 700 and
the Americans 150. During the succeeding night the British abandoned their camp and retreated
northward, and finally took position upon the heights of Saratoga, just w. of the present village of
Schnylerville. Here Burgoyne found himself completely hemmed in. A victorious and hourly
increasing army was in front; a strong detachment was posted on the E. bank of the river to pre-
vent his crossing that stream; Fort Edward, in his rear, had been taken by the Americans; his
bravest officers had fallen in battle ; Lord Howe had failed to afford the promised support from
New York ;* and his army was reduced to the last extremity for want of provisions. Under these
circuin-tances, the British commander reluctantly yiolded to an imperative necessity, and on the
lGth of October signed articles of capitulation. On the 17th the whole British army laid down their
anil* and were marched eastward to Mass.5 The close of this campaign left the co. stripped of
n'Mrlv every evidence of civilized occupation. The fear of continued Indian hostilities prevented
the immediate re-occupation of the abandoned lands; but after the close of the war settlements
rapi'llv spread. Since this period few incidents of general interest have occurred, and the history
is but tli'' record of the everyday events connected with the conversion of a wilderness into fruitful
fields and nappy h"mes.
BAIM-STOV — was formed from Saratoga :is a <li<trict, April 1, 1775, and was organized as a
town, March 7, 17--. Charlton, Gfalway, ami Milton were taken off in 1792, and the line of Charl-
1 •[ was occasioned by the limited number of Srhuy-
]pr> force* nnl tli" fart Hint tho militia m -v. rv day fl.. eking
to hi* standard. Bui •" *»< arrested by telling
g d.wn l.ri'lc- •«. «nd by every
otter [•"«iililo moans of annoyance. Kv rv h< nr thus gained
added to tli" strength of th« Americans and weakened Hi"
British threes; ao that, when all the finally over.
the American army wax in a condition to ru-t tho ISriti-h
in ojKn battle.
» Ben. St. I/.'or. at tho hoad of a body of aortal and Qaiuv
dinn«. vtn to ro-operate with Burgoyne by ■Mrobing through
11. -y and joining tho main army at Alharr. LI
Oswego ho was joinedby abody of Indian* und«r Itrant, making
hi« ' • iin thaSd "f Aug. be Inn rti I Port Stan-
wix. (wh. i . . Dow stand". > and continued the
the direction of Kosciusko, then holding tho office of engineer in
lb" army. Thoy were bo constructed as to completely command
the passage down tho river. The position afterward chosen by
the British was about 1 mi. distant, and separated from the
American works by a deep ravine.
4 Instead of cooperating with Burgoyne and sending tho pro-
miaed Bid "P the Hudson, Lord Howe had marched to Phila-
delphia, leaving the llrilish forces in IS'. Y. under the command
of Mr Henry Clinton. Tho latter officer mado a diversion in
Burgoyno's favor, but too late to be of any service.
6 The place whoro tho British laid down their arms was a
man on the river. N. of the month of Fish Creek. It was in
front Of Poll Hardy, an old fortification erected by Bieskau in
The number of the army at the time of the surrender
was 5,792, of whom 'J. 41'.! wen. Hermans. The Americans also
I ;.,i;l t),. jj.|. w),.,n. learning that an American re-enforce- r.Tptnred 42 brass cannon, 4.C47 muskets, 6,000 dozen of car-
mmt x hing. he hastily retreated. bridges, and a largo amount of carriages and camp equipages.
» The fortifications of the American camp were erected under , • Named from Ilcv. Kliphakt Ball, one of the first settlers.
SARATOGA COUNTY. 587
ton was changed March 5, 179.r>. It lies upon the border of the co., s. w. of the center. The surface
is gently rolling. Mourning KH and the Outlet Creek are the principal streams. Ballston Lake,
in I lie s. E. part, is a long, narrow, and deep body of water, the outlet of which is the principal inlet
of Round Lake. The soil s.e. of the lake is generally a light sand, and n. w. it is a clayey
and gravelly loam. Hullstoil (p. v.) is situated on the line of Milton. A small portion only
of the village is within the limits of this town. Rlirtit lOiBIs,1 (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains
42 dwellings. Rullstoi) Center (p. o.) and Academy Hill, near the center, are hamlets.
East IjIiic, (]>.<>.,) on the border of Malta, contains 15 houses. It is a station on the R. & S.
R. R. South ItallsloiD is a p. o. The first settlement was made in 17G3, by two brothers
named Michael and Nicholas McDonald,9 who located near the w. bank of Ballston Lake. In
1770, Rev. Eliphalet Ball, with his three sons John, Stephen, and Flamen, and several members
of his congregation, removed from Bedford, N. Y., and settled in the vicinity of Academy Hill.'
Soon after their arrival a large number of settlers came in from New England, N. J., Scotland,
and the north of Ireland.4 The settlements in this town were twice invaded during the Revolu-
tion, and several of the inhabitants were carried away prisoners to Canada.5 The first church
(Presb.) was organized Oct. G, 1792.6 There are 6 churches in town.
CMARI/TOIV — was formed from Ballston, March 17, 1792. It is the s.w. corner town of the
co. Its surface is undulating, with a gentle inclination toward the s. Its streams are the Aal-
plaats7 and a branch of the Mourning Kil. The soil is an excellent quality of sandy, gravelly, and
clayey loam. Ledges of limestone in the w. part, affording an excellent quality of building stone,
are extensively quarried. Charlton, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains 3 churches and 38 houses;
West Charlton (p. v.) contains about 20 houses. The commissioners appointed to divide the
Kayaderosseras Patent appropriated 5,000 acres in the s. part of this town to defray the expenses
of the division. The first settlement was commenced in 1774, by Thos. Sweetman, who located in
the e. part of the town.8 The first church (Presb.) was incorp. Dec. 11, 1792; Rev. Win. Schenck
was the first pastor.9
CLIFTON PARR— was formed from Half Moon, March 3, 1828, as " Clifton:' Its name
was changed March 31, 1829. The surface is level or undulating, except in the n.e., where it is
broken by sand hills and ravines. A line of rugged clay bluffs borders upon the Mohawk Valley.
Stony Creek, Swarte and Dwaas Kils are the principal streams. A belt of heavy clay and gravelly
loam extends along the river above the bluffs. The soil is alluvial upon the Mohawk flats and a
sandy loam in the central and N. parts. Clifton Park, (p.v.,) on the border of Half Moon,
contains 2 churches and 22 houses; Amity, (Visschers Ferry p. o.,) a canal village in the s. part,
contains 1 church and 45 houses; Jonesville, (p.v.,) in the n. part, 1 church, the Jonesville
Academy,10 and 30 houses; and Rexfords Flats,11 (p.v.,) a canal village in the s.w. corner
of the town, 25 houses. Grooms Corners, (p. o.,) in the s. w., Dry Dock, (p. o.,) in the
. e., and Forts Ferry, on the Mohawk, are hamlets. Part of this town was included in the
'Clifton Park" or "Shannondhoi" Patent, granted Sept. 23, 1708.12 Settlements were made in the
l Named from a tract which had been burned over by the In-
dians for a deer pasture before white settlements began.
- The McDonalds were natives of Ireland. They had been en-
ticed on board a vessel in the Shannon, brought to Philadelphia,
and sold for a term of years to pay for their passage.
8 Mr. Ball was induced to settle by a donation of 500 acres of
land from the proprietors of the "Fivo Mile Square." He was
the pastor of the first religious society formed in town. His
father and Gen. Washington's mother (Mary Ball) were first
cousins. His son, John, was a lieutenant in the army during
the Revolution.
* Among these early settlers were Judge Beriah Palmer, (after-
ward M. C) Judge Epenetus White, Edward A. Watrous, Capt.
Stephen White, Paul Pierson, Capt. Tyrannus Collins, Hez.
Middlebrook, Elisha Benedict, John Iligby, Edmund Jennings,
Saml. Nash, and Joseph Bettys and his son " Joe," (who was
afterward hung as a tory spy.) all from New England ; Capt.
Kenneth Gordon, and McCrea, from N. J. ; families named
Shearer, McDermids, and Frazers, from Scotland : and Gen. Jas.
Gordon, George Scott, Francis Hunter, and 3 brothers Kennedy,
from the north of Ireland. The Scotch families settled in
" Scotch Bush" and "Paisley Street." Gen. Gordon was a colonel
in the army during the Revolution, and afterward a prominent
citizen in the town and co. The first death recorded by tomb-
stone in town was that of Gen. Gordon's mother, who died in 1775.
6 On the 16th of Oct. 17S0, a party of 400 regulars and Indians
from Canada, under Maj.Munro, a tory from Schenectady, made
their appearance in the Ballston settlement. They designed to
attack Schenectady; but, after remaining encamped several
days, they returned without effecting this object. They pil-
laged and burned several houses at Ballston, killed one man,
and took 24 prisoners. After crossing the Kayaderosseras, Maj.
Munro addressed his men, stating his expectation that they
would be pursued, and directing that in case of an attack every
prisoner should at once be killed. For this brutal order he was
cashiered on his arrival at Montreal. Three aged or infirm
prisoners were allowed to return, and the rest reached Bulwaggy
Bay on the eighth day, whence they passed into Canada. The
notorious Joe Bettys, with about 30 refugees, in May, 17S1,
captured 5 prisoners; and at the same time Judge White and
4 others were taken on the E. side of Long Lake, by another
gang, and marched off to Canada, excepting one, who escaped.
Col. Gordon and several others afterward escaped from the Isle
of Orleans, and with great hardship made their way through
the wilderness to the St. Johns, and thence to the settlements in
Maine. They there learned of the peace, and returned home by
way of Halifax and Boston.
• 2 Christian, Bap., Presb., Prot. E., and R. C.
T Pronounced All-Ploss, and signifies " eel-place."
8 Among the other early settlers were David Maxwell. Joseph
La Rue, John McKnight, John Taylor, and Jesse Conde, who
came in 1775. Davis & Bostwick kept the first store; Har-
mons the first inn, John Rogers built the first sawmill, and
John Holmes the first gristmill.
9 The census reports 4 churches ; 2 Presb., Prot. E.. and M. E.
10 Established in 1841, by Roscius R. Kennedy. It is undei
the patronage of the Troy (M. E.) Conference.
11 At this place the canal crosses the river on a fine stone
aqueduct.
12 The patentees were John and Johannes Fort. Gerret and
Maas Ryckse, John and Ryerse Quackenboss, and Derick Bratt,
most of whom were early settlers.
588 SARATOGA COUNTY.
Mohawk Valley, previous to 1700. The names of the first settlers and the precise date of their
settlement are unknown. The first church (Bap.) was organized Sept. 3, 1794; Rev. Abijah Peck
was the founder and first pastor.1
CORI\TII — was formed from Hadley, April 20, 1818. A part of Moreau was annexed Jan.
28, 1848. It lies upon the Hudson, in the n.e. part of the co. The Kayaderosseras Mt. Range
occupies the central and n. parts, and the Palmertown Mts. the s.e. corner. The declivities of
these mountains are steep, rough, and broken, and their summits are rocky and mostly covered with
forests. A valley 4 mi. wide separates the two ranges. The principal streams are the Hudson,
forming the n. e. border, and Cole Brook, flowing along the s. foot of the mountains. The Great
Falls, in the Hudson, are on the border of this town.2 Among the mountains in the N. part are
several fine lakes, the principal of which are Efnor, Hunt, Jenny, and Black Lakes. The soil is a
sjjidy and clayey loam. Lumbering is extensively carried on, the Hudson River and small streams
from the hills furnishing an abundance of water-power. Jessups Landing', (Corinth p.o.,)
on the Hudson, contains 3 churches and 88 dwellings; and South Corinth (p. v.) 1 church
and 30 dwellings. The first settlement was made near S. Corinth, in 1790, by Fred. Parkman,
Wa-hington Chapman, Jeremiah Eddy, Jephtha Clark, and Jonathan Dewel.s The first church
(Bap.) was organized June 1, 1822.*
DAY — was formed from Edinburgh and Hadley, as " Concord," April 17, 1819. Its name was
changed Dec. 3. 1827. It is the x.w. corner town of the co. Its surface is principally occupied by
several spurs of the Kayaderosseras Mts. Oak and Bald Mts., the principal peaks, near the center
of the town, are 900 feet above the river. The whole mountain region is wild, rugged, and rocky,
and scarcely susceptible of cultivation. The Sacondaga River flows in a narrow valley through the
s. part. Its course is tortuous, and it is navigable through the town. Paul, Glass House, and
Aliens Creeks are the other principal streams. Livingston, Sand, and Mud Lakes are small bodies
of water in the N. part. The soil is a moderately fertile, sandy and clayey loam. Lumbering is
extensively carried on. Huntsville (West Day p.o.) is a hamlet in the s.w. part. Day is a
p. o. The first permanent settlers were Phineas Austin, James Thomas, and Dyer Perry, and
families named Clay and Bond. The first religious meetings were held in the barn of Peter Van
Vleck, in 1801-02. The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1809. The census reports 2 churches;
Christian and Ref. Prot. D.
EDINBURGH— was formed from Providence, March 13, 1801, as " NortlifieM," and its
name was changed April 6, 1808. A part of Day was taken off in 1819. It lies upon the w. border
of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is principally occupied by two high mountain ridges separated
by the valley of the Sacondaga River. The mountain regions are rocky and broken, with a thin, sandy
or gravelly soil, and are covered with forests. Beechers Creek is a small mill stream w. of the
river. The soil on the river flats is a good quality of clayey and gravelly loam. Lumbering is the
chief occupation of the people. Batchelerville, (p. v.,) on the e. bank of the Sacondaga,
contains 30 houses; and Beecners Hollow, (Edinburgh p.o.,) on the w. side of the river, 12.
The fir-t settlers came in about 1790 and located in the valley below "Fish House."5 The first
church (Bap.) was organized in 1798, by Rev. Mr. Munroe, from Galway.6 Traces of an ancient
Indian burial place arc visible on the s. bank of the Sacondaga, near the border of Day.7
GILWAY" — vras f,,rmod from Ballston, March 7, 1792. Providence was taken off in 1796.
It lies on the w. border of the co., s. of the center. Its x. half is occupied by a group of rounded
hills forming the southern continuation of the Kayaderosseras Mts. The surface of the s. half is
gently undulating. The principal streams are head branches of Feegowesee and Calderwood Creeks
and the Mourning Kil. The soil is generally a heavy clay, intermixed in places with sand and
gravel. Gal way, (p.v.,) near the center "f the town, was incorp. April 18, 1838. It contains
3 churches, a female seminary,9 and about 45 houses; West Galway, (p.v.,) on the border of
Fulton co., contains 1 church and 20 houses. York* Corners, (E. Galway p.o.,) in the n.e.
1 The c< ruua reports 6 churches : 4 M. K., Bap., Rl f. I'r.it. D.
* ?ee description "f Warn n <■•.. pagl
* Amine tlif early •"■ttlrrs « I Bonrdman and Ste-
phen and Wm. Bray ton, at l-anding;; Eli.il Undaaj, at
' Fall«; and Ambrose Clothier, in the f. r.. part of the town,
In 179*. Stephen Ashley kept the firm Inn. I
Daniel Boardman kept the first Btoro and built Um firM grfct-
Obadlal) Perry, and Band. Ropers. Daniel Abbott, from Conn.,
tanght the first school, in 1704; Chatfield kept the tir.-t
■tore, in 1790; Isaac Doming built the, first gristmill, in 179ft;
and Palmer Monroe, the first woolen factory, in 1808.
8 The census reports 3 churches; 2 M. K., Preab.
7 Tradition says that a band of Canadian Indians in canoes,
on an expedition against the Mohawks, at this placet fill into an
■ "'f ■ ™ " I ■ ■" ■ I — I W-—- ! * , Q .......... ...,, ... ...... ,..««,V ..... ...... <.u
mill. al>out 1798. ambiiseado and were all slain. Bullets aro frequently cut out
* There are 3 churches In town: Bap.. Presb.. M. K. of the tlBUS in Qua vicinity.
* Tn ITdl th" f.lluwine pei-s-.n" wer.' living in the v.i" | frr,ln the native place of the first Beetch settlers.
Moses Crane, Jacobis Filkins, Daniel Washburn, John BOBBI r, | • The Galway Academy. }"Y/\i3^
SARATOGA COUNTY.
589
part, Itlosherville, (p.o.,) near the n. border, Whiteside Corners, (p.o.,) in the n.w.,
South Gal way (p.o.) and North dial way (p.o.) are hamlets. The first settlers, from
Gal way, Scotland, located in town in 1774.1 Rev. Simeon Smith, from Canterhook, came in town
in 1778, and located near Yorks Corners.2 He formed the first religious society (Bap.) during the
following year.3
GREENFIELD— was formed from Saratoga and Milton, March 12, 1793. A part of Iladley
was taken off in 1801. It occupies a position a little n. w. of the center of the co. The Palmerstown
Mountain Range extends along the e. border, and the Kayadcrosseras Range occupies the w. part
of the town. A valley 6 mi. wide separates these ranges. The principal streams are the Kaya-
dcrosseras and its branches. The soil is generally a gravelly loam intermixed with clay. Sections
of the surface- are very stony. Iron ore has been found in the e. part. Greenfield Center
(p.v.) contains 2 churches. Pop. 85. Jamesville, (Middle Grove p.o.,) on the s. border, con-
tains 1 church, 2 paper mills, and 31 houses; Mount Pleasant, (p.v.,) in the N.w. corner,
a glass factory and 140 inhabitants ; and Porters Corners, (p. v.,) near the center of the town,
2 churches and 20 houses. West Greenfield, (p.o.,) North Greenfield, (p.o.,) and
Pages Corners are hamlets. The first settlers were two men named Haggerty and Root, who
located near Haggerty Hill in 1784.4 The census reports 9 churches in town.5
II \ DLE Y — was formed from Greenfield and Northumberland, Feb. 27, 1801. Its boundaries
were amended Feb. 28, 1808. Corinth was taken off in 1818, and a part of Day in 1819. It lies
upon the Hudson, in the N. e. corner of the co. A large share of its surface is occupied by the
peaks and ridges of the Kayaderosseras Mts. Mt. Anthony is an isolated peak in the s. e. part.8
Sacondaga River flows through the s. part. Its valley is narrow; and below Conklingville its
current is rapid and frequently interrupted by falls. The soil generally is a coarse, yellowish, un-
productive sand and gravel. Lumbering and tanning are extensively carried on. Conkling-
ville, (West Iladley p.o.,) on the Sacondaga, in the w. part of the town, contains 1 church, a
large tannery,7 and 39 houses. Iladley (p.o.) is a hamlet at the junction of Sacondaga and
Hudson Rivers. Richard Hilton commenced the first settlement, just after the close of the Revolu
tion, on the Hudson.8 The census reports 2 churches in town ; a F. W. Bap. and a "Wes. Meth.
HAEF MOON9 — was formed as a district, March 24, 1772, and as a town, March 7, 1788.
Its name was changed to " Orange" April 17, 1816, and the original name was restored Jan. 16,
1820. Waterford was taken ofl* in 1816, and Clifton Park in 1828. Its surface is undulating and
broken by the narrow ravines of small streams. Hudson River forms the e. boundary, and the
Mohawk a portion of the s. The river intervales are about i mi. wide, and are bordered by a line
of steep, clay bluffs 60 to 100 feet high. The other streams are Anthonys, Dwaas, and Steena Kils.
The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam upland, and a fine quality of alluvium in the intervales.
Crescent10 (p.v.) is a canal village near the center of the s. border of the town. Pop. 593.
Itl i ddlet o wn, (Half Moon p. o.,) 1 \ mi. e. of Crescent, has a pop. of 230 ; Mechanicsville,
(p. v.,) at the mouth of Anthonys Kil, lies mostly in Stillwater. Pop. in Half Moon, 495. Clif-
ton Park (p. v.) is on the w. line. Newtown, Smithtown, and Grays Corners
are hamlets. The first settlements are supposed to have been made between 1680 and "90, by
Germans, on the Mohawk Flats.11 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was organized in 1800.12
1 Among the early settlers were John and James Major. John
McClelland, Wm., Robt., and Alex. Kelsey, and John McHarg,
■who all came over in the same ship, in 1774. The first death was
that of James Major, killed by tho fall of a tree, Sept. 11, 1776;
John McClelland or Prendergast kept the first store, in
1780; Daniel Campbell built the first gristmill.
2 Mr. Smith was accompanied by his parents and 3 brothers-
in-law, Simeon Babcock, Reuben Mattison, and Joseph Bawn. J
8 The census reports 6 churches in town ; 2 Bap., Christian,
Friends, M. E., and Presb.
* Among the other early settlers were Brewster, Wm.
Scott, a soldier of the Revolution, who came in 1785 ; Isaac Den-
mon, John Benedict, Nathl. Seymour, and Benj. Ingham, in
1787; Jas. Vail and Chas. Mirick, in 1789; Isaac and Darius
Stephens, Reynolds and his sons, in 1790 ; Eseck Turletot,
in 1793; and Miner, soon after. Joel Reynolds kept the
first inn, in 17S9 ; Gershom Morehouse built the first saw and
grist mill, at Middle Grove, the same year. Benj. Clinch kept
the first store at Porters Corners, in 1787.
6 3 Bap., 2 M. E., 2 Friends, Cong., and Univ.
• Iron ore was formerly obtained on the w. side of this moun-
tain, to supply the furnace at Luzerne.
7 This tannery consumes 5,000 cords of bark and manufactures
50,000 sides of leather per annum.
8 Alex. Stewart settled on the Hudson in 178S ; Elijah Ellis.
on the 8. side of the Sacondaga, Ricard, on the s ., and Henry
Walker, at Hadley, in 1790. Wilson taught the first school,
in 1791-92. Delane & Hazard built the first sawmill, in 1791 ;
and Alex. Stewart, the first gristmill, in 1803. Jonathan Flan-
ders kept tho first inn, and Jeremy Rockwell the first store, in
1807. Col. Gordon Conkling built the tannery at Conklingville
and placed the first steam tug on the river.
9 Named from the crescent shape of the land between the
Hudson and the Mohawk.
10 The canal crosses the Mohawk at this place on a stone aque-
duct 1,150 feet long and supported by 26 stone piers.
11 In 16S9 it was resolved by the authorities of Albany to re-
move the fort about the house and barn of Harme Lievese, at
Half Moon, to a more convenient place, — from which it is in-
ferred that a considerable settlement existed at that time. In
1714 the precinct of Half Moon contained 101 inhabitants.
Among the early settlers were Oldert Onderkirk. on the flats,
Fort, on the Judge Leland farm, and Taylor, at Me-
chanicsville, before 1763. The ancient stone house on the Dans-
bach place, in the s. w. corner of the town, was built in 171S, by
Killian Van Den Bergh. There was a sawmill on Steena Kil,
near Crescent, in 1762. Wm. Bradshaw built a gristmill on
Dwaas Kil at the close of the Revolution. A bridge was erected
across the Mohawk in 1794, at a cost of $12,000.
12 The census reports 7 churches in town ; 3 M. E., Bap., Wes.
Meth., Presb., and Friends.
590 SARATOGA COUNTY.
BfAJLTA — was formed from Stillwater, March 3, 1802, and a part of Saratoga was annexed
March 28, 1805. It lies upon the w. bank of Saratoga Lake, s. e. of the center of the co. Its
surface is chiefly an undulating upland, 60 to 80 feet above Saratoga Lake, and broken by the deep
gulleys of small streams. The streams are Kayaderosseras Creek, forming the n. boundary, Balls-
ton Outlet Creek, an inlet, and Anthonys Kil, the outlet of Round Lake, and Drummonds Brook,
flowing into Saratoga Lake. Round Lake, in the s. e., is nearly circular, and 1 mi. in diameter.
A swampy region covering an area of several hundred acres lies in the n. e. part of the town, at
the mouth of the Kayaderosseras. The soil is principally a light, sandy loam, with clay and muck
in the lowlands. Dunning Street, (Malta p.o.,) near the centor of the town, contains 1 church
and 17 houses. Maltaville, (p.o.,) in the s. part, Malta Ridge, in the n, and Halls
Corners, are hamlets. The first settlers were two men named Drummond and McKelpin, who
came before the Revolution and located w. of the lake.1 The census reports 5 churches in town.2
MIL/TOX — was formed from Ballston, March 7, 1792, and a part of Greenfield was taken off
in 1703. It lies a little s. of the center of the co. Its surface is moderately hilly in the n., and
undulating in the s., with a slight inclination toward Kayaderosseras Creek, which flows s.e.
through the center of the town. This stream has a rapid fall and furnishes a valuable water-
power. Glowegee Creek, from the w., is its principal tributary. In the n. part are limestone
ridges, extensively quarried for building stone and lime. The Saratoga mineral spring region
extends through the s.e. part. The soil is generally a sandy loam. Ballston Spa, (Ballston
p.o.,) the co. seat, was incorp. March 21, 1807. It is situated on Kayaderosseras Creek, in the
s.e. corner of the town. It contains the co. buildings, 2 seminaries,3 5 churches, 2 printing offices,
and several manufacturing establishments.4 Pop. 2,285, of which 1,941 are in this town. This
village has long been celebrated for its mineral springs.6 Rock. City Mills (p. v.) contains 3
paper mills and 34 houses ; "West Milton (p. v.) a church, a paper mill, a shingle mill, a hoe fac-
tory, and 40 houses ; Bloodvf He a scythe, edge tool, and knitting factories, and 40 houses ; and
Factory Tillage 2 paper mills and 22 houses. Milton Center and Cranes Village
are hamlets. The first settlement in town was made by David Wood and his sons Stephen, Benj.,
Elijah, Xathan, and Enoch, who purchased 600 acres and moved into town before the Revolu-
tion.6 The first church (Bap.) was organized Jan. 22, 1793.7
MORE.ir* — was taken from Northumberland, March 28, 1805. A part was annexed to
Corinth in 1848. It lies in the great bend of the Hudson, in the n. e. corner of the co. The w.
part of the town is occupied by the rocky and precipitous peaks of the Palmertown Mt. Range.
The central and e. portions are undulating and broken by the narrow ravines of small streams.
The Hudson River forms the n., the e., and a part of the w. boundary of the town. Upon its
course are numerous rapids and waterfalls.9 The Snook Kil and its tributaries drain the s. part
nf the- town. The soil is generally a light, yellow, sandy loam, but in the s. and w. are tracts of clay
and gravel. South Glens Falls, (p. v.,) on the Hudson, opposite Glens Falls, contains several
manufacturing establishments;10 pop. 513. Fortsville, (p. v..) in the central part, contains 25
< larks Corners, Reynolds Corners, and State Dam arehamlets. Moreau
Station i-^ :i p.o., situated on theR. &W. R. R. Settlements are said to have been made before the
l: rotation; but their history is only a vague tradition.11 The first church (Bap.) was built in 1795.1'
i TbflH nvti w. - I of toryism and were driven from | water is similar to that Of the Saratoga Springs, only less strong.
the co. Michael limning, with R sons ami 3 daughters, from Gas is copiously discharged with these waters.
< !i.. came into town in 1777-7 v John Rhoadw and Timothy | • Benajah Douglas, grandfather of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas,
Shipman were tht Brat i Malta EUdge; Bobt and built a log house neat the spring, for the accommodation of
John Hunter and J.liial Parks located at Maltavillo about the fUtOIS, In 17'.'.'. Silas Adams and Elijah Walhridgo located
in tho ir. part of the town in 1784-86. In 1702 Nicholas Low
DUO! a tavern close by the spring; and in 1804 he erected the
"Bam Souci Hotel."
I The census reports 8 churches in town ; 2 Bap., 2 M. E., 2
Presb., I'rot. a, and K. C.
• Named from Marshal Moreau, who visited the U.S. in 1804-05.
[.rn_'f fiOO.
,0 In this villago are 2 sash and blind factories, a tub and
spoke factory, planing mill, broom handle factory, an extensive
sawmill, and marble factory. Cheney & Arne's sawmills employ
7ft men, run lftO to 190 saws, and manufacture more than
10,000,000 f.et of lumber per annum. Tho marble manufactured
h a black variety obtained from the Trenton limestone in tho
immediate vicinity.
II A man named Marvin was the first settler at Fortsville,
about 179.">; Edward and Elijah Durham and Holly St. John
•Tan th<- first settlers at Clarks Corners; Hamilton built
the first gristmill, about 1800. Abel Crandall kept the first inn,
in 1798.
ls The census reports 6 churches; Bap., Cong., M. E., Union,
and Friends.
commencement of the Revolution.
i'j M. k... Oong 'h., and Praab.
*Th" BaDaton Bpa Institute, for !..%«. wa« established in 1841.
The Ballston Sim Academy was opened In :
* In the villain are a cotton, oilcloth, ■ 'J seamless
bag, and 2 knitting factories, a tannery, and 2 gristmills. A
mf-". co. was inCOrp, here March 1". 1810.
'These springs were fir-t dlaUJiarod in the survey of the
Kayaderosseras Patent in 1769. Th-y are rttOStad on the mar-
gin of a small sti^am that flows into Kayaderosseras Creek.
The Old Spring, formerlv mnch used, was greatly impair"! bv
the opening of i/i fhaeffl 8prH*Q\ within 80 bet, In 1825.
ington Spring was obtained in 1827, bv 1-oring 237 fi
the slat". The OHMS*, or I'ntUit StOtet Sprinn. \- • onsid-rably
impregnated with «alt. Besides these are the fultnn and Frnnk-
lin Sprinrjt and the Lsrw He//. In 1-17.4 springs were dis-
■ ■A within 2ft feet of each other in the bed of the stream.
Their properties were unlike, and after a little time they be-
came fresh. These springs are generally clear, cool, and spark-
line. Their averaee temperature is about 60°. The mineral
properties are different in different springs; but generally the
SARATOGA COUNTY.
591
NORTHUMBERLAND— was formed from Saratoga, March 10, 1798. A part of Had ley
Was taken off in 1801, Moreau in 1805, and "Wilton in 1818. It Ges upon the Hudson, n. of tho
center of the co. Its surface is level or undulating and broken by deep ravines. A line of clay
and slate bluffs, 30 to 100 feet high, extends along the river. Snook Kil and its tributary, Beaver
Dam Creek, are the principal streams. The soil is generally a light, sandy loam. This town
Bharos with Fort Edward tho Fort Miller Falls.1 Gansevoort,2 (p. v.,) on Snook Kil, in the
n. part of tho town, contains 2 churches and a pop. of 102. It is a station on the S. & W. R. R.
Bacon Hill3 (p.o.) and Northumberland, (p.o.,) in tho s.e. part of the town, are
hamlets. Fort Miller was built in this town in 1755, under the direction of Col. Miller. It was
located upon tho flat, above tho rapids, and was enclosed on three sides by the river. A blockhouse
was built on the heights that commanded the position on the w. The first settlers probably came
in before tho Revolution. Among them was a man named Munroe,* who built the first sawmill,
at Gansevoort.5 There are 4 churches in town.6
PROVIDENCE — was formed from Galway, Feb. 5, 179G, and Edinburgh was taken off in
1801. It lies near the center of the w. border of the co. Its surface is mountainous in the n. e.
and broken and hilly in the s. w. The high regions along the N. and e. borders are mostly covered
with forests. Ilagadorns, Hans, Cadmans, and Frcnchmans Creeks, small mill streams rising in the
mountains and flowing s. w. into Fulton co., are the principal watercourses. The soil is chiefly a
coarse, yellow sand or gravel of poor quality. Large tracts are stony and rocky. "Wooden ware,
leather, and lumber are extensively manufactured. Barkersville (p.o.) and Ilagadorns
Hollow are hamlets. Providence and W. Providence are p. offices. The first settle-
ment was made previous to the Revolution, but the settlers were driven off during the war.
Among the first settlers after the war were Nathaniel "Wells and Seth Kellogg.7 There are 3
churches in town ; Bap., Christian, and M. E.
SARATOGA8— was formed as a district, March 24, 1772, and as a town, March 7, 1788.
Easton ("Washington co.) was taken off in 1789, a part of Greenfield in 1793, Northumberland in
1798, a part of Malta in 1802, and Saratoga Springs in 1819. It lies upon the Hudson, near the
center of the e. border of the co. A range of high, rounded, and sometimes terraced hills extends
N. and s. through the central and w. parts. These hills rise 450 feet above the Hudson and slope
in every direction. Narrow alluvial flats bordered by high clay bluffs extend along the Hudson.
Saratoga Lake forms a portion of the w. boundary. Fish Creek, the outlet of the lake, flowing
through the N. part of the town, is the principal stream ; and upon it are several fine mill sites.
The other streams are small brooks. The soil n. of Fish Creek is light and sandy, and in the
remaining parts of the town it is a gravelly and clayey loam. Three mineral springs, known as
" Quaker Springs," issue from the Hudson River slate, in a ravine a little s. e. of the center of the
town.9 Schuylerville,10 (p. v.,) incorp. April 10, 1831, is situated on the river, at the mouth
of Fish Creek. It contains 4 churches, the Schuylerville Academy, a newspaper office, a bank,
cotton factory, and foundery; pop. 1,184. Yictory Mills, (p. v.,) situated on Fish Creek, con-
tains 1 church, a machine shop, and an extensive cotton factory;11 pop. 729. QuaKer
Springs, (p. v.,) near the center of the town, contains 1 church and 22 houses. Granger-
ville, (p.o.,) on Fish Creek, is a hamlet. Deans Corners (p. o.) and Coveville are
hamlets. Settlement was begun in the early part of the last century, upon the Hudson.12 The first
church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed before the Revolution.13 The census reports 7 churches in town.14
SARATOGA SPRINGS— was formed from Saratoga, April 9, 1819. It occupies a nearly
central position in the co. Its surface is rolling or moderately hilly. Kayaderosseras Creek
1 See p. 682.
2 Named from Col. Pet or Gansevoort, who located hero soon
after the war.
3 Named from Ebenezer Bacon, who came from Conn, in 1794,
and opened the first framed tavern the same year. The place
has been called " FiddUlown" and " Tbj>es Corners" at different
times.
* Munroe was a tory, and fled to Canada, and his property
•was confiscated.
6 Gansevoort discovered the irons of Munroe's mill and erected
a new sawmill. He soon after built a gristmill. Fort Miller
bridge was first erected by a company incorp. March 16, 1S03.
Tho present bridge was erected in 1845. It has a single road
track and a canal towing path. • 2 Ref. Prot. D., 2 M. E.
1 Corey built the first sawmill, in 1786, and tho first
gristmill, soon afterward. The first inn was kept by Shank-
land.
8 Written " Saraghtoga" until about 1793. Upon the old map
of the Kayaderosseras Patent this name is spelled " Seraghtogha."
The name was first applied to a settlement on the Hudson, in
the vicinity of the present village of Schuylerville. It is said to
signify " swift water," and was applied to the rapids in the river,
in contradistinction to still water, just below.
9 The water of these springs contains lime, magnesia, and
iron, held in solution by carbonic acid, and a largo proportion
of common salt and soda.
i° Named in honor of Gen. Philip Schuyler, who resided here
previous to the Revolution. During the war his buildings and
mills were burned bv order of Burgoyne.
U There are 455 looms in this factory. In 1857, 3,565,411 yds.
of print cloths and silesias were manufactured.
12 At the attack upon Old Fort Saratoga, upon the opposite
side of the Hudson, in tho fall of 1745, several sawmills and
other buildings, upon Fish Creek and the river, were burned,
and about 30 families were killed or taken prisoners.
is The British troops made a riding school of this church
during the war.
" 3 M. E., Bap., Ref. Prot. D., R. C, and Friends.
592
SARATOGA COUNTY.
and Saratoga Lake, forming the s. boundary, are skirted by a line of low bluffs. The streams are
Ellis and Owl Pond Creeks. An extensive tract lying K. of Saratoga Lake and along the course
of Owl Pond Creek is low and swampy. The soil is an inferior quality of yellowish, sandy loam.
The far famed mineral springs, which give to the town its name, are situated about 3 mi. n.w. of
Saratoga Lake. They are near the center of the mineral spring region, which has a radius of
nearly 10 mi.1 Saratoga Springs (p. v.) was incorp. April 17, 1826. It contains 2 female
seminaries,2 7 churches, 2 banks, 5 printing offices, 2 public halls, 22 hotels,3 and several sanitary
institutions.* Pop. 5,129. The business of the village is principally connected with the enter-
tainment of strangers during the fashionable watering season. The springs are on that part of the
Kayaderosseras Patent that fell to the share of Rip Van Dam. Sir ¥m. Johnson is said to have
been the first white person who ever used the Saratoga waters for medicinal purposes. In 1767
he was brought to the place on a litter, and, after remaining several days, he was able to return
on foot. His example was followed, and the visits of invalids soon became of frequent occurrence.
In 1773, Derick Scowton made the first clearing and erected a hut. He was followed soon after
by George Arnold and Saml. Norton.5 In 1783, Gen. Schuyler cut a road through from Fish Creek,
and spent several weeks here, living in a tent. The next year he erected a framed house, (the first in
town.) and annually afterward until his death he spent a part of the summer here with his family.6
Several prominent men have resided in the village.7 The census reports 7 churches in town.8
STIL.L.WATER9— was formed March 7, 1788. A part of Easton (Washington co.) was
1 High Fork Spring, the first discovered of these, was bo named
from a pyramidal mound of calcareous tufa 3i feet high and 24j
. diameter at the base which has been formed around it.
An aperture 1 foot in diameter opens from the top of the rock
downward, in which the water generally rises l\ feet above the
surface of the pround. It is said that the water once overflowed
the top; but at an early day^he rock was cracked by the fall
of a free, and the water sunk to its present level. Congress
Spring was discovered in 1792, by a hunting party, and named
in compliment to John Taylor, one of the number, who had
been a member of the Continental Congress. The present spring
was obtained by sinking a well in the bed of the stream near
the original fountain. The Columbia Spring, a few rods s. w. of
the latter, is chalybeate, and constantly boiling from the escape
of gas. It was opened in 1806, by G. Putnam. The Hamilton
Spring, 50 rods B". E. of Congress, was discovered by G. Putnam,
and brought into use by Dr. Clarke. The Pavilion Fountain,
opened in 1S39, has a smart, pungent taste. The Iodine Spring,
situated a few rods N. of High Rock, was opened in 1839. The
water contains a large proportion of iodine and very little iron.
This spring has sometimes been called the Walton Spring, from
Henry Walton, a large proprietor of lands in the vicinity. The
Empire Spring, the most northerly in the village, was opened
in 1846. It discharges 75 gallons per hour. The Washington
Spring, 50 rods s.w. of Congress Spring, was opened in 1806.
Putnam Spring is in the immediate vicinity. Plat Pock Spring,
100 rods N. E. from Hamilton, is chalybeate. Fed Spring is 90
rods N. E. of High Rock; and Monroe Spring, 15 rods n. of Flat
Rock. Ten Springs were discovered in 1S14, 1 mi. n. e. of the
village. Ellis Spring is situated in a ravine 2 mi. s. w. of Con-
gress. There are several other springs in the immediate vicinity.
Baths are connected with most of these springs, and an immense
trade has sprung up in the bottling and sale of the water. The
temperature of the fountains ranges from 48° to 51°, and it is
not sensibly affected by the seasons. The following table gives
an analysis of several of these springs. The figures show the
number of grains in a gallon of water.
IXORnDIE?iT8.
"is
ea
i
to
eg
C
i
te
269.696
12.000
30.848
41.984
141.824
000
trace.
.a35
u
|
."a
Sfcq
sa
4
25
■la
189.10
2.50
17.54
61.59
69.29
6.58
trace.
o
i
.§
11
te
3
.s
II
te
22c.5s
2.75
4.70
62.50
60.24
4.10
.62
.25
a
5
iS
E^
5a; •
S3.
214.00
2.00
14.32
l.CS
51.60
68.80
.21
7.00
.84
.66
.8
IS
267.00
2.56
15.40
46.71
68.00
6.58
2.05
■
i "
385.00
3.50
8.98
95.79
98.10
6.07
1.60
trace.
148.87
1.33
20.79
42.70
60.57
5.39
trnce.
279.65
279.30
3.00
27.04
35.20
92.40
6.39
trace.
137.00
2.00
T5.00
26.00
1.00
3.60
160.20
1.70
10.40
44.26
48.00
1.10
80
281.50
2.75
16.50
40.92
92.60
3.25
1.50
Sulphate of soda
Carbonate of limp
Silir.%
~3TToo
7.00
rnsToo
4'».::.vj
345.68
244.50
269.10
361.74
.•■.C1.nl
439.12
272.06
4.60
316.00
4.00
304.00
6.00
360.00
4.00
371.IMI
3.25
374.25
4MI.Hl
8.09
.'UX.ss
6.41
2C'J.50
6.80
I7&M
700.00
294.00
320.00
309.00
884.00
4S8.10
355.2'.i
269 .3o/
JV/n'- .1- ?.— fork'* Minr.
ralt-gy. Sightly dUTferaoJ results have been obtained from differ-
ent analyses.
1 Tf-mj'l I male Seminary, a boarding school, was
established In 1863. Th< Binary.
* gererai of these hotels are among the most extensive In the
country. Cnion Hall was built in 1R02, by O. Putnam; The
I mbian, in 1808, by Jotham H Ball, In
by G. Putnam; The Pavilion, in 1819, bjr Nathan Iz-wls;
and The United 81 ttes, in 1834, lv BUM BsnsdiCt All of theso
have been enlarged since tluir erect!
« |m - ir.itogn Water Cure, and the Medical
.! Institute, both established in 1832.
6 Norton Joined the British, and his property was confiscated.
• Alex mder Bryan and Henry Livingston were the first set-
tlers after the war. Gideon Putnam came in 1789. Mr. P. built
the first sawmill, the first large hotels, and opened several of
the springs. Dr. Clement Rlakely, the first physician, came
with Putnam, and remained 3 years. John and Ziba Taylor
opened the first store, in 1794 ; Robt. Ellis and Geo. Peck built
tbcfir«t grisbnUL in 1814; and Ward <fc Rogers, the first clothing
works, in 1816. Henry Walton resided here for several years.
He was proprietor of tho whole villago n. of Congress St. Seve-
ral of the noted springs were on his estate.
1 Kseek Cowen, Justice of the Supremo Court, and compiler
of " OtmaPt Frports," resided hero until his death, in 1844.
Chancellor Reuben II. Walworth resides in town.
8 Bap., M. K.. Prot Meth.. Presb.. Prot. B, R. C, and TJniv.
» Named from tho " still water" in the Hudson, on the borders
of tho town.
SARATOGA COUNTY.
593
taken off in 1789, and Malta in 1802. It lies upon the Hudson, s. e. of the center of the co. It is
uneven in the s. and moderately hilly in the K. The highest point is about 250 feet above the
Hudson. A range of clay bluffs GO to 100 feet high borders npOD intervales of the Hudson and
Anthonys Kil. The streams arc generally small brooks flowing in deep gulleys worn in the drift
deposits.1 The n.w. corner borders upon Saratoga Lake. The river intervales are alluvial. West
of the river bluffs is a wide belt of heavy clay; and in the s. w. part is a sandy tract interspersed
with swamps. Upon the lake shore is a sulphur spring.'2 Stillwater, (p. v.,) incorp. April 17,
1816, is situated on the Hudson. It contains 4 churches, and manufactories of lumber, paper,
woolens, and castings. Pop. 552. I»Iechanicsville, (p. v.,) incorp. July 16, 1859, situated on
the Hudson, at tho mouth of Anthonys Kil, on the line of Half Moon, is a station on the Rensselaer
& Saratoga R. It. It contains 5 churches, a printing office, and an extensive linen thread manufac-
tory.3 Pop. 1,111,-616 in Stillwater, 495 in Half Moon. Bemis Height*,4 (p.o.,) on the
Champlain Canal, near the Hudson, and Ketcliums Corners (p.o.) are hamlets. This town
was included in the Saratoga Patent of 1684; and settlement was commenced about 1750.5 The
first church (Cong.) was established in 1763.6 There are 8 churches in town.7
W1TERFORD'- was formed from Half Moon, April 17, 1816. It lies at the junction of
the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, in the s. e. corner of the co. Its area is about 7 sq. mi. Its
surface is mostly an upland, 50 to 100 feet above the river. The Mohawk is bordered by an almost
perpendicular range of slate bluffs, and the Hudson Valley by a range of clay bluffs. The soil is a
sandy, clayey, and alluvial loam of great fertility. The falls in the Mohawk furnish a valuable
water-power. Waterford,9 (p. v.,) incorp. April 6, 1801,10 situated on the Champlain Canal,
near the confluence of the Hudson11 and Mohawk Rivers, is a station on the Rensselaer &
Saratoga R. R. and the Albany & Northern R. R. It contains 6 churches, a newspaper office, a
bank, and several manufacturing establishments.12 Pop. 3,083. Settlement was commenced by
the Dutch at a very early day. The census reports 7 churches in town.13
WIL.TOX— was formed from Northumberland, April 20, 1818. It lies a little n.e. of the
center of the co. The Palmertown Mts., with their steep, rocky slopes and broken, forest-covered
summits, extend across the n. w. corner. The center and s. w. are gently undulating, or broken by
low ridges. The principal streams are Snook Kil and Bog Meadow and Cold Brooks. The soil in
the e. and s. e. is a yellow, sandy loam resting on clay, and in some places swampy. At the foot
of the Palmertown Mts. is a belt of productive gravel and clay loam. A heavy growth of white
and yellow pine originally covered the plains, but little woodland now remains. Near Eniersons
Corners is a spring of acidulous and carbonated water, and in the s. part of the town is a sulphur
spring. Wilton (p. v.) contains 20 houses ; and Emersons Corners, in the n. part of the
town, is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in 1774 or '75, by Rowland Perry and his sons
Samuel, John, Benj., Absalom, Roswell, Artemas, Rowland, and Joseph, from Dutchess co.M
Near the mill pond on Snook Kil are traces of Indian occupation; pestles, broken pottery, and flint
arrow heads have been found in abundance. The census reports 4 churches in town.15
1 Upon those streams are several fine cascades.
* This spring is called the White Sulphur Spring. A few
years since, a hotel and bathing house were erected here, and a
small steamer was put upon the lake. The building was burned
2 or 3 years after, and the enterprise was abandoned.
8 The American Linen Thread Manufacturing Co. was organ-
ized in 1852. The number of men employed is 125.
* Named from Jonathan Bemis, who during the Revolution
kept the only inn worthy of note on tho Albany & Fort Ed-
ward Road.
6 Among the first settlers were John Thompson, Geo. Palmer,
Benjamin, Dirck Swart, Ensign, Burlinghame,
and Abeel. The first gristmill was built by Geo. Palmer,
before the Revolution.
« This church was organized at Litchfield, Conn., in 1752, and
in 1763 was removed to Stillwater. Rev. Robt. Campbell was
the first pastor.
1 3 M. E.. 2 Bap., Presb.. Prot. E., and R. C.
8 The Indians called the country around the mouth of the
Mohawk '• Nach-te-nack." This town was formerly known as
Half Moon Point ; and the semi-circular tract between the Hud-
son and tin1 Mohawk was called Half Moon. Its preseut name
originated from the fact that at the village of Waterford a ford
crossed to Haver Island.
9 In 1784 the site of the village was purchased by Col. Jacobus
Van Schoon. Middlebrook, Ezra Hickock, Judge White,
and several others, most of whom were from Conn.; and Flores
Bancker was employed to lay it out into village lots. July 11.
1841. a destructive fire occurred, which destrojed 130 buildings.
10 On the 25th of March, 1794. Hezekiah Ketchum, Jacobus
Van Schoonhoven, Matthew Gregory. Isaac Keeler. John Pettett.
Duncan Oliphant, and Thos. Smith were constituted trustees of
Half Moon Point.
U A bridge across the Hudson at this place was built in 1804,
at a cost of $50,000. The present structure, known as the
"Union Bridge," was built in 1812, '13, and '14, at a cost of
$20,000.
12 A hydraulic canal 4, mi. in length was constructed in
1828-29, by J. F. King. Upon this canal are 2 stock and die
factories, a machine shop, ax factory, twine factory, ink and
lampblack factory, soap and candle factory, flouring mill, and
a pearling mill. On the Champlain Canal are 3 flouring mills,
a founder; and machine shop, an auger factory, and a distillery.
Tho fire engine works at this place were started in 1831. About
$60,000 worth of work is turned out per annum, and 40 men
are employed.
w Bap., Cong., M. E., Presb., Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D., and R. C.
14 John Stiles, Ebenezer King, John Laing, Peter Johnson,
and Jas. and Wm. McGregor settled in town in 1775; and John
Boyre, Robt. Milligan, John Kendrick, and Enoch M. Place
in 1784. John Laing built the first sawmill, in 17S4-85. and
Wm. McGregor the first gristmill, soon after the war. Stephen
King kept the fir6t inn, and Ostrom the first 6tore,
15 Bap., M. E, Prot Meth., and Union.
38
594
SARATOGA COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Saratoga County.
Names op Towns.
Ballston
Charlton
Clifton Park.
Corinth
Day
Edinburgh
Gal way
Greenfield
Hadlcr
Halfmoon
Malta
Milton
Morcau
Northumberland.
Providence
Saratoga
Saratoga Springs.
Stillwater-
Waterford
Milton
T.'tul
Acres of Land.
t
16.177
15,166
23,541
13.071
7,017
13,956
2T.70o4
28,644]
7,69]
16.550
14,4341
18.366]
18,291
18^133
B,094
19,281]
11,740]
22,401
82523]
162288]
316,72)
T
£
2.996.J
3.156
5.485
10.564
17,047
25.02S
172
12,791]
18,498
2J887
2,983]
8,886
6.304i
2
6,401
.,:>.',
3.963
6,994
139,8494.
Valuation of 1858.
1
$544,356
416,610
637.750
211.166
67,020
119,640
69,811
707,225
:;--'.. 7"
780,686
343.106
302,S80
91.662
7^S.ssa
1.346,056
728.017
643,652
263,744
9,102.609
$115,110
104,138
230,970
13,416
4,650
9,625
44,909
45,341
6,150
139.600
68,160
310.143
81,650
82,448
20.921
241,458
7v.'. vsT
165.530
391,225
24.051
2.829.3S5
$659,466
620,1 is
Bl J.720
224,682
71.670
129.1 6.5
■!<,:,. it::
444.751
76,961
846,825
43S.730
1,040,828
374.750
uS5.:;2s
112,583
I.030.343
2,135,943
893;547
934.S77
277.79S
Population.
ft
1
Sci
8
«e
i
e
k
■&
<
*
i
4
i
*
12
1,058
1,143
385
435
343
842
859
318
326
214
10
1.502
1.415
429
577
424
16
781
753
296
317
131
10
560
519
197
19S
144
11
629
689
255
2S3
283
12
1.208
1.233
451
504
401
15
1.4:;2
1.410
579
613
425
21
626
546
222
222
112
1
1.659
1,656
606
603
231
12
615
621
228
257
222
8
2,261
2.408
751
225
261
13
1,079
1.087
360
401
264
12
860
SOS
300
312
244
12
0Ts
690
2S6
295
196
10
1,822
2.010
692
701
374
13
2,951
3,356
1,013
1.239
694
10
•J.I OS
1,495
498
590
313
13
1,569
l.r.-o
498
605
226
2
682
719
26T
281
233
10
229
24.282
25.007
8,631
8,9S4
5,735
678
593
1.19S
568
556
577
924
1,124
360
970
413
1,772
867
621
512
1.410
2,399
1,024
1.141
579
18.280
Names op Towns.
Ballaton
Charlton
Clifton Park- ,
Corinth
Day
Edinburgh
Gal way
Greenfi'M
Iladley „
Halfmoon
Malta
Milton
D
Northumberland.
I ' r < ■ ■- Idi Dee
iga
S 1 rings.
Stillwater
Wilton
Total
Live Stock.
I
654
705
897
421
222
320
736
835
190
618
474
775
532
.'si
235
832
710
862
239
455
1,020
956
1,270
602
380
614
1.241
1.346
336
9T2
778
1.170
'745
855
392
1.21
752
1,259
248
625
e<3
1.906
2,276
2,401
1.425
1.1-1
2,591
3,212
3.032
961
3.414
3,090
1,416
2.350
1,989
000
5,776
1,02:
4,848
462
1.76,2
11.293 17.991 16.778 46.018 26,003 147,601
to
2,038
965
2,336
508
335
491
1,379
1,590
339
1,497
1,456
1,709
1,123
1,518
484
2.2'. 'I
1,869
2.312
1.205
1.1155
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
4.241
2,338
25.244
1.202
'274
214
2,333
1,203
718
10.82.-,!
11,979*
8,169i
5,792
5,3S7
38
17,669
6.129
22.114
4.159
8,580
94,071
90,172
112,812
35,1644.
16,977
31,S93
113.455
83,S23
22.120
81^75
60.6941
89,545
63,675
97,3945
31,161
121.896
86,847
84.523
23,598
66,691
3.2361
3,113
3.019
1,8851
1,706
2.902
4,817
4,515
1.378
2,815i
2.4274.
3.075
2,018
2.6321
1.586
4J61
1.599}
3,544
663
1,650
"S>
g^
21.788
13.912
43,S46
21,507
11,292
15,159
2S,964
33.6S7
10.531
28,522
19,0S3
24,818
13.701
39.5S9
15,139
67.541
17,758
32.T25
5.140
22,970
II
40,710
23,565
26,038
4.900
5.76,1
7,440
31.732
26.846
2.595
12.652
10,604
2-8.810
6.131
5.480
4.538
13,842
4,345
16,734
555
8.191
l,357,5SSt 52,743} 487,672 2S9.47S 1,468,1361 152,901} 7,753]
Datoy Products.
6, tq
113,463^
65,065
101.781
51.580
27.775
48,495
141,903
106,990
30.406
79,735
77,819
91,657
67.695
84.705
39.160
103.922
55.710
101.035
16,950
61.300
6, G
18,428}
104
805
142
19,2S5
179
6,600
604
100
745
8,S50
1.523
12,715
922
13,865
1,279
1.400
111
5,090
179
13.314
75
5.665
302
15.270
4.857
197]
3.970
359
4.440
185
900
635
13.090
199
1.250
2,947
113
SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
This county was formed Prom Albany, March 7, 1809. It is centrally
distant 20 mi.fr Albany, and contains 221 sq. mi. The greater
part lies between Mohawk River and Schoharie Creek, — one
town only lying \. of the Mohawk. The surface consists of the
Mohawk Valley and an upland, generally much broken l>y ridges
and isolated hills, 200 to 350 feet above the river. The highlands
are the northern continuation of the Helderbergh and Schoharie
Mts. The underlying rock is generally the shales of the Hudson
River group, which crop out in the valleys and the bottoms of the
ravines. In portions of Glcnville and Duanesburgh this rock
is underlaid hy birdseye limestone, from which are obtained both
lime and stone for building. The greater part of the surface is
covered with a thick deposit of drift, consisting principally of clay in the W. part and sand in the E.
The rocks crop out on the banks of the streams and form the declivities of the steeper hills. The
soil in the w. part is a tenacious, clayey loam, underlaid by hardpan on the hills, and in the e. a
light, unproductive sand. The valley of the Mohawk consists of a deep, rich alluvium, well adapted
to tillage, and extensively devoted to the cultivation of broomcorn.1
The principal streams are Mohawk River, Schoharie Creek, and Normans Kil, and their
branches. The valleys of these streams are generally bordered by the steep declivities of the
uplands, rising to a height of about 300 feet. Many of the smaller streams have worn deep
gulleys in the loose drift deposits, giving to the surface a very broken character. These
small streams are mostly dry in summer. The fine alluvial flats near Schenectady, extending 5
mi. w. on the s. side of the river, were called by the first settlers " The BomclanJ."2 A tract 2
mi. iu extent, n. of the river, was called the " Maalwyck ;"3 and a tract on both sides, 4 mi. w.
of the city, was known as the " Woestina."* A region immediately about Schenectady was called
" Oron-ii>/t/h-wurrie-gughre;" the hills s. were known as the " Yan-ta-puch-a-berg ;"5 and those on
both sides of the river above the city were called " Tou-ar-e-u-ne." The streams of " Woestina"
were " Werf Kil,"a Zantzee Kil,7 and " Righelbrigh Kil."s The valleys are best adapted to tillage
and the hills to pasturage.9 Manufactures are chiefly limited to the city of Schenectady.10 In
Glenville are about a dozen broom factories, employing 150 persons.
The county seat is located at Schenectady City.11 The courthouse and clerk's office are both
situated on Union St.: the former contains the courtroom, jail, sheriff's and supervisors' rooms,12
and the latter the clerk's and surrogate's offices. The poorhouse is located on a farm of 116 acres,
on the Albany Road, just e. of the city. It has, on an average, about 75 inmates, and the farm
yields a revenue of $1,200. There are 4 newspapers published in the co.13
1 One-half of the entire broomcorn crop of the Slate is raised
within this co. A considerable portion of the broomcorn land
is annually overflowed, rendering it continually fertile; ami
many tracts have produced this crop alone for many years.
•J "Arable Land."
» •■ Whirl-back," from the tortuous course of the Mohawk.
* " Wilderness."
S Mixed Indian ami Dutch, signifying ".Tohn-ear-of-corn-hill."
c ■• Paint Creek," from the yellow earth along the banks.
i " Sea-Sand Creek." 8 ■■ Rail-bridge Creek."
9 At an early period the Mohawk Valley was celebrated for its
large wheat crops; but now very little is raised.
iu See page 598.
n By tin- terms of the act making Schenectady the co.
seat, the courthouse was to be built at the expense of the city.
The first county officers were Gerrit S. V ler, First Judge;
Peter V. Veeder, Cleric; Jas. V. S. Rider, Shcr(>r: and Win'. J.
Teller, Surrogate.
12 The first courts were held in the City Hall, and afterward
in the West College.
'•3 The following is a nearly complete list of the newspapers iu
the co. : —
The Western Spectator was issued prior to ISO".
The Schenectady Cabinet was commenced in Jan. 1909. by Isaac
Riggs. In 1850 it passed into the hands of S. S. Biggs,
who continued it until 1S57.
The Western Budget was issued a short time in 1809.
The Mohawk Advertiser was pub. in 1810 by R. Schermerhorn.
The Floriad, 8vo, mo., was published in 1811.
The Schenectady Gazette was published in 1812, by Ever Scher-
merhorn.
The Schenectady County Whig was issued in 1S30, by C. G. and
A. Palmer, and was continued until 1831.
The Schenectady Standard was published in 1831, hy T. J.
Sutherland.
The Schenectady Democrat was begun in 1828, by C. G. and A.
Palmer. T. W. Flagg became its publisher iu 1837, and
the same year it was changed to
Tlie Reflector and Schenectady Democrat. It
has been successively published by G. Yates. E. 11. Kin-
caid, and A. A. Keyser, and is now oublished by Fred.
W. II..ffma».
The Censor was published in 1 834, by the students of Union College.
Vie Parthenon, mo., was published in 1S46-47 by the college
students.
The ifohawker was published in 1S35. by Riggs & Norrifl.
The J'rotestant Sentinel was commenced in 1835, by Rev. John
Maxson, and continued 2 years.
The Wreath was started in 1835, by W. II. Burleigh, and con-
tinued 1 year.
Freedom's Sentinel was issued during the campaign of 1840, by
Stephen S. Riggs.
The Antiquarian and General Review, mo., was started in 1845,
by Rev. W. Arthur, and continued 2 years.
The Scroll, mo., was published a short time in 1849.
Tlie Selienectady Democrat was founded in 1853, by
Win. M. Colbourne and W. N. Clark, and since 1857 its
has been published bv Alex. J. Thompson.
595
596 SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
The great flat upon the Mohawk w. of "Fort Orange," and -where the city of Schenectady now
stands, was bought of the natives in July, 1661, in the name of Arent Van Corlear;1 and settlement
was commenced during the same year. It was under the charge of 5 commissioners until Nov. 1,
16S4, when Gov. Dongan granted a patent confirming previous rights and extending the territory.2
On the night between the 8th and 9th of Feb. 1690, N.S.,3 the settlement — then consisting of about
80 houses — was surprised by a party of about 300 French and Indians, and nearly every house was
burned. Sixty-three persons were killed, and 27 were carried to Canada as prisoners. The night
was intensely cold, and the nearest place of refuge was Albany, to which a few escaped after much
suffering.'4 In 1702 JR. Schermerhorn became sole trustee ; and in 1705 a new patent was issued,
conferring certain township privileges. On the 23d of Oct. 1765, the place was created a borough,
with the rights and immunities incident to these corporations.5 From 1726 to the Revolution the
township of Schenectady sent a representative to the General Assembly. During the war the village
w:i* fortified and garrisoned at the public expense, and man}" families from the Upper Mohawk
sought protection here from the incursions of the tories and Indians.6 For several years after 1779
a large number of friendly Oneida and Tuscarora families, driven from their homes by the hostile
tribes, were supported in this vicinity at the expense of the General Government. At the return
of peace the settlement shared in the general prosperity. A new impulse was given to business by
the improvements effected by the AVestern Inland Navigation Co., which enabled large boats to
make longer voyages.7 Upon the completion of the Erie Canal the MohawK navigation was entirely
superseded. For several years after the completion of the r. r. from Albany in 1831, large
quantities of merchandise were sent here to be shipped on the canal, saving the delay of the cir-
cuitous route and numerous locks on the canal between Schenectady and Troy.8 In 1832 a r. r.
wae built to Saratoga, in 1835, to Utica, and in 1843, to Troy. In 1849 several plank roads were
built, which since have been mostly abandoned.
Dr.lXESBl'RGII' — was erected as a township, by patent, March 13, 1765, and it was first
nized as a town March 22, 1788. It lies in the s. e. corner of the co. Its surface consists
of an upland, broken by the narrow valleys and gulleys of small streams. Schoharie Creek
forms a portion of its w. boundary, and Normans Kil flows through the s. part. The
hills that border upon these streams are steep, and in some places rocky. The other
principal streams are Corrys Brook, Chuctenunda Creek, and Bozen Kil. Maria Pond and
Featherstons Lake are 2 small bodies of water in the n. e. part, about 250 feet above the canal.
Tli.- soil is principally a stiff, clay loam, with a slight intermixture of gravel. It is best adapted
to pasturage. Duanesburgh (p. v.) contains about a dozen houses, Quaker Street10
(p. v.) 30, Mariaville11 (p. v.) 20, and Bramans Corners (p. v.) 18. Eaton* Cor-
ner* is a hamlet. Large tracts in this town were purchased by different parties between
and 1770,12 but no active measures of settlement were taken till about the time of its
izatkra in 1765. During that year Duane, who had become an extensive proprietor, con-
< >r// 'Horning S'nr, started Fib. 24, 1S54. by W. ML
rorne and w. N. Chrk, was hanged in 1S54 to
The Ki. iiIiir Star, di., now published by W. M. Col-
Tin x, !,, n.rtnd) Republican has been published
nrno A Landon.
The Srhdifrlnd)- Onlly Newa un Started in April.
•. by lr- di H ■■ , n.
' T> ton vera 4 Mohawk chiefs, named Cantnqne,
Sonar ' cbdraato. This grant was con-
firmed the nextyear, and the ti arrayed In 1064, The
blng to n. the Indian
ted to 1 before thi l tnd wai n
from iti" surveyor, a writt-n pledge to abstain from trading
with th" Indiana, Ar«' this injnatl
rly settlers, rta. : A. Tan Corlear, Philip
Hendrlckeon, Bandera 1/ \ ilcrerteen,
P • - ;hmaekelyk, Tennia Oorni n Marti OorneUee, Wfl-
torn Teller, Biuitiaen Di W tat tot Qataljn, widow of Arent
And- mlelse Vnn
Olinda, .inn Barents* Vfamp, and Jaqn - Oornellae, Tli-ir n-
9i.«tnnc<> occasioned several years' delay in the surrey of the lands.
■ Wm. Teller, Ryer B benBerhorn, Bwsm Tnniaon, Jan Van
and Myndert Wemp were appoint* d trustees nndcr this
grant. XI tbraced the prawn! nty, and the towns of
tterdam, and part "f Niskayuna.
• Previous to 17.!2 time wm in England tv "Old
* OtXden'l Fi<-<> Niztiont, 3d ed„ T. p. 120.
6 This and West Chester were the only boroughs in the
colony.
8 The place wn« never visited by a hostile army after 1090.
Tli" colonial statutes contain frequent provisions for the re-
building, repairs, and supplies of this fort.
7 Tin- companj cleared the river of impediments to navigation
as inii.h as possible, built a lock at Little Falls, and in 1706
built a short cntvil connecting the Upper Mohawk with Wood
Creek, which flows into Oneida Lake, opening a direct water
communication with the chain of lakes in the interior of the
and with Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. The boats
employed, I alii d " Durham boats," were propelled up stream by
setting poles, and were floated down by the current.
8 Thi- business was stopped by the repeal of the statute pro-
hibiting the u. r. from carrying freight W. of this place.
» Named from James Duiine. the principal proprietor. It wag
fir»t joined with Schoharie, as " the united district of Duane*
burgh and Schoharie." It was made a separate district. March 24,
1772. Mr. Dnano took an active part in public affairs during
the Revolution and the earlier years of the State Government,
and was a liberal benefactor of the town.
1" Routs and shoes, wagons, and sash and blinds, aro nuinu
fl' Hired here.
U Named from a daughter of James Dnano.
15 Among the purchasers were Thos. Freeman, in 1730, Timo-
thy Begley, in 1787, A. P. and William Cosby, in 1738, Walter
Style," the year commencing "n the 26th of M.ireh. All dates i Butler, hi 1789, and Jonathan Brewer, fn 1770. Wm. North, an
M to that time, between .'an. 1 and March 86, are rwkoned officer of the Revolution, married a daughter of Duane and re-
in 1 year by "Old Stvle," and in the following year by "New nded several years in this town.
Stjle."
SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
597
tracted with 20 Germans from Penn., of wlicm 1G came on and made a permanent settlement.1
Tho first church (Christa Ch., Prot. E.) was formed Aug. 3, 1795, and the church edifice was erected
by Judge Duanc. Rev. David Bclden was the first rector.'2
GIJESmiilifi8— wbb formed from Schejaeotady, April 14, 1820. It is the only town in the
CO. N. of the Mohawk. The central and w. parts are occupied by rugged and wooded hills
abruptly rising from the valley of the river to a height of 300 feet. The e. part is nearly
level. The streams are Crabba K 11, Chaugh-ta-noon-da, Aalplaats,4 and Jan Wemps Creeks,
and Verf K i 1 . The soil among the hills ia a stiff clay, underlaid l.y hardpan, with an occa-
sional outorop of date; and in the b. pari it is a Bandy and gravelly loam. The Mohawk intervales
are very fertile, and are chiefly devoted to the culture of broomcorn. Glenvllle (p. v.) con-
tains 2 ohurch.-s an. I -J) houses, Scotia5 (p. v.) 2 churches and 266 inhabitants, Reeseville 12
bouses and a broom factory, and Ilish Falls 13 houses, a grist mill, and woolen factory.
IIoflnianN Ferry6 (p. o.) is a hamlet and station upon the N. Y. C. R. R. East Glen-
ville is a p.O. Bridges connect this town with Schenectady and Niskayuna. Settlements
were made about 1GG5, and were among the earliest in the CO.' The Sanders House, in this town,
was spared by the enemy when Schenectady was destroyed.8 There are 5 churches in town.9
NISKAYUNA10— was formed from Watervliet, (Albany co.,) March 7, 1809. A part of
Schenectady was annexed in 1853. It lies upon the Mohawk, in the e. part of the co. Its surface
is mostly upland, terminating in steep bluffs upon the river valley. The intervales are very rich
and productive. A strip of land about 1 mi. wide, extending back from the summits of the bluffs,
has a hard, clay soil, and a considerable portion of it is swampy and unfit for cultivation. Further
s. the soil is sandy. Watervliet Center (p. o) is within the limits of this town. Niska-
yuna is a hamlet in the s. e. corner. The first settlements were made about 1640.11 The canal
crosses the Mohawk into this town upon a magnificent stone aqueduct.12 There is 1 church (Ref.
Prot. D.) in town.
PRINCETOWN13— was formed from Schenectady, March 26, 1798. It lies a little w. of the
center of the co. Its surface consists of a broken upland, gently descending toward the s. e. The
streams are Normans Kil in the s. and Zantzee Kil in the n.14 The soil is a heavy clay loam,
underlaid by hardpan, and is best adapted to grazing. Princetown (p. o.) is a hamlet. The
town was chiefly conveyed to Geo. Ingoldsby and Aaron Bradt, in 1737. Wm. Corry afterward
became owner, and formed a settlement, which was long known as " Corrysbush." The town was
thinly settled at tho time of the Revolution. The Princetown Academy, a Presb. institution, was
opened here, on an extensive scale, in 1853, and was discontinued in 1856. There are a Presb. and
a Ref. Prot. D. church in town.
ROTTERDAM— was formed from Schenectady, April 14, 1820. A part of the city was
annexed in 1853. It lies near the center of the co., upon the s. bank of the Mohawk. The surface
consists of a broken, hilly region in the n. w., a level intervale extending from the center toward
the s., and a high plain in the e. The soil upon the w. hills is a tough clay, underlaid by shale,
which frequently crops out. The central valley or plain, 5 mi. in extent, was called by the Dutch
the " Bouwlandt." The soil is a deep alluvium. The e. plateau is sandy and barren. Rotter-
dam, MohawKviHe, and Factory ville arc hamlets.15 Settlements were first made about
1601. 16 The first church was organized Aug. 29, 1800 ; Rev. Thos. Ronieyn was the first pastor.17
1 The tract embraced about 60,000 acres, and the lands were
rented at the rate of $15 per 100 acres, on long leases. The
agents <if Sir Win. Johnson excited a prejudice against these
lands which retarded their settlement.
2 There are in town 5 other churches ; Cameronian, Bap., Univ.,
Presb., and Quaker. 8 Named from the original patentee.
* " Eel Place." 6 Locally pronounced " Sco-chy."
6 llarniauus ATedder established a ferry here about 1790, and
it was called Vedders Ferry until 1835, when it was bought by
John Hoffman and the name was changed.
'In 1665 the country around Scotia was granted to Sanders
Lendertsen Glen, a native of Scotland, who removed to Holland
in 1 < >4 5 on account of religious persecutions. After several
years there spent in mercantile pursuits, he migrated to "New
Netherlands." Van Slvcks Island was granted to Jaques Van
Slyek, Nov. 13, 1662.— Barber's Hist. Cbtt.
8 On a former occasion a party of French, sent against the
Mohawks, became reduced to the extremity "f want, and were
obliged to seek assistance of the English. The kindness shown
them by Mr. Sanders was remembered, and his house was
spared. A stone house built in 1713 is still owned by the
Sanders family.
» 2 Ref. Prot. D., 2 M. E., and Bap.
1° Said to be a corruption of Nis-ti-gi-oo-ne, or Co-nis-ti-gio-ne,
by which it is known on the old maps. The name is said to sig-
nify " extensive corn flats." The term was also applied to por-
tions of Watervliet and Half Moon. Upon the advent of the
whites this place was occupied by a tribe of Indians known as
tl Oonistigione."— Barber d- Hbwe?s Hist. Coll. N. F., p. 508.
11 Among the early settlers were Clutes, Vedders, VauVrankens,
Groots, Tymesons, Pearces, Jansens, and Van Bockhoovens.
12 By an act of 1805, Alexander Alexander was authorized to
build a dam at this place.
13 Named from John Prince, a member of the Assembly from
Albany co. at the time of the formation of the town.
14 Upon this stream, on the farm of Ebcn'r Dougall, is a cas-
cade 60 feet high, and from this point to tho Mohawk are nume-
rous rapids and cascades.
15 Among the early settlers were Wilhelmus Van Otto Van
Curazoa, (a native of the island of Curaijoa.) Byer Schermerhorn,
and Simon Veeder. The house of Van Otto stood on the site
of the one now occupied by Simon Veeder. At the time of the
Bevolution there were families living in town by the names of
Delemont, Van Pelten, and Brangham.
18 At this place is a twine and thread factory.
1' There are 3 churches in town : 2 Ref. Prot. D. and 1 M. E.
598
SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
SCHEXECTADY CITY— was patented, with certain
municipal rigl Is, Nov. 4, 1684; chartered as a borough Oct. 23,
170-5 ; incorp. 'is a district, March 24, 1772, as a town, March 7,
1788, and as a city, March 20, 1798. Princetown was set off in
1798, Rotterdam and Glcnville in 1820, and parts of Niskayuna
and Rotterdam in 1853.1 It is situated on the Mohawk, and on the
borders of one of the finest intervales in the State. A considera-
ble amount of trade is carried on in the city by means of the canal
and the railroads that center here; but the people are more
largely engaged in manufactures.2 The engine houses and repair
shops <>f the N. Y. C. R. R. Co. are very extensive; and one of the
largot locomotive manufactories in the country is located here.3
This city is especially noted as the seat of Union College. This institution was incorp. by the regents,
Feb. 25, lT'.'o, and received it- name from the cooperation and union of several religious denomina-
tions in it- f lundation.' A fond was first raised by private subscription to erect the necessary build-
in.- and to defray the expenses of opening the school;5 and this was increased by the avails of several
lotteries authorized by the legislature,6 by grants of land and money from the State, and by private
donations. The total amount received from the State, up to 1822, for permanent investment, was
s:;.",1.012 l?.. In a will dated Dec. 28, 1855, Dr. Nott, the president of the college, bequeathed to the
trustees $555,000 for specific purposes and an additional fund for miscellaneous expenses.7 The
funds thus bequeathed were derived from the profits of certain investments of college funds, and
ami rants from i >ther sources, which had been employed for the purpose of creating a fund for the en-
dowment of the institution. The first college building was erected in the city;8 but in 1814 a tract
of land upon an eminence E. of the city was purchased, and the two principal buildings were erected.9
The site commands an extensive view of the city, the river, and the valley. The faculty of the college
now consists of a president, 12 professors, 1 lecturer, and 3 tutors. The total number of students is
_ . md has not materially varied from this number for a great number of years, the junior and
senior classes being invariably larger than those that preceded them. A considerable number of
students derive aid from the State fund, which is extended to students of limited means without
reference to the profession they intend to follow. The college has received from E. C. Delavan, Esq.,
a magnificent donation of minerals and shells, known as the " Wheatley Collection," which waspur-
chased for this purpose at a cost of $10,000. Departments of Civil Engineering and Analytical
Chemistry have been organized, and the facilities which they afford are of the most ample kind.
The Public Schools are under 8 commissioners, elected once in 2 years. There were, in 1857, 9
Bchool districts, employing 3 male and 22 female teachers. The number of children between 4 and
21, was 3065, of whom 1729, or 56 per cent., attended the public schools.10
The ettlement was made in 1601, as already noticed.11 As this was an advance frontier
ment, the compact part, at an early period, was enclosed by palisades. In 1090 the enclosure
' An Indian name signifying "beyond the plains." Formerly
The city, under its first charter, colli
iq. mi.; but the roc Ive changes which have
■ • [ lat of 260 acres.
* Ti tablUhmenta of the citj consist of the
p. p.. mi ton i •■ torj . ■
ultnral implement factory, 8 turnin
macfa ibawl factory, 2 bn werii s. 1 brick yard, 2 cabinet
planing null, pump factory, tannery,
•it a gn .a Mm' ty "f other
in' chan
* The .- ii' ii- ■ ' Incorp. Jane I.
1861, with 'i capital I • 00, all of which i- actively em*
i When in full operation, tbey employ 600 bands, and
Mm "lit 1 :
* Rei Win. Andreas ••]- m I " I, In 1771 ;
and bet ire the close "f thi it to an
my. The Consiston f. Prot, D church en
d< my In 1786. I l< idi my was ioc irp.
Jan, 3 rged in "'"• -II' -'" •" IT'1.".. Rev.John
Itl.iir siniiii was the first Pree. I in June,
ii K'l'A if!-, wbon mained until bis death in
tthanMaxcy was next • !■ ct< d president, and
: when be resigned, and w led by ReT.
Kliphalel Nott, the present Tew rable i n sklent of ti i
* in ITT'.', tli- inhabitants "f tii" north
petitioned fbr the k liege, birt without success. Tli"
Intiti'in was renewed in 1701, but did not In 1704
another effort was ni»'l». and a subscription <-.f «T''--i was i
fr-.nt y.t persons in Albany, an. I of $3425 from n« In
ectady, fbr an endowment. This smn su afterward
largely iucreasol by subscrijition. The location was fixed at
Schenectady, it is said, chiefly through the influence of Gen.
Schuyler, ami liei au f its tin n central location.
• Lotteries were authorized in lHi:',. 1M4. anil 1S22.— MrnisrH's
Ann. of Allxin;/. VII. 126: ,M mi-i 'mli n. I "elehralion nfl nion Coll.
I The it' in- of tiii* beqm st are as follows: —
■ r '.i professorships, with a salary of $.1500 each.
' i ii :i--i-t.'iiit professorships, at s(j00 each.
000 i'T an :i - 1 r. i ii. ii i i. :i 1 iilisiTvutury.
: i i o auxiliary scholarships, of .*10 and $12ppr term.
,000 fbr 60 prize scholarships for undergraduates, of J 15 and
i term; In certain cases to be increased to (24.
for 9 scholarships for graduates or fellows, of $300cach.
(or n cemetery,
(10,000 for apparatus.
• for textbooks,
for an ecl< cOc library.
' for a geological and mineralogical cabinet.
00 t"r a historical Cabinet,
0 for a lecture fund.
Tin- miscellaneous fund was left discretionary with the trustees
to fill deficiencies and extend the operation of any of the foregoing
objects. At the time of this gift the greater jiart ofthe funds were
inv. itedin real estate in Qreenpoint village, opposite N.York City,
• This building, formerly known as "Tffcl QoUege," was Bold
to the City, and, with an adjoining building, accommodates tho
in departments ofthe public schools ofthe city.
0 Other buildings have since I n erected, for library, cabinet,
and lecture rooms. The corner stone of the Central Chapel was
laid July 28,1858.
u> Total reci Ipts.fl 1.423 06; total expenses, $14,423 06. Volumes
In district liLrari. -. 8046,
U Sec page 596.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
509
\vas in form of an oblong rectangle, with gates at the ends. The people, however, felt so secure that
the gates were habitually left open, ami no guard was kept ; and hence it was easily entered by the
enemy on the memorable 9th of Feb. L690, N.S. the lives of 60 old persons and children were Bpared
from the massacre. Tin; settlement recovered sl,,w 'y from the disaster, and not until the close id' King
William's War did it receive any considerable accessions. A aewfort v\as built in May, 1690, which
was garrisoned for many years. Another fort was built in 1735, ami another in 1780.1 The old fort
Stood at the intersection of Ferry and Front Sts. The first church (Kef. Prot. D.) was organized in
1C84, and the building was erected on the s. cud of Church St. in 1085. It was burned in 1690
and a new building was erected, about 1702, on the site of the present church, corner of Union and
Church Sts.s St. George's Church (Prot. E.) was organized, in 1735, by llev. 11. Barclay, incorp. in
1766, and an edifice erected in 1768.* The first mail was brought to the town April 3, 1763.5 The
first English school was opened, under the care of Kev. Henry Barclay, in 1710.6 The Vale Cemetery
Association was formed Feb. 25, 1858.7 The population of the city has slowdy and steadily increased,
although, from the setting off of portions of its territory, the census reports for some periods show an
apparent decrease.8
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Schenectady County.
Names op Towns.
Duanesburgh.
Glenville
Niskayuna....
Princetown ...
Rotterdam
Schenectady...
Total
Acres of Land.
t
33,911$
22,3414.
7.922
12,029
16,7294.
515
93,448*
I
10,827
7,1594.
2,549
3,421
7,693
34
31,6834.
Valuation of 1858.
ft, ft.
Population.
a;
8
i
s
i
Sch<
oc
«s
fe,
2
£
<0
1.556
g
*
1,503
5q
o
1
22
542
395
596
1,666
1,4S7
556
417
700
13
584
536
201
118
217
4
496
4i;o
166
120
172
7
1,537
1.298
440
293
492
13
4,012
9,851
4,377
1,200
3,105
610
1,606
9
68
9,721
1,953
3,783
••5 *
-C" -
S3
1,234
1,173
366
397
1.427
3,050
7,647
Names of Towns.
Duanesburgh
Glenville
Niskayuna
Princetown
Rotterdam
Schenectady
Total
Live Stock.
Agriculi
s
to
1
6.1
.£ 5 •
III
1,872
1.306
271
629
720
4S
.3
i
5.541
2,644
t25
1,123
826
1
3
Bush, of Grain.
1
1
Bo
1
1,319
1,033
341
404
731
391
1,940
1,482
3S9
673
1,065
219
2,097
2.205
557
7S4
1,660
424
2.47 n
15.324J
3.706
7,291
20,445
nsu
149.5071
135,942$
32.1IVS
61,160
65.049
2.291
6.233
3,718
1,716
2,163
2,328
27i
4,219
4,846
5,768
10,759
7,727
49,918
446,1171
16.1S5J
BJftn
%
10.826
41,837
18,397 j
1,756
30,447
1.869
Dairy Products.
a, «i
105.132 105,551
25.401
40.1,28
8.309 i
11,826
19.042
345
L94,591
127,699
34,521
53,181
105,770
615,662
w
ft. C
c B
28.684
5,235
14,500 i;
13,800 I
9,800
•2,019
1,230|
820
666
746
:;.462i
l By an act of 1780, all the people living within a half mile
Df the Dutch church were assessed, in labor and materials, for
the erection of defensive works — the work to be done under the
direction of the field officers and magistrates.
8 Rev. Peter Tasschemaker, the pastor and first teacher, was
killed, and all his papers were destroyed.
8 On the 27th of Oct. 1701, the Governor granted a special
license for the inhabitants, or their agents, " to gather, collect,
and receive the free and voluntary offerings and contributions
of all and singular his liege subjects, inhabitants of this pro-
vince, at any time from the day of the date hereof for and during
the term of six months then ensuing." The funds raised were
restricted to the rebuilding of the church; anil all justices of
the peace, high sheriffs, and all others his majesty's friends,
with all Protestant ministers, were exhorted to use each their
utmost diligence to excite and stir up the charities of the inhabit-
ants.— MSS. .Sec. Office.
* Besides these, the census reports 10 churches; 2 Ref. Prot. D.,
2 Meth. E., Univ., R. C, Presb.. Bap., Af. Meth., and a Jewish
Synagogue. 5 Letter of Sir Wm. Johnson.
6 A Lancasterian school was incorp. Nov. 12, 1816, and was
taught 25 years. It was superseded by the present system of
public schools.
' The Vale Cemetery, containing 50 acres, is located in u
beautiful vale about one-fourth of a mi. from the city. It is
covered with pines, and is finely laid out and ornamented.
« In 1699. 70 men took the test oath.
In 1710 there were 16 English and 100 Dutch families.
In 1714 the census reported 591 persons.
In 1790 there were s. of the Mohawk (in Schenectady, Prince-
town. Rotterdam, and a part of Niskayuna) 3472 persi ins. The fol
lowing table shows the progress of population since 1 S2o :
1820..
1825..
1830.
1835.,
3939
1840
4068
1845
4268
1850
6272
1S55
6784
6555
8921
83S9
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
:\% WM
This county was formed from Albany and Otsego, April 6, 1795.1
A small part of Greene was annexed in 1836. It is an interior
co., lying s. e. of the center of the State, is centrally distant 35
mi. from Albany, and contains 675 sq. mi. Its surface is an
upland, broken by mountains in the s. and by hills in the center
and x. A northerly branch of the Catskill Bits, lies along the s.
border, the highest summits of •which are 3,000 ft. above tide.
From them irregular spurs extend northward, occupying the greater
part of the co. Many of the summits along the e. and w. borders
are 800 to 1,000 ft. above the valleys and about 2,000 ft. above tide.
In the x. the hills are generally rounded and are arable to their
summits ; but in the center and s. the declivities are steep and in
many places precipitous. The high ridge along the e. border, and extending into Albany co., is
known as the Hellebark Mte.
The hills derive their general features from the rocks that underlie them. The extreme x. part
of the co. is terraced like the limestone region farther w. Toward the s. the hills become more
steep ; and in the sfaaly region they are broken by deep, irregular ravines. In many places the hills
bordering upon the streams are 1,000 ft. high and in places very steep. Schoharie Creek flows
x. e. through the co., a little e. of the center. It receives as tributaries Foxes Creek, Stony
Br>>"k, Little Schoharie Creek, Keysers, Platter, and Manor Kils from the e., and Cripplebush,
Cobles, Line, Panther, "West, and Mine Kils from the w. West and Punch Kils are tributaries of
Cobles Kil. Charlotte River, a branch of the Susquehanna, takes its rise in the w. part, and
Cut-kill Creek in the s. e. part, having its source in a marsh called the Vlaie. Utsyanthia2 and
Summit Lakes, two small ponds, are the only bodies of water in the co. The former is 1,900 ft.
and the latter 2,150 ft. above tide.
The rocks in the co., commencing upon the x. border and appearing successively toward the s.,
are those belonging to the Hudson River group, Clinton group, Onondaga salt group, Helderbergh
series. Hamilton group, Portage and Chemung group, and the Catskill group. The limestones are
cavernous; and the minerals which they afford are particularly interesting to mineralogists.3
Drift is scattered over the co. to a limited extent. Waterlime is found, but is not now manufactured.
The soils are principally derived from the disintegration of the underlying rocks. In the x. the
sf'il is a productive, clay loam, and in the center and s. it is a clay and sandy loam, the latter pre-
dominating upon the s. hills. The alluvial flats along Schoharie Creek are unusually fertile.
Tli" co. is eminently an agricultural region. Spring grains are largely produced. Hops are
cultivated in the w. part, and broomcorn upon the Schoharie Flats. Dairying is the principal
business in the s. part. Very little manufacturing is done, except such as is customary in an
ultiirul region,
county Beal i- 1' cated at the village of Schoharie-.4 The courthouse is a fine edifice built of
bhi'' limestone, located near tin- center of the village. The jail is a stone building, situated in rear
of tli'- courthouse. The clerk's office is a small, fireproof building, upon the courthouse lot, nearly
in front Tin- \ rhouse is located upon a farm of L60 acres in Miildleburgh, 5 mi. s. w. of thecourt-
house. The average number of inmates i- 60, supported at a weekly cost of 75 cents each. This
institution seems to be well managed and mncfa above the average of similar institutions in the State.
The Albany ft Busquel R. R. i- located along the valleys of Schoharie Creek and Cobles
- said to sifl At a pli
mi. above Middlchurgh B Hi! .-ml Little Scho-
:'"»- Into Rchoharie Creel from op| ; and ben
drill woo I
forming a natural bridge. — /.r. ><■» . li
The nriginnl Indian i una »J i- T ■ v • - od it has
■ hugbhom
* Otayanthi wai the v. k. < • met "I the Hardenbnrgh P
an'l « distinguished 1 mdmark In earl]
•Among tli" mora intei of pure white,
tron-lur. •: sulphal
tuf.i. agaric mineral, b g ore. black oxid of man; phate
an'l carbonate of rtri otia. Bui r spar, i alatn nbarj •■-. i u
.1 ir-'.n. and arragonite. Tip- CO. affi r>l« nn tunuiua] variety of
foseib peculiar to the respective geological formations.
BOO
1 The first courts were held in a wagon house of Johannis
In gold, and i>ris. ners were nt first sent to tin- Albany jail. The
i the Judges, Justices, and Supervisors was held
Dec. 10, 1706, and it was decided to fix the site for co. buildings
ZmLw. oi their present location. The location was chai ed
i.. r..|-i. Hi.. iiuiiiiinp< wi-ri' ep'ct' d. The first buildings were
i soon after, and were burned in 1847. The first court-
was built under the direction of Joost Borst, Jr., Jacob
r, Peter Snyder, John II. Shafer, and Win. Phrall, corn-
Abraham A. Post, of Ontario, Alexander H. Bnel,
■t Herkimer, an'l Wan. Dner, of Oswego, were appointed to
locate the present site. The first co. officers were win. Beek-
man, Firtt Judge, (reappoii i' I constantly till l*::s:i .Joachim
<;. Btaata, Cleric; Jacob Lawyer, jr., Sheriff; and Stephen A.
Becker, Surrogate.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
G01
Kil, through Esperancc, Schoharie, Cohlcskill, and Ilichmondvillc.1 Several turnpikes and lines
of plank road extend across the Co.2
About thirty years previous to the advent of the whites, a number of Indians belonging to the
Mohawks, Mohicans, Dclawarcs, Tuscaroras, and Oneidas united together, formed the Schoharie
trihe, and took up their abode along Schoharie Creek.8 Their principal chief was Ka-righ-on-
don-tee, who had been a prisoner of the French in Canada and had married a Mohawk woman.
This trihe was subordinate to the Six Nations. They could bring into the field about 600 warriors,
and in the wars that ensued they steadily espoused the cause of the British. At an early period,
■with the aid of the Colonial Government, they erected several strongholds to protect themselves
from the attacks of the Canada Indians. A hand of 200 Indians remained in the valley, at peace
with the settlers, until the commencement of the Revolution. Efforts were made to induce them
to remain neutral during the war; but the offers of the British were so tempting that at last they
took up arms against their neighbors. Previous to this a pestilence had swept off" the greater part
of the trihe, though the whites were not in the least affected by it.
The first white settlement was made by a colony of German Palatinates, in 1711. These people
had previously settled at East and West Camp, on the Hudson. Their number is estimated at GOO
to 700. They settled in 7 clusters, or villages, each under a leader or head man, from whom the
dorf, or village, was usually named.4 The Dutch soon after began a settlement at " Vroomansland,"
on the w. side of the creek, 2 or 3 mi. above the German settlement.5 The Palatinates at firgf.
did not secure a patent for the lands they occupied, and a short time after their settlement Nichola >
Bayard appeared as agent of the British Government, and offered to give the settlers deeds for
their lands ; but he was assailed by a mob and was obliged to flee for his life. Upon reaching
Schenectady he sent back word that for an ear of corn each he would give a clear title to the lands*
occupied by each ; but this offer was rejected. He returned to Albany and sold the tract to 5
persons at that place.6 A sheriff, named Adams, was sent to arrest some of the trespassers ; but
no sooner was his business known than he was assailed by a mob and ridden upon a rail. For a
considerable time after this outrage none of the German settlers dared visit Albany ; but after a
time they ventured to do so, and were at once arrested and thrown into jail. They were at length
released on making a written acknowledgment of the outrage they had perpetrated.7 The settlers
at length sent an embassy, consisting of Conrad Weiser, Casselman, and another, to England
to petition the king for redress. The ship that took them out carried also a statement of the out
rages, and the ambassadors were at once imprisoned ; but after a time they were set at liberty
and permitted to return. Weiser was so chagrined at the result of the controversy that soon after,
with about 60 families, he emigrated to Tulpehocton, Berks co., Penn. Other families removed to
German Flats and others to Stone Arabia.8 Peter Vrooman, with several Dutch families,9 perma-
1 The elevation of this road, where it enters the co. on the E., is
700 ft. above tide ; at Schoharie Creek it is 550 ft. ; at Cobleskill,
900 ft.; at Richmondville, 1,175 ft.; and at the w. co. line, 1,470 ft.
2 The principal turnpikes in the co. in early times were the
Great Western, extending to Cherry Valley, built in 1802; and
the Charlotte River Turnpike, built in 1809. The latter formed
the great thoroughfare to the settlements in Delaware co. and
adjacent regions. The plank road project was pretty thoroughly
tried, and has been abandoned after a sacrifice of nearly all the
capital invested.
3 The Mohicans principally settled near the mouth of the
Little Schoharie; anil the largest settlement of the others was
at "Vroomansland" in the present town of Fulton.
4 Six of these leaders were Conrad Weiser, Hartman Winte-
ker, John Hendrick Kneiskern, Elia.s Oarlock, Johannes George
Smidt, and William Fox; and John Lawyer, who came soon
after, is supposed to have been the seventh. "Weisers Dorf"
occupied the present site of Middleburgh Village, and had some
40 dwellings, like the others, built rudely of logs and earth and
covered with bark and grass. "Hnrtmans Dorf" was 2 mi.
below, and had 65 dwellings. "Bruns Dorf" or "Brunen Dorf,"
or "Fountain Town" was near the courthouse. "Smiths Dorf"
was a mi. farther N. "Foxs Dorf" was still farther down,
about a mi. from Smiths. "Oarlocks Dorf was 2 mi. below;
and "Kneislcerns Dorf" 2 or 3 mi. still farther N. Among these
early settlers, besides those above named, were families named
Keyser, Bouck, Richard, Richtmeyer, Warner, Weaver, Zimmer,
Mattice, Zeh, Bellinger, Borst, Schoolcraft, Crysler, Casselman,
Newkirk, Earhart, Brown, Settle, Merckley, Snyder, Ball,
Weidman, Deitz, Mann, Sternberg, Stubrach, Enderse, Sidney,
Bergh, and Houck. Within a week after their arrival, Catharine
Mattice, Elizabeth Lawyer, Wilhelmus Bouck, and Johannes
Earhart were born. The first wheat was sown by Sternberg,
in 1773; and the first skipple planted like corn yielded 83 fold.
6 Adam Vrooman, from Schenectady, obtained a patent for
1,100 acres, Aug. 26, 1714. His tract was afterward found to
contain 1,400 acres. It embraced the flats along the creek in
the present town of Fulton, except Wilder Hook, at which
place was an Indian castle and settlement. His son Peter, for
whom it was bought, built a house, planted corn, and the first
winter left the premises in charge of a man named Truax, and
a negro man and bis wife. Truax was murdered, and the negro
and his wife were arrested, tried at Albany, and burned alive;
but years after, one Moore, a resident of " Weisers Dorf," con-
fessed that he and the negro man committed the deed, and that
the woman was innocent. — Simm's Sclioliarie, p. 56.
6 The purchasers were Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh,
Robert Livingston, jr., John Schuyler, and Henry Wielmau.
They received a patent. Nov. 3, 1714, for 10.000 acres, which was
designed to include the flats from " Vroomanshmtl" to Montgomery
co. line; but on being surveyed by Lewis Morris, jr.. and Andrua
Coeyman, it was found that the flats on Fox Creek and at the
mouth of Cobles Kil were not included, and these lands were
secured by the surveyors. In a short time Morris and Coeyman
joined interest with the five proprietors, and the company
became known as the "Seven Partners."' Final suits for parti-
tion and settlement were adjusted in 1819, '25, '26, '28, and '29.
7 After this time a large number of settlers took leases of the
proprietors, thus abandoning their claims to the lands.
8 Among those who removed to the Mohawk was Elias Gar-
lock, the first and long the only magistrate in Schoharie.
9 Among these were families named Swartz, Ecker, Hagadorn,
Feeck, and Becker. Lawrence Schoolcraft made the first cider
in the Schoharie settlements ; Brown, in 1752. was the first
wagon maker. John Mattice Junk taught the first German
school at, the Camps, about 1740; and schools were taught in
Schoharie soon after. Dutch schools were taught at "Yroonwns-
land" at an early period; and about 1760, English was first taught
in schools in this region. John Ecker was the first blacksmith.
The settlers of the valley resorted to Schenectady to mill, or
used stump mortars, until many years after, when a mill was
built on Mill Creek, near Fox Creek, by Simeon Laxaway.
Bolting cloths were first used in this co. about 1760. John
Lawyer was the first merchant among the Germans.
G02
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
nently located upon his patent in 1727. The German and Dutch races long remained distinct.
The Dutch were generally wealthier than the more hardy and laborious Germans, and preferred
to contract marriages with those of their own class in the older Dutch settlements. They often
kept slaves, while the Oermans seldom had further assistance than such as their own households,
of both Bexes, might afford. The Germans, by intermarriage, became a "family of cousins;" and
fliey were united by many ties of common interest Industry and frugality gradually brought
them to a level, and long acquaintance lms almost entirely obliterated these hereditary distinctions
■iety. Upon the approach of the Revolution, a part of the people espoused the cause of the
British; but the majority were ardent patriots. In many cases members of the same family were
engaged on opposite sides, and the Btrqggle assumed all the horrors of a civil war, aggravated by
Indian barbarities. A Council of Safety was organized in 1774, of which Johannes Ball was
chairman. During the war several conflicts took place within the limits of the CO., and the people
wen1 continually exposed to the attacks of small scalping parties of the Indians.1
At the close of the war a large number of families removed to Canada, and their property was
confiscated.2 Several torics and Indians who had been active during the war returned at its close
and wore waylaid and shut. Others, warned by these examples, fled the country.3 Since that
period little of especial interest has occurred in the history of the co. In 18-45 and '46, in
common with the surrounding regions, this co. partook largely in the anti-rent excitement, —
though no actual violence took place within its limits.4 Within the last ten years, a mania for
building large seminaries, far beyond the wants of the people, has spread through the co. The
speculation has proved a ruinous one, and the entire amount of capital invested in the enterprises
1, -.- been sunk.5
Three weekly newspapers are now published in the co.6
1 The principal events of the Revolution in Schoharie co. were
as follows : —
1774. Council of Safety formed.
177'. OoL James Huston enlisted tories at Loonen-
I . rgh.
1777. Schoharie militia called into service under
Captain Ilager. Col. Huston and 20 others
were arrested, and Huston was hung.
" Aug. 10. — Engagement between an American force under
i l..ii mi Harper and tbe tories under Capt.
McDonald at iSrakabeen. The tories were
defeated and fled. Capt. Geo. Mann, one of
tie ir number, remained secreted in the
vicinity until the succeeding spring, when
he delivered himself up to the authorities.
He never afterward joined the enemy, and
his property was not confiscated.
" In the autumn of this year the middle fort was
luiilt. and the upper and lower forts were
begun. The lower fort is the old stone
church, lately changed to an arsenal.
May 8. — Battle of Cobles Kil. in which Captain Patrick
and 22 men were killed.
July. — Lieut. Col. iim. Butler, with 3 companies of
_ ro'a Kidmen, was stationed at Scho-
harie. Several tories recruiting for the
British were shot
171 ' ' Butler Joined Sullivan's expedition against
■
II A party "f '■'■'■ Indians and S tories made an
. upon the settli ments al \ 1 oomans-
and took 80 prisoners.
" o. • Johnson, *
and Indians, invaded the
■ tli monti ii am the -. 'i he upper
I 100 men nnder 1 ants.
I : the middle
■ run. nnder v : and
men, nnder MaJ I
Dd tl 111-
bcing nn arrant
■ aoldier,
ti r- d upon the flag which was
m Hi ■ losum rid r;an
nn iie Hi ctusl John abandoned
•
and all tbi (nhabll ral
. tli'.ugli Bui t their
17M. Early in I > (lilt nt
•nt Per/," "Jffartm uu /•+/,"' and
CobleskBL
1781, July 9. — An ■ t took pi -ir« in ghat in, 2 ml. r.
Indians un der Doxtader, and nn Aii
force under Col. WQIett, In whlcb tbe former
W'Tc defeated, with a loss of 40 killed.
1781, Jul}'. — Several persons at Middleburgh were surprised
and taken prisoners while harvesting. One
escaped, and the others were carried prisoners
to Canada.
" Oct. — Three men at Christian Mynderfs house, in
Sharon, were taken prisoners by a small
party of Indians, and carried to Canada.
" Oct. 24. — A party of 60 or 70 Indians, under Brant, en-
tered Vroomansland and commenced their
work of plunder. Isaac Vrooman was mur-
dered. A party of Americans, under Capt.
Hager.. rallied to their assistance, and the
Indians retreated. A sharp skirmish took
place at Utsyantha Lake; but a part 1 f the
American force, under Capt. Hale fled at the
commencement, and the remainder were
obliged to retreat. Hale was arrested in his
retreat by the threat of being shot; but tho
enemy had escaped.
17S2, July 26. — Several tnricsand 22 Indians made an incur-
sion into Foxes Cierk Valley for the purpose
of capturing Maj. Becker; but the Maj. and
family defended the house with such vigor
that the Indians retreated. Several persons
were murdered by the Indians, and several
Of the latter were shot.
17S4, Pec. 16. — Many persons who had been taken to Canada
were released on Lake Champlain, and re-
turn' d ti. their homes.
- In Canada, opposite St. Lawrence co., are many families
who claim relationship to Inhabitants of this co. they were
refugees t" whom grants of land were made by tho British
Government.
8 Among these was one Ite.arraftj who boasted of his feats of
villainy. 80011 after his return he was Surprised by about a
dozen whlgB, near Blenheim Bridge, led Into a grove, stripped,
bound, and punished with fifty lashes wilh hickory gads, tho
tioners at every ten telling him for what particular offenae
thej Were applied, lie was then unbound and allowed a very
• time i" disappear.
4 In this co.deorge f'lark had then considerable tracts, leased
for :: lives at a r™t of 6 pence sterling per acre. Scott's 1 'a tent
..t 56,000 acres was then chiefly owned by the heirs of John
Livingston, and leased lor 2 lives at a rent ol £14 per 100 acres.
1 Blenheim Patent wis also in part based.
1 II 0 a. ad. mi. - built in this co., 3 have been burned, 3 are
"to let," and 3 are rtlll ..pen.
• Th in Herald, the first paper published In theco.
was coi enced at Schoharie in June, 1800, by Deriok
Van Veghtcn. In 1812 its name was c hang d to
Thr Sctinlinrir HirnUI, and the paper was soon alter discon-
tinued.
The True American was commenced nt Schoharie In Her. 1809,
by T. M. Tillman. It was discontinued in lsl2 or
1813.
The Schoharie Budget was commenced in June, 1817, by Oeriok
Van Veghten. In 1820 its name was changed to
S C II 0 II A R I E COUN T Y.
G03
IHjErVHElM1 — was funned from Srlioluiric, Manh 17, 1707. Jefferson was taken off in 1K03,
and a part ofGilboa in 1848. It is an interior town, lyin^ B. w. of the center of theco. Its surfaci
hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the Btreams. Schoharie ('reck Hows rr. through the e. part,
receiving West Kil and several smaller streams from the w. A wide alluvial flat extends along its
course. The streams generally are bordered by steep hills rising to a height of 300 to 500 ft.
The soil is principally a clayey loam. l*aJ<liiii Hollow,- (North Blenheim p.o.,) upon
S.hoharie Creek, contains "J churches, a tannery, and 44 houses. The firs! settlements were made
}>\ Dutch ami Palatinates, before L761; hut the settlers were driven out during the Revolution.
The present race of settlers came mostly from New England, soon after the close of the war.
Rev. Stephen Fenn was the first preacher.'
15 ROOMIE — was formed March 17, 1797, as "Bristol." Its name was changed April G,
1808. A part of Concsville was taken off in L836, a part of Gilboa in 1848, and parts of Middle-
burgh were annexed Feb. 9 and Oct. 5, 1849. It lies upon the e. border of the co., s. of the
center. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. The highest
summits are 350 to 500 ft. above the valleys. Catskill Creek takes its rise in the n. part, and
several branches of Schoharie Creek drain the n. and w. portions.5 The soil is a gravelly and
clayey loam. Liivmsfstonvillc, (p. v.,) in the e. part, s. of the center, contains 2 churches,
a sawmill, gristmill, and sash factory. Pop. 150.6 Fraiiklintoii, (p. v.,) in the x. part, con-
tains a church and 100 inhabitants. Slllitllltoii is a hamlet, near the s. line.
ments were made before the Revolution.7 There are 6 churches in town.8
The first settle-
CARi-ISLiE — was formed from Cobleskill and Sharon, March 31, 1807.9 It is the central
town upon the n. border of the co. Its surface consists principally of an immense ridge lying
between the valleys of the Mohawk and Cobles Kil, the summit of which is 800 to 1,000 ft. above
the former stream.10 This ridge descends to the n. by a series of terraces formed by the different
geological strata, and on the s. by gradual slopes following the general dip of the rocks. The
streams are small brooks. The soil is principally a clay loam. Hops are extensively cultivated.
The Sclioliarie Republican. It soon after passed
into tlie hands of Peter Keyser. Lemuel Cutbbert, A.
A. Keyser, Win. II. Underwood, Wra. II. Gallup, P. D.
Lawyer, and Rossiter have since been interested
in its publication. It is now published by .1. B. Hall.
The Observer was commenced at Schoharie in Oct. 1818. In
1819 it passed into the hands of Solomon Baker, in
1820 to Baker & Fish, and in 1S22 it was again in the
hands of Mr. Baker, and was soon after discontinued.
The Evangelical Luminary was commenced at Schoharie Jan. 1,
1824, by Rev. Geo. A. Lintner and L. Cutbbert. It was
continued about 1 year.
The Lutheran Magazine, mo., was commenced in Feb. 1827, by
the Western Conference of Lutheran Ministers, L.
Cuthbert, printer, and was published for some years.
The Schoharie Free Press was coirimeuced June 9, 1830. by Dun-
can McDonald. In 1832 it was removed to Esperance
and its name changed to
The Esperance Sentinel and Schoharie and Montgomery Reporter.
It was discontinued in 1835 or '36.
The Gem was published a short time in 1837.
Tlie Sclioliarie Patriot was commenced Feb. 13, 1S3S,
by Peter Mix. It is now published by him and his
son, S. II. Mix.
The Star was commenced in April, 1S38, by S. II. Mix, then a
schoolboy.
The Sun was commenced as an opposition paper in May, 1838, by
D. L. Underwood, another lad of about the same age.
These papers were about 3 by 4 inches. Early in 1839
they were enlarged. On the issue of No. 5 of the Sun
it went down never to rise again ; and the Star ceased
to twinkle after the 12th number.
The Huge Paw, a campaign paper, was published from Aug. 12
1840, to Nov. 11 following, by Win. H. Gallup.
The Heldcrhergh Advocate was commenced in 1S41 by Wm. II.
Gallup. Its name was changed in 184:! to
The Guardian of the Soil, and it was discontinued in 1 year.
The American Christian was commenced at I.cesville Jan. 7,
1847, by J. D. Lawyer. It was soon after discontinued.
The Schoharie County Sentinel was commenced at Cobleskill
Jan. 22, 1852, by Hiram C. Page. It was published a
short time by Chas. Cleveland, and by Wadhams &
Knistern, and was soon after purchased by J. B. Hall,
who merged it with the Schoharie Republican.
The Cliarh/tteviUe Journal was commenced at Charlotteville in
1854 by Furman & Brown. In 1855 John Brown became
sole proprietor, and removed it to Cobleskill and
changed the name to
The Cobleskill. Journal. It has since been discontinued.
The Oasis, semi-mo., was commenced at Schoharie by the
students of the academy in 1855. It was soon discon-
tinued.
Tlie Sclioliarie County Jeffersonian was com-
menced at Cobleskill in 1S59 by Matthew Freeman,
and is still published.
1 Named from the Blenheim Patent, a portion of which lies in
the n. part of this town.
- Hendrick Mattice, the pioneer, built a mill on West Kil, at
Patchin Hollow. He became a loyalist and went to Canada.
Ibniy Effner, Lambert Sternberg, Wm. Freeck, Isaac Smith,
Banks Morehouse, George Martin, and Henry Ilager were early
settlers. F'reegift Patchin settled in 1798, built the second mill,
and gave name to the village. Gen. Patchin bad been taken
prisoner by the Indians, and suffered extremely at their hands.
The first inn was kept by H. Effner; the first store, by Tobias
Cuyler, in 1803; and the first tannery was built in 1825, by
Jones & Lathrop. Jacob Sutherland, afterward Judge of the
U.S. Supreme Court, resided several years at .North Blenheim.
8 There are 4 churches in town; 3 M. E., and Kef. Prot. D.
4 Named from John Broome, Lieut. Gov. of the State at the
time of the formation of the town. Scott's Patent of 37,s40
acres, granted Jan. 2, 1770, and a part of Isaac Le Boy's Patent,
are within the limits of this town.
5 On the summit level of the Catskill & Canajoharie B. R.
line, between two immense hills, was a "vlaie," or black ash
swamp, from which streams issued in opposite directions It
was about a mile long and covered many acres. Dams were
formerly erected and mills built at each end; and fish
placed in the pond thus formed multiplied greatly. It is now
drained.
6 Daniel Shays, the leader of the insurrection in Mass. that
bears his name, settled in this town after the dispersion of his
forces. David Williams, one of the captors of Andre, removed
to this village from South Salem in 1805, bought a farm of Gen.
Shays, and resided upon it until his death, Aug. 2, 1S31. He
left a widow, 4 sons, and 3 daughters. He was the object of
much regard, from the interesting historical event with which
his name is associated ; and the year before his death he became
the guest of New York City. — Simms's Schoharie, chap.xxi
7 Derick Van Dyck settled before the Revolution. John Rob
bins, Guillem, a half-breed. Allen Leet, Joshua and Asa
Buahnell, Geo. and Hezekiah Watson, Ebenezer Wickham, Geo.
Burtwick, Timothy Kelsey. Joseph Gillet, and Ezra Chapman
settled previous to 1796. The first known birth was that of
Francis Kelsey, in April, 1794 ; and the first death, that of Ezra
Chapman, Aug. 1794. Griswold, Carden & Wells began the
erection of a sawmill in 1794. and a gristmill the next season.
8 3 M. E., Meth. Prot., Bap., and l'resb.
9 This town embraces portions of New Dorlach, Becker,
Livingston's, Van Rensselaer's, Machiu's, and the Stone Heap
Patents.
10 A conical elevation near the s. line, early known as O-waere-
souere, is one of the highest points in the co., and may be seen
from Hamilton co., 50 mi. n.
604 SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Several caves are found in the limestone regions in various parts of the town.1 Argusville,2
(p. v.,) in the x. w. corner, upon thu line of Sharon, contains 3 churches, a sawmill, gristmill,
tannery, and 35 houses. Carlisle, (p. v.,) upon the Western Turnpike, in the x. part, contains
a church, hoarding school,3 and foundery. Pop. 107. Grovenors Corners, (p. o.,) in the
s. e. corner, contains a church and 10 houses. The first settlement was made in the s. w. part, about
1700.* The first church was formed by Dr. Simon Hosack, of Johnstown, in 1803 or '04.6
CORLiESKILI/ — was formed from Schoharie, March 17, 1797. The line of Sharon was
changed March 15, 1799. A part of Carlisle was taken off in 1807, a part of Summit in 1819,
and Richmondville in 1845. It is an interior town, lying x. of the center of the co. Its surface
is principally a hilly upland, broken by the deep valley of Cobles Kil, which extends E. and w.
through the center. The highest points, on the x. and s. borders, are 600 to 900 ft. above the
valley. The soil upon the hills is a sandy loam, and in the valley an alluvium. CoblesIi.il!,
(p. v.,) in the w. part, contains 3 churches, a sawmill, gristmill, planing mill, and tannery. Pop.
364. CobleskiU Center (p. v.) contains a church, sawmill, and 20 dwellings. Lawyers-
Ville,7 (p. v.,) in the x. w. corner, contains 3 churches, 2 sawmills, and 25 dwellings. East
CoblesRill,8 (p. v.,) in the s. e. corner, contains 2 churches and 21 dwellings. ISarnerrille,
(p. v.,) near the center, contains a church, gristmill, clothing works, and 16 dwellings. The first
settlement was made about 1750.9 The first land grants were made about 1730. During the
Revolution the people mostly espoused the cause of the colonists, and in consequence were sub-
jected to constant incursions from the Indians. A regular engagement took place between a
company of militia and a large Indian force under Brant, May 31, 1778. The Americans were
defeated, and about one-half of their number were killed.10 Howe's Cave, near the e. line, is a
place of considerable interest.11 The census reports 7 churches in town.12
COXESYIIjIjE13 — was formed from Broome and Durham, (Greene co.,) March 3, 1836. It
is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is generally a hilly upland, mountainous along the
E. border. The highest summits are 1,600 to 2,000 ft. above the valleys. Schoharie Creek forms
a small portion of the w. boundary; and Manor Kil flows w. through near the center. Upon the
latter stream, near its mouth, is a cascade of 60 ft. The valleys of these streams are bordered by
high and often nearly precipitous hills. Strykersville, (West Conesville p. o.,) upon Manor Kil
near its mouth, contains a church, tannery, and 20 houses ; and Stone Bridge, (Conesville p. o.,)
near the center, a church and 10 houses. Manorkill (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settlement
was made by Ury Richtmeyer, in 1764.u There are 3 churches in town ; 2 M. E. and Ref. Prot. D.
ESPERA\CE15 — was formed from Schoharie, April 4, 1846. A small portion was re-
annexed to Schoharie in 1850. It is the e. town on the x. border of the co. Its surface consists of
two ridges, extending e. and w. across the town, separated by the valley of Schoharie Creek. The
1 The principal of these caves are known as Young's and Sel- iiig in the flames. The delay occasioned by the resistance made
kirk- ■ ■ -. Near Carlisle Village is a small cavern, iu which at this house gave the remainder of the fugitives and the in-
liissupp ted that Indians firand shelter daring the Revolution, habitants time to escape. The whole number of Americans
Fibrous sulphate of barytes, fibrous carbonate of lime, and i killed was 22: and it is supposed that the Indians lost about an
■ ril mar Orosvenors Corners. I equal number. Fort Du Ilois, a strong blockhouse, stood in this
■ Named from the Albany Argus, at the time tho principal ! town daring the war.
paper • 'An. Formerly known as "MoUckt Mills." n Thi- cave was discovered in May,lS42, by Lester Howe, the
■ The Carlisle Seminary was built bra stock company in 1858, owner. Its entrance is about 50 ft. above Cobles Kil. After
0. It is beautifully situated iuagrovea little 8. passing several Bpacious rooms, ono of which is named "The
[I ■ . ned in Nov. 1853, and cl I Chapel," the visitor com. •< to a crawling place. 200 ft. long, beyond
n for about 3im> boarders, i which is a limpid sheet of water 30 ft. long. 20 wide, and 10 deep.
• An II i Phi ; ii >ker, and Petei B ^ond this the cavern extends a great distance, much, of the
t I it'l in town. The late way afonr a brook, and the total length of the passages measures
.: rn, author of a small local history, settled at an early several mi. Many highly interesting stalactital concretions —
1 John ' ' ddwell, John Bwectmau, some of great si/.< — have been found in this locality. Ithasbcon
A.ir >u II IW ml. Tranl* Van I l';t«, and lydowyck na I the < It sga rupee Cavern.
Primer wi ■ u i m. i:., 'i feet Prot. I)., and Evan. Lath.
&Th- ■ 5 churches in Uiwn : ! ib., » Named from Rev. Jonathan Cone, of Durham, Qreene oo.
Univ.. and Onion. ; Tho town was included in a tract granted to U. Richtmeyer and
. in C ibel, who built a mill near t' Dtl U Bridge Others, May 6, 17."4. known as Ease's Manor: and tracts to Daniel
at an early period. • wan called by the Indian
I from Lawrence Lawyer. ».iid to have been the first
town. dly known as " Pnnchkill."
I -ii nk' the early i imi -I Sbafer, Boock,
r, Warner, Fremyre, Borst, and Bi wn, — mostly from Scho-
I ina, an e.irly settler, distinguished himself
in the battle of Banker Hill. John I , another soldier
of m lived in this town— S ... n I f. hoharie,p.
vmill. built before the war by I hr -Han Prown. was
not di rtroyed by the Indians, as it v i by n tory, who
Ive it nfter it was o i ) the British.
10 i r en of 4i men. under tha command of (
Brown and Patrick, ware drawn into an anibu- | n the
threw thamselvei into i boos . which
fiares Samuel Stringer, Walter DfcParlane, John Richtmeyer,
Christian Patrie, and others.
14 Mr. It. was joint owner of several patents with John Dise
and others', and the name is still common in town. During the
Revolution the settlers fled for safety to the upper fort. Peter
Richtmeyer was twice taken prisoner by the Indians ander the
tory Junes. After (lie war. Philip Krinplc. Conrad Patrie. John
Shew. Parent Stryker, 8t< phen Scovill, James Allerton, and
Hubbard and Jndab Luring, the last two from Conn., came into
town. The first death was that of Dry Richtmeyer, Aug. 14,
1769. Thomas Canfleld taught a school in 1794. Peter Richt-
meyer kept the lir>t inn. in 17M. liannt Btryker built the first
mill, ab.ve the tails of Manor Kil.
'■'•The town was nam. d from the village. The site of the
1 titer was bought by Oen.Wm. North in 1800, laid nut into lots,
i surrounded by the Indians and burned, the soldiers perish- I and named by him from a French word signifying Hope.
SCHOHiRIE COUNTY.
C05
highest parts arc GOO to 800 ft. above the valley. The soil is principally a clayey loam.
Fsperance, (p. v.,) upon the e. line, was inoorp. April 21, 1832. It contains 2 churches, a
paper mill, gristmill, sawmill, and foundcry. I '< > p. 322. Sloansvflle,1 (p. v.,) near the
center, contains 2 churches, 3 sawmills, and 2 gristmills. Pup. 252. The first settlements were
made by Palatinates, about 17 ll.2 There arc 4 churches in town ; 2 Bap., Presb., and M. E.
FULTON1 — was formed from Middleburgh, April 15, 1828. It is the central town in the co.
Its surfaco is a hilly upland, broken by the ravines of the streams. Schoharie Creek4 flows n.
through the e. part, receiving Panther Creek from the w. The highest summits are 1,000 ft. above
the valleys. The hills next to the creek arc conical and often precipitous ; but farther w. they
assume a rounded form and are bounded by more gradual slopes. The soil is a gravelly and
clayey loam. Brakabecn,6 (p. v.,) upon Schoharie Creek, in the s. part, contains a church,
gristmill, foundcry, 2 sawmills, and 200 inhabitants. Fllltoilhani, (p. v.,) near the B. line
contains a church, gristmill, 2 sawmills, and 25 dwellings; and West Fulton (p. v.) a
church, sawmill, gristmill, and 1G dwellings. Watson villc is a small village, in the e. part;
and Petcrsburgll a hamlet, in the n. part. The first settlements were made by Dutch and
Palatinates, about 1711. The upper fort of the Schoharie during the Revolution was situated
upon the present site of Fultonham. The census reports 5 churches in town.6 Gov. Win. C.
Bouck was born in this town Jan. 7, 1786, and died here in April, 1859.
GILBOA — was formed from Blenheim and Broome, March 1G, 1848. It is the central town
upon the s. border of the co. Its surface is a mountainous upland, broken by deep ravines.
Schoharie Creek7 flows n. through the center, receiving Platter Kil from the e. and Mine Kil
from the w. The streams are bordered by steep hillsides rising to a height of 2,000 to 3,000
ft. above tide. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Gilboa, (p. v.,) upon Schoharie Creek,
contains 2 churches, a private seminary, cotton factory,8 gristmill, tannery, and 5G6 inhabitants.
South G ilboa, (p. v.,) in the w. part, contains a church and 20 dwellings. West Gllboa,
(p. o.,) in the n. w. part, is a hamlet. Macliies Corners, (Broome Center p. o.,) in the e. part,
contains a church and 15 dwellings. Mine Sill Falls is a p. o. Settlement was commenced in
17G4, by Matthew and Jacob Dise.9 The first preacher was Rev. Joel Peebles, settled in 1808.10
JEFFERSON- was formed from Blenheim, Feb. 12, 1803. A part of Summit was taken
off in 1819. It is on the s. line of the co., near the s. w. corner. Its surface is a hilly upland,
the principal summits being about 1,000 ft. above the valleys and 2,000 ft. above tide. Mine
Hill, in the extreme s. part, is estimated to be 3,200 ft. above tide. A high ridge extending x. e.
and s. w. through near the center forms the watershed between Delaware and Mohawk Rivers.
Utsyantha Lake is a small sheet of water on the s. line.11 The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam.
Jefferson, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 25 houses. Morseville, in the
1 Named from John K. Sloan, an early settler. Many years
since, near this plaee, by the side of a path leading to Fort
Hunter, was a stone heap thrown np by the Indians, who. from
a superstition among them, never failed to add a stone to the
pile win-never they passed it. The Rev. Gideon Hawley, who
passed it in 1753, relates (1 Mass. Coll. IV) that this heap had
been accumulating for ages, and that his native guide could
give no other reason for the observance than that his father
practiced it and enjoined it. upon him. lie did not like to talk
about it ; and the missionary believed that the custom was a
religious offering to the unknown God. Others state that a
tradition fixes this as the spot where a murder was committed.
The heap gave name to the ".-'tone Heap Patent," granted to
John Bower and others Sept. 15, 1770. The heap was 4 rods
long, 1 or 2 wide, and 10 to 15 ft. high, and consisted of small, flat
stones. The covetous owner many years since built the material
into a stone wall; and no trace of this curious monument of In-
dian superstition now remains. Similar stone heaps have been
noticed in other sections of tho State. The path that led by this
pile was that taken by Sir John Johnson and his army from Scho-
harie to the Mohawk in Oct. 1780. — Simms's Schoharie, p. 632.
- One of the first settlements was made at '•Kneisktrns Dorf"
opposite the mouth of Cobles Kil. The place was named from
John Peter Kneiskern. a prominent Bettler. Tho Stubrachs,
Enderses, Sidneys, Berghs. and Houcks were also, pioneer fami-
lies. Henry and George Houck built the first gristmill. This
town comprises the whole of Jacob Henry Ten Eyck's patent,
surveyed Aug. 1761; a part of the Schoharie Patent, and a part
of Sawyer & Zimmer's Second Allotment. The Stone Heap Patent
lies partly in this town.
3 This town embraces the whole of several patents and parts
of otljers, the principal of which are Michael Byrne's, of 18.000
Rcres, granted Dec. 14, 1767 ; John Butler's, of about 8,000 acres ;
Wm. ftouck's Patent, of 1,250 acres, e. of the creek, granted May
8,1755, and another, on the w., of about the same size; Edward
Clark's, of 100 acres; Vrooman's Land, granted to Adam
Vrooman, Aug. 26, 1714 ; Wm. Wood's Patent, of 2,000 acres, July
13, 1770 ; Hendrick Hager's. 900 acres, Dec. 1, 1768 ; part of John
Butler's, of 100 acres, and of Isaac Levy's tract of 4.333 acres,
surveyed in July. 1770. Vrooman's Land Indian deeds are still
extant, one of which is dated Aug. 22, 1711. Among the early
settlers were Peter, son of Adam Vrooman. the patentee ; Cor-
nelius and Bartholomew Vrooman, Nicholas Feeck, Adam
Brown, Teunis Vrooman. Michael Brown, Kriesler. Frere
Becker, and Stephen Young, on the w. ; and William Bouck. the
patentee, with his sons Johannes F., Christian, and William,
Nicholas York, and Henry Hager. on the E.
* This stream is called by the Indians Ken-ha-na-ga-ra. Upon
its course, in a ravine 200 feet deep worn in the Hamilton
shales, is a fine cascade, known as * Bouck's Falls."
6 A German name for the rushes which grew upon the banks
of tho creek at this place.
6 3 Union, Evan. Luth., and Ref. Plot. D.
7 A fall in the creek at the village was called by the Indians
De-was-e-go.
8 Tho Gilboa Cotton Mills Co. has a capital of $50,000, and
runs 100 looms.
9 These two settlers joined tho British and fled to Canada
during the Revolution. Among the early settlers after the war
were Richard Stanley, Joseph Desilva. Benoni Frazer, Cornelius
Lane. John Breaster, Isaac Van Fort, Daniel Conover. and Jacob
Homer, — all from New England. Ruloff Voorhees kept the first
inn, in 1785; John Dise built the first mills, in 1764; and Jonah
Soper the first tannery, in 1S00. This town embraces a part of
the Blenheim Patent, with parts of grants to Cry Richtmeyer,
David Ruffington. (July, 1770,) and Scott, with a portion of
the " State Lands." The last named tracts comprised the lands
escheated to the State by failure of title, and the confiscated
estates of tories.
10 The census reports S churches ; 4 Bap., 2 M. E., Ref. Trot.
D.. and Christian.
11 This lake is 1,800 ft. above tide. It is often mentioned in old
documents, and was an angle in the bounds of Albany co. in colo
nial times. It is the source of the w. branch of the Delaware.
606 SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
n. part, is a p. o. The first settlements -were made, in different parts of the town, in 1794.1 The
first preacher was Rev. Stephen Fenn.2
MIDDLEBl RGII-was formed from Schoharie, March 17, 1797, as "Middletown." Its
name was changed in 1801. A part was re-annexed to Schoharie March 26, 1798. Fulton was
taken off in 1828, and parts were annexed to Broome in 1849. It is the central town upon the e.
border of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, divided into two ridges by the valley of Schoharie
Creek, which extends x. and s. through the town. The highest summits are 600 to 800 ft. above
the valley.3 Schoharie Creek receives Little Schoharie Creek from the e. and Line Kil from the
w. The hills bordering upon the streams are usually steep and in many places precipitous. The
soil is a clayey loam upon the hills, and a sandy loam in the valleys. Hops and broomcorn are
extensively cultivated. 3Iiddlcbursrli, (p. v.,) upon Schoharie Creek, contains 4 churches, a
private seminary. 2 steam paper mills, a steam gristmill, a foundery, and 110 dwellings. Hunters
Land, (p. v.,) near the s. e. corner, contains 2 churches, a sawmill, gristmill, foundery, and 101
inhabitants. 3Iill Valley, on the line of Fulton, contains 2 large tanneries, a gristmill, and 25
dwellings. The first settlements were made by Palatinates, in 1711.* The middle fort of Scho-
harie stood a little below the present site of Middleburgh Tillage during the Revolution. The
census reports 5 churches in town.5
RICH :>IO\DVII.LE— was formed from Cobleskill, April 11, 1845. It lies upon the w.
border of the co., a little s. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, separated into two
•t part* by the valley of Cobles Kil, which extends e. and w. through the center. The
big summits are 500 to 700 ft. above the valley. The soil is generally a clayey loam. Hops
are extensively cultivated. Riclimondvillej6 (p. v.,) near the center, contains 3 churches, a
found' tv. sawmill, gristmill, and 370 inhabitants. Warnerville,7 (p. v..) upon Cobles Kil, at
tin- mouth of "West Kil, contains 2 churches, a boarding seminary,8 2 tanneries, and 44 dwellings.
West Richniondville is a p. o. The first settlement was made before the Revolution, by
_■• Warner and his sons Nicholas, George, and Daniel, from Schoharie.9 The census reports
5 churches in town.10
SCHOHARIE — was formed as a district March 24, 1772, and as a town March 7, 1788.
Sharon, Cobleskill, Middleburgh, and Blenheim were taken off in 1797, and Esperance and Wright
in 1846. A part of Middleburgh was re-annexed in 1798, and a part of Esperance in 1850. It
lie- in the N. e. part of the co., its x. e. corner bordering on Schenectady co. Its surface is a hilly
upland, broken by the deep valleys of the streams. The declivities of the hills are generally
gradual slopes, and their summits are 400 to 500 ft. above the valleys.11 Schoharie Creek flows x.
through near the center, receiving Foxes Creek from the e. and Cobles Kil from the w. In the
limestone region in this town are numerous caverns.12 The soil upon the hills is a clayey loam,
and in the valleys a gravelly loam and alluvium. Hops and broom corn are largely cultivated.
Schoharie, (p. v.,) the county seat, is situated upon Schoharie Creek, s. of the center of the
town. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 3 churches, the Schoharie Academy, 2 newspaper
offices, an arsenal, and a bank. Pop. 806. Central Bridge, (p. v.,) at the mouth of Cobles
Kil, tains a church, sawmill, gristmill, machine shop, and 12 dwellings. Itarton Hill is a
• . r. ■- .rn^r. The first settlemont was made in 1711, by a colony of German Palati-
1 An. ttled in tli" k. part: Samuel and 7 Named from Oapt. Geo. Warner, the first settler.
II nry Shelmerdine and B Warnervllle Beminaxywas built in 1851, at a cost of about
ft'i 'Kil: Stephen Marvin, Krastos Jadd, froundB and furniture being $3,000 additional. Ithasac-
r the Tillage. These were mostly from commodations for 200 boarding studente. A school was in operation
that of Marvin Jndd abrat 3 years, when it was closed and has not since been opened.
nnil tin' • th. thai ■ i: i Hann, Johu and Henry Shafer, Andrew Michael, Elijah
I, In II tdsi II, John Lick, and John Dingman settled soon after the Revo-
Iman Intion. The flrsl school (German) was taught by Skinsky.
Lewis the first st . I built the first saw- The first inn was kept by Bolinll ; tin- fust storriiy i km. skill-
mill, in 1TO0; and II .-tmill. iu 179 I.
>;ii Jones boill I
* Tl nd 2 Rap.
* A hill i.< named On-ran-cre-
Hountain • ■ Middle-
next
w_ 'i - -; ring Hill;" and the one s.a,of Id
o-ter.
* I - - ' rv. d ■ omprises ] tent, 1
7.imn)- r'- 1 -I Mlitnpnt. Th -. I
inn s,
I " ttice's,
and the vi tie Patent
D. bath. Ref. Pro*. D- and True Ihitrh.
mans; the tir-t sawmill was bull I by a company of settlers; and
the first gristmill by David Lawyer, on Cobles Kil. The town is
comprised in the Skinner and portions of the Franklin, John F.
Brack, and B. Glazier Patents. Brack's Patent, of I
granted March 19, IT.". I. and Glazier's, of 3,1 aires, July 28, 177 2.
i"2M. K.. Bap., Ivan. Lutli.. and Christian.
" The grade "f the Allans ,t Bnsqtuhanna R. R., upon th*
x. line of this town, i- 560 tt. above tide.
i2 Hair* Cave, otherwise • -;» 1 1 . . 1 Qebhard's Cave. 4 mi r. of the
courthouse, was tir-t explored In Sept. 1831. It descends abont
below the surface. A stream oi water, with small cascades,
through it. and a boat is kept for the use of visitors, A lion t
II was purchased byW.H. Knocpfel, of X. Y.. with the
design of making it a popular place of resort, when first ex-
hmondvilli ' L 11 abounded in magnificent stalactites, of the purest
I nslncent and fibrous. Nehtaway's Oave, 2mi. B.s. of
I furniture, it explored in I John Gebhard, jr^, and
It at a cost of John Bonny. A few fine specimens of colored rhombohedral
$UfiW, but was again burned June 30. 1S5A. spar were found in it.
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
607
nates, who had previously located upon the Hudson.1 The first churob (German) was established
soon after the first settlement;2 llov. Peter Nicholas Summer was the first clergyman.
SEWABlD'-wiiM formed from Sharon, Feb. 11, 1840. It lies on the w. border of the oo.,
N. of the center. Its surface is a hilly and broken upland, the highesl summits being 300 to 500
ft. above the valleys.4 West Kil, the principal stream, (lows s. e. through the center. The soil is
a clayey loam. Hups arc largely cultivated. Hymisville, (p. v.,) upon West Kil, in the s.
part, contains a sawmill, gristmill, tannery, and 143 inhabitants. Seward Valley,5 (Seward
p. o.,) in the n. w. part, < tains a gristmill, sawmill, and 16 houses. diardiierville (p. v.)
contains a church and 84 inhabitants. Clove is a hamlet. The first settlement- were made in
the n. part of the town, by a colony of Germans, in 1754/' Their settlement was known as "New
Dorlach." The census reports 8 churches in town.7
SHARON* — was formed from Schoharie, March 17,1797, as "Dorlach." Its name was changed
March 17, 1797. Seward was taken off in 1840. It is the n. w. corner town of the co. Its surface
is a rolling and hilly upland. The highest summits, in the s. w. corner, are about 500 ft. above
the valleys. AVest Kil, flowing S. through the w. part, is the principal stream. The soil is a
gravelly loam. In the underlying limestone are numerous caves. Hops are largely produced.
Sharon Spring's, (p. v.,) a little n. \v. of the center, is celebrated for its sulphur and chaly-
beate springs.9 It contains 5 large hotels for the accommodation of the visitors to the springs, and
2 churches. Pop. 230. Rockville, upon the turnpike, about a quarter of a mi. above the
springs, contains 3 churches and 20 dwellings. Sharon Center (p. v.) contains 20 dwellings.
Sharon Hill, (Sharon p. o.,) in the s. e. part, contains a gristmill, sawmill, foundery, and 20
dwellings ; Lieesville, (p. v.,) in the n. w. part, 2 churches and 20 dwellings. Engellville,
(p. o.,) near the w. line, and ESeekmans Corners, near the s. line, are hamlets. Col. Calvin
Rich, from New England, is said to have been the first settler.10 July 9, 1781, the tory Doxtader,
with a party of 300 Indians, made a descent upon Currytown, Montgomery co. ; and on his return,
with his plunder and prisoners, he was overtaken by an American force, under Col. Willett. An
engagement ensued, in which about 40 Indians were killed, and the remainder fled. The battle
ground is about 2 mi. e. of Sharon Springs. The census reports 5 churches in town.11
SUMMIT — was formed from Jefferson and Cobleskill, April 13, 1819. It is the s. w. corner
town of the co., lying principally on the w. border. Its surface is a broken and hilly upland. The
central ridge forms a portion of the watershed between Susquehanna and Mohawk Rivers, the
highest summits being 2,000 to 2,300 ft. above tide. Charlotte River, the principal stream, flows
s. w. through the w. part. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Summit, (p. v.,) upon the
ridge, near the center, contains 2 churches and 28 dwellings. It is 2,200 ft. above tide. Char-
lotteville, (p. v.,) upon Charlotte River, in the s. w. part, contains a church, the N. Y. Confer-
ence Seminary and Collegiate Institute,12 2 sawmills, a gristmill and clothing works, and about 40
1 This town includes parts of the Schoharie, Morris & Coeyman's,
Lawyer & Bergh's, and the 2d Allotment of Lawyer & Zimmer's
Patents. For particulars of early settlement, see page 601.
2 A lot of 14 acres in Hunters field was conveyed, Jan. 3, 1737, by
Johannes Sheffer, Hcndrick Conradt, and Johannes Ingold, to
Jonas Le Roy and Peter Speis, for the support of the Middleburgh
and Schoharie high and low Dutch churches. By an act of Feb. 8,
1799. the two congregations were empowered to divide and mutu-
ally release this lot. The census reports 4 churches ; 2 Evan. Luth.,
M. E., and Kef. Prot. D. seamed in honor of Gov. Seward.
* Upon the s. e. border of the town is a hill, called by the
Indians Gogny-ta-nee ; and K. of Seward Valley is another, called
One-en-ta-dashe. 6 Locally known as " Neeleys Hollow."
6 The first settlers were Sebastian France, Michael Merckley,
Henry Ilynds, and Ernest Fretz. Among the other early settlers
were Caleb Crospot, Win, Ernest Spornhyer, and Conrad Brown,
who located near the Luth. church ; and Wm. Ripsomah, Henry
France, Henry Hanes, Geronimus Chrysler, and John, Peter, and
Martin, sons of Rev. Peter Nicholas Sommer, the first Schoharie
pastor. The first German school was taught by Phaughwer ;
the first inn was kept by Thos. Almy ; the first store by Wm. E.
Spornhyer. Wm. Ilynds built the first sawmill, and Henry Hanes
the first gristmill. The first birth was that of a son of France.
^ 3 Evan. Luth., 3 M. E., Ref. Prot. D., and Bap.
8 Named from Sharon, Conn.
9 These springs have a high reputation for the cure of cutaneous
disorders, and are a place of resort during the summer. As ana-
lyzed by Dr. Chilton, a pint of the water is found to contain, —
Sulphate of magnesia 2.65 grains.
Sulphate of lime 6.98 "
Chloride of sodium 0.14 "
Chloride of magnesium 0.15 "
Hydrosulphuret of sodium *|
Hydrosulphuret of calcium > 0.14 "
Extractive matter J
10.06
Sulphuretted hydrogen gas, — 1 cubic inch.
The waters flowing over vegetable substances incrust them
with -white and flocculent sulphur. The gas from the sulphur
spring quickly tarnishes silver, even in the pocket. In the
neighborhood is a chalybeate spring. The vicinity derives
interest from caves containing stalactites and beautiful crystals
of sulphate of lime. A quarter of a mile below the spring is a
fine cascade. A copious spring of common water gushes from
the rocks a short distance above, in volume sufficient to turn a
mill.— GeoL lit Dist..2>. S9; Beck's Mineralogy of N. Y..p. 143;
Simula's Schoharie, p. 643.
10 Col. R. was afterward at Sackets Harbor as a Col. of drafted
militia in Gen. Richard Dodge's brigade. Calvin Pike, William
Vamlerwerker, Conrad Fritche, Abraham and John Mereness,
John Maliek, and Peter Courment were early settlers, and were
obliged to flee to Schoharie or Fort Hunter for safety during the
war. Wm. Beekman kept the first store; John Hutt built the
first sawmill, Omeo Lagrange the first gristmill. John Ilutt the
first clothing works, and Frederick & Crouck the first tannery.
The town coiiiprisi-s a part of Frederick Voting's Patent "f uo.oiiil
acres, granted Sept. 25, 1761 ; a tract granted to Bradt & Living-
ston, of 8,000 acres ; a part of Johan D. Gross' Tract : a tract
granted to Johannes Lawyer, jr., Jacob Boist, and others, of
7,000 acres, Aug. 14, 1761 ; and a small part of the New Dorlach
Patent. The first owners of New Dorlach Patent were Michael,
Johannes, Johannes Jost, and Jacob B. Boist, Johan Braun, Wm.
Ranch, Michael Heltzinger, Henrick Hanes, Johannes Shaffer,
Johannes and Jacob Lawyer, Christian Zeb. Mathias Baumann,
Lambert Sternberg. Barent Keyser, and Peter Nicholas Soinmer.,
The patent provided that any differences that might arise were
to be settled by arbitration.
" 2 Ev. Luth., Ref. Prot. D., Bap., and Union.
12 This institution is under the charge of the Methodist Epis-
copal denomination. It is one of the largest institutions in
the State, having accommodations for about 450 boarding stu-
dents.
608
SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
dwellings?. Ldutlieranville, (p. o.,) is the sr. w. part, contains a church and 10 dwellings;
and Eminence, (p. v.,) on the line of Blenheim, 2 churches and 15 dwellings. The first settle-
ment was made in 1794, by Frederick Prosper, from Dutchess co.1 Rev. M. Sherman was the first
preacher. The census reports 7 churches in town.3
TVRICiHT3 — was formed from Schoharie, April 4, 1S4G. It is the n. town on the e. border
of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland. The highest summits, along the s. line, are 600 to 800 ft.
above the valleys. The principal stream is Foxes Creek, flowing n. w. through the center. The
soil is a clay and gravelly loam. Gallupvillc, (p. v.,) near the center, contains 3 churches, a
sawmill, tannery, carding machine, and 40 houses. Shutters Corners, (p. o.,) in the w. part,
contains a sawmill, gristmill, and 10 houses. Tl'aldeiiville is a p. o., near the E. line. The
town comprises the whole of several patents and parts of several others, principally granted from
1700 to 1770. The first settlement was made by Jacob Zimmer, near Gallupville, several years
prior to the Revolution.* A stone house built by Johannes Becker, an early settler, was used as a
fort during the war.5 There are 5 churches in town.6
Acres of Land, Valuation, Pojndat ion, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Schoharie County.
Saxes of Towss.
Blenheim
Broome.-
Obleskill -.
Concsvillu
I - 'ince
Fulton
Jefferson
Middle! urp;h
Richmondville...
barie
Seward
Sharon
Summit
Wright
Acres of Laxd.
f
9,864
18,638
14,612
11.742
12,907
7,6791
17.1204
23;i39
1...0..-+
14,2404.
11. 207|
9,401
14,381
19,297
:
i ■_•.:.'•'<
Total 227.904}
I
16.102
8.375
6,243
6.296
8,552
2,715$
17.192
]::.:; -'
8,045*
11.' ii'.'
5.475
0.I..1
5,420
4,878
6.040
5.276
l::2.o4'-i
Valuation of 1858.
e$
$186,667
204.346
394,171
::47.:uo
229,460
2"7.915
4<-.4.::.riti
302.30S
27S.140
431,345
374.599
522,591
388,128
552.188
320,735
838,707
5.573.576
ft, a.
$18,990
50,884
42,410
56.175
27.506
71.622
58,550
56.950
30.478
53.S50
32.760
222,650
28,920
1011.162
4.",.oii.j
r,2 265
0.V.I.2.-.7
$205,657
255.230
436,581
404.101
256.966
309.537
522.900
359.25S
308.618
4S5.195
407.359
745,241
417,048
652,350
365,800
400.972
Population.
S
686
1,071
873
1.096
700
643
1.450
1,306
820
1,621
1.02S
1,429
962
1,360
940
843
6.532.S13 16.S2S 16.691
665
1.067
850
1.112
'707
727
1.367
1,351
868
1,454
999
1.440
963
1.356
950
815
i
225
421
311
378
262
239
509
478
292
480
345
498
316
460
354
■>::
5 S46
S
I?
6.258
S
186
270
276
335
215
177
402
322
252
363
291
310
247
424
268
236
1.574
Schools.
Vc
fe;<3
•Jo I
601
1.034
750
776
629
606
1.182
1,105
683
1,179
S40
1.068
705
1.066
6s7
697
13.808
Saxes of Towrb.
Blenheim.
Broom*
Carll-I-
II
• I"
I
Fulton
OBboa
Jeff r- .n
Uiddleborgh....
RJchmondfillc
Bchoharis
Seward
Summit
Wright
Lite Stock.
«
eg ;
= : :
Tot il
■j 2
741
: l
1,001
606
915
1 228
^o|
1.-7
11
i .; -
1,120
l.JH
1,115
B78
1.117
1,078
-
868
540
l.i-J
1,927
1,763
1,201
i -
6 i
:: :.l
3 . i •
1.165
::.:•. :.
2,241
2. 1 82
2,241
2,001
cc
618
962
1.137
1,468
916
l Is
1,484
701
1,749
1,098
l.-'H
l.iu
041
1.171
Agricultural Prow ots.
Bush, of Grain.
!
8,168
6,469
2.275
8,964
2,991
2,272
• .oil
2.151
16.109
52,31 2\
61.044?
63,671
17,1851
70,860}
62,864
73,556
I
922.644J
B
e
1,940
3,815
2,705
2,745
3,130
I
3,431 '
6.036J
4,369
i
3,122
2,1691
3,218
2,881
4.2:i7
1.7:'.7
"s-
■I b
<aft.
7.270J
11,349
11,724
6,740
18,926
10,694
11,164
16,356
11,761
16,754
13,206
16,926
18,971
8,164
II
6,7 16
10,481
12,992
1 i.o'.':;
10,686
7,132
11,847
13,440
9,472
li IMS
15.261
1 0.372
18,000
47,182
12 210
11,154
PAIUY Pilt'HUCTS.
Q 3
ft, cs
86,230
92,146
115,586
9:1.725
95,650
53,745
1 10,939
2M7.265
183,877
'.i:;.'.i7u
98,680
72,or,(i
136,430
124,966
150,816
.m;.:. 7 1
1\77H 190,4324 JJ2.1S2 1,832557
cos
2,605
5,379
6,716
2.l'40
3,025
809
3.090
500
1,883
200
40.001
2,240
200
4oo
71,016 34,916
1*
§ &
=5.S
1.S0OJ
•J.' 92
2.165
2.717J
S4Si
1,139
4,9591
2,560
2,593
1.331
2,853
1,284
2,0501
1.976
3,142
1.398
1 Clement Pavis. S."imn"l Allen, Martin Vnn Bnren, Morris
Kifl". Robert end Abi \- M. Frrdonb
.1 1 ' . • ■ . 1 .' 'hun Hughes, B rittu
1 r. and -i inn - Brown wereearijr settler*. The fir«t iiirth
was that of Pirdcnbttrgh, and the fir-t ■ .it of
Ctam ' ivina Allen, m 1797. Dai Us taught
th* tir-t school, In 1798. BenJ 1: i't-T kept the fit-' Inn, J
Bum* the t:r< store, and Van Buren U wmfll
The town oomprk - 1 1 irt of tl t Btraasbnrgh, Charlotte r
Btephen .-kinn.T. and Walter Franklin Patent!
* 2 Bap, 2 M. E., Kef. Prat !>., t'r. Luth., and Chriatian.
3 Samed in honor of Gov. Silas Wright,
4 Among the early settlers won- Johannes* Becker. Shaffer,
Frederick Dcning, John Nnrhold, Frederick Beller, Christopher
Bhoefelt, and John llilsley. Jacob Zimmer kepi th" first inn,
John and Henry Becker the first store; Jacob Zimmer bnlll tho
fir-t gristmill, and Zimmer, Becker & Shaffer the Brsi sawmill.
Ontfa ruing of July 26, 1782, a band of toriea and Indians
appeared in the valley of Foxes ('reek, murdered several persons,
took some prisoners, and attempted to dislodge the inmates of the
Bt.tie hotUO, bnl (ailed. This house is still standing.
• 2 M. L., Ev. I.uth., Ref. i>rot. D., and Christian.
SCHUYLER COUNTY.
This county1 was formed from Steuben, Chemung, and Tompkins,
April 17, 1854. It lies upon both sides of the s. extremity of
Seneca Lako; is centrally distant 160 mi. from Albany, and con-
tains 352 sq. mi. Its surface is mostly an undulating and hilly
upland, divided into two distinct ridges by the deep valley of Seneca
iLako and its inlet. The highest summits are 600 to 1,000 ft. above
I Seneca Lake and 1,200 to 1,600 ft. above tide. A bluff 100 to 300 ft.
high extends along the shores of the lake, too steep for profitable culti-
vation ; but farther inland the hills are bordered by long and gradual
slopes and arc generally arable to their very summits. The extreme
s. part of the co. assumes a more hilly and broken character. Catha-
rines Creek, flowing into the head of Seneca Lake, is the principal
stream. Its course is through a deep, narrow, and winding valley bordered by steep hillsides 400 to
600 ft. high. Upon it are numerous falls, affording abundance of water-power ; and near its mouth
is a marshy region of considerable extent. Meads Creek, a tributary of Chemung lliver, drains the
s. w. corner, and Cayuta Creek the s. e. corner. The other streams are small creeks and brooks,
mostly discharging their waters into Seneca Lake. A few streams take their rise along the n. e.
border and flow into Cayuga Lake. Little and Mud Lakes, two smaller sheets of water along the
w. border, discharge their waters through Mud Creek into Conhocton River. Cayuta Lake is a fine
sheet of water, in the e. part of the co. Hector Falls, upon a small stream flowing into Seneca Lake
from the e., is one of the finest cascades in the State. The rocks of this co. mostly belong to the
Portage and Chemung groups, — the former occupying the N. and the latter the s. part of the co.
In the deep valley along the shore of Seneca Lake, in the extreme n. part of the co., are found
outcrops of Genesee slate. The only good building stone in the co. is the thin-bedded sandstone
separating the thick beds of shale. In many places these rocks are covered deeply with drift
deposits. The soil upon the highlands is clayey and gravelly, principally derived from the dis-
integration of the shales ; and in many places this is underlaid by hardpan. In the valleys the
soil is a gravelly loam intermixed with alluvium.
Agriculture forms the leading and almost the sole occupation of the people. Spring grains are
extensively grown, and stock and wool growing and dairying are largely carried on. The climate
and soil are both better adapted to pasturage than to tillage. Fruit is becoming an important article
of culture, and all kinds adapted to the climate succeed well. A limited amount of manufacturing
is carried on at Watkins and Havana.
In 1854, commissioners appointed to locate the co. buildings fixed upon Havana as the county
seat.2 The action of the commissioners was resisted by the Board of Supervisors, and by them
the county seat was located at Watkins, at the head of Seneca Lake. A courthouse was erected
at each village ; but subsequently the courts decided in favor of the action of the commissioners,
and, April 13, 1857, an act was passed by the legislature confirming the location of the county
seat at Havana. This act was confirmed by the Supreme Court, April, 1859. The Board of Super-
visors soon after changed the location to Watkins, and at this place the co. offices are at present
located. The buildings erected at each place for a courthouse, and for a clerk's office and jail at
Havana, are fine buildings, embodying nearly all modern improvements. The buildings at
Havana were erected at a cost of $30,000. No poorhouse has yet been established.
The public works in the co. are the Chemung Canal, extending from the head of Seneca Lake
s. through the valley of Catharines Creek, uniting with Chemung River at Elmira ; the Elmira,
Jefferson & Canandaigua R. R., extending along the w. shore of Seneca Lake to Watkins ; and the
Chemung R. R., extending s. from Watkins along Catharines Creek to Elmira. These roads are
both leased to the N. Y. & E. R. R. Co.
In 1779, Sullivan's army marched through the defiles along Catharines Creek, closely pursuing
the Indians, who were flying from the fatal battle of "Newtown," (now Elmira.) So great was
the terror of the Indians that they neglected to defend the passes, and the American army
1 Named from Gen. Philip Schuyler.
* These commissioners were Delos De Wolf, of Oswego, Edward Dodd, of Washington, and Vivus W. Smith, of Onondaga.
39 609
610
SCHUYLER COUNTY.
marched unmolested through the only place -where successful resistance was practicable. Upon
the conclusion of peace, many of the soldiers belonging to the army returned to this region and
located upon land -which had been first brought to their notice during their march against the
Indians. The first settlements in the co. -were made on Catharines Creek, near the present site
of Havana, in 1788, and on the shores of Seneca Lake, in 1790. The town of Hector belonged to
the Military Tract; the towns of Catharines, Dix, and Reading, to the Watkins and Flint Pur-
chase; and Tyrone and Orange, to the Phelps and Gorham Purchase.
Two weekly newspapers are now published in the co.1
CATIIARIXES2— was formed from " Xcwtotcn," (now Elmira, Chemung co.,) March 15,
1798. Catlin and Yeteran (Chemung co.) were taken off in 1823. A part of Newfield (Tompkins
co.) was annexed June 4, 1853, and a part was added to Cayuta, April 17, 1854. It lies upon
the s. border of the co., e. of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep valleys
of the streams. Catharines Creek, along the w. border, flows in a deep ravine 300 to 700 feet
below the summits of the hills. Cayuta Lake lies in the N. E. part ; and its outlet, Cayuta
Creek, flows s. into the Susquehanna. The soil is principally a gravelly loam mixed with clay.
Havana, (p. v..) upon Catharines Creek, on the line of Dix, 3 mi. from Seneca Lake, was incorp.
May 13, 1836. It contains a courthouse, jail, clerk's office, the People's College,3 3 churches, a
newspaper office, 3 flouring mills, and several manufacturing establishments.4 It is a canal
village and a station upon the Chemung R. R. Pop. 1,290. Odessa, (p. v.,) near the center
of the town, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, several sawmills, and 40 dwellings; and Catha-
rines, (p. v..) in the s. part, 2 churches and 25 dwellings. Alpine, (p. v.,) on the s. E. border,
is partly in this town. The first settlement in town was made at Havana, in 1788, by Silas
Wolcott and Wilson.5 The first religious meeting was held at the house of Mr. P. Bowers,
by a Presbyterian minister, in 1794.6
C IUTA- was formed from Spencer, (Tioga co.,) March 20, 1824. Parts of Catharine and
Erin (Chemung co.) were annexed in 1854. The town was transferred from Tioga to Tompkins co.
March 22, 1822. It is the s. e. corner town in the co. Its surface is a hilly upland. Cayuta
k flows s. e. through the town, in a narrow valley bordered by steep hillsides 300 to 600 ft. high.
The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam. Cayuta ("West Cayuta p. o.) contains 15 dwellings;
Alpine, (p. v..) on the N. line of the town, a flouring mill, sawmill, chair factory, and 25
dwellings The first settlement was made in the valley of the Cayuta, near "West Cayuta, in
1801, by Capt. Gabriel Ogden, Rev. David Janes, and Jos. Thomas, — the first two from Tioga co.,
and the last from Athens, Penn.7 The first religious services were held by Rev. Mr. Janes,
(Bap..) at his own house, in 1802. No churches are reported.
1 The Tir*ga Pntriot was started at Ilavana in June, 182S, by
L. IJ. and ?. Butler, and was continued a short time.
The Unr-ina Observer wa« started in 1830 by F. W. Hitter, and
was soon discontinued.
The Havana lirpvJAican was commenced in 1835 by Nelson
Coierove. It wn« i--.ii' 'I successively by O. Barlow Nye,
T. I. Taylor, and W. II. Ongly until 1849, when it was
• try nml Havana Republican. It was discon-
tinue • ! in I860.
Th- Chemmng Democr ti was removed from H to Havana
in 1- J", and t- n ■■■- Watkins) In 1842. It-
name wa« p'h-.ii after i -bam.*.-! I
The Dtmn-Tit"- Otttam, and it was lamed by J. I. Hcndrix
until
The In/hj- mn™-' ' itkins. Jane IS
by \V B. - ,1 to
tinned a Brw month*.
77,/ Corona Boroalu, a li*- r, was published at"Jfffer-
abonl tbt aami time.
The Hitvnnn .Jniiriinl wai d jjirfl 16.1868, by
i it. Look, and lu . tl in i» «tiii continued.
The "WntUlns it • |m i>l i< :i n llshed iii June,
1864, by 8. M. Taylor. It paw -I Into the hands of J.
K. Av.rill, and afterward into thOM "f M. Ells, by
whom it is still full
The Schuyler O , commenced at Havana, April 26,
, by Av.rill A Baxter, f DttnnedL
1 Named from Patharlnn Montour, ■ Kr- n< b woman who mnr-
rtfd an Indian, was adopted Into lb- - . and ■ sorted a
controlling int! ng the Indian". - I -mall
salary ban the Kni:li«b Colonial Government, tat man] •
on account of net Influence among the it led on
the present site of Havana, and w.i- known as Queen Catha-
line. This town as first formed ■ t^ t-r:i ad the ». i art of Tp«.
1 and 4 and all of Tps. 2 and 3 of John W. Watkins's Tract.
8 This institution was incorp. April 13, 1854. and was located
at Havana Jan. 8, 1857. The college edifice — the erection of
which lias been commenced — is to bo 320 by 52 feet, 4 stories
high, with a basement. At either end is a wing, 206 by 52 ft.,
4 stories high : and a wing will project rearward from the center,
0.8 by 64 ft., :i stories high. Above the basement the walls aro
to be erected of brick; the whole at an estimated costof $175,000.
The institution is t,, afford instruction in some departments of
mechanics and manufactures, and students are to be paid for
their services. The trustees have resolved to establish 19 pro-
■ hips.
* 2 plaster nulls, 2 sawmills, a planing mill, woolen factory,
ir..n foundery, and tannery.
'• Geo. Mills. Win. McClure, Phineas Bowers, John King, and 2
fundi. - by the name of Stevens, settled in the valley at and near
II i .ii.iin 1789-90. Anthony Broderick kept tho first school, in
a house own J by Phineas Bowers, in 1792-93. Silas Wolcott
kept the first inn, soon after his settlement, and Isaac Baldwin
and George Mills tin- first store, in l.sn.r>, at Havana, l'bineas
Bower- erected the first grist and sawmills, at or near the village,
' I be census reports 7 churches; 2 Trot. E., 2 Presb., 2 M. E.,
and Hap.
' Ilerinon White. Henj. Chambers, and Jeremiah Taylor settled
in the Kim.. \ Icinity in 1 308 ; Hoses Drown. Langstaff Oompton,
and Others In 1804. The first birth was that of Kosetta. daugh-
ter of Jonathan Thomas, in Jan. 1 sn4 ; the first marriage, that
Of Bbcni /• r 1 dv. aids and Sarah Ogden. in 1804: and the first
death, thai of Jos tph Thomas, In July, 1802. Robert Lockerby
taught the first school, In B bouse belonging to Elder Janes, in
the winter of 1806. Gapt Gabriel Ogden kept the first inn, at
West Cayuta, In 1806, and Jesse White the first store, in 1808.
John Whit.- erected tho first sawmill on the I, branch of the
Cayuta. In I 1'>. and John Ennis the first gristmill, 2 mi. below
it .. In 1-17.
SCHUYLER COUNTY.
Gil
BIX1— was formed from Catlin, (Chemung CO.,) April 17, 1835. It lies upon the w. side
of Catharines Crock, and extends from the head of Seneca Lake to the s. hounds of the co. The
surface is mostly a rolling and hilly upland, the summits being l<>0 to 700 ft. above the lake.
It is drained by Catharines Creek and several smaller streams. The soil is principally a fine
quality of gravelly loam. A little s. V. from the head of the lake is a deep glen in the bills, bor-
dered by perpendicular rocks 200 ft. high. A small stream runs through it, forming a series of
beautiful cascades. Watkins,* (p. v.,) upon the line of Heading, at the head of Seneca Lake,
was inoorp., as "Jefferson," April 11, 1842, and its name was changed April 8, 1852. It contains
a courthouse, 5 churches, a newspaper office, and several manufacturing establishments. It is a
lake, canal, and r. r. station ; a daily steamboat plies upon Seneca Lake between this place and
Geneva. Pop. 1,084 Beaver IMms. (p. v.,) in the s. w. corner, contains 2 churches, several
manufactories, and 28 dwellings; Townsend, (p. v.,) near the w. line, contains 1 church,
several mills, and 3G dwellings; Crawford Settlement, (Moreland p.o.,) near the s. line,
contains 2 churches and 2G dwellings. The first settlements were made near the head of the lake
and along the valley of Catharines Creek, about the commencement of the present century.'
The first church edifice (Bap.) was erected in 1833, at Townsend.4
HECTOR— was formed from Ovid, (Seneca co.,) March 30, 1802. It is the s. w. corner
township of the Military Tract and the n. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a rolling
upland, its highest summits being 500 to 700 ft. above Seneca Lake. The bluffs bordering upon
the lake are 100 to 300 ft. high, and nearly perpendicular. It is drained by a large number of
small creeks flowing into Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Hector Falls, upon a small creek in the
s. w. part of the town, is a cascade made by the stream flowing down the bluff which borders
upon the lake. The soil is a clay, sandy, and gravelly loam, in some places underlaid by hard-
pan. Perry City, (p. v.,) upon the e. line of the town, contains a Friends' meeting house and
120 inhabitants; Meckleilburgll, (p. v.,) situated 2 mi. s.w. of Perry City, contains 3 churches,
2 sawmills, a flouring mill, and 338 inhabitants; Reynoldsville, (p. v.,) near the center of the
town, contains a church and 117 inhabitants; Bennetsburgh, (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains
a church, 4 saw and shingle mills, 1 gristmill, tannery, and 25 dwellings ; Burdett, (p. v.,) in
the s. w. part, contains 3 churches, a woolen factory, agricultural implement factory, iron foundery,
gristmill, sawmill, tannery, and 360 inhabitants; Peacli Orchard, (Hector p.o.,) in the N. w.
part, contains 3 churches and 34 dwellings; Polkville, (p. v.,) in the n.w. part, contains a
church and 16 dwellings ; Searsburgh (p. o.) contains 2 churches and 10 dwellings. Ufortll
Hector and Cayutaville are p. offices; and Steamburgh is a hamlet. John Livingston
and Win. Wickham settled in 1791, in the N. w. part of the town, on the bank of the lake.5 The
first church (Presb.) was formed by Rev. Mr. Stewart, at Peach Orchard, in 1809.6
ORANGE— was formed from Wayne, (Steuben co.,) Feb. 12, 1813, as "Jersey." Its name
was changed Feb. 20, 1836. A part of Hornby (Steuben co.) was annexed April 11, 1842, and a
part of Bradford, (Steuben co.,) April 17, 1854. It is the s. w. corner town in the co., and is
bounded on the e. by the pre-emption line. Its surface is a rolling and hilly upland, broken by
the deep and irregular valleys of the streams. Meads Creek, flowing s. w., forms the principal
drainage. The soil is chiefly a gravelly loam. Monterey (Orange p. o.) contains 3 churches,
a gristmill, and 301 inhabitants. Sugar Hill is a p. o. in the n. e. part. The first settlements
were made in 1799, by Abraham Rozenback and Samuel Scomp, n. e. of Monterey.7 The first
church (M.E.) was formed by Rev. Peregrine Hallett, the first preacher.8
1 Named from Ex-Senator John A. Dix.
2 Named from Dr. Samuel Watkins, an early settler in the
village.
8 Geo. Mills was among the first settlers in town, and is still
living there, at the age of 95 years. Judge John Dowe, David
Culver, and John and Win. Watkins were also among the early
settlers. The first Bettlers at the village of Townsend were
Claudius Townsend, Consider B. Evens, Jonas Blower, and Dods
Benson, in 1823; Ebenezer Perry was the first settler at Beaver
Dams. At this place 2 dams were built across Port Creek by
beavers; one of the dams still remains. A swamp, formed by
the lower dam, is an alluvial deposit 400 ft. deep, from which
lime is made.
* The census reports 10 churches ; 3 Bap., 3 M. E., 2 Presb.,
Prot. E., and Univ.
6 Reuben Smith and his sons Reuben, Jabez, Sam'l, Harvey,
Caleb, and Chauncey W., from Canaan, Conn., settled on Mili-
tary Lots 20 and 21, in 1794; Richard Ely and Grover Smith, a
little N. of Peach Orchard, and Daniel Everts, s. of the same
place, in 1795, — all from Salisbury, Conn. The first child born
was Polly Everts ; the first marriage, that of Stephen Pratt and
Betsey Livingston; and the first death, that of Wm. Wickham.
The first school was taught at Peach Orchard, by John Living-
ston. Wm. Wickham kept the first inn, near Peach Orchard,
and John B. Seeley the first store, at Hector Falls. The first
gristmill and carding machine were put in operation at the
same place, by Sam'l B. Seeley.
6 The census reports 20 churches in town ; 7 M. E., 3 Presb.,
3 Bap., 2 Wes. Meth., 2 Friends, O. S. Bap., Prot. E., and Chris.
Cong.
1 Henry Switzer, from N. J., settled on Switzer Hill, in 1S02,
and D. Hewitt, from Rensselaer co., N. Y.. was the first settler at
Monterey, in 1811. Abner and Thos. Hurd. and Brigham Young,
tho Mormon leader, were early settlers in the N. B. part of the
town. Chapman, Wm. Wilkins, Wm. De Witt, Andrew
Foot. Danl. Curtiss, and Jedediah Miller settled on Meads Creek
in 1811. Elsie Switzer was the first child born. The first school
was taught by Dan'l McDougall, in 1819, near Monterey. Thos.
Hurd kept the first inn. in 1S16, at Monterey, and Walter Hurd
the first store, S. w. of the same place.
8 The census reports 4 churches in town ; 2 Bap., Presb., and
M. E.
612
SCHUYLER COUNTY.
READING- was formed from " Frederickstoini," (now Wayne, Steuben co.,) Feb. 17,1806.
It lies upon the w. bank of Seneca Lake, and is the central town upon the n. border of the co.
Its surface is a rolling upland 400 to 500 ft. above the lake. The bluffs upon the shore are very
steep and in many places precipitous. Its streams are small brooks and creeks. The soil is
mostly a clay loam. Reading Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches and 24 dwellings; Ire-
landville (Reading p. o.) contains 11 dwellings. North Reading is a p. o. The Elmira,
Jefferson & Canandaigua R. R. traverses the town upon the w. shore of the lake. A settlement
was made at Reading Center, by Judge John Dow, from Conn., in 1790.1 The first church (Bap.)
was formed by Elder John Goff, in 1810, at Reading Center.2
T1ROXE — was formed from Wayne, (Steuben co.,) April 16, 1822. It is the n. w. corner
town in the co. Its surface is an elevated upland divided into several ridges by the valleys of
streams. Its principal stream is Mud Creek, flowing s. w. Little Lake, upon the w. border, is
3 mi. long and about 1 wide; and Mud Lake, in the s. w. corner, is U mi. long and about one-half
mi. wide. These lakes lie in deep valleys, and are bordered by nearly precipitous hills which rise
300 to 400 ft. above them. The soil is a clay loam. Tyrone, (p. v.,) a little e. of Mud Lake,
contains 2 churches, 1 gristmill, 2 sawmills, 2 tanneries, several manufactories, and 160 inhabit-
ants; "Weston, (p. v.,) | mi. x. w. of Tyrone, contains 2 churches and 177 inhabitants ; Altay,
(p. v.,) a little E. of the center, contains a church, tannery, 2 sawmills, a steam flouring mill, and
144 inhabitants; Pine Grove (p. o.) contains a church and 6 houses. The first settlement
was made in 1800, by Gen. Wm. Kernan, on a tract of 4,000 acres, purchased by Thos. O'Conner.3
The first church edifice (Union) was erected by the Presb. and Bap.; Rev. Joseph Crawford
(Preeb.) and Rev. Vau Rensselaer Wall (Bap.) were the first preachers.4
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Schuyler County.
Names of Towns.
Catharines
Cayuta.
Dix
•r
Heading ....
Tyrol
Total
Acres of Land.
"2
Is.ltiO
4,875
l.VJ','-
45,904}
20,8284
16,917
!::l.: ::y;
1
I
11.598
7,1681
7,326|
15,851
11.304*
3,7261
6,023J
,-j. ,.,,,,
Valuation of 1858.
•S
(3
*s:;:;.2nl
74,836
558,503
1,520,513
434,542
425,073
■' .■"> •">■")
4.413.313
ft, ft.
$157,100
3.840
39.705
82,600
47.444
27.750
35,850
304.349
55
$990.391 ,
78.676
598,2681
1,603,113!
481,986
4o2.s23
602.405
4.807.062
Population.
g
1,761
324
1,447
2,801
1,256
736
1,083
'.'.4' is
I
1,756
294
1,437
2,S28
1,227
716
1.111
'.'.:'.f,;i
s
669
118
545
1,090
483
266
409
3.5S2 :>,.5
593
119
574
1,102
4S3
277
429
I
Schools.
421
130
454
988
374
237
342
2,946 112 7,11!
is
3
13
88
17
7
16
1,390
208
1,176
2.126
885
483
850
Nam nor Towjib.
Ci- :. inn. -
Cavuta.
Dii
Hector
« >r on
Reading....
'I w
~ Total
II
Live Stock.
.
*•§
s
1
? S -:
3
1
5
765
1.--
l.OM
>,:■]'■
176
•
826
1 .::•:■
038
6.647
ym
-
768
6,213
680
ifltn
: -
5,261
■ .
].:■■:.
1 06S
6,787
6,700
11.. -■-
7,«76
tvi-
-
5
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Boa. ov Orais.
1,049
uana
i.i-'i
■ ■
12.130
ll,617|
86,0771
By007
7.129
11, .17
'.im,(i:;s
20.6( 16 3
M..7.-.1*
263,4 12
62.7221
77.475*
r,!if,>::s
C!
2,787
8564
2.34i .}
6,7124
■.•■; i
1,3011
I.'.:::
It
c;ft.
11.954
2,480
12.771
22.S29
20.460
9,084
1,528
17,0964 81,106 143,229
•>
21.358
7,329
12,099
57,818
9.670
12,374
22,581
Dairy Products.
ft. =5
97.110
35,085
Ml.', 11
258,227
119,185
74.0S7
125,648
TVs.:'..:;
8,446
1,880
3,381
S.itss
3,932
3,179
32,168
S B
716
897
1.898 j
3.493
2,.;tsj
8681
1.304 J
11,346*
i David Culver nettled near Reading Center, in 1806, tod Al.x-
and«r 11 in ton, near Watkin*. In 180*1 IIm flr«t marriage Waf
that of Klisha Cnlvcr awl Snsan Dirina: and the tlr»t birth,
that of Minor Culver. The first school wm taught by Lra
Parker, at the Center. David Culver kept the fir«t inn. V. oi the
Center, and David Culver, jr., the first store, «t the name place.
Kliadia Parker erected the flrat sawmill.
* The census reports '■'■ churches ; Bap.. M. F... an.l B I
1 Mr. O'Conner was among tl rUrre, and reaided for
i time in a log bouse on the shore of Little L*k». lie »m ac
xmpanied by a son and daughter, — the former of whom is Hon. \
Charles O'Conner, the eminent New York lawyer. Abraham
Fleet, pc, from N. J., and Capt. John Seabring, wero anions tho
first settlers near Tyrone Village, in 1800; Thaddeus, Gershnm,
and Abraham Bennett settled about 1801. Simon Fleet was tho
first child burn in town. The first school was taught at Tyrone
Village, by Hugh Jameson ; the first inn was kept by Capt. Wil-
lianis. and the fir»t «t»re by Thos. i ('Conner, near tho N. w. corner
of the town. Tho first mill and factory were erected at Tyrone
Village by Ralph Opdyko.
' The census reports 7 churches; 3 Bap., 2 Presb., and 2 M.E.
SENECA COUNTY.
Tnis county was formed from Cayuga, March 29, 1804. A part
of Tompkins was taken off in 1817, and a part of Wayne in 1823.
It lies w. of the center of the State, centrally distant 15G mi. from
Albany, and contains 420 sq. mi. It occupies the greater part of
the land which lies between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, and extends
several mi. n. of Seneca Lake Outlet. A high ridge enters theco.
from Tompkins and occupies nearly one-fourth of its surface. The
summit of the extreme s. portion of this ridge in this co. is 700 to 800
feet above Seneca Lake and 1,100 to 1,250 feet above tide. Toward
the n. it gradually declines to the level of Seneca Lake. The ridge
is bordered in some places by steep declivities and in others by
gradual slopes, and in the s. part of the co. generally terminates in
high bluffs on the shores of the lakes. At the foot of Seneca Lake the bluffs, on an average, are
about 20 feet high ; but toward the s. they gradually rise to an elevation of 100 to 150 feet. At the
foot of Cayuga Lake the shore is low and shelving ; but in Romulus a bluff shore commences, which
gradually increases in height until on the s. border of the co. it attains an elevation of 150 to 200
feet. From the summits of the bluffs to the central summit of the ridge the land generally rises in
beautiful, smooth, gradual slopes, broken in a few places by sharp declivities of a terrace-like forma-
tion. From Ovid toward the n. the land abruptly descends about 200 feet, and then by gradual
slopes to the level of Seneca River. The region immediately n. of Seneca Lake Outlet and w. of
the Cayuga Lake Outlet is level, and some of it is marshy. In the N. w. corner of the co. is a
great number of alluvial ridges, composed principally of gravel. These ridges extend in a n. and
s. direction and are 30 to 50 feet high. Their declivities are generally very abrupt toward the N.,
E., and w., but more gradual towai'd the s.
The geological formation of the co. is very simple. The rocks overlie each other in parallel
layers slightly dipping toward the s. The lowest rocks that crop out in the co. are those of the
Onondaga salt group, including both the red shales and gypsum. They are found along Seneca
River, where the gypsum is extensively quarried. Next above these are heavy, compact masses
of the corniferous limestone, occupying a belt of country 2 to 3 mi. wide s. of Seneca River. The
intermediate waterlime and Onondaga limestone strata are developed in this co. only in very thin
and scarcely noticeable layers. The corniferous limestone furnishes a building stone of great excel-
lence and is extensively quarried. Next in order come the Marcellus and Hamilton shales, occu-
pying a broad belt through the co. and extending nearly to the summits of the ridges ; the Tully
limestone, a layer of only a few feet in thickness, but valuable from the quantity and quality of
lime manufactured from it ; and the Genesee slate, a dark, shaly rock which crowns the summits
of the southern hills. These rocks throughout the co. are covered with a deep deposit of drift, con-
sisting of clay, sand, gravel, and hardpan, and crop out only along the shores of the lakes, the
narrow ravines of the streams, and the steep declivities of the ridges. In the n. w. corner of the
co. this drift is arranged in ridges with narrow valleys scooped out between them.1
The principal stream is Seneca River, forming the outlet of Seneca Lake. It has a course of about
14 mi. between the two lakes, and in that distance falls 60 feet. The falls are principally at Waterloo
and Seneca Falls, furnishing an excellent water-power at each place, but much the greater at tho
latter. From Cayuga Lake, Seneca River flows n. e. through a marshy region and forms a portion
of the e. boundary of the co. Clyde River, a tributary of the Seneca, flows through a portion of the
marshy region in the n. e. corner. The other streams are all small brooks and creeks, and for the
most part are rapid torrents flowing in deep gulfs worn in the shaly rocks. They are frequently
interrupted by waterfalls, are nearly dry in summer, and are subject to severe freshets.
Seneca Lake, the w. border of which forms the greater part of the w. boundary of the co., is 35
mi. long and 1 to 4 mi. broad. It is 216 feet above Lake Ontario and 447 feet above tide. It occu •
pies a deep valley between the hills, and it varies in depth from 300 to 630 feet. Its shores are
generally bold ; and from their summits the land slopes gently and gracefully upward to a height
1 The position and character of these remarkable ridges seem
to indicate that the whole region has been subject to the force
of large bodies of running water moving in a southerly direc-
tion; and it has been conjectured that at a geological period im-
mediately preceding the present one. the waters of Lake On-
tario, then much above its present level, flowed through the
valleys of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes and discharged into the Sus-
quehanna.
613
614
SENECA COUNTY.
of 200 to 700 feet above its surface, furnishing some of the most quiet and beautiful scenery ;n the
State. This lake is never entirely frozen over. Cayuga Lake occupies a parallel valley on the e.
border of the co., and is 38 mi. long and 1 to 3J mi. wide. It is GO feet below Seneca, and its
greatest depth is 346 feet. Near the foot the lake is very shallow, and a large extent of land,
immediately adjoining and lying along the course of its outlet, is swampy.1 Further s. the shores
are bluff and the country is of the same general character as that bordering upon Seneca Lake.
The soil is generally of a very excellent quality. The sandy and gravelly loam of the drift de-
posits are well adapted to either grain raising or grazing. The lower portions of the ridges are
enriched by the disintegration of the rocks above, making the soil very productive. The lowlands
bordering upon Seneca River are clayey and in many places mixed with disintegrated gypsum and
limestone. North of the river have been found extensive marl deposits of great agricultural value.
North of the foot of Seneca Lake is a sandy region once considered worthless ; but upon trial the
soil has been found susceptible of being made productive at little expense. The marshy regions w. of
Cavuga Outlet are covered with thick deposits of marl and muck. Measures have been instituted
to drain these marshes ; if successful a new and exceedingly fertile region will be added to the pro-
ductive lands of the State.
The co. La a half-shire, the co. seats being located respectively at Ovid and Waterloo.2 The court-
house and clerk's office at Ovid are brick buildings, situated in the E. part of the village. The
combined courthouse and jail at "Waterloo is a brick building, situated near the R. R., fronting the
public square, in the w. part of the village. The co. poorhouse is located upon a farm of 126
acres, upon the line between Seneca Falls and Fayette, 4 mi. s. e. of Waterloo.3
Four weekly newspapers are now published in the co.*
The public works of the co. are the N. Y. Central R. R., extending through Seneca Falls and
Waterloo, and the Seneca Canal, extending along Seneca River through the same towns.5 Above
the falls at Waterloo the canal is formed by slackwater navigation upon the river.
The lands in this co. were first brought to the notice of the whites by the expedition of Sullivan,
which passed along the banks of Seneca Lake in 1779. Portions of the land at that time had been
cleared and were under cultivation. The Indians had a tradition that this whole region had once
been occupied by a race that pursued agriculture, but which had long ago disappeared. Many of
Sullivan's soldiers, attracted by the beauty and fertility of the lands, after the war settled in
various parts of the co. The first settler, Job Smith, who located at Seneca Falls in 1787, and the
second, Andrew Dunlap, who located at Ovid in 1789, came in by way of Chemung River. The
third settler, Lawrence Van Clief, who settled at Seneca Falls in 1789, came in by way of Oneida
Lake and Seneca River.6 After 1790 settlement progressed rapidly, and the most fertile lands
1 This swamp; rejrion is the southern termination of the noted
-lies.
3 The county Beat was located at Ovid upon the erection of the
i nrthonse was huilt in 1806. While a part
. in 1790, courts were held at the barn of An-
dn« I'MM i|. In 1M7. up<>n the erection of Tompkins co., the |
co. seat was remi •■ '. • Waterloo; bat ill 1822 the co. was divided
int.. two Jury 'i i theconrta have sin.-e then been held
nit' r: vid and Waterloo. The find co. officers were
iphrey, Fir I Judgt : Silas Balsey, Clerk; Wil-
riffi and •' U id. Sum
* TK Dumber of inmal is I I, supported at a weekly
- tanght 4 months In Che year.
•n- 1 ■ !-• pretty w.ii.irranpedand managed.
* The Seneca I the first papei published In the co., was
In 1816 by Geo. Lewis, in 1810 it was
changi d t"
TK' Ovid Oatetie. Upon the change of thi i seal in 1-17. it
ww remon d to Water! • and changi i ' > »
iMttc, and was d yi ars by the
origin d pi
The Senera Farmer w»* I ■. 1822 by Win.
Ill mid
unit' d with t Journal.
Thr n rl time in l-__'.
1 lyrics Scntcll.
It was coon all i shorl Urns n«
T'.' Observer <in-i Union, and was subsequently chan
The Seneca Obmrvrr, audi r which 1 1 1 1 • it i- still issued
by the original pn prutor.
The 1'. A'-po/i'fory was tuned from
the Observer office in 1831.
The Senera Republican was established at Ovid In 1S27 I
rhael Hayes. In It
The < '<r. and was issued a
short time by John Huffy.
The SOU ' Rrffa It— III 1 1 was commenced In T*JTi by " B
In 1881 it passed into the hand* of Wm. N.
Brown, and in 1882 it was united with the Seneca
Fanner and changed to
The Stneca Farmer and Seneca Falls Advertiser, and was issued
by Wm. Child until 1S35.
The Western Times was published at Waterloo in 1830 by Ebe-
nezer I'. Mason.
The Ovid Emporium was published in 1S32 by Bishop Oren-
shier.
Tlie Seneca County Courier was commenced at Se-
neca Falls in 1*37 by Isaac Fuller & Co. It was success-
ively published I'V Fuller A Bloomer. Mills & Bloomer,
Mills i Davis, John J. Da*is, N. .t. Milliken. Milliken &
Fuller. Milliken A Mnmford, Foster & Judd, Fuller &
Judd. until 1860, when it passed into the hands of Isaac
Fuller, its present publisher.
The Ovid Bee was started in 1838 by David Fairchild A
Son. At the end of one year it passed into the hands
of the Knn. Coi-yiloii Fairchild. Its present publisher.
The Seneca Fills Democrat was commenced in 1839 by Josiah T.
Miller, and was continued 10 years.
The Set"' " />• ' mncrat, semi-w., was issued a short time from tho
S lllie nlllce.
The &>!■■•■> Fills Register was commenced in 1835 by J. K.
Brown, and was continued 2 years.
The M< ni'tri'il was commenced at Seneca Falls in 1840 by Ansel
Ma- in. and was continued until 1S46.
The Water /.'<< bet was published at Seneca F'alls by an associa-
tion of Washingtonians In 1841.
The Free-Soft Union was commenced at Seneca Falls in Aug.
by N. .1. Milliken, and continued about 1 year.
The Lily was commenced at Seneca Falls in 1s4'.l by Mrs.
Amelia bloomer, and was continued until 1854, when it
(TBI removed U> I Ihio.
The American Reveille was commenced at Seneca
Fills in .Ian. 1866, by Wilcoxen, Sherman & Baker. In
• it was purchased byQ.Wfiooxen,and was continued
by him until .Ian. 1869, when it passed into the hands
of Holly .V BtOWeU, the present publishers.
'The first locks on this river were made by tho Seneca River
Navigation Company, in 1816.
'•Mr. Van Clief was one of the 100 men dispatched by Sullivan
under Col. Oansevoort, directly E. from the head of Seneca Lake,
SENECA COUNTY. G15
were speedily occupied. In 1791 the State Road, known as the " Geneva Road," was built from
Whitestown to Geneva ; and this soon became the great highway for immigration. This co. formed
the extreme w. portion of the Military Tract ; and many of the early settlers were old soldiers who
had drawn their portion of public land here.
COVERT— was formed from Ovid, April 7, 1817. Lodi was taken off in 1826. It lies upon
the w. shore of Cayuga Lake, in the s. E. corner of the co. Its surface is an upland descending
from its w. border and terminating in a steep and almost precipitous bluff upon the shore of the
lake. This bluff rises 100 to 200 feet above the water, and the summit of the slope is about 400
feet higher. The town is watered by Trumansburg Creek and many smaller streams, flowing into
Cayuga Lake. These streams have worn ravines in the slate and shales to the depth of 20 to 40 feet,
the sides being nearly precipitous. In summer they are nearly dry, but during heavy rains they
become fierce mountain torrents, bounding and seething in their confined channels and leaping from
high precipices to mingle with the calm and peaceful waters of the lake. The soil is a gravelly
and clayey loam. The whole surface is arable, except the steep declivities of the lake bluffs.
Farmersville, (Farmer p. o.,) in the n. part, contains 3 churches, a steam sawmill, foundery,
and machine shop. Pop. 350. Covert, (p. o.,) in the s.E. part, Halls Corners, near the
center, and Kellys Corners, in the n. w., are hamlets. Port Deposit (Trumansburg
Landing p. o.) is a steamboat landing near the s. E. corner. The first settler was Philip Tremaine,
who located at Goodwins Point before 1793.1 The first religious services were held at the house
of Mr. King, by Elder Thomas ; the first church (Bap.) was organized in 1805.2
FAYETTE — was formed from Komulus, as " Washington" March 14, 1800. Its name was
changed April 6, 1808. Junius was taken off in 1803. It lies on the s. bank of Seneca River and
extends from Seneca to Cayuga Lake. Its surface is rolling and inclined toward the n. From
Seneca Lake the land beautifully slopes upward, forming some of the most delightful situations
for residences in the co. Upon Cayuga Lake the shores are lower and in some places are marshy.
The highest point in town is about 200 feet above Seneca Lake. The streams are mostly small
brooks flowing with rapid currents, and at a few places furnishing limited water-power. In some
parts the corniferous limestone is extensively quarried, both for lime and for building purposes. The
soil is a deep, rich loam, composed of clay, gravel, and sand. Near Canoga Tillage is an immense
spring in a basin 14 feet in diameter, and from it flows sufficient water to form a large and valuable
water-power. The spring also emits nitrogen gas. Canoga,3 (p. v.,) in the n. e. part, on Cayuga
Lake, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, 2 sawmills, and 197 inhabitants. South Waterloo, a
suburb of Waterloo, on the s. bank of Seneca River, contains 1 church and 597 inhabitants.
Ilea i-y town, (Fayette p. o.,) on the line of Varick, is partly in this town. West Fayette,
in the s. w. corner, and Rose Hill, in the w. part, are p. offices. The first settlement was made
by James Bennett, from Penn., who located upon the shore of Cayuga Lake in 1789.* Red Jacket,
the Seneca chief and orator, was born near Canoga Spring. There are 8 churches in town.6
JT1VIUS— was formed from " Washington," (now Fayette,) Feb. 12, 1803 ; Wolcott (Wayne co.)
was taken off in 1807, Galen (Wayne co.) in 1812, and Seneca Falls, Tyre, and Waterloo in 1829.
It is the n. w. corner town of the co. In this town are numerous small, isolated gravel and clay
ridges 30 to 75 ft. high, all extending in a general n. and s. direction. The numerous small streams
that drain the town flow n. into Clyde River. Among the narrow valleys in the e. part is a limited
amount of swamp land. The soil is a good quality of gravelly loam. Dublin, (Junius p. o.,)
N. w. of the center, contains 1 church and 25 dwellings. West Junius is a p. o. near the s. w.
corner. Thorntons Corners is a hamlet. The first settlements were made by Thos. Bedell
and Jesse, Sam'l, and David South wick, about 1795. 6 The first church (Cong.) was formed in
1811 ; three years after it was changed to a Presb. There are also 2 M. E. churches in town.
LODI — was formed from Covert, Jan. 27, 1826. It borders upon Seneca Lake, and is the s. w.
to lay waste the lands of the Cayugas, Onondagas, and Oneidas
that had previously escaped destruction.
1 Among the other early settlers were Nathaniel, Reuhen. and
Bassler King, from Dutchess co., in 1793 ; Jonathan Woodworth
and sons Nehemiah, Charles, and Oliver, and daughter Deborah,
from Norwich, Conn., Miner and Joseph Thomas, in 1794 ; and
Turtellus King, in 1795.
2 This was the first church formed in the co. The census re-
ports 4 churches: 2 Bap., Univ., and Ref. Prot. D.
8 The name of the village, derived from that of the spring, is
an Indian word said to signify " sweet water."
4 Samuel Bear settled at " Schni/es." now South Waterloo, about
1795. Wm. Watkins kept the first inn. at South Waterloo, and
Samuel Bear built the first crist and saw mill, at the same place
5 2 Presb.. 2 M. E., 2 Lutheran. 2 lief. Trot. D.
6 Among the other early settlers were families named Sher-
man. Chapman, Brown well. Fisk, Moore, French, Maynard,
Thorn, and Hart, — mostly from New England. The first death
was that of Mrs. Submit Southwick, wife of Samuel Southwick,
in 1S02. Joseph Moody kept the first store, at Dublin. He was
an Irishman ; and hence the name of the village.
616 SENECA COUNTY.
corner town in the co. Its surface is mostly inclined toward the w. and n., a small portion only
lying e. of the summit. The bluff bordering upon Seneca Lake is 150 to 250 ft. above the surface
of the water ; and the highest part of the central ridge is 500 ft. higher and about 1,200 ft. above
tide. The principal streams are Mill Creek, flowing w. w. through near the center, and Sheldrake
Creek, in the N. w. corner. Mill Creek separates the highlands into two distinct ridges, the decli-
vities being very abrupt. Upon this stream are several fine cascades. Lodi Falls, where the creek
leaps down the precipitous bluff which borders upon the lake, are 125 ft. high. The water has
w irn a deep and irregular channel in the shale rocks one mi. back from the face of the bluff. The
soil is principally a gravelly loam mixed with the disintegrated rocks. Lodi, (p. v.,) in the n.
1 art. contains 2 churches, a gristmill, and 380 inhabitants ; Tovvnsendville, (p. v.,) in the s. E.
part, a church and 20 dwellings. Lodi Center (p. o.) is a hamlet. Lodi Landing is on
Seneca Lake, at the month of Mill Creok. The first settlement was made by Geo. Faussett, from
Penn., who settled in the s. w. part in L789.1 There are 5 churches in town.2
OVID— was formed March 5. 1704. Hector (Schuyler co.) was taken off in 1802, and Covert
in 1817. It lies s. of the center of the co., and extends from Seneca to Cayuga Lake. Its surface
consists of an arable ridge, 600 ft. above Seneca Lake and about 1,100 ft. above tide, descending
from w. of the center toward the lakes. The bluffs upon the lakes are 20 to 50 ft. high, and
nearly perpendicular. A <:reat number of small streams flow into both Cayuga and Seneca Lakes,
the principal of which are Sheldrake, Osborn, Groves, and Barnuni Creeks on the e., and Sixteen
Falls Creek on the vr. These streams have all worn deep, ragged ravines in the yielding shales.
Thev arc frequently interrupted by cascades, and in summer are nearly dry. The soil consists
principally of clay and gravel intermixed with sand and the disintegrated rocks. Ovid, (p. v.,)
near the n*. line, contains a courthouse, co. clerk's office, 3 churches, the Ovid Academy,3 a steam
mill, and ax factory, and about 050 inhabitants, Ovid Landing' is just over the town line in
Romulus. SlieldraUe Point, (Sheldrake p. o.,) a steamboat landing upon Cayuga Lake,
contains a church, steam sawmill, boat yard, and 168 inhabitants. Ovid Center contains 20
house?. Kidders Ferry, (p. o.,) near the s. e. corner, and Scotts Corners, near the
center, are hamlets. The first settlement was made in May, 1789, by An drew Dunlap, from Penn.,
who located on Lot 8, in the s. vr. part of the town.4 The first religious services were held at the
house of Abraham Covert, in 1704. The first settled preacher (Pief. Prot. D.) was John Lindley,
in 1800.5 The New York State Agricultural College and farm are located on the n. line of this
town, w. of the village.6 In the s. part of the town are the remains of an ancient fortification.7
ROMULUS— was formed March 5, 1704. Fayette was taken off in 1800, and Varick in 1830.
It lies s. of the center of the co., and extends from Seneca to Cayuga Lake. Its surface is rolling
or moderately hilly and has a general northerly inclination. The high bluff from Ovid extends into
the s. border of the town, where it drops down abruptly about 200 ft. The land slopes from the
center downward to the e. and w. The streams are small and generally flow in deep channels.
The surface is smooth, except along the courses of the streams, and is nearly all arable. The soil
Lb a fertile, gravelly and clayey loam. Romulus, (p. v.,) on the line of Varick, contains a church,
steam sawmill, female Beminary, ami 36 dwellings. IByatts Corners, in the s.e., contains 20
dwellings. Romulus Center is a p.". Wliilncys Landing' is a station upon Cayuga Lake;
and Coolejs and Freleighg Points and Ovid Landing are stations upon Seneca Lake.
The fir?-t settlement was made by David Wiener, in L789. There is but one church (Bap.) in town.
' Mr Kan ■ (btlnblsnu Jackaon,from triple marriage in 1798 wns the first In town. The partus were
Penn., settled In t! . from I. !.. Joseph Wilson and Anna Wyckoff; Abraham A. Covert and
.. la 1791 'i iw Catherine Oovert; anil Enoch Stewart and Jane Covert They
I ml Ihfilr ftmlHns nrnnhrrini imeln. Tbo first v. ed to cross Seneca Lake to find a jnstloe authorized to
child born was a d P tor Smith kept perform the ceremony. Benj. Mnnger taught the first school, in
the first Inn. " tmill, In 1794. 1795; John McMath kept the first store, in 1707, and the first inn,
M. B . li .p . and Ret Pn I I'
* In 1866 the nami was clmn
Seneca Colli
• The first settlers, mostly from Perm and N J., followed the
in 1800 : and 11. Boardmau erected the firm mill, in 1798, on Lot!
rTh. re ore now in town 7 churches; 2 i'resb., '2 M. E., lief.
Prot !».. Bap., and K. C.
'• Ibis institution was incorporated in 1868; and the buildings
trail of Sullivan'" army and local • < . j i r t . • f 1 1 1 ■ ■ t..wn. an- now in process of erection. Tliey were designed by 8. K.
m were Wm. Dunlap and J m Penn., Hi wi -, of Albany, and consist of a main building 90 ft. front and
Peter Smith, from V .1.. ami Henry Whart' n. in IT- '; Abraham 132 dei p. having a wiiiK on each side S4J by Go. ami transversa
• and hi* ".n Abraham \ . f- m N. •'.. in 1790; Elijah wings 68 by 128. It isdesipned to accommodate about .400 stn-
Kinne, from Dut , in dents. Tin- firm contains BOO acres.
md Richard Huff. Pet Do 'On I>'t 29, within 1 mi. of the s. line of the town, nnd ex-
H and William ai Dun- actly on the dividing ridge between the two lakes, oni xisted
lap and Tennis Covert, in 1T"1 In the summer oi a mound or fortification of an Irregular, elliptical form, iii-
Baldwin settled on Lot 11. where bi remained until 1801, when closing about 3 acres, and sorronnd/ d by an embankment of
be sold ont and renv". th, which in ISol was about 3 bet in height with a base B
found ' Iwin-viii-. Tb'- fir-t child born was David, to 8 feet in width. The present proprietor, George Bo Dine, with
\uir-w Danl ' ■ the br-t death w«d his father, removed here in 1802, and built a house within the
that of George Dunlap. brother -f Andrew, Bept 24, K'.'l. A where ho has since, resided until within a few
SENECA COUNTY.
G17
SENECA FAEES— was formed from Junius, March 20, 1829. It lies upon the w. bank of
Cayuga Lake, n. of the center of the co. The surface is nearly flat, and it is elevated 30 to 50 ft.
above Cayuga Lake. The shores of the lake nre low and shelving, and the N. portion is swampy.
Seneca River flows e. and n. through the center of the town, its valley dividing the town into two
distinct parts. The river flows over a series of ledges into a deep chasm apparently worn by its waters.
Just e. and s. w. of the village are extensive gypsum quarries. The soil is a stiff, hard clay in the s. and
E., a sandy loam in theN. w., and aheavy vegetable muck in the n. e. S<imc;i Falls, (p. v.,)1 upon
Seneca River, near the center of the town, was incorp. April 22, 1831. It is a station upon the X. Y. C.
R. R. and the Seneca Canal. The total fall is 51 feet, and furnishes an abundance of water-power,
which is largely improved. It contains 7 churches, the Seneca Falls Academy, a union school, 2 news-
paper offices, extensive manufactories of fire engines, pumps, machinery, iron, and woolen goods, and
a great variety of other articles.2 Pop. about 4,000. The first settlement was made by Job Smith, from
Ulster co., upon the present site of the village in 1787 ; he left in 1793. The first permanent settler
was Lawrence Van Clief, in 1789.3 The first religious services were held by M. E. missionaries,
about 1797 ; and the first regular minister was Rev. Matthew Stewart, (Presb.,) in 1804.*
TYRE — was formed from Junius, March 26, 1829. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. The
e. half is a swamp, being the s. termination of the Montezuma Marshes. The w. half is occupied
by peculiar drift ridges similar to those already described in Junius. These ridges are 30 to 50
feet high, and generally have very steep declivities upon all sides except the s. One of the longest
of these, in the w. part of the town, extends nearly two-thirds of the distance from the s. line to the
N. Its summit is nearly level ; and the road which is located upon it appears as though built upon
an artificial embankment. The soil is clay and muck in the e. and a gravelly loam in the w.
Tyre City, (Tyre p. o.,) near the center, contains 2 churches and 20 dwellings. Cruso is
a p. o. on the n. line. The first settlement was made by Ezekiel Crane, from N. J., who came in
1794.5 The first church (Bap.) was formed in 1805. Elder Don Ralph was the first preacher.6
VARICK. — was formed from Romulus, Feb. 6, 1830. It extends from Seneca to Cayuga Lake,
across the center of the co. Its surface is slightly inclined toward the n. The slopes of the ridges are
years. The work was evidently of great antiquity, — the timber
on the inside being of the same size and apparent age of that in
the surrounding forest. Upon the bank aud in the ditch large
oak trees — the growth of centuries — were standing. In the
embankment were several openings a few feet in width, which
were once probably used for gates or entrances. In making an
excavation for a cellar, on the E. side, 6 skeletons were found at
the depth of about 2 feet. This was in 1857. Several had been
found previously ; and, though all the softer parts of the bones
had long since disappeared, the teeth and a few of the larger
bones still remained. Inside of the embankment may still be
found pieces of a coarse kind of pottery, ornamental pipes, &c.
De Witt Clinton visited this place in 1810 ; aud his theory is
that this was one of a number of similar works of defense found
occupying the most commanding positions in Western New York1,
and in the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi, erected by a race
more civilized than the Indians, and that they preceded the
latter in the occupation of this country: their origin and end
are alike a mystery ; their annals defy the ken of human re-
search, and their history will remain a sealed book perhaps for-
ever. The Indians were never able to give any account of this
fortification, as it was older than their traditions.
1 Named from the falls in the river, the Indian name, " Sha-
ee-ounse," signifying rolling water.
2 Downs & Co.'s manufacturing establishment, commenced in
1840, has a capital, including real estate and machinery, of about
$200,000. They are largely engaged in the manufacture of pumps
and a great variety of other articles, use annually 3,800 tons of
iron, 1,500 tons of coal, and employ 230 hands. Their yearly
Bales amount to about $400,000. They also manufacture Goffe's
Patent Knitting Machine, and are largely engaged in the manu-
facture of hose, turning out 800 pairs per day ; 70 persons are
employed in this department. The Island Works of Silsby,
Mynderse & Co., commenced in 1S48, is engaged in the manu-
facture of steam fire engines, portable steam engines, aud a
variety of other machinery. It employs 150 persons, and turns
out work to the amount of $200,000 per year. Cowing & Co.'s
works commenced about 1840. They are engaged in tho manu-
facture of fire engines, pumps, and various other articles, —
employ 140 men, and turn out work yearly to the amount of
$125,000. The Phoenix Woolen Mills gives employment to 90
persons, and manufactures goods to the amount of $150,000 per
annum. Besides these, there are in the place several flouring
mills, having in the. aggregate 32 runs of stone, 2 distilleries, a
brewery, 2 planing mills, 5 founderies and machine shops, a
ecythe and fork factory, a woolen factory, and several minor
manufactories. Abnut 50 tons of iron are used daily in the
several manufactories. — American Reveille, Seneca Falls, 1859.
3 Mr. Smith was the first white settler upon the Military
Tract. Mr. Van Clief was a Revolutionary soldier, having been
in the battles of White Plains, with Washington at Valley Forge
and with Sullivan, in his campaign against the Indians. Ho
settled on the river, and engaged in piloting boats over the
rapids until the locks were built in 1815. Among the other
early settlers were James Bennett, Col. John Harris, and
Parker. Tho first child born was a daughter of Lawrence Van
Clief, Nov. 29, 1790; the first marriage, that of Ely and
Pamela Parkhurst, in 179(5 ; and the first death, that of Mrs.
Job Smith, in 1792. The first school was taught by
Leonard, in 1797. Lawrence Van Clief kept the first inn, in
1794; and Col. Wilhelmus Mynderse kept the first store, in
1795, and built the first saw and grist mill, about the same
time. In 1794, Robert Trout, Nicholas Gouverneur, Stephen N.
Bayard, and Elkanah Watson, under the title of the Bayard
Company, bought of the State 100 acres of land on the N. side
of the river, embracing the greater part of the water-power upon
that side. In 179S they purchased 250 acres on the s. side, and
in 1809, 050 acres more on the same side, tho two purchases
embracing all the water-power upon that side of the river. In
1816 they bought 450 acres more on the N. side, completing the
purchase of the water-power. In 1795 the company sold a one-
fifth interest in their purchase to Col. Mynderse, and constituted
him their agent. In 1795 the " Upper Red Mills" were erected
under his direction; and in 1807 the "Lower Red Mills" were
erected. The Co. refused to sell their land, neglected to improve
the immense water-power that they owned, and in 1825 broke
down, and the property was sold for about one-fifth of its cost.
In 1829-30 the manufacturing interests of tho place began to
increase. About that time a paper mill was erec ted by Chauncey
Marshall, G. V. Sackett, and Ansel Bascom; a cotton factory, by
Judge Sackett ; a machine shop, by McClary & HaUiday ; and a
clock factory, by Marshall & Adams. Until the locks were built,
in 1815, the most important business of the place was that of
transporting goods and boats around the rapids. The •' dress
reform" movement was commenced in this town by Mrs. Amelia
Bloomer, who adopted the dress known as the Bloomer Dress in
1849.
4 The census reports 7 churches in town ; Bap., M. E., Wes.
Meth., Prot. E., Presb., Ref. Prot. D.. and R. C.
& Asher Halsey, from N. J., came in 1798. Among the other
early settlers were Stephen Crane. Peter and Ezra Degarmo,
Robert Gould. Thos. Susson, Lewis Winaus, and Thos. W. Rose-
velt. The first child born was Daul. Crane; the first marriage,
that of James Cook and Betsey Woodworth: and the first death,
that of Ezekiel Crane. Nancy Osman taught the first school,
in 1804. Stephen Crane kept the first inn. in 1809; Nicholas
Traver built the first sawmill, in 1807, and Noah Davis the first
gristmill, in 1817.
6 There are 4 churches in town; Disciples, Bap., M.E., and
Ref. Prot. D.
618
SENECA COUNTY.
so gradual that nearly every part is arable. The streams are all small. Near the center of the town
is a cranberry swamp, occupying about S00 acres. The soil is a gravelly loam intermixed with clay.
Bearytovt'n, (Fayette p. o.,) upon the line of Fayette, in the n. e. part, contains 3 churches, a
steam sawmill, stave factory, and 12S inhabitants, of whom 51 are in this town. Romulus
(p. v.) lies on the s. border. East Yarick (p. o.) is a landing upon Cayuga Lake. McDufifee
Town is a hamlet in the s. e. corner. Varick is a p. o. The first settlement was made by
James McKnight, in 17S9.1 There are 3 churches in town; Bap., Presb., and M. E.
Tt ATERL.OO — was formed from Junius, March 26, 1829. It lies on the n. bank of Seneca
River, n. w. of the center of the co. The surface is almost one unbroken flat. A marsh extends e.
and w. through the town s. of the center, and another occupies the n. e. corner.2 The bed of Seneca
River, on the s. boundary, is almost level with the general surface. The soil is muck and clay
in the x. and e., gravel along the n. border, and a sandy loam in the center and w. "Waterloo,
(p. v.,) on Seneca River, near the e. border of the town, was incorp. April 9, 1824. It is a station
upon the N. Y. C. R. R. and upon the Seneca Canal. A fall of 2-U feet in Seneca River furnishes
an excellent water-power, which is mostly improved. It is a half-shire of the co., and contains the
courthouse, 6 churches, the Waterloo Union School, a bank, a large shawl factory,3 3 distilleries, 2
malt houses, 3 flouring mills, 5 sawmills, 2 founderies and machine shops, 2 oil mills, and nume-
rous other manufactories.4 Seneca River above the falls, being seldom frozen, is navigable through-
out the year. This village is an important depot of lumber from the s. w. cos., and of coal from the
Susquehanna and Blossburg Mines. Pop. 3,050. South Waterloo, formerly called "Sehoyes,"
is on the opposite side of Seneca River, in Fayette. Settlement was commenced by John Greene,
from R. I., in 1789.5 The first religious services were held about 1816.6
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Seneca County.
Names of Towxs.
Acres of Land.
Valuation of 1858.
Population.
«0
©J
.
3D
Schools.
1
■a
1
1
"3
V
1*5
If
*. o
ft, ^
1
i
1
B
1
£
418
613
269
401
424
342
836
279
340
747
'i
4
£
D
i<
tt
351
491
228
298
374
251
619
212
271
526
03
6-2
,3
16
8
9
9
12
10
7
11
7
102
§ .
P
5.8
894
1,165
590
424
1,022
855
1,905
648
725
1.574
15.6461
27.105A.
13.172J
17.112
1 1.251
17,9771
11,7811
10.6021
15,6064
8.693i
3.274J
6.425
3.304
4,483
3.812J
5.600 1
2,316 '
8,4385;
4.40S
3.815 |
816.199
1,437,514
'706,478
696.511
916,147
793,589
1,479,550
402.243
761,251
1.029,R75
160,015
100,615
34.250
67,770
201,393
148.000
481,315
18.100
52,375
359,750
976,214
1,538.129
740,728
764,281
1,117,540
941,589
1,960.865
420.343
813,626
1,389,625
1,146
1,708
713
1.016
1,098
979
2.511
• 717
858
1.964
1.0S4
1,662
702
1,002
1,176
900
2.473
702
865
2.0S2
432
653
295
402
439
360
956
283
343
781
4.944
Lodi
Orid
Total
151,049}
45,936|
9.039.357
1,623,583.
10,662,940
2.710
12.64S
4.669
3.621
9,802
NtMESor Towxs.
Live Stock.
Af'.niCCLTCItAL Prohucts.
is
U
150
6S5
471
101
282
4621
99
747 i
217
1
6,1
111
■£
i
5
1
1,117
8,272
l.ll"
l.i.ll
1,167
1,261
4,246
1,010
1,350
1,080
Bush, or Oruj.
- 1
•v.
o'
1
Jj
«ft.
"5>
if
20,648
21,622
11.205
17.734
26,718
■u i.n'21
12,066
211.696
12,809
10.766
Dairy Products.
e
It;
ft.=J
H
078
1 8 1 1
....
402
1.207
1483
088
7)7
R74
73
1.31
7:;
BO
:
60
■
B8
4«
I 3.676
1 8,200
•
1
1r,.'..;m
17,870
18,611
16,120
1 "...-,■_"
13,633
14,558
v 170
115.331
194 J20
97,287
101,248
101,851
143.745
67*436
80,056
112,246
68,097
1,088,121
1.551
4,145
2,049
1,988
1,7114.
I 2.160J
1 2.020*
; 2,0481
1.570J
: i,c.3i
3,197
5,205
13.718
4.512
8,549
1,989
4.759
10,028
1.706
23,886
70,239
140,312
83.500
68.295
50.068
69.136
63.095
72.346
52,457
36,126
1,550
400
5,290
414
700
700
1.575
1.793,
70
1,320
7.1-7
9R6II 7.13
8 47,534
7,532 159,683
1 20,S79J
72.644
175,i
;7^
705,
574
13,812
3,215
»Tlif fir-it Child 1»irn wan a «r>n of .Tam<« Ml Knight, in 17 'u
I The waters ot I'.li'k Itr-.k through the central
swampy r ,"'1 Wl,,> oarthj stable
matter, wh) b gtrai to I inng the
Insideof steam boilers of the Incnut alphateand
me resulting from th
I The Waterloo Woolen Manufacturing; ( poized in
wlthaca] .0.000; 200 to 250 hand* arc cmpl
10 ii.j. of wool are aw 1. an i I «>nu-
riiiT manuftcturod. This la, next to the Bay State Mill-., the
largest shawl factory in America.
• Am mg these establishments i« a plaster pill I, an.)
drydock. 4 copper, tin. and sheet Iron f. I lining mill,
and washboard factory, and 2 cabinet and tamtam fhops.
■ Among the other early settlers were Jabess Gorham, from
l'.all-ton, (Saratoga Co..) who located upon the present Bite Of
the Tillag.'. Salmon Hisbrow. from Saratoga co.. came in about
the same time. The fir. t child born was John Smith, in 1S08;
tli" fir.t marriage, that of Job Smith ami Miriam florham, In
1799; ami tho lii-i deaths, those of John Gregory and James
Hull, two Revolutionary soldiers, who drew lots in this town,
settled Upon them, and both died about 1sos. Isaac iloiham
taught the Orel boI I. in 1810; Jabez Gorham kept the first
Inn, aboul 1795; Charles Swift, the fir.st store, in 1S15; and
j lid - Beat bafll the first mill, in 1794.
The census reports 6 churches In town; Tresb., Trot. E.,
Ret I'rot. D., M. K., Disciples, and Friends.
STEUBEN COUNTY.
This county was formed from Ontario, March 18, 1790, and named
in honor of Baron Steuben. Tho 7th Range of Townships was
annexed to Allogany co. March 11, 1808, the part in the fork of
Crooked Lake to Ontario CO. Feb. 25, IS 14, a part of Dansville to
Livingston co. Feb. 15, 1822, and a part to Schuyler co. April 7
1854. It lies upon the s. border of the State, considerably w. of the
center, is centrally distant 188 mi. from Albany, and contains
1425 sq. mi. Its surface mostly consists of ridges and high, rolling
uplands, forming the northern continuation of the Alleghany Mtfl.
The watershed between Lake Ontario and Susquehanna River ex-
tends from Allegany co. eastward across the n. part of the co. The
deep valley of Crooked Lake breaks the continuity of the highlands
and extends 17 mi. s.w. from the head of the lake, connecting with the Conhocton Valley at Bath,
and forming one of the numerous natural passes between the southern valleys and the basin of
Lake Ontario. The highlands occupying the s. w. corner of the co. also form a portion of the
watershed, being drained by branches of Canisteo River on the e. and of Genesee River on the w.
The highest summits in the co. are about 2,500 feet above tide.1
The upland region has nearly a uniform elevation, with a slight inclination toward the N. It is
intersected by numerous deep valleys, which have evidently been excavated by the action of water.2
The formation of the steep hillsides which border upon these valleys is such as to prove conclusively
that they were once united, and that a wide, rolling plateau spread over the region now so irre-
gular and broken. The principal of these valleys are those of Canisteo and Conhocton Rivers, ex-
tending nearly n. w. and s. e. through the co. From these valleys numerous others diverge at
nearly right angles and branch off into countless deep, crooked ravines, intersecting the plateau in
every direction. The hills that border upon these valleys are usually steep and 300 to 600 feet high.
Conhocton River flows s. e. through near the center of the co. In high water it was once navigable
for arks 14 mi. above Bath. It receives from the s. w. Neils, Bennetts, Campbells, Stockton, Michigan,
and Stephens Creeks, and from the n. e. Twelve Mile, Ten Mile, Five Mile, (or Kanona,) Mud,3
and Meads Creeks. Canisteo River flows through a valleys, w. of the Conhocton and nearly parallel
to it. In freshets it rises 6 to 8 feet, and is then navigable for boats and arks about 40 mi. Its
chief tributaries are Canacadea, Crosby, Purely, Bennetts, Col. Bills, and Tuscarora Creeks,
all from the s. w. Tioga River rises in Penn., flows n. through a deep, wild mountain val-
ley, and unites with the Canisteo at Erwin, and with the Conhocton at Painted Post, from the
latter place the combined stream taking the name of Chemung River.4 Canaseraga Creek, flowing
N., drains the n. w. corner of the co. ; and several small streams rising in the s. w. corner form
branches of Genesee River. Crooked Lake lies along the n. e. border, in a deep valley nearly
surrounded by steep hills 500 to 800 feet high. Little Lake lies in a shallow valley along the e
border of the town of Wayne. It discharges its waters s. into Mud Lake, and through Mud Creek
into Conhocton River. Loon Lake, in Wayland, lies in a valley wdiich is the southern continuation
of the^ralleyof Hemlock Lake in Livingston co. Still further s., in the same valley, is Mud Lake, a
small sheet of water, the outlet of which flows s. and empties into the Conhocton.
The shales and sandstones of the Portage group outcrop in all the deep ravines in the n. part of
the co. and in the w. bank of Crooked Lake. Elsewhere, the Chemung group composes most of the
surface rocks. Near the State Line the highest hills are capped with a coarse, silicious conglome-
rate, which forms the floor of the coal measures.5* A feeble brine spring is found at La Grange,
1 The following elevations have been determined, principally
by actual surveys : Crooked Lake, 71S feet ; Corning, 925 ; Vil-
lage of Bath, 1,090; Hornellsville, 1,150; Arkport, 1,194; sum-
mit between Mud Lake and Bath, 1,579; summit between Bath
and Arkport, 1,840; summit between Arkport and Angelica,
2,0fi2; Troupsburgh Hills, 2,500.
* These valleys must have been excavated by more powerful
currents of water than now flow through them; and their for-
mation belongs to the drift period of geology.
8 Mud Creek is the outlet of Mud Lake, in Schuyler co. At
the first settlement of the co. this stream was navigable, and
arks were floated from Mud Lake down the creek and the Con-
hocton to the Susquehanna, and thence to the Baltimore market.
Since the clearing of the forests, this stream has entirely failod
for purposes of navigation, and now, in summer, it is almost
dry.
* These streams were all much larger before the destruction
of the forests. In time of high water the early settlers describe
them as being "full from hill to hill."
5 The rocks of this co. are generally of a shaly nature ana
not fit for use. There are a few exceptions, however. One mi.
n. of Bath is a stratum. 3 feet thick, of a tough, argillo-calcar
reous rock, forming an excellent building stone. In Woodliull,
Canisteo, and Jasper the sandstone ledges furnish an excellent
quality of grindstones. At Arkport, in Dansville, and Troups-
burgh are marl beds, from which lime is manufactured. — GcoL
ith Dist., pp. 4S3, 4S4.
619
620
STEUBEN COUNTY.
and sulphur springs in Campbell, Jasper, and Urbana. The soil in general is composed of detritus
of the adjacent rocks, and is better adapted to grazing than tillage. Upon the intervales along the
larger streams the soil is a fertile alluvium. The extensive flats upon the Chemung are among
the finest agricultural lands in the State. Agriculture forms the chief occupation of the people.
Grain is largely produced on the alluvial lands, and stock is extensively raised on the uplands.
Stock and wool growing and dairying are the principal branches of agriculture pursued. Lumber-
ing is still extensively carried on, — though it is gradually decreasing. The manufactures are prin-
cipally confined to lumber, articles of wood, and the heavier and coarser products necessary to an
agricultural region.
The co. is divided into the northern and southern Jury Districts, the co. buildings being respect-
ively situated at Bath and Corning.1 The courthouse at Bath is a commodious brick building,
erected in 1828.2 The jail is built of wood and closely surrounded by other buildings. The cells
for prisoners are in the basement, and are not provided with any means of ventilation. Its arrange-
ments show a culpable neglect and an entire disregard of the general sentiments of the co. and of
the age. The co. clerk's office is permanently located at Bath. The courthouse at Corning is a
fine brick edifice, erected in 1853-54 at a cost of §14,000. The jail at Corning was erected at the
same time. The courts are held alternately at Bath and Corning. The co. poorhouse is located
upon a farm of 214 acres about 2 mi. n.e. of Bath Village.3 The average number of inmates is 75 ;
and they are supported at an average weekly cost of §1.00 each. The farm yields a revenue of
about §2,000. No instruction is afforded ; but the children of proper age are bound out.
The New York & Erie B. B. enters the co. from Chemung and extends along the valleys of the
Chemung, Tioga, and Canisteo Bivers to Hornellsville, and the Canacadea to the w. border of the
co. It passes through Corning, Erwin, Addison, Bathbone, Cameron, Canisteo, and Hornellsville.4
The Buffalo, N. Y. & E. R. B. extends n. w. from Corning up the Conhocton Yalley, through
Erwin, Campbell, Bath, Avoca, Cohocton, and "Wayland, to the n. border of the co. This road in-
tersects the Genesee Yalley R. R. at Avon, the N. Y. Central at Batavia, the Buffalo & New York
City at Attica, and the N. Y. & Erie at Corning. The Hornellsville Division of the Buffalo, New
York & Erie B. R. extends n. w. up the valley of the Canisteo from Hornellsville, passing through
that town and the s. w. corner of Dansville. The Blossburg & Corning R. R. extends from Corn-
ing, through Erwin and Lindley, s. along the Tioga Yalley to the Blossburg coal region. Crooked
Lake is navigated by steam and canal boats, and forms a link in the chain of the internal water
communication of the State. It is united with the Erie Canal at Montezuma by Crooked Lake
Canal, Seneca Lake, and the Cayuga and Seneca Canals. The Chemung Canal navigable feeder
extends from Corning e. to Horseheads, in Chemung co. Considerable lumber is floated down the
rivers and finds a market at Philadelphia and Baltimore. These various works of internal im-
provement afford ample facilities for the transportation of goods and passengers, and bring the
farm products of the co. into close proximity to the Eastern markets.
Six newspapers are published in the co.5
1 Op n "lie organization of the co.. in 1796, the co. buildings
th. A wood courthouse, one and a hall
i. with tWO Wings, vai erected th- -inn- year. It
1828 and the present brick courthouse erected.
time of the erection ofth- first courthouse, a jail «;is
built of hewn log*, which wan snp-rs-d-d hy the erection of the
present Jail in cishitnn-. p is...] July
• jury districts, and th
bufldings for the I ning.
5 Tii- Bret c '. offl ' r, Fir I J
Abraham B Undlojr, :
D I ■, Cb. Ourk; William Dona, Sner pii-n Koss,
,*•'./ rr- ■nnU.
»Ti ' 1 of 3 buildings, — one of brick
and two of wood. — containing |
l- ■ ■ '■■ frame buOdmgs were burned, and 6 persons, in-
■Ik -a.
I I i. - r .. I was opens I to 1 orniog, .inn. 1. IBM, and to Hor-
■•ii- year.
* Tht /•' the first piper
published in w i York, was established -it
r. ,'h i.v Wm Kersey an i Idie in 179
was continued oev-ral jean II I months from its
fir--
The Heui. i /Wm< mw «t irl In In 1816
by Beuj. Smead, and was continu-l until 1822. It was
then changed tn
The Farm- ben Adtrrtiter. In 1 -J' it passed
Into the hands of William C Bhoades, and in 1867 into
those of P. S. Donahe, by wh.m it is now published
M
The Steuben Farmers' Advocate.
The Farmers' Gazette was commenced at Bath in 1S16 by David
Ramsey.
The Steuben Messenger was started at Bath, April 17, 1S2S, by
David Rumsey, and was published by him, Saml. M.
I ddie, Wm. i'. A-nel, aud Chas. Adams successively
until ls."4. when its name was changed to
The ObnttttuHonalitt, and its publication was continue^ success-
ively by K. L. Underbill, Whitmore & Van Valken-
burgh. and Dowe <fe Richards, and by the last named
firm as
The St, ill., ., Ih-mncrat, until 1844. The paper was then sus-
pended. In 1848 it was renewed by L. .1. Beach, and in
1840 it was transferred to Geo. II. Bidewell, by whom
tin- publication was continued until 1852.
The Steuljen Whig was published at Bath duriug the political
campaign of 182s. by William M. Swain.
The Steuben Courier was established at Bath in 1848
l.v Hull k Whittemore. It is now published by II. U.
linii.
Tlie Temperance Om was published at Bath in 1854, by Jenny
and Caroline Kumsey.
The A'hli ,,ii /,'. ,•„,-,/ whs published in Addison by Isaac D. Booth
from 1&40 to 1842, and in 1849 by Dryden & Peck.
77ie Additon Advocate wa^ published by 11. D. Dyer in 1848-49.
Tlie Voice of tint Nation was commenced at Addison by R. Den-
ton in 1^52. In 1S55 the paper passed to Anthony L.
Underbill, by whom it was published until 1856, when
it was removed to Hath and its name changed to
The $Uu>*n American, and its publication continued until May,
The CanitUn Fj-press was published at Addison in 1850 by T.
Mi Bsenger.
STEUBEN COUNTY.
621
Steuben co. was all included in the Phelps and Gorham Purchase. It was sold by Phelps and
Gorham to Robert Morris, who conveyed it to Sir Win. Pulteney and others, in London. The terri-
tory was surveyed into townships and lots by Wm. Bull, for the Pulteney estate, in 1792-93. Sales
were made by townships, at 18 and 20 cts. per acre. The first settlements were made in 1787-90,
by immigrants from Wyoming, Penn., who located upon Chemung River, in the s. e. part of the co.
These early settlers were originally from Conn. About 1790, settlements commenced in the w.
part, adjoining Yates co. In 1792-93, Capt. Chas. Williamson,1 agent of the Pulteney estate,
commenced a settlement at Bath. lie was accompanied by a large number of Scotch and German
immigrants; and under his energetic and liberal policy the settlement progressed with great
rapidity. The greater part of the early settlers came from Penn. by way of Susquehanna and
Chemung Rivers. Subsequently large numbers came from Eastern New York, New England, and
New Jersey.2 The co. was divided by the Court of General Sessions, in 1796, into 6 towns, viz.:
Bath, Canisteo, Dansville, Frcdericton, Middletown, and Painted Post, comprising the territory now
forming 31 towns of this co. and parts of Allegany, Yates, Livingston, and Schuyler cos. In 1790
the population was 168 ; in 1800 it was 1,788 ; and in 1855, 62,9.65. In extent of territory and in
agricultural wealth it now ranks among the first cos. in the State.3
ADDISOTV4 — was formed, as "Middletown," in March, 1796. Its name was changed April 6,
1808. A part of Troupsburgh was taken off in 1808, Cameron in 1822, a part of Woodhull in
1828, and a part of Rathbone in 1856. It lies upon the s. border of the co., just e. of the center.
The surface is mostly a hilly upland, broken by the valley of the Canisteo and its branches. The
principal valley is about 1J mi. wide and is bordered by steep hillsides 300 to 400 feet high. The
principal streams are Canisteo River, and the Tuscarora, Elks Lick, and Goodhue Creeks. Goodhue
Lake, covering an area of about 500 acres, lies in the n. w. corner of the town. The soil is princi-
pally a clay loam, with strips of gravel and alluvium upon the streams. Addison, (p. v.,) situated
on Canisteo River, contains 3 churches, a bank, several mills and manufacturing establishments.
Pop. about 1,300. South Addison (p. v.) contains 18 dwellings. Addison Hill is ap.o.
The Addison Journal was started in 1851 by R. Denton, and was
removed to Allegany co. in 1852.
The Addison Democrat was commenced by Chas. L. Phelps in
1853, and was merged in The Voice of the Nation in 1854.
The Addison Advertiser, established in 1858 by E.
M. Johnson & Henry Baldwin, is still published.
The Corning and Blossburg Advocate was commenced at Corn-
ing in 1840 by Chas. Adams. In 1841 it passed into the
hands of Henry H. Hull, by whom it was merged, in
1843, in the Steuben Courier, at Bath.
Tile Corning Journal was commenced by Thomas Mes-
senger in May, 1847. In 1851 it passed to A. W. McDow-
ell and 6. W. Pratt, and in 1852 to Dr. Pratt, its pre-
sent publisher.
The Corning Sun was started in 1853 by M. M. Pomeroy and P.
C. Van Gelder. In 1S54 Rev. Ira Brown became the
publisher, and changed its name to
The Elmira Southern Tier Farmer and Corning Sun, and con-
tinued it until 1856.
The United States Farmer was published at Corning in the spring
of 1856.
The Corning Democrat was established in 1857 by
Chas. T. Huston. It is now published by Frank B.
Brown.
The Painted Post Gazette was started by Fairchild in 1846,
and continued 1 year.
The Painted Post Herald was published by Hawley & Bennett
from 1848 to 1850.
The Hornellsville Tribune was commenced in Nov.
1851, by Edwin Hough. It is now published by E.
Hough & Son.
The National American was established at Hornellsville in 1856
by C. M. Harmon. In Nov. 1858, it was sold to Chas.
A. Kinney, and its name changed to the
Canisteo Valley Journal.
A paper was published for a time at Hammondsport, on
Crooked Lake.
1 Capt. Williamson was a Scotchman, and an officer in the
British 24th regiment of infantry during the period of the Revo-
lution ; but he did not serve in the war, in consequence of having
been made a prisoner by the Fvench while crossing the Atlantic.
* "A large proportion of the first settlers upon the Canisteo
were from Penn., and had within them a goodly infusion of that
boisterous spirit and love of rough play for which the free and
manly sons of the backwoods are everywhere famous. On the
Susquehanna frontier, before the Revolution, had arisen an
athletic, scuffling, wrestling race, lovers of hard blows, sharp
shooters, and runners, who delighted in nothing more than in
those ancient sports by which the backs and limbs of nil stout
hearted youths have been tested since the days of Hercules.
The eating of bears, the drinking of grog, the devouring of ho-
miny, venison, and all the invigorating diet of the frontiers, the
hewing down of forests, the paddling of canoes, the fighting of
savages, all combined to form a generation of yeomen and
foresters daring, rude, and free. Canisteo was a sprout from
this stout stock, and on the generous river flats flourished with
amazing vigor. Every thing that could eat, drink, and wrestle
was welcome, — Turk or Tuscarora, Anak or Anthropophagus,
Blue Beard or Blunderbore. A ' back hold' with a Ghoul would
not have been declined, nor a drinking match with a Berserkir.
Since the Centaurs never has there been better specimen of a
'half horse' tribe. To many of the settlers in other parts of the
country, who emigrated from the decorous civilization of the
East and South, these boisterous foreigners were objects of asto-
nishment. When ' Canesteer' went abroad, the public soon
found it out. On the Conhocton they were known to some as
the Six Nations, and, to the amusement and wonder of young
Europeans, would sometimes visit at Bath, being of a social
disposition, and sit all day, ' singing, telling stories, and drink-
ing grog, and never get drunk, nayther.' To the staid and de-
vout they were Arabs, — cannibals. Intercourse between the
scattered settlements of the colony was, of course, limited mainly
to visits of necessity ; but rumor took the fair fame of Canisteo
in hand, and gave the settlement a notoriety through all the
land which few 'rising villages,' even of the present day, enjoy.
It was pretty well understood over all the country that beyond
the mountains of Steuben, in the midst of the most rugged dis-
trict of the wilderness, lay a corn growing valley, which had
been taken possession of by some vociferous tribe, whether of
Mamelukes or Tartars no one could precisely say, whose whoop-
ing and obstreperous laughter was heard far and wide, surprising
the solitudes." — McMaslers's Hist. Steuben CO., pp. 66-7-8.
3 This co. sympathized to some extent in the hostile feeling
that prevailed throughout the Holland Land Company's Pur-
chase toward its European proprietors a few years since ; but in
no instance were the processes of the courts seriously impeded
or effectually resisted, and juries have never refused to render
for the proprietors as the facts warranted. There was doubtless
little interest felt by the foreign owners in this estate beyond
tht ' of realizing the greatest sum possible from their lands; and
the heavy burden of debts, interest, assignments, and back pay-
ments, perhaps not always borne with patience, have been
gradually discharged, until but a comparatively small amount
remains.
* Named in honor of Joseph Addison, the English author.
Called " Tuscarora" by the early settlers.
G22 STEUBEN COUNTY.
The first settlement was made by Samuel Rice, in 1791. l The first church (M. E.) was organized
in 1827, at East Hill.2
AVOC.i3 — was formed from Bath, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler, April 12, 1843. It is an
interior tuwn, lying N. W. of the center of the co. The surface is mostly a broken upland, divided
into two ridges by the valley of the Conhocton. The declivities of the hills are steep, and their
summits are about 400 feet above the river. The streams are Conhocton River and its tributaries
Twelve Mile and Ten Mile Creeks from the n., and Beunetts and Neils Creeks from the s. w.
The valley of the river is about 1} mile wide. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam.
Avoca, (p. v.,) situated in the valley of the Conhocton, is a station on the B., N. Y. & E. R. R.
It contains 2 churches, an iron foundery, and a flouring mill. Pop. 301. "Wallace (p. o.) is a
station on the B., N. Y. & E. R. R. The first settlement was made in 1800, by Michael Buchanan.4
There are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
BATH5 — was formed March 18, 179G. Pulteney was taken off in 1808, a part of Howard and
Cohocton in 1812, a part of Wheeler in 1820, Urbana in 1822, a part of Avoca in 1843, and a part of
Cohocton in 1852. A part of Urbana was annexed April 26, 1839. It lies a little n.e. of the center
of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly. The Conhocton Valley, extending s. E. through the center,
divides the town into two nearly equal parts. The s. half is a hilly upland, and the N. half con-
^i-r< "f a series of -wide valleys broken by several steep and isolated hills. The streams are Con-
hocton River and its tributaries Five Mile and Mud Creeks from the N., and Campbells and
Stocktons Creeks from the s. The Crooked Lake Yalley extends N. w., and opens into the Conhoc-
ton Valley at the village of Bath, 340 feet above the lake. The soil is'chiefly a gravelly and clayey
loam, with a deep alluvium in the valleys. Bath, (p. v.,) incorp. April 12, 1816, is situated upon
the x. bank of the Conhocton. It is a half-shire of the co. It commands the trade of a rich agri-
cultural district and has a manufacturing business of considerable importance. It contains the
co. buildings, 6 churches, 2 banks, and 2 newspaper offices. Pop. 2,012. Kanona,6 (p-v.,)
x.w. of Bath, a station on the B., N. Y. & E. R. R., contains 2 churches and 40 houses; and
Savona.7 (p. v.,) s. e. of Bath, a station on the same r. r., contains 2 churches and 232 inhabit-
ants: Sonora (p. v.) contains 1 church and 20 houses. The first settlement was made at Bath
Village, in 1793, by Charles Williamson, land agent for the Pulteney estate, with 15 families,
mostly Scotch and Germans.8 The first settled minister was Rev. John Niles, who moved to the
town in 1807 .9
BRADFORD10— was formed from "Jersey,7' (now Orange, Schuyler co.,) April 20, 1836. A
part was annexed to Orange, April 17, 1854. It lies near the center of the e. border of the co.
It- -urface is a hilly upland, broken by the valley of Mud Creek. Mud Lake, near the e. border,
in Schuyler co., is 1,100 feet above tide, and the summits of the hills are about 600 feet above the
lake. Tho soil is generally a gravelly and clayey loam and best adapted to pasturage. Brad-
ford, 'p. v..) on the outlet of Mud Lake, in the n. e. part of the town, contains 1 church and a
gri-tinill and ha- a pop. of 260. Soulli Bradford (p. v.) contains 1 church and 20 houses.
I Amntiit the fir«t lettlen were Elisha Gilbert, Saml. and I B Formerly " A" nnedyvHU" p.o., from a resident named Ken-
Rpn' - John and I lac Martin, Wm. WomLamrh, VVni. nedy. 1 Formerly " Mm/ Cm h" \i.o.
l:. .1 • ■ -. : Rowley, Amos Cerr, and A m oh | 8 Dugald ami Charles Cameron, Thus. Moti ■:ilt'. Hector MeKen-
The flr«t birth was that Of Stephen EUoe; tlie tir>;t zie, Andrew Smith. Ceo. McClnre. dames McDonald, Henry Mr-
mnrr I f Brown Gillespie and Miss Gilbert; and the first
thai ■ J irn. - Martin. Wm. Wombaugh built (he lir-t
sawmill, i : the tir-t gristmill, In 180& The first store
was kepi i y Bemud Smitii. and the fir-t inn by Reuben £
■ The oej nrchei in town; 3 M. F... Itap., F. \v.
Dap.. I'r ' I . IT ■
i I'r I r lv D kDM I IV 101 Tom Moore'l '• S*w| Vnle nf A\
The early i llod the pU nan," or tho "IXghl
El wee, James Reese, Uobert Campbell, and William Dunn settled
in the town in 179?.: and Wm. Kersey, John Wilson, Coo. D.
Cooper. Daniel McEenzie, and Gustavua and Brown Gillespie
soon after. Charles Williamson Dunn, born in 1795, was the
Drat male child born In town. The first saw and grist mills
were built in 1793, by Charles Williamson; and the first inn
was kepi the same year, by John Metcalf.
The proprietors of the Pulteney estato indulged in visions of
IHU Tr'f." i boundless wealth to result from the settlement of their lands.
t James Moore, Joel C II Mips, James McWhorter, They supposed that the natural avenue to market from the rich
Finl-v HcClure, Daniel M R iham Towner, Jonathan "Genesee country"' was down tho Susquehanna, and that a.
:. John D bard and John Van city might be founded upon some of tho headwaters of that
Itusklrk. BteaCUT Tucker, H • . II • ry and Allen Smith, stream which would command the entire trade of tho West.
James I>avi«. and Samml W llumham wore among the first After a survey of the region, tho present Bite of Hath was so-
("•"ttler". Michael Buchanan 2d WM born In 1 SO I ; Mi. ha. I llu- beted as the location of the future city. Every inducement was
channn died in 1811; nnd " Whorter and widow llu- hrbl out to lure settlers; and for several years the markets of
chananwere married in 1812. Klearar Tncker built the first
ill. and Jonathan Tilt<n the first gristmill, in l^i'.. Joe|
Collier kept the first inn. in lsiis, and ALn?.. Simmons the first
& Nam-d fr m Lady Bath, only child nnd heir-" of Sir Wm.
Hath proved a mine of wealth to the few who raised more grain
than enough for their own use. Williamson erected a theater
within a few years after the first settlement, in anticipation of
the future metropolitan character of the place. A race course
was also established, which for many years attracted sportsmen
Pulteney, of London. Bhewas succeeded July 16. 1808, by 8ir from all parts of the country. The golden visions of civic gran-
John L. Johnston--. ..f Scotland, who appoint"! Robert Troup deur were n.ver realised
■ ... T_.i:._ T,.~; .!.»»,... nn.1. I/.- 1/ . ,/, -.'. O Tk. .. ..
agent. It" Indian name was Tanighnnguanda.— McMuterft
n OnAm,pp.W,l&
9 The census reports 9 churches in town ; 3 Presb., 2 Dap., 2
M. I "., I'rot. K., and R. C. >° Named from Gen. Bradford.
STEUBEN COUNTY.
623
The first settlement was made in 1793, by Frederick Bartlcs and John Hervcy, from New Jersey.1
Rev. E. Sanford was the first preacher in town; and Rev. Mr. Lazelle, (Bap.,) who settled in town
in 1816, was the first settled minister. There are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
CAMERON2— was formed from Addison, April 10, 1822. Thurston was taken off in 1844,
and a part of Rathbone in 1856. It lies a little s. of the center of the co. Its surface is a high,
rolling upland, broken by the deep valloy of Canisteo River, which flows s. e. through near the
center of the town. The soil is a clayey and gravellv loam. Cameron, (p. v.,) on the Canisteo,
is a station on the Erie R. R. and contains 2 churches and 35 houses; "West Cameron (p. v.)
contains 1 church and 15 houses. North Cameron is a p. o. The first settlement was made
in 1800, by Richard Hadley, Phones Green, Samuel Baker, and Ira Pratt.3 Rev. Ira Bronson
(M. E.) was the first settled preacher. The census reports 5 churches.4
CAMPBELL5 — was formed from Hornby, April 15, 1831. It is an interior town, lying s.e.
of the center of the co. Its surface consists of high, broken ridges, separated by the valleys of the
streams. The declivities of the hills are generally steep and their summits are 300 to 500 feet
above the valleys. The streams are Conhocton River, flowing s. e. through the w. part of the town,
and its tributaries Wolf Run, McNutt Run, Meads Creek, Dry Run, and Stephens and Michigan
Creeks. The valley of the river is about 1£ mi. wide. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam upon
the highlands and a rich alluvium in the valleys. Cainpbelltown, (p. v.,) on the Conhocton,
is a station on the B., N. Y. & E. R. R., and contains 1 church, 3 sawmills, a flouring mill, 2 tan-
neries, and about 20 houses. Curtis is a station on the same r. r. Settlement was commenced
in 1800.6 The first church (Presb.) was organized in 1831 ; Rev. B. B. Smith was the first
settled pastor. There are 2 churches in town ; Presb. and M. E.
CANISTEO — was formed in March, 1796. A part of Troupsburgh was taken off in 1808,
Hornellsville in 1820, and parts of Greenwood and Jasper in 1827. A part was annexed to Troups-
burgh in 1818. It is an interior town, lying s. w. of the center of the co. The surface is mostly a
hilly upland, broken by the deep valleys of the streams. Canisteo River flows eastward through
the n. part of the town. Its valley is about £ mi. wide and is bordered by steep hillsides 400 feet
high. From the s. the river receives Bennetts and Col. Bills Creeks, which also flow through deep
valleys bordered by steep hills. The soil is generally a clayey and gravelly loam. Canisteo,
(p.v.,) on Bennetts Creek, in the w. part of the town, is a station on the N. Y. & Erie R. 11., and
contains 2 churches, a flouring mill, a tannery, and 60 houses; Crosbyville, (p.v.,) a station
on the Erie R. R., contains 1 church and 20 houses. Center Canisteo (p. o.) is a hamlet
of 10 houses. Bennetts Creek is a p. o. in the s.w. part. The first settlement was made in
1789, by Uriah Stephens, Sen., from Conn.7 The first preacher — Rev. Geo. Spaulding — settled in
town in 1805. There are 3 churches in town.8
C ATON— was formed from "Painted Post," (now Corning,) as " Wormhj," March 28, 1839, and its
name was changed April 3, 1840. It is the s. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland,
more nearly level than most towns in the co. A considerable portion is yet covered with forests.
The streams are small brooks, flowing northward. The soil is a clayey and shaly loam. Lumber is
extensively manufactured. Caton, (p.v.,) near the center of the town, contains 3 churches and
34 houses. A temporary settlement was made in town in 1814, by Joseph and Charles Wolcott ; but
the first permanent settlement was made in 1819, by Isaac Rowley, from Bradford co., Penn.9 The
first church (Presb.) was organized in 1832 ; and the Rev. Benj. Harron was the first settled pastor.10
1 Among the first settlers were John Hemiup, Saml. S. Camp,
Abram Rosenhurg, Henry Switzer, John Schrinner, Thomas
Rolls, Michael Scott, Daniel Bartholomew, Henry Axtelle, Eze-
kiel Sackett, and Smith. The first birth was that of a
daughter of John Hervey, in 1799 ; and the first death, that of
Mrs. Thos. Rolls, in Aug. 1803. Frederick Bartles built the first
saw and grist mill, about 1795; and Frederick and Charles Bar-
ties opened the first store, about 1800, and the first inn, in 1806.
The first school was taught by Smith, in 1810.
2 Named from Dugald Cameron, an agent of the Pulteney es-
tate.— Mcitlasters's Hist. Steuben, p. 116.
8 Joseph Butler, John Sauter, and John Hollet were early
settlers. The first gristmill was built by Saml. Baker; the first
inn was kept by John Hollet, and the first store, by Andrew G.
Erwin. 4 3 M. E., Presb., and Christian.
5 Named from the Campbell family, who were early and pro-
minent settlers.
• The first settlers were Samuel Calkins, Elias Williams, Jo-
seph Wolcott, Rev. Robert Campbell and his son Archibald.
The first birth was that of Bradford Campbell ; the first mar-
riage, that of Asa Milliken and Rachael Campbell ; and the first
death, that of Frederick Stewart, in 1806. Campbell & Stephens
built the first sawmill, and Campbell & Knox the first grist-
mill. Robert Campbell kept the first inn, and Frederick Stew-
art the first store.
1 Col. John Stevens, Benj. Crosby, Arthur Erwin, Solomon
Bennett, Joel Thomas, Uriah Stevens, jr., Jedediah Stephens,
Wm. Baker, James Hadley, Joshua Stephens, W. S. Thomas,
Isaac and Israel Jones, and Asa Downs were among the early
settlers. The first birth was that of Oliver Stephens; the first
marriage, that of Richard Crosby and Hannah Baker ; and the
first death, that of Henry Stephens. Solomon Bennett built the
first gristmill and kept the first store; and Jedediah Stephens
kept the first inn.
8 Presb.. M. E., and F. W. Bap.
9 Stephen and Simeon Hurd settled in the town in 1S21 ; Solo-
mon Tarbox in 1822 ; and E. P. Babcock, Edward Robbins, and
Henry Miner in 1823. The first birth was that of Shepard
Hurd; the first marriage, that of Oliver Woodworth and Eliza-
beth Hurd; and the first death, that of a child of John Kowe.
Bennett Bruce built the first gristmill; Samuel Wormly kept
the first inn, and W. D. Gilbert the first store , and Edward Rob-
bins taught the first school.
10 Tho census reports 3 churches ; Presb., Bap., and M. E.
624
STEUBEN COUNTY.
COIIOCTOX — was formed from Bath and Dansville, June 18, 1812. A part of Avoca was
taken off in 1843, and a part of TVayland in 1848. It lies on the n. border of the co., w. of the
center. The surface is mostly a hilly upland, separated into ridges by deep and narrow valleys.
The principal streams are Conhocton River, flowing southerly through the center, and its tributaries.
The soil is generally a slaty and gravelly loam. Uberty, (Cohocton p. o.,) on the Conhocton,
is a station on the B., N. Y. & E. R. R. and contains 2 churches. Pop. 200. North Coliocton
(p. v.) contains 1 church and 30 houses. Bloods,1 a hamlet, is a station on the r.r., 1 mi. from
North Cohocton. The first settlement was made in 1796, by Richard Hooker and Joseph Bivin.2
Rev. Elisha Brownson, (Bap.,) the first settled minister, removed to the town in 1811. The census
reports 4 churches in town ; 3 M. E. and Presb.
COR\I\G3 — was formed, as "Painfed Post,"* March 18, 1796. Its name was changed March
31, 1852. Erwin and Hornby were taken off in 1826, and " Wormly" (now Caton) in 1839. A part
was annexed to Erwin in 1856. It lies on the e. border of the co., s. of the center. The wide
valley of Chemung River, extending n. w. and s. e. through the center of the town, and several
lateral valleys, divide the uplands into rounded hills and narrow ridges. Its streams are Borden,
Post, Narrows, Clump Foot, and "Winfield Creeks, tributaries of Chemung River. The soil upon
the hills is a heavy, slaty loam, and in the valleys a fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam, occa-
sionally intermixed with clay. Corning', (p. v.,) incorp. Sept. 6, 1848, is situated on the s. bank
of Chemung River, in the w. part of the town. It is a half-shire of the co. The Chemung Canal,
the Blossburg & Corning R. R., and the B., N. Y. & E. R. R. terminate here ; and the village is an
important station on the N. Y. & Erie R. R. It contains 5 churches, 2 newspaper establishments,
2 banks, a State arsenal, and several mills and manufacturing establishments, and commands an
extensive and constantly increasing trade.5 Pop. 3,626. Knoxville,6 opposite Corning, con-
tains 2 churches and a pop. of 628. Gibson lies on the n. bank of the Chemung, 1 mi. e. of
Corning. Pop. 428. Centerville contains 25 houses. East Painted Post is a p. o.
The first settlement was made near the village of Corning, in 1788, by Frederick Calkins and Benj.
Eaton.7 The first religious services were conducted by John Warren, in 1793. There are 7
churches in town.8
DAXSVIL.L/E9 — was formed in March, 1796. Parts of Cohocton and Howard were taken off in
1812, a part of "Wayland in 1848, and of Fremont in 1854. A part was annexed to Sparta in 1822,
and a part of Cohocton was re-annexed April 26, 1834. It is the n. town upon the w. border of the
co. The surface is mostly an upland, divided into ridges by the narrow valleys of small streams.
The declivities of the hills are steep and their summits are 300 to 400 feet above the valleys. The
streams are head branches of Canaseraga Creek, flowing n., and of Canisteo River, flowing s. The
soil is a sandy and gravelly loam in the e. and x., and gravel underlaid by hardpan in the s. w.
> (Timed from Calvin Blood. This is rendered an important
elation ii|Hin the R.R. from its connection with the Canandaigua
I. Route. A daily line of stages runs to Naples, at the head
of the Ink'', nnd a steamer plies daily between the latter place
end ' ia.
* James and Aruna Woodward settled in the town not long
after; Joseph ChamlxTlain. in 1 806 ; ami Sainl. Chamberlain.
Cap' fonepb Shattuck, Horace Fowler, and
Body, in 1 808. Timothy Sherman, .Farms Bernard, Saml. Khoadee,
Jeeee Atwood. Isaa/- Iforehonse, end Chas. Rurlinghame were
also earlv The first rnnrrinee was that of .los. Tli vin
end Sarah Hooker, in 1798; nnd the first birth, th.it of Bethlah
Hooker, their child, in 1800. Tbeflnt death wai that of Blchard
Hooker. Feb. 10, 1801. Jonai Cleland built the first saw and
prist mill", in 1H08; and Jon. Shattuck kept the flr-t inn, in
• ; hia Trumbull tant'ht the flr-t aehoot in 1810.
* Xam<- 1 toe Oornlnc, of Albany.
* In the sum> ■ party I I under
tlie command of i loyalist nam lid, returned from an
luutinluil into the Susquehanna settlements, bringing with them
matiT i f their nnmt*r wounded. At th* continence of Tioga
and Conhocton i lain Montour, ion of the famoui Qneen
Catharine, a chief of f hli wound*. •• His
nomradfa burled bin by the i re his
grave a po«t on which were paint"! TBriooj lytoboul and rode
This monument was known tbr thi G
hi a> • T1*' Mated P"it. It was n landmark w.n km>«n
to all th<> Six Nations, and was often risited by th< ir braree and
chieftains." This account of the origin of the paint,
given to Penj. Patterson, th* hunter, by a man namH Tapgart,
who wa" carried to fott Niapara n prisoner by Mc I' D dd*l | utj .
»nd was a witness of the burial of Oapt, Montour, or at least was
in the encampment at the mouth of the Tiop* at the time of hi*
death. Col. Harper, of Harper'tbld. the well known Offlcaf f
the frontier militia of New York in the Revolution, informed
Judge Knox, of Knoxville. in this eo., that the Painted Post was
erected over the grave of a chief who was wounded at the battle
of the "Hog-Back"' ami brought in a canoe to the head of the
Chemung, where he died. It was well understood by the early
settlers that this monument was erected in memory of some
distinguished warrior who had been wounded in one of the
border battles of the Revolution and afterward died nt this place.
The j«,Kt *tood for many years after the settlement of the CO.;
and the story goes that it rotted down at the butt, and was pre-
served in the bar-room of a tavern till about the year 1810 and
then mysteriously disappeared. It is also said to have been
swept awav in a freshet. — McMosters's Hist, of Steuben. Simm's
Ih i. Schoharie, 77. 333.
s In 1S.V2. 40.000 tons of Blossburg coal, brought by the Bloss-
burg k Cominp R. R., were transhipped at this place, and
50,000.000 feet of lumber were export, d.
8 Named from Judge John Knox, of this town.
7 lienj. and I'ele^'iiorton. jr.. Kphraim Patterson and his sons
Ichahod and Stephen. BradfDTd Kggleston. Justus Wolcott, Elias,
William, and Henry McCormick, Hezckinh Thurber. Jonathan
. Samuel Colgrove, and Ell and Eldad Mead settled in the
town in 1790-91-92; Jonathan nnd Warren Rowley in 1794:
James Turner and Caleb Wolcott in 170'); George HcCnllock
and Benj. Patterson in 1796; and Nehemiah Hubbell in 179S.
The first birth was that of James Calkins, Nov. 24, 1790: the
first marriage, that of Benj. Oortonand Rachel Wolcott, in 1704;
and the first death, that of lehabod Patterson, in Aug. 1794.
Icbabod Patter- .r, built the first sawmill, and .las. II. nderson
the first pristmill. ts.th in 1793; Benj, Eaton kept the first store,
in 1791, and Benj. Patterson the first inn. in 1798. The first
School was tnupht by Samuel Colgrove, in 1793.
• 2 Bap., 2 M. K., Prot. E., Presb., and R. C.
•Nann-d from Daniel P. Eaulkner, an early and spirited citi-
zen, known as " Captain Dan." — McMosters's Ilist. Steuben Co., p.
300.
STEUBEN COUNTY.
625
Rogersville (South Dansville p.o.) contains 2 churches, an academy,1 and a female seminary.2
Pop. 200. Burns, a station on the B. & N. Y. City It. R., has about 15 houses. Dotys Cor-
ners is a p.o. The first settlement \v:is made in 1804, by Isaac Sterling and Samuel Gibson.3
The census reports 6 churches.4
ERWIlV'-was formed from 'Tainted Post," Jan. 27, 182G. Lindley was taken off in 1837
and a part of Corning was annexed in 1856. It lies w. of Corning, in the s.E. part of the co. Its
surface is about equally divided between high, rolling uplands and the low valleys of stnaine.
The summits of the hills are 400 to 000 feet above the valleys. Tioga and Canisteo Rivers unite
in the s.E. part of the town, and Tioga and Conhocton Rivers in the n. e., forming the Chemung
River. The valleys of these streams are 1 to 2 mi. wide. The soil upon the hills is a shaly and
clayey loam, and in the valleys it is a fine quality of alluvium. Nearly three-fourths of the sur-
face is yet covered with forests. The lumber trade is extensively pursued. Painted Post,
(p. v.,) situated at the junction of Conhocton and Tioga Rivers, is a station on the Erie R. R. and
the B., N. Y. & E. R. R. It contains 2 churches, a bank, an iron foundery and machine shop, a
tannery, and a flouring mill.6 Pop. 777. Coopers Plains (p. v.) is a station on the B., N. Y.
& E. R. R. and contains 1 church. Pop. 293. Wm. Harris, an Indian trader, settled at Painted
Post in 1787.T The census reports 4 churches.8
FREMOXT9 — was formed fiom Hornellsville, Dansville, Wayland, and Howard, Nov. 17,
1854. It is an interior town, lying n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland,
forming a part of the dividing ridge between Canisteo and Conhocton Rivers. Its streams are
small brooks. The soil is chiefly a shaly loam, derived from the disintegration of the surface
rocks. Fremont Center (Stephens Mills p.o.) and Haskinville (p.o.) are hamlets;
and Big Creek is a p.o. The first settlement was made in 1812, by Job B. Rathbun, Amos
Baldwin, and Sylvester Buck.10 The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Ford, in
1814. There is but 1 church (M. E.) in town.
GREENWOOD — was formed from Troupsburgh and Canisteo, Jan. 24, 1827. West Union
was taken off in 1845, and a part of Jasper was annexed in 1848. It lies upon the w.
border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface is mostly a rolling upland. Bennetts Creek flows
northerly through the e. part of the town, in a valley 400 to 600 feet below the summits of the
hills. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Greenwood, (p. v.,) on Bennetts Creek, con
tains 1 church and 35 houses; and Rough and Ready (p. v.) 12 houses. West Green-
wood is a p. o. The first settlement was made in 1820, by Christian Cobey and John II., Ezra,
and Phineas Stephens.11 The census reports 3 churches.12
HARTSVIEEE— was formed from Hornellsville, Feb. 7, 1844. It lies on the w. border of
the co., s. of the center. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by several deep valleys. Purdy
Creek flows e. through the n. part, and the valley of Bennetts Creek extends along the e. border.
These creeks are bordered by steep hillsides 400 to 600 feet high. The soil is a shaly and clayey
loam. Hartsv ille Center, (Purdy Creek p. o.,) on Purdy Creek, near the center of the town,
contains 15 houses. The first settlement was made in 1809, by Benj. Brookins.13 There is no
church in town.
1 The Rogersville Academy was organized in 1849, and the
buildings were erected in 1852.
8 The Rogersville Union Seminary.
8 Among the first settlers were James, John, and Major
Jones, Frederick Fry, William Ganong, Thos. and Nathaniel
Brayton, Tisdale Haskin, Thos. and John Root, Joshua Healey,
Charles Oliver, Joseph Phelps, Elisha Robinson, William C.
Rogers, and Jesse Bridges. Robert Fuller built the first saw-
mill, in 1820, and Handy & Miller the first gristmill, in 1825.
Isaac Sterling kept the first inn, in 1806. The first school was
taught by James Jones, in 1811.
* 2 Bap., and 1 each Presb., M. E., Univ., and R. C.
* Named from Col. Arthur Erwin, of Bucks co., Penn., an
officer in the Revolutionary War, by whom the township was
purchased of Phelps and Gorham.
6 One mi. w. of Painted Post is a saw, shingle, and planing
mill, that gives employment to 75 men, and turns out 8,000,000
to 11,000,000 feet of lumber per annum.
1 David Fuller, Eli Mead, and Tan Nye settled in the
town in 1791-92 ; and Samuel, Frank, and Arthur Erwin, Capt.
Howell Bull, and John E. Evans, in 1800-01-02. Samuel Erwin
built the first sawmill, in 1820, and the first gristmill, in 1823;
and David Fuller kept the first inn, in 1792. The first school
was taught by John E. Evans, in 1812.
8 2 Bap., Presb., and M. E.
* Named in honor of Col. John C. Fremont.
40
10 John A. Buck, Joel Everett, and Danl. Atherton settled id
the town in 1813-14; Taylor and Francis Drake, in 1815;
and Solomon and Levi Gates, Robert Kilburg, Danl. Upson,
Saml. Sharp, Nehemiah Luther, Lemuel Harding, Stephen Hol-
den, and Edward Markham, in 1816. The first marriage was
that of John A. Buck and Rebecca Baldwin, Aug. 24, 1815 ; the
first birth, that of Charles E. Buck, Nov. 12, 1816; and the first
death, that of Mrs. Amos Baldwin, Dec. 21, 1815. Danl. Upson
built the first sawmill, in 1816, and the first gristmill, in 1819.
The first school was taught by Lydia Everett, in 1819.
11 Eleazar Woodward, John J. Hoyt, H. Carr, and Lewis Ord-
way settled in town in 1822. The first birth was that of Charles
C. Stephens ; the first marriage, that of Hiram Putnam and Lu-
cinda Stephens; and the first death, that of Ezra Cobey. The
first gristmill was built by Col. John Stephens; and the first
inn and store were kept by Levi Davis. Sarah Carr taught the
first school.
12 Presb., Univ., and R. C.
13 Joseph Purdy settled in the town in 1810 ; Blake in
1815; Thos. Williams, Satterlee, Joshua Davis, and
Neff in 1818 ; William D. Burdick and Perry Potter in 1819 ;
Daniel P. Carpenter, Frost Powell, Joseph Thompson, John and
Robert G. Martin, and Hudson in 1822; and Casper Van
Buskirk and Wm. Ellison in 1823. The first birth was that of
Sarah A. Carpenter ; the first marriage, that of Robert G. Mar-
tin and Mary A. Gleason ; and the first death, that of an infant
G26 STEUBEXCO D N T Y.
IIORMIY1— was farmed from "Painted Post," (now Corning,) Jan. 27, 182G. Campbell was
taken off in 1831, and a part was annexed to Orange (Schuyler co.) April 11, 1842. It lies near
the center of the e. border of the co., and its surface is mostly a high, rolling upland. The streams
are Dry Run in the w. w., and Post and Borden Creeks in the s., all flowing in deep, narrow
valleys. The soil is a shaly and clayey loam of good quality. Hornby Forks (Hornby p. o.)
contains 2 churches, several manufactories, and 21 dwellings. The first settlement was made in
1814. by Asa and Uriah Xash, from Otsego co.2 There are 4 churches in town.3
IIORSEULSVIULE4— was formed from Canisteo, April 1, 1820. Hartsville was taken off
in 1844, and a part of Fremont in 1854. It lies near the center of the w. border of the co. The
Btirface is mostly a rolling upland, divided into two nearly equal parts by the Canisteo Valley.
This valley is 1 to 2 mi. wide and is bordered by steep hills 400 to 500 feet high. Canacadca and
Crosby Creeks, flowing through deep valleys from the v., are tributaries of the Canisteo. The soil
is generally a clayey and gravelly loam. IBornellsvIIle, (p. v.,) situated at the junction of
Canisteo River and Canacadca * 'reck, is an important station on the Erie R. R. and is the southern
terminus of the B. & N. Y. C. R. R. It has 4 churches, 2 newspaper offices, a bank, and 2 flouring
mills. Pop. 1,519. Arkport, (p. v..) a station on the B. & N. Y. C. R. R., contains 1 church
and about 50 houses. Almond is partly in this town.5 The first settlement was made by Benj.
Crosby, in 1792.' The census reports 6 churches.7
HOWARD — was formed from Bath and Dansville, June 18, 1812. A part of Avoca was
taken off in 1843, and a part of Fremont in 1854. It is an interior town, lying a little N.w. of the
center of the co. Its surface is mostly a rolling upland, forming a part of the dividing ridge be-
tween Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers. The streams are all small. In the n.e. part are 2 small
ponds. The soil is generally a heavy clay loam. Howard (p. v.) contains 2 churches. Pop.
L43. Towlesville (p. v.) contains 2 churches and 15 houses. Bnena Vista (p.o.) and
Goffs Mills (p.o.) are hamlets, and South Howard is a p.o. The first settlement was
made in 1806, by Abraham Johnson.8 There are 5 churches in town.9
JASPER10 — was formed from Troupsburgh and Canisteo, Jan. 24, 1827, and a part was an-
nexed to Greenwood in 1848. It is situated near the s. w. corner of the co. Its surface is a hilly
and broken upland, the highest summits being nearly 2,000 feet above tide. The streams are small
brooks. The soil is a slaty, gravelly, and clayey loam. Jasper Four Corners (Jasper
p.o.) contains 2 churches. Pop. 222. Jasper Five Corners contains 15 houses. West
Jasper and South Hill are p. offices. Settlement was commenced in 1807, by Nicholas Botz-
man, Ebenezer Spencer, and William "VVooley.11 The first church (Presb.) was organized in 1827;
and the Rev. Geo. Howell was the first preacher. The census reports 5 churches.12
LIXDLET" — was formed from Erwin, May 12, 1837. It lies upon the s. border of the co., e.
of the center. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep valley of Tioga River, which
extends centrally through the town. The summits of the hills are 400 to 000 feet above the valley,
and nio*t of them arc covered with forests. The valley is about 1 mi. wide and is bordered by
hillsides. The <~n\\ upon the hills is a heavy, shaly loam, and in the valleys a rich alluvium.
Three-4barthfl of the surface is still covered with forests. Lumbering is extensively pursued.
Eiiidlrytown, (p. v.,) on Tioga River, is a station on the B. & C. R. R. and contains 15 dwell-
ehfld of Ebenezer Mather. — all In 1823. Paniel P. Carpenter
• st"re, in 1925, and built the fir«t sawmill. In
182«: and Henry Frt I tavern. In 1840, lie
first school was tAtight by Mi>- '/.. A. Purdy, in 1829.
1 Named fr "m Ji l.n Hornby, an Englllh landholder ton lnrgc
extent In thi« n
:.!<-«• Phut, John Bobbin*, and FAvnv\ Btubba tettled In
the f'wn In 1818 : John Bl Ji bo, Amww EM ml o, Jami ■■ 8. and
Hiram Ganroei Knowlron, and Aden Palmer In 1816-
16; Benj. Gardner, ! II, Aaron tlarwood. and John
Barer m 1818. TV flr-t t.irth w»« Hint c Stanton; the
Hint of a child of Judge Ilornell. Judge Hornell built the first
■aw anil grist mills, and kept the first store and inn. The first
• I ' I was taught by Abigail Ilurlbut, in 1796.
: 2 Pr.-I... Prot BL, Bap., M. E., and R.O.
8 Reuben and Abraham Smith, Abel Bullard. Jacob and Thos.
Bennett, Charles McConnell. Simeon McMnrty, and Col-
nore tettled in the town in 1808 ; Samuel Baker. Joel Bullard,
It'-nj. Bennett, Bphralm Bamsey, Wm. Allen, Daniel N. Bennett,
Jonas and Beth Rice, and Nathan Cory in 1810-11; anil Simeon
Baoon, Wm. Qoff, Israel Baldwin, and Rufus Halsey in 1812.
AjBthuOl Bullard was born in 1809, and Mrs. Rowley died the,
flrM marriage, that of .Mm Bidler ai : M -- Piatt, in 1816: and same year, — the first birth and death in town. Henry Kennedy
the fir«t death, that of John Btantoi IW kept the fir- 1
Inn: Hon. A. B. Dicklnaon, the fir»t «t',re; and La Perre
built the fimt mill. ,Tam>*» C I^a-h taut-lit the first school.
• Bap-, f'hri-ti.in. Pr- -*b., niel W. • Math,
« Named from Hon. •',. ... Borne]], ••w Of the «-*rly Wttten.
i .
built the first sawmill, in IWip,; James Vaughn, the first grist-
mill, in 1810: and Benj. Bennett kept the first inn, in 1816.
0 2 Bap., and 1 each Preeb., M. K., and Ref. Presb.
10 Named from Sergeant Jasper, noted for his courage at the
battle of K..rt Moultrie, B.C, June 28, 1776.
11 Adam Botzman and Andrew Craig were also early settlers.
• Bl I and Of). Hortell ■'•MM In the town In 179.T: The first birth was that of Sally Botzman ; and the first mar-
Elljah Stephen* In 1794: Christopher Horlbut and Nathan ' riage, that of Samuel Oray and" Polly Simpson. Nicholas Botz-
fttrr ip 179.'.; John nod Hngh Cartje* in IT'" : Benben Crotby man was tho first innkeeper. Amanda Smith taught the first
in 1797 : mid J The Bwt birth wa« that of echool
Wjllism Stephen". In !><•.- 1792 : th<- fir«t marriages that ,.f Ren- '= Bap.. Presb.. Christian, M. E., and WoB. Meth.
n«" Crosby and Jenny McQueen, in 1799: and the first death, " Named in honor of Col. Eleazur Lindley.
STEUBEN COUNTY.
G27
ings. Erwln Center is a R. r. station and hamlet open the river, near the n. border of 1h 5
town. The first settlement was made in 1790, by Col. Eleazur Lindley, from N. J., the original
proprietor of the town, who located upon the Tioga Flats.1
PRATTSBITRGH2— was formed from Pulteney, April 12, 1813, and a part of Wheeler vTM
taken off in 1820. It is centrally situated upon the n. border of the CO. Its surface is a hilly
upland, broken by the valleys of several small streams flowing in a general s. w. direction. The
principal streams are Fivo Mile, Ten Mile, and Twelve Mile Creeks. The valley at Pratt sburgh
Village is 1,400 feet above tide, and the hills are 300 to 400 feet higher. The soil is a gravelly
and clay loam. Prattsburgh (p. v.) was incorp. Dec. 7, 1848. It contains the Franklin
Academy,3 2 churches, and several manufacturing establishments.4 Pop. about 000. Hikers
Hollow (p.o.) is a hamlet. The first settler was Jared Pratt, who came in 1801 and for 2k
years was the only inhabitant.5 The first religious services were held at the house of Jared Pratt,
by Rev. John Niles, in the fall of 1803. 6
PUIiTEHnEY*— was formed from Bath, Feb. 12, 1808. Pittsburgh was taken off in 1813.
and a part of Urbana in 1848. It lies upon the w. shore of Crooked Lake, and is the N. E. corner
town of the co. The surface is a rolling upland, 700 to 900 feet above the level of the lake. The
declivities along the lake shore are broken by numerous narrow ravines formed by small streams.
The soil is chiefly a shaly and gravelly loam, and in some parts near the lake it is clayey.
Harmony vi He (Pulteney p.o.) contains 2 churches and 20 houses; and liluflfport (South
Pulteney p.o.) 20 houses. Peltonville (p.o.) is a hamlet. Gulicksville, a landing on
the lake, has a storehouse and 8 houses. Settlement commenced in 1802.8 Rev. Ephraim Eggles-
ton, the first settled preacher, removed to the town in 1805. The census reports 6 churches.9
RATH BONE10— was formed from Addison, Cameron, and Woodhull, March 28, 1856. It is
an interior town, lying s. of the center of the co. Its surface consists of a high, rolling upland,
broken by the valleys of Canisteo River and a branch of Tuscarora Creek. The upland is 300 to
400 feet above the valleys. Naked and precipitous ledges of rock crop out on the hillsides along
the valleys. The soil is a clayey and shaly loam, and in the valleys alluvium. Rathbone-
ville, (p. v.,) on Canisteo River, is a station on the Erie R. R. and contains 1 church, a flouring
mill, and 33 houses. "West Addison (p.o.) and Cameron Mills (p.o.) are hamlets. The
first settlements were made in 1793-95.11 There are 2 M. E. churches in town.
THURSTON12 — was formed from Cameron, Feb. 28, 1844. It is an interior town, lying just
s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is mostly a high, broken upland, forming a portion of the
dividing ridge between Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers. The summits of the hills are 500 to COO
feet above the river valleys. The streams are Stocktons Creek, in the n. w., and Michigan Creek,
in the s., flowing in deep, narrow ravines bordered by steep hillsides. The soil is a shaly and
gravelly loam. Merchantville, in the e., Bonny Hill, (p.o.,) in the n.e., and Risin^-
ville, (p.o.,) in the w., are hamlets. Tiiurston and South Thurston are p. offices.
The first settlers were William Smith, Luke Bonny, and Anderson Carpenter, at Bonny Hill, in
1 Ceil. Lindley Berved with the Jersey Blues during the Revo-
lutionary War. In his migration to his new home he was ac-
companied !>y his two sons Saml. and Eleazur, his son-in-law
Ezekiel Mulford and John Seeley, and a man named David Cook.
The first child born was Eliza Mulford, Aug. 10, 1792; the first
marriage, that of David Cook, jr. and Elizabeth Cady; and the
first death, that of Col. Eleazur Lindley. in June, 1794. Joseph
Miller taught the first school, near the Penn. line, in 1793; the
widow of Col. Lindley kept the first inn, on the w. bank of the
river ; and John P. Ryers, the first store. The first sawmill was
erected by Col. Lindley. There is no church, no hotel, nor place
where liquor is sold in the town.
'■s Named from Capt. Joel Pratt, one of the first settlers.
* For many years this academy has enjoyed a deservedly high
reputation.
4 A founder}', a tannery and a flouring mill.
6 Rev. John Niles, David Buell, Saml. Tuthill, and Capt. Joel
Pratt came into town in 1803; William P. Curtis, Pomeroy Hull,
and Salisbury Burton in 1804; Noah Niles, Cyril Ward, Aaron
Bull, Knoch Niles, Harmon Fowler, Rufus Blodgett, and Stephen
Hall, in 1805. They were all originally from New England.
The first child born was Mariette Pratt, in 1802 ; the first death,
a daughter of Wm. P.Curtis, drowned, in 1804; and the first
marriage, that of Isaao Pardee and Patty Waldo, in 1806. The
first school was taught in a church by Horace Bull, in 1806-07 ;
the first inn was kept by Aaron Bull, the same year: the first
mill was erected on Five Mile Creek, by Robert Porter. Capt.
Joel Pratt was a large proprietor of the town ; and the first set-
tlement was conducted wholly under his encouragement, advica,
and direction.
« The census reports 6 churches; 2 Bap., 2 M.E., Cong., and
Christian.
7 Named from Sir Wm. Pulteney, former owner of the Pulte-
ney Tract.
8 The first settlers were Saml. Miller, John Van Camp. G ''.
Fitzsimmons, and John Block. James and George Simms,
Henry Hoffman, Abraham Bennett, and Shadrach Norris settled
in the town in 1805; and Saml. and Nathaniel Wallis. John
Ells, Wm. White, James Daily, Erastus Glass, Harmon Emmons,
and Seth Pierce in 1806. The first marriage was that of Chris-
topher Tomer and Jane Miller, in 1S09 ; and the first death, that
of a child of Jas. Daily, in 1806. Melchior Waggoner built the
first sawmill, in 1810, and the first gristmill, in 1*14. Shadrach
Norris kept the first inn, in 1807; and Augustus Tyler, the first
store, in 1808. The first school was taught by Polly Wentwoi tli,
in 1808. » 2 Bap., 2 M. E., Cong., and Presb.
10 Named from Gen. Ransom Rathbone, who settled in th«
town in 1842.
n James Hadley and Wm. Benham were the first settlers
Among the early settlers were Isaac and Jonathan Tracy. Mar
tin Young. Wm. Morey, Moses Powers, Zephaniah Townsend
Thos. Maybury. and Saml. Colgrove. Isaac Tracy built the first
sawmill, in 1S06; Lemuel Benham kept the first inn, in 1804,
and Gen. Rathbone the first store, in 1842.
12 Named from Wm. R. Thurston, a landholder residing in
N. Y. or vicinity.
828 STEUBEN COUNTY.
1813. ' The first religious association (M.E.) was formed in 1814; Rev. Parker Buell was the
first preacher.2
TROIPSBIRGH3- was formed from •' Middletovm" (now Addison) and Canisteo, Feb. 12,
1808. Parts of Greenwood and Jasper were taken uff in 1827, and a part of "Woodhull in 1828.
A part of Canisteo was annexed April 4, 1818. It lies on the s. border of the co., w. of the center.
Its surface is principally a hilly upland, broken by the deep valleys of small streams. The highest
summits are 2,500 feet above tide ami arc the highest points in the co. Troups Creek, flowing s.,
is the principal stream. The soil is a slaty and clayey loam. Troupsburgll Center, (Troups-
burgh p. o., ) on Troups Creek, near the center of the town, contains an academy4 and 20 dwellings ;
South Troupsburgli (p. v.) contains 16 dwellings. East Troupsburgli, (p.o.,) West
Troupsburgli, (p.o.,) and Young Hickory (p.o.) are hamlets. The pioneer settler was
Samuel B. Rice, from Conn., who located e. of the center of the town in 1805.5 The first religious
association (M.E.) was formed at the house of Samuel Cady, by Rev. Parker Buell, first preacher.
The census reports 5 churches.6
l'RBA\A — was formed from Bath, April 17, 1822. A part was annexed to Bath in 1839; a
part of Wheeler was annexed May 3, 1839, and a part of Pulteney April 12, 1848. It lies at the
head of Crooked Lake, n.e. of the center of the co. Its surface is divided by Pleasant Valley (a
continuation of Crooked Lake Valley) into two series of highlands, rising 800 to 1,000 feet above
the lake. Cold Spring Creek takes its rise in this valley and flows n.e. to the lake. The soil in
the valleys is alluvial, and on the hilltops a heavy, gravelly loam. From their sheltered situation,
the slopes of the hills descending to the s. and E. are finely adapted to the culture of the grape.7
The town is noted for the production of a superior quality of fine wool. Ilanimondsport,
(Urbana p.o.,) at the head of Crooked Lake, was incorp. June 16, 1856. It contains 2 churches
and several manufacturing establishments. A daily line of steamboats plies between this place
and Penn Van. Pop. 560. North Urbana, (p. v.,) in the n.e. part of the town, contains 2
churches and 20 houses. Cold Spring is a hamlet; and Mount Washington, in the
8. E., is a p. o. William Aulls and his son Ephraim, from Penn., settled at Pleasant Valley in
1793.8 Elder Ephraim Sanford (Bap.) preached the first sermon, at the house of Mr. Baker, in 1795.9
WAYLAXD10 — was formed from Cohocton and Dansville, April 12, 1848. A part of Fremont
was taken off in 1854. It is the most western town upon the n. border of the co. Its surface is an
upland, rolling in the n. and moderately hilly in the s. It forms a portion of the watershed be-
tween Susquehanna River and Lake Ontario ; and its highest summits are 1,600 to 1,800 feet above
tide. The streams are small creeks and brooks. Loon and Mud Lakes are situated in a valley in
the s. part of the town, and their waters flow in opposite directions. The outlet of the former is
subterranean for half a mi. ; and where it comes to the surface it is in sufficient volume to form a
valuable mill stream. The soil in the N'. is gravel and muck, and in the s. a shaly loam. Way-
land. (Wayland Depot p.o.,) in the n.e. part of the town, contains 40 dwellings. It is a station
on the B., N. Y. & E. R. R. Pcrkinsville, 2 mi. s. w. of Wayland, contains 2 churches and
■Id dwellings. Patchins Mills is a hamlet. Loon Lake is a p.o. The first settlement
wai made in 1806-07. by Thos. Bowles and John II. Miller.11 The census reports 3 churches.12
1 Ami* Dickinson settled In 1814; and Joseph Fluent at
Bonnv Hill in 1M7. The first settler! at AJdrich Kttlement
w<t- Willi tin .lack, Samuel Fisk, and Thomas Aldrieh. in 1828.
Th< :.-• ehOd bora was Iran* Smith, in 1818; t > i • ■ Brat mar-
riage, thai of Joseph Fluent and Fanny Dickinson, in 1818; and
the tir-t death, that of Andi raon Oarpenter, killed by the lolling
us* a Uus, lnlUlT 1 > 100I was taught at Bonny HOI, by
Caroline Vlnan. in 1*1-; the first Store WM kepi by Barlow
intTiUa. So tavern n< ere* kept In the town,
an. I no h • nee was am
i Tie- 1 ensaa rep its t 1 bar b< i; - M. i .. Itap.. and christian.
1 Named from Kobert Tr op, of v v.. general tgenl ..f the
Pcilt — Turnsr'i / V;>i nml <;-,r>„im PurthcUt, p. 279.
* This institution ha* an aranfe attendance of about 00 pupils.
► Petal foong and Peter Italson, from Addison, Settled near
Mr. Bice, in 1808; UeuL Beynolds and Jonathan Rogers settled
at th- Bin 1809, Qi • Martin in 1810, and James Works
In 1-11. The first child born was Polly Young; the first Diar-
thai "f Zebulon Tubbe and Sarah Hi<-e; and the lirnt death,
N| irtin. AhnerThornaa taught the first school,
a little e. of Tronpsburgh Village; I. Ids kept the first
inn. 4 mi. from th- Canter, and Ichahod C Leach the first
?. mi. fr..m the Center. Goo. Martin ere<-ted the first gristmill,
at Tronpsburgb Village. • 2 Bap.. 2 M. F.., and F. W. Bap.
8 Samuel Baker, Eli Read, and William Barney settled in
Pleasant Valley in 1794; and Capt. Amos Stone, Capt. John
Shether, James Shether, and Richard Daniels in 1795. These
■"■til'TH were from New FIngland, most of them from Conn.
They had served through the Revolutionary War, some of them
with distinction as ufticers : and all were inured to the privations
and datic'.rs incident to pioneer settlement. The first child born
was Saml. Baker, jr. ; the first marriage, that of Jonathan Bar-
my and Polly Aulls, in 1794; and the first death, that of John
Phillip*., in Sept. of the name year. F.liphalet Norris taught the
first school, in 1795, at Pleasant Valley; Caleb Chapmau kept
the first inn, at N. Urbana; Henry A. Townscnd the first store,
at Cold Spring, in 1815. John Shether built the first sawmill,
in Pleasant Valley, in 1795; and Oen. Geo. McClure. the first
gristmill, at Cold Spring, in 1802.
• The census reports 6 churches; 2 Bap., and 1 each Presb.,
M. K., Prot. F... and R. C.
10 Named from Rev. Dr. Francis Wayland. of R. I.
11 Among the early settlers were Adam Zimmerman, David
Brown, Kaizier, Stephen Hicks, Thos. Begole, Solomon,
James, and Elisha Brownson, Isaac Willie, Walter and Dr. War-
ren Patchin, Dennis Hess, Benj. Perkins, and Samuel Draper.
The first sawmill was built by Benj. Perkins; and the first
gristmill, by Dugald Cameron and Abijah Fowler, in 1816. Saml.
' In 1867% 30 acre* were devoted t" vineyard"; an 1 the mccesa Xaggart kept the first inn. in 1827; and James L. Monier, tho
of th- experiment was so great that tha muni r - was first store, in 1S30. The first school was taught by Thos. Wil-
doubled in 1854*. There are about 2.000 acres in town with the bur. in 1811.
I and s. inclination adapted to thin purpose. " Evaog. Luth., Union, and R. C.
STEUBEN COUNTY. 020
WAYNE1— named in honor of Gen. Anthony Wayne— was formed, as "Frederickatoum," March
18, 1796. Its name was changed April 6, 1808. Reading (Schuyler co.) was taken off in 1800,
Orange (Schuyler co.) in 1813, and Barrington (Yates co.) and Tyrone (Schuyler co.) in 1822. A
part was annexed to Tyrone April 17, L854. It is situated upon Crooked Lake, on the e. border
of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland, 400 to 600 feet high, descending abruptly to the lake.
Little Lake is a beautiful sheet of water lying along the e. border. The soil is a gravelly and slaty
loam underlaid by hardpan. Wayne,1 (p. v.,) on the line of Tyrone, (Schuyler CO.,) contains 3
churches and 40 houses. Wayne Four Corners is a p.o. The first settlement was made in
1791, by Zephaniah Hoff, Henry Mapes, Widow Jennings, and Solomon Wixson.8 Rev. Ephraim
Sanford (Bap.) was one of the first settlers, and for many years the only clergyman in town.
There are 2 churches in town; M. E. and Union.
WEST UIVIOIV — was formed from Greenwood, April 25, 1845. It is the s. w. corner town
ol the co. Its surface is a broken and hilly upland, the highest summits being 2,000 to 2,400 feet
above tide. A large part of the town is yet covered with forests. Bennetts Creek is the principal
stream. The soil is a heavy, slaty loam. Lumbering is extensively pursued. Rexville (p.o.)
and Wileysville (p.o.) are hamlets. "West Union is a p. o. The first settler was Abraham
V. Olmsted, who located at Rexville in 1822.* The first church (M. E.) was formed at Rexville in
1831. There are 2 churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
WHEELER5- was formed from Bath and Prattsburgh, Feb. 25, 1820. A part of Avoca
was taken off in 1843, and a part of Urbana in 1839. It is an interior town, lying n.e. of the
center of the co. Its surface is a high, rolling upland, broken by the valleys of Five Mile and Ten
Mile Creeks and of several small lateral streams. The soil is a shaly and clayey loam, well
adapted to both grazing and tillage. Mitchellvllle (p. v.) contains 20 houses ; and Wheeler
Center (Wheeler p.o.) 1 church and 15 houses. The first settlement was made in 1799, by
Capt. Silas Wheeler, from Albany co.6 Rev. Ephraim Eggleston (Bap.) conducted the first reli-
gious services, in 1802. There are 2 churches in town; Presb. and M. E.
WOOOIIIJL.L.7— was formed from Troupsburgh and Addison, Feb. 18, 1828. A part of
Rathbone was taken off in 1856. It is the central town upon the s. border of the ca. Its surface
is a hilly upland, a considerable portion of which is yet covered with forests. Tuscarora Creek,
flowing e. through the northerly part of the town, is the principal stream. The soil is a clayey and
gravelly loam. Lumbering is carried on to some extent. Wewville, (Woodhull p.o.,) on Tus-
carora Creek, contains 3 churches and several manufacturing establishments. Pop. 215. Iledges-
Vllle contains 10 houses. The first settlement was made in 1805, by Stephen Dolson, Daniel
Johnson, Patrick Breakhill, Bethuel Tubbs, and Samuel B. Rice.8 The first church (Presb.) was
organized in 1830 ; and the Rev. Mr. Pomeroy was the first pastor. There are 4 churches in town.9
i Its former name was from Frederick Bartles. — McMasters's
Hid. Steuben Co., p. 181.
2 Locally known as " Wayne Hotel."
3 Enos, Joseph, and James Silsbee, Abraham Hendricks,
Joshua Smith, John Holdridge, Elijah Reynolds, and Ephraim
Tyler were among the early settlers. The first birth was that
of Elizabeth Wixson, Nov. 6, 1793; and the first marriage, that
of Ephraim Sanford, jr. and Julia Hoff. Jas. Silsbee kept the
first store, and Enos Silsbee the first inn. The first school was
taught by Nathaniel Frisbee, in 1797.
4 The late settlement of this town was owing to the fact that
a large share of the land was owned in England and by heirs
under age. Among the first settlers were Fred. Hauber, Wm.
Burger, and Wm. Bray, from Delaware co., who came in 1823
and located near Rexville. John Wiley, Wm. Fisher, and Benj.
Wilks settled at Wileyville in 1849. Uriah Stevens taught the
first school ; Chas. Rexford kept the first inn, and Walter B.
Olmsted the first store, at Rexville. John Wiley built the first
saw and grist mill, in 1849-50.
6 Named from Capt. Silas Wheeler, the first settler. Capt.
Wheeler served during the Revolutionary War, and was at the
attack on Quebec and stood nqar Montgomery when he fell.
He was 4 times taken prisoner during the war. He died in
1828, at the age of 78.
6 Nathan Rose, Wm. Holmes, and Turner Gardner settled in
town in 1799; Col. Jonathan Barney and Thos. Aulls in 1S00;
Philip Murtle in 1802; and Otto F. Marshall, and others, named
Bear, Ferval. and Rifle, in 1803. William, son of Jonathan Bar-
ney, was born Nov. 1, 1801, and died Dec. 1, 1802, — the first birth
anil death in town. Hon. Grattan H. Wheeler was a party to I 9 2 Bap., Presb., and R. C.
the first marriage. Capt. Wheeler built the first sawmill, in 1802 ;
and Geo. W. Taylor the first gristmill, in 1803-04. John Beals
kept the first inn, in 1820; and Cornelius Younglove. the first
store, in 1835. The first school was taught by Uriel Chapin.
'•Capt. Wheeler's first trip to mill is worthy of record. There
were, at the time when he had occasion to 'go to mill.' thre-
institutions in the neighborhood where grinding was done, — a*
the Friends' settlement, at Bath, and at Naples. The millstones
of Bath had suspended operations, — there being nothing there
to grind, as was reported. Capt. Wheeler made a cart, of which
the wheels were sawn from the end of a log of curly maple : the
box was of corresponding architecture. He started for Naples
with two oxen attached to this vehicle. Two young men went
before the oxen with axes and chopped a road, and the clumsy
chariot came floundering through the bushes behind, bouncing
over the logs and snubbing the stumps, like a ship working
through an ice field. The first day they reached a point a little
beyond the present village of Prattsburgh, a distance of six
miles from their starting point, and the second moored triumph-
antly at the mill at Naples."— AfcMasters's Hist. Stcubtn Co., pp.
195-196.
7 Named in honor of Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull, of the Revoln
tion.
8 Caleb Smith settled in the town in 1S08. The first birth
was that of Pollv Smith: the first marriage, that of Levi Rice
and Cynthia Tubbs; and the first death, that of Benj. Tubbs.
Caleb Smith built the first gristmill, in 1805; Ichabod S. Leach
kept the first inn. and Josiah Tubbs the first store. The first
6chool was taught by Abner Thomas.
630
STEUBEN COUNTY.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Slock. Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Steuben County.
r
Nura of Towns.
Addison :...
Avoca.
Bath
Bradford
Cameron
Campbell
Canisteo
Caton.
Cohocton.
Corning
Dansville.
Erwin
Fremont.
Green wi-wxl
H.ir'-ville
llornby
Hornellsville...
Howard
i »«
Prattsbargh...
Pulterj-
R.-itbl-jne"
Thur-ton
Urbana
Waylatid
Waj oe
' nion....
Wheeler ,
WoodhuU
Acres of Land.
•2
5
i
9.375
13.011
80,776
7,264
10,871
8.242
9.1 s4
7,712
u.;.-"
7.-"'.
20,031
1
10,065
7489
1SJ51
B,745J.
-
13527
23.136
15,730
5.40*4
17.1 _••-•
12,921*
9.M3
7565
14^34
11, Soli
361.450
"8
|
25,832
8.661
24£19
5.798
19.798
15597
22.300
14.453
14.441
26*482
12. — 1
1 B£7 1
7,745
11£60
13.632
13.177
95161
17,< :
•
19,874
1 ].-:.<
4.-7-!
15.0S3
17,947
S.656
11.364i
3.505
14.268
14.246
1-.-.4
4S8550J
Valuation op 1S58.
$428,955
438,627
214,087
219.740
329,630
296.405
453.101
l.3"s.2-2
601,936
535,668
247,511
176.045
158,025
254,783
-,:.,..;-!,
410.54S
230.172
274,701
556.S01
449.7S7
269,491
■s 13.276
184,531
535.978
210,394
234.142
88.276
299,709
240,932
12.6S9.070
I
$92,270
B2.073
579,191
23.543
63.257
6,900
41.671
21,655
64.792
113,689
58,414
74.250
7-.-21
94.231
37.143
4". 266
45.788
120.476
75,741
5,300
102.270
39,318
28.934
12.918
132,210
30,009
1.200
34,681
11X28
59.196
114,785
2.286,423
(521525
516,700
2,13-667
287,630
2-2.9"7
336,530
4.-:;,.(i.-.2
31S.060
517,893
1,421,971
660,350
609,918
326.135
270.276
195,168
295.049
911,468
531,024
:;o.V.o:;
280.(1"!
659,071
489.105
298,425
246,194
316.741
565,987
211,594
268.823
99,904
35S,905
355,717
14.975,493
Population.
I
1,602
926
3.027
'642
916
816
1,058
837
1.126
3,275
1.H77
944
571
622
684
756
1,950
1.365
881
369
1.301
752
480
1,042
966
1,344
467
617
717
1,159
32,189
•X
e
S
1,554
860
3,004
643
919
726
927
748
1,116
3.059
1,083
875
54S
602
526
654
1.893
1,304
887
335
1581
808
445
937
972
1.307
461
597
659
1,046
518
331
1,068
238
335
287
352
274
■HI
1,037
401
334
221
237
195
262
6S9
502
341
142
509
305
171
361
361
375
174
214
253
420
30,776 11,351
565
359
984
245
343
292
372
291
\ \i
1,160
413
339
233
237
212
274
744
512
344
143
536
309
177
373
303
462
183
233
256
425
11,823
236
286
860
1S9
288
226
271
267
297
514
287
174
210
233
177
239
477
458
299
59
440
275
157
322
288
332
143
215
197
294
8.710
Schools.
v;
^c>
14
11
26
6
10
7
11
11
11
17
14
5
9
11
9
12
13
16
16
4
16
10
10
10
15
12
9
5
9
10
15
354 25.817
Names of Towns.
ii
Avoca.
Bath
Bradford
Cameron
Qunpl all
too
Caton
' n
Corn i i . .
D ;]'•
Krwin
nt
Hartavillc
Hornby
! Icrille.
i : - i
.
Lind*l«\T
tireli...
Pol ten
Ratliborie*
Thnr«' I
Troopfburch.
Urbana
■id
i nlon...
•'
W«.«lbiill ....
Total- "
Live Stock.
I
332
600
1.36-
330
41-
326
877
341
536
395
763
215
60S
BOO
229
359
no
121
■ M
160
■
179
IM
i,.
•m - v.
= 3<§
937
1.074
22578
630
1,028
947
1.192
1.072
995
570
1.-17
.
. J8
1.1. '7
88C
619
449
1.117
929
B8S
l ---
532
854
2.042
501
639
616
i, .,ii
627
621
67-
980
885
7s-
457
.
12137
886
n
•
"ii
to
2.448
5,580
12.169
3,493
2,847
2.036
1.914
■J.:: 1 4
3,255
828
5.469
1,10.'.
1.715
1,701
8,365
067
I...-
l :.t
•
5520
■ •
_?_
767
1,087
2,350
731
619
530
816
610
807
901
1 58
553
6441
420
882
674
646
1,022
1."?:;
331
1,061
1 .' H ..".
817
24.154
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Bcsh. op Grain.
5.979
12,595
26,477
4.908i
4.229
5.499
13,912i
3,563
18,767
8,440
24.509
4,766
4.172
1.-..6
8,712
8548
10*478
'
2.s|4
1,328
10,8194
2.921 l
2..M'.'i
11,146
.
1,242
7.: .7 7
40.414
48.421*
100,8534
36.674
22.4724
40,412
28,9314
60.671
43.334
52 161
50,325
B5,739|
87,942
81,1 82
17,254
s::.16-j
24,0014
4&076
7"..;U.
88,218
i:..4ir.;
28,970
40,777
37,403
15822567
2,037
2.044
5.9314
1.354
1,9524
2.241
1,8844
2.242
l.i, 6j
1,684
2,064
MS
1.022
1,049
1.010
1508
1,788
2,476|
ifill
948
2,050
1.231
2,621i
2562
1.567 J
l.oos
721
1,440
2.465
5S.749J
"S-
"5 3
-=: 8
12.004
6,444
14,379
5,726
3,864
5,420
6,964
20,607
7,531
10,309
13.445
7,186
8,985
5,460
22^466
6.SH
13.539
7,262
6,983
8,748
5,268
n.o:,.-,
s.170
4,626
11.6,04
4.711
7,878
4.:,i:,
10.025
"s.
266,988
11.235
23,412
25.271
8,042
4,644
11.896
9,893
6,0 is
17,096
8.828
14.-2.M
8,746
14.210
3,978
5,625
14.201
6,217
24.461
4.298
5.005
14.700
8,347
3.368
8.518
12.335
4.470
8,455
610
10.024
3.174
297,289
Daiet Pboddcts.
S»3
a, q
56,550
77,063
lls.424
37.130
69.703
60.155
52,040
61.156
67,245
26,316
93,541
29.906
50,075
79,900
37,045
69,885
50,150
129.746
93,168
'20.962
104,620
86,971
32.590
103.775
55,200
55,345
41.9S0
50.693
112.415
1.970.129
■8 *
*^5
3,640
43,446j
13,630,
450
2,100
1,976'
500
3.6541
6,231
500
ls.539
6.(1110
5.775
1,100
3,290
1,915
1,204
13,690
3,335!
100,
7,717
5,419
665
2,816|
3,070,
23,500,
1,816
17.700
4,806'
4.745
2082829 84,986
" Funned ainco 1855.
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
Tins county1 was organized Nov. 1, 1083. It occupies the e. part
of Long Island, embracing about two-thirds of its area, and
includes several smaller islands off the e. and n. coasts. It is
centrally distant 138 mi. from Albany, and contains 1,200 sq. mi.
The e. extremity of the island is divided by Great and Little PeconiC
and Gardners Bays into two narrow, unequal branches, between
which are Gardners, Shelter, and Robins Islands. A chain of islands
extends from the n. branch nearly to the Conn, shore.2 A beach com-
posed of alluvial sand and shingle, broken only by occasional inlets,
skirts the s. shore of the island, enclosing several large, irregular bays,
the principal of which are Great South, East, Shinnecock, and Mecox
Bays. " This great beach is a line of spits and islands. One of the
islands is about 25 mi. long, with a breadth of a few hundred yards. They are all narrow and long ;
and when above the reach of the surf they are covered by a labyrinth of hillocks of drifted sand,
imitating almost all the variety of form which snow drifts present after a storm."
The action of the waves and winds is gradually extending this beach. Off the s. coast the sea
is very shallow ; 50 mi. from the shore its depth nowhere exceeds 40 fathoms ; and sandbars at a
considerable distance from the beach approach so near the surface as to break the waves into a
surf. The traveler along the beach is seldom out of sight of a wreck.3 Irregular branches projeot
inland from Long Island Sound, in the w. part of the co., and from the bays upon the s. and e.
The peninsulas and points thus formed are locally known as "necks." Upon the s. side of the
island these necks generally take the name of the stream e. of them. An irregular range of hills
extends e. and w. through the co., a little n. of the center. A second range, commencing in
Brookhaven, extends into the s. branch of the island, terminating at Canoe Place and reappear-
ing farther e. as the Shinnecock Hills. Along the n. border of the co. the surface is somewhat
broken ; but in the s. it is very level. In the E. part are several fresh water hakes, and a few in
the central and w. parts, the principal of which is Lake Ronkonkoma, on the w. border of
Brookhaven. The principal streams are Peconic River, in the e., and the Connecticut, in the
central part. The soil is generally a light, sandy loam, moderately fertile along the coasts ; but
in some parts the surface consists of almost sterile plains or barren sandhills. The interior of the
island, from near the foot of the hills to within one or two mi. of South Bay, is occupied by the
"brush plains," which are sparsely inhabited and hardly susceptible of cultivation. Thousands
of acres of these plains were burned over in 1844 and '45 ; and a thin growth of scrub oak, 3 to 4
feet high, has since sprung up on the burned tract.4 Along the coast are extensive salt marshes.
No native rock is found within this co. ; and the whole island, except a few rocks near Hellgate,
appears to belong to the drift formation or to have been formed as a strand of the sea. The
waters of the sea are slowly encroaching upon the land of the e. and n. parts.
The various branches of agriculture form the leading industrial pursuits.5 Successful hus-
bandry in this co. involves a large expenditure for fertilizers,6 which to considerable extent are
obtained from the neighboring seas. Immense quantities of bony fish7 are caught for this pur-
1 Named from a co. in England. From 1665 to 1683 this co.
formed the "East Riding of Yorkshire."
2 These islands appear to have been separated from the main-
land and from each other by tidal currents, which flow between
them with great force. — N. Y. Geological Survey, Mather.
3 From Nov. 1, 1854, to June 28, 1857, 5 ships, 9 barks, 16 brigs,
25 schooners, and 9 sloops were wrecked, or in distress, off this
coast. The Government has established 26 lifeboat stations
upon the s. shore, (of which 19 are within this co.,) 1 on
Fishers Island, 1 at Orient Point, and 2 upon the sound. Each
station is furnished with boats, life-cars, mortars and rockets
for throwing lines, and at each a keeper is in constant attend-
ance. Under the provisions of the act of Feb. 16, 1787, " wreck-
masters" are appointed by the Governor and Senate in and for
the several counties bordering upon the seashore. Of these
there are 15 in Suffolk co. It is their duty to render every
possible aid to distressed vessels. A project has recently been
formed of constructing a telegraph line from Montauk Point to
Brooklyn, with stations along the beach, so that intelligence
may be transmitted in season to admit of aid being sent to
vessels in distress.
* Some of these tracts are 8 to 10 mi. long and 2 to i wide.
The fires destroyed not only the forest trees, but every vestige
of vegetation, and thousands of cords of wood ; hundreds of
doer and other animals, perished in them. These lands are
valuable only for the timber upon them ; and when that is
destroyed they become nearly worthless.
& Corn and potatoes are the leading agricultural exportation?.
This co. excels all others in the State in the amount of turnips
raised. Wheat is one of the principal crops.
8 The annual expenditure of this co. for manures is nearly
$200,000,— about half as much as is expended for the same pur-
pose by all the rest of the State.
1 These fish are the Alosa menhaden, or " moss bunkers," and
are usually called " bunkers" or " skippaugs." They are caught
from May to Nov., in seines, in immense quantities; at a single
haul, a few years since, 1.4 o 000 were taken. They are sold at
an average price of $1 per II. They are usually strewn upon
the surface as a top dressing, or plowed under, but are some-
times rotted with earth, seaweed, and other articles in compost
heaps. The stench of these decaying fish is extremely un-
pleasant and almost overpowering to strangers.
631
632
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
pose, and are used either alone or in connection with seaweed, stahle manure, compost, guano,
ashes, and other fertilizers. Oysters and clams abound in the bays and seas around the island ;
and the taking of these, and fishing, form the principal occupations of the inhabitants along the
shore. From the first settlement of the co. considerable attention has been given to whaling.
This business was originally carried on in open boats from the shore;1 but large vessels are now
sent upon long voyages to the Polar Seas.2 The preparation of "fish guano," and oil from
1 'linkers,3 shipbuilding, and brickmaking are the principal manufacturing interests of the co.4
At Fire Island, Greenport, and Orient, and at most of the villages along the s. county road, are ex-
i \ e hotels, especially fitted for the accommodation of families from New York City, great
numbers of whom spend the summer months at these public houses or in private families.
The county seat is located at Riverhead.6 The courthouse is a fine two story brick building,
situated near the depot, and contains the usual county offices, and accommodations for the sheriff's
family.6 The jail, situated in rear of the courthouse, is a two story stone octagonal building. The
county clerk's office is a fireproof brick building. The co. has no poorhouse.7
The first regulation concerning public roads was adopted under authority of an act of General
Assembly passed in 1724. and was kept alive by repeated enactments. Commissioners ap-
pointed by this authority about 1733 laid out 3 principal roads from w. to e. These were called
the North. Middle, and South Country Roads, and upon them the principal villages and settle-
ments are located. The project of opening a navigable communication between the bays upon
the s. shore of the island was recommended by Gov. Clinton in 1825, and was subsequently
authorized by law, but was never carried into effect.8 The Long Island R. R. affords the princi-
pal avenue of business through the island.9 Short stage routes connect the several villages along
the >*. and s. shores with the r. r.
Seven newspapers are published in the co. ; 2 at Greenport, 2 at Huntington, 1 at Sag Harbor,
1 at Patchogue, and 1 at Riverhead.10
When Long Island first became known, it was inhabited by 13 tribes of Indians, of which all
but two resided wholly or in part in this co.11 Of these the Montauks were the most numerous
1 At present 3 whaleboats at Mastic Point, 2 at Shinne-
eock. 6 at Si >uthampton, and several at Bridgehampton, East-
hampton, and Amaganset. are kept in constant readiness for
U9C upon the beach. They are mounted, bottom upward, upon
a staging, and are well supplied with oars, lances, harpoons, and
other necessary tackle. During the winter and spring months
a lookout Is kept, and when a whale appears a signal rallies the
neighborhood to the chase. A year seldom passes without one
pri/.» : and some years half a dozen are captured.
4 The whaling interests of this co. received a severe check upon
the discovery of gold in California. Many whaleships were fitted
out for the trade with that region, and upon the reaction that
full .wed were sold. The number of whaleships now belonging
t i the co. is 33; and the greatest number at any one time (in
1845-47) was 88.
• TV !n.iimf.irt..rl'SOf fish guano and oil are in Southold and
upon Sh.-lt-r Island, and on Napeague Beach. The fish are
.. and the oil is extracted by hydrostatic pp --> -.
The Iried and ground for guano. Forty tons of fish
tu of guano and 840 gals, of oil. It is claimed by many
that this maoofactored artirie possesses all the valuable pro-
ii guan ..
I Salt noerly made from seawater at Sag Harbor. An
ext-i. rmerly carried on in cutting v 5 ind
■hipping it t.. the New fork market Bpafford, Id his Qaz
of 1 - . f the fuel consumed in the
city w:t« (tarnished by the nine pi Una, and thai 100,000 cord! were
annually ienl t: the Area of IMA a
bat little wood dm bat a •
• A nnni; led In 1726, aerred tor
I. Th" tlr«t ruirt of 0 I Tel
- under th - ' : 1 T -7 .
• This banding was erected In ! I
The cotnmittea app perlntand I were Sam'l
B. Ni.-o||. Win n P r Miller I
April B, 1813, the rl.-rk of thM
his office in two plare*. and to «; p >'"• » deputy to hare i barge
of one. Tberecordi ini^-nt--! athold, and
■nlliis
eo. , - rdi of the
aunon Plaaa have l»»n -..prnt i »ince
I Most of th- town« have- pr-orhon«o«, at which ^ paupers are
provided f .r at the eo. exp
• Th- I. il Company, chartered \\
wa« authorizi I to effect what In •
Be Witt Clinton*! plan. viz. : commui
Jan: t South, £ ithajnpton,and '
• Tti" road » Yap
hanck Jun . -s44.
10 Frolhingham's Long Island Herald was established at Sag
Harbor May 10, 1791, by David Frothingham. In 1S02
it was sold to Sellick Osborn, and changed to
The Suffolk County Herald. It was sold in Feb. 1804, to Alden
Spooner, and its name was changed to
The Suffolk Gazette, and in Feb. 1811, it was discontinued.
The Suffolk Co. Recorder was established at Sag Harbor Oct. 19.
1816, by Sam'l. A. Seabury. In 1817 it was changed to
The American Eagle; 2 years afterward it was discontinued.
The Corrector was started at Sag Harbor Aug. 3, 1822, by
II. W. Hunt, and is now published by Alex. Hunt.
The Republican Watchman was commenced at Sa^
Harbor in Sept. ls'-'o. by Sam'l 1'hillips. In Sept. 1844,
it was removed to Greenport, where it is now published
by S. Phillips & Son.
The Suffolk Times was started at Greenport in Aug.
1867, by John J. Riddell, its present publisher.
The American Boole was established at Huntington in 1S21 by
Sam'l A. Seabury. In May, 1825, it was changed to
The Long Island Journal of Philosophy and Cabinet of Variety,
(mo.,) pub. by Bam. Fleet. In 1*27 it was changed to
The Portico, and was discontinued in 1820.
The Lonfr Inlander was started at Huntington in July,
1888, by Walter Whitman, and is now published by
Geo. II. Sbepard.
The Suffolk Democrat was started Feb. 17. 1847, at
Huntington, and is now published by Edward Strahan.
I The Suffolk da ■'■■ was commenced at Riverhead in Aug. 1849,
After Is months it was removed to Sag Harbor. Tn
Dee. 1864, it was brought back to Riverhead, and was
Boon nfier discontinued!
The Suffolk Herald was established at Patchogue Aug.
14. 1858, bv Van Zandt k Co.. its present publishers.
The Suffolk Inlon was started at Riverhead in 1859 by
Washington Van Zandt.
The Sag Harbor Express was commenced in 1859,
by
11 These tribes were the " Omarsees," occupying Kings co. and
a part of Jamaiea: the " Rockaways," the country about Rock-
away and parte of Jamaica and Newtown-, the "Mattinccockt"
the W. side of the island, from Flushing to the r. line of Hunting-
ton; Vbeu Nttttquogt," the country from the E. line of Hunting-
ton to Stony Brook; the " SetaukeU," that from St. my Brook to
Wading River: the "Oarchogwu," all the ti. branch of the island
a, of Wading River; tbe"lfereco&e*"and "MureapeqwM," thecoun-
try upon then, ride oflheislandsw.ofSuirolb 0On the 'Lecatoguet,"
the country from the w. line of the co. to the E. part of Islip;
the •I'atcliogur*." from the e. line of Islip to the w. part ..I South
atnpton: the *8)iinncCOCkt? the country around Canoe Place,
thence v. to Basthampton; the "montaukt," that are now
included in the town of Kasthamplon : and the " Manhassets,"
uccupying Shelter Island. Of all these tribes there now remain
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
G33
and powerful ; and the consent of "Wyandancc,1 their grand sachem, was necessary to the validity
of all Indian grants of that date upon the island. The earliest settlement within the co. was
made in 1G39, on Gardners Island, under title derived from James Farrett, agent of the Earl
of Stirling, to whom a grant of the whole of Long Island had been made by the Plymouth Com-
pany.2 Southold and Southampton were settled in 1G40, Easthainpton in 164K, Shelter Island in
1652, Huntington in 1G53, Brookhaven in 1G55, and Smithtown in 1668, by English immigrants
from New England. These settlers were strongly imbued with Puritan doctrines and zealously
devoted to their strict observance.3 They naturally sought alliance with the adjacent New
England colonies, to whom they were warmly attached, and with whom they were closely united
until they were brought under the government of New York. Among the first measures taken by
the colonists was the establishment of religious worship and schools, which in most of the towns
date from the first or second year of settlement. These were commonly supported by tax, often
levied in kind, and sometimes coupled with privileges and grants that are still recognized.
The patents granted by the New York governors created corporations, with municipal powers
and privileges which were liberal for that period. These have never been changed, and are still
valid. The rights were of two classes, — one belonging to all who might gain a residence and
citizenship within the town, and the other pertaining only to the persons named in the patents
and their heirs at law. During the Revolution most of the inhabitants of the co. warmly espoused
the cause of the colonists ; but after the battle of Long Island the British ascendency was com-
plete, and few opportunities occurred for assisting in the popular movement. Several bold and
successful incursions were made by partisan corps ; but the armed occupation of the island was at
no time interrupted.4 During the latter part of the War of 1812 an English fleet was stationed
off the eastern coast ; but few depredations were committed. The history of the co. from that day to
the present is only the record of the industrial pursuits of a thriving people.
BROOKIIAYE1V — was incorp. by patent, under Gov. Nicoll, March 13, 1666, with the usual
privileges of a township ;5 and Dec. 27, 1686, the patent was confirmed by Gov. Dongan, and ex-
tended privileges were granted.6 It was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It occupies the entire
width of Long Island, near the center of the co. e. and w. It has 20 mi. of coast on Long Island Sound,
21 on South Bay, and above 30 on Fire Island, which skirts the whole s. coast. Patchogue and Bell-
port Bays, upon the s. coast, are branches of Great South Bay ; and Old Mans Harbor and Port Jeffer-
son, Conscience, Setauket, and Flax Pond Bays, are indentations upon the n. coast from L. I. Sound.
The principal capes upon the n. coast are Cranes Neck, Old Field Point,7 Little Neck,8 Dyers Neck,9
Mount Misery, and Rocky Point. A range of low hills extends across the n. part of the town ; but
elsewhere the surface is level. The principal streams are Peconic River, in the e. part, and the Con-
necticut, in the central. There are several fresh water ponds of great depth and purity in the town,
many of which have no outlet. The soil along the coast, both upon Long Island Sound and South
Bay, is a moderately fertile, light, sandy loam, and in the interior it is generally unproductive.
Along the streams near their mouths are numerous salt meadows. Port Jefferson10 (p. v.) is
situated at the head of Port Jefferson Bay, on the n. coast. It has a good harbor, and shipbuilding
is largely carried on.11 Pop. 1,247. Setauket, (p. v.,) on the bay of the same name, contains 2
churches and 4 shipyards and has a pop. of 1,136. Stony Brook,12 (p. v.,) near the line of
Smithtown, contains 1 church and has a pop. (in this town) of 542. Mt. Sinai,13 (p. v.,) on Old
Mans Harbor, has a pop. of 276. Millers Place,14 (p.o.,) Rocky Point, and Swezys
but a few individuals in Islip and Brookhaven, about 200 at
Shinnecock, and 5 families on Montauk Point. They have lost
all knowledge of their language, using only the English, and are
intelligent and civilized. They have intermarried toa considera-
ble extent with negroes, and are probably of more than half Af-
rican blood.
i Wyandance died in 1659, and the Montauk Indians afterward
became tributary to the Narragansetts.
2 This grant was made in 1635, and, at the request of Charles I,
Farrett was appointed agent in 1637. — Hough's Nantucket
Papers, IX.
3 Most of the towns were jealous of the admission of strangers,
and only allowed them to participate in their privileges upon
careful examination of character and motive.
* By the act of May 6, 1784, the sum of £10,000 was levied
upon this co. as a " back tax" for defraying expenses incurred in
the wars.
6 Capt. John Tucker, Dan'l Lane, Richard Woodhull, Henry
Perring, and John Jenner were named trustees in this patent.
Patents, I, 81, Sec. Office.
6 This instrument provided that 7 trustees should be annually
elected, in whom the legal ownership of the property of the town
should be vested. John Palmer, Richard Woodhull. Samuel
Eburne, Andrew Gibb, Wm. Satterly, Thos. Jenner, and Thos.
Holme were named as the first trustees.
7 The Indian name of this point was " Co-met-i-co."
8 Called by the Indians " Mi-nas-se-roke."
9 Its Indian name was "Po-quott."
10 Formerly known as "Drowned Meadow," and called "So-was-
sett" by the Indians.
11 There are 5 shipyards upon the e. side of the harbor, and 3
upon the w.
12 Called by the Indians " Wopowag." The great quantities of
shells found near the banks indicate that this was a favorite
residence of the natives.
is Called by the Indians " Kon-o-wau-tuck."
i* Named from Andrew, son of John Miller, one of the pioneer*
of Easthampton.
634 SUFFOLK COUNTY.
I.andinsr are hamlets on the coast of Long Island Sound. Patcliogue1 (p. v.) is situated on
Patchogue Bay, in the s. w. part of the town. It contains 4 churches, an academy, and manufac-
tories of twine, paper, cotton, ropes, and flour. Pop. 1,562. Heliport, (p. v.,) on the w. side
of Bellport Bay, contains 1 church and an academy. Shipbuilding is^carried on to a considerable
extent. Pop. 383. Blue Point,2 (p. o.,) in the s. w. part, is a hamlet. Fire Place, (p. v.,)
on Bellport Bay, contains 1 church and about 35 houses; Moriches,3 4 churches and 50 houses;
East Moriches, (p. v.,) 40 houses; and West Moriches (Moriches p. o.) and Seatuck,
hamlets, are situated near the coast of East Bay. Yaphank,4 (p. v.,) a station on the Long
Island R. R., containing 3 churches and 35 houses, and South Haven, (p. v.,) containing 1
church and 20 houses, arc situated on Connecticut River. Mastic5 is a hamlet on Mastic River.
Middle Island, (p. o.,) containing 2 churches, Selden, (p. o.,) 1 church, IVew Village,
(p. o.,) 1 church, and Coram,8 (Cor-um,) (p. o..) are hamlets in the central part; and Wanip-
missic,7 containing 1 church, and Manorville.8 (p. o..) are hamlets in the e. part. Center
Moriches is a p. o. Waverly, and Medford, arc hamlets and r. r. stations. The town
poorhouse is located near Coram, upon a small farm purchased in 1817 at a cost of $900. The
lighthouse on Old Fields Point was built in 1823 ; and another on Fire Island, near Fire Island
Inlet, was built in 1858.9 The first settlement was made at Setauket,10 in 1655, by a colony of im-
migrants from near Boston, Ma--.u The land was bought from the Setauket Indians, and the sale
confirmed by a release from Wyandance, Sachem of Montauk. This settlement was received under
the government of Conn, in 1661, and Richard Woodhull and Thos. Pierce were appointed magis-
trates by the General Court. The tract of land between Islip and Bellport, extending to the center
of the island, was purchased of the natives by John Winthrop in 1666, and the title confirmed
Mai ■'■• 29, II 80." Col. Wm. Smith purchased Little Neck, Oct. 22, 1686, and an extensive tract
E. of Connecticut River, extending northward to the center of the co., in May, 1691. 13 Fort St.
George, a stnnirlv fortified British post on South Bay, was surprised and taken by a party of 80
men, under Maj. Tallmadge, Nov. 21, 1780. They crossed Long Island Sound from Conn., landing
at Old Mans Harbor, marched to Coram, where they destroyed a large amount of forage, and then
to Fort St. George, which they captured without the loss of a man. Over 50 men were made prison-
er-, and a large amount of property was destroyed.14 Gen. Woodhull,15 Pres. of the Second and
Third Provincial Congresses, Gen. Wm. Floyd, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence,
Col. Richard Floyd,16 and Maj. Wm. II. Smith, were residents, and Maj. Benj. Tallmadge was a
native, of this town. In the infancy of the settlement a building was erected at Setauket, which
served the double purpose of a townhall and church.17 There are now 26 churches in town.18
F4ST HAMPTON— was incorp. by patent, under Got. Nicoll, March 13, 1660,19 and con-
firmed by Gov. Dongan, Dec. 9, 1686. It was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It lies at the e.
extremity of Long Island, s. of Gardners Bay and Long Island Sound, and includes Gardners Island,
lying v. of the mainland. The e. part consists of a narrow peninsula, to which the name. Montauk,
is applied. Upon the n. coast are several larc;e bays, some of them nearly land! eked. The princi-
pal >.f • ■•• Northwest, Three Mile, Acahonac, and Napeague Harbors, and Fort Pond Bay.
In the oentral and w. parts the surface is mostly level or gently undulating ; but along the coast
1 Named from the 'Tb-cltnugli" Indians who Inhabited tin- \\ li-y. AkerlyyComb8, Waril ■:. Hones, Thorp, Eburne, Brew-
r Poole, Shai y. Burnet, lb Imo, I larllck, Moger, Pierce, and
Indrani " ' an Important Ware. Many "I these names are still common on the island,
oyst' I cinlty. of the Inhabitants, taken .Jnly 13, 1(>S7. the triplets
'• An Indian name i I W ••( the town were directed to establish a school, and Francis
offish and wild fowl are bmJ from thai vj. -mity t.. tb- New Williamson wai employed as a teacher, at a salary of £30 per
York market. annum The Ant mill was erected at Stony Brook, in 1690. —
I ij.bink l« th» Indian nam<- of a small tributary of the . .7 Long 1 /.;/»/. 2d /•>/.,/. 408.
<"• nally rail " f." and l- A great put .1 this tracl was divided into 3G prizes, and
aft'rward •/!- I by lotterj for £12,000 in .Mine, 1768.
» Thi« name ia applk ble tract ol rthe "These purchases wen confirmed Oat. 9, lf.93, under the
river, tonnei lians, a tribe title of the "Manorqf St. George," which included all the town
fed to the Pocbongba. I ■ ■ kn.wn , fonnd'-d e. of the Connecticut. A hose proportion of
"jDi tin wont." " If* ww maek' "Cbosj -;>.'■•.' this tract is still owned by the descendants of Col. Smith.
• ' -;. no," and " Motrtt '< n Writittgt, 17/: Journal of Congress, Dec. C,
• Named from an Indian 1780: Tht ; on' Bitt, Long JtUuiA
'• Thai name was given by the Indians to a swarnj in the I* "i-n. W Hi nil f. II in the battle of Long Island, Sept. 177'i,
Tidnitr. buried in tbis town. — Onderdonkft Set*. Inc.
• Formerly called '• " U Ihe lands ol OoL FUchard Floyd located in this town were
• This Hghthou nigh and 1 , and confiscated by the British.
hi fnmiabed witb a French Hashing lens apparatu lor w The early "pastors of tin- ehnrch at Setauket wave Bevs. Na-
qual • thaniel Brewster, in 1666, Geo. Phillips, in 1697, David Tonnim,
QronweB B In 174 Pallmadge, in 1754, Noah Wetmore, in 174
n Tb" f imilv nam<-« of th«-«e •.•ttlora wer« WoodbuB, II i». Zachariah Qreene, in 1707.
kin«. Wbit.bor-. J-nn-r, I'-rrinfr. Gibb, M E., 8 Prcsb., 4 Cong., 2 Prot F... 2 At M. V... Ban.
T<- Money, '• The tmatees named In the patent waro John MuHbrd, 1
- ^iri. v. ,i . 9ayler, Smith. Avery, Dayt I batfleld, Jeremiah Concklyn, Stephen Uedgee,
T omae, BaylU, Thorns Boa, Bnnw, BlUulta, Wnriams, Thos. Osborne, Br., and John Osborne. — I'aUcnU,!, 81, Sec. Office.
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
635
upon the s. is a belt of low, shifting sand ridges; and the e. part is broken by low, irregular hills,
some of which attain an elevation of 100 ft. above the sea. Near the coast in the s. part of the
town and upon the peninsula are several fresh water ponds. The principal of these are Great,1
Fort,2 Oyster, Hook, and Georgica Ponds; and their outlets have been closed by sandbars or a
beach. Upon the main portion of the peninsula of Montauk the soil is fertile, but its neck is a
barren, sandy waste. In the w. part the soil is a light, sandy loam and is kept highly fertile by the
use of manures. Stock raising forme the loading occupation ; and to that pursuit Gardners Island3
and Montauk Point are exclusively devoted. A tract of about 9000 acres, embracing the entire ■
portion of the town, is devoted wholly to pasturage. It is owned by a company, incorp. as tenants in
common, whoso affairs arc managed by a board of 7 trustees elected annually.4 Twelve trustees are
chosen annually, to whom are committed the management of the town commons, the meadow beaches,
and the waters within the bays, the privileges of which are enjoyed by all citizens. A town poor-
house is located on a small farm about 2 mi. w. of East Hampton Village. Lighthouses are located
upon Cedar Island, at the entrance of Sag Harbor,5 at the n. extremity of Gardners Island, and upon
Montauk Point.6 East Hampton, (p. v.,) about 1 mi. from the beach, in the s. w. part of the
town, has 2 churches,7 an academy,8 2 windmills, and about 70 houses. Amagansct , (p. v.,) a
scattered village about 2 mi. e. of East Hampton, contains 1 church. Pop. 270. Springs, (p.o.,)
near Acabonac Harbor, and Wainscott, in the s. w. cornerof the town, are hamlets. Sag Har-
bor9 (p. v.) is partly in this town. The first settlement in this town, and the first English settlement
in the State, was made on Gardners Island in 1G39, by Lyon Gardner.10 Settlement in the w. part
of the town was commenced in 1648, upon lands purchased of the Montauk Indians, by a company
of English families from Lynn, Mass.11 The government of the colony was purely democratic. The
people met in "General Court," and enacted laws, appointed civil and ministerial officers, and acted
upon appeals from the decisions of their magistrates. Three magistrates,12 a recorder, a secretary,
and a constable were annually elected. Lands were allotted to individuals, and could not be
alienated without the approval of the General Court. In Dec. 1653, they adopted the laws of Conn. ;
and from 1657 to 1667 they were united with that colony.13 The inhabitants sided with the colonists
in the disputes which led to the Revolution. In June, 1775, an "Association" favoring the measures
of the Continental Congress was formed, and its articles were signed by every male inhabitant
capable of bearing arms.14 Rev. Thomas James, the first pastor in the town, settled in 1651.15
There are now 4 churches in town.16
HUlVTIUfGTOlV- was incorp. by patent, under Gov. Nicoll, Nov. 30, 1666." The patent
was renewed Aug. 2, 1688, and again Oct. 5, 1694. It was recognized as a town March 7, 1788, at
jvhich time Eatons Neck and Crab Meadow were annexed. The w. line was established Feb. 17,
1 Called by the Indians " Quaw-no-ti-wock." This pond con-
tains 500 acres.
2 The Indian name of this pond is " Konk-hong-a-nok." It lies
S. of Fort Pond Bay, and nearly divides the isthmus.
8 Called by the Indians '■ Mon-cho-nock" or " Ma-sliong-o-muc,"
and mentioned in early records as the aIsU of Wight." It con-
tains 3,300 acres.
* This tract originally belonged to the Montauk Indians, and
was conveyed by them to the colonists of East Hampton, Feb.
11, 1661, the natives reserving to themselves the right of living
upon and using so much of it as they might need. Its owner-
ship was vested in the colonists in person. The lands were
represented at first by 40 shares, valued at £40 each, and were
intrusted to the management of the trustees of. the town. The
shares are now divided into " eighths," of which 36 have been
purchased by the corporation and extinguished. These
eighths are now worth $350 to $400 each. The tract is divided
into large enclosures, of which '• the field" is reserved for fat-
tening stock. Every share entitles its possessor to the privi-
lege of pasturing for " the season" 48 cattle, 14 of them to be ad-
mitted to "the field." Ahorse is rated as 2 " beasts," (cattle.)
and 7 sheep as one. " The season'' is fixed by the trustees, and
generally lasts from June 1 to Oct. 20. About 1400 cattle and
1100 sheep are annually kept within these enclosures. Five
Indian families reside upon the tract, who own 50 shares and
are entitled to the keeping of 50 cattle. These privileges are
usually hired of them for $200 per annum.
6 Cedar Island Lighthouse (built in 1839) is 34 ft. high.
6 Montauk Lighthouse, on Turtle Hill, is 85 ft. high, and 160
feet above the leTel of the sea. It was built in 1795, at a cost
of $22,500.
' The vane upon this church bears the dates of 1649 and 1717,
as those of the first settlement of the village and the erection of
the church edifice.
8 Clinton Academy was founded in 17S4, and incorp. by the
regents Nov. 17, 17S7. A petition of the trustees of this insti-
tution suggested to the legislature the propriety of a general
lysteni of supervision, and led to the enactment of the law organ-
izing the Board of Regents of the University. This academy and
Erasmus Hall, in Flatbush, were incorp. the same day, and are
the oldest legally organized academic institutions in the State.
9 See page 638.
1° This island was purchased from Jae. Farrett, agent of tho
Earl of Stirling, March 10, 1639. Elizabeth Gardner — born upon
the island, Sept. 14, 1641 — was the first child of English parents
born within the present limits of this State. The pirate, Kidd,
visited the island in 1699 and buried a quantity of gold, silver,
and jewels, which were afterward recovered by commissioners
sent from Boston for that purpose. A piece of cloth of gold pre-
sented by Capt. Kidd to Mrs. Gardner is still preserved.
11 This purchase was made by the Governors of Conn, and Xew
Haven for the colonists, and was conveyed to them the following
year. The tract embraced an area of about 30,000 acres; ami tho
value of the articles given in exchange for it was £30 4s. 8rf. Tho
Indians reserved the right of fishing, hunting, and of taking
shells for wampum upon the lands sold, and the right to the
fins and tails of drift whales.
12 The first magistrates were John Mulford, Robt. Bond, and
Tbos. Baker.
18 The first school was taught by Chas. Barnes, who received
a salary of £30 per anuum. He was succeeded in 1663 by Peter
Benson.
1* John Chatfield, Col. Abram Gardiner. Burnet Miller. Rev.
Sam'l Buell, Thomas Wickham. and 248 others.— Hedge's 200ft
Anniversary Address. In Jan. 1777, the enemy baring armed oc-
cupation of the island, required the inhabitants to sign a counter
declaration, as the condition of their remaining in quiet occupa-
tion of their houses. This declaration was signed by 150, of whom
117 had signed the former paper. — MSB. State library.
16 The succeeding pastors of the same church were Nathaniel
Huntting, in 1699, Sam'l Buell, in 1746, Lyman Beecher, in 1799,
and Ebenezer Phillips, in 1S10.
l« 2 M. E., Presb., and Af. M. E.
i' The trustees named in the patent were Jonas Wood. Wm.
Leverige, Robt. Seely, John Ketcham, Thos. Scidmore. Isaac
Piatt, Thos. Jones, and Thos. Wicks. — fUtents, I, 63, Sec. Office.
636 SUFFOLK COUNTY.
1787, and Lloyds Neck was set off to Oyster Bay in 1788. This is the w. town of the co. It extends
across the island, and has 10 mi. of coast on Long Island Sound and 6 on Great South Bay. It
also includes about half of Oak Island Beach, and Cedar and several smaller islands in Great
South Bay. The B. shore is deeply indented by Huntington Bay, from which Lloyds Harbor
pxtends to the w., Huntington Harbor to the s., and Northport Bay to the e. Centerport and
Northport Harbors branch off upon the s. of the latter bay, and two smaller arms upon the n. w.
tireat, Little, and Eatons1 Necks are peninsulas formed by these bays and harbors. Groups of low
lulls extend through the center, and the surface 2 to 3 mi. from the sound is broken ; but elsewhere it
is comparatively level. The soil in the ». and s. is fertile; but in the interior it is unproductive.
The industrial pursuits are various ; whaling, fishing, and taking oysters and clams are some of the
leading occupations. Shipbuilding and manufactures receive considerable attention. At the annual
election 7 trustees are chosen, to whose care the management of the town property is committed.2
The town poorhouse is located near Huntington Village. A lighthouse was built upon the point
of Eatons Neck in 1798.3 Hunting-ton, (p. v.,) near the head of Huntington Harbor, contains 5
churches, a flourishing union 6chool,4 2 printing offices, and a limited number of manufacturing
establishments.5 Pop. 1,328. Cold Spring,6 (Cold Spring Harbor p.o.,) on the e. side of Cold
Spring Harbor, contains 3 churches. 2 shipyards, a woolen factory, and other manufactories. Con-
siderable whaling business is carried on from this port.7 Pop. G02. IVorthporl8 (p. v.) is on the e.
side of Northport Harbor. Shipbuilding is "here largely carried on. Pop. 430. Centerport9
(p. v.) contains 1 church and 142 inhabitants; and Vernon Valley10 (p. v.) 1 church and 100
inhabitants. Babylon, (p. v.,) near Great South Bay, contains 2 churches and has a pop. of 470.
This i? a favorite resort for hunting and fishing parties. Amity ville,11' (p. v.,) in the s. w. part,
contains 1 church and has a pop. of 304 ; Deer Park, (p. v., ) a station on the Long Island R. R.,
contains 12 houses; Melville,12 in the w. part.l church and 108 inhabitants; andConiac, (Com-
mack p. o.,) in the e. part, 2 churches and 121 inhabitants. West Hills, (p. o.,) containing 1
church, and Dix Hills, (p. o.,) are hamlets on the Smithtown turnpike. Settlement began near
the x. coast, in 1G53, by a company from Sandwich, Mass.13 In 1660 the settlement was received
under the government of Conn. ; and in 1663 deputies were elected to the General Court at Hart-
E ixd. Upon the English conquest, in 1664, the town came reluctantly under the government of New
Y<>rk. During the Revolution, companies of tories were stationed here, and many outrages were
committed upon those friendly to the independence of the colonies. There are 22 churches in town.1*
ISL.IP15 — was first recognized as a town by the Colonial Government, Nov. 25, 1710, and by
the State Legislature March 7, 1788.16 It lies w. of the center of the co., and extends from the
s. c> >ast to the middle of the island ; it has a coast of about 18 mi. on Great South Bay, and includes
Cap Tree. Oak, and several other islands off the s. coast. Numerous narrow inlets from Great South
Bay divide the coast into distinct "necks," of which there are 35 within the limits of the town. The
ConnetqiK.t River, and Sam-po-wans or Thompsons Brook, are the principal streams. The surface
is level, except in the s. part, where it is hilly. The brush plains occupy all the central portion ; and
near the coast are extensive salt meadows. Upon a tract extending along the bay, and varying in
width fp>m one t'> three miles, the soil is fertile. This part of the town is thickly settled; but the re-
mairi'br i- almost uninhabited. The keeping of the town poor islet to the lowest bidders. Pena-
tiiquit,17 (p. v.,) noar the coast, contains lchurch and lias a pop. of 292; Islip, (p.v.,)2mi. e.
of I' nt. <-. .iit.-tiiis 3 churches and ;il >■ -u t 7< > houses. Midroadville, containing 40 houses,
and Sajville, (p. v..) containing 2 ohorehec and 822 inhabitants, are in the s.e. part. Lake-
i Named from Got. Moil of New Havi n, by whom it ni
purchased of th- Indians in 164 nt Manor"
and "Gardner* NtdP bav
- n ferry from this tota , which baa been
main) i •. n ■ - f from an early period, i» radar tl"' control •■( than
i n i. r th>ir patent — which l« «till in tort* — the Inhabit-
ant! claim the exclnalve right of taking ojrateri »'
* Formerly called "Oreat Cow Harbor."
» formerly called "Little Cow Harlmr."
>" Formerly ■• Bed-Bool ." » Formerly " TT>s< Feck."
'» Formerly "Sweet Hollow;" called by the Indians " Sun-
qumnt."
"The names of some of the families residing in the town at the
.lit.' of Mr. lis Patent were Titus, Wood, lirush. Qreen, Wickes,
•Mthin the jurisdiction ..f the town. Mosl of the Jones, Rogi rn, Todd, Scudder, Skldmore. Chichester, Whitson,
public lands were sold In 1R&3, and thi led, to meet
UM »• Al- ut Sfi ■sold,
- irrn.
■ This lighthouse Is 66 ft. high and 138 ft at- It was
bnilt at « '10.
« I liis °r|v».l has an endowment of $7,400, bequeathed by Na-
Potter.
» y. 0. Prime aetahUabed a thimMo factory »t thia place i>.
T d r 12 men Uy employed, and 6 to 6 grom of gold
and silver tbhnblee ai y. Titan i.« a wind sawmill In
this place, erected In I
* (Ailed by the natives "JWica a ana fanw *
7 Belonging to this port are 5 whaling Teasels, with an aggre-
gate of 2,129 tons.
Bagly, Megga, Mathews, Darling, Baldwin, Harnett, I.udlum,
Adams, Bmith, Houldsworth, Cranfleld, Bopen French, Foster,
Piatt, Jarris, PowelL Cory, Levcrich. Williams, Westcotc, Lynch,
let, Conkllng, Btrickllng, Tredwell, Porter, Wheeler, Seely,
and Keteham. She first school was established in 1057.
M 10 M. I-:.. 4 Pn -l... 2 Meth. Prot., Hap., I'rot. E., Union,
i"i,iv .. n.<\ and AX M.K.
14 Hamad from [slips, Oxfordshire, Eng.
'« Thli ai t ami owi red the Inhabitants of the district "on tlio
: i eg Island, from the westarmost limits of the land
of Thos. M Ulett to 'be eaatermost part of the lands of William
Nic II. tuar Bine Point,'' to elect town officers.
l: This n '-n by the Indians to a small stream in the
The village was formerly called '• Afechanicsvillt."
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
637
land1 (p. v.) is a station on the L. I. R. R., s. of Lake Ronkonkoma. Pop. 215. Thompson* Sta-
tion (p. 0.) and North Islip (Suffolk Station p. o.) are stations on the Long Island U. K.
Modern Times is a place of about 20 houses, in the central part.'2 The Patchogue Indiana wen;
the original occupants of that part of the town e. of Connetquot River, and the Secatogues, or So-
catokets, of that part w. of the river. A large tract of territory, w. of the Connetquot, was purchased
by Wm. Nicoll, Nov. 29, 1683, and that part e. of the same stream by Olof, Philip, and Stephen Van
Courtlandt, June 1, 1703.3 During the Revolution the inhabitants were in a constant state of alarm
by the frequent passing of British troops to and from New York City. There are 10 churches in town.4
RIVERIIEAD— was formed from Southold, March 13, 1792. It lies upon the N. side of
the island, between Brookhaven and Southold, and has 1GJ mi. of coast upon Long Island Sound.
Peconic River and Great Peconic Bay form the s. boundary, and Wading River5 a part of the w.
The surface in the s. part is level, but in the n. it is hilly. The shore is lined with high and precipi-
tous bluffs of clay and hardpan. The soil is light and sandy, and in most parts but moderately
fertile. The poorhouse is located on a farm of 45 acres. Kiverhead, (p. v.,) an important
station on the L. I. R. R., is situated on Peconic River at the head of boat navigation. It is the
county seat, and contains the co. buildings, 3 churches, a seminary,6 and several manufactories.7
Pop. 813, — 723 in Riverhead and 90 in Southampton. From Riverhead e. to the line of Southold, a
distance of about 6 mi. upon the "South Road," is a continuous settlement, which has received at
different places the names Upper Aquebogue, (p.o.,) Old Aquebogue, (Jamesport p. o.,)
and Franklin ville, (West Suffolk p. o.) Old Aquebogue and Franklinville are stations on the
L. I. R. R. Jamesport8 is situated about one-half mi. s. of Old Aquebogue, on Great Peconic
Bay, and contains 1 church ; pop. 148. North ville, (Success p. o.,) in the n. e. part, contains 1
church and 35 houses; Bating' Hollow, (p. o.,) in the n. part, in a scattered settlement, has 2
churches ; and Wading River, (p. v.,) on stream of same name, 1 church and 25 houses. Settle-
ment begun at Riverhead, in 1690, by John Griffing and others. There are 10 churches in town.9
SHELTER ISEA1VB10— was incorp. by patent, under Gov. Nicoll, May 31, 1666 ;u but its
government was united with that of Southold until 1730. It was recognized as a town March 7, 1788.
It lies between the two peninsulas which form the e. extremity of Long Island, and embraces an area
of over 8,000 acres. The island is very irregular ; upon all sides jutting headlands extend out into
the surrounding waters, and branching bays penetrate into the interior. The principal of these
inlets are Coeclis, West Neck, and Deerings Harbors. The surface is hilly, and the soil fertile. Grain
raising and sheep husbandry form the principal agricultural pursuits. Guano and oil are manu-
factured in considerable quantities from bony fish caught in the neighboring waters. There is a
wind gristmill near the center of the island. Shelter Island is a p. o., centrally located. This
island was the ancient residence of the Manhassett Indians. It was purchased for the Earl of Ster-
ling by Jas. Farrett, and was afterward sold to Stephen Goodyear, of New Haven. In 1651 it was
purchased by Nathaniel and Constant Sylvester, Thos. Middleton, and Thos. Rowe.12 The first
settlement was made in 1652. The first church edifice was built in 1743.13
SMITHTOW1V" — was organized by patent, March 25, 1677, and recognized as a town March
7, 1788. It lies upon the n. side of the island, between Huntington and Brookhaven. Stony
Brook and Nissequague Harbors, extending far inland, are separated by the Nissequague Neck.
Nissequague River, emptying into the harbor of the same name, divides the town into two nearly
equal parts. The surface is considerably broken and hilly. The soil is a light, sandy loam in the
s. part, and a clayey loam along the sound. The Branch, (Smithtown Branch p. o.,) on Branch
Brook, near the center of the town, contains 2 churches and 35 houses ; Smithtown,15 (p. v.,) on
Nissequague River, 20 houses ; and St. Jamesville, (St. James p. o.,) at the head of Stony Brook
Harbor, 1 church and 25 houses. Fresh Pond is a p. o., in the n. w. part. Hoppogne,16 on
1 This place was laid out on a magnificent scale. Large
sums were spent in advertising it as a desirable residence for
mechanics and others of small means, and many were induced
to buy lots. Their investments, however, proved of little value, —
their deeds being given by irresponsible parties.
* This " village" was laid out and built by Stephen Pearl An-
drews and others, who held to the doctrine of "the Sovereignty
of the Individual," and some of whom were practical believers
in the '• Free Love" doctrine.
3 Nicolls's Purchase was confirmed to him by a patent issued
by Gov. Dongan Dec. 5, 1684 ; and the Van Courtlandt Purchase
was confirmed to John Mowbray, by whom it had been subse-
quently bought, by a patent issued in 1708.
* 3 M.E., 2 Prot. E., 2 Af. Meth., Cong., Cong. Meth., and Presb.
6 Called by the Indians " Pan-qua-cum-suck."
« Established in 1835.
' Upon the river at this place is a fall of 6 ft. ; and a hydraulic
canal, connecting two small ponds with the river, has been con-
structed, in which is a fall of 8j ft.
8 Called by the natives " Mi-a-mog," or " Mi-an-rogue."
9 6 Cong., 2 M. E., 2 Swedenborgian.
10 The Indian name of the island was " Man-han-sack-a-ha-
quashu-wor-nock," signifying "an island sheltered by islands."
11 This patent was issued to Constant and Nath'l Sylvester.
12 In 1673 Gov. Anthony Colve proclaimed Middleton and Con
stant Sylvester "public enemies of Holland," and sold their
interests in the island. They were bought by Nath'l Sylvester,
and the purchase money was collected by an armed force. —
Thompson's Hist. L. I.
13 The census reports 1 church; Presb.
14 Named from Richard Smith, of R. I., the early proprietor of
the town. 16 Usually called the "Head of the River."
19 Sometimes written "Hauppaugs." The word is supposed to
signify " sweet waters."
638 SUFFOLK COUNTY.
thelineof Islip, and Xissequagrue, on Xissequague Xeck, are hamlets. A tract of land, including
the principal part of this town, was, in July, 1G59, conveyed to Lyon Gardner as a free gift, by
Wvandance, Sachem of the Montauks i1 and in 1662 the grant was confirmed by the Nessequake
tribe, by whom the lands were occupied. In 1063 the tract was sold to Richard Smith, and in 1G65
the remaining part of the town was purchased of the Indians by him. Fort Slongo, in the N. vr.
part of the town, was erected by the British during the Revolution. It was captured by a body
of Americans, under Col. Tallmadge, Oct. 3, 1781.1 There are G churches in town.3
SOt"TIIA>IPTOX* — was incorp. by patent, under Gov. Andros. Nov. 1, 1676,5 confirmed by
Gov. Dongan, Dec. 6, 1686, and recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It occupies the greater part
of the s. branch of Eastern Long Island, and has 30 mi. of seacoast. The entire s. shore is skirted
by a beach which is united in a few places with the mainland, separating the enclosed waters into
distinct bays, the principal of which are East, Quantuc, Shinnecock, and Mecox Bays; minor
bays, branching from these, divide the surrounding shores into numerous irregular "necks." The
beach which separates the waters of these bays from the Atlantic is unbroken except by a single
inlet into Shinnecock Bay. The outline of the x. coast is extremely tortuous; ragged and often
nearly landlocked bays project inland, and irregular points of land jut out into the surrounding
waters. A range of low hills extends along the x. border of the town, and the Shinnecock Hills
occupv the central part : elsewhere the surface is level. The soil in the e. and s. parts consists of a
light, sandy loam, and is moderately fertile ; but in other parts it is of an inferior quality. A large
tract s. of Peconic River is a tvered with extensive pine forests. Stock raising and the other branches
of agriculture form the principal industrial pursuits. The lands are enriched by the application
of immense quantities of bunkers. Large tracts of meadow and pasturage lands in different parts
of the town are owned by 3 companies, who, in common, elect annually a board of 12 trustees, to
whoso management the lands are committed.6 Taking clams and oysters, and whaling, form an
important part of the business. The town has a small poorhouse, a short distance e. of Bridge-
hampton. A lighthouse has been recently erected on Ponquogue Beach.7 Sag Ilarbor, (p. v.,)
in the n. e. part, was incorp. as a fire district in 1803, and as a village March 12, 1819. It contains
7 churches, the Sag Harbor Institute, a newspaper office, a bank, a cotton flannel factory,8 2 clock
factories, and several manufactories of oil casks. This port has long been noted for the extent of its
whaling business.9 It was made a port of entry in 178-1, and by itself now constitutes a district of
stoma. Pop. 2,776, — 2,041 in Southampton, and 735 in Easthampton. Southampton, (p. v.,)
midway between Shinnecock and Mecox Bays, contains 2 churches, an academy,10 and 65 houses.
Itridprehampton,11 (p. v.,) in the e. part, contains 2 churches and about 40 houses ; Shinne-
rork, on the e. side of Shinnecock Bay, is an Indian settlement of about 20 houses.12 Sagg,
Seattle Hole and Watermill are hamlets, in the e. part. Flanders, (p. v.,) in the x. part,
contains 2 churches and about 20 houses ; Speonk., (p. v.,) near East Bay, contains 2 churches and
ab 'Ut 40 houses. Ketchabonec and Quogue, (p. o.,) near Quantuc Bay, and Goodground
(].. o. and Canoe Place, near Shinnecock Bay, are hamlets. Riverliead (p. v.) is partly in
this town. The first settlement was made at Southampton, in 1G40, by a company of immigrants
> Thl* cift w*a made by Wvandance upon the recovery of bis
t<r. whom 'iarrJn'-r bad returned from captivity among
!t«.
*T: the 1 indications nml 2 cannon,
• I w > t >■ • > 1 1 1 the loss of a man, taking
with th'-m 1 bra*« pier... the British colon, and a quantity (•(
small arm* and ammunition. — Onderdemk't (Revolutimutry) In-
»n m. i:. .i,i r.c
harks, 2 brigs, and 2 schooners, with an aggregate of 5,927 tons,
registered; 15 sloops, 5 schooners, and 1 steamer, in all. 14o<)
tons, enrolled; and a few small vessels, amounting to about loo
tons, licensed. The total number of vessels belonging to this
port at different periods has been as follows : in ls.07, 4; in 1832,
1841, 11: in 1843; 62; in 1845, 61 : and in 1847,63.
'" Thta academy was established in 1881, and is unincorporated.
11 Xhll village Is sometimes called "Bullhead ;" and the name
mad from Southampton. Bug. Called by the Indians ftridgelmmpton is applied to a large section of country extend-
■m." a place abonsdiQg In fl»h. Ing from Easthampton to the w. j.;irt of Mecox Bay.
I Jobn Topping. John Howell Tl i 1 1 ■ ' -• •■ •• •' - Baynor, "Thlsle the residence of the remnant of the Shinnecock In-
Edward Howell, John Jagjcr, John f »t<r, l-i ti - , Joe. dianj • instiling of about 200 persons. They have learned many
Fnrlham. Henry I bo Coop I :ke, of the art ized life, and obtain a subsistence by rulti-
Rich. Pi -t. aa I John Jennins «■ re Dan ■■ nt. vating the soil, Qahing, and taking clams. Many of the young
• Tru-*- land* ar* p- -' ■ kim»tn« ill'1 men go on whaling voyages, and the yonngwomen are employed
. Pmrcham," the " QuOffm l\r hnu" and the ■■ Topping a< servant! in the families of the whites. They have entirely lost
PtutMut," which are *tiii held by tl num. their native language, and speak the Bn^ish fluently. Theyaro
11 r^im Pttreham - the r. part of the town. It is
divided into 1M Share*, called " flftie*.'' wortli nr-.ut Jlo.arh.
fifties are ubdiTided intostxti I the -hares are
owned in every conceivable quantity, fp'i: <■ fifty to 10
fifties. The Quognc and Topping Purchases occupy the. w. part
of th- town.
• This lighthouse i» U0 ft. high, and loOft. ibOTS tb« lOTel
of th» sea." It is furnish'-d with an eXCcUsnt len« apparatus,
and its light ran be swn 2>i nautical mile* dislan'L
frugal. Industrious, orderly, and intelligent. They have a small
(Cong.) church and a spacious schoolhouso. They receive their
proportion of the common school money, and the school com-
ii ; •■!■ i" i of tin- ili-trirt employs a teacher for them. They are
exempt from taxation, and are debarred the exercise of the elect-
he franchise. They occupy the lands between Canoe Place and
Shinnecork Creek as tenants in common. This tract was con-
to the trustees of the town by Pompumo.Chico. and Mini-
m.inum. the sachems of the Shinnecock Indians. Aug. 16. 1703;
'The •■ SuiTJl: MOW Wan built at an aUKUM of I and the same day the trustees leased tho lands back to the In
About 150 hands are employed, and 10,000 to 12,000 yds. of flan- dun* for a term of 1000 years, at an annual rent of one car of
nel are made per week. DOTO. Ths Indian* annually elect 3 trustees, who, with tbecon-
• The shipping of this port in 1858 consisted of 5 ■hip*, 11 I currenceof J justices, can lease certain of their lamia tothc whites.
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
639
from Lynn, Mass. A grant of the land was obtained from James Farrett, agent of Lord Stirling,
in April, and a conveyance from the Indians on the L3tfa of Dee., L640. During the first 12 months
47 settlers arrived.1 In 1G14 Southampton was received under the government of Conn., and untH
16G42 was represented in General Court at Hartford. Upon the Dutch invasion in 1G73 the town
again sought a union with Conn. It was received, and, together with EasthamptOD and Southold,
was erected into a co. Upon the re-establishment of English power, in 1074, the town came under
the government of New York. The first settlement at Sag Harbor was made in 1730, by a few
fishermen. On the morning of the 24th of May, 1777, Col. Mei^s, with 130 men, surprised the
British force stationed at Sag Harbor, destroyed 12 brigs and a sloop, besides a large amount of
forage, provisions, and merchandise, and returned across the sound without the loss of a man.3 A
body of American troops was stationed at Sag Harbor in 1813, in consequence of the presence of a
British fleet in Gardners Bay.4 The first church was erected at Southampton, in 1041 ;5 and the
first church in Bridgehampton was built in 1G70.6 There are now 17 churches in town.7
SOUTHOLD8 — was incorp. by patent, under Gov. Andros, Oct. 30, 1G7G,9 and recognized as
a town March 7, 1788. lliverhead was taken off in 1792. It comprises the principal part of the
northern peuinsula of Eastern Long Island, and includes Robins Island in Great Peconic Bay, and
Plum, Fishers, and several smaller islands in Long Island Sound. Orient10 is a peninsula upon the
E. ; and Great and Little Hog Necks are smaller peninsulas in the s. The s. shore is indented by
several small, irregular bays ; while the outline of the n. coast is unbroken except by 2 or 3 narrow
inlets. The surface is elevated and level. The soil is a light, sandy loam, kept highly fertile by
the use of manures. Plum Island,11 separated from the mainland by Plum Gut, contains about
800 acres. Fishers Island, about 8 mi. eastward, is 7 mi. long by 1£ wide and contains about 4000
acres.1" • Great and Little Gull Islands are between Plum and Fishers Islands. Agriculture forms
the leading industrial pursuit ; potatoes, corn, and wheat are the principal crops.13 Considerable
attention is also given to shipbuilding, whaling, and commerce. A limited amount of manufac-
turing is carried on.u Scattered tracts of lands and beaches, owned by an incorp. company, are
intrusted to the management of 3 trustees, elected annually. These lands are represented by 110
shores, valued at $15 each. The town has a poorfarm of 300 acres near Southold Village. Light-
houses are located on Hortons Point, Little Gull Island,15 and "The Dumplings," — a group of rocks
in Fishers Island Sound.16 Greenport,17 (p. v.,) on Greenport Harbor, was incorp. April 18,
1838. It is a port of considerable whaling and commercial business,18 and is the e. terminus of the
L. I. R. R. It contains 5 churches and 2 printing offices. Pop. 1,6G5. Southold, (p. v.,) near the
1 These were Dan'l and Josiah Howe, Thos. Goldsmith, John
Oldflelds, Sam'l Dayton, Thos. Burnet. John and Edward Howell,
Thos. aud Job Say re, Thos. Topping, John Woodruff, Henry and
Abraham Pierson, Richard Post, Ubadiah Rogers, John Ford-
ham. Samuel Osman, John Rose, James Herrick, Chris. Foster,
Jos. Raynor, Ellis Cook, Edward Needham. Sam'l James. John
Gosman. John Bishop, John White, Win. Payne, John Jessup,
Henry Walton, Win. Harker, Allen Breed, Edmund Farringtou,
Isaac Hillman. John Cooper, Geo. Woods, John J agger, Richard
Smith, Thos. Hildreth, John Hampton, Josh. Barnes, John Jen-
nings, Benj. Haynes, Geo. Wells, Wm. Odell, and John Lum.
2 The deputies were John Howell, from 1G4-4 to '51; John
Cosmore, from 1651 to '55; Thomas Topping, from 1055 to '58;
Alex. Knowles, from 1058 to '59; Thomas Topping, from 1659 to
'63; and Edward Howell, from 1663 to '64.
3 Col. Meigs, with 234 men, crossed from Guildford (Conn.) to
Southold, in 13 whaleboats, on the 23d of May, and transported
the boats across the peninsula, reaching the S. shore 4 mi. from
Sat; Harbor at midnight. In the attack the British had 6 men
killed and 90 were taken prisoners. The party arrived at
Guildford on their return in 25 hours from the time they left.
Congress expressed its approbation of this enterprise by pre-
senting Col. Meigs with a sword; and Gen. Washington, in a
letter to Gen. Parsons, (by whose command Col. Meigs had
undertaken the expedition,) congratulated him upon its suc-
cessful achievement. — Onderdohk's Rn\ Inc.
* This fleet lay here through the war, making forced levies upon
the inhabitants of the adjacent shores, but usually paying for the
property taken. A descent was made upon Sag Harbor in June.
1813; but an alarm was raised, and the invaders were repelled
without their doing serious injury.
s The pastors of the society have been Rev. Abraham Pierson,
in 1640; Hobt. Fordham. in 1649; Jos. Taylor, in 1680: Joseph
Whiting, in 16N.0; Sam'l Gels ton. in 1716; Sylvanus White, in
1727: Josh. Williams, in 17S5; Harmon Daggett, in 1792: David
S. Bogart. in 1798; John B. Babbitt, in 1817; Peter H. Shaw, in
1821; Dan'l Beers, in 1830 : and Hugh N. Wilson, in 1836.
8 liev. Ebenezer White, in 1690, Jos. Brown, iu 1756, Aaron
Woolworth, in 1787, and Ainzi Francis, in 1823, have been the
pastors of this church.
I 6 M. E., 5 Presb., Bap., Cong., Meth. Prot., Prot. E., R. C,
and Union.
8 That part of the town E. of Cutehogue was called by the In-
dians " I'en-ne-aick" and by the English •• North jltet."
8 Isaac Arnold. John and Benj. Youngs, Josh, and Barnabas
Horton, Sam'l Glover, and Isaac Corry were named trustees in
this patent.
10 Called by the Indians "Po-qua-tuck." It was bought of the
Indians by Peter Hallock, in 1641: and the first settlement was
made on it soon after, during Hallock's absence in England, by
John Tuthill, John Youngs, jr., John King, and Israel, Richard,
and Samuel Brown. — Griffin's Journal, 19.
II Formerly known as the "Me of Palmos:" It was bought
of the natives, in 1659, by Sam'l Wyllys.
12 This island was named ••Viscliers Island" by Capt. Cook, the
navigator, in 1614. It was purchased, in 1644, by Gov. Win-
throp, of Conn. ; and was organized as a township by a patent
obtained from Gov. Nicoll, of N. Y., in March, 1688. It was
for a time claimed by both N.Y. and Conn. Its surface is undu-
lating: near the w. end is a high sand bluff, and near the middle
another still higher. There are two convenient harbors on the
coast. The sod is well adapted to grass growing and grazing.
Hay, wool, butter, and cheese are exported.
18 There were nearly as many potatoes raised in this town iu
1855 as in all the co. besides. A greater quantity of wheat is
raised in Southold thau in any other town in the co.. and a
greater quantity of corn than iu any town except Southampton.
Immense quantities of tish and seaweed are used as fertilizers.
" Brick are made in large quantities near Greenport and upon
Robins Island ; and oil and guano are extensively manufactured
from fish near Southold.
w The lighthouse upon Little Gull Island was built in 1806,
and is 56 ft. high and 74 ft. above tide. It is supplied with a fog
bell, which is rung by machinery.
19 The lighthouse upon North Dumpling was built in 1S4S, and
is 25 ft. high and 70 ft. above the sea. A red light is used.
1J Formerly "Stirling."
l8 The shipping of this port consists of 7 vessels engaged iu
whaling: about 100 others, with an aggregate of 6000 tons, en-
rolled; and 102 small vessels, licensed: mostly engaged in the
coasting trade.
640
SUFFOLK COUNTY.
center of the town, is a station on the L. I. R. R. It contains 3 churcies, the Southold Academy, a
savings' bank, and about 80 houses. Hermitage, a small settlement, Cutchogne, (p. v.,)
containing 3 churches and nearly 100 houses, and Mattituck, (p. v.,) containing 2 churches and
40 houses, are stations on the L. I. R. R. i\ew Suffolk, on Great Peconic Bay, contains 1 church
and about 20 houses. Franklinville is on the line of Riverhead. West Southold is a
p. o. East Clarion,1 (p. v.,) near the w. side of Orient Harbor, contains a windmill, a tidemill,
and 1 church; pop. 300. Orient,2 (p. v.,) on the e. side of the same harbor, contains 2 churches
and 60 houses. The first settlement was made about 1040, by Rev. John Youngs and others, from
New Haven.3 The government of this colony, like that of several of the earlier New England
settlements, was vested in the church members. None others were allowed to vote or to hold
office : and the Mosaic code was adopted as their law. This exclusiveness was of short duration.
All citizens were soon admitted to the right of suffrage; and in 1657 the Mosaic code was super-
seded by one better adapted to the circumstances of the people. Upon the union of New Haven
with Conn., in 1662, Southold was united with the latter colony and was represented in General
Court. In 1664 the town passed under the jurisdiction of New York. The first church was
erected in 1641, in the village of Southold.* There are now 17 churches in town.5
Acres of Land, Valuation, Pojiulation, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricidtural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Suffolk County.
Names of Towns.
Brookhaven....
Karthampton..
Huntington....
Islip
Riverhead
JslaDd.
Smithtown.
Southampton. .
Southold
Total
Acres of Land.
■
©
c
§1
33,696*
18,274
:,".-:::;
9.969
12£83|
4,889]
12.5451
24.447*
21.240
lCWs*
90.723*
14,061
284271
36,757}
20.942*
3.181 4.
17,6451
3S,506
11.4-'}
260.570*
Valuation of 1858.
e
$1,971,850
707,200
1.405.000
771.901
609,650
87.800
547,055
1.382,000
1.203.500
8,6S6,856
9,0,
$502,000
251.750
374.350
171,800
112,750
28,800
146,860
420.450
276.500
2.285.250
$2,473,850
958,950
1.780,250
943.701
722.400
116.600
693.905
1,802,450
1,480.000
10.972.106
Population.
I
4.761
1,050
4,153
1,676
1,369
233
1,037
3,325
2,865
I
4.935
1.095
3,9S9
1606
1,305
250
1,050
3,336
2,811
20,469 120,437
9
1,657
402
1,356
583
520
85
371
1.219
i;048
7,241
5
1,970
431
1,584
673
555
96
410
1.350
1,129
8,204
6,093 151
Schools.
ri
s-s.
3,773
727
3,210
1,372
1,113
179
608
2,279
2,040
15.301
Names of Towns.
iv.-n....
Kasthanipton..
Ilun:ington....
blip,
ItiTi-rt.
Shelter Inland
?niitht"wn
South.i-
Southold.
Total
Lrvx Stock.
k
I
1.2M
568
1..--::
I :
681
68
441
fcs.fi
.= !;■=
1.4-0
1.122
70S
;..,,
: :■;
646
•
1,955
MS
1.77'.
rsx,
1.032
1.54
662
2.037
i .•:■•
5
6.069
4.107
5.-47
610
721
2.422
2,216
&3
1.076
8,844
1JL28
2,056
370
1.175
4.<M»4
8,181
Agricultural Products.
Bush, or Qbaim.
36,175*
13.280*
39.732*
10.592
21.432;
2,866
12^76
35.728
7.111 1.-...-.-2 10.8.33 -j-.ni.. i'7_: _.:.; 708,:;i>j 4l.;.u.'.; ::< >i.<>..:j 27.703
£
120.411*
54.793
141.358*
33.043*
71.645
15.351*
Sl.OO'.i;
177.01'.'.:
182,691 3
Si
I
0.425
8.110*
9,265*
2.907 r
•_'.:•--' J
550*
3.091
7,968
5.801J
"S.
a: a.
24,956
8.973
28,124*
16,691
57.2:;l
4.-1"
3.695*
29.603
180.947
"s.
H
6.235
2.690
1.077
1.335
6.087
817
r.so
2.6S9
0.(189
Dairy Peodccts.
5
ft.
86.047
87,621
114.558
27.095
71.146
8.694
40.587
120,676
127,982
034,405
"2 «
Pi
ft. 6
800
650
30
100
1,580
204
225
142
22
243
34
"870
1 Fnrwriy "Bodcf R*rtL" ' Forauriv uOytttr ftnds.n
1 A ■ wttlen were Wo. Wall*. Barnabaa I !• -r-
lon, Tb , John Tnthfll, and Matthiaa Oorwln.
I Thia was the flnt church edifice erected in the State. The
first pastor waa Rev. John Youngs. His successors were Joshua
Hobart, In 1674, Ilenj. Woleey, in 1720, Jas. Davenport, in 1738,
and Wm. Throop, in 174\
* 5 I'rosb., 6 M. K., 3 Cong.. 2 Bao., R. C, ond Univ.
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
©This county was erected from Ulster, March 27, 1809, and was
named in honor of Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, of the Revolution. It
contains an area of 1,082 sq. mi., and is centrally distant 85 miles
from Albany. The surface is generally very hilly, and along the
E. border mountainous. In the s. and w. it consists chiefly of
ridges separated by narrow ravines ; but in the middle and n. it
assumes more the character of a rolling plateau. The highlands
of this co. may be considered as the s. slope of the Catskills;
and near the n. borders of the co. they divide the waters that
flow into Hudson and Delaware Rivers. From this elevated por-
tion numerous ridges extend toward the Delaware, giving the co.
a general southerly inclination. The Delaware cuts these ridges
diagonally, its valley forming the only division between the Catskills and the mountains of
Eastern Penn. The highest points in the co. are the hills in the town of Rockland, which are
estimated to be 2100 to 2400 feet above tide. Walnut Hill, in Liberty, has an elevation of 1980 feet.
The lowest summit of the Shawangunk1 Mt., between Bloomingburgh and Wurtzboro, is 1271 feet
above tide, and the highest summit is about 500 feet higher. This range of mountains at a distance
presents a striking uniformity of outline, which is due to the evenness of stratification of the rock
composing it. The lowest point in the co. is upon the Delaware, at the mouth of the Mongaup,
which has an elevation of 550 feet above tide. The co. line on the Rondout is elevated 773 feet.
With the exception of a small district on its e. border, through which flow the upper waters
of Shawangunk Kil and Lackawack Creek, this co. is drained by the Delaware and its branches,
the largest of which are Neversink2 and Mongaup3 Rivers, Beaver Kil and Bashers Kil, and
Callicoon (Caw-li-coon) and Ten Mile Creeks. The Neversink flows entirely across the co., having
for its tributaries Bashers Kil, Wyncoop Brook, Bush Kil, Cherry-meadow Brook, and several
minor streams. Most of these streams are rapid, and afford at numerous points a great amount
of water power. In the valleys and forests of the co. are about 100 small lakes, which form
peculiar and often picturesque and highly beautiful features in its scenery. Most of these ponds
and streams abound in fish, of which trout is the most common. Pickerel have been introduced
into several of them.
The geological formation of the co. is exceedingly simple. The whole surface is underlaid by the
red sandstone of the Catskill Group and the Shawangunk Conglomerate. These rocks extend
southward into Penn., and form the floor of the coal measures. Of these rocks the latter possesses
an economical value for millstones,4 building stones, and the manufacture of glass. The soil is
mostly a reddish loam mixed with gravel, and is generally stony ; in the s. e. portion is found
some clay. Grass is the staple production, and the hilly character of most of the co. seems to adapt
it to grazing rather than to tillage. The facility with which the products of the dairy can now reach
the great markets, by means of the N. Y. & E. R. R., has within a few years given an impetus to
the prosperity of the co., while the erection of tanneries, which the same thoroughfare has encour-
aged, has created a home market of great advantage to the farmer. In 1855 there were in the co.
about 40 tanneries, producing over $2,000,000 worth of leather annually and employing about 750
laborers. The lumbering interests also employ large amounts of capital and labor. Winter wheat,
formerly considered a sure and abundant crop, is found to yield smaller returns and with less cer-
tainty as the country becomes older ; and other crops, less valuable but more certain, have been
substituted to a great extent. The surplus wheat of Sullivan co. was formerly transported by land
to the Hudson, where it found a profitable market ; but, with the increase of manufactures, there is
now less raised than is consumed in the co. Grass seed of a fine quality is raised in considerable
quantities. The fruits are limited to apples, pears, plums, cherries, and a few peaches. The timber
along the Delaware Valley is mostly hemlock, pine, oak, and chestnut ; and on the highlands it is
hemlock, beech, maple, birch, ash, and basswood. The climate is cool and bracing, and the co. is
remarkably healthy.
Pron. Shon-ftum ; said to signify "white Btone."
* On Sautbier's Map, 1779. Mahaickamack, or Ntver-Sink.
3 On Sautbier's Map, 1779, Mangawping, or Mingwing.
4 EsopuB millstones, formerly in high repute, were made from
the Shawangunk grit.
41 641
642
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
The co. seat1 is located at Monticello, in the town of Thompson. The co. buildings, consisting of a
courthouse and jail, are substantial stone edifices, erected in 1844 in place of the original co. buildings,
which were burned.2 The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 100 acres 3 mi. e. of Monticello. The
average number of inmates is 5G, supported at a weekly cost of 75 cts. each. The farm yields a revenue
of $40C. A school is kept during 3 mo. in the year. No religious instruction is afforded. The house
is b >o small, is poorly ventilated, is not furnished with water, and will not admit of a proper classi-
fication of its inmates.
The 2 great works of internal improvement within the limits of the co. are the Delaware & Hudson
Canal,3 extending through the s.e. part, and the N. Y. &E. K. R., built along the valley of the Dela-
ware.4 The former opens an easy and direct communication between the Hudson at Kondout and the
Penn. coal mines at Carbondale ; and the latter forms one link of the great chain of western travel.
Several plank roads have been constructed, as auxiliary to this great thoroughfare, greatly benefiting
the sections of country through which they pass. The first newspaper in the co. was issued in 1821.6
Little is known of the early history of the co. Many traces exist of its occupation long anterior
to that by the present race of settlers. Upon the first advent of the present settlers, a road was
found to extend s. w. from Esopus, on the Hudson, along the valley n. of the Shawangunk Mts.
It was known as the "Mine Road," and, according to traditional account, was built by a company
of miners from Holland, before the English conquest of 1664.6 Two mines are said to have been
wrought, — one where the mountain approaches the Delaware, near the lower point of Panquaroy
Flat ; and the other n. of the mountain, about halfway between the Delaware River and Esopus
Creek. The Minisink Flat, on the border of Orange and Sullivan cos., is said to have been settled
by Hollanders many years before the date of Penn's Charter ; and the settlement, which extended
40 mi. or more along both sides of the Delaware, had in a great degree become isolated from the
rest of the world. "When the present settlements were begun, there was a road from the e., near
the central part of the co., called the "Porter Road;" and in the n. part was another, called the
"Hunter's Road."
"With the exception of the vague traditions of early settlement by the Dutch along the Delaware,
the first location of a permanent white inhabitant is said to have been made about the year 1700,
by Don Manuel Gonzales, a Spaniard, who, having married into a Dutch family in Rochester,
(Ulster co.,) removed to Mamakating Hollow, where he erected a house and raised grain. He
opened a trade with the neighboring Indians, who were then friendly ; and other settlers were
induced to follow. Mamakating Precinct was formed in 1743, and until after the Revolution it
embraced nearly all of the present co. of Sullivan. About 1750 a number of German families
led upon the w. frontiers of Ulster co. They suffered greatly from Indian hostilities. The
first Indian incursion took place in 1777, when the family of Mr. Sprague, in Mamakating, was
attacked. The next year the family of Mr. Brooks was attacked, some members were killed, and
others taken prisoners.
On the 13th of Oct. 1778, a party of nearly a hundred tories and Indians, under Brant, invaded
the settlements, first falling upon the family of Mr. Westfall, and killing one man. They next
icked the house of Mr. Swartwout, who was at home with his sons, (the women having been
previously removed to a fort,) and killed all but one, who escaped. The firing alarmed others,
who Bed to the forte at Gumars and De Witts, where, by a skillful display of force by Capt. Abra-
ham Coddeback, who commanded at the former, the enemy were deterred from making an attack.
i By the art of moot notation tlm Qot. and oonncO wi
appoinl •'; to locate 1 1 > • ■ county seat, and the
superintend tfa 4 tli"
tbonseand Jan. Wrn. Row, Jos. Morrall, and Abraham II.
k were f r the former purpose, and David
Hi- : ■■!. .i im Unstey, Mala i>i w. -t, John N'-«kirk, and
- M irtin - for the latter.
• The tir-t bnfldingi 'li an nrt passed
i 32, 1811. wen tmn 1844. The tir-t conn
held, and the tir-t Board of Bop rvie - organised, at the house
of fiirti-i l.in-l-y. Tli* county <>ffl<-cr» flr-t appointed were
Win. A. Thompson, F ; Bamuel I I Blnathau
Judga; John Oonklln, Jabez Wakeman. and
David Hnmmon •!. lUJtutiou; - Dunning, flUrro-
1 i - kwood, SJtrrijT; and John P. Joi ,(
•The Delaware A Hudson i.inal On, w.->. mcorp. April 2.7.
1828. Tli" work was coroiucnc-d In July. 1825, and ( m
In Oct. 1828. It was of great tm]
tiers of the co., as it opened an easy and cheap avenue to
mar>
* This R. R. enters the co. in tl f Tu«t*n from Penn.
It having been found difflcnll tocouetrnct thi- road on the N. V.
aide of the riv.-r. th- right r,f way for a short i n soli-
sited from Penn. The petition was granted, an<l fr the sub-
stantial benefit which the R. e. conferred upon that State, the
company was subjected to an annual tax of $10,000. This road
forms a direct and speedy communication with N.Y.. and has
I een of great value to the co. in stimulating its settlement and
developing its resources.
6 The Sullivan County Whig was started at Bloomingburgh
in 1821, by John J. Tappan. It was removed to Monti-
cello In 1828, and it- Dame changed to
The Republican AVntchman. Frederick A. Deroe
and James B. Win-low wero successively its editors,
and since 1S4". it has been published by J. E. Qninlan.
The Sullivan County Herald viae commenced at Monticello in
I 338, and published by .M.Smith, S. Phelps, and others,
a 1" nit 4 J I
The Sullivan County Wl,ig was published at Blooininghurgh
in 1 ^44. by J. B. Brown, and subsequently by John
Waller, Jr. In 1856 it was changed to the
Sulllvnii County Democratic Republican,
under which title it in now published by waller.
The Cnui)i prmrerat was established at Monticello in 1 ^".4. by
F. A. Devoe,and was afterward united wish Tht Whig.
9 See Eager't Hist. Orange Co., p. 50, where will be found a
letter from Samuel Preston giving the substance of the tradi
Hon. It is from Hazard's Register.
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
643
After firing most of the houses and barns of the settlement, the marauders retired, leaving behind
them a melancholy scene of havoc and desolation at the verge of an inclement winter. The dis-
tress thus occasioned was very great. Major Phillips arrived sunn ;ifter the incursion with a com-
pany of militia; but the enemy had fled beyond reach.
In 1777 or '78, Capt. Graham, with a party of 18 men, went to Chestnut Brook to pursuil of some
Indians who had been committing depredations upon the settlements at Pine Bush. Having
stopped to drink, Capt. Graham saw an Indian in the path, and the party fired a volley without
efl'ect. Upon this the Indians on the opposite banks returned the fire with fatal effect, and but 3
of the party escaped to tell the dismal tale. To deprive the enemy of sustenance and the means
for further annoyance, the Legislature, in 1779, * enacted a law directing the Governor to cause the
destruction of such grain and crops in the w. frontiers of Orange and Ulster cos. as could not
be removed to a place of safety. In 17832 the precinct of " Mamacotting" and the township
of Rochester (the district of the regiment of Col. A. Hawke Hay, and that part of the Goshen
regiment on the w. side of the Miuisink Mts.) were exempted from a levy then made for the
defense of the n. and w. frontiers.3
Several traces of Indian occupation were found in the first settlement of the co. About 4 mi.
from the Delaware, on the Flat, was found a brass or copper tomahawk, with a steel edge, and a
handle perforated for smoking. Stone axes, flint arrows, &c. were frequently found. In 1793, an
Indian living in Rockland, at a place called " Pocatocton," (meaning a river almost spent,) removed
to Niagara. He is supposed to have been the last of his race that inhabited the co. Indian trails
were found along the Delaware, the Beaver Kil, and in other sections.
The part of this co. s. of the s. bounds of Callicoon and Bethel is comprised in the Neversink
Patent, conveyed to Matthew Ling and others Aug. 28, 1704 ; and the remainder of the co. in the
great tract granted to Johannes Hardenbergh and others April 20, 1708, and known as the
"Hardenbergh Patent."4 The Newburgh and Cochecton Turnpike (incorp. March 20, 1801) was
opened across the co. in 1808, and gave the first impulse to its prosperity by making it accessible to
settlers. This section continued to receive emigrants from New England and the older sections
of the State until its growth was checked by the completion of the Erie Canal to the Genesee
country and the great lakes, by which emigration was diverted to the new and fertile lands of the
West. Real estate in consequence declined materially in value, and many of the early settlers aban-
doned their locations and joined the westward current. In 1819 or '20 the Orange Branch Turnpike
was made, from Montgomery, (Orange co.,) crossing the Shawangunk Mt. at Roses Gap, and extend-
ing across the barrens through Wakemans Settlement to the Neversink Falls, and thence to Liberty.
The charter of this road was long since given up, but the route is maintained as a district road.
BETIIEI,— was formed from Lumberland, March 27, 1809. Cochecton was taken ofi in 1828
It lies upon the high ridges which form the watershed between Delaware and Mongaup Rivers,
a little s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly, and many of the declivities
are steep and rocky. It is watered by a large number of small streams, mostly tributary to Mon-
gaup River ; and it has many small lakes, which form a beautiful and romantic feature of the land-
scape. White Lake, near the center, — named from its white sandy shores and bottom, — is noted
for the beauty of its scenery.5 The other principal lakes are Birch Ridge Pond in the n. w., Horse
Shoe and Pleasant Ponds in the n., Mallory Pond in the w., Indian Field Pond in the s., Big and
Wells Ponds on the s. line, and Chestnut Ridge Pond and Black Lake and Lake Superior near the
center. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, intermixed in places with clay. The settlements
are comparatively new, and the people are chiefly engaged in the raising of neat cattle, dairying,
lumbering, and tanning.6 Mongaup Valley (p. v.) contains 35 houses, and Bethel 15.
Ilasliville and White Lake are p. offices. John Fuller was the first settler in the -'Fuller
Settlement," in 1806-07 .7 The first preacher (Presb.) was the Rev. Mr. Green.8
1 October 17. 2 February 21.
* Incidents connected with these events, and the details of the
memorable battle of Minisink in July, 1779, are given in our
account of the towns in which they occurred.
* Portions of the Hardenbergh Patent were settled upon
leases of long term ; and during the anti rent excitement, a few
years Bince, the clamor against this tenure prevailed extensively,
but without acts of open violence. The refusal to pay rents,
which this feeling occasioned, led to a great amount of litigation.
Although the excitement has subsided, the question is not fully
settled.
6 This lake is noticed in one of the poems of Alfred E. Street,
by the name of " Kon-ne-on-ga."
6 A tannery at Mongaup Valley, in 1S56 manufactured 50,000
sides of leather, valued at $187,000. It consumed about 5000
cords of hemlock bark, and employed 70 men. at a cost of
$12,000. There are about 102,000 sides of leather manufactured
annually at different tanneries in this town.
1 G. and C. Hurd were the first settlers at the Hurd settle-
ment ; Adam and Eve Pentler near Bethel : and Potter and
Mattison near White Lake. The first school at Mongaup was
taught by G. P. Price, and at Bethel by Dr. Copeland. Gillespie
& Hook kept the first store at White Lake, and J. K. Beeman
built the first saw and grist mill, on White Like outlet. The
first birth was that of Catharine Fuller, in 1S07, and the first
death that of a child of Stephen Northrup.
8 The census reports 4 churches; 2 M. E., Presb., and Bef.
Presb.
044
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
CAIXICOOa71— was formed from Liberty, March 30, 1842. Fremont was taken off in
1851. It lies in the w. part of the co., about the sources of the n. branch of Callicoon
Creek. It is watered by numerous streams flowing into the Delaware, the valleys being mostly
narrow ravines, and the hills rising in steep declivities 200 to 600 feet above them. In the n. e.
are Shandler and Sand Ponds, the latter affording a pure white sand, formerly used in making glass.
The soil is mostly a sandy loam, and the hillsides and summits are generally capable of a good
degree of cultivation. The settlement is recent, and the people are about equally engaged in
lumbering, farming, and tanning.2 Jeflersonville, (p. v.,) on the line of Cochecton, has a
population of 433, of which 305 are in this town. Youngsville, (p. v.,) North Branch,
(p.v.,) and Callicoon Center (Callicoon p.o.) have each about 30 houses. The first settlers
were Win. Wood and his sons, Gerrett, Edward, and David, who arrived in town May 19, 1814,
and lived 15 years in the wilderness.3 Rev. Mr. McClary, pastor of the Asso. Ref. church of Bethel,
was the first preacher.4
COCIIECTOX5 -was formed from Bethel, March 25, 1828. It is situated upon the bank of
the Delaware, in the w. part of the co. Ridges of hills, with narrow valleys between, cover the
entire surface of the town. The principal streams are the Callicoon and its branches, and several
small tributaries of the Delaware. The mouth of the Callicoon is 777 feet above tide. Pike Pond
in the e., Perry Pond in the s., and Mitchells Pond and Lake Huntington in the center, are the
principal sheets of water. A large part of the surface is still covered with forests. The soil is
mostly a gravelly loam, and best adapted to pasturage. Lumbering and tanning form the leading
objects of industry. Cochecton (p.v.) contains 269 inhabitants, Pike Pond (p.v.) 188,
Callicoon Depot (p. v.) 207, and Stevensburgh (Cochecton p. o.) 209. Beech "Wood
and Fosterdale are p. offices. Settlements were begun on the Delaware before the Revolution,
but were broken up. The pioneer settler was N. Mitchell, who located near Cochecton Village.6
The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1839, and the Rev. Mr. Cummings was the first pastor.7
FAL.L.SBFRGII — was formed from Thompson and Neversink, March 9, 1826. It derives
its name from the falls in Neversink River at Fallsburgh Village. Its surface is hilly and rolling.
It is drained by the Neversink and its branches. Sheldrake Pond, (named from the wild ducks
that formerly frequented its waters,) Smith, Hill, and Brows Ponds in the w., and East Pond,
in the e., are the principal lakes. The soil is a gravelly loam. The people are chiefly engaged in
lumbering, dairying, and tanning.8 Woodbourne (p.v.) contains 30 houses, Keversinh
Falls (Fallsburgh p.o.) 25, Basbrouck (p.v.) 25, Loch Sheldrake (p.v.) 15, and
Sand burgh (p.v.) 15. It is said that settlement was commenced in this town by Germans
previous to the Revolution,9 but the settlers were driven off during that war. Soon after the
■ ■ 3 brothers by the name of Baker located in town and commenced the first permanent settle-
ment.10 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was built at Hasbrouck.11
FORESTBIRGII- was formed from Thompson and Mamakating, May 2, 1837. It lies
principally upon the hi«;h ridges between Neversink and Mongaup Rivers, and has a broken surface
and an average elevation of 1400 feet above tide. In this town are several small lakes, the
principal of which are Ruddicks Pond in the n. w., Beaver Pond in the s., and Panther Pond in
the center. Tho town still retains the character implied by its name. Mongaup Falls, on Mon-
gaup River, 3 mi. above Forest! mr^h Village, are worthy of note. The river here falls into a
cb:i-in 71 1 ff.'t (]'•(•]>, and tho lmuks below the falls are more than 100 feet high. Lumbering, tan-
i Caw-li-coon. This nan. — i.-nifv " Tnrk"v" in both
Ihif-h and Indian. TV Dntcb for tarkej \bu Kalka «." In the
statutes and ofiVlal publications of the State the name it com-
monly written-' -Harptt't Tf.Y.&B. R.R.Ouide, p. St.
* There are 6 large tanneri"* in l»»n, whJoh manufacture
about HVOOO sides of leather annually.
* Edward was a rnorvr; the othj r- were farmers. The first
•hild born was J"hn wood. Jar..|i Qaiok built the first saw-
mill, anil RnamH Y'.un.; kepi ;!•■ I rid built the first
mill, at Youngsvillo. In 1« ■'..''-- 34 wttlen began to come in from
Conn, and the s. ; and in 1*40 Germans t.<-gan to settle in the
town in considerable number* Th* latter class now form about
one-third of tho population.
* Th" census reports 2 ohnrrhei ; I.uMi . \ *- • <<• r . Meth.
* Co-«hek-tun. Originally called '• Ciah-nunAunk," or low
grounds.
'Among the other early settlers were T>avi.l Young, at Big
Island; John Rosa, at Callicoon Drank; Nicholas Oonklin and
Tyler, at Cochecton. Job Jon-- hngat the first -
near Cochecton; MaJ. Kbenocer Taylor kept the first tavern and
store, at Cochecton ; and Mitchell Conklinboflt the first sawmill,
ma Mitchells Pond Brook. On Big Island, 2 mi. above Cochecton,
was an extensive Indian burial place, of which traces are occa-
sionally plowed up at tho present day. There are about 900
Germans in this town.
7 The census reports 3 churches ; M. E., Presb., and Ref. Prot.D.
8 At Fallsburgh is an extensive tannery, that manufactures
40,000 sides of leather annually ; and another of the eamo size
ii lonitifl at Woodbourne.
0 Bruit trees planted by these settlers are said to bo still
standing.
i° Thomas Rawson came in 1787 or '88 ; Thomas Grant located
in 178!); Samuel Thaddeus, Obadiah Brown, and James Hill
settled a little ». of Fallsburgh, and James Kicnll. Peter Fcrdon,
and Mr. Brush on the site of the village. The first sawmill was
I milt in 1808, and the first grist mill in 1809, by Philo Buggies.
Matthew Seeley kept the first inn, at Hasbrouck, and Bobt.
Beading the first store, at Fallsburgh. In 1797, the nearest mill
was at Napanock, in Ulster co. ; and for many years the nearest
market was Ncwburgh. In 1786 or '87 an extraordinary and
di tractive flood occurred upon this valley.
11 This church was burned in 1837. and was rebuilt at Wood-
bourne. The census reports 3 churches in town ; 2 M. E., and
1 Rof. Prot. D.
SULLIVAN COUNTY. 645
ning,1 and dairying constitute the employments of the people. ForcNtburgh (p.o.) contains
10 houses, Oakland 15, and Hartwood 10. Settlement commenced before the Revolution,
and recommenced in 1795 on the Mongaup River. Zephaniah and Luther Drake were pioneers in
the s. w. part of the town, and Elisha Smith near Oakland.2 Rev. Isaac Thomas (Meth.) was the
first preacher.8
FREMONT — was formed from Callicoon, Nov. 1, 1851, and named in honor of John C.
Fremont. It lies in the extreme w. part of the co., upon tlie bank of the Delaware. Its surface
is broken and hilly, the summits rising GOO to 1000 feet above the valley and 1500 to 1800 feet
above tide. Its waters are Rasket and Hawkins Creeks, a great number of smaller streams, and
numerous small lakes, the principal of which are Long Pond, Round and Rasket Ponds in the n.,
Lox Pond in the e., and Trout Pond near the center. A large share of the surface is still a wilder-
ness and is too rough for tillage. Tanning and lumbering form the principal employments vf the
people. Fremont Center (p. v.) contains 141 inhabitants, and Obernburgn (Fremont
p.o.) 20 houses. Long Eddy (p.o.) is the Rasket Station on the N. Y. & E. R. R. Han-
k Bias is a station on the same r. r. The first settlers were Joseph Green, at Long Eddy, John
Hankins, at Hankins Depot, Renj. Misner, at Long Pond, and Zach. Ferdon, at Round Pond.4
HIGHLAND — was formed from Lumberland, Dec. 17, 1853. It is an interior town, lying
in the s. part of the co. It is named from the character of its surface, which consists of high
ridges between Delaware and Mongaup Rivers, 600 to 1,000 feet above the canal at Rarryville and
1,200 to 1,600 feet above tide. There are a great number of small lakes in town, the principal of
which are Washington and Wells Ponds on the N. line, Mud and Hagan Ponds in the e., Yurk
Pond in the s. w., Washington Pond, used as a canal feeder, and Rlind, Little, and Montgomery
Ponds near the center. The people are chiefly engaged in lumbering and the rudiments of farm-
ing. Barry vine, (p. v.,) a canal village, contains 25 houses, and Lumberland (p. v.) 15.
The first settler was John Rarnes, who located at Narrow Falls.5 Rev. Isaac Sargent (Cong.) was
the first preacher, about 1797. 6 The battle of Neversink, in the Revolution, took place within the
limits of this town.7
LIBERTY — was formed from Lumberland, March 13, 1807, and Callicoon and a part of
Thompson were taken off in 1842. It lies n. of the center of the co., upon the watershed between
the Mongaup and Reaver Kil. Its surface is rough and broken. Walnut Hill, s. of Liberty, is
2,000, and Libertyville 1,467, feet above tide. The n. and w. parts of the town are still covered
with forests. The principal sheets of water are Lillie Pond in the n., and Rroadhead Pond near
the center. The soil is good, but stony; and the people are*chiefly engaged in lumbering, dairying,
and tanning.8 Liberty (p. v.) contains 364 inhabitants, Parksville (p. v.) 40 houses, and
Liberty Falls (p. v.) 25. Robertsonville and Stevensville are p. offices. The Liberty
Normal Institute, at Liberty, is a flourishing academic institution.9 Stephen Russell (from Conn. )
settled near Liberty, in 1793 or '94.10 Rev. Wm. Randall (Rap.) was the first preacher.11
LUMBERLAKD — was formed from Mamakating, March 16, 1798, embracing all the co.
w. of Mongaup River and s. of the present N. lines of Liberty and Callicoon. From it were erected
Liberty in 1807, Rethel in 1809, and Highland and Tusten in 1853. Its surface is rugged and
1 About 100,000 sides of leather are annually manufactured in
this town.
2 Miss Moore taught the first school, at Drakestown ; S. Co-
long and bloody, and resulted in the retreat of the Americans
with the loss of 44 killed. In 1822 the bones of the slain were
collected and interred beneath a monument at Goshen. An ad-
nant kept the first inn, and Thomas Alsop the first store, at dress was delivered on the occasion by Gen. Hathern, who had
Forestburgh. The first sawmill was built at Oakland
* There are no church buildings in town.
4 Sarah Phillips taught the first school ; John Ranfiesen kept
the first inn, and John Hawkins kept the first store and built
the first sawmill. About one-third of the population are Ger-
mans. The census reports 1 church ; R. C.
5 Among the other first settlers were John Carpenter, Wm.
Seeley. N. Patterson, and Wm. Randall, at Beaver Brook ; and
Beuj. Hayne at Handsome Eddy. John Carpenter employed
Nath'l Wheeler to teach the first school, before the public schools
were organized. G. Ferguson kept the first inn, in 1830, and
Phineas Terry the first store, in 1828. N. Patterson built the
first sawmill, on Beaver Brook.
6 The census reports 3 churches ; Cong- M. E., Union.
1 This battle took place on the N. side of Beaver Brook, on lot
17 of the 7th div. of the Neversink Patent. The scene of the
action is the top of a hill 3 miles from Barryville and half a
mile N. w. from Dry Brook. The battle took place between a
party of tories and Indians, under Brant, — who were retreat-
ing, after having destroyed the settlement of Neversink. — and a
party of American militia, who pursued them. The battle was
taken a leading part in the engagement.
8 About 106,000 sides of leather are annually manufactured in
this town.
9 Incorp. by law, April 12, 1848 ; the Hon. John D. Watkins,
the founder, being sole corporator.
10 Among the other first settlers were Nathaniel Pinney, Josiab
Whipple, and Nathan Staunton, who came from Preston, Conn.,
in the spring of 1795. and settled on lot 12 ; John Groton and
Edward Swan, who settled on lot 3; Ebenezer Green, on lot 4,
Isaiah Whipple, on lot 10, of tract known as the 3000 acre lot : and
Stephen Benton, who located at Benton Hollow. Aviar Whipple
taught the first school, at Blue Mountain Settlement; Roswell
Russell kept the first inn, Stephen Russell the first store; and
Chas. Broadhead built the first grist and saw mill, on the moun-
tain, in 1797. The first child burn was Sally Staunton, in 1797 ;
the first marriage, that of David Rowland and Aviar Whipple, in
1797 ; and the first death, that of Sally Staunton, or a S"n of Wil-
liam Aby, in 1798. The first house was erected about half a mile
s. of where the Presb. ch. now stands. Most of the first settlers
afterward removed west.
11 The census reports 4 churches ; 1 Bap., 2 M. E., and 1 Presb.
646
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
broken, and much of it is yet a wilderness. The name of the town still suggests the leading pur-
suit of the people. A large number of small lakes, with their outlets, form the principal waters.
The principal of these lakes are Lebanon Pond in the N., Round, Sand, and Hogais Ponds in the w.,
and Long Pond in the center. Metauques Pond, in the e., lies about 2 mi. w. of the Mongaup,
and 300 feet above it. On its outlet is a beautiful cascade. Mongaup and Pond Eddy are
,!'....-. There is but one church, (M. E.) The Delaware & Hudson Canal extends through the
town along the course of the river. It is supposed that settlement was commenced before the
Revolution ; but the names of the first settlers are not preserved.1 In the survey of the Minisink
Patent by Charles Webb in 1762, mention is made of "Reeve's Sawmill."2
MA3I.VK.A.TIXG,3 said to have been named in honor of an Indian chief, was erected into a
precinct by the General Assembly, Dec. 17, 1743, and embraced all the present territory of Sulli-
van co. and a portion of Orange. It continued as a precinct until organized as a town, March 7,
1788. It was reduced to its present limits by the erection of Deerpark (Orange co.) and Lumber-
land in 1708, Thompson in 1803, and a part of Forestburgh in 1837. It lies upon the highlands
between Neversink and Shawangunk Creeks. Two parallel ridges, separated by the valley of
Bashers Kil. extend through the town in a n. e. and s. w. direction. The eastern of these ridges is
known as Shawangunk Mt. The declivities of this mountain are gentle upon the e., but abrupt
and broken on the w. It attains an elevation of 1100 feet above the summit level of the canal,
and about 1700 feet above tide. In the N. w. part of the town is a mountain of nearly equal eleva-
tion, known a- Panther Hill. The principal streams are Shawangunk, Bashers, and Pine Kils, the
f which is the outlet of a small lake in the w. part of the town, known as Yankee Pond.
The summit level of the Delaware & Hudson Canal, 17 mi. long and 525 feet above tide, is con-
structed through the valley of Bashers Kil. Hasten Pond, in the w. part, is used as a reservoir.
About '2 mi. x. df "Wurtzboro a vein of lead was discovered several years since, and was worked
to a considerable extent. After an abandonment of several years, preparations are again being
; ■ work it. The soil is a sand and gravel loam, in some places intermixed with clay, and
idapted to pasturage. The census of 1855 shows that this town is second only to Thompson
in the amount of dairy products. Bloomingnurgh4 (p. v.) contains 365 inhabitants,
and WurtzlJOro5 (p. v.) 491, Sumnnitville (Mamakating p. o.) 20 houses, and PIlilli]>$-
poi't (p.o.) 10; the three last named lie upon the canal. Bisrling'ham (p. v.) contains 130
inhabitants. TVest Brookville (p. o.) is a hamlet, and Homowack is a p. o. The early
settlement of this town has already been noticed,6 but most of the details have been lost. On the
approach of the Revolution the Indians became hostile, and several blockhouses were erected on
the frontier* of Ulster co., one of which was at Wurtzboro. On account of the distressed con-
dition (<f the people by reason of Indian hostilities, they were favored by the supervisors in the
apportionment of taxes. Many persons in those days accounted wealthy were reduced to poverty,
and hut little that could be destroyed remained on the return of peace. Gonzales, the pioneer
r, i* -aid to have built the first sawmill, at Wurtzboro. In 1702 this town contained 182
taxable persons, of whom 34 were in the present towns of Lumberland, Tusten, and Highland. In
17'.»4. < ii. r. David Iim-rance removed from Windham, Conn., and purchased 1000 acres imme-
diately b. of the site of Wurtzboro.7 John Dorrance, with Elijah Perry, also from Conn., erected
the fir.-t bark mill in Sullivan co. Rev. Mr. Freleigh was the first pastor of the Ref. Prot. D. Church,
built in 17.
M:Vi:iM\K'-w.v formed from Rochester, (Ulster co.,) March 16, 1798. Rockland was
taken off in L809, and a pari of FallsbuTgh in 1826. The whole town is elevated, and the surface
i Amnns tlir. early m-ttl'T* lines the Revolution were .7<.hn
Sbovi ' • n'lii'T and Bi-
ll Pond K'My. I'. Vnn Vauken, above Hoi
John i: iiif-k and Win. Ryan rn, In other parts ..i the town.
Thai was kepi In a barn bj Mr. rarnbam; the Oral
inn v. ■ i . ly.
> Mr. Webb llred .it ' >i>-vi||e, (Orange co.. I and died nt an ad-
Ifl 1-14.
• Wi me-Kating, Mamc-Cotink. Jkc. jn > irly record*.
« Tlii - vi •' 1780, and was
incoq.. A] U contain* 3 elm: and 6
■
6 Named from Minn.-- Wnrts, grai *al privilege in
in DaL and Hudson Canal Co.
F A road v ! at an early day, bj Ananias Backet,
from M makal uaing about thie© fourths of a mi.
s of i i continnii • .ii Koine's Flats, from
which i'l ■ rrance made a road to Cochecton for £5 per
mi. Tliis rend opened a communication from the Hollow to
the Delaware River, a distance of about 33 mi. A portion of it is
still iii nse, i. nt the creator part was taken np by the Newbnrgb
hecton Turnpike. The Tillage of Wurtzboro bj bnili upon
a tract of 1000 acres bought by Johannes Hasten, who cleared
tlie land Mini erected a sawmill. WestbrookriUe (formerly
"Bath i was settled about the same time, and the first
house was bnili "i Btone and used as a fort to sin iter the set-
tlers. Mr. Pelton waa a pioneer near Bnrlingbam, and J. New-
kirk at Bloomingbnrgh. The early town records have In en lost.
The Bret Bchool was kept at Bloomingbnrgh in 1784, bj Mr.
Campbell. Wm. Harlow kept the first Inn, 2 ml tr. of Blooming-
bnrgh : Wm. Wight. >ti opened the first store. 1 mi. s. of the sruiio
place; and H. Newkirk bnllt the first gristmill, on tho Shawan-
Kunk, within this town.
y The censns reports 11 churches; 0 M.E., 2 Ref. Prot. D., 1
Bap.. 1 i:.i .. l aseo. Bi r. Presb.
0 Thi« name, first applied to the river, is said by some to be
derived from the Indian " JXe-wa-sink," or Mad River, and by
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
041
is very hilly and to a considerable degree covered with forests. It is watered by the Neversink
and its branches, and by the Laekawack, or w. branch of the Rondont* which flows to the Hudi on.
Denman Hill, 3300 feet, and Thunder Hill, 25(10, above tide, are the principal elevations: the latter
received its name from the fact that one of the early settlers was frightened away from the place by
loud thunder. The soil is generally a gravelly loam, and best adapted to pasturage. The people
are chiefly engaged in lumbering, tannin-,1 and dairying. Ciraliamsville2 (p. v.) contain 10
bouses, Neversinli. Flats (Neversink p.o.) 35, and Clary ville (p. v.) 30. The first settle-
ment was commenced on the Lackawack, 2 mi. below Grahamsville, by the Ilornbecks, Clines,
Clearwaters, and Lowes, who obtained an Indian title in 1743, and were driven off during the
Revolution. Mr. Larrabee, on Thunder Hill, and Benj. Gillctt, John Hall, and Win. Parks, on the
1000 acre lot, were the pioneer settlers after the war.3 The lirst church (Meth.) was located at
Grahamsville ; and the first preacher was Rev. Samuel M. Knapp.4
ROCKXAND — was formed from Neversink, March 29, 1809. It lies upon the headwaters
of the Popacton, or e. branch of the Delaware, in the extreme N. part of the co. It is a rough, wild
region, very hilly and mostly covered with forests. Its principal streams are Beaver Kil and
Williwemack Creek. A chain of small lakes extends through the town, the principal of which are
Upper, Mongaup, and Hodge Ponds in the e., Big and North Ponds in the s.E., Shaw Pond in the
s., Burnt Hill and Jenkins Ponds in the w., and Sand, Mud, and Knapp Ponds in the center.
Lumbering, farming, and tanning5 are the principal pursuits of the people. Westfield Flats
(Rockland p. o.) contains 28 houses, and Morsston (p. v.) about 12. Beaver Kill, Purvis,
and Nil in Creeli. are p. offices. Settlement was begun in 1789, by two families named Stewart
and West, from Middletown, Conn.; they located near the middle of the Big Beaver Kil Flat.6
Rev. Mr. Conkey (Meth.) was the first preacher.'
THOMPSON — was formed from Mamakating, March 9, 1803, and named in honor of Wm. A.
Thompson, first judge of the co. A part of Fallsburgh was taken off in 1826, and a part of Forest-
burgh in 1837. It lies principally upon the highlands between Neversink and Mongaup Rivers,
and is less hilly than most of the towns of the co. The hills rise 100 to 300 feet above Monticello.
Neversink and Mongaup Rivers, with several small lakes and streams, constitute the waters of the
town. Kiamesha, or " Clearwater," better known as Pleasant Pond, is a beautiful little lake near
Monticello. The other principal ponds are Dutch in the n. e., Lords and Mud in the E.,Wolf in the
s. E., and Sackets (named from Ananias Sacket, an early settler near it) in the s. w. The quiet
scenery of these lakes is becoming appreciated by the lovers of nature and those seeking a retreat
from the heat and dust of cities in summer. The soil is a reddish loam. The people are principally
engaged in stock raising, lumbering, and tanning.8 Monticello,9 (p. v.,) the principal village, was
incorp. April 20, 1830. Pop. 029. It is beautifully situated upon a ridge of highlands 1387 feet
above tide, and is surrounded by hills. It is finely laid out, the main street being 1 mi. long and
8 rods wide, with flagged walks and ornamented with shade trees. It contains a courthouse, jail, co.
clerk's and surrogate offices, and a banking house, all of stone ; 3 churches, the Monticello Academy,
3 hotels, 10 stores, 3 printing offices, and an iron foundery. Thompsonville (p. v.) and
Bridgeville (p. v.) each contain about a dozen houses. Gales and Glen Wild are p. offices.
The first settlers were Wm. A. Thompson, John Knapp, and Timothy Childs, at Thompsonville.10
Rev. John Boyd (Presb.) was the first preacher.11
TFSTE1V — was formed from Lumberland, Dec. 17, 1853, and was named in honor of Col.
others to be so named because the stream is less affected by
drought than others.
1 About 95,000 sides of leather are manufactured each year.
2 Named in honor of Lieut. Graham, who was killed in a
skirmish with the Indians near the present site of the village.
s The first child born was Elijah Porks. Christopher Darrow
taught the first school; Mr. Larrabee kept the first inn, on
Thunder Hill; Richard Childs kept the first store; and Wm.
Parks built the first gristmill, 3 mi. s. E. of the Flats. There
arc no town records earlier than 1814.
4 The census reports 5 churches; 3 M. E., 2 Ref. Prot. D.
6 One of the most extensive tanneries in the State is in the w.
part of the town. About 170,000 sides of leather are manu-
factured each year in town.
6 Another account says the first settlers were Robert Cochran,
Jehial and Luther Stewart. In the following year. Peter Wil-
liams and Cornelius Cochran came in from Mass. Mr. Bascom
settled 1 mi. w. of Purvis p. office, and Thomas Nott and James
Overton 1 mi. s. of the same. The first child born was Susan
Thorn ; the first marriage was that of Ebenezer White and Cla-
rissa Field ; and the first death was that of Sylvanus Stewart.
Sylvanus Bascom taught the first school, at Westfield Flats ;
Jehial Stewart kept the first inn, Mr. Loveland the first store ;
and Luther Stewart built the first mill, at Westfield Flats. The
settlers are said to have obtained their first seed corn from the
Indians on the Susquehanna Flats, and this stock has been con-
tinued till the present time. The lumber trade began in 179S.
7 The census reports 3 churches; M. E., Presb., and Union.
8 About 35,000 sides of leather are manufactured annually.
9 Named by J. P. Jones, from the residence of Tbos. Jefferson.
The first settlement of this village was made in lso4. by Samuel
F. and John P. Jones, from New Lebanon, (Columbia co.,) who
located at this place in anticipation of its becoming the co. seat
of a new co. to be erected from Ulster. J. P. Jones erected the first
house, in 1804, and opened the first store ; Curtis Linsley kept the
first inn.
10 A. Sacket and A. I). Kinno were the first settlers in the w.
part of the town, and John Wethrrlow and John Simson on the
Neversink. Asa Hall kept the first school, at Hridgeville; Judge
Thompson built the first mill and factory, at Thompsonville.
11 The census reports 4 churches; M. E., Presb., Prot. E., and
Union.
648
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
Benjamin Tusten, who was killed in the hattle of Minisink, in 1779.1 This town lies upon the Bf
bank of Delaware River. The w. and s. parts are very hilly, and the e. portions belong to the
plateau of rolling lands which comprises the greater part of Tusten, Highland, and Lumberland.
The average height of this region is about 750 feet above the Delaware, or 1400 feet above tide.
The principal streams are Ten Mile River and its branches : Half Moon and Mill Ponds in the e.,
and Mill, Davis, and Canfield Ponds in the center, are the principal sheets of water. The soil is a
gravelly loam, and best adapted to pasturage. The people are generally engaged in farming and
lumliering. Xarrovesbursrli. (p. v.,) containing about 35 houses, is the only village. It derives
its name from the fact that the Delaware is here compressed by two points of rock into a deep, narrow
channel. Over this is a wooden bridge, with a single span of 184 feet.2 The place is known to lum-
bermen by the name of "Big Eddy." Below the narrows the river expands into a wide basin, which
in time of a freshet exhibits a stirring scene. Delaware Bridge and Beaver Brook
are p. offices. John Moore kept the first inn and store, and R. Moore built the first mill. The
Baptist is the only church iu town.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Pojyidation, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Sullivan County.
Names of Towns.
Bethel
CWh-cton
Callio-.n
I irgh...,
jtburgh..
Fremont
Highland
Liberty
Lomberland..
Mamakating..
Neversink
Rockland
Thompson
Tusten
Acres of Land.
r
13.468
7.596
5,580
18,651$
1.914
3,170*
1.454 i
15:i47|
1,714*
17,0731
14.366i
6,830
17,436
1.087
1
l§
:>,vV,
33.175
121,475
25,350
25.0491
27.852
7.449
30.7451
34.415
43,652J
24.176
47."ii:;|
28.303
7,328
Total I125.4S91 '494.8294.
Valuation' of 1858.
3
!
$371,020
360.170
140.627
316.690
117.920
128,967
164.774
380,945
191.270
612.928
231.551
106.767
515.680
131.260
$42,225
19.mii)
6.450
29.200
13,900
5,400
43.850
2.200
45.S50
2S.675
6.817
255.800
4.950
$3,771,469 ' $505,117
$414,145
379.970
147.077
345.890'
131,820
128,967
170.174
424.795,
193.470J
65S.77S;
2i;o.226
113:584!
771.4S0
136.210
Population.
1,362
1,640
1,118
1,586
468
729
454
1.477
497
2.110
1,136
674
1,801
439
I
1,249
1.431
974
1,443
371
572
411
1,389
405
1,974
1.044
59S
1.749
386
84,276,586 15.491 13.996
569
523
414
537
132
237
158
520
156
74S
413
227
619
151
5,403
486
550
416
590
140
245
158
532
162
793
420
237
630
15S
5,517
301
411
328
414
83
184
112
472
115
511
318
204
514
103
4,070
Schools.
oS
1,136
1,218
871
1.271
325
484
359
1,240
398
1,616
1,034
618
1,445
315
167 12.330
Xaxes of Towns.
Live Stock.
Bethel
I
1 • n
lUkbargh....
argh. .
I Hi
Highland
Lib rty
Lamb
Mamnknting.
-ink
It<- kl.md
Thompson
Tort a.
294
176
78
377
59
55
:
66
M0
S55
1.779
1,197
932
186
490
27
821
12219
1-1
1,042
741
486
1.47o
161
254
221
1,285
180
1,721
lot
10,775
to
1.171
228
166
1.934
140
145
117
2,181
81
i .:.: i
to
Agricultural Products.
Bosh, op Grain.
3
i
844
496
363
1.099
86
152
225 1
■
194
1,761
1,096
u
10.791
10.214
5,565
6,2511
9831
2,670
2J162J
7.491 |
2,613
I
1.019
5.216
36,7341
24,i'.::r,
13,1381
41,686
2J8071
7,3541
4,4091
36,5061
33,6181
29,411
12,215
o
4.453
2,082
1,5201
0.219
8631
940
:.\:.\
657
1 18' :
4.712
2 171
6.2241
352
5*
8,783
9,861
5.777
13,417
2.593
5,321
4,028J
11,569
3,818
B.080
9.720
5,945
12.314
2102
"S>
4.219
2,052
416
11.945
877
822
329
11.579
37
13,543
14.545
4,655
9.153
535
10.716J 103,188| 73,298
Dairy Products.
^.=5
95.030
48,785
24,589
126,329
17,935
17.515
i.v;,ui
105,645
14,155
127,648
110,856
5H.M4
168.845
8,280
931,927
h
C5
150
228
210
2,935
150
675
2 il
4.59s
r e
l.o7s
2:;:.;
129
247
73
82
72
1,574
60
392
3.559
950
984
9,4351
urgh Bri '. Lprfl ■'. 1810,
with n capital of $5,000. The bridge was to bo 25 feet wide, well
red fl it 1 1 plank, and secured by railings.
TIOGA COUNTY.
This county was formed from Montgomery, Feb. 16, 1791. A part
of Chenango was taken off in 1798 J linn, me in 1806 ; a part of
Tompkins in 1822 ; and Chemung in 18.'i6. It lies near the center
of the s. border of the State, centrally distant 135 mi. from Albany,
and contains 542 sq. mi. Its surface is broken by a series of ridges
extending northerly through the co. from the Perm, line and form-
ing a northerly continuation of the Allegany Mts. The summits
of these ridges have a nearly uniform elevation of 1,200 to 1,400 ft.
above tide. The valley of the Susquehanna cuts them diagonally
and breaks the continuity of the general system of highlands.
Numerous lateral valleys extend in a general n. and s. direction
from the river, separating the ridges and giving a great variety to
the surface. These valleys vary in width from a few rods to a mile and sometimes more, and are
generally bordered by steep declivities which rise 250 to 400 ft. above them. The summits of the
hills are generally broad and rolling, and in some places are broken and rocky.
The rocks of this co. belong to the Chemung and Catskill groups. The former occupies all tho
surface n. of the river and forms the underlying rock of the hills s., and the latter crowns all the
summits s. of the river. The sandstone of the Chemung group is quarried for flagging ; and some
of the red sandstone is sufficiently compact to make good building stone. Limestone, from which
lime is manufactured, is found along the Penn. border. There are no other minerals of import-
ance. The river valleys, and many of the hills adjoining, are covered deep with drift, consisting
of sand, clay, and gravel. This deposit near Factoryville is 80 ft. thick, and a wide belt of it
seems to extend northerly in an almost unbroken line from the latter place to Cayuga Lake. The
principal streams are Susquehanna River, and Owego, Catatunk, Cayuta, Pipe, and Apalachin
Creeks and their branches. These creeks have generally rapid currents, though few waterfalls ; and
they furnish all necessary water-power for local purposes. Their valleys are usually narrow and
rocky in their upper courses, but toward the Susquehanna they expand into broad and beautiful
level intervales. The valleys of the Susquehanna and several of its tributaries are celebrated for
their beauty.
The soil along the valleys is a rich, deep, gravelly loam, with an occasional intermixture of clay
and sand. The intervales along the Susquehanna are especially noted for their fertility. Tho
uplands are gravelly and sandy and moderately fertile. Upon the summits the soil is hard and
unproductive, and in many places the rocks are entirely bare. A considerable portion of the up-
lands is still covered with forests.
The prominent interest of the co. is agricultural, and its various branches are successfully piu
sued. Winter and spring grains, corn, and the root crops, are mostly cultivated on the lowlands
or river bottoms, and the uplands are devoted to stock and wool growing and dairying. Consider-
able commercial interest has grown up in connection with the rail roads, and manufactures have
also been established to a limited extent.1
The county seat is located at Owego, upon the Susquehanna.2 The courthouse, a wooden
structure, was erected about 40 years since, at a cost of $8,000. It is in a good state of preserva-
tion. The jail, jailor's house, and barn, all of brick, were built in 1851, at a cost of about $6,000.
The jail contains 8 double cells. The clerk's office is a fireproof brick building, erected in 1858,
at a cost of $2,200. The courthouse, clerk's office, jail, jailor's house, and barn occupy a square
in the center of the village.
1 A large lumber and tanning business was formerly carried
on; but it has declined, from the scarcity of material.
2 By the organic act of 1791, Tioga was formed a half-shire
county. It provided that the courts should be held alternately
at '■ Chenango" in the town of Union, and at "Newtown Point,"
in the town of Chemung, the former now Binghamton, Broome
CO., and the latter Elmira, Chemung co. The half-shiro was
abolished upon the organization of Broome co. in 1806 ; Feb.
17, 1810, Nathaniel Locke, Anson Cary, and Samuel Campbell
were appointed commissioners to locate the courthouse site, and
Joshua Ferris, Isaac Swartwout, and Samuel Westbrook to
superintend the erection of the building; and in 1811-12 the
county seat was removed from Elmira to Spencer Village. Juuo
8, 1812, the co. was divided into 2 .Turv Districts, and the courts
were held at Elmira and Spencer. The East .Turv District em-
braced the towns of Tioga, Spencer, Danby, Caroline, Candor.
Berkshire, and Owego; and the West, the towns of Caynta,
Catherines, Chemung, and Elmira. The courthouse :it Spencer
was burned in 1821, and by an act of 1^22 the half-shire of the
county was re-established, and Owego and Elmira became tho
half-Shire towns. Upon the organization of Chemung co, in
1836. Elmira became its county Beat, ami OwegO Hie county
seat of Tioga. The first county officers were Abram Miller,
First Judge; Wm. Stuart. District Attorney; Thomas Nicholson,
County Clerk ; James McMasters, Sheriff; and John Mersereau,
Surrogate.
C4S>
650 TIOGA COUXTY.
The county poorhouse, a stone building, is located near Owego, upon a farm of 62 acres, which
yields an annual income of 8600. The average number of inmates is 62, and the whole number
of rooms for their accommodation is 15. No school is connected with the establishment, and no
means are provided for religious instruction.
The principal works of internal improvement are the N. Y. & E.R. R., extending along the river
valley through Owego, Tioga, and Barton ; and the Cayuga & Susquehanna R. R., extending from
Owego northward through Tioga and Candor to Ithaca.1 These roads furnish ample facilities for
transportation, and bring the products of the county into close proximity to the Eastern markets.
Three weekly newspapers are now published in the co.2
The first settlement in this county was made upon the Susquehanna intervales, soon after
the Revolution, by emigrants from the Wyoming Yalley in Penn. These settlers originally came
from Conn, and Mass., and left Wyoming in consequence of troubles growing out of the Indian
hostilities and of controversies in regard to title. They located here before the Indian title to the
lands was extinguished. The greater part of the present territory was comprised in the Boston
Ten Towns. The title of this tract, comprising 230,400 acres between Chenango River and Owego
Creek, was vested in the State of Mass. in 1786, and in 1787 it was sold to a company of 60 per-
sons, mostly residents of that State. The greater part of the proprietors immediately took posses-
sion of these lands ; and thus it happened that the county was filled up with a New England popu-
lation while the fertile region of Western New York was yet an unbroken wilderness.
B.iRTOX — was formed from Tioga, March 23, 1824. It lies w. of the Susquehanna, in the
s. w. corner of the co. Its surface is generally hilly. A small portion of level land lies along the
s. border. The highlands on the w. rise abruptly from the valley of Cayuta Creek, and are divided
into two ridges by the valley of Ellis Creek. Their summits are broad and rolling and generally
covered with forests. The highest points are 400 to 600 ft. above the river. The soil is a rich
alluvium in the valleys and a sandy or gravelly loam upon the hills. A sulphur spring is found
on Ellis Creek, near the center of the town. Waverly, (p. v.,) situated upon the Erie R. R., in
the s. w. part of the town, was incorp. in 1854. It contains the Waverly Academy, 5 churches, and
several manufactories. Pop. 1,067. Factoryville, (p. v.,) on Cayuta Creek, 1£ mi. n. of Waverly,
contains 180 inhabitants; and Barton, (p. v.,) near the n. e. corner, on the Susquehanna, 30
dwellings. Xortli Barton is a p. o. Halsey Valley (p. o.) is a hamlet in the n. e. part, on
the line of Tioga. The first settlement was begun by Ebenezer Ellis and Stephen Mills, who
located near the mouth of Ellis Creek in 1791.3 There are 9 churches in town.4
BERKSHIRE— was formed from Tioga, Feb. 12, 1808. Newark was taken off in 1823, and
Bicbford in 1831. It lies upon the e. border of the co., n. of the center. Its surface is mostly a
hilly and broken upland, with a mean elevation of 1,200 to 1,400 ft. above tide. A high hill, with
declivities, lies e. of the center of the town. The streams are the East and West Branches
of Owego Creek and their tributaries. The soil in the valleys is a sandy and gravelly loam, and
upon the hills it is a tough clay and hardpan. Berkshire (p. v.) contains 3 churches and 34
dwellings. East Berkshire and Wilson Creek are p. offices. The pioneer settlers of
the town were I>anicl Ball and Isaac Brown, who came in 1791.5 Rev. Seth Williston conducted
tlif tir-t religions -'-rviccs in town.6
1 Thi- road coal |5O0,O00, and it was Bold, in 1852, for £1,500.
* Thf AmTxr/m former menc< 1 'it Owego in 1M0
I it was Bold to .— t ■ - 1 . 1 ( • ■ i j li.
I n ird. Wli"
Thf.1' until 1836, when he Bold t"
.i B. ShnrtUff. In 1*41 the office w.i* burned, anil the
after it
wa« ■ . by ►'.. P, m i ble, and In 1843 i' was
to Tli .in i- w ^.l-. In 1844 it m ! t I
Thf 1 John Dow, pnbUabar, and in a few
waa discontinued. A local part] ':. iMng arisen,
r-r paper, i
Tlu 0\rr(;o(<n7i lt< 1844 by H \ B
■
month*. Tn 1845 Thorn is P
■t-.r. ami in 1 -
Walter and Bon. In 1848
of li. \ B be, by whom it i* still |
The Republican was published 1 year a' Of
The Oivcfjo Times, under which titlo ho still continues
it-* publication.
The Waverly Advocate was commenced at Waverly
Village in 1852 by V. II. Baldwin. It is now published
: ■ 1 -.-. in & Polley.
Tht St. JKicheiat, a monthly literary magazine, was published
alicnit 1 war in 1S.">.'J.
> Among the other early settlers were Aikons. Ezekiel
Williams, John Banna, Wm. Bensley, Luke Saunders. James
BwartWOOd, Charles iiingham. Layton Newell. Lyon C. Hedges,
Philip Crans, Justice Lyon, John Manhnrt, iteed. and ."-il.us
Wolcott. A nnmlier of these were from the Wyoming Valley,
and some of them from the adjoining towns of this co. George
w. Bnttson erected the Brst sawmill, at Barton Village
« 5 M. i:.. 2 Bap, I'rot. !•:.. and R. C.
'■ Among the Aral Bettlen were Stephen and Samuel Ball. Peter
Wilson, and Josinh Hull, from StorklirMp'. Mass.. in 17!»2-'.l.'!.
.i tin Brown, Cant. Asa I uard, Ebon. •'■ ok, Daniel Carpenter,
li r Lawn nee. David Williams, Joseph Waldo. Nathanlol
■ n. K'.pl. \1m 1. A/."l. and Nathaniel llovey. Jeremiah Campbell, and
The Ouy.g- waa commenced tn 1836 by kndrew II. Samuel Collins, — all from Berkshire Co., Mass., — came in
,,,,1 Was by him until 1862, when after, w. li. Moore kept the first inn and store; David Wit-
he - ild to Powell a I ! Its name to Hams erected the Brst mill; and Miss T.Moore taught the Brat
T\f s met. In 1864 Wm Bmyth pnrchai 1 the school.
establishment and changed the DJU f the panel t • • The census reports 4 churches; 2 M. E., Cong., and Bap.
TIOGA COUNTY.
C51
CANDOR — was formed Prom Spencer, Feb. 22, 1811. It is a large town, extending from the
center to the x. border of the co. Its surface consists of high, broad, rolling uplands, separated
into ridges by the narrow valleys of streams Mowing in a southerly direction. Their declivities are
generally abrupt, and their summits are mostly covered with forests. Catatunk Creek Bows through
the center of the town, and the West Branch of Owego Creek forms the e. boundary. A western
branch of Catatunk Creek enters the town near the center of it-; w . border and flows E., its valley
completely dividing the western ridge into two parts. The soil is a gravelly loam, very fertile in
the valleys and moderately so upon the hills. The settlements are mostly confined to the valleys.
Candor (p. v.) is situated on Catatunk Creek, near the center of the town. It is a station on
the C. & S. II. R., and contains 4 ehurches, a woolen factory, flouring mill, 2 sawmills, and about
70 dwellings. Candor Center, \ mi. w. of Candor, contains 1 church, a flouring mill, 2
sawmills, and 20 dwellings. Willsey ville, (p. v.,) a station on the C. & S. R. R., in the n. W.
part of the town, contains 20 dwellings. South Candor, on Catatunk Creek, near the s. bor-
der of the town, contains a church and about 20 dwellings. Weltonville (p. o.) is a hamlet,
at the mouth of Doolittle Creek. East Candor is a p. o. The first settlers were Thos. Ilollis-
ter, Job Judd, Luddington, and Jordan, from Conn., who came into town in 1793. * Rev.
Daniel Loring was the first preacher. The census reports 10 churches.2
WEWARK-was formed from Berkshire, as "Westville," April 12, 1823. Its name was
changed March 24, 1824. It lies upon the center of the e. border of the co. Its surface is mostly
a hilly, upland region, with a mean elevation of about 1,200 ft. above tide. Its streams are the
West Branch of Owego Creek, forming the w. boundary, and the East Branch, flowing s. w.
through near the center of the town. The soil in the valleys is a fine, gravelly loam, but upon the
hills it is an unproductive hardpan. The greater part of the uplands are yet unsettled. Newark.
Valley, (p. v.,) located in the valley of East Owego Creek, contains 2 churches, mills, an ex-
tensive tannery, and 75 dwellings. Iietchuililille, (p. v.,) in the n. e. corner of the town, 7
mi. n. e. of Newark Valley, contains a church, sawmill, and 26 dwellings. West Newark is
a p. o. The settlement of the town was commenced in 1791, by emigrants from Berkshire co.,
Mass.3 The first religious association (Cong.) was formed in 1798, by Rev. Seth Williston, a
missionary from Conn. ; Rev. Jeremiah Osborn was the first settled preacher, in 1803.4
NICIIOL.S — was formed from Tioga, March 23, 1824. It lies upon the s. bank of the Sus-
quehanna, near the center of the s. boundary of the co. Its surface is mostly upland, terminating
in steep declivities upon the river, and broken by the narrow valleys of small streams. The sum-
mits of the hills are broad and 300 to 500 ft. above the river. Many of them are still covered with
forests. The soil in the valleys is a gravelly loam and very productive ; upon the hills it is a mode-
rately fertile, gravelly and clayey loam, underlaid by red sandstone. Nichols, (p. o.,) Hoopers
Valley, (p. o.,) and Canlields Corners (p. o.) are hamlets upon the Susquehanna. The
first settlement was made by Ebenezer Ellis, Pelatiah'Pierce, Stephen Mills, and James Cole, in
1787. There are 2 churches in town ; M. E. and Union.5
OWEGO6 — was organized Feb. 16, 1791. Spencer was taken off in 1806. It is a large town,
occupying the s. e. corner of the co. Its surface is mostly upland, separated into two distinct parts
by Susquehanna River and broken by the narrow valleys of small creeks. The summits of the
ridges are broad and rolling, and 300 to 500 ft. above the river. The intervale along the river
in some places is an unbroken flat more than a mile in width. Owego Creek, flowing through a
broad and beautiful valley, forms the w. boundary of the town n. of the Susquehanna. The other
streams are Nanticoke Creek, from the n., and Apalachin Creek, from the s., and a great number
of smaller brooks and creeks. The declivities bordering upon these streams are generally very
steep. The soil is a deep, rich, gravelly loam in the valleys, and a less productive, gravelly loam,
1 Tbey were followed in 1794 by Joel and Elijah Smith. Israel
Mead, and his son Israel, — the former two from Conn, and the
latter from Vt. Families named Collins, Sheldon, Marsh, Bates,
and Ellis were also among the early settlers. The first inn was
kept by Thomas Hollister; the first store by Philip Case; and
the first gristmill was erected by Elijah Hart.
2 5 Bap., 2 M. E., Prot. E., Cong., and Union.
8 Among the settlers in 1791 were Elisha Wilson, (living upon
the place of his original settlement in 1S5S. at the age of 87.)
Daniel Ball. Isaac and Aliram Brown. Dean, and Nor-
ton,— all from Stockbridge, Mass., — most of them settling in the
valley of Owego Creek. The first birth was that of Win. Ball.
Miss E. Moore" taught the first school; Enos Slawson kept the
first store and inn ; and E. Wilson built the first mill.
4 The census reports 5 churches; 3 M. E., Cong., and Presb.
5 Among those who settled later were Judge Emanuel Coryell,
Isaiah Jones, Bass, and Emmons, in 1791 ; and about
the same time Caleb Wright, on the site of Nichols Village,
and Stephen Dodd, a short distance below. In 1793 Jonathan
Piatt and his son Jonathan, Col. Kichard Sackett, Lewis brown,
and Miles Forman.— all from Westchester Co., — settled in the
valley. Major John Smyth and his sons John, Gilbert, and
Nathan, from Monroe CO., Penn., Benjamin Lounsbury, Ziba
Evans, Jonathan Hunt, Richard Sarles, Aeahel 1'iichard,
Jonathan Pettis, Joseph and John Annibal. Joseph Moivy. and
Daniel Briggs, were also among the pioneer settlers. The first
birth was that of Daniel Pierce, in 17n.
6 Owego, "Swift Kiver."— Annals of Binghamton. p. 110.
652 TIOGA COUNTY.
underlaid by hardpan, on the hills. A considerable portion of the hilly regions is yet covered
■with forest*. Manufactures, and commerce to a limited extent, engage the attention of the people.
Oiveg'O, (p. v.,) the co. seat, was incorp. April 4, 1827. It is finely situated upon the Susque-
hanna, near the mouth of Owego Creek.1 It is the commercial center of a large agricultural and
lumbering district ; and since its first settlement it has been one of the most important villages in
the southern tier of counties.2 It contains a the Owego Academy, a female seminary, 7 churches,
2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, and several manufacturing establishments.3 A bridge 80 rods in
length here crosses the Susquehanna. Pop. 3,041. Apalaeliin, (p. v.,) on the s. bank of the
Susquehanna, 8 mi. above Owego, contains 1 church and 200 inhabitants. Campville, (p. v.,)
on the x. bank of the river, 7 mi. above Owego, contains 1 church and 20 dwellings. It is a sta-
tion on the Erie R. R. Flciiiinsrville (p. o.) is a hamlet in the n. w. part of the town, on
Owego Creek : YF illsboro, a p. o. on Nanticoke Creek ; and South Owego, a p. o. near the
Penu. line. Amos Draper, an Indian agent and trader, from the "Wyoming Valley, erected the
first house in town, at Owego Village, in 1786, and moved in his family in 1787.* The first re-
ligious services were conducted by Eev. Seth Williston. The first religious association (Presb.)
was formed in 1810, and a church was organized in 1817; Eev. Horatio I. Lombard was the first
settled minister, in 1818. There are 13 churches in town.5
RICHFORD — was formed from Berkshire, as "Arlington," April 18, 1831. Its name was
changed April 9, L83& It is the N. E. corner town in the co. Its surface is mostly upland, broken
by a few narrow valleys. It contains the highest land in the co., estimated to be 1,400 to 1,600 ft.
above tide. Its streams are the head branches of Owego Creek. Its soil is a moderately fertile,
gravelly 1< 'am. About one third of the surface is yet covered with forests. Leather and lumber are
manufactured to some extent. Richford, (p. v.,) s. of the center of the town, contains a
church and about 60 dwellings. "West Richford is a p. o. The first settlements, made at a
later period than those in Berkshire, from which the town was taken, were since the com-
mencement of the present century ;6 but the exact date could not be ascertained. There is a
Presb. church in town.
SPEXCER — was formed from Owego, Feb. 28, 1806. Candor, Caroline, Danby, and Xewfield
(the last three now in Tompkins co.) were taken off Feb. 22, 1811, and Cayuta, March 20, 1824.
It is the K. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is an upland, broken by the valleys of small
streams. The x. w. portion forms the watershed between Susquehanna Eiver and Cayuga Lake.
The ridges have a general x. and s. direction. Their declivities are generally steep and their
summits broad and broken. Catatunk Creek, flowing e., breaks through these ridges at nearly
right angles, forming a deep and narrow valley. The soil in the valleys is a gravelly loam, and
upon the hills it is a hard, shaly loam. Spencer,7 (p. v.,) on Catatunk Creek, w. of the center
of the town, contains 3 churches, 2 tanneries, a flouring mill, sawmill, and 75 dwellings. The
•ment was commenced in 1795, by Benj. Drake and Joseph and John Barker.8 The first
religious meeting was held by P. Spaulding, at his own house; and the first religious association
(Bap.) was formed by Elder David Jayne.9
TIOC* 4 — was firmed from Union, (Broome co..) March 14,1800. Berkshire was taken off
in 1 - rt of l'ni.>n in 1810, and Barton and Nichols in 1^24. It lies on the Susquehanna,
s. w. of the centor of the co. Its surface i- principally upland, terminating in bluffs along the river
int'-rvalo. Thr- streams are Catatunk ami Pipe Creeks and numerous smaller creeks and brooks.
l Qln M iry. f - »m th* raMcD • ! VI' Willis, is '■ .". M. K.. 2 Presb., Prot. E., Bap., Cong., Wes. Meth., R. C.
iituM-1 on Oi F the Tillage. It and Union.
w.i- hen thai bil exquisite Rural I. I written, • Among the early settlers were Evan Harris. Samuel Smith,
5 rot many >-• the four distri- Bamnftl Qleason, Nathaniel Johnson, Stevens, .li'ivniiah
lj bell, Ilf-ri i'i \V. IN. c.il.'li ami .!.--■■ tile ri-on„ KzikiH Hieh,
r. lumber, and wtx-nt tor the Penn. ami Md. mark. t-.
. daatrnetrft fir- bondings.
•The principal of thenc are mam
ami ..-hiiery. castings, saah and Minds, silver
luml«r. leather, floor, and ptasb r.
I John McQuigg ai from New England,
which the \
of < >■ ttlc l then in '• ■
and (rraiis an Indian In In the
and William Dunham, — many of them from the adjoining town
: Berkshire,
* This village was the co. seat of Tioga co., then including
Chemnng, from 1812 to 182L
• Among tli • early settlers at Spencer Village were Joshua
1 1 ■ ti r v Idler, Edmund and Rodney Hobart, from Conn.,
■v pnrdy. Tli"-. tfosher, from Westchester co., and George
Fisher. The first hirth was that of Deborah, daughter <>f B"ii-
jamin Drake; the first marriag«\ that of John H. Underwood
of 1786, by Wm. Mr Master, ffm rt an. I Polly Spaulding; and the first death, that of Preacott
II 1 art. The fi I was taught hy Joseph Harker.in his.
from the a. by way o< ke and tb< r ti wn house, at Bpencer Tillage; tho first inn was kept by
first birth in town was tli Andrew Pnrdy: the first store l.v Samuel Doolittle; and the
t--r. Jnne 19, 1788; the first school was t tir-t gristmill was built hy Benj. Drake.
in 1702; the first store and hotel were kept at Owego, hy Wm. » The census reports 3 churches in town; Cong., Bap., and
BBS . M. E.
TIOGA COUNTY.
G53
The soil is a fine, dark loam in the valleys and a gravelly loam upon the hills. Most of the sum-
mits are still covered with forests. Tioga Center, (p. v.,) at the mouth of Pipe Creek, con-
tains a church, several mills, and GO dwellings. It is a station on the N. Y. & Erie R. It.
Smithsboro, (p. v.,) on the N. Y & E. II. It., contains 230 inhabitants. Halsey Valley
(p. o.) is a hamlet, in the n.w. corner of the town, on the line of Barton. Straight* Cor-
ners is a p. o. on the n. border. .lenlisville (p. o.) is a hamlet, near the mouth of Catatunk
Creek. The first settlement was made on Pipe Creek, in 1785, by Samuel and Wm. Ransom,
Primer, and Andrew Alden, from Wyoming, Penn. Col. David Pixley, from Mass., and Abner
Turner, from N. II., made the first settlement on the river, in 1791.1 There are two churches in
town ; M. E. and Union.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Tioga County.
Names of Towns.
Barton
Berkshire..
Candor
Newark....
Nichols....
Owego
Richford ...
Spencer....
Tioga
Total..
Acres of Land.
13
■3
g
I
|
DM
16,629*
15,875*
9,283
9,613
30,769
27,521
13,038
16,182
12,050
7,363|
33,801|
26,046*
8,898
6.947
13.445
12.367
16,980J
154,894|
16,508
138,423*
Valuation of 1858.
e
4
is.
$713,367
145,990
690,945
311,586
321,025
1,680,121
156,016
247.830
548,234
4,815,114
2§"
B,ft,
$134,450
3.655
37,750
25,675
29.900
518,440
11,600
16,925
21,350
a
$847,817
149.645
728,695
337,261
350,925
2,198,561
167,616
264,755
569,584
799,745 5,614,859
Population.
5
i
1
1
Scj
03
°9
8
B
>
*
Vf
1
>?
%
1
775
£
ft
22
1,876
1,966
770
553
533
535
203
219
213
5
1,997
1,897
744
787
624
26
983
962
387
403
365
13
945
926
319
347
170
13
4,223
4,105
1,467
1,376
1,115
39
598
584
231
242
1S9
9
911
894
357
379
328
12
1,550
1.477
571
579
5.107
369
20
159
13,616
13.346
5,049
3,926
it
1.657
376
1.476
723
720
3,440
506
709
1.26,8
10.875
Names of Towns.
Barton
Berkshire...
Candor
Newark
Nichols
Owego
Richford...
Spencer
Tioga
Total.
Live Stock.
I
664
293
1,125
583
384
1,383
284
426
536
2>1
■5 e ,i
1,850
1,165
2,905
1,558
1,372
3,680
783
1,608
1,789
3,265
2,230
7,258
3,545
2,776
8.176
2,143
3,061
3,698
S3
1.414
614
2,019
907
1,202
2,837
445
673
1.137
5,678 16,710 12,954 36,152 11,248 45,239^
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
a
9,438*
426$
5,915£
775
6,127*
12,353
775
2,658
6,770
$
102,007*
34.334
169,266
51,789*
83.848*
185.3845
42,208
68,140
91,827
si
4.093
2,709*
6,758*
4,108
2,907|
8,404
2.047
3,07 8 £
4.296
jqa,
9,907
8.795
27,519
17.191
12.116
46,528*
6.009
9,021
13.432
14,400
17,586
23,581
16.445
16.896
29.694
10.927
14.197
25,457
828,805* 38,401 j 150,5181 169,183 1,365.783' 50,357 II 16,390*
Dairy Products.
M
107.685
126.340
287,692
145,180
162.185
235,444
84.021
90.S03
126.424
1,610,
14.209
15.996
6.216
1.500 i
4.644
1,625 '
2,200
2.363!
i a
EN
=■•5
99U
699
4.275
1.238
2.395
3.175i
644
962
2,012
1 Among the early settlers were Joel Farnham, Jeremiah
White, Abel Stafford, Elizur Wright, Samuel Giles, Hugh E.
Fiddis; John Hill, from Mass. ; William Taylor, from Saratoga
CO.; Nathaniel Catlin, Cornelius Taylor, Beriah Mundy, John
Smith, James Schoonover, Taylor, and Hungerford,
from Wyoming, Penn. ; Daniel Mersereau, from Siaten Island ,
Francis Gragg, Nathaniel Goodspeed, Jesse, Ziba, and Amos
Miller, Enos Canfield, Lodowyck Light, Lyon, and Ezra
Smith, from Westchester co., N. Y.
TOMPKIXS COUNTY
This county was formed from Cayuga and Seneca, April 17, 1817.
Three towns were annexed from Tioga, March 22, 1822, and a part
of Schuyler co. was taken off in 1854. It lies around the head of
Cayuga Lake, s. w. of the center of the State, is centrally distant
141 mi. from Albany, and contains 5< Hj sq. mi. Its surface consists
principally of an upland, broken by a series of ridges extending n.
and s. The watershed between Cayuga Lake and Tioughnioga
River occupies the e. border of the co., and that between the same
lake and Susquehanna River the s. border. The deep valley of
Cayuga Lake, 700 ft. below the summits of the ridges, separates
the .v. portions of the co. into two distinct parts. The E. portion,
declining toward the N., gradually loses its hilly character and
spreads out into the beautifully rolling lands so common in Central N. Y. West of the lake the
land does not lesson in height within the limits of the co. ; but the rough, broken hills change into
smooth ridges, with long, gradual slopes.
The deep valley of Cayuga Lake affords a fine opportunity to examine the geological structure
of this region. Upon the shore in the extreme x. part are found the Hamilton shales, the lowest
rock in the co. Next above them on the shore appear the Tully limestone, Genesee slate, and
Portage or Ithaca shales and sandstones.1 The summits of all the hills are formed of the rocks
belonging to the Chemung group, usually covered deep with drift deposits. The streams, in their
course from the table lands to the lake, have worn deep channels into the rocks, and waterfalls
which "nee were, probably, at the face of the bluffs, have receded one to two miles, forming below
deep, rocky chasms bordered by perpendicular walls. As the rocks are composed of strata of
different degrees of hardness, the water has worn them irregularly, — the soft and yielding shales
generally forming a declining surface, while the hard and compact limestone retains its perpen-
dicular forms.2
The streams are Salmon, Fall, Cascadilla, Six Mile, and Taughanick Creeks and Cayuga Inlet
and their branches, flowing into the lake, and several branches of Owego Creek and other small
streams, flowing s. The cascades upon these streams form one of the most peculiar and interesting
tores of the landscape.
soil in the n\ part is generally a gravelly or clayey loam, formed by the drift deposits; and
that in the s. is a gravelly or slaty loam, derived from disintegration. It is all best adapted to
grazing. In the N. part the people are generally engaged in grain raising, wheat forming the
Staple pp dnction. In the s. towns the principal branches of agriculture pursued are stock raising
and dairying. Considerable manufacturing is carried on at Ithaca and other places.
Tie ie located at the village of Ithaca. The courthouse is a brick edifice, built upon a
•:ir tie- center of the village.3 The jail, contiguous to the courthouse, is a well built
stone edifice, with ample accommodations for the health of the prisoners. The cells are clean and
well ventilated. Tie' oo. clerk's office is a fireproof building, Granting upon Tioga St. The poor-
house is situafe I ap n a farm of LOO acres in Ulysses, 6 mi. s. w*. of Ithaca. The average number
of inmate, j, 53, atel the revenue derived from the farm is about 81,500. No school is provided
for the children, and they are not admitted to the public schools. The house is in bad repair,
destitute of ventilati :.. atel entirely unfit for the residence of so many human beings.
The Cayuga A Susquehanna R. K. extends from Ithaca to Owego, connecting with the Erie
K. K. at tie- Latter | I I- ike i- navigable and connects with the Eric ( 'anal at Monte-
■ The Tullr limestone furnish
■ \. r the Innd I r .1
him i ig thai
Kimi . I been in operation boreal tie I rmer
.- ntH.iit 1O0 ti- tin I., tad •
ft
ST) Dick 1 'IN. below TrUTnAti'l.nri.-1
than a mil' from the lake, "In il
iir-t prodi II" and rapids, t oi I
I rni I. 'it :i -,i. ;.•!•■ fill- Thl«
higher ttrata being *■ much harder tlmn those below I
table i.<> formed "f these, while those below ar- nn ler>
About 1 mi. ». of th.-ne Wis U a cascade, where, from
tli" absei f :i resisting stratum at tin. surface, the rork has
worn down in a continuous slope. — 0 ■•!■ TV. /»'xt.. p. 378,
'• Tl". nrt of incorporation fixed the courthouse at Itlmra. tho
i ■■'•:iiit\ t.i be designated by the Surveyor General, or, if ho
neglected (■■ 'I" it. by the judges of the co. court. Onlesa a hjio
nveyed to the Supervisors and (7,000 secured to i»' paid,
the co. was to be reannexed to the cob. from whence it was
taken. Luther Gere, Wm. K. Collins, and Daniel Bates were
appolnti ! t.. luperiutend tl rectfon "f the <■<>. buildings, Tho
iir-t co. i fflcen were Oliver C. Oomstock, First Judge; Archer
■ .•'.•; Ihiiry Bloom, Sheriff; and Audrew D. W. Umyu,
Surrogate,
TOMPKINS COUNTY.
655
zuma. A daily line of steamers plies between Ithaca and Cayuga Bridge, on the N. Y. C. R. It.,
touching at all the landings on the lake. The railroad and canal and lake constitute one of the
principal routes for supplying the West with the anthracite coal of E. Penn.
Four weekly newspapers are now published in the co.1
The three s. towns of this co. were included in the Watkins and Flint's Purchase, and the re-
mainder in the Military Tract. A public road was built from Oxford, on Chenango River, directly
through to Ithaca, by Joseph Chaplin, in 1791-92-0.'!, and this became the great highway for immi-
gration in the s. part of the State for many years. As a consequence, the co. immediately bor-
dering upon the road was rapidly settled. The first immigrants were mostly from New England.
At the place where Ithaca now stands were found cleared fields which had previously b( en culti-
vated by the Indians ; and these lands were among the first occupied in the co. The nexl settle-
ments were made in Ulysses, on the w. bank of the lake, and along Chaplin's road in Dryden. The
opening of the rich lands of the Genesee country to settlers diverted immigration from this region,
and the co. for many years did not increase in population with the same rapidity as the regions
further w. The growth of the co., however, has been gradual and continuous; and now in every
element of real prosperity it is fully on an average with the other cos. in the State.
CAROLiIIVE — was formed from Spencer, (Tioga co.,) Feb. 22, 1811, and was transferred to this
co. March 22, 1822. A part was annexed to Danby in 1839. It is the s.e. corner town of the co.
Its surface is an upland, broken by a series of ridges extending n. w. and s.e. 500 to 700 ft. above
the valleys and 1,500 to 1,700 ft. above tide. The summits of the hills are usually rounded and
rolling and their declivities steep. The streams are Owego Creek, forming the e. boundary, and
Six Mile Creek and their branches. These streams flow in deep, narrow valleys bordered by steep
hillsides. The soil is generally a gravelly loam, and is well adapted to grazing. Caroline
Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches and 14 houses ; Motts Corners, (p. v.,) on Six Mile Creek,
in the n. w. corner of the town, 1 church, several manufacturing establishments,2 and 40 houses;
Speedsville, (p. v.,) upon Boyer Creek, in the s. e. corner, contains 3 churches and 30 houses ;
and Slaterville, (p. v.,) near the n. border, 1 church and 30 houses. Fugrsleys Depot
(p. o.) is a station on the C. & S. R. R. Caroline (p. o.) is a hamlet in the n. e. corner of the
town. Kiuvson Hollow, on the e. line, is a p. o. The first settlement was begun by Capt.
1 The Seneca Republican, the first paper published in the. co.,
was started at Ithaca, July 4, 1815, by Jonathan Inger-
soll. In 1816 it was changed to
The Ithaca Journal, and in 1S17 Mack & Shepherd became pro-
prietors. It was successively issued by Mack & Searing.
Ebenezer Mack, and Mack & Morgan, until 1824,
when Wm. Andrus became partner, and the paper was
Issued by Mack & Andrus. In 1827 the name was
changed to
Ithaca Journal, Literary Gazette, and General Advertiser, and
about a year afterward a portion of the title was
dropped, and it was issued as
Tlie Ithaca Journal and Advertiser. In Dec.
1833, Mack & Andrus sold to Nathan Randall; in 1837
Randall sold to Mattison & Barnaby; and in 1839 A.
E. Barnaby became, sole proprietor. In 1841 Barnaby
sold to Alfred Wells, and soon after Wells sold to J. H.
Selkreg, the present publisher.
The Republican Chronicle, was started at Ithaca in June, 1820,
by Spencer & Stockton. In 1823 David D. Spencer
became sole proprietor. In 1826 S. S. Chatterton
bought an interest, and in 1828 he became sole pro-
prietor, and soon after changed the name to
The Ithaca Republican. In 1831 or '32 ho again changed the
name to
The Tompkins American, and in 1834 the paper was discon-
tinued.
The Western Messenger was started at Ithaca in 1826 by A. P.
Stilling, and was continued about 2 years.
The Philanthropist, a Universalist paper, was started at Ithaca
in 1831 by O. A. Brownson, and was continued about
1 year.
The Ithaca Chronicle was started by D. D. & A. Spencer in Feb.
1828, and was continued by them until 1853, when
\nson Spencer became sole proprietor. In 1855 it was
changed to
The American Citizen, published by A. E. Barnaby &
Co. It is now published by Anson Spencer, who has
been one of the proprietors from the commencement
of the paper in 1828.
The Lake Light was started at Trumansburgh in 1827 by Wm.
W. l'helps, and was continued about 2 years.
The Trumansburgh Advertiser was published a short time in
1833 by D. Fairchild.
The Jeffersonian and Tompkins Times was started in 1S36 by
C. Bobbins. He soon after sold to G. G. Freer, who
changed the name to
Tlie Ithaca Herald. In 1837 Nathan Randall became proprietor,
and merged the paper in the Ithaca Journal and Ad-
vertiser.
Tlie Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor wm
started at Motts Corners in 1837, under the auspices of
the 7th Day Baptist denomination, and was continued
several years.
The Tompkins Volunteer was started at Ithaca by IT. C. Good-
win in 1840. He soou after sold to J. Hunt, jr. In
1S43 the title was changed to
The Tompkins Democrat, and after a short time the paper was
removed to Greene, Chenango co.
The Trumansburgh Gazette Was published a short time in 1843
by J. II. Hawes.
The Flag of the Union was started at Ithaca in 1848 by J. B.
Gosman. In 1850 it was merged in the Ithaca Journal
and Advertiser.
The Templar and Watchman was started at Ithaca iu 1S53 by
Orlando Lund. It afterward passed into tho hands of
Myron S. Barnes, and was continued a short time.
Rumsey's Companion was started at Dryden in 1856 by II. D.
Eumsey. It was soon after changed to
The Fireside Companion, and again in a few months to
The Dryden News. In 1857 it was sold to G. Z. House and
changed to
The Neiv York Confederacy, and was soon after discontinued.
In 1^58 it was resuscitated, ns
The Dryden News, by Asahel Clapp, by whom it is still
published.
The Tompkins County Democrat was started at
Ithaca in Oct. 1856, by Timothy Malouy, by whom it is
still published. '
2 Two flouring mills, two sawmills, a tannery, and woolen fac-
tory. One mile below the village is the extensive gun barrel
manufactory of J. & li. Losey, and, with one exception, the only
one in the State. This establishment was started SO yean ago,
by Abiel Losey, father of the present proprietors, at Otsego;
thence it was removed to Fall Creek, near Ithaca; thence to
Owego; and thence to its present location.
656 TOMPKINS COUNTY.
David Rich, who came from Yt. in 1795 and located near Willow Bridge; Widow Earsley, with
four sons and four daughters, from N. J., came in the nest year ; and for several years these were
the only families in town.1 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed at an early period; the
first pastor was Rev. Garritt Mandeville. The census reports 10 churches in town.2
D.iXBY- was formed from Spencer, (Tioga eo.,) Feb. 22, 1811, and was transferred to this
co. March 22. 1822. Part of Caroline was annexed April 29, 1839, and apart was annexed to
Dryden in 1856. It lies near the center of the s. border of the co. Its surface is broken by ranges
of hills extending n. and s. 300 to 400 ft. above the valleys. Their summits are rounded and their
declivities generally steep. The valleys are mere ravines. The principal streams are Cayuga
Inlet, flowing «., and numerous small streams, the latter being tributaries either to this or to
Owego Creek. The soil is a mixed gravelly and shaly loam, with occasional patches of clay, and
is well adapted to grazing. Danby, (p. v.,) in the n. part, contains 3 churches and 50 houses ;
Beers Settlement, (South Danby p. o.,) near the center, about a dozen houses. "West
Danby is a p. o., near the w. border. The first settlers were Jacob Yaple, Dr. Lewis Beers,
Jabez Beers, and Joseph Judson, who located at Beers Settlement in 1797.3 The first church
(Cong.) was formed in 1807 ; Rev. Daniel Loring was the first pastor. There are 8 churches in
town.4
DRYDEX5 — was formed from Ulysses, Feb. 22, 1803. A part of Danby was annexed in 1856.
It is a large town, occupying the central portion of the e. border of the co. The surface of the N.
half is rolling or moderately hilly, and that of the s. half hilly and broken. The e. border forms
the watershed between Tioughnioga River and Cayuga Lake. The highest ridge, in the s. e. part,
i- L,700 to 1,800 ft. above tide. The principal stream is Fall Creek, flowing s. w. through near the
center of the town, on its course affording several millsites. Several small streams, tributaries
to Owego Creek, take their rise in the s. part. Dryden Lake is a small sheet of water 1 mi.
long and about £ mi. wide, lying in an elevated valley near the e. border and 1,500 ft. above
tide. A mineral spring, strongly impregnated with sulphur, magnesia, and iron, is situated one
mi. w. of Dryden Yillage, and has a local notoriety for medicinal virtues. In the s. e. part are two
swamps, each covering an area of several hundred acres. Dryden, (p. v.,) on the s. branch of
Fall Creek, in the e. part of the town, is a flourishing inland village. It contains 2 churches, a
large gristmill, and several manufacturing establishments. Pop. 522. Etna, (p. v.,) on Fall
Creek, near the center, contains 2 churches, a grist and saw mill, an iron foundery, and machine
shop. Pop. 230. "West Dryden, (p. v.,) in the ft. w. part, contains 93 inhabitants ; Varna,
(p. v..) on Fall Creek, near the w. border, 170 inhabitants ; Malloryville, Freeville, and
California arc hamlets. The first settlement was commenced in 1797, by Amos Sweet, on the
present site of Dryden Yillage.6 Joseph Chaplin built a road from Oxford, Chenango co., to Ithaca,
passing through this town, in 1792-93-94. There are 9 churches in town.7
r\FFCf^W — was formed from Ulysses, March 16, 1821. It lies upon the center of the w.
border of the co. Its surface is rolling, and it has a mean elevation of 500 to 700 ft. above Cayuga
Lake. The principal streams are Ten Mile Creek and the s. branch of Taughanick Creek. Upon
the former, in the a. e. tract of the town, is one of the finest of the beautiful cascades so common
in this eo. It i- in a deop gorge, and has a total fall of 230 ft. The soil is principally a gravelly
l>am. I]n(i<"I<l Center (p. v.) contains 2 churches and about 40 dwellings; Enfield (p. v.)
25 dwellings'. Enfield Fall! is a hamlet. Among the first settlers were Geltner, John
Whitlock, Jas. Kum-'v. Lewi* Own, and Isaac and John Beech.9 There are 5 churches in town.10
' Amonz Hi" Other onrly wttlrr* were Tl nd Pnm'l FJ-enezer Ohauson, who located nt Willow Grovo in 1708. A
Tat'-, tr. ra M li lltl Rush, and Mart- single yoke Of OXen, at One load, brought the8B three families,
ni ••■ from Ulster co. In 1788 : I formerly of i insisting "114 persons, and all their household goods, from the
BUterruie, (lurl. - and John W first settler Chenango Hi vr. ('apt. <;.-o. liobertson (sometimes railed the
"father of the town"; rami- iti the same year, and settled on Lot
■ ■■■. Among the other early settlers were Lyman 1 1 u ni. from \ t.,
nr. Sheldon, Dr. Wolf, [rona I'eat. Wm. Daley, Joel Ball, and
aiMottst irn Bishop, all from Ulster, and John
RonnceYflle. from Mi--. In 1801. To* first chfl Oar
•.ill". The first school was botch) by John Robinson.
I I I'.n-l. kept the fir<t inn. Isaac Mill-r the first Store, and Jas. Wood. The first child horn was Hubert Hubert -.on: an I the
Geo. Cantine bnlH the first gristmill, In li fir-t death was that of the mother of Amos Sweet. Daniel
I I M. I.. Prot V... ' , Dip., lot. Prot. I'.. F. W. Pp.. anil l.a ev tau-ht tin- first srhool. in LS04. Amos Lewis kept the
I'niv.
J The fir • ■ Danby were Wm Hogg and Moses
Park.-r. Tie- tir-t death was an iiifmt son of Ia-wh i: irdsley.
Joseph Jn I the first school, Dr. Been kept the first
inn and store, and Peter Yaple bnOt th<- first fri«tmill.
* rt M )',.. i Bap* Dong* Prof. F... and S» n.
4 N-imM in honor "f John Dryden, the English
•The next settlers were Ezvkb-t Bandfbrd, Divid Fort, and
first inn. Joel Mull the fi i--t store, and Col. Hopkins, from Homer,
bnill the first mill, in 1800.
I 6 M. i;.. 2 Preeb., 2 Hap., and R.C.
f Named from F.nfi.M. <t.
"John applegate k'-pt tin- first inn, Samuel Ingersoll the first
mi wm, tenia trail! the first mill.
" 9 M. E., Christian, Dap., and Presb.
TOMPKINS COUNTY.
651
GROTOUP — was formed from Locke, (Cayuga co.,) as "Division," April 7, 1817, and its name
was changed March 13, 1818. It is the n. e. corner town in the co. Its surface is rolling or
moderately hilly. From the valleys the land rises by long and gradual slopes to a height of 100
to 300 ft. The highest point in town is about 1,500 ft. above tide. The principal streams are
Owasco Inlet and Fall Creek. Bear Swamp, in the e. part, contains an area of several hundred
acres. The soil is a fine quality of gravelly loam, underlaid by slate. Groton, (p. v.,) on Owasco
Inlet, near the center of the town, contains 3 churches, the Groton Academy, and several manu-
facturing establishments.2 Pop. 587. McLean, (p. v.,) on Fall Creek, in the s. E., contains 5
churches, several factories,3 and 40 houses. Peruville, (p. v.,) near the s. border, contains 2
churches, a saw and grist mill, pail factory, and 30 houses. Groton City, (p. v.,) in the x. e.
corner, and West Groton, (p. v.,) in the n. w., contain about 11 houses each. Bcnsons
Corners is a hamlet, in the s. w. corner. Among the first settlers were Saml. Hogg, at West
Groton ; Ichabod Bowen, John Guthrie, and Perrin, at Groton ; and J. "Williams, J. Iloughtal-
ing, and W. S. Clark, at East Groton. The census reports 11 churches.4
ITHACA5 — was formed from Ulysses, March 16, 1821. It is the central town in the co., lying
at the head of Cayuga Lake. A tract of land 2 mi. long and LV broad, low and nearly level,
extends s. from the lake shore ; and from this the valley of Cayuga Inlet opens to the s. w. and
that of Six Mile Creek to the s. e. Ridges 400 to 700 ft. high, with steep declivities, separate
these valleys and surround the low land and the head of the lake. From the summits the surface
spreads out into a rolling upland. A marsh $ mi. wide borders immediately on the lake. The
streams are Fall, Cascadilla, Six Mile, Buttermilk, and Ten Mile Creeks, and Cayuga Inlet. In
their course from the uplands each of these streams plunges down the wall-like precipices which
surround the lake, forming series of cascades which for beauty and variety are scarcely equaled
elsewhere.6 The soil is a fertile, gravelly loam upon the uplands, and a deep, rich alluvium in the
valleys. Ithaca., (p. v.,) 1J mi. s. of the head of Cayuga Lake, is the co. seat, and the com-
mercial center of the co. It is beautifully situated upon a fine alluvial plain, bordered on 3 sides
by lofty hills, and on the fourth by the lake, with which it is connected by a navigable inlet. It con-
tains the Ithaca Academy,7 9 churches,8 2 banks, 4 printing offices, and a large number of manu-
facturing establishments.9 The commercial interests of the place are extensive and important. A
daily line of steamboats on the lake running between this place and Cayuga Bridge, in connection
with the C. & S. R. R., serves to connect the Erie R. R. on the s. with the N. Y. Central on the n.w
The lake is also a link in the great chain of the internal water navigation of the State, and upon
it a large amount of canal commerce, centering at Ithaca, is carried on. The transhipment of
Scranton and Lackawanna coal brought by the C. & S. R. R. forms an important and constantly
growing branch of business. A large proportion of the anthracite coal for the Northern and Western
markets is supplied through this avenue.11 The public schools of the village are graded, and are
in a flourishing condition. The annual attendance is about 1,200.12 The village was incorp. April
2, 1821. Pop. 4,908. The first settlement of the town was made by Jacob Yaple, Isaac
1 Named from Groton, Ct.
2 Three carriage Bhops, a foundery, machine shop, and thrash-
ing machine factory.
8 Thrashing machine factory, pail factory, two furnaces, flour-
ing mills, anil 2 sawmills.
* 2 Bap., 3 M. E., 3 Cong., Wes. Meth., Prot. E.. and Univ.
6 Name applied by Simeon De Witt, and borrowed from one
of the Ionian Isles, the home of Ulysses. It was originally
called "The Flats," and its name was brought into use by being
placed upon a tavern sign. — King's Early Hist, of Ithaca. Mr.
De Witt, who for more than 50 years held the office of Surveyor
General, became the owner of the site of Ithaca and the sur-
rounding country about the time, or soon after, the first settle-
ment. He died at this place Dec. 3, 1S34; his remains have
since been removed to the Albany Rural Cemetery.
6 Upon Fall Creek, within the space of 1 mi., are 5 falls, vary-
ing in height from 44 to 125 ft. The deep gorge through which
the stream flows is bordered by perpendicular cliffs. A tunnel
200 ft. long, 10 to 12 ft. wide, and 13 ft. high was excavated
through the rock for hydraulic purposes in 1831-32, by J. S.
Beebe. Upon Cascadilla, Six Mile, and Buttermilk Creeks are
also successions of fine cascades, within the limits of the town.
At Buttermilk Falls the water rushes down at an angle of about
45 degrees, in a sheet of perfectly white foam, the appearance
of the water furnishing a name to both the cascades and the
stream.
1 In 1822 the Genesee Conference of the M. E. Church applied
for the incorporation of a college, to be located at Ithaca, and
considerable sums were pledged for this object ; but the project
failed of accomplishment.
8 2 M. E., Bap., Presb., Cong., Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D., Af.
Meth., and R. C.
9 The manufactories are as follows: — 3 flouring mills, 3 paper
mills, 5 plaster mills, 1 oil mill, 1 oilcloth factory, 1 brewery,
1 lead pipe factory, 1 rake factory, 4 carriage shops, 2 tanneries,
2 sewing silk factories, 3 furnaces and machine shops. 2 saw-
mills, 1 manufactory of collars, bosoms, and neckties, and 8 boat-
yards; 25 to 30 boats are annually built, at an aggregate cost of
$50,000 to $60,000. The silk manufactories employ 160 persons,
and produce 600 lbs. of sewing silk per week.
10 The Ithaca & Owego R. R. — the second R. R. chartered in the
State — was incorp. in 1828, and opened in the spring of 1834. It
was 29 mi. long, and had 2 inclined planes ascending from 1 thaca.
The first was 1.73o| ft. long, with 4U5 ft. rise, and the second
2.225 ft. long, with a rise of "l ft. in 21. The total elevation in 8
mi. was 602 ft.. — which was 602 ft. above its s. terminus at 1 thaca.
A stationary steam engine was used on the first plane, ami horses
on the other parts of the road. In the first 6 mos. it trans-
ported 12,000 tons of freight and 3,300 passengers. The State
having a lien upon the road, the Comptroller sold it at auction
on the 20th of May. 1842. for $4,500, to Archibald Mclntyre and
others. For $13,500 it was put in operation, under the name of
the Cayuga & Susquehanna li. R. The inclined plane was sub
scquently changed to a circuitous grade road, and horses were
superseded by locomotives. This road is now leased to the Dela-
ware. Lackawanna & Western R. R., and it is extensively used
for the transportation of coal.
11 During the past few years the coal trade has averaged
90.000 tons per annum. This trade will probablj largely increase
with the increased facilities for moving the coal forward.
12 A Lancasterian school was early established here, and vat
continued to within a few years, when it was superseded by lh»
present system of public schools.
42
658
TOMPKINS COUNTY.
Dumond, and Peter Ilinepaw, who located on the present site of Ithaca Village in 1789. The
land that they occupied had previously been partially cultivated by the Indians.1 The first
church (Presb.) was organized in 1804-05, with seven members.
L..1ASIXG — was formed from Genoa, (Cayuga co.,) April 7, 1817. It lies upon the e. bank
of Cayuga Lake, in the tr. part of the co. The surface is principally a rolling upland, 500 ft. above
the lake, bordered by steep declivities. Salmon Creek, the principal stream, flows s. through near
the center of the town. Its valley is narrow and bordered by steep hillsides. Swartz, Townly,
and Hedden Creeks are its principal tributaries. The soil is generally a fertile, gravelly loam.
LitidlowYille, (p. v.,) on Salmon Creek, about 1 mi. from its mouth, contains 3 churches,
several factories,2 and about 50 dwellings. Lansiiijrville, (p. v.,) on the ridge w. of Salmon
Creek, in the x. part of the town, contains 1 church and 25 dwellings. IVortll Lansing, (p. o.,)
in the x. e. corner, Lake Ridge, (p. o.,) on the bluff above the lake, in the n. w. corner, and
Liberty V Die (South Lansing p. o.) are hamlets of about a dozen houses each. East Lan-
sing and Forest City are p. offices. Forest City Water Cure is finely situated on the bluff
overlooking the lake, in the s. part of the town. The first settlement was begun in 1792, by emi-
grants from N. J.3 Tho census reports 7 churches in town.*
XEWFIELD— was formed from Spencer, (Tioga co.,) as "Caijuta," Feb. 22, 1811. Its name
was changed March 20, 1822, and a part was annexed to Catharines (Schuyler co.) in 1853. It is
the s. vr. corner town in the co. The surface is high and hilly, the ridges being 400 to 600 ft.
above the valleys and 1,500 to 1,700 ft. above tide. The streams are Cayuga Inlet and Ten Mile
Creek and their branches. The valleys of these streams are usually narrow and bordered by
steep hillsides. A portion of the w. part of the town is yet uncultivated. The soil is a shaly and
clayey loam, best adapted to grazing. IVetvfield, (p. v.,) in the N. E. part of the town, contains
3 churches, 2 flouring mills, 2 carriage shops, a woolen factory, an oilcloth factory, and about 80
dwellings. Trumbulls Corners, (p. v.,) on the n. border, contains 1 church and 20 dwellings.
Poney Hollow (p. o.) is a hamlet in the s. w. part. The first settler was Thomas, who
located at Poney Hollow.5 The census reports 3 churches in town.6
CLTSSES — was formed March 5, 1799. Dryden was taken off in 1803, and Ithaca and
Enfield in 1821. It lies upon the w. bank of Cayuga Lake, on the n. border of the co. A range
of bluffs 600 ft. high, with steep declivities, borders upon the lake ; and from their summits the
surface spreads out in an undulating upland. The only considerable stream is Taughanick
(Ti-kaw-nik) Creek, which crosses the town from the w. In its descent from the plateau to the
lake this stream forms a series of cascades, the principal of which is known as Taughanick Falls.
These falls have receded about 1 mi. from the shore of the lake, and have worn a deep gorge in
the yielding shales, with banks 380 ft. high. The stream now falls, in an unbroken sheet, over a
limestone terrace 210 ft. in height. About 1 mi. farther up the gorge is another fall, of 80 ft. The
soil is a fine quality of gravelly loam. Trumansburgb,7 (p. v.,) near the n. border of the
town, is the second village in the co. in amount of business and population. It contains 4 churches,
the Trnmanstrargh Academy, and several manufacturing establishments.8 Pop. 1,052. Jack-
sonville, (p. v..) near the center of the town, contains 1 church and 50 houses. Water-
bursrll, no:iT the W. border, contains 1 church, mills, and 40 dwellings. Halseyville9 is a
hamlet The first settlements were commenced by Samuel Weyburn, at the mouth of Taughanick
Crefk, and by Ahm-r and Philip Tremaine, on the site of Trumanslmrgh, in 1792. 10 The first church
(Preeb.) was formed by Jedediab Chapman, in 1803. There are now 6 churches in town.11
I Among the cH millea named McD
Davenport, Bloom, K orad, Markle, 8
and Brii k. The fir«t child l-^rn wn« a ■] to. •!,•■ r •■( John Dtunond,
1789. lb l that of Rachel Alleo, in 1790.
,\ man named J much! n \«at load of I- np t li>-
lake in 1792, and be oontinn i i kind of Itinerating trade tor
David Q . i th« first regular ttore;
Fl-irt-'li'rn kepi the fir«t Inn ; ami Jacob Yapb- built lli
mill, in 1790. 1'r. rriabee w.n the first phjaid m.nnd Bowe
th<> fir-t teacher. Th« first families WW* n month in getting
f Ulster CO.) to Owpgo, and 19 days from thence
•inatiin.
' (Jri-t nn'l nw mill* nnd an .ix helve fcctOTY.
* Am -n; the I r« were V i. Silas I.odlnw,
Abram Bloom, .till Buniliea named jr. Minier,
Allen. At water, and Kowker. who -am» in 1791 i E imTOlb
Holme*, in 17r'2; an I Abram \ I Th"
first marriage wai thit of Henry Bloom and M - 0 ••Iwin: and
the flr-t death, that of the «rtft of Henry Bloom, in 17^s. Wm.
Boyse kept the first inn, at UbartTvflle. Th" flr«t nieiit of his
stay in the houso a rattlesnake crept into the bed and slept with
hin children. Tooker kept tho first store; Silas Ludlow,
of Lndknrville, bnflt the first mill, in 1798.
«4 M. I!., 2 Bap, and Presb.
6 Among the early settlers wero S. Chambers. Elijah Moore,
Carter, and Dan'l B. Swartwood. Jeremiah Hall kept the
first inn, George Dudley the first store; and John Greene built
the first mill.
« Bap.. M. V... and Presb.
7 Name derived and corrupted from Tremaine, the first family
Of "tilers.
8 .'1 flourine mills and 2 furnaces and machine shops.
• Named from Nicoll Balsey, the first settler.
10 John M.l.allen. a young man, accompanied tho Tremainos
in the capacity of teamster. Tbo first child born was Calvin
Tretn line, iii 1794: and tin- first marriage, that of John McLallen
and Mary King. Dec. 12, 1799. John UcLallen kept Hie first inn,
Benahaw the first store; Abner Tremaine built the first
mill; and Btephen Woodworth taught the first school, all at
Trumansburgh. U 3 M. K., Bap., Presb., and R. C.
TOMPKINS COUNTY.
659
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Tompkins County.
Names of Towns.
Caroline...
Danby
Dryden ....
Enfield
Groton
Ithaca
Lansing...
Newfield ..
Ulysses....
Total.
Acres of Land.
20,120*.
21,993*.
39,814*
17,611*
23,581*
15,395
29,363
20,984*
16,752
205,616f
1
12,004
11,445
19,021*
5,257
7,981
3,828*
7,912
14,040*
3,474*
84,963*
Valuation of 1858.
W
$356,246
393,929
958,614
802,587
612,615
1,341,890
918,755
419,731
611,250
5,915,617
a, a,
$23,761
32,850
132,650
16,000
186,950
841,708
136,275
23,000
174,025
1,566,219
$380,007
426,779
1,091,264
318,587
799,565
2,183,598
1,054,030
442,731
785,275
7,481,836
Population.
a
3
1,250
1,182
2,497
942
1,721
3,485
1,636
1,440
1,566
15,719
■
1,216
1,149
2,506
970
1,683
3,668
1,620
1,360
1,625
15,797
6,051
I
490
488
1,035
392
733
1,322
643
671
626
6,306
i
I
456
424
918
881
486
812
414
482
442
4,765
Schools.
2
10
16
29
18
20
10
20
22
14
165
13 =>
si
1.066
880
1.790
720
1,215
2,477
1,340
1,239
1,187
11,913
Names of Towns.
Caroline...
Danby
Dryden ....
Enfield....,
Groton
Ithaca
Lansing...
Newfield..
Ulysses....
Total.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products.
[Si ,8
POO
1,765
3
3
I
6,858
§5
,e
E
Si
Bush, of Gkain.
B
m
1
Bushels of
Potatoes.
*
•2 «
if
«^
33,834
Dairy Products.
a
g
Pounds
of
Butter.
Pounds
of
Cheese.
734
1,676
1,465
2,332*
135,231*
3,702*
9,6294
191,160
6.343
954
1,946
1,342
7,051
1,467
7,838*
148,763
3,453
17.791
49,142
130,978
4,019
1,870
3,120
3,316
12,327
2,638
11.629*
263,S05i
7,4564
19,567
85,870
390,214
10,094
857
1,515
968
5,214
1,435
10,278
141,325
2,3804
13,032
31,721
107,925
495
1,152
1,733
2,560
5,246
1,905
2,319
159,884
4,7144
16,343
86,169
326,616
36,001
919
1,234
871
4,494
1,111
19,310i
85,690*.
1,9734
8,4204
23,531
79,625
180
1,270
1,706
1,617
9,340
1,847
13,675
208,0434
3,0634
7,923
48,677
168,125
1,386
962
2,024
1,258
5,373
1,367
13,4284
119,267
3,022
13,614
29,758
145,145
1,300
725
1,232
16,275
964
5,133
1,123
21,105
102,1774
2,0774
4,786
29,005
417,757
106,159
1,310
9,443
14,572
61,036
14,358
101,916J
1,364,187*
31,843*
111,106
1,645,947
60,128
II
<n&
3,3814
1,547
4,0374
1,758
1,747
200
731
1,407
14,847
ULSTER COUNTY.
This county -was formed Not. 1, 1683, 1 and included the country
between the Hudson and the Delaware, bounded n. and s. by due
E. and w. lines passing through the mouths of Sawyers and Mur-
derers Creeks. A part of Delaware was taken off in 1797, a part
of Greene in 1800, and Sullivan in 1809. A portion was annexed
to Orange in 1798, and the town of Catskill was annexed from
Albany co. the same year. It lies on the w. bank of the Hudson,
centrally distant 68 mi. from Albany, and contains 1,204 sq. mi.
Its surface is mostly a hilly and mountainous upland. The Cats-
kill Mts. occupy the n. w. part ; and the Shawangunk Mts. extend
K. e. from the s. w. corner nearly through the co. The mountain
region consists of irregular ridges and isolated peaks with rocky
sides and summits too steep and rough for cultivation. The summits are 1,500 to 2,000 ft. above
the Hudson. The remaining parts of the co. are generally broken and hilly. Esopus Creek flows
in a tortuous course through the x. part and discharges its waters into the Hudson. It receives
Platte Kil from the w. Rondout Creek enters the s. w. corner of the co. and flows n. e. along the w.
declivity of the Shawangunk Mts. and enters the Hudson at Rondout. It receives as tributaries
Sandburgh Creek in the s. w. part of the co., and Wall Kil near its mouth. The latter stream flows
along the e. foot of the Shawangunk Mts. The remaining streams are small brooks and creeks.
The rocks of the co. are composed of the Portage and Chemung shales, in the e. part, and the
Shawangunk grit or Oneida conglomerate, in the w. part. Drift deposits are found in nearly every
part. Lead ore is found to some extent among the ShaAvangunk Mts.2
At an early period the Esopus grit was largely quarried and manufactured into millstones.3
"Water-limestone of an excellent quality is found and largely quarried.4 The Ulster co. Cement
has an excellent reputation throughout the United States, and is used in immense quantities on
fortifications and other Government works requiring solidity. It was used on Croton, Brooklyn,
Cochituate, Albany, Washington, and other water-works. It finds a ready market in every port
on the seaboard from New Brunswick to Texas. It has been exported to California and South
America, and is largely used in and around New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, upon public
and private buildings. The cement rocks are quarried usually on the hillsides, and these openings
often extend in galleries under the overlying rock. The rock outcrops in a belt running n. e. and
8. w., first appearing on the Hudson a few miles n. of Kingston Point, and extending 20 to 25 mi.
to the town of Rochester, but is lost from view at the surface in several places between these
points. In the section occupied by the Portage group of rocks are found extensive outcrops of
thin bedded BandBtone, yielding a fine quality of flagging, which is largely quarried and exported.5
The soil is generally a good quality of sandy and gravelly loam, in some places intermixed with
clay. Most "f the valleys are covered with a deep, rich alluvium. .
M -t "f the land is best adapted to grazing. Dairying is extensively pursued, and spring grain
1 In its charter it i- r.ntain tli- towni "f Kingston.
Hurley, iwi'l MarMctown. Foxball, and the New Palls, and nil
Tiii.it 1*, and Christian habitations on thew. aide
of the If ti'l— -ti'f Kiv. r.fi'.m til- Mnrd IT the lli h-
1 nut-, to the Bawyen Creek." It was ■ imi I n ■ in the trtah title
oftheDnkeof York. The boundary were
not fully settled at the Ran Intt o. An > I wai paaacd in 177).
I. ut n..tliin_* -una dOM nril-r it toward a settlement, ami it wan
lad in 1788. An art waa also passed in 1774 t" run and
m irk tli- I" undary of tlii« BDd i Tin^' counties from E. of the
Bbswaagonk Mt». to the M • ■••■
* A nun- w.i.i open.*! n-ar Klh nville m r<* than 4" years ago.
It waa never wonted t" jr Bt tad is now abandoned. The
,t .-nlliv.m oa line, waa opened in 1837. It in
600 or ibov e til- vall-y. XM e ■■ - mines Id
associated with blende, iron and . and
quarts. There are indication* and ragna tradition*: th.t
miti'- Wl n worked at a much earlier period and yielded profits
: jut 1 1 i ■ • n .
• In Smith's History, written in IT"! thi« CO, i» said to be
! kw fin- floor, beer, and a good breed of draft horse*. The
millstone<i — then >|narried about 11 mi. fr.>m the ri»-r — had ac-
quired celebrity, ami wire said to far exceed tbofo from Oolen,
in Europe, formerly imported at £90 tho pair, while Esopus
660
stones did not cost a fourth part of that sum. Small millstones
for family line are still made for the Southern market; but the
bnsineea has lost much of its former importance Afinerquality
of tin -e L-rit-i. when calcined and crushed, furnishes the silex
Deed in the glass manufacture at Kllenville.
♦ Water-limestone was accidentally discovered on tho line of
tli- Brie Canal, by Canvass White, an cngiueer, in 1818. In 1820
K- obtained a patent, and subsequently obtainod judgment
:i_- mist one or more of the contractors for using it. The first
waterlime or cement made in Ulster co. was about the time the
Delaware & Hudson Canal was commenced. Its manufacture has
DOW become a leading and profitable pursuit, employing about
*1.<hmV>Oii of capital and 1 .000 nun. In March, 1859, there were
■ iblishmcnts in the co., owned by individuals and com-
panies.
6 The stone is of a bluish gray color and slaty texture, and
maybe split into slabs of almost any manageable size and from
1 to 4 inches in thickness. Tho rock is traversed by Joints or
seams, that divide very smoothly and greatly facilitate the lalxjr
of quarrying. It is brought down to the river and shipped in
Immense quantities at every landing in the co. and transported
v York and other places along the coast. The business
employs a large number of hands.
ULSTER COUNTY.
G61
is raised to some extent. Fruit growing is becoming an important branch of business. Manu-
factures of sole leather and lumber, are located in the western towns,1 and water-lime in the eastern.
The commerce, carried on by means of the river and canal, is large, and is constantly increasing.
The co. seat is located at Kingston.2 The courthouse is a fine stone edifice, situated upon Wall
St.3 The jail is a stone building in rear of the courthouse. It is well arranged and furnished and
is kept in good order.* The clerk's office is in a fireproof one story building on the corner of
Fair and Main Sts.5 The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 140 acres, on the s. line of New
Paltz, 16 mi. s. w. of Kingston. It is poorly constructed, not ventilated at all, and is entirely unfit
for the purposes for which it is usod. The average number of inmates is 175, supported at a weekly
cost of $1.25 each. A school is taught 6 months in the year.8 The farm yields a revenue of $500.
The Delaware & Hudson Canal is the only important work of internal improvement in the co.
It extends from Rondout, on the Hudson, up Rondout and Sandburgh Creeks, through Kingston,
Rosendale, Marbletown, Rochester, and Wawarsing. It opens a direct communication between tlie
coal mines of Penn. and the Hudson. The Delaware & Hudson Canal Co. was incorp. April 23,
1823, and the canal was finished in 1828. 7
One daily and 7 weekly newspapers are now published in the co.8
The Dutch established a trading post upon the present site of Rondout in 1614, and probably a
few Dutch families settled in the immediate vicinity soon after. This early settlement was broken
up by Indian hostilities, and a new one was commenced between 1G30 and '40. This was again
attacked by the Indians, and in 1655 was abandoned. Before 1660, settlers had again located at
Kingston and vicinity. In 1660 a treaty had been concluded with the Indians ; and the people were
so unsuspicious of danger that they left open the gates to their fort both day and night. In June,
1663, the Indians came into the fort at Wiltwyck in great numbers, apparently to trade, while the
greater part of the people were engaged in their usual avocations out of doors. At a given signal
the Indians commenced the work of destruction. Recovering from their first panic, the whites
rallied, under the leadership of Thomas Chambers, and finally drove the Indians out of the fort;
18 whites were killed, and 42 were carried away prisoners. The out settlements were all destroyed.
A destructive war ensued, in which the Ulster Indians were nearly exterminated. During this war
the valley of the Wall Kil was discovered, and soon after the peace of 1663 it was occupied by a
colony of French Huguenots.9 The settlements gradually extended along the valleys of Esopus,
1 The principal tanneries are in Shandaken, Olive, Woodstock,
Denning, Hardenburgh, and Wawarsing.
s A courthouse and jail were built soon after the incorp. of the
co.. and an appropriation was made for their repair July 21, 1715.
These buildings proving inadequate, an act of General Assembly,
passed Oct. 14, 1732, allowed the old buildings and lot to be sold
and new buildings to be erected. Repairs were authorized in
1745, 1750, 1765, and 1773; and in 1775 a further sum was
granted to complete them. The courthouse and jail were
burned by the British Oct. 16,1777, and a lottery was granted 6
months after to raise £2,000 to rebuild them. By act of March
19, 1778, the sheriff's mileage was directed to be computed from
the house of Mrs. Ann Dubois, an innkeeper in New Paltz.
8 The first county officers under State government were Levi
Pauling, First Judge; Egbert Dumond, Sheriff; and Joseph
Gasherie, Surrogate.
* The Senate Committee in 1857 report this jail as one of tho
best in the State ; but, as 15 or 20 prisoners escaped in the winter
of 1858 and '59 the correctness of the committee's conclusions
may well be questioned.
6 Dutchess and Ulster cos. were incorp. at the same time, and
were united for about 30 years. The records of Dutchess co. for
that period are found in the Ulster co. clerk's office.
6 The Senate Committee of 1857 report that they found 12 cells
for lunatics in an old, dilapidated building so open that it was
scarcely possible to keep the inmates from perishing.
' See page 63. The Canal Company owns a R. R. over the
mountain from Honesdale to Carbondale, Penn., and the coal
mines at the latter place. It formerly owned most of the boats
on the canal, and leased them to boatmen. About 1850 the
Penn. Coal Company made an arrangement, by which upon
payment of toll they were allowed to transport coal in their
own boats from Hawley to Port Ewen.
* The New York Journal ami Advertiser — published by John
Holt, and which was removed from New York to Pough-
keepsie in 1776 in consequence of British occupation —
was published at Kingston from July to Oct. 1777.
The Farmers' Register was commenced at Kingston in 1792 by
Nicholas Power and Wm. Copp.
The Rising Sun was commenced at Kingston in 1793 by Wm.
Copp and Sam'l S. Freer.
The Ulster Gazette was commenced at Kingston in 1798 by Sam'l
S. and A. Freer.
The Plebeian was commenced at Kingston in Nov. 1805, by
Jesse Buell, who continued as editor until 1813. In 1827
its name was changed to
The Plebeian a7>d Ulster Co. Advertiser.
The Ulster Sentinel was published at Kingston about 1826-28
by Charles G. De Witt.
The Ulster Republican was commenced at Kingston
in 1828 by S. Curtiss, jr. It is now published by Hom-
niell & Lounsbery.
The Ulster Palladium was commenced at Saugertiee in 182S by
P. J. Fish and C. Frary. Its uanie was subsequently
changed to
The Ulster Palladium and ^fanufacturers' Journal.
The National Pioneer was published at Milton in 1830 by Dan't
S.Tuthill.
The Ulster Star was commenced at Saugertios in Jan. 1833, by
Wm. Cully.
The Ulster County Whig was commenced at Kingston in 1835
by Wallace & Brown.
The Kingston Democratic Journal was com-
menced in 1837 by Wm. H Romeyn. its present publisher.
The Political Reformer was commenced at Kingston in 1840 by
II. M. Romeyn.
The Ulster Huguenot was commenced at Kingston in 1S43 by
J. Cully and T. F. Baldwin.
The Hickory Democrat was issued at Kingston, as a campaign
paper, in 1844.
The Ulster Democrat was commenced at Kingston in
1846 by A. A. Bensall. It is now published by S. K.
Harlow.
The Kingston Daily Chronicle is issued from the
same office.
The Ulster Telegraph was commenced at Saugerties in 1846 by
Solomon S. Hommell. Its name was subsequently
changed to
The Saugerties Telegraph, and it is now published
by R. B. Taylor.
The Rondout Freeman was published in 1845.
The Rondout Courier was commenced in 1847. It is
now published by J. P. Hageman.
The Ellenville Journal was commenced in 1847. It
is now published by S. Maxwell Taylor.
The People's Press is published at Kingston by Daniel
Bradbury.
9 After the peace of 1660 the Director General of New Nether-
lands shipped 11 Indians prisoners to Curacoa to be sold as
slaves. This outrage led to the attack made in 1663, and the
bloody war that followed. Nine days after the retreat of the
Indians from the attack upon Wiltwyck, in June, 1663, a rein
662
ULSTER COUNTY.
Rondout, and "Wall Kil Creeks and their tributaries. Besides the manorial grant of Fox Hall,1 the
English made township grants of Kingston, New Paltz, Marbletown, Rochester, Hurley, Shawan-
gunk, and Marlborough. During the Revolution the frontier settlements were exposed to Indian
hostilities, and before the close of the war were all destroyed or abandoned. The river towns were
taken by the British in 1777, and most of them were pillaged and burned. The Provincial Cot*-
gress and State Legislature held several sessions at Kingston during the war and soon after. The
people were nearly all ardent patriots ; and there were probably fewer tories in this co. than in any
other section of the State. Since the Revolution the co. has steadily progressed in wealth and
population. The completion of the Delaware & Hudson Canal was a marked era in the history
of the industry of the co. ; and the commencement of the cement manufacture and stone quarrying
have greatly added to its permanent prosperity.
DE3f\I!VG: — was formed from Shandaken, March 6, 1849. A part of Hardenburgh was
taken off in 1S59. It lies in the n. w. part of the co., upon the border of Sullivan. Its surface is
a broken and mountainous upland. A spur of the Catskill Mts. extends through the town, with a
mean elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 ft. Its streams are head branches of Rondout Creek and Never-
sink River. The valleys are narrow ravines bordered by steep and rocky hillsides. The soil upon
the uplands is a gravelly loam, and in the valleys a sandy loam. The settlements are chiefly confined
to the valleys. Denning is a p. o. near the center. Dewittsville is a hamlet near the s. line.
This town, though large, has the least population of any town in the co. Its chief wealth consists in its
heavy growth of hemlock and hard wood. Settlements were made at a comparatively recent period.3
ESOPl'S — was formed from "Kingston," April 5, 1811. A part was setoff to Kingston, and a
part of Hurley was annexed, in 1818, and a part of New Paltz was annexed April 12, 1842. It
lies upon the Hudson, and is the central town upon the e. border of the co. Its surface is rolling
in the e. and moderately hilly in the w. A range of hills extends n. and s. through near the center
of the town, the highest peak being 1,632 ft. above tide. Hussey Hill, s. of Rondout, is 1,000 ft. high.
"Wall Kil forms the w. and >\ boundaries, and Swarte Kil and Black Creek flow through the s. part.*
The soil is a light, clay loam. Fruit growing is becoming an important branch of business. Ce-
ment is largely manufactured, and an extensive commerce is carried on by means of the river and
Delaware &, Hudson Canal.5 Port Ewen, (p-v.,) upon the Hudson, s. of the mouth of Ron-
dout Creek, is a village built up by the Penn. Coal Co. A large part of the coal brought forward
by the canal is here shipped upon barges for the Northern market. Pop. 1,300.6 Arnold! on,
(p.v.,) upon Rondout Creek, in the s. part of the town, contains a church, woolen factory, cotton
factory, and 150 inhabitants. South Rondout, upon Rondout Creek, in the n. part, contains
an extensive cement and lime factory, a lager beer brewery, a brickyard, several boatyards, and
568 inhabitants. I>ash ville, upon Rondout Creek, in the s. part, contains a cement factory and
20 houses. Sleiglitsburg, upon the Hudson, at the mouth of Rondout Creek, contains an
extensive shipyard and 40 houses. Ellmores Cove, (Esopus p. o.,) upon the Hudson, con-
tains a church and 40 houses. Aniesvllle (p. o.) and \i kaiion are hamlets. Freeville,
in th" n. part, contains a gristmill and 20 houses. Settlements were made by the Dutch, soon
after thfir fir-- bion "f the co.7 The first church (Rcf. Prot. D.) of which there is any record
was formed in 17">1 ; lbv. <i. "VY. Mancius was the first preacher.8
i. til DIM: It • - formed from Rochester, New Paltz, and Shawangunk, April 2, 1853. It
is an interior town, lj ing -. <>f the oontor of the eo. The surface is rolling in the e. and hilly in the
nit of 10 men, rnihc Ensign ktySSOQ, nrri'-
f.rt. Capl non and a force of 210
men. J ' :-•:• i :!.• [l I lli' ir
train. In Sept. another ex\ m Indian fort, 36
■x. of Wfltwyck, kill 20 other* and r> -
•tored 22 captives, allj broken and
D the f-ill they *ti"d I nd restored
ui the remaining
' Thomw Chambers, the original of this patent,
endeavored !■>- will to ent til it id bis family ; but it pae««i to
strangers before th.' Revolution,
- Named in honor of Wm. II. Denning, form' l r of a
large part of the town.
I mill wa* built In T>27. and the unit Unn»rj in
1850, at Dewittaville, by !>•• Witt k Kern ld«.
• -Sfip't," as known by the Ihitch. Included both Kingston
and the c 'Ontry R. of th' Rondout. Their dsSOSOdants «'ill d-
wjrnate Kingston a- and the corpornt» town altove
ivamed U'A'I'in N f>iu," or Little Sopua. The word is of 1 ndian
origin. The Esopus Indians — who lived in this region when
tir*t known to the whites — were of the Algonquin stock, and
were allied to the Mi b an and the other river tribes.
6 Along the bluffs that overlook the Hudnon are several fine
country residences. Two li^bthuus'-s are built in the river op-
|i site this town,
• Named from John Ewen, President of the Penn. Coal Com
party. Tho village was laid out in 1861; nearly all of the in-
habitant* are more or less interested in the coul trade.
'Johannes Lonw was born in 1081; UaltiiH Terpining and
Tryntje Van Vliet were married in 1082. These, so far as ia
known, wen the fir^t birth and marriage in town. Wm. Ilin-
mn taught a school, at the Hook, in 1703. A mill was built
on Black Creek prior to 1800. A cotton foetory waa built at
Dashville in 1828, and the one now at Arnoldton in 1830; the
former is standing idle.
'Tier, aie o churches in town ; 3 Ref. Prot. D., M. E., Prot. E.,
and Friends,
* Named in honor of Addison Gardiner, formerly Lieut. Gov.
ULSTER COUNTY.
063
center and w. The Shawangunk Mts. extend along the w. horder.1 The Wall Kil flows .v. e. through
near the center and receives Shawangunk Kil from the s. w. The suil is principally a gravelly loom,
with clay and alluvium along the streams. Lumber and leather are manufactured to some extent.
Tuthilltown, (Tuthill p. o.,) upon Shawangunk Kil, near its mouth, OOntaLaS 20 dwellings.2
Libci tyvllle, (p. o.,) on the n. line, and JciikiiisJowii are hamlets. The first settlement
was made at an early period, by a colony of French Huguenots. The first church was formed in
1833 ; Rev. Win. Brush was the first preacher.
nARDENBERGII'— was formed from Denning and Shandaken, April 15, 1859. It lies
in the extreme w. corner of the co. Its surface is a broken and mountainous upland, the highest
summits being 2,000 ft. above tide. It occupies a portion of the watershed between the Hudson
and Delaware. Beaver Kil, Mill Brook, and Dry Brook take their rise in the town. I>ry
Brook (West Shandaken p. o.) is a hamlet.
IIURL.EY*— was granted by patent Oct. 19, 1708.5 A part of the Hardenburgh Patent was
released by Margaret Livingston, and was annexed March 3, 1789 ; and a part of New Paltz was
taken off in 1809, a part of Esopus in 1818, a part of Olive in 1823, a part of Rosendale in 1844,
and a part of Woodstock in 1853. It is an interior town, lying n. e. of the center of the co. The
surface is a rolling and moderately hilly upland, the highest summits being about 700 ft. above
tide. Esopus Creek flows n. e. through the s. part. Along its course are extensive fertile flats.
The soil is a sandy loam, a considerable portion lying n. of the creek being unfit for cultivation.
Stone quarrying is extensively carried on.6 Hurley, (p. v.,) on Esopus Creek, contains a church
and 160 inhabitants;7 and "West Hurley, (p. v.,) in the n. part, 2 churches and 25 dwellings.
The first settlements were made by the Dutch, about 1680.8 This town became the refuge of the
inhabitants of Kingston when the latter place was taken by the British in 1777. The first church
(Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1800 ; Rev. Thos. G. Smith was the first pastor.9
K.I1VGST01V — was incorp. by patent May 19, 1G67, and was recognized as a town May 1,
1702. 10 Fox Hall Patent was annexed March 12, 1787.11 Esopus and Saugertics were taken off in
1811; a part of Esopus was annexed in 1818, and a part was annexed to Saugerties in 1832. It
lies upon the Hudson, n. of the center of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly, the highest
summit being Kuykuyt or Lookout Mt., about 600 ft. above tide. Esopus Creek flows K. E. through
near the center, receiving Saw Kil from the w. as tributary. Rondout Creek forms the s. boundary.
The soil is principally a clayey loam. A large business in coal, ice, and stone is carried on by
the canal and river. Kingston, (p. v.,) upon Rondout Creek, 2 mi. w. of the Hudson, was
incorp. April 6, 1805. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 8 churches, the Kingston Academy,
several private seminaries,12 3 banks, 1 savings bank, 4 newspaper offices, and several small
manufactories.13 It is the center of an extensive trade upon the river and canal.14 Pop. 3,971.
Rondout,15 (p.v.,) upon the Hudson, at the mouth of Rondout Creek, was incorp. April 4, 1849.
i "The Traps" is a deep pass or gully, 650 ft. wide, extending
through these mountains.
* A woolen factory was built at this place at an early period.
* Named in honor of Johannes Hardenburgh, the patentee of
an immense tract in this and adjoining cos. This town has
been formed since the statistics for this work were obtained.
* Named from Geo. Lovelace's family, who were Barons Hurley
in Ireland. — Benson's Memoir, p. 4'J. In early times it was
called "Hurley Common."
5 The patentees of this tract were Cornelius Kool, Adrien Gar-
retsie, Matthew Ten Eyrk, Jacobus Du Bois, Johannes Schep-
moes, Roeloff Swartwout, Cornelius Lammerse, 1'eter Petersies,
Lawrence Osterhout. and Jannetie Newkirk. The successors of
the original trustees afterward bought 300 acres for the benefit
of the corporation. An act of April i, 1800. appointed John A.
Be Witt, Levi Johnston, and a third person, to lie named by the
freeholders, to sell these lands and make a partition among the
owners.
8 The stone obtained from these quarries is used for building
and nagging. The business gives employment to several hun-
dred men.
1 Some of the buildings at this place are nearly 200 years old.
A wire suspension bridge 100 ft. long here crosses the Esopus.
8 Among the early settlers were families named Crispoll, Du
Bois, Cole, Newkirk, Schepmoes. Ten Eyck, Wynkoop, Elmen-
dorf, ltoosa, Constable, Louw, Delamater, and others, — mostly
from Holland and Belgium. In 1710 the following persons held
the office of trustees of the corporation:— Cornelius Kool, Adrien
Garretsie, Jacob Do Bois, Barnabas Swartwout, Jacob Rntee,
Nicolaes lioosa. and Charles Wyle. The first inn of which there
is definite knowledge was kept about 1700, by Charles Be
Witt, at Hurley Village. Two gristmills were erected soon after
the first settlement.
* There are 3 churches in town; 2 Ref. Prot. D., and M. E.
10 Called by the Indians "Atkankarten," — said to signify smooth
land. It was more commonly called Esopus, from a tribe of In-
dians that inhabited it. Gov. Stuyvesant granted it a charter,
May 10, 1061, under the name of Wiltwyck. (Indian Town.) and
relieved ft from dependence upon Fort Orange. Its affairs were
to be managed by a sheriff and 3 schepens. Roeloff Swart-
wout was appointed first sheriff, and Evert Pels, Cornelius
Barentsen Sleight, and Elbert Heymans Koose, the first
schepens. Appeals from their decisions might be made to
the Director General and Council in New Netherlands. The
sheriff and commissioners were to hold a court every fortnight,
except in harvest time, unless occasion or necessity might other-
wise require. All criminal ca>es were to be referred directly to
the Director General and Council, except the lesser Crimea, — as
quarrels, injuries, scolding, kicking, beating, threaten ings, simply
drawing a knife or sword, without assault or bloodshed, — which
might be prosecuted in the lower court.
11 Fox Hall Patent was issued to Thomas Chambers, May 21,
1667, with manorial privileges. Chambers fust settled on the
tract now occupied by Troy, as a tenant under Van !!• nsBelaer
He removed in 1652 to Esopus. acquired a large estate by trade,
and rendered efficient service in the war against the Indians.
He died in 1698. The district still bears the name of •• Fi x Hall."
12 The Golden Hill Seminary and the Brookaide Female Semi
nary, two private boarding schools, are located at this place.
I* The Newark Lime and Cement Manufacturing io.. organized
in 1S48, has 2 manufactories at .Newark. N. J., and one 1 at Hon
dout, N. Y., producing in the aggregate 750,000 barrels annually
14 The principal trade is that of stone, obtained from the neigh
boring quarries.
15 Formerly named "The Strand" and "Kingston Landing."
When the canal was located, it was named '•Bt-lton,'' from the
then president of the canal company; but its present name wat
adopted soon after. It is the Dutch name for redout. It waa,
664 ULSTER COUNTY.
It contains 8 churches, a bank, and newspaper office. The people are principally engaged in the
coal trade ; and a large number of steamers, barges, and sailing vessels are constantly engaged
in freighting coal, stone, and cement from this place.1 The Newark Lime and Cement Manufac-
turing Co. manufacture a larger amount of waterlime and cement annually than is produced at
any similar establishment in the country. Pop. 5,978. Eddyville, upon Rondout Creek, 2£
mi. from its mouth, contains a cement factory2 and about 50 dwellings. It is the N. terminus of
the D. & H. Canal. Wilbur, (p. v.,) on the Rondout, below Eddyville, contains about 100
houses. It is the center of an immense trade in flagging stones.3 Fly Mountain is a p. o.
Dutch Settlement is a hamlet in the x. part. Flatbusll contains a cement factory.4
The Dutch built a trading and military post here as early as 1614 ; but every thing was swept
away in the wars of 1644—45. Another settlement was commenced in 1652, and abandoned in
1655. The first permanent settlers came in soon after, but suffered much from Indian hos-
tilities for several years.6 Feb. 19, 1777, the first State Convention adjourned from Fishkill to
Kingston. On the 9th of September following, the State Legislature convened here, but dispersed
upon the approach of a British force under Sir Henry Clinton on the 7th of Oct. At that time
the public records were hastily removed to the back settlements, and the place was burned.6 The
first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed May 30, 1658. There are 18 churches in town.7
LLOYD — was formed from New Paltz, April 15, 1845. It lies upon the Hudson, s. of the
center of the co. Its surface is mostly a rolling and hilly upland, terminating in a bluff upon the
river; and the average height of the surface above tide is about 200 ft. Swarte Kil flows n. along
its w. boundary and Black Brook >\ through the center. The soil is generally a clay and gravelly
loam. The bluffs along the river are principally occupied by fine country seats. IVew Paltz
Lauding', (p. v.,) upon the river, contains 2 churches and 50 houses;8 Ceuterville (Lloyd
p. o.) a church and 17 houses. Lewisburgll is a hamlet on the river, s. of New Paltz Landing.
Riverside is a p. o. in the n. e. part. The date of first settlement in this town is quite ancient ;
but most of the details of the first years are lost. It was originally named "Paltz." The first
church (M. E.) was formed in 1787. There are 3 churches in town ; 2 M. E. and Presb.
31 IRBLETOWJf — was formed by patent June 25, 1703.9 It was first recognized as a town
March 7, 1788. A part of Olive was taken off in 1823, and a part of Rosendale in 1844. It is near
the geographical center of the co. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by the valleys of the
streams. Stone Ridge, near the center, the highest summit, is about 400 ft. above tide. Esopus
Creek flows through the n. part, and Rondout Creek through the s. e. corner. The soil is chiefly
a clay and sandy loam. A quarry of Shawangunk grit has been opened, and a sulphur spring has
been found near the line of Rosendale. Stone Ridge, (p. v.,) s. e. of the center, contains 2
churches and 80 houses ; Kripplebusn, (p. v.,) in the s. part, a church and 12 houses. High
Falls10 is a hamlet upon the canal. Ularbletown is a p. o. Bruceville (High Falls p. o.)
i- ;i -mall canal village on the line of Rosendale, in the s. E. corner. The first church (Ref. Prot.
D.) was formed in 1738."
MiltLItOROl^II — was formed as a precinct, from Newburgh Precinct, March 12, 1772,
at «n early period of In growth, a maze of crooked lanes, bor-
dared by rude shanties mid Inhabited by n Hating population
of Irtah laborers, The village still contains a large proportion
of iri«h. anil bat o largi and Increasing number of Herman In-
habitants. 1'- appearance ha* much improved within a few
Y'-nr-.
1 Al-out 20 rtmmcni are engagi I in 1 1 1 ■- (r- Itrhting blisim
10 days after passing the barriers at the Highlands they amused
themselves l>y burning and plundering tho places along tho
river. They t ■ >• «U possession of Kingston Oct. 17, nnd, after plun-
dering it several hours, they burned every house but one. Tho
houses were mostly of stone, and the woodwork was easily re-
plaeed after the retreat of tho British. Several of the early
meetings of the Legislature were held at this place; and the first
this place. Line* of «t<i»nier« ni«o run regularly to Albany, State Constitution was formed here.
New York, nnd rntaruM I, a steam ferry connects
the ptaoe with Bhlnetwek, ink of tha Hudson.
5 The Jjiwrenoo Cfiii'iit '■■ manufacture (si.ikn) hurnls of
eeni'nt .mnn illy.
3 The aggregate amount of this trade |. more thnn 1250,000
P"r annum.
* Th- Kingston and Roacndale Commit ('•>. rnanuf act lire 70,000
barrels • I eemenl annually.
* The site of the first Dutch B rl !■ said to bs upon « plateau
2 Bet Prot. !>.. 2 M. ll.. Hap., l'rot.E., Presb- and Jewish, at
Kingston; 2M.K., 1'r. si... Genu. TCvang. Luth., R. C Hap., Trot.
I Kef. Prot, I)., and Jewish, at Hondout; and M. E. at Eddy-
ville.
8 A ferry connects this place with Poughkeopsie.
* This pntent was granted to Col. Henry lieekman. Cnpt.
Thos. Gaston, and Cnpt. Oh&s. Brodhcad, in trust for the in-
habitants. Trustees continued to 1)0 annually elected until
1808, The records of l"tio contain the names of the following
In the W. bounds of Hondout. The locality l« -till railed by Its petitioners for grants of land: — Mosys Du Puy, Thomas Yiinik-
Indun name. Ponkhockie, said to signify "Canoe Harbor." On marke, Loondart Kool, Klchard Wilson, Jeremy Kettell, jr.,
th" 7th of June. Ifift3, as mwt of the ]■■ iple were at work in the Gy short Koosa, Win. Nottingham, John Cock, sen., and (apt.
fields, the Indians made a sudd' n attack UpOO th» fcet, (which Kh hard Ilrodhcad.
ww Qklttleasly left opan,)kOtod Is. and earrhd away 42 a« prison- ' '<>The cement works of Delafield & Baxter, at High Falls,
ars. Oapt. Chambers rallied the men, drOtaOQi Itw Indians, a n<l employ about 50 men. and produce about 40,000 barrels annu-
commenced a war In which the captives wero nv-tly reclaimed ally. The falls on the Hondout aro here about 50 feet high,
and the Indians nearly exteroiinat' d. The fir«t marriage on the affording n great amount of water-power.
church record Was that of Jan Janso Timmermaos and Cat ha- "Tho census reports 5 churches in town; 3 Ref. Prot. D.
rine Mattyaon, Wt. .1, ]. i.i. and 2 M. K. Rev. Derick Romcyn and Rev. J. R. Ilardenburgh
•The British force under Gen. Vaiighan. consisting of tflOQ ^afterward Pres. of Rutgers College) wero both pastors of tho
jien, waj sent aptha rtvar to Cfroparate Witt Burgoynei Pol Ref. Prot. D. church at Stone Ridge.
ULSTER COUNTY.
665
and as a town, March 7, 1788. Plattckill was taken off in 1800. It lies upon the Hudson, in the
s. e. corner of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly. Marlborough Mt., a rocky ridge along the
w. border, is about 1,000 ft. above the river. The streams are principally small brooks flowing
directly into the Hudson. The .soil is a slaty loam. 3Iiltooi, (p. v.,) upon the Hudson, in the N.
part, contains 3 churches and about 75 dwellings. >la i'IIbod oii^Ei.1 (p. v.,) in the s. part,
contains 2 churches, several manufactories,2 and about 50 dwellings. liUttingtowii is a
hamlet. The date and statistics of the early settlement have not been ascertained. The first
church (Prcsb.) was formed Jan. 1, 1764.'
NEW PALTZ*- was granted by patent by Gov. Andros, Sept. 29, 1G77.S Its bounds were
enlarged April 1, 1775, and a part of Hurley was annexed Feb. 2, 1800. A part of Ksopus was
taken off in 1842, a part of llosendale in 1844, Lloyd in 1845, and a part of Gardiner in 1*53. It
is an interior town, lying s. e. of the center of the co. Its surface is mostly a hilly upland. The
Shawangunk Mts. extend along the w. border. Paltz Point, the highest summit, is 700 ft. above
tide. Wall Kil flows n. e. through near the center ; it is bordered by wide, fertile flats. The soil
is generally a fine quality of sandy loam. Hay is one of the principal products and exports.
New Paltz, (p. v.,) upon Wall Kil, near the center, contains the New Paltz Academy, 2
churches, and 45 dwellings. Biltterville, Ollioville, and Spiillglown are hamlets.
The first settlements were made by a colony of French Huguenots, a few years before the date of
the patent.6 The oldest church record is in French, and bears date of 1683. There are 3 churches
in town ; Ref. Prot. D., M. E., and Friends.
OIjIVE — was formed from Shandaken, Marbletown, and Hurley, April 15, 1823. A part was
annexed to Woodstock, and a part of Woodstock was annexed, in 1853. It is an interior town,
lying a little n. w. of the center of the co. The surface is mountainous in the n. and w. and hilly
in the s. and e.7 A considerable portion of the mountainous region is too rough for profitable cul-
tivation. Esopus Creekflowss.E. through the town, a little n. of the center. The soil is a sandy,
gravelly, and clayey loam. Lumbering and tanning8 are largely carried on. Shokan,9 (p. v.,)
upon the creek, n. of the center, contains 2 churches and 20 houses ; Sailisonville,10 (p. v.,) on
the s. line, a church, tannery, and 30 houses; Olive, (p. v.,) in the n. e. corner, a church and
25 houses; and Olive City, (Olive Bridge p. 0.,) on the creek, near the center, a tanner}- and 20
houses. The first settlements were made in the Esopus Valley, in 1740. u The first church (Ref.
Prot. D.) was formed at Shokan, in 1800.12
PLATTEKILL13-was formed from Marlborough, March 21, 1800. A part of Shawangunk
was annexed April 3, 1846, but was restored March 28, 1848. It lies upon the s. border of the co.,
near the s. e. corner. Its surface is broken by a series of ridges of an average elevation of 300 ft.
above the valleys. Its streams are small brooks and creeks. The soil is a fine quality of sandy
and gravelly loam. Plattekill, (p. v.,) near the s. line, contains a church and 25 dwellings;
Clintoiidale, (p. v.,) in the n. part, on the line of Lloyd, a church and 20 dwellings; Flint,
(New Hurley p. o.,) in the s. w. corner, on the line of Shawangunk, a church and 15 dwellings,
and Modena, (p. v.,) near the n. w. corner, 16 dwellings. The first settlements were made about
1 This place is situated at the head of a deep, rocky gorge
opening down toward the Hudson.
2 About 15,000 wheelbarrows and $40,000 worth of agricultu-
ral implements are manufactured annually.
3 The census reports 9 churches in town; 2 Presb., 2 M. E.,
2 Friends, Prot. E., Bap., and Christian.
* Pronounced New Pawltz, and named from Pfalz, the Ger-
man name of the Palatinate.
& The patentees of this tract were Lewis Du Bois, Christian
Deyo, Abraham Hasbroecq, Andries Le Fevre, Jean Brocq,
Pierre Deyo, Lawrens Beverie, Anthony Crespel, Abraham
Du Bois, Hugo Frere, Isaac Du Bois. and Simon Le Fevre.
« The valley of Wall Kil was discovered by one of the par-
ties engaged in pursuing the destroyers of Wiltwyck, in the
summer of 1663. The persecuted exiles from France, who first
sought refuge in Germany, and thence emigrated to America,
decided upon settling here. They bought the land of the In-
dians May 26. 1677, and soon after they settled in their new
homes. In 1728. the owners of the patent intrusted its care to
12 trustees, known as '-The Twelve Men." These trustees were
fleeted annually, until the organization of the town under the
State Government. The Twelve Men in 1785 were Simon Du
Bois, Jacobus Hashrouck, Johannis Freer, Jacob Hasbrouck,
jr., Abraham Donnldson, Abraham Eltinge, Petris Hasfcrouck,
Samuel Bevier, Benjamin Deyoe, Isaac Le Fever, Matthew Le
Fever, and Abraham Ein. By act of March 31, 1785, the allot-
ments made by the Twelve Men were confirmed. Their "Com-
mon Book" was to be retained by the Surveyor General until a
convenient time, and then it was to be deposited with the co.
clerk of Ulster co., to be forever preserved. Its records are
deemed authentic evidence in court.
1 The towns of Olive, Rochester, and Denning, corner on a
hill which is about 2,700 feet above tide. Shokan Point is
about 3,100 feet high ; and the average elevation of the low-
lands is 800 feet above tide.
8 There are 4 extensive tanneries in town, one of which,
owned by Pratt & Samson, is the largest oak tannery in the co.
It produces 70,000 sides of sole leather annually.
9 Pronounced Sho-kan'.
10 Named from Gen. Henry A. Samson.
U Geo. Middagh settled in 1740; Samuel Cox, in 1742; William
Nottingham, in 1745, — all near Olive Bridge; John Crispell, in
1747, a little e. of Shokan ; Hendrick Crispell, at Shokan, in
1760; John Coons, in 1775; and Thos. Bush, in 1755, 8. of
Olive City. The first inn was kept at Olive Bridge, by Conrad
Du Bois; and the first store, sawmill, and gristmill, by Lemuel
Winchell, at Winchells Falls. Two sons of Frederick Bush
were carried off by the Indians in 1781. The early history of
this town is blended with that of Marbletown.
12 The census reports 4 churches in town ; 2 Kef. Prot. D.
Bap., and M. E.
U Pronounced Plaw-ta-kill, and signifies " Flat Brook."
666
ULSTER COUNTY.
the commencement of the last century. The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1770;
Rev. Stephen Goetschius was the first pastor.1
ROCHESTER2 — was incorp. by patent June 25, 1703,3 and organized as a town March 7,
1788. A part of Middletown (Delaware co.) was taken off in 1789, Neversink (Sullivan co.) in
1798, Wawarsing in 1806, and a part of Gardiner in 1853. A part of Wawarsing was annexed
March 21, 1823. It is an interior town, lying a little s. w. of the center of the co. Ranges of
mountains extend along the e. and w. borders, and a rolling upland occupies the central portions.
Rondout Creek flows s\ e. through the s. part, and receives as tributaries Sander Kil, Peters Kil,
and several other streams. Yernooy Creek flows s. through the w. part. The soil upon the up-
lands is a gravelly loam, and in the valleys a sandy loain mixed with clay. The Delaware &
Hudson Canal extends along the valley of Rondout Creek. Esopus millstones are largely quar-
ried in this town. An extensive cave near Kyserike has been explored about half a mile.
Alli?erville and Port Jackson are small villages upon the canal. Accord and Ky-
serike are p. offices. The first settlements were made about 1700, by the Dutch.* The first
church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed soon after the first settlement. There are now 2 churches in
town ; Ref. Prot. D. and M. E.
BOSCXD.ILE- was formed from Marbletown, New Paltz, and Hurley, April 26, 1844. It
is an interior town, lying e. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling and broken upland,
the highest summits being 200 to 500 ft. above the valleys. Rondout Creek flows n. e. through
near the center, and receives Koxing Kil from the s. and Kottle Kil from the n. The Delaware &
Hudson Canal extends along the valley of the Rondout. The soil is principally a sandy loam.
The manufacture of cement has become one of the most important branches of business.5 There
is an extensive paper mill in town. Rosendale, (p. v.,) upon the creek and canal, contains 2
churches and 450 inhabitants; Lawrence ville, 1 mi. w., 40 houses; Bruceville, (High
Falls p. o.,) upon the line of Marbletown, about 30 houses. Green Locks, a canal village, on
the r.. border, and Whiteport, in the x. part, each contain about 20 houses. The first settle-
ments were made by the Dutch, about 1700.6 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1797;
Rev. Thos. G. Smith was the first preacher.7
S.iX'GERTIES3 — was formed from Kingston, April 5, 1811. An error in the boundary was
corrected June 8, 1812, and a part of Kingston was annexed April 2, 1832. It lies upon the
Hudson, in the x. E. corner of the co. The surface is rolling in the e. and hilly in the center and
w. The hills upon the river and extending 2 mi. back are underlaid by limestone, from which
quicklime and cement are manufactured. Farther w. are cpiarries of fine flagging stone. Platte
Kil Sows through the town in a tortuous course and forms the principal drainage. Kaaters Kil
flov _- the .v. border. The soil along the river is a clayey loam, and upon the uplands a sandy
an 1 gravelly loam. Quarrying is extensively carried on.9 Saugertics, (p. v.,) upon the Hudson,
at tli^ mouth of Esopus Kil, was incorp. April 26, 1831, as " Uhier." Its name was changed
A- r'l 1". 1855. It contains the Saugertics Academy, 7 churches, a newspaper office, and several
ox; lanufactoriea. Pop. 3,334. Maiden, (p. v.,) upon the Hudson, 2 mi. x. of Sauger-
ti'-. i- th tensive st<>ne trade. Pop. 350. Glaseo, (p. v.,) upon the Hudson,
3 mi. «. "f Baogerties, is the Beat "i' an extensive brick manufactory and stone trade. Pop.
1 Th-r-nr-7 churches In town : -'; M. K... W. i M. th.. Kef. Prot.
I).. P ' ' ■
s Named In bona "f Um Bui "f Bo hMt -r. 11m Indian name
i It,.- i,i under th- patent wan OoL Il.-nry n-ek-
man. .1 ' "■' - • " '"> •'">'•
« In it ■ ; ili- follow ■ rrltae
r»c-k' r. I. • I . v k tlornb ck. Leendart Konl,sr.,Antbonj '
right.
i • iii.ii
-, a i, ul a i II" "ii M •
me-halfol t'u menl mads ." ' ■ oo i- maim-
n. rbc vr it- r .
■ail ite the wealth of Uic town. 1 1 mans-
follows: —
n»ml>.
tmdalf J.imr anii ■
manufacttu i annually
/ -ndale,inanufact'i annually
CUar< forfeit,
,, « 38,000
• An inn was kept at tlie old "Rosen i lit Farm" in 1711.
I There m ■'• churches in town; 2 Bi : I'r t Ii., Ilap . Iriends,
and I.
8 This name is said to he derived from the Dutch "Zagger," a
Miwyer, bom a sawmill i nil t by Robert Livingston nn Baw Kil.
Bbeneaer Wooster tirsi need tin- name in 174'j, when surveying
th- i... nn. I- ..f Hi- Bardenbnrgb Patent.
in 1826, Henry Barclay, <>i V v.. purchased the present site
r.f tlii' village, and the water-power. Ho built a 'inn and con-
ttructed a race Which made a fall of 47 I— t. II- Soon after built
a rolling mill, paper mill, and cotton factory. Tli- last nam- I
been changed to a white lend factory. Th- I 1-t-r Iron
Works employs anil hands night and day. ami manufacture*
6,000 tonl of bar and I p iron annually. The paper mill cm-
i ... bands, and tnrtiH out 000 tons of paper annually. The
White Lend Works employs 40 men. and manufactures 1,600
tons "f paint annually. A steam mill for dressing stone turns
out 14, tons daily. Th- village is also largely engaged in mm-
About 80 lail-vessels are employed in exporting stone
and brick. A steam ferry piles between this place and Tivoli
station on tho Hudson River K. K., and a daily steamer runs to
N-w Y..rk.
9 It is e«timate<l that 2.000 persons are employed in quarry-
lnn.dre-.iim;. drawing, and shipping stone from this town. The
e* ar- chiefly Bagging and rurh stone; hut cut stone for
many uiws is also sold. About a half million of dollars' worth
of stone is shipped annually from Saugerties, Maiden, and
Qiaaoo.
ULSTER COUNTY.
007
about 300. West Camp, (p. v.,) upon the Hudson, in the n. part, contains a cliurch and 15
houses. Quarryville, (p. v.,) in the n. part, and I/nionville, near the center, each con-
tain about 300 inhabitants, who arc mostly engaged in getting out stone from the neighboring
quarries. Glenearie, upon the s. lino, Van Aliens Mills, near the center, and Ash-
bury, are small villages. The first settlements were made by the Dutch, at an early period ; but
the largest immigration was that of the German Palatinates,1 a colony of whom located at West
Camp in 1710. The first church (Luth.) was organized at West Camp, in 1711. There are now
15 churches in town.2
SHA1VDAK.EHJ3 — was formed from Woodstock, April 9, 1804. A part was annexed from
Neversink (Sullivan co.) in 1809. A part of Olive was taken off in 1823, Denning in 1849, and
a part of Hardenburgh in 1859. It is the n. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is mostly a
mountainous upland, broken by deep ravines. The declivities are steep and rocky, and a large
ehare of the surface is too rough for profitable cultivation. The town is not inhabited except
along the valleys, the mountain region being left to wild beasts and hunters. The soil in the
valleys is a clay and sandy loam. The principal branches of business pursued are lumbering,
shingle making, and tanning. Shandaken,4 (p-v.,) in the n. part, contains a church, a large
tannery, a sawmill, gristmill, and 20 houses; Pine Hill, (p. v.,) in the n. w. part, a sawmill,
gristmill, tannery, and 15 houses. E.adews Corners, (The Corner p. o.,) in the extreme e.
angle of the town; Phoenicia, (p. o.,) in the n. e. corner; and Woodland, (p. o.,) s. e. of
the center, are hamlets. At each of these places, and at several other points in town, are exten-
sive tanneries.5 The first settlements were made before the Revolution.6 There are 2 churches
in town ; Ref. Prot. D. and M.E.
SHAW AIVGUNK7— was formed as a precinct Dec. 17, 1743. and as a town March 7, 1788.
A part of Gardiner was taken off in 1853, a part was annexed to Plattekill in 1840 and restored in
1848. It is the central town upon the s. border of the co. The surface is a hilly and broken up-
land. The Shawangunk Mts., extending along the w. border, are about 2,000 ft. above tide. The
Shawangunk River forms about J of the s. boundary, and flows n. e. through near the center, re-
ceiving Dwaars Kil8 from the w. AVall Kil flows n. e. through the e. part, receiving Muddy Kil from
the e. and Dwaars Kil from the w. The soil is generally a gravelly loam. Shawangunk,
(p. v.,) in the s. E. part, contains a gristmill, sawmill, spoke factory, and 20 houses ; Ulsterville,
(p.o.,) in the s. w. part, 10 houses; and Galeville Mills, (p.o.,) on Wall Kil, a chinch,
sawmill, gristmill, and 10 houses. Dwaars Kil, near the center, is a p. o. Bruynswick,
(p.o.,) on the n. line, contains a church and 10 houses ; Jamesburgh, (p. v.,) near the extreme
w. angle, a church and 12 houses. New Hurley (p.o.) is a hamlet, on the line of Plattekill.
The first settlements were made along the valley of Shawangunk River, by the Dutch, between
1080 and 1700.9 New Fort is a locality where two Indian battles were fought in 1003. The first
church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed Oct. 10, 1753 ; Rev. V. Vrooman was the first pastor.10
WAWARSIIVG11 — was formed from Rochester, March 14, 1800. A part was re-annexed to
Ro hester in 1823. It is the s. w. corner town in the co. Its surface is mostly a mountainous
upland, broken by several deep valleys. The Shawangunk Mts. extend along the e. border ; and
spurs of the Catskills occupy the central and w. parts. The highest peaks are 2,000 to 3,000 ft.
above tide. The mountainous portions in the e. and N. w. corners are rocky and precipitous and
1 Stephen Myers and brothers settled at a place called " Church-
land." just w. of Saugerties Village. Martin Snyder settled at
the same place, and G. W. Dedrick at West Camp, Aaron New-
kirk and Felte Fiero in the same vicinity, — all in 1700, Dedrick
Marrtesstock settled at " Kaatsban" in 1728. Peter Winne,
Edward Woods, Myndcrt Mynderso. B. Barbara, Jacobus Pearsen,
Myndert Schutt, Godfrey Denolfen, and others, were early
settlers. On the 18th of Slay, 1711, there were 14 Palatinates at
''Elizabeth town," 111 at "Georgetown," and 3121 at "New Vil-
lage," in this town. The settlers afterward mostly removed to
the valleys of the Schoharie and Mohawk.
2 4 Kef. Prot. D., 4 M. E., Germ. Meth., Bap., Cong., Prot. E.,
R. C, Luth., and Presb.
* Said to signify " Rapid Water."
* The road from Shandaken to Lexington is constructed
through a pass 4 mi. long and in some places scarcely 500 feet
wide, arid abounding in picturesque scenery. It is through the
watershed between Esopus and Schoharie Creeks.
6 200,000 sides of leather are annually manufactured in this
town.
6 John Longyear, Cornelius Furlough, Jacob Brink, Coonradt
Wisner, and Frederick Markle, all settled beforo the war.
Witherspoon taught school at The Corner at an early period.
'Pronounced Shawn-gum, and said to mean "white rocks."
The kil or creek receives this name from large white rocks at
its junction with Wall Kil ; and it was applied from the stream to
the mountain and town. Another version is that it is named
from the Shawan, a southern tribe, and gunk, a mountain,
or, The mountain that extends toward the south.
8 The Dutch applied the term Dwaar to streams that flowed
sometimes in one direction and sometimes in another. This
phenomenon is true of waters at the mouth only of the stream.
9 Among the early settlers were Jacobus Bruyn, Cornelius
Schoonmaker, Abram Schutt, Zachariah HoflTinan, Benjamin
Smedes, Jacob Decker, John Terwilliger, and Johannes Decker.
Along Wall Kil, Robert Kain, Robert Graham, David Davis,
Daniel Winfield, Hendrick Van Wegen, and James lVnneck
settled from 1710 to "30. A school was taught near Bruyns-
wick p. o., between 1730 and '40. The first mill was probably
at the junction of Wall and Dwaars Kils, 1 mi. below Shawang-
unk Village.
w There are 4 churches in town ; 2 Ref. Prot. D. and 2 M.
E.
n Usually abbreviated to " War-sink." It is an Indian word,
an 1 said to signify " black bird's nest."
668 ULSTER COU XT Y.
too rough for cultivation. The s. w. portion is a hilly upland. Rondout Creek flows in a deep
valley from the w. border s. e. to near the center ; thence it turns at nearly right angles and flows n.
e. to the e. border. It receives from the s. Sandburgh Creek, a stream which drains the w. declivi-
jof the Shawangunk Mts., Beer Creek, and the outlet of Cape Pond, which flows through near
the center and empties into Sandburgh Creek. The Delaware & Hudson Canal extends along
the valleys of Rondout and Sandburgh Creeks, at the w. foot of the Shawangunk Mts. The soil
in the valleys is principally a sandy loam. Lumber,1 leather, glass, earthenware, iron, and axes
are extensively manufactured in different parts of the town. Ellenville, (p. v.,) upon Sand-
burgh Creek, at the mouth of Beer Kil, was incorp. in Sept. 1858. It is an important canal
village, and contains several churches, a high school,2 newspaper office, and an extensive glass
factory.8 Pop. 1,700. Kapanock, (p. v.,) upon the Rondout, above its junction with the Sand-
burgh, contains several churches and manufactories,4 and a population of about 700. BBonio-
wack, (p-v.,) a canal village, upon the line of Sullivan co., contains a church, glass factory,
woolen factory, and 20 houses. Kerlionksoii. (p. v.,) a canal village, on the line of Rochester,
contains a church and 30 houses. Lackawack, (p. v.,) upon the Rondout, in the w. part, con-
tains a church, an extensive tannery, and about 20 houses. Greenfield, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part,
contains 2 churches, a gristmill, sawmill, tannery, and about 25 houses. Waivarsillg', (p. v.,)
in the x. e., contains a gristmill, sawmill, tannery, and about 25 houses. Port Benjamin,
a canal village, s. of the AVawarsing, contains about 25 houses. Port IVixon, a village upon
Rondout Creek and the canal, in the n. e. part, contains a church and about 25 houses. The first
settlements were made about the commencement of the last century, principally by the Dutch.5
During the Revolution the inhabitants were killed, captured, or driven off by the tories and
Indians.6 The first church (Ref. Prot. D.) was formed in 1745 ; Rev. J. Fryenmoet was the first
preacher.7
WOODSTOCK- was formed April 11, 1787, from the settlements of Great and Little
Shandaken, which had been attached to Hurley. A part of Middletown (Delaware co.) was
taken off in 1789, Windham (Greene co.) in 1798, and Shandaken in 1804. A part of Olive was
taken off, and parts of Olive and Hurley were annexed, Nov. 25, 1853. It lies upon the x. border
"f the co., e. of the center. Its surface is mostly a mountainous upland, too rough for profitable
cultivation. Several fine valleys extend through the town, separating the upland into several dis-
tinct ridges and peaks. Overlook Mt., in the n. e. corner, is 3,500 ft. above tide. Near its sum-
mit is Shues Lake, a beautiful sheet of clear water. The scenery in this vicinity is among the
finest in Eastern X. Y. Saw Kil and Beaver Kil are the principal streams. The soil is a clay and
slaty loam upon the uplands and a gravelly loam in the valleys. Woodstock, (p. v.,) in the s.
e. part, contains 2 churches, a tannery, and 20 houses ; Bears ville, (p. o.,) 2 mi. w. of "Wood-
is a hamlet; Lake Hill is a p. o., near the center. The first settlements were made just
bef»re the commencement of the Revolution.8 The first church (Luth.) was formed in 1806.9
« About 10,000,000 ft. of lumber are sent from this town
anntjillv.
IU-otIIU rfizh School, established in 1853. It is a
bnarl • ■ ty school.
» The Kllenrill* lilaM .7>.. Incorp. in 1836. turns out more than
•ties, Ax. annually. It employs
•MO hand*.
* The Nepanook I ■ employs a»>cnt 100 men, and
maanl Jly. The Napnnnck Ir"n
was a stone fort on the site of B. C. Ilornbcrk's house. Two
men and a young woman discovered the enemy before they
reached the fort, and the young woman succeeded in closing
the door just in eimc to prevent it from being burst open by
the savages. The latter, finding further attack dangerouB,
dispersed for burning and plundering the out settlements.
Some 5 or 6 dwellings. 7 barns, and a gristmill were burned,
and on the next day the enemy withdrew, laden with spoils.
Several lives were lost on both sides, and much property was
Workl 0 men, and manufVtures pig and wrought destroyed. — Ttlt Tndxant; or .Vnrratires nf Massacres and Deprt-
iron and R.R. MI a\ dnlvms im thr Frontiers nf W.ncarsink and Vicinity, p. 21.
<• The first wt . n Barter, John Barter, from ' The census reports 11 churches in town; i M. E., 3 Ref.
New Paltz. In r t In Witt, Wm. Nottingham, and Prot. !>.. 2 K. tt, Bap, and Friends.
Andrtes Da Witt. An inn wm kept hi Johannes Barter before e Philip Bonesteel, first innkeeper, settled in 1770; Edward
the Kevrluii.n. The fir't ■ mine wad kepi by Short, in 1770; Peter Short, in 1784; Jacobus Du Bois. Kphraim
I i Vernooy; the unit gristmill t«« built DJ Oomthia \an Iv-nron. 1'hilipShultis.and Henry Shultis, son., in 178>>: Jr.o.
Vcrti • HntChena, In 17SI0; Wm. Elling. ill 17*n; Mathew Keip. in 17*7 ;
the 12th nf Aug. 1781, a large j*rtv of tories arid Indians, and Jacob MontTOM at an early day. Robert Livingston built
under one Caldwell, appeared in this town. They had formed the first sawmill, and J. Montrose the first gristmill. These
the design of falling upon Napannrk. but. I^ing informed that settlements were much harassed by the Indians during the war.
that place was defended by a cannen, tie y oama to Wnw.irsing • There are 6 churches in town; 3 M. E., Luth., Bap., and
oefore the inhabitant! were up in the morning. At this place | Friends.
ULSTER COUNTY.
CG9
Acres of Land, Valuation, Initiation, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Ulster County.
Names of Towns.
Denning ,
Esopus
Gardiner- ,
Ilanlrnbergh'1
Hurley
Kingston
Lloyd
Marbletown....
Marlborough..
New Paltz
Olive
Plattekill
Rochester
Roseiulale
Saugeities
Shandaken
Shawangunk..
Wawarsing
Woodstock
Total
Acres of Land.
i
•3
5
ft
O
1
K
5,
i
£
910
70,9131
13,0444
8.439
18,597
7,281
7,208}
9,858
8,0224
16,812
12.018
6,518i
17.9404
14,787
13.103
2,8744
14.428
5,497 j
14,0534
22,474
15,342}
4,1904
18,087
25.9004
7,877
3,371
17,8151
14,931}
12,764
79,891
21,3004
8,097
17,9744
46,052
8,828}
24,253
240.039S
378,2021
Valuation of 1858.
Population.
a
"3
6
_ Ki-
$71,195
825,450
502,979
399.254
3,065,707
483,685
954,530
368,819
514,881
339,120
642,644
800,011
594,409
1,408,940
200.871
742,589
871,682
239,881
Si
fc!
$450
72,635
73,800
15,440
1,250,918
87,350
50.700
58.550
165,600
23.750
45,200
34,488
40,200
372.050
7,600
77,145
71,555
2S.488
13.207.298 2,482,519
a
$71,145
898.085
630,779
414,094
4.310.025
571.035
1,011,230
427,369
680.481
362.870
687,844
835,099
634.660
1,841.590
208,471
819,734
943,237
268,369
15.6S9.S17
385
2.252
954
1,094
7,152
1,106
1.S87
1.302
1,009
1,490
981
1,768
1,333
4,812
1,298
1,293
3,729
906
34.757
307
2.H35
909
1.021
6,822
1,08(5
1.840
1,366
1,012
1,428
951
1,707
1,239
4.5(10
1,154
1,338
3,498
900
33.179
8
132
679
337
380
1,829
379
020
426
317
516
34S
617
375
1,487
451
478
1,391
306
11.068
131
887
354
13,051
3
86
505
249
181
746
269
*-:■♦
255
252
307
255
301
163
1,020
266
316
716
218
6,894
sViiuoi.s.
5
16
9
8
Ifi
8
13
lo
6
14
9
13
6
22
20
12
3o
6
222
_e!
327
1.552
822
766
4^38
90S
1.510
98 1
698
1,347
713
12301
890
3.280
1,000
1.140
2,783
008
25,556
Live Stock.
Names of Towns.
Denning
Esopus
Gardiner
Hardenbergh'
Hurley
Kingston
Lloyd
Marbletown...
Marlborough.
New 1'altz
Olive
Plattekill
Rochester.
Rosendale
Saugeities
Shandaken....
Shawangunk.
Wawarsing...
Woodstock
Total
314
628
818
1.294
2,129
1,181
9,893 16,808 17,332
8
6
142
593
1,665
472
599
649
1,432
896
995
944
1,301
1,295
534
1,721
810
1,027
1,487
'770
3
206
453
4:449
387
3.250
582
1.002
739
1,991
1.147
1,632
2.055
262
1,210
1,578
4,599
2.205
1,308
72
1,981
2,948
913
2,977
1,783
2,850
1,821
2,056
1,019
2,678
2,230
969
2,664
519
3.671
1,840
1,034
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
8
529
13,122
15,452
7,648
12.3354
19,709
23,4744
20.30.;.;
19,809
11,1584
21.004
22,010
8,2524
14,649}
2,089
20,143
13.623
8,849
4.3964
36,1954
3S,S20}
22,589
32.200
27.3584
53.080
30,0654
38.215
25,2934
30.434
49,018}
17.772
41.55(4
17,070
40,182
59,2804
16,455
29,841 34,025 <254,7644l592,7S5}
I
543
3,282
4,428
2,006
2,851
3,868}
4,0494
3,8354
4,419
3,7274
4,9744
1784
1.805
6,759
3.369
4,979
6.422
2,698
(4,705
•s-
cqa.
^ 5
2,170
11,662
3,850
8,324
12.442
3,504
12,910
2,940
3,759
7,469
8,559
8.943
0.251
1,1624
8,000
0,110
20,523
5,8S9
134,5394 397,7 54: 1,669,631
24
72.130
5,092
3,315
4,400
4.8(4
18.390
4,782
8.070
208,996
10.024
3,051
5,455
11.253
10,616
11,935
11.013
3.084
Daisy Products.
hi
15,160
63,287
156,649
39,081
28.752
84.534
110,870
99,925
95,7 S5
84.955
119,595
110.773
32,715
131.887
53.290
235.000
152.840
54.527
5 -■:
100
230
190
520
H
1874
727
459
2574
459
208
2,7784
30
659
3,058
90
1.451}
447
1.0O5J
2.048
321
369
1,291
10.440}
» Formed since 1855.
WARREN COUNTY.
This county was formed from "Washington, March 12, 1813, and
■was named in honor of Gen. Joseph "Warren, of the Revolution.
It lies s. and w. of Lake George, near the e. border of the State.
It is centrally distant 65 miles from Albany, and contains 968 sq.
mi. The surface is very broken and mountainous, less than one-
half being susceptible of cultivation. The mountain ranges are
continuations of the great mountain masses which culminate in
Essex co. The characteristic features of Essex are somewhat soft-
ened and subdued in this co. The mountains are broader, less
pointed, and generally less precipitous ; the valleys are wider and
more connected ; and there are larger expanses of comparatively
level land. "With all these modifications, however, a great part of
the surface is wild and rugged. High, serrated ridges traverse the entire extent of the co., often
rising thousands of feet above the valleys. These mountains, being principally composed of primary
rocks, which strongly resist the action of the elements, have a steepness of declivity and sharpness
of outline in marked contrast with the gradual slopes and beautifully rounded summits of the
highlands of the slate and limestone regions. The soil formed by the exceedingly slow process
of disintegration is either washed directly into the valleys, or in the course of ages it collects in
thin layers upon the hillsides, giving nutrition to a scanty vegetation. Three of the five moun-
tain ranges n. of the Mohawk Valley extend through this co. The Palmertown Range enters
the extreme e. part of Queensbury from "Washington co. French Mt., a spur of this range, at
the s. e. extremity of Lake George, rises almost precipitously from the lake and attains an eleva-
tion of 2,500 to 3,000 ft. above tide. Another spur of this range forms the Luzerne Mts., which
extend through the s. part of Luzerne and the e. part of Caldwell, — a N. branch extending n.
and forming the whole series of high bluffs which border the w. shore of Lake George. The
second or Kayaderosseras Range extends n. e. through Stony Creek, Thurman, Chester, and Ho-
ricon, sending spurs both n. and s. Crane Mt., in the s. e. corner of Johnsburgh, the highest peak
of this range, has an elevation of 3,000 ft. above the surrounding valleys. The third or Schroon
Range occupies the central and northerly part of Johnsburgh and the n. w. angle of Chester. It
consists of a gTeat number of rocky peaks rising to a height of 2,500 to 3,000 ft. above tide; most
of these have never yet been named. The rocks that compose these great mountain masses are
principally gneiss. Granite, white crystaline, limestone, and serpentine are found in considerable
quantities in the form of injected veins. A belt of this limestone extends along the course of the
Kayaderosseras Mts., and from it a good quality of lime is manufactured. In the valleys and in
the =. part of the co. are found layers of Potsdam sandstone, black marble of the Black River
limestone strata, Trenton limestone, and Utica slate. Many of these rocks are useful for building
materials ; and the limestone furnishes an abundance of excellent lime. At the foot of a granite
ledge upon Orane Mt. is found a bed of very pure porcelain clay, supposed to have been formed
by the slow disintegration of the foldspathic rock. Graphite and magnetic iron ore have also
been disoOTBK 1, but not in sufficient quantities to be profitably worked.
The drainage of the qo. i- nvMly through the Hudson River. This stream enters the co. from
Essex, in two branehes about 1" mi. sipnrt, and these, after flowing through nearly parallel
valleys fur about 80 mi., unite in one stream. The e. branch is the outlet of Schroon Lake, and
the w. forms the drainage of the Adirondack Mts.1 This river has a very rapid course; and
upon it are several rapi'l* and f:ill«, two of which arc worthy of especial note.2 Lake George8 is
l TV w. branch of th" Titian was call-d by tho Indians
Tp-<vh>-k-n : tbe r. branch, &t-a I
* Th" TIL-h Villi ar" Ittaetod just 1- low th" croat easterly
bend of th- river in the s. w. corner of Lnzrn". Th" water BOWl
in a - ■ ' - iplds f t three fourths of a mi. or. r a d' -lining
rocky bottom, and is th"n rompre««"d into a narrow p/ i
80 rods, lit tho bottom of whirh it shoots down a nearly jvrjvn-
dirni ir descent Of 80 ft Th" ?n"i»s 1'dc" over whirh it falls
Is convex inform.nnit th broken into r-
of snow-white fn.im. A few rods at»ero the ' ' the water,
and where it is matting with th" greeted Telocity, th" rtref i-
■panned bv a single plank 13 ft. in length. At Qlens Falls the
670
river flow* ovor a shelving rock with a total descent nf 50 ft.
The fill is broken into three Channels hy natural piers of black
limestone standing upon tho brow of the precipice over which
the water flows.
« Called by the Indians Can-ia-no'rl-oit, tho tail of the lake.
The name "lTnrirm," has been applied by some modern writers
g fieorpe, and if is said to bo an Indian word meaning
"lkt Lake iff other Water? Ilowever poetic and appropriate
this designation may appear, or however euphonious it may
sound, it may 1k> questioned whether a term suggested by fancy
al'.n". and never used by tho aborigines, will ever find place
among the geographical names of the State as one of Indian origin.
WARREN COUNTY.
671
situated upon the e. border, and receives the drainage of the e. part of the co. It is 3G mi. long
and 1 to 3 mi. wide.1
The soil of this co. is mostly a thin, sandy loam. The level lands N. of Glens Falls are very
sandy, and arc known as "pine plains." The declivities of the mountains have a very thin soil,
and usually a scanty vegetation. In the valleys is some clay mixed with the sand and disinte-
grated primitive rocks, forming a deep and excellent soil. Farming and the manufacture of lumber
and leather form the leading pursuits of the people. Farming is mostly confined to stock raising
and dairying. Immense quantities of logs are floated down the Hudson and manufactured into
lumber, shingles, hoops, staves, and heading, at Glens Falls and other places. Black marble is
quarried at Glens Falls, and feldspar and kaolin for the manufacture of porcelain, graphite and
serpentine are also found in different places. Peat exists in abundance ; but it has never been
extensively used.
Caldwell, at the head of Lake George, is the county seat.2 The courthouse was built in 1R1C-17,
with the jail in the basement. The poorhouse is located on a farm of 200 acres in Warrensburgh.'
The works of internal improvement are the Glens Falls Navigable Feeder, 7 mi. in length,
feeding the summit level of the Champlain Canal, and the improvement in the log navigation
of the Hudson. There is no R. R. in the co.* Three newspapers are now published in the co.5
This co. was the- scene of some of the sanguinary battles between the French and English long
anterior to its settlement. In 1755, a provincial army of 5,000 men, under Sir. Wm. Johnson,
designed to act against the French posts on Lake Champlain, assembled at Albany early in June,
and were there joined by a large number of Mohawks under King Hendrick. Forts Lyman
(afterward Fort Edward) and Miller were built, and a road was opened to Lake George. The
news of Braddock's defeat was received before this army left Albany. The expedition set out on
the 8th of Aug., by way of Lake George, for Ticonderoga, with the design of erecting a fort there.
Learning that the French had anticipated them and had already fortified Ticonderoga, they en-
camped near the head of Lake George. About the 1st of Sept., Baron Dieskau, the French com-
mander, with a force of 200 grenadiers, 800 Canadian militia, and 300 Indians, passed up South
Bay and across the rocky peninsula, with a view of falling upon the rear of the English
and of cutting off their supplies from Fort Lyman. On the 8th, a force of 1000 troops under Col.
Ephraim Williams, and of 200 Indians under King Hendrick, were sent out to meet them ; but,
falling into an ambuscade, the greater part of the troops and the two commanders were killed.
The survivors fled, and were immediately followed by the French. The firing alarmed the
camp, and a breastwork of logs was immediately thrown up, and 300 men, under Col. Cole, were
despatched to cover the retreat of the flying fugitives of the first party. Flushed with victory, the
French assailed the English camp with great fury, and a sanguinary conflict ensued, which lasted
1 This lake has long been celebrated for its wild and pictu-
resque beauty. It is almost completely surrounded by pre-
cipitous and rocky mountains, and is studded with little, green
islands. Its winding course is marked by a panorama of beauti-
ful and distinct views. At some points high rocky bluffs rise
precipitously from the very edge of the water, and at others a
little basin seems scooped out among the hills. Most of the
mountain declivities are covered with verdure; but a few of
them are masses of naked rocks. This whole region is full of
historic interest. Each mountain, precipice, and cape has its
own tales and reminiscences of the olden time. Some of the
fiercest conflicts of the last long wars between the French and
English colonists took place upon its shores, and the pure and
peaceful waters of this beautiful lake were often ensanguined
with the blood of fierce combatants. Again during the Revolu-
tion war held high carnival here : but since that period its visi-
tors have been principally the lovers of the wild and beautiful
in nature. Sabbath-Day Point and Lord Howes Point are two
low beaches upon the w. shore, near the foot of the lake; and
Rogers Slide is a precipice upon the w. shore, 200 feet high, rising
at an angle of about 25 degrees. Tongue Mt., forming a pro-
montory upon the w. shore, Anthonys Nose, upon the e. Bhore,
and French Mt., near the head of the lake, have each an eleva-
tion of more than 2,000 feet.
2 The first courts were held at the "Lake George Coffee House."
The clerk's office was located by law within 1 mi. of this place;
and this was made the point from which the sheriff's mileage was
reckoned. By an act passed March 31, 1S15, three commission-
ers were to be appointed by the governor to locate the site of the
courthouse and jail and to superintend its erection. The first
co. officers were Wm. Robards, First Judge; Henry Spencer,
Sheriff; John Beebe, Clerk ; Robert Wilkinson, Surrogate; Ar-
chibald McMurphy, Wm. Stover, Richard Cameron, and Jirah
Skinner, Coroners. Thomas Archibald, the present co. clerk,
has held the office without interruption since Feb. 1821.
8 The poorhouse is a two story wooden building. It is 50 years
old and in a very dilapidated condition. The annual revenue
from the farm is about $800. The average number of inmates
is 54, who are supported at a weekly expense of 90 eta.
each.
■* The Lake Ontario & Hudson River R.R. (late the Sacketa
Harbor & Saratoga R.R.) ia laid out through the co. along the
w. side of the Hudson, and a large part of the grading has been
done ; but the work is now suspended.
6 The Warren Co. Patriot, commenced at Glens Falls about 1S13
by John Cunningham, was the first paper in the co.
A newspaper was begun at Caldwell in 1817 or '18 by Timothy
Haskins, which in four or five years was changed to
The Guardian. It was a few years after sold to Broadwell,
its name again changed, and in two years after it was
removed to Glens Falls.
The Glens Falls Observer was started in 1S28 by E. G. Sidney.
In about two years it passed into the hands of Abial
Smith, who changed its name to
The Glens Falls Republican, and afterward to
The Warren Co. Messenger. In 1835 it was again changed to
The Warren Co. Messenger and Glens Falls Advertise, by which
name it was continued until 1S40, when it appeared as
The Glens Falls Gazette, and in two years after as
The Glens Falls Clarion. In 1850 it passed into the hands of
Zabina Ellis, its present publisher, by whom its name
was changed to
Tlie Glens Falls Free Press.
The Glens Falls Spectator was published in 1840 by D. Ellis.
The Warren Co. Whig was started by James A. Kellogg, and con-
tinued one year.
The Glens Falls Messenger was established by A. D.
Milne, and is still continued.
Tlie Glens Falls Republican was established in
1842 by M. & T. J. Strong, who conducted it until
1851. It has passed through several hands, and is now
published by H. M. Harris.
The Rechabite and Temperance Bugle, semi-mo., was commenced
in 1S45 by M. & T. J. Strong, and continued several
months.
The Star of Destiny was published in 1855 by A. D. Milne.
672
WARREN COUNTY.
from 12 xi. to 4 p.m. and resulted in the total defeat of the French.1 3dL Blanchard, who commanded
at Fort Lyman, learning the result of the first engagement in the morning, sent a party of about 300
N. Ff. and N. Y. militia to the scene of the conflict. This party surprised the French camp, and,
after dispersing the troops left to guard it, they hastened on to the English camp and arrived in
season to assist materially in gaining the victory. This engagement was the only one fought
during the campaign of 1755 that reflected the slightest credit upon the British army.
The remainder of the season was spent in erecting Fort Win, Ilenry,2 on the site of the English
camp. A projected attack upon Ticonderoga during the winter was prevented by the uncommon
severity of the season. In the summer of 1750 a provincial force of 6,000 men assembled here,
but too late to effect their purpose.3 On the 17th of March, (St. Patrick's day,) 1757, the French,
under Longee, a famous partisan officer, attempted to surprise the fort, but were successful only
in burning a few buildings and several vessels on the lake.4 Soon after, a party of 400 English,
under Col. Parker, marched to attack Ticonderoga; but, falling into an ambuscade, only 72
escaped. Early in the summer of 1757, Montcalm, the French commander, made extensive
preparations to capture Fort Win, Henry. On the last day of July, Maj. Putnam discovered a
large body of the enemy encamped on an island about 18 mi. down the lake. Gen. Webb, who
had immediate command, upon being apprized of the matter, enjoined Putnam to keep the intelli-
gence secret and to prepare to escort him (Webb) back to Fort Edward, leaving Col. Munro in
command at Fort Wm. Ilenry. The enemy soon landed in force and proceeded to invest the fort.
The garrison consisted of 2,500 men, and the attacking force amounted to nearly 9,000. Gen.
Webb had a force of 4,000 regulars at Fort Edward, only 9 mi. distant, and the militia were
rapidly collecting to afford further aid. Col. Munro sent pressing and repeated messages for
relief; but Gen. Webb paid no attention to the request, and appeared totally indifferent to every
tiling but his own personal safety. At length, upon the ninth day of the siege, he allowed Gen.
Johnson to march with a body of volunteers to the relief of the garrison ; but before the party
had proceeded 3 mi. they were recalled, and Gen. Webb sent a letter to Col. Munro advising him
to surrender on the best terms he could obtain. This letter was intercepted and given to Col.
Munro by Montcalm in person. Thus cut off from hope, and assured by Montcalm that the
garrison should march out with the honors of war, with their arms, and one of the four cannon
of the fort, with their baggage and baggage wagons, and an escort of 500 men to Fort Edward,
he surrendered. The Indians soon began to pillage the baggage, and, not being checked, fell
upon the sick and wounded, whom they killed and scalped. Excited by carnage, they next
surrounded and attacked the disarmed and defenseless troops; and, although Montcalm was
implored to furnish a guard, as promised, the massacre was allowed to proceed until a large
number were killed or hurried away prisoners for more deliberate torture.5
In the summer of 1758 an army of 7,000 regulars and 10,000 provincials, under Gen. Aber-
i Gen. Johnson was wounded early in the nction, and the com-
mand derolved upon Gen. Lyman. The former in his official
ably from jealousy, avoided mentioning the name or
■QllfcCS of the latter, although they were efficient and valuable.
1 -' it- d the Fp -in h lo -sat 700 to 800; but Johnson
to 400. Official accounts place the F;nglish
loss at 120 killed, so wounded, ami 02 mi-sing. Pieskau died
In F.ngland scTcral years after, from wounds received in the en-
gagement.
* Named In }, Puke of Cumberland, brother of the
heir apparent, nfterw.ir, I Qeorg/e 111.
* Several in< idi nt» worthy "f note occurred during this expe-
dition. At Hall » party of teamsters were euipTised
and captured by 600 of il , who Immediately retxi
down Booth Bay. A but . under Oapta. Israel Put-
nam and i m Tort Wm, Henry, cr
over to Lake Cbamplain, and from an II i a de-
structive fire upon tl — d. A number were
kilb-'l. and the English Immediate!} retreated nrrt-i to Lake
l he next morning they embarked on the lake, and at
gabt nt they were m f French and Indians
threa timea their own number, lb* English dashed forward
t the attack; and, by manning th- ir fire nntil they came Into
cloeo quartern, they threw tie en' toy |] to confusion, and Mir.
: ng, « ith the ]••»* of one killed and tw.. wounded.
In th" wr ra, with "4 men. went down
LatnOiiuia,ii Slid i ii—i il iiti i In las n,wben I
tared n small party of Fp m h, < In his return be was m> t on the
summit of the bill by a party of 200 Fp neb : and ■ th '| "rate con-
flict stank 1. Maj Rogers was woonded, and the command de-
TolTed upon Oapt.3tark, (alien Hon.)
The eonflkrl continued until nightfall, when the French re-
beaded, tearing half of th' ir number, 'bad u|«,n the field, of
the rangers, 4s remained unrounded; and the | ashed
forward through del p inoi - end reai bed the lake m the morn-
log. Th y in re DOW finite exhausted; and Stark, with two others,
pushed on to Fort Wm. Henry, arriving in the evening. He pro-
cured sleds and returned to his Buffering comrades, whom he
reached .the next morning. The party finally reached the fort,
after extreme suffering. — Rogers's Jimr., p. 36.
* A part of the garrison were Irish, and could not be restrained
from celebrating the day by getting drunk. The fort was de-
fended by the xigilance of the rangers, who repulsed the French
while the other troops were coming to their senses. — JRogers's
J'nir., pp. 4::. 100.
& Humanity sickens at the revolting scenes of this day, which
hare stained the memory of Montcalm with the blackest infamy.
A few survivors of the massacre fled for their lives, and suo-
ceeded in reaching Fort Edward in safety. The next day Maj.
Putnam WM sent with his rangers to watch the motions of the
. n, mj ; but be arrived ju-t after they embarked and were 1 eyond
reach ol pursuit. As he came to the shore, the demolished fort,
the burning buildings, and the ghastly and mangled corpses of
the dead and the fieble groans of the dying, quickly told the
dismal story of treachery and barbarism, scarcely less chargeable
t- the cowardice of Webb than to the perfidy of Montcalm.
Writers differ as to the number murdered on this occasion, the
lates varying from MOO to 1,600, It is probably nearer the
latter number. There was a tendency among the provincials to
exaggerate, and among the regulars to palliate, the occurrences
shore related. The massacre occurred Aug. 9. 17.VT. Among
the accounts given by eyewitnesses of the scene, that of Jonathan
i .,i\' r. the well-known traveler, has perhaps been most fre-
quently quoted. The feeble attempts that have been made to
defl ml the reputation of Montcalm, under the plea that he ex-
ert"! him>" It to restrain the Indian barbarities, find ample refu-
tation in the fact that with five or six times more whites than
, - the lath r were allowed to proceed unmolested. If this
relatively small number could not be restrained, then- must
have i fitted a degree of insubordination incompatible with milv-
il,"-" and strangely at variance with the conditiun of
other armies under Montcalm.
WARREN COUNTY.
673
crombic, proceeded against Ticont '^ga by way of Lake George. On the 5th of July the army
embarked on board of 900 bateaux "and 135 boats, and passed down the lake with all the pomp
and pageantry of war ; and four days after they returned, shattered and broken, with a loss of nearly
2,000 in killed and wounded. Such of the latter as admitted of removal were sent to Fort Edward;
and the main army lay inactive in camp at the head of the hikeduring the remainder of the season.
In June, 1759, Maj. Gen. Amherst, with an army of 12,000 men, advanced to Lake George, and,
while waiting to complete his arrangements, he commenced building Fort George, about half a mile
E. from Fort Wm. Henry.1 As Gen. Amherst advanced to Tioonderoga, the French withdrew to
Crown Point, and soon after to the Isle Aux-Noix. Quebec fell soon after, and the conquest of
Canada was completed the following year, rendering the vast military works at Fort George, Ti-
conderoga, and Crown Point of no further utility, and allowing the hardy pioneers of civilization
to advance and occupy the fertile valleys which as provincial soldiers they had previously traversed.
BOL/TOIV — was formed from Thurman, March 25, 1799. Hague was taken off in 1807, a part
of Caldwell in 1810, and a part of Horicon in 1838. It lies e. of the center of the co., between
Schroon River and Lake George. The e. shore of the lake constitutes the e. line, so that more
than one-half of the lake is within the limits of this town. The surface is principally occupied
by the high mountainous ridges which lie between the lake and Hudson River. There are 3
principal peaks belonging to this range within the limits of the town, — Tongue Mt.,2 on the
peninsula between the lake and North West Bay, 2,000 ft. above tide ; Pole Hill, in the n. part,
2,500 ft. high; and Cat Head, in the center, 1,500 to 1,800 ft. above tide. The mountains gene-
rally rise precipitously from the lake ; but toward the w. the surface assumes the character of a
high, rolling upland. High up among the hills are numerous little crystal lakes, the principal
of which are Trout Lake, Marsh Pond, and Edgecomb Pond. Trout Lake is 1,000 ft. above Lake
George. Not more than one-half of the town is susceptible of cultivation. The soil is a thin,
sandy loam.3 Bolt on, (p. o.,) situated on Lake George, opposite Green Island,4 is a small vil-
lage. The settlement of the town was commenced in 1792, principally by New England people.5
The improvements are confined mostly to the vicinity of Lake George. The first church (Presb.)
was formed in 1804; the Rev. Armstrong was the first settled minister. There are 2
churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
CAliDWEIiLi6 — (CoF-well) was formed from Queensbury, Bolton, and Thurman, March 2,
1810. It lies around the s. extremity of Lake George. A range of mountains occupies the ex-
treme w. part. The central portion is a high, hilly region, descending abruptly to the lake.
Prospect Hill, w. of the s. extremity of the lake, has an elevation of 2,000 ft. above tide. South
of this hill a low valley extends s. w., through Caldwell and Luzerne, to the valley of the Hud
son near the mouth of Sacondaga River. This depression seems to be a continuation of the valley
in which Lake George is situated, and shows that a change of a few feet in the elevation would
cause the waters of the lake to flow into the Hudson. In this valley is a chain of small lakes.
A narrow strip of low land lies immediately upon the border of the lake. The soil is a sandy loam
among the hills, and a dark, rich, sandy and clayey loam on the lowlands. Caldwell, (p. v.,)
the county seat, is situated near the head of Lake George. It contains 2 churches, several hotels,
and about 50 dwellings. This place is the annual resort of great numbers of tourists and pleasure
seekers, who are attracted hither by the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding region.
During the summer the steamer Minnehaha plies daily between Caldwell and the foot of the lake.
Fort William Henry and Fort George were situated near Caldwell, at the head of Lake George and
Bloody Pond, in the s. part. Settlement commenced at the head of Lake George, soon after the
conquest of Canada; but its progress was arrested by the Revolution. Soon after the close of the
war, settlement was recommenced.7 There are 2 churches in town ; Presb. and Union.
1 Scarcely a vestige of this fort remains, most of the stones of
which it was huilt having been burned for lime.
2 Indian name, At-al'a-po'sa, a sliding place.
' Within the limits of this town is the most1 beautiful scenery
of the lake. Its channel is studded with a multitude of small
islands, some of them consisting of barren, desolate rocks, while
others are clothed with the richest verdure. Diamond Island,
near the s. extremity of the lake, derives its name from the
beautiful quartz cr3Tstals that have been found upon it.
4 During the Revolution this island was fortified, and Gen.
Burgoyne, when he advanced to the Hudson, left upon it a large
amount of public property, guardod by two companies of the
4Tth regiment, commanded by Capt. Aubrey. After the partial
success which attended the attempt upon Ticonderoga in 1777,
Cols. Warren and Brown, on the 21th of Sept., made an attack
43
upon this place with the gunboats they had captured. They
were repulsed with loss, and retreated to the E. shore. The
enemy being in pursuit, they burned their boats, crossed the
mountains to Lake Champlain, and returned to Gen. Lincoln's
camp at Pawlet, Vt.
6 Among the first Bettlers were James Ware, Joseph Tuttle,
Rufus Randall, Benj. Pierce, David and Reuben Smith. Eleaze.-
Goodman, Daniel Nims, Frederick Miller, Boyd, Wright,
and Thomas McGee. The first birth was that of Lydia Ware;
and the first death, that of Mrs. John Pierce. Sally Boyd taught
the first school.
6 Named from Gen. James Caldwell, a merchant of Albany,
who became a patentee of 1,595 acres, in 4 parcels by grauta
dated Sept. 18-29, 1787.
1 Among the early settlers were Daniel Shaw, Benoni Burtch,
674 WARREN COUNTY.
CIIESTER — was formed from Thurman, March 25, 1799. It lies upon the n. border of the
co., between Hudson and Schroon Rivers. The surface is broken. The Kayaderosseras Mts. extend
through the s. part, and the Schroon Range occupies the n.w. portion. A continuation of the
valley of Schroon Lake, extending in a s. w. direction to the w. branch of the Hudson and sepa-
rating the mountain ranges, contains a chain of small lakes. Loon Lake is the principal one in
this valley; and s. of it, among the hills, is another sheet of water, called Friends Lake. Schroon
Lake is about 1,000 feet above tide, and the hills that surround it are 500 to 800 feet above its
surface. The soil is generally light and sandy. A cave in Moxons Mt. is quite a curiosity, and
has some local notoriety. Near the n. border of the town, upon Stone Bridge Creek, is a natural
bridge.1 Feldspar has been quarried to a considerable extent and exported for the manufacture
of porcelain. Chestertown (p. v.) contains the Chester Academy and 246 inhabitants ; and
Pol tors ville (p. v.) 126. The settlement of this town commenced toward the close of the lost
century.2 The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1796 ; and the Rev. Jehiel Fox was the first
pastor. There are now 6 churches in town.8
HAGFE- was formed from Bolton, Feb. 28, 1807, as "Rochester." Its name was changed
April 6, 1808, and a part of Horicon was taken off in 1838. It lies upon the shore of Lake George,
in the n. e. corner of the co. The surface is very mountainous, not above one-fourth being suscep-
tible of cultivation. The mountains along the lake generally descend abruptly to the very edge
of the water. The narrow valleys of Trout and North "West Bay Brooks form the line of separation
between the two mountain ranges. Ash Grove Hill, upon the w. border, is 2,000 to 2,500 feet above
tide ; and upon the shore of the lake, in the n. e. corner, is another mountain peak of nearly the
same elevation. Rogers Rock is on the lake shore, in the n. e. corner. It rises from the water's
edge at an angle of about 45° and attains an elevation of 300 feet.* Sabbath-Day Point is a head-
land projecting into the lake near the s. border.5 The soil is a light, sandy loam. Iron ore has
been found near Seventh Pond; and mines have been worked to some extent, but they are now
abandoned. The beauty of the lake and the solitary grandeur of the mountain scenery of this
town render it a favorite resort for hunting and fishing parties and the lovers of the beautiful in
nature.6 Hague, (p.o.,) on McDonalds Bay, and Wardboro (p.o.) are hamlets. The prin-
cipal improvements are along the lake. The first settlement was made about 1796.7 There is a
union church in the town.
IIORICO\" — was formed from Bolton and Hague, March 29, 1838. It lies upon the n. border
of the co., e. of Schroon Lake. The greater part of its surface is occupied by the two branches of
the Kayaderosseras Mts., which are here divided by the valley of Brant Lake. In the n. and e.
these ranges rise, in numerous sharp, rocky peaks, 1,600 to 2,000 feet above tide; but in the s. and
w. they sink into a hilly plateau region. About one-half of the surface is arable. Among the
hills are great numbers of small lakes, laving with their crystal waters the base of the huge, rocky
masses which tower above them. Brant Lake, the principal of them, is 10 mi. long and is every-
where '■urrounded by precipitous hills. The soil is a sandy loam. Horicon, (p. v.,) situated
on Bohroon River, in the s.w. part of the town, contains about 20 houses; and Mill Brook,
(p. v.,) on Sfhroon Like, 15 houses. Aaron Harris, Joseph Gregory, Bishop Carpenter, and Timo-
thy Bennett wore some of the earliest settlers.8 The first church (Wes. Meth.) was formed in 1820 ;
Nathaniel Stro eter wn« the first minister. There are 4 churches in town ; 2 Bap., M. E., and Wes. Meth.
JOH\SIH Rf;ir— wa< firmed from Thurman, April 6, 1805. It lies upon the bank of the
— Tierce. Andrew Kdmond", RknI Wilbur, Ohadlah limit,
Thaddeus Bradley, Ellas Proem. Nathan Dnrdick. Geo. Vim
Deosen. Butter, and dm-1 I r. The first Inn and
gristmill « ! I y ii. n I
1 Tli" ItTBWI, after falling Into a ba«ln. enters a passage In
two branches under a natural ar«-h I h lad at*mt 80
broad, and emerge* In a single stream fr^m iihIt n precipiee
M feet high. 247 feet fr"tn it« rntmn... XMi bridge U <\<-
in Moree'l Geography fl"9o'i an htioeji; — "In th« ronii'v ■■(
Montgomery i» a small, rapid stream emptying Into BcnTOon
Like, w«it of Lake George: it runs under a liill. the base of which
j* 00 at TO yard* In diameter. forming im"l BUltHUi and Wnti-
ful arch in'trw rock, as white a* «now. The fury of the water
and the roughness of the !>ottom. miW to the terrific noise
within, have hitherto prevented any penon from peering through
the chasm."— Am. Vnir. Gfr^.. VW.
* The first Mtttarl wan Titu«. .labex, T/<Ti, Oidoon. B&oe, Jr.na-
thin, IHniel, and Caleb Mead, Bernan. T«iac IV nn"tt. John
ITasklni. Obadiah and Renj. Knapp, Noel Wightman. James
Btorboek. Steward, and D. and J. Puoder%>n. The first
4 This rock, sometimes callod Rogers Slide, receives its n.tmo
from an incident traditionally related of the escape of Maj. Robert
Bonn at thin place, in the winter of 1758. Ho was surprised
at tli" top of the rock by a band of Indians, and most of his party
•rare cut off; but he escaped by Bliding down tho rock to tho
fronen surface of the lake.
5 It is generally supposed that this name was derived from tho
fact that Gen. Amherst and his suite, while passing down tho
lake on their way to Ticonderoga in tho summerof 1759, stopped
hero to refresh themselves upon the Sabbath ; but this deriva-
tion of the name is doubtful, for it is mentioned in Rogers's Jour-
nal. Juno 28, 1768, — tho season before.
• On tho 20th of July, 1S5B. the steamer John Jar. while on
her way np the lake, was burned near Garflclds. Six persons
jumped overboard and were drowned ; but tho rest were rescued
by boats from tho shore.
J Among the first settlers were Abel Rising, Abner Briggs,
Elijah Iliiiley. Samuel Cook. Ellis Denton. Samuel I'atchin. John
Hnlman, Isaac and Urial Balcom, and Ori Waiste.
' Howard Waters. Nathan, IVnj.. and James Hayes. Benj.
birth was that of a son of Caleb Mead ; and the first death, that naves 2d, John Bobbins, James Krazier. and Benj. Wright we>«
»f Martin Wightman. also early settlers. Hannah Reynolds taught tho first school.
' 3 M. E^ Bap., Presb., and ProL E. I * Named from John Thurman, an early settler.
WARREN COUNTY.
G75
Hudson, and is the N. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is very broken and mountainous. The
Schroon Range occupies the n. and central parts; and a spur of the Km\ ;i<lerosseras Range extends
into the s. Crane Mt.,1 the highest peak of the latter, is about 3, 500 feet above tide. The greater
part of the town is too rough and broken for cultivation. The arable land is confined to the narrow
valleys. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Kaolin, serpontinc iron ore, and other minerals
are found. There are 3 large tanneries in town. Johnshurgh, (p. v.,) on Mill Creek, contains
20 houses; Nobles Corners, on the same stream, 25 ; North Creek, (p. v.,) on the Hudson,
at the mouth of North Creek, 15; and The Glen, (p. o.,) on the Hudson, in the s. E. corner of
the town, 7. The first settlement was made soon after the close of the Revolutionary War, by
John Thurman, the proprietor of extensive tracts in this part of the State.2 The first church (Bap.)
was organized in 1793. There are 4 churches in town.8
EUZERNE — was formed from Queensbury, April 10, 1792, as " Fairfield. " Itn name was
changed April 6, 1808. A strip of territory 1 mi. wide was set off to Queensbury, March 30,
1802. It lies upon the e. bank of Hudson River, in the s. extremity of the co. Two branches of
the Luzerne Mts. extend through the town, respectively occupying the n. and s. portions. They
are separated by the valley which extends s. w. from the s. end of Lake George. A chain of small
lakes lies along its course; and in them two streams take rise, one of which flows to Lake George
.and the other to the Hudson.* About one-half of the surface bordering upon the river is a high,
hilly region, but arable. Kettle Bottom, in the s. part, and several peaks of the ridge which
extends along the e. border, are 2,000 to 2,500 feet above tide. The soil is a light, s.indy loam.
Luzerne (p-v.) is situated on the Hudson, above its confluence with Sacondaga Ri/er. Pop.
280. The first settlements were made about 1770, along the Hudson. Most of the early settlers
occupied lands leased from Ebenezer Jessup, the patentee. There are 3 churches in town.5
CJUEENSBSJRY — was incorporated by patent6 as a township, May 20, 1762, and recognized
as a town, March 13, 1786. Luzerne was taken off in 1792, and a part of Caldwell in 1810. A
strip of territory 1 mi. wide was taken from Luzerne and added to this town in 1802. It lies
between Lake George and the Hudson, and is the s.e. corner town of the co. The w part is occu-
pied by the Luzerne Mts., and the extreme n. part by French Mt., a high, rocky bluff which rises
precipitously from the surface of Lake George to a height of 2,500 to 3,000 feet above tide. The
central and s. parts are rolling, gradually declining toward the s. The soil is a light, sandy loam
in the interior, and a deep, tough clay upon the river. The fall in the Hudson at Glens Falls is
about 50 feet high, and affords valuable mill privileges. Below the fall is a small island, through
which is a cave extending from one channel to the other. The manufacture of lumber is largely
carried on.7 Glens Falls,8 (p. v..) incorp. April 12, 1839, is situated on the Hudson, in the s.
part. It contains 9 churches, the Glens Falls Academy, 3 newspaper offices, 2 banks, and several
manufactories.9 Pop. 3,420. West Glens Falls, on the Hudson, contains 25 houses; and
Queensbury, (p. v.,) in the e. part 20. French Mountain (p. o.) is a hamlet. The
summit level of the Champlain Canal is fed thi-ough the Glens Falls navigable feeder with water
taken from the Hudson above the falls. The settlement was commenced in 1766 ; but its progress
was very slow until after the close of the Revolution.10 The first house of worship was erected by
the Society of Friends, in 1786. There are now 11 churches in town.11
STONY CREEK— was formed from "Athol,"12 Nov. 3, 1852. It lies upon the w. bank of
Hudson River, and is the s.w. corner town of the co. Nearly the whole town is still a wildernivs.
Through the center of the town extend mountain ranges, several peaks of which attain an eleva-
tion of more than 2,000 feet. The valleys of e. and w. Stony Creeks are narrow ravines, forming
a natural pass between the valleys of the Hudson and Sacondaga. The soil is a light, sandy loam.
1 There is a small pond near the summit of the mountain
which is much frequented hy cranes; and from Ithis circum-
stance it derives its name. Seen from Warrensburgh, 11 mi.
distant, the mountain presents a striking resemblance to the
profile of the human face.
2 Among tlie early settlers were Itobt. Woddell, Geo. Hodgson,
John Wilkinson, Reuben and Calvin Washburn, and Samuel
Somerville. The first birth was that of Polly Woddell ; the first
marriage, that- of Calvin Washburn and Betsey Woddell; and
the first death, that of Enos Grover. The first mills were erected
in 1789 or '90, by Mr. Thurman. He opened a store and built a
distillery ; and in 1795 he erected a woolen factory. This was
soon after changed to a cotton factory ; and as early as 1797 he
erected calico printing works, the first, it is believed, in America.
8 Bap., M. E., Free Will Bap., and Wos. Meth.
* Hadley and Jessup Falls, upon the Hudson, are within this
town. See page 589. 6 Bap., M. E., and Union.
6 This patent embraced 2,300 acres.
T An immense number of logs is annually floated down from
the pine forests of the Upper Hudson to Glens Falls and Fort
Edward. At one mill upon the State dam at the former placo
are 12 gates and 250 saws.
8 The Indian name of this place is said to have been Eay-au-
do-ros-sa. It was called " GlcnviUe" for some time.
9 This place contains 4 sawmills, a flouring mill, and an esta-
blishment for sawing marble.
10 Among the first settlers were Abraham Wing, Reed Ferris,
Asaph and Benajah Putnam, Jeffrey Cooper, Ichabod Merritt,
and Caleb Dowell. Immediately after the war. Benj. Wing, Nehe-
niiah Seelice, Phineas Babcock, Wm. Roland, David Bennett,
James Houghson, Silas Brown, and Jeremiah Briggs settled in
town.
u 2 Friends, 2 R. C, Bap.. M. E., Preeb., Prot. E., Ch. of Mea-
siah, Asso. Presb., and Univ. B See Thurman.
676
WARREN COUNTY.
Creek Center (p. o.) and Stony Creek, (p.o.,) both upon Stony Creek, are hamlets. The
first settlement was made about 1795. l The first preacher was Jonathan Paul, a Christian Indian.
The first church (Presb.) was formed about 1800.2
Till RM AM*— was formed April 10, 1792. Bolton and Chester were taken off in 1799, Johns-
burgh in 1805, and a part of Caldwell in 1810. The town was divided into "Athol" and Warrens-
burgh Feb. 12, 1813 ; and "Athol" was divided into Thurman and Stony Creek, Nov. 13, 1852. It lies
upon the w. bank of the Hudson, s. w. of the center of the co. The w. part is a high, broken
upland, almost unknown except to hunters. The e. portion, along the Hudson, is a hilly plateau,
with several peaks rising 1,000 feet above the valley. Among the hills are numerous small lakes.
The soil is a light, sandy loam. Atliol (p. o.) and Tliurinaii. (p. o.,) both in_the e. part, are
hamlets. Settlement was commenced in the latter part of the last century.4 A Bap. church was
first formed ; Elder Jehiel Fox was the first preacher. There are now 4 churches in town.5
WARRE\SBIRGII-Tvas formed from Thurman, Feb. 12, 1813. It lies between the two
branches of the Hudson, near the center of the co., and upon the ridges s. of the junction. The
peninsular portion is a rolling plateau 600 to 1,000 feet above the river. The s. w. part is occupied
by an immense mountain mass with several summits 2,400 to 3,000 feet above tide. Nearly two-
thirds of the land in town is arable. The soil is a light, sandy loam among the hills, and upon the
river it is nearly the same, mixed with some clay. Warrensburgh (p. v.) is on Schroon River,
3 mi. from its junction with the Hudson. Pop. 700. Across the Hudson, below the mouth of
Schroon River, is a long bridge connecting this town with Thurman. The first settlement was
made a few years after the close of the Revolution.6 A M. E. church, the first in town, was organ-
ized in 1796 ; and the Rev. Henry Ryan was the first minister. There are 4 churches in town.7
Acre» of Land, Valuation, Population, Dicellinys, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Warren County.
Names op Towws.
Bolton.
CaldwelL
Chester
Hague
B Tirol)
.Ir.hnsburgh
Lnserne
•.-I.ury
• Creek
Thurman
Warrt-nsburgh .
T..U1.
Acres of Land.
16,498
5,154}
7,492
12.954*
10,281}
21,288*.
3,618
8.595
10,845
a.
21. SOS
9.0S1
20,428
29,055}
28,555
80.8461
17.1 -7 ^
45,113
41.022
20,010
111,202| 331.341
VALUATION OF 1S58.
5
S
113,972
75,628
198.333
59,449
101,580
209.463
91,418
1,002,430
55,492
63,400
172,485
2443,050
ft, ft.
6,050
16.325
13.-2.-ii I
5,259
17.275
5.102
9,350
344,300
1,450
600
13.150
432,111
I
120,022
91,953
211.583
64,708
ll-.-:.:.
214,565
100,768
1,346,730
56,942
64,000
ls-,,o:;.-,
2.576.761
Population.
a
625
452
993
309
678
1,059
666
3,237
491
687
9S7
10,184
I
542
428
943
306
568
924
620
3,201
422
572
959
"97485
216
164
359
96
226
356
265
1,182
178
238
334
3.614
S
232
170
385
110
335
396
265
1.294
lsn
247
365
3,979
196
138
353
67
175
293
208
848
123
168
238
2,807 131
Schools.
10
6
20
7
12
14
18
24
7
7
11
7,812
Names op Town
Bolton.
Caldwell
Cbertar
Hagne
Horicon
Johnsburgh
Luzerne.
I nry
Stony Creek
Thurman
Warrcnsburgh.
Total
Live Stock.
277
171
160
Wi
MO
143
1>
MO
MO i
-■-
1.121
5M
777
1.. •
..:•.
600
•X341 - -
a
298
709
269
36A
913
484
KM
i
856
I •
MO
601
1.1JS
16.472
47. 1
Ml
238
7.-4
454
l.l.'.J
222
609
"
Agricultural Products.
Bom. of 0»*i!«.
I
e
=
706
B72
nil
648}
638
858*
686
6,173
1804
12.164}
X
10,721
10,688
31,855
0,6011
20,787}
82,246
20,362}
B6,8084
10.165
18,076}
10.483J
s
">
2.445
767
2.77-
1,123
1,768
2,962
\.YM\
3.720}
098
2.1.74
1.961
22.""}
"S*
a; a.
12.410
7.1S7
25.149
8,105
13.317
28,175
9,355
9,437
11,847
12.935
173,328
It
6.592
4.211
6,705
6,292
457|
5,160
3.473
20.744
635
3.511
2,102
68.7721
Daiet Pboducts.
It
ft.<o
4S.606
27,632
43.030
27,300
44,200
63,506
40.600
102,982
21,470
26,575
38,885
482.786
£6
11,171
4.425
1,290
1.290
6,940
1,800
30,920
658
4,700
2,440
64,634
k
Q
1,029;
1,294
1,405
151
1.291*
2,023
616}
1,505
698
247
574
11.434?
1 The first pettier* were James Fergonn. Jame*. John, and
Geo. Donald. Wm. Kil>y.Wm. and Alex. Murray. Hugh McMiller,
and John and Jas. E. Cameron. The first birth wag that of
Anna Murray.
2 Th<* on*ns report* 4 churches; Bap., M. E., Presb., We*. Meth.
* Named in bonT of John Thurm.in.
4 Am Tip the early settlers were Thurston Kingston. Wm.
'ohnson, Zebadiah Burdick, Elisba Kendall, Oliver Brooks,
Ri(-hardson Mooro. Bcnajnh Wells, Amos Bowcn, Abial Frost,
nn<l .I'lin King. The first marriage was that of Duncan McGuen
and Miss Cameron; and the first death, that of John Reynolds.
• Bap, M. K., Prot. Meth., and Wcs. Meth.
« Wm. Bond, Joseph Hutchinson, Wm. Lee, Josiah Wood-
ward, Varnum, Richardson Thurman, and Wm. Johnson
won some of the first settlers. The first death was that of Wm.
; Johnson. '2M. E., Wes. Meth., and Presb.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
This county1 was formed from Albany as " Charlotte County,"'*
March 12, 1772. Its name was changed April 2, 1784; Clinton
co. was taken off in 1788 ; the e. portion was ceded to Vermont in
1790 ;3 a strip along its s. border was annexed from Albany Feb. 7,
1791 ; and Warren co. was taken off in 1813. It lies on the E.
pia border of the State, is centrally distant from Albany 45 miles, and
contains an area of 850 sq. mi. The surface consists principally of
'a series of ridges extending n. e. and s. w., and the valleys between
them. The remarkable depression which extends southerly from
the s. extremity of Lake Champlain divides these ridges into two
distinct groups, — the n. belonging to the Palmertown Mt. Range,
and the s. constituting one of the connecting links between the high-
lands of Southern New York and those of Western Vermont. The s. group is subdivided into three
principal ranges, which are all related and of the same general character. The most southerly of
these ranges is a northerly continuation of the Taghkanick Range of Rensselaer co., occupying the
greater part of White Creek and the e. part of Jackson. The declivities are usually steep, and the
summits broad, broken, and rocky. The second — sometimes described as a continuation of the
Petersburgh Mts. of Rensselaer — constitutes the highlands of Cambridge, Jackson, Salem, and the
e. part of Hebron and Granville. In Salem it spreads out like a fan between the streams. The
third comprises the highlands of Easton, Greenwich, Argyle, Hartford, Granville, Hampton, and the
e. part of Whitehall. It might with propriety be called Cossayuna Range, from the principal lake
which it encloses. The declivities of these ranges are usually steep, and, except where broken
by ledges, are arable to their summits. They gradually rise toward the e., reaching thoir culmi-
nating point near the e. border of the co. The highest summits are 1000 to 1200 feet above
tide. These three ranges belong to one general group and are of the same geological formation.
They are composed of slate rock, ledges of which crop out along their whole extent. Many of
these ledges in Granville and Hebron are quarried, and furnish stone much valued for roofing,
building, and ornamental purposes. Among the slate quarries are found numerous veins of injected
quartz, intersecting the slate strata in every direction, varying from the thickness of paper to
several inches. They often present cavities and surfaces beautifully studded with transparent
crystals of quartz. The edges of the slate are sometimes bent and distorted by the quartz dikes,
showing the extreme heat and great force of the injected veins. The soil in this system of
highlands consists chiefly of disintegrated slate, and is very fertile.
The second group of highlands, belonging to the Palmertown Mt. Range, occupy the towns ot
Fort Ann, Dresden, Putnam, and the e. part of Whitehall. They belong to the primary forma-
tion, their rocks consisting principally of gneiss, granite, sandstone, and impure limestone. Their
sides are very precipitous and broken, and their summits are wild irregular masses of naked,
barren rocks. The valleys between them are narrow and rocky, often bordered by precipices
many hundred feet in height. The soil is cold and unproductive, like that of all regions of a
similar geological formation. A narrow valley extending s. w. from the s. extremity of South
Bay divides the group into two ranges. Saddle Mt., overlooking South Bay and 1000 ft. above
tide, is the highest peak in the s. range ; and Black Mt., 2878 ft. above tide, is the highest peak
in the n. range. Diameter Rock, on the n. shore of South Bay, is 1300 ft. above tide.4
i The original bounds of this co. were as follows : — All that part
of the State N. of the present eo. of Saratoga, and of a line ex-
tending from the mouth of Stony Creek 510 chains E.; thence
8. to the Batten Kil. and along that stream to the s. line of
Princetown. and thence to "Cumberland" co. Its w. line was the
present w. line of Saratoga co. continued to Canada, and its E.
line the w. lines of "Cumberland" and "Gloucester" cos. These
limits embraced the w. half of Vermont. N. of the Batten Kil,
and the present cos. of Warren, Essex, Clinton, and a part of
Franklin.
2 Named from Princess Charlotte, eldest daughter of Geo. III.
3 The act of cession, by commissioners appointed for the pur-
pose, was dated Oct.f, 1790, and the line was finally settled by
commissioners from both States in 1812. The N.Y. commis-
sioners were Smith Thompson, Simeon Do Witt, and Geo. Tib-
bitts. See Nntes to IV. Y. Session Laws. April 15, 1814.
4 The following table of elevations is mostly from Dr. FitchV
Survey of Washington co. : —
FKKT.
Black Mountain, in Dresden, the highest peak 2.878
Willards Mountain, Easton 1-'
Bald Mt., Greenwich 912
Summit between Hudson and Champlain Valleys 891
Mt. Defiance (SpafTord's Gazetteer)..... 720
Pinnacle, North Granville .* 694
Batten Kil, Vt. Line (Sargeant's Canal Survey) 502
Summit between Lake and Hudson River 459
Eagle Bridge R. R. level, above Troy (S. M. Johnson ^ 4€1
677
678
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
The Hudson River forms the s. half of the w. border of the co. A rich intervale, from half a
mi. to a mi. in width, bordered by a series of clay bluffs 20 to CO ft. high, extends along its course.
Most of the other streams of the co. are tributaries of the Hudson, and among them are the
Hoosick, Batten Kil, Moses and Fort Edward Creeks, and many smaller streams. Wood Creek1 is
a deep, sluggish stream, flowing into Lake Champlain and draining the valley, which here extends
from the lake to the Hudson. The soil along the valley is mostly a hard, stiff clay. The Metto-
wee, or Pawlet, and the Poultney Rivers, from Yt., are tributaries of "Wood Creek. In the co. are
several other streams important as mill streams.2 Lake Champlain s. of Ticonderoga is scarcely
more than a ship canal through a reedy marsh bordered by rocky cliffs. Lake George lies along
the n. w. border of the co. Among the hills in the interior are several small lakes, the principal
of which is Cossayuna Lake, in Argyle.3
The various branches of agriculture form the leading pursuits of the people. The principal
grains raised are rye, spring wheat, oats, buckwheat, and corn. Peas, beans, flax, and potatoes
are also extensively cultivated. Stock raising, dairying, and wool growing are also extensively
pursued. The manufactures of the co. are principally along the Hudson and Batten Kil.
The county offices are divided among several towns. The courts are held alternately at Salem and
Sandy Hill, and the clerk's office and co. poorhouse are located at Argyle.4 The jail is connected
with the courthouse at Salem, and all prisoners sentenced for more than two months are sent to the
penitentiary at Albany.
The principal public works in the co. are the Champlain Canal,5 extending in and along Wood
Creek and the Hudson to Greenwich ; the Saratoga & Whitehall R. R., extending through Fort
Edward, Kingsbury, Fort Ann, and Whitehall, with a branch to Lake Station and another to
Caetieton, Yt. : and the Rutland & Washington R. R., extending from Eagle Bridge, through White
Creek, Jackson, and Salem, to the State line.
The first newspaper in this co. was established at Salem, in 1788.6
Upon the advent of the whites, few Indians were found within the limits of this co. ; but Indian
Sandy nil] Center, green and street (W. T. Baker)._ 280
Falls Feeder, summit level " 229
Champlain Canal " (Spafford) 140
Hudson River. Ft. Edward to Ft. Miller " 110
" above Saratoga Dam " 92
Lake Champlain (various authorities) 8Gto93
Lowest point on Hudson in Easton 75
Fort Edward (R. R. Survey) 143
Fort Ann « 121
Comstocks Landing " 114
Whitehall Junction " 121
Lake Champlain " 88.2
Line « 328
i R. du ChicM. or "River of Logs," of the French.
* At Sandy Hill a dam 8 to 10 ft. high and 1200 ft. long crosses
the Hudson, the water setting back to the foot of the rapids
below Glens Falls. At Fort F>Iward a dam 27 ft. high and 900
feet long was built by the State in 1821, as a feeder to the
canal, but, the Glens Falls feeder superseding it, it was sold to
tnpany in 1840 and cut down to 16 ft. The Saratoga Dam
i where the Oiam plain Canal crosses the Hudson into Saratoga
' l"ng. IJ.itt.ii Kil is crossed by 9 dams. White
• a large nunit«-ri>f mill sites, once improved, but
now mostly abandoned. Klack Creek has several valuable and
improved mill •owe* or Pawlei Riv. r has also several
valuable mill site*.
» The following estimates aro taken from Dr.Fitch's Ag. Sur-
vey of Wash. Co. : —
a emu.
Surface of Lake Oiamplain (within the co.).
I Hu.Wn Hirer " _ 1,660
Kingsbury Swamp
Aggregate amount covered bv water or marshes. 2
» " byroads
" " nnin.; land*
*' land* in cultivation 810,760
* The fir«t en. officers under tie .-if- f> *• raincot ntt Win.
Duer. firr' Juil/jf ; Bbeneser Clarke, . John Thomas,
• , ■ ! 1 1 . ' '
Ti ! innel of the Hudson was 6r»t OMd from Saratoga
• rt Ed war a ahort canal with l'*-ks a-
the fill" >t Fort Miller. The summit levd is fed by tbe Glens
F'all« na ler.
• Tkl n eat It was published by Mr. Gerrish; and in 1795
it was chang> I
Th' Washm.jinn Patriii. From 1810 to 181811 bore the name of
The y-irlhrrn Pott, and was published eocceesively by I)odd A
Rnmsey and Dodd k Stevenson. About 1827 it ap-
red as
T ■ ;.i X'.rth Star: and in 1 MO as
The Washington Co. Pout. It is now published at
V rth White Creek by R. K. Crocker.
The Washington Register was started at Salem in 1802 by John
P. Reynolds, and continued several years.
The Salem Messenger was commenced about 1819.
The Salem Press was issued May 21, 1850, by W. B. Harkness,
and is still continued.
The WliiteliaU Emporium was published froralS22 until about 1S28.
The Whitehall Republican was published in 1832 by J. K. Averill.
The Whitehall Chronicle was started in June, 1S40,
and is now published by B. B. Smith.
The Whitehall Democrat was founded in 1S45, and
is now published by II. Dudley and J. B. Wilkins.
The Whitehall Telegraph (tri-w.) was commenced in 1S47, and
continued a short time.
The Whitehaller was published by W. S. Southmaid in 1S49.
The American Sentinel was established in June, 1855, by John
E. Watkins.
The Sandy Hill Herald was started in 1S24, and is
now published by E. D. Baker.
The Sun was published at Sandy Hill in 1826 by A. Emmons.
The Free Press was issued by the same publisher in 1832.
Tlie Independent Politician was published at Sandy Hill in 1832
by C. Y. Haynes & Co.
The Temperance Advocate was published at Sandy Hill the same
year by S. P. Ilines.
The Anti Masonic Champion was started at Union Village in
ls:;o by L. Dewey, and published by him until 1835,
When Wells A Lansing became the proprietors.
The Banner was published at Union Village in 1836 by Wells &
Lansing.
The Union Village Oourant was published in 1836 by Ormsby <Se
Holm -.
TH Union YiWtgt Democrat was started in. 1839 by John W.
Lawton, and in ls41 John C. Osborn became the pub-
lisher. In 1*42 he was succeeded by Joseph Holmes,
by whom it was styled
The T), mocratic ''/tampion, and continued until 1846.
TheWathingtonOn. Stntinelym published at Union Village inl 840.
'I'lic I n Ion Village Journal was bonded in 1843 by
John W. Curtis, by Whom it is still published.
The Champion was started at Union Village in 1843, by Joseph
Holmes.
The Fsif/le wan started by J. L. Cramer in 1 845. Inl 846 it became
The Union Village Eagle, and was published about 2 years by
M.i an a Bailey.
The Union Village Deme^ratic Standard was published in 1849
b) Win. AMcCall.
The Wntliin'/ttni Weffraph wbi established in 1849, and is now
published by C. M. Haven, at
The firanvllle Register.
The Public Ledger was started at Fort Edward in 1854
by II. V. Blam hard, and i« still continued.
The Fort Edward Inst it ut e Monthly was started
in 18M by Win. A. Holley, and is still published.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
079
trails and implements of Indian art frequently found show that it had been inhabited at a former
period. The n. portion of the co., lying in the natural channel of communication between HadsOB
River and Lake Champlain,1 became the great highway of hostile parties passing between the
Five Nations and the Canada Indians, and at a later day by the more formidable armies of disci-
plined troops in the struggles which ended in the conquest of Canada. The French made incur-
sions upon the English and Five Nations in 1665, 1688, and 1603 ; and these were returned by
attacks upon the French and Indians in Canada in 1691 and 1692. For several years after, the
passage of small hostile parties was of frequent occurrence. In 1709, Forts Ann and Nicholson
were erected by the English and garrisoned for the protection of the northern frontier; but
upon the return of peace they were abandoned.2 Frequent incursions of small parties were made
in the War of 1748, and many persons were murdered, — though no regular engagement took place.
Again, during the French War of 1755, forts were built at Ft. Ann, Ft. Edward, and the whole
region around the head of Lakes George and Champlain became the theater of stirring military
events. The armies that attacked Ticonderoga, and those that finally effected the conquest of all
the French posts upon the lakes, marched through this region ; and it formed a portion of the great
battle-ground between the armies of two nations contending for the sovereignty of a continent. In
the summer and fall of 1777, upon the advance of Burgoyne, war again, for a brief space, spread
terror and desolation over the whole region " Skenesborough" was burned and abandoned on the
7th of July, Fort Ann was taken on the 8th, Fort Edward on the 28th, and the country was over-
run by the enemy soon after. On the 13th and 14th of Sept. the British army crossed the Hudson
into Saratoga co. ; and about the 10th of Oct. Fort Edward was re-taken by the Americans, thus
effectually cutting off the retreat of the army, already disheartened by their defeat at Bemis
Heights. The surrender of Burgoyne put an end to the war in this section ; and the subsequent
history of the co. is but the record of the continued and progressive triumphs of peaceful industry.
ARGYLE3 — was granted by patent, May 21, 1764, * and formed as a town, March 23, 1786.
Greenwich was taken off in 1803, and Fort Edward in 1818. It lies near the center of the co. Its
surface is rolling in the n. and w. and broken and hilly in the s. and e. The highlands are divided
into broad ridges with abrupt declivities. In the n. part Tamerack Swamp covers several hundred
acres. The principal stream is the Moses Kil,5 which flows in a s. w. direction through near the
center of the town. The other streams are small brooks, which flow into the Hudson, Batten Kil,
and Wood Creek. Cossayuna Lake6 is a beautiful sheet of water, 3 mi. long, situated in a narrow
valley in the s. e. part of the town. It is everywhere surrounded by steep hill slopes, and contains
several beautiful green islands. To the n. e. of this lake, high up among the hills, is Argyle Lake,7
a small sheet of water, half a mile in circumference. The soil of the town is generally a pro-
ductive, slaty or gravelly loam. A mineral spring, 1 mi. n. w. from South Argyle, is said to re-
semble those at Saratoga. Argyle (p. v.) was incorp. March 27, 1838; It is the seat of the
Argyle Academy. Pop. 375. North Argyle and South Argyle (p. offices) each contains
about 20 houses, and The Hook 10. Argyle was conveyed to 83 families, and in 1765 the first
settlement commenced.8 The family of John Allen, a tory living on Lot 25, was murdered by
Indians belonging to Burgoyne's army, July 26, 1777.9 The first church (Asso. Ref. Presb.) was
formed in 1793 ;10 Rev. Geo. Mairs was the first preacher.
1 There wore three distinct routes, — one from Fort Edward,
down Wood Creek, with a portage of 6 to 10 mi., one from Fort
Ann to the head of South Bay, and one from Glens Falls to
Lake George. 2 See page 682.
8 Named in honor of the Scottish Duke of Argyle.
* This patent was granted to Scotch immigrants (who came
over under Laugblin Campbell in 1738^10) and to their descend-
ants. It embraced 47,450 acres, and granted township privileges.
Duncan Read, Neal Shaw, Alexander McNachten, (McNaugh-
ton.) and Neal Gillespie were appointed trustees. A stately
avenue, called " T/te Street," 7 mi. in length and 24 rods in
width, was laid out (on paper) and surveyed E. and w. through
the center of the township, and lots were laid out on each side.
In the. rear farm lots were laid out, thus affording accommoda-
tions for proprietors and tenants. In the summer of 1764 this
tract was surveyed and divided into 141 lots, in accordance with
this plan, by Arch. Campbell, of N. J., ami Chris. Yates, of Sche-
nectady. The natural impediments in the way, however, pre-
cluded the possibility of building the street or in any way real-
izing the plan.
* Formerly " Moss Kil" probably from Capt. Moss, who settled
opposite its mouth.
« Called at different times "Long," "Legbrants," "JfcEachrotU,*
"Cowans," and "Big Lake." The name given on the map and in
the text, after having gone out of use, was restored by Dr. Fitch
in his survey. Cossayuna is said by the St. Francois Indians to
signify "The Lake at our pines" and is highly expressive of its
original scenery.
7 Summit Lake is a picturesque sheet of water in the CO., upon
the very summit of the central range of hills. Two sawmills
are supplied by its outlet.
8 Alex. McNaughton, Arch. Livingston, Duncan Campbell,
and Roger Read settled on the Batten Kil; and James Gilles,
Duncan Taylor, and George Kilmer, near the center of the
town. Many Of the lots were never visited or claimed by their
proprietors, and they were taken up by squatters. The first
death was that of Mrs. Arch. Brown.
9 This family had been assured of protection by Burgoyne.
Their murder, together with that of Jane MeCrea, had the ten-
dency to convert many persons who had hitherto been tones
into active partisans in the American cause.
10 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 Asso. Presb., M. E., Ref.
Presb. or Cong., and I'rot. E.
680 WASHINGTON COUNTY.
CAMBRIDGE — was ineorp. by patent,1 July 21, 1761. It was formed as a town2 in Al-
bany co. March 7, 1788, and annexed to Washington co. Feb. 7, 1791. White Creek and Jackson
were taken off in 1815. The surface of the town is hilly in the n. and rolling in the s. The
summits of the hills are 200 to 300 ft. above the valleys. The e. part embraces a portion of the
valley of Owl Kil, which is celebrated for the beauty of its scenery. Upon the w. of this
valley are high undulating hills, the broad sweeps of which show alternate patches of green wood-
land and cultivated farms ; and upon the e. rise the Taghkaniek Mts., rough and broken, while
the valley itself is very smooth and level. The other streams are Wampecack Creek, Whiteside
Brook, and several other small brooks. The soil is generally a gravelly and sandy loam. Flax is
extensively cultivated. Cambridge (p. v.) contains 100 houses and the Cambridge Washington
Academy; Center Cambridge (p. v.) 13 houses; IVortta Cambridge (p. o.) 10; and
Buskirks Bridge3 (p. v.) 15. The first settlers consisted of 30 families, who located in 1761,
'62, and '63 and who each received 100 acres of land as a gift from the proprietors.* Phineas
Whiteside,5 from Penn., settled 8 mi. w. of the Colerain Colony, in 1766. The expedition against
Bennington, under Baum, passed through the town Aug. 13, 1777; and the remnant of the fugi-
tives returned on the night of the 16th. The first church (Asso. Presb.) was organized in 1789;
Rev. Thos. Beverly was the first pastor.6
DRESDE\ — was formed from Putnam, as "South Bat/," March 15, 1822; its present name
was adopted April 17, 1822. It lies between Lake George and the s. extremity of Lake Champlain.
Nearly its entire surface is covered by steep mountain ridges, several peaks of which are 1500 ft.
above the lake. The declivities of the mountains are steep, sometimes forming perpendicular preci-
pices several hundred feet high. Upon the side of Lake George the mountains rise abruptly from
the very edge of the water ; but upon the borders of Lake Champlain is a narrow strip of arable
land. The principal mountain peaks are Black7 and Sugar Loaf Mts. and Diameter Precipice.
Pike Brook and the head branches of Mill Brook take their rise in these mountains. All of the
surface in the interior is covered with forests or naked rocky peaks. The soil is hard and sterile, and
is unfit for agricultural purposes. The town was principally conveyed to non-commissioned officers
and privates of the Colonial British army ; and settlement was begun about 1784, by Jos. Phippeny,
at the foot of South Bay. Ebenezer Chapman, Boggs, and Daniel Ruff came soon after, and
settled along the bay and lake. Lumbering has formed a prominent pursuit. In several localities
iron and other ores have been noticed, but none worked to any extent. The town is without a p. o.
A bridge was built, at the expense of the State, across South Bay, near its outlet, in 1856.
EASTO\T — was formed from Stillwater and Saratoga, March 3, 1789, while a part of Albany
co., and so named from being the e. town in the Saratoga Patent. It was annexed to Washington
co. Feb. 7, 1791. It lies upon the e. bank of the Hudson. A broad intervale extends along the
course of the river, which is succeeded by a plateau region, embracing the central and s. portions
of the town. The e. part is broken by several lofty hills. The principal highlands are Willards
Mt.° and Harrington Hill. The streams are Hudson River and Batten Kil,9 forming the w. and
lindanes of the town, Kidney and Yly Creeks, and a few minor streams. Upon the e. borders
of the town is an extensive swamp known as "The Vhj."10 The Di-on-on-dah-o-wa Falls,11 upon
l Thin patent embraced :il,500 acres, nnd was nominally con- I Thomas, William, ami James) upon large farms near him,
I to 60 person*, mut of whom resided in Hebron, I
nl ownen were tral 0 in Dumber, and of th<-*'- 8 only were
mentioned In the charter, viz.: Isaac Bawyerand Edward Well*,
nn_ and Jacoi. i '. nnder of LanatoKbnrgh. The
Otbj r three owners — I ' h"m. Smith, and Qeo. I'.anyar
— wen connected with the Colonial Qovernmi tit
s Th<' town InrlwHI ■ portion of the Doodck Patent
* Named from Martin Van ISn-kirk. who bufll tli<- fir-t bridge,
* The patent wai conditional t.. the •ettiemenl r,f 80 famuli i
within 8 yean; endtomeH iniretneot the moat inviting
n was surveyed, and 100 acres ofland a* a gift to each
family that WOnld remove thither. lay In a double
row, on both sides of Owl Kil. fp.m bekrw the "Chtckartd
pieaent t'.wn of Jark«on. The? embrace the
il village precincts from Davi- phen-
Among tip ren J <-. at n* r.f
gphi m, Jaa. and John Otnrdeo, John McClung, Samnel
Qea Dnncan, Ihrrid Harrow, Wm.
- • • fctorriaon. A ton of the last was
the fir-t child t-.m of crrflked paronta In town. Hugh i
a son of Col. Blair, was tli I In town. It i-
led that of I refer a time the moat
thrifty in tfwn) all hot two ]. -t their ptuuettj and died in
Tins*' '-tit.- are all owned by his descendants at the present
day. The remaining lands were mostly leased by the six pro-
prietora at an annual rent of one shilling per acre; hut, they
gem-rally willing to sell at a sum equal to the present
--■.■■rill ..f the |i>.-rp<'tual rent, most of the settlers have gradually
ai quired th>- fee simple of their farms. The first inn was of logs,
on the site of the " checkered Hume" anil kept by .las. Cowden.
Philip Van Nees built the first sawmill and gristmill on Gordons
. . near Buskirks Bridge. This neighborhood was called by
the Indians " Ty-o-shnke," and by them a field of 12 acres had
been cleared there for corn. Other early settlers on the Hoosick
Patent were Col. Lewis Van Wort and John Quackenbush.
• The census reports 4 churches ; 3 M. E., 1 Asso. Presb.
" m-.uk Mt.. the highest, is 2,*79 ft. above tide.
8 Willards Mt. is said to have derived its name from a Mr.
Will:ird. who from its summit, with a spyglass, reconnoitered
the position of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga.
* Judge BenBon, in his work upon the names of places, states
that this stream was named from the Christian name of liar-
tholomew Van Ilogeboom, first settler above Stillwater. Bart,
i- the abbreviation of Bartholomew, and hence Barts Kil, or
Kil.
io A terra used to denote a marsh overgrown with bog moss
rtv, mainly from intemperance. They were mostly from and l<iw bushes.
liti. r..nn' a Pronounced Di-on-on-dah'o^wa. On a map of Saratoga Patent
* William Whiteelde aro,uir>-d th» till* to 8 lots, of M0 acri - published in 1709 it is written Di-on-onde-ho-we.
etch, of the finest land, and settled his sons (John, Peter, |
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 681
Batten Kil, below Galesville, are 60 ft. high, and well worthy of note. The soil is an excellent
quality of sandy and gravelly loam. Limestone of an excellent quality abounds in this town.
Machinery, agricultural implements, and woolen goods are manufactured at Galesville. Faston
Corners (North Easton p. o.) contains 30 houses; Faston (p. v.) 17; South Ca*ton
(p.v.) 15; and Crandalls Corners 8. Parts of Union Village and Galesville1 are
in this town. The date of the first settlement is unknown, but it was probably several years
after the Saratoga Patent2 was issued. In 1709 a fort3 was built on the hill top, 1 mi. s. of Gales-
ville, and a few families settled under its shelter; but the dread (if Indian hostilities prevented the
settlement from spreading. On the 30th of Nov. 1745, the enemy made a descent upon the phu-e,
killed 30 persons, and took 60 prisoners, including a portion of the garrison, who were decoyed
from the fort by the Indians feigniiig to be wounded. The remaining part of the garrison burned
the fort and unfinished blockhouses and withdrew, leaving the frontier unprotected. Settlers did
not return until 1760.* At Schuylerville is a bridge across the Hudson 800 ft. long. The first
religious meeting (Quaker) was held in 1778. A Ref. Prot. D. church was formed in 1805 ; Rev.
Philip Duryea was the first preacher.6
FORT A1VX— was formed, as " Westfield," March 23, 1786. Hartford was taken off in 1703,
and Putnam in 1806. It received its present name, April 6, 1808, from the old fort erected here in
1709. It lies s. of the southern extremity of Lake Champlain, and s. e. of Lake George. Its central
and w. parts are occupied by the high and rocky peaks of the Palmertown6 Mts., here divided into
three distinct ranges, — Palmertown Mt., in the w. part, Mt. Putnam, in the center, and Fort Ann
Mts., in the e. The extreme e. edge of the town is occupied by uplands belonging to the Cossayuna
Range. Diameter Rock and Buck Mt., on the line of Dresden, are the highest peaks, and are
1300 to 2500 ft. above tide. The valleys separating the ranges of the Palmertown Mts. are known
as " Furnace" and " Welchs Holloic." The principal streams are Wood Creek, Halfway Creek,
Furnace Hollow Creek, and Podunk Brook. The principal bodies of water are Orebed, Sly, Cope-
land, Hadlock, and Trout Ponds. The soil in the mountain region is hard and sterile, scarcely
strong enough to support the natural growth of forest trees ; but in the valleys it is a gravelly loam
alternating with a stiff clay.7 Iron8 and woolen goods are manufactured to some extent. Fort
Ann9 (p.v.) has 608 inhabitants; Griswolds Mills (p.v.) about 14 houses. West Fort
Ann, (p.o.,) South Bay, Canes Falls, and Comstoeks Landing (p.o.) are small
villages. Fort Ann was one of a chain of military works erected in 1709, to facilitate the exten-
sive operations then in progress against Canada.10 It stood upon the w. side of Wood Creek, about
half a mile from the present village of Fort Ann, the Champlain Canal passing partly across the
spot which it enclosed. It was built at the joint expense of England and the Colonies. Artillery
Patent, covering the e. part of this town, was granted Oct. 24, 1764, to Jos. Walton and 23 other
Provincial officers, in equal shares, irrespective of grade. Settlement was not generally begun
until after the Revolution. An engagement occurred here, July 8, 1777, between the rear guard
of the retreating American army, under Col. Long, and the advanced guard of the British, under
Col. Hill.11 In Oct. 1780, a blockhouse in this town was burned by the enemy. The first church
(Bap.) was formed in 1789 ;12 Rev. Sherman Babcock was the first pastor.
FORT EDWARD-was formed from Argyle, April 10, 1818. It lies upon the e. bank
of the Hudson, near the center of the w. border of the co. A wide intervale extends along the
1 Formerly called "ArTcansmv." The present name is derived
from John Gale, former proprietor of the village site. See p. 683.
2 This patent was granted Nov. 4, 1684, and renewed Oct. 9,
1708. The part E. of the Hudson was 12 mi. long and 6 mi. broad.
8 This fort was built of thick posts driven into the ground close
to each other, in the manner of palisades, forming a square, " the
length of whose sides was within the reach of a musket shot."
At each corner were houses for officers; and within the palisades
were barracks of timbers. — Kalm's Travels.
4 Among the first settlers of about this period were Pet. Becker,
Elijah Freeman, Thos. and Mishal Beadle, William Thompson,
Nathan Potter, John Swain, and William Coffin. A school was
taught near Union Village as early as 1787. Gerrit Lansingh
kept the first store, in 1794; and John Gale built the first mill,
5 tons of pig iron daily. A forge was built at West Fort Ann in
1828, for making anchors and chain cables.
9 Incorp. March 7, 1820.
10 While this fort was in process of erection, a force of 1500
French and Indians were sent to destroy it; but, learning tii.it
Col. Nicholson was posted here with a superior force, they re-
turned. While the English were awaiting at this place thu
opening of a road and the construction of bateaux on Lake
Champlain, a fatal sickness broke out in the camp, and great
numbers died as if poisoned. In October Oil. Nicholson re-
turned with his crippled forces to Albany. Charlevoix states
that this sickness was produced by the treachery of the Indians,
who threw the skins of their game into the swamp above the
camp. It is more probable that it was a malignant dysentery
at Galesville, in 1810. The first woolen factory was built in the caused by the malaria of the swamps and the extreme heat,
summer of 1846, by Gale, Rodgers & Reynolds. 11 The Americans were obliged to retreat in consequence of their
5 There are 5 churches in town ; 2 31. E., 2 Ref. Prot. D., and 1 ammunition giving out. They destroyed their works, and foiled
Friends.
6 Said to be named from a small remnant of Indians, who were
driven from Conn, and settled here.
1 Near Wood Creek, 50 feet above the present surface of the
stream, are found pot holes worn by water, evidently by an
ancient current flowing southward.
8 A blast furnace was built at Mt. Hope in 1826, which makes
trees across the road and creek, obstructing the route to Fort
Edward as much as possible. The removal of these obstructions
caused a delay of several weeks, which finally proved fatal to
the invading army.
12 The first edifice was built in 1810, 2 mi. E. of Deweys Bridge,
and is now used as a schoolhouse. There arc 6 churches in town ;
3 Bap., M. E., Meth. Prot., and Free.
682
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
river, but toward the e. the surface rises to a height of 200 to 300 ft. and spreads out into a beauti-
fully undulating upland. The Hudson, Moses Kil and Dead Creek are the principal streams. The
soil upon the river is a mixture of heavy clay and alluvium, but farther e: it is a sandy or gravelly
loam. In town are several extensive manufacturing establishments.1 Fort Edward3 (p-v.)
is finely situated on the Hudson. Pup. in 1858, 1,5G5. The Washington Co. Seminary and Female
Collegiate Institute,3 one of the largest academic institutions in the State, is located at this village.
Fort 31iller (p. v.) is situated on the Hudson, about 7 mi. below Fort Edward. Pop. 225. Fort
Edward Center is a p. o., and Durkeetoivn is a hamlet. The first family that located
in the town or co. was that of Col. Lydius, son of Rev. John Lydius, who, having acquired the
title to Delliu's discarded patent, built a house, and engaged in trade with the Indians at what
is now Fort Edward Village.* His daughter, Catherine, was born here, and was the first white
child born in the co. Fort Nicholson was built in 1709, but was soon after abandoned. As a
part of the plan of military operations against Canada, about 600 men, under Gen. Lyman, were
sent forward, in June, 1755, to build a fort where Fort Nicholson had formerly stood, at the great
carrying place to Lake Champlain.5 Fort Edward was a very important depot for arms and ren-
dezvous for armies in the great expeditions against Canada ; and it served as a vast hospital for the
sick and wounded until 1760, when it was allowed to go to decay. During the Revolution it was
again occupied by both British and Americans. Fort Miller is named from the fort built, about
1755, in the bend of the river opposite the village.6 After the peace this town settled rapidly.
Wm. Duer,7 son-in-law to Lord Sterling, was the pioneer of Ft. Miller, where he built a large house
and sawmill. There are 6 churches in town.8
GRAWILLE — was formed March 23, 1786. It is situated upon the e. border of the co., n.
of the center. Its surface is undulating and hilly. The ridges generally slope gradually to
their summits, which are elevated 300 to 500 ft. above the valleys. Quarries of excellent roofing
slate have been opened in different parts of the town.9 Wide intervales of excellent land extend
along the course of Mettowee, or Pawlet,10 and Indian Rivers. The soil is a slaty and gravelly loam,
and is particularly adapted to potatoes, large quantities of which are exported. A limited amount
of manufactures11 is carried on in town. Granville12 (p. v.) contains an academy and 450 in-
habitants ; Worth Granville (p. v.) a female seminary and 220 inhabitants ; Middle Gran-
ville (p.v.) 439 inhabitants; and South Granville (p. v.) 111. The land in this town is em-
braced in several grants made to about 30 captains and lieutenants who had served in the French
War.13 Barnaby Byrnes Patent, of 2000 acres, in the s. e. corner, was sold to Kennith McKennith,
a merchant of New York, who again sold it to Donald Fisher, a tailor of that city. Fisher induced
several relatives of his to remove from Scotland and settle upon his tract. In the Revolution he
withdrew to Canada, and his lands were confiscated and sold ; but, owing to some informality, the
l Th» dam at Fort Edward furnishes water for 4 gang sawmills,
a machine shop and furnace, n flouring mill, plaster mill, paper
mill, an 1 cotton factory. At Fort Miller Dam are a grist and saw
mill, falling mill, machine shop, and woolen factory.
a ID r il-n. Act of 1S47.
»Th<- eeminary building is 300 ft. long by 40 broad, and C
lo extensive wing. It has accommodations
for 600 pupils. 7 43.
* Hi- h"U»e wu burned by the Indians in 1749, and his son
tak' n prisoner.
6 It was named Fort Lyman : but a few years after, the name
was chang-d to Ft. Edward, in honor "f Bdward, Duke of York,
gran: . II.. ud brother of Geo. III. It ntnod on tho
bank of the river, w. of lb 1 within the prment village
limits. It was 4 sided. With bastions on 3 angles, the f Mirth
being protected by the rfri r. In ramparts of earth and t iml-.-r.
18 ft. high and S3 thil It, Warl m tauten with 6 r.inimn ami at*
closed several larp- bulldh I barracks ware
built on Monroes Island, a\ ; II I band f savages attei
to surprise It In Aue. 17'AI'iit ■< Israel Put-
nam and his rangers. In the I [, Putnam
the f>rt fi . ti'in by a charn- ' >■< I I in-
trepidity and daring. The fjrt am k fire, and the
flames spread with great rapidity in the hnmodlate viritiity of
the powder mag Udm -. Putnam plarod himwdf in the path of
the flames, and (ought deeperatnfj until the n r<- was subdued;
and when he retired from bii pott his mum, (kce, and bands
were entirely skinned, and the frail covering of the magazine was
completelv charred.
The Border Of Jane McCrea took place July 27. 1777. near a
spring, and beside a I pine bras a little r. "f tli" village.
This tratr-dv wag at once reported throughout th« country, and
aided MliatlJ to wc.ak<-n the influence <>f the British, while it
aroused the perils to more desperate effort' in re«i»tinR 'be In-
raders. The old pine tree died IB1M0J and in 1853 it was cut
down and made into canes and boxes as mementos of tho event.
The remains of Miss McC. are interred in the Union Cemetery.
6 The flat upon which this fort was erected is protected on three
sides by the river and a narrow bay- ; it was further defended by
a strong parapet of timber covered with earth, and with a ditch
in front. A blockhouse was built upon the bluff that overlooks
the point ; and within the flat storehouses were erected.
' He was the first State Senator from this co. Among the
first settlers were Noah Payne, from Warreu co., Conn., in 1766,
Timothy Buel, and the Crocker fumilies. Nath'l Gage was living
at Ft. Millar when these families arrived. Tho Durkeo, Saun-
ders, and Bell families settled in the upper part of the town.
The first one of these consisted of a father and 5 sons, from R. I.
These settlers first took out titles under Lydius, but, finding
them invalid, they bought of the Schuyler proprieters. There is
no tradition of loss to tho settlers from this cause, — whence it is
Inferred that Col. Lydius refunded whatever he may have re-
ceived. Hugh Monroe, (owner of Monroes Island.) Patrick
Smith, and Dr. Jas. Smith settled at Fort Edward about 1764.
The liouso of Patrick Smith — still standing, \ mi. 8. of Canal
Aqueduct — was the headquarters of Burgoyno and Gen. Schuy-
ler at different times during tho Revolution; and it was the co.
oouxthouM.
e 2 M. E., 2 Prot. E., Ref. Prot. D., Presb.
* Tho laborers engaged in this business aro mostly Welsh.
Extensive arrangements aro in preparation for cutting and
dressing this for a variety of ornamental and useful purposes.
10 This stream, rising among the Green Mts., is subject to sud-
den and severe freshets, which render the maintenance of
bridges difficult and expensive.
11 At Granville Villago are a paper mill and woolen factory,
w Incorp. In 1849; formerly called " Bishops Corners:'
l' These grants became known by tho names of the patentees,
as "Grants' X»rth and Smith Patent," "Lakes Patent," "Uutchin-
vim I'atent," " KcUeyt Patent," "Dupersont Patent," &o.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
C83
State afterward bought off his claim, for $12,000. 1 The first carding machine used in the State
was erected at Middle Granville, in 1808.2 The first church (Presb.) was formed April 1G, 1782;
the first pastor, Rev. Oliver Hitchcock, was settled in 1780; and the church was erected in 1795.'
GREENWICH— was formed from Argyle, March 4, 1803. It lies on the e. border of the
CO., in the N. angle formed by the junction of the Hudson and Batten Kil. Ranges of hills, 200 to
300 ft. above the valleys, extend through the central and eastern parts of the town. Bald Mt.,
near Batten Kil, is the principal peak. The declivities of the hills are so gradual that the surface
appears to be rolling rather than hilly. Upon Batten Kil are two considerable falls, one of which
is 75 ft. in height. The other principal streams are the Cossayuna, Rogers, and Stony Creeks and
Livingston Brook. Cossayuna Lake extends into the n. e. corner of the town. The soil is a slaty
and gravelly loam interspersed with patches of clay. The town is more extensively engaged in
manufactures than any other in the co.4 Union Village,5 (Greenwich p. o.,) on the line of
Easton, contains an academy and 1,173 inhabitants, 888 of whom are in Greenwich ; Bald
Mountain6 (p. v.) 225 inhabitants; East Greenwich (p. v.) and Center Falls each
about 100 houses ; and North Greenwich (p. v.) 70. Galesville (p. v.) is a manufac-
turing village of about 40 houses, on the line of Easton. Battenville, (p. v.,) in the s. e.
corner, contains about 200 inhabitants. Lakeville (Lake p. o.) is a hamlet. It is sup-
posed that the first settlement was made by the Hutch, previous to the French War, a few
families of them remaining at the time of the Revolution.7 About 1733 a large number of Scotch
emigrants had come over under the promise of grants of land from Government, — which promise was
not fulfilled. Jan. 5, 1763, three of these emigrants — Huncan, George, and Jas. Campbell, sons of
Laughlin Campbell — petitioned for 100,000 acres ; and on the 11th of Nov. following a patent of
10,000 acres was issued to the 3 brothers, their 3 sisters, (Rose Graham, Margaret Eustace, and Lily
Murray,) and 4 other persons. This grant embraced about one-third of the town of Greenwich.
The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1774; Rev. Leonard Bowers was the first preacher.8
HAMPTON — was formed March 3, 1786. It lies upon the e. border of the co., n. of the
center. A range of hills, about 500 ft. above the valleys and for the most part covered with
forests, extends through the central and eastern parts of the town. Poultney River, separating
the town from Vt., is the principal stream. Along its course is a wide intervale of fine land.
The soil is a gravelly loam interspersed with clay. The intervale is alike fertilized and desolated
by the frequent overflows of the stream. Hampton Corners (Hampton p.o.) contains 20
houses, and LOW Hampton9 (p.o.) 5. The greater part of this town was included in patents
granted to Provincial officers. The n. part embraces about 2000 acres of Skenes Little Patent.10
The first settlement was made some little time before the Revolution,11 by Capt. Brooks, Col.
Gideon Warren, and Webster. The first church (Prot. E.) was built at a very early date;"
Rev. Stephen Jeweth, from N. J., was the first preacher.
HARTFORD— was formed from " Westfield," (now Fort Ann,) March 12, 1793. It lies neai
the center of the co. The s. e. section is broken and hilly, and the center and N. w. level or
gently undulating. The summits of the highest hills are 500 to 700 ft. above the level of the
Champlain Canal. The principal streams are East Creek and its branches. Slate and limestone
of an excellent quality are found among the hills.13 The soil in the s. E. is a rich, slaty loam, and
that in the n. w. a heavy clay. There are several chalybeate springs, the principal of which is
i Capt. Dan'l Curtis, from New Lebanon, N. T., came into town
about 1780 ; Capt. Ebenezer Gould, from Killingly, Conn., Nath'l
Spring, Asaph Cook, Tim. Allen, F. S. Hodge, Ebenezer Walker,
and David Doane, settled before or about the time of the Revo-
lution. Baker kept an inn at North Granville, about 1790,
and Jenks kept a store as early as 1795. Nath'l Spring
erected a gristmill at Granville, about 1787. A school was taught
by Jas. Richards, in 1783, at South Granville.
2 It is said that this carding machine was obtained secretly
from England and for some time was worked in private.
8 The census reports 10 church buildings; 2 Friends, 2 Presb.,
Bap., Cong., M. E., Meth. Prot., WeB. Meth., and Prot. E.
* Batten Kil is improved by a dam of 8 ft. fall at East Green-
wich, one of 9 ft. at Battenville, a dam and falls of 25 ft. at Center
Falls, a dam of 8 ft. at Union Village, a fall of 40 ft. at Galesville,
and a dam near the mouth of the stream. The Di-on-on-dah-o-wa
Fall i are not improved. There are a woolen factory, a grist, saw,
and plaster mill, at East Greenwich, a manufactory of seamless
bags at Battenville, a woolen factory, grist, saw, and plaster mill,
at Center Falls, and mills near the mouth of the stream.
& The first settlement in this village was made in 1781, by
Job Whipple, and it was first called " Wliipple City." It was
incorp. March 29. 1809. The first cotton factory in the State was
erected here in 1804, by Wm. Mowry, who had received his in-
struction at the pioneer establishment of Sam'l Slater at Paw-
tucket, R. I. In this village are several mills and machine
shops and a large carriage factory.
6 This village is entirely dependent upon the manufacture of
lime widely known as the Bald Mt. lime. At the kilns of K. W.
Lowber 100,000 bushels are annually manufactured.
1 Among the first settlers at Lakeville were Alexander Reid,
John McEachron, and Robt. McNaughton; at East Greenwich,
Archibald Livingston ; at Carters Pond, Asa Carter ; near Gales-
ville, Abraham Lansingh, Gale, White, Tefft ;
and at Center Falls, Thos. McLean, Jas. Conoly, Nathan Rogers,
and Smith Barber.
8 The census reports 9 churches; 3 Bap., 3 M. E., Cong., Ref.
Prot. D., and Asso. Presb. „.„„„„,. ,
» A paper mill here manufactures annually 240,000 lbs. or
wrapping paper.
io This patent of 9000 acres was granted July 8,1771.
U Among the early settlers were Sam'l Beman. Peter P. French,
Hyde, Benj. Rice, Rufus Hotchkiss, and Jason Kellogg
French & Beman kept the first store, and the former the first
inn. Rev. Wm. Miller, originator of the belief that the second
advent of Christ would take place in 1843, resided in this town.
l2 The first religious society formed was M. E. The census re-
ports 4 churches ; Bap., M. E., Prot. E., and Sec. Advent.
1' Lime for local use was made in this part of the town.
684
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
upon the farm of Alvin Briggs, near the center. Among the limestone ridges in the sr. part are
several small eaves. IVortli Hartford (Hartford p. o.) contains about 300 inhabitants ; South
Hartford (p. v.) 150 ; and L.og Tillage 50. This town embraces the Provincial Patent,
granted, May 2, 1764, to 26 commissioned officers of the N. Y. Infantry.1 Settlement was not com-
menced until after the Revolution.2 The first church (Bap.) was built in 1789.3
IIEBROX4 — was formed March 23, 1786, and named from Hebron, Conn. It lies near the
center of the e. border of the co. A broad mountain range extends through the center, occupying
nearly one-half of its entire surface, and a series of high hills extends through the e. and w.
sections. The summits of the highlands are 300 to 500 ft. above the valleys and are mostly
crowned with forests. The ranges of hills are separated by the valleys of Black Creek and its
principal w. branch. The soil is a sandy and slaty loam, of a light, porous nature, easy of culti-
vation, and well adapted to resist the extremes of wet and drouth. In the hilly regions is con-
siderable rocky waste land. In the n. and e. are extensive and valuable quarries of slate. JVorth
Hebron5 (p. v.) contains the North Hebron Institute and 12 houses ; East Hebron (Hebron
p. o.) 12 houses; West Hebron (p. v.) the "West Hebron Classical School and 40 houses;
Belcher6 (p. v.) 20 houses; and Slate ville (p.o.) 8. This town was embraced in patents
granted to officers and privates who had served in the French War, — mostly to Scotch Highlanders
belonging to the 77th Regt. of Foot. These grants were made so long after the war that those who
were entitled to them never appeared to claim them. The first settlements appear to have been
made before the Revolution. There are two academic institutions in town. The first church
(Asso. Ref. Presb.) was organized in 1780 ;7 Rev. Dr. Gray was the first pastor.
JACKSOX — was formed from Cambridge, April 17, 1815. It lies on the e. border of the co.,
s. of the center. The n. branch of the Taghkanick Range occupies the e. portion of the town, and
several parallel ranges extend through the central and w. portions, rendering the entire surface very
hilly. The summits of the hills are 300 to 800 ft. above the valleys and are generally crowned with
forests. The declivities are often steep and rocky. The principal streams are Batten Kil and a
branch of Owl Creek. In the valley between the hills that border immediately upon Batten Kil
and those farther w. are several small lakes, known as Long, Big, Dead, and Little Ponds. These
lakes are beautiful sheets of water, surrounded by hills, forests, and fine cultivated farms. The soil
is a slaty loam and very productive. Jack son Center (Jackson p. o.) contains 16 houses ;
Coila, (p. v.,) on the line of Cambridge, about 30 houses; and Anaquassacook. 12. Por-
tions of this town and White Creek were embraced in the Anaquassacook Patent of 10,000 acres,
granted May 11, 1762.8 The first settlers were James Irvine, Peter Magill, and John Miller, all
of whom located in the s. part of the town.9 The only church (Ref. Prot. D.) in town was organized
Dec. 31, 1833; Rev. Jas. W. Stewart was the first pastor. Geo. Law, one of the projectors and pro-
prietors of the California line of steamships, was a native of this town.
KI.VGSBl'RY — was incorp. by patent May 11, 1762, and recognized as a town by the State
1 1 rnment March 23, 1786. It lies on the w. border of the co., n. of the center. Nearly all
of its surface is level or gently undulating. A range of hills, rising about 150 ft. above the valleys,
occupies the extreme e. edge of the town. The principal streams are the Hudson, in the s. w.
corner ; Wood Creek, upon the e. border ; Halfway Brook, in the n. w. corner, and Moss Brook.
At Bakers Falls,10 upon the Hudson, the river shoots down a steep descent of ledges, in all 76 ft.
in 60 rods, forming a scene of great beauty, and affording an extensive water-power. The soil
along the valley "f Wood Creek is a hard, stiff clay; in the other parts of the town, a sandy or
gravelly loam. TIhto are extensive quarries of limestone in town, furnishing an excellent building
material; from these quarries was obtained the stone for the locks on the Champlain & Hudson
' Tli is patent contained 28,000 acres, each officer receiving
■
tOoL John Bade, M.mninc r.nll. Stephen and A«a Bump,
John and Edward 1 igalU,and Ni' ml Taylor were
^ Uu fir- fr. .rn
I.
,. and John Paine in 1784. A ■ shoo) wai taught in 1790,
at Korth Hartford, byThoa. Paine) from Conn. A gristmill was
built of logs at an early date.
» The census reports 4 churches In town ; M. E. Bap., Cong.,
and Union.
* During; the Revolution, an J for some time after, the place was
known as '" Black Crttk."
s Locally known as " Munrns Meadows."
• Locally known as " Brsllam."
7 Tin n [»>rtH 7 churches; 2 M. E., 2 Sec. Advent, Bap.,
A-- ". I'r<-1... .-ind Asso. Ref. Presb.
8 This pat'-nt was granted to Kyer, .Tncnb, Freeman, and W.
If, Bchennerhorn, Johannes. Nicholas, and Peter Quackcnboss,
Thos. and John Smith, and Joseph Jansen, all of Schenectady.
» Among the settlers on the Anaquassacook were Ilii^h
Thompson and Ebenezcr Billings, and near the ponds .Inhn
Mi Lean and Jonathan Conger. "A schoolhouse was built in
1780, a little w. of Peter Hill's residence. An inn was kept by
Murray about 1790. John McOill built a store of logs, in
17-1. "n the site of the present residence of Peter Hill.
10 Named from Albert Baker, the second settler in town.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
c,<,
Canal. Manufacturing is carried on to a considerable extent.1 Sandy Hill2 (p. v.) has a popu-
lation of 1,260. Moss Street contains 25 houses ; Kingsbury (p. v.) 25 ; Pattens Mills
(p. v.)20; Dunhams Basin 10; Vaughns Corners 12; Adamsville (p.o.) 12;
Langdons Corners 5; and Smiths Basin (p.o.) 8. Kingsbury Patent, containing 26,000
acres, was granted to Jas. Bradshaw and 22 others, from Conn., May 11, 17G2. The first settlers
were James Bradshaw, Albert Baker, and his sons Albert and Charles, from New York City.3 A
sawmill was built at Bakers Falls before the Revolution, and a gristmill in 1807. The town was
the scene of many an adventure during the French War,* and the settlement was entirely broken
up during the Revolution. Traces of a road cut by Burgoyne's army are still visible near Kings-
bury. The first minister was Francis Baylor, a Moravian, about 1776. Meetings were held by
the Prot. Epis. and the Bap. in 1795.5 Several noted men have been residents of this town.8
PUTNAM7— was formed from "Westfield," (now Fort Ann,) Feb. 28, 1806. Dresden was set,
off in 1822. This town lies in the extreme n. end of the co., upon the mountainous peninsula
between Lakes George and Champlain. The mountains are divided into two separate ranges by
the valleys of Mill and Charter Brooks. The w. range of mountains rises abruptly from the surface
of Lake George, and in the s. part of the town attains an elevation of 900 to 1,000 ft. above the surface
of tho lake. The greater part of the surface is rocky, broken, and unfit for cultivation ; but sections
of arable land extend along the valleys of the small streams and the borders of Lake Champlain.
The soil is generally a hard, gravelly loam. Graphite of a fine quality is found in abundance. A
small pond lies among the mountains, on the w. side of the town, 300 feet above Lake George.
Putnam Corners, (Putnam p.o.,) containing about 10 houses, is the only village. The tilla-
ble lands were mostly granted to privates of the N. Y. Provincial regiments, and feeble settle-
ments had probably commenced before the Revolution.8 The first church (Asso. Presb.) was
built in 1801 ;9 Rev. James Miller, from Scotland, was the first pastor. A private academy at
Putnam Corners was established in 1854.
SAL/EM — was formed by patent Aug. 7, 1764, and was recognized by statute March 23, 1786.
It lies on the e. border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface consists of moderately elevated ridges,
separated by narrow valleys, all extending in a n. e. and s. w. direction. The hills are usually
bordered by gradual slopes and their summits are crowned with forests. There is very little
waste land in town. Batten Kil, forming the s. boundary, and Black, White, and Trout Creeks,
are the principal streams. Lyttles Pond, in the n. part of the town, is a beautiful sheet of water
lying in a basin among the hills and surrounded by forests. The soil is a rich, slaty or gravelly
loam. Salem, (p. v.,) incorp. April 4, 1803, has 832 inhabitants; Shushan (p. v.) about 25
houses ; and Eagle ville, (East Salem p. o.,) Clapps Mills, and Fitches Point have
each 40 to 50 inhabitants. James Turner and Joshua Conkey, from Pelhani, Mass., were the first
settlers, in 1761. They were joined, the next year, by Hamilton McCollister. In 1764 a patent
of 25,000 acres was obtained,— one-half owned by a company of New England settlers and the
other by Oliver De Lancey and Peter Du Bois, two Government officials.10 These last sold their
share to Rev. Thos. Clark and his company of Irish and Scotch immigrants at a perpetual rent
of one shilling per acre.11 The Camden Tract, on the e. part of the town, was granted to captains
1 The dam at Sandy Hill, across the Hudson, 1,200 ft. long and
10 ft. high, furnishes water-power for several mills and a woolen
factory. At Bakers Falls there are a paper mill and 2 gristmills.
The lumber business of the town is very extensive and im-
portant, the sawmills being supplied with logs floated down
from the Upper Hudson. There are also in town establishments
for the manufacture of pianos, steam engines, portable saw-
mills, &c.
2 This village has been a half-shire town since 1807. It was
incorp. March 9, 1810.
* Among the other first settlers were Michael Hoffnagle, Solo-
mon King, Oliver Colvin, and Nehcmiah Seely.
* At one time 17 soldiers were taken prisoners by the Indians
and carried to the present site of Sandy Hill Village. They
were seated on a log, in a row, when their captors deliberately
began to tomahawk them, taking them in order from one end
of the log. When all were killed but one, (John Quackenboss,
of Albany,) a squaw claimed him, and his life was spared. He
returned after a few years of captivity, and resided near Hoc-
sick, in Cambridge. In Aug. 1758, Majs. Putnam and Rogers
encountered a party of French and Indians in this town, during
which engagement Putnam was made prisoner. The enemy were
finally compelled to withdraw, with a loss of 90 men.
5 The census reports 9 churches ; 3 Bap., 3 M. E., Presb.,
Prot. E., and B. C.
* Gov. Wright received his legal education at the office of
Henry C. Martindale, of Sandy Hill. Lieut. Gov. Pitcher, for
some time Acting Governor, was a citizen of this town. Hon.
Wm. P. Lee, late Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Sandwich
Islands, was a native of Sandy Hill.
I Named in honor of Gen. Israel Putnam, who in this vicinity,
as major in the colonial service, performed some of his most
daring exploits.
8 The first sawmill was erected by Robt. Cummings, in 1S02.
on Mill Creek, 1 mi. from Lake Champlain. The first child
born was James Jennings, in 1803; the first death was that of
Anne Thompson, in 1804. Robt. Patterson kept the first school,
in 1804. Many of the first settlers were Scotch, and among
them were Obadiah Blake, Robt. Cummings, John Blair, Win.
Hutton, George Easton, Pelatiah Bugbee, John Butterfield, and
Josiah Clark.
B There are 2 churches; Asso. Presb., and F. W. Bap.
10 This patent was surveyed into 308 lots, and a large pine lot
was reserved for the common benefit, and cut up into small lots
for division ; 3 lots near the center of the town were set apart
to support the minister and schoolmaster.
II The New England and Scotch settlers were mixed together
in their settlements, and often on alternate farms ; and, in con-
sequence of the rivalry between the two parties of proprietors,
the town was speedily settled. The New Euglanders wished to
call the town " }V7iite Greek," and the Scotch "iVtw Perth;" and
each name was strongly insisted on.
686
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
and lieutenants in the Provincial army. Rev. Thomas Clark -was the hrst minister.1 The Salem
"Washington Academy was incorp. Feb. 15, 1791.3
WHITE CREEK3— was formed from Cambridge, April 17, 1815. It is the s. e. corner
town of the co. The surface of the s. portion is gently rolling, and the central and n. portions are
occupied by the Taghkanick Mts. The summits of these mountains are rocky and broken and
covered with forests, and their sides are bounded by abrupt declivities and perpendicular ledges.
The principal streams are Hoosick River, Owl Kil, Pumpkin Hook,4 Center, White, and Little White
Creeks. The upper course of Owl Kil is through a deep and narrow valley abounding with pictur-
esque views. A small vein of lead has been discovered three-fourths of a mi. e. of Posts Corners.
The soil is a fine quality of gravelly loam. More sheep are raised in this town than in any other in
the co. Garden seeds and flax are largely cultivated. JVortll Wliite Creek (p. v.) adjoins Cam-
bridge. White Creek, (p.o.,) Posts Corners, Center White Creek, (p. o.,) Ash
Grove, Dorrs Corners, Pumpkin Hook . and Martindale Corners are hamlets.
The Walloomsac Patent, lying partly in this town, on the 8., was settled by the Dutch. Among
the other grants were the Bain, Embury, Grant and Campbell, and Lake and Van Cuyler, Patents.
A colony of Irish Methodists settled near Ash Grove about 1770 ; and here was organized the second
M. E. church in America,5 by Thos. Ashton (from whom the locality was named) and Rev. Philip
Embury. James and Thos. Morrison made the first settlement, near White Creek.6
WIIITEIIAEE7 — was incorp. by patent Nov. 12, 1763, as " Skenesborough."8 Its name was
changed March 23, 1786. It lies at the s. extremity of Lake Champlain. Its surface is moun-
tainous in the w. and level and undulating in the center and e. Saddle Mt., upon the w. border,
is nearly 900 ft. above the surface of the lake. The principal streams are Wood Creek, Mettowee
(or Pawlet) and Poultney Rivers. Upon Wood Creek, near its mouth, is a fall which furnishes a
valuable water-power. The soil of the greater part of the town is a hard, stiff clay and is best
adapted to grazing. Considerable manufacturing is carried on in town.9 Whitehall (p. v.) is
situated near the mouth of Wood Creek, on Lake Champlain. The r. r., canal, and lake trade give
this place commercial importance. The Whitehall Academy is in the e. part of the village. Pop.
3,225. This town was the scene of stirring military events during the French War.10 The first
settler was Maj. Skene, who located here, with 30 families, in 1761. Nominally associating 24
others with himself, he obtained a patent of 25,000 acres, March 13, 1765 ; and a patent of 9,000
acres in the town of Hampton and Whitehall, July 6, 1771, known as Skene's Little Patent.
About 1770 he built a massive 6tone house and barn, a forge, and one or two sawmills. He also
built a sloop upon the lake, and a road, known as " Skenes Road," 30 mi. through the wilderness
toward Salem. He appears to have been a man of great energy of character, and he endeavored
to secure solid and permanent advantages to the infant settlement.11 Upon the approach of the
lution, Maj. Skene espoused the royalist cause, and his house was taken by the Americans
in May, 1775.12 In 1776 an American garrison was stationed here, and a small fleet was fitted
1 Rev. TV-". Clark (Asso. Presb.) was tho first minister; and
hi« church. f"rm"d in Inland, was transplanted without re-
n. In 1760 a l'ri-sb. society was formed, Rev. John
Their church, then unfinished, was forti-
fied by Co; :i in 1777. and soon after was burned
by the en<-m v. Th- re nr. m >w 7 churches in town ; 2 M. E., Asso.
W. Bra., 1T.-I... and Morsv.
' For a (rreat number of rears this school was one of the most
■i N'w Y<rk. Among tin- distinguished persons
who nave recefi I ■ were Bon.
Pamn'l Nelson, of d it, Hi n. John Hi
rly Chief Justice of K T, and Ret Dr. Bethtme, of Brooklyn.
* The creek from which the t wn was named received its name
from the white quart* pebble* that frra its bed.
* Said to be a corruption of tl m-pa-nnrk, the name
of a tritx* of Indians who remoTed hither ft
8 Bmbnry preached the first M -or 4 years
I be rcnous : M. V...
Meade, I'r- -t... i:.r, and Asa
* Amorv ■ rs wep- Hn<-1 Reebe, Maj. John
Portar, Kphraim. Jam'-*. an I Bi bt-Oowaa, Invi'l Harrow, gam']
Clark. John MeCluog, 8eo. Ihincan. I ■■• Qttmore,
Wm. Eager, Wm. Selfrage, Sam'l Ball. and John B ott The early
r- in the r. r«rt of the town were XhotJMI ' ninnd
Well*. John and Etienezer Alien, Pnvid Ppmjrue, -
John Barroan, Thos. Me<',.,|, John Woods, Simeon F'.wkr. John
Young. J r,andJohj > hn Rhodes built the
first rl thing work*, at Pumpkin Hook.
I Called by the Indians " Kab-cho-quah-na," (ht jiact vehtrt
dip fish.
» Named from Maj. Philip Skene, a British half-pay officer, its
trader and patentee.
D The manufactures consist of lumber, machinery, vessels,
boats, carpets, and sash and blinds. An extensive lumber trade
is carried on with Canada and with ports on the Hudson,
through Lake Champlain and the Champlain Canal.
10 Maj. Israel Putnam was stationed here in the summer of
1768, with 35 rangers, to watch the motions of the enemy and
prevent the passage of small parties. A point — now known as
Puts Rock — three-fourths of a mi. R. of the village, overlooking
South Ray. and completely commanding the passage of Wood
Creek, was chosen, and a stone breastwork was built and con-
cealed by bushes. Soon after the work was finished, a party of
600 French, led by the partisan Molang. upon a secret expedi-
ii ■■ii. attempted to pass up the creek in the night. They were
r.. ■ nod by a most destructive fire, and before they could rc-
Bram their surprise, one-half of their number were killed.
Finding that the enemy had landed below and that he was in
danger of being surrounded, Putnam quietly withdrew, with no
loss, and but two men wounded.
11 Maj. Skene became acquainted with this place while accom-
panying the expedition under Gen. Amherst, in 1755. Soon after
he planted his first settlement, of 30 families, ho was obliged to
goto the West Indies; and upon his return in 1763 he found
But 16 families remaining. He brought a number of slaves from
t)i"- West Indies, and employed them and a large number of
discharged soldiers upon his works, nis house was 30 by 40 ft.
on the ground, and 2\ stories high ; and his barn was 130 ft. long,
with massive stone walls pierced with portholes. The other
buildings in his settlement were a few frail houses belonging to
his tenants.
u He was very popular with the settlers, and hence ho was an
object of both fear and dislike to the patriots. His place was
captured by a party of volunteers under Capt Herrick, and
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
087
out in tho harbor and put under the command of Benedict Arnold. Upon the approach of Bur-
goyne's army, in 1777, tho fort was blown up and the houses, mills, &c. were all burned.1 During
the War of 1812 this place became an important depot of military stores. The first steamboat on
the lake was launched here, in 1809. The Champlain Canal was constructed to this point from
Fort Edward in 1819, and finished to Troy in 1824.2 In 1800 Gen. Williams made arrangements
for building a church, but died before he could carry them into effect. His son (Col. John Wil-
liams) and his widow carried out the design, and presented the building to the Asso. Presb. Soc.
It was rebuilt in 1826.3
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Washington County.
Names or Towns.
Argyle
Cambridge....
Dresden
Easton
Fort Ann
Fort Edward
Granville
Greenwich ...
Hampton
Hartford
Hebron
Jackson ,
Kingsbury...
Putuam
Salem
White Creek.
Whitehall....
Total
Acres of Land.
27,186
18,013*
5,5004
30,994*
22,619$
12,7914
27,511*
20,8644
8,725
21,978
25,515
17,981
18,440
7,882
25,1044
22,683*
19,240
8,350*
4,206
21,9434
6,9364
27,966$
2,006
6,632
5.349
3,939
4,852*
7,138
4,880
4,3244
12,423
7,976
5,616
9,015
333,030* 143,554* 12,766,947
Valuation of 1858.
$1,002,507
902,490
92,810
1,366,962
657,072
500,950
873,565
1,204,115
231,751
735,967
779,302
768,170
785,406
144,580
830,385
868,265
1,022,650
$209,232
151,804
4,000
223,330
56,137
492,160
145,250
489,625
30,845
82,484
93,390
66,550
105,755
19,854
308.314
333,762
396.740
3,209,222
e
$1,211,739
1,054,294
96,810
1,590,292
713,209
993,100
1,018,81;;
1,693,740
262,596
818,451
872,692
834.720
891,161
164,434
1,138,699
1,202,027
1,419,390
Population.
Si
1,613
1,132
387
1,482
1,845
1,530
1,710
1,959
429
1,132
1,283
906
1,736
378
1,461
1,257
2,299
15,976,169 122,539 21,866 7,875
1,631
1,172
348
1,530
1,699
1,434
1,653
1,929
417
1,064
1,266
864
1,628
346
1,464
1,182
2.239
608
459
150
614
695
528
660
790
161
416
530
335
626
129
561
680
893
8.741
484
286
100
397
327
350
469
473
106
345
379
242
464
101
410
325
472
Vc
5.730 I 240
-- c
1,078
990
318
976
1.310
1,112
1,235
1.442
282
807
831
587
1,329
302
1,016
908
1.769
K>.2'.<2
Names of Towns.
Argyle
Cambridge....
Dresden
Easton
Fort Ann
Fort Edward
Granville
Greenwich ....
Hampton
Hartford
Hebron
Jackson
Kingsbury-
Putnam
Salem
White Creek,
Whitehall....
Total...
Live Stock.
1,196
737
150
1,030
797
443
855
913
168
697
884
634
634
240
888
559
882
2,090
1,085
5,192
1,668
1,652
947
1,604
1,478
602
1,229
1,612
1,052
1,057
944
1,606
951
1,552
1,838
1.071
300
1,577
955
667
2,023
1,345
516
1,067
1,567
1,049
971
468
1,322
800
1,153
&3
1,515
982
117
1,050
580
384
654
862
162
607
808
966
463
123
1,027
628
397
I
4,058
2,897
212
3,028
1,127
933
1,581
2,690
330
1,479
2,351
2,816
1,184
214
2,963
1,638
804
Agricultural Products.
Bush, op Grain.
'C
18,138
14,767
8024
26,848
1,6254
2,2874
6,958
18,928?
1,602
4,284
4,976
14,281
1,230
1,113
6,208
3,5654
2,7394
X
11,707 21,721 '18,689 11,325 30,305 130,354 1,484,742* 69,881 767,285
164,446
98,2834
13,876*
183,367
63,9074
71,573
80,021
140,079
22.950
79,686
121,047
112,9874
63,337
18.507
134.8904
68,403
47,3804
I
4,790*
4,251
1,528
5.8134
5,626
2,700
5,4284
3,539
2,169
4,326*
4,796
3,316
4,7174
2,037
4,8424
4,591
5,409
V.
«5^
72.925
35,211
5,096
46,905
27,451
11,262
107,972
46,914
10,955
87,857
109,647
59.570
38,619
4.964
61,934
25.994
14,009
■s.
K?"
29,861
11,126
2,872
14.501
6,812
1,525
24.697
14,508
5,844
21.422
12,877
8.621
7,075
4,652
10,578
6,656
5,476
Daiet Products.
189,103
£ ~
li;:;.:;2i
109,204
23,323
137. S64
91,843
55.014
106,160
129,495
36,210
104,554
129,987
106,071
94.385
47.490
143,020
67.351
79,846
2,875
7.420
3,106
42.176
44.S24
2,358
334.76'
17,100
35.632
18.109
26,115
530
30.54-.
440
4,635
36.150
27,713
5
11
5 3
1,625,138 634,491 6,2984
215
1.2384
403
1 .".35
531
40
416
212
269
72
278
246
651
45
55
92
Maj. Skene the younger, 50 tenants, and 12 negroes were taken
prisoners. The sloop was sent down the lake to Col. Ethan
Allen at Shoreham, Vt. In the cellar of the house was found
the body of the wife of tho elder Skene, which had been pre-
served many years to secure to the husband an annuity devised
to her " while she remained above ground." The Americans
buried the body in the rear of the house.
1 When Ticonderoga was abandoned to Burgoyne, the public
stores were embarked in 200 bateaux and sent up to this point
under the convoy of 5 galleys. They were pursued and over-
taken, 3 of the galleys were burned, and nearly all of the stores
were destroyed. All the works at "Skenesborcnigh" were blown
up or burned, and the Americans retreated in disorder to Fort
Ann. Burgoyne stayed in this place 3 weeks, while opening a
road to Fort Ann. The remains of a battery and blockhouse
built about this period, overlooking the lake, are still visible.
* A company, under the name of tho "Nort/crn Inland Earn
gation Crrmpany" had previously been formed for the purpose of
uniting the waters of Lake Champlain with those of the Hud-
son. After expending large sums of money, the project was aban-
doned.
3 Tho census reports 7 churches ; 2 VL E., Bap., Cong., Presb.,
Prot. E., and R. C.
WAYNE COUNTY.
This county1 -was formed from Ontario and Seneca, April 11, 1823.
It lies upon Lake Ontario, w. of the center of the State ; is centrally-
distant 171 mi. from Albany, and contains 624 sq. mi. A series of
bluffs 25 to 75 ft. high extends along the lake shore ; and from
their summits the surface rises in gradual slopes to the lake ridge,
a distance of 4 to 5 mi. This ridge is 50 to 200 ft. -wide on the
top, and about 200 ft. above the lake. It declines toward the e.,
and upon the e. border of the co. it can scarcely be traced. The
declivity of the ridge upon the s. is 8 to 20 ft. ; and from its foot
the surface gradually slopes upward to the surface of the limestone
ridge, which extends e. and w. through the co. a little n. of the
center and forms the watershed bet-ween Lake Ontario and Clyde
River. The summit of this ridge is 140 feet above the lake ridge, 340 feet above the lake,
and is about 3 mi. -wide. It is highest upon the w. border of the co., and gradually declines
toward the e.2 From its southern edge the surface gradually declines to Clyde River and slopes
upward from the river to the 8. line of the co. South of the limestone ridge are numerous drift
ridges extending x. and s. and from one-fourth to one and a half miles in length. The declivities
are usually very 6teep, and the summits 40 to 100 ft. above the surrounding surface. They
usually end in an abrupt declivity toward the n., but gradually decline toward the s. They are
composed of clay, sand, and gravel, and seem to be deposits from great currents of water.
Considerable marshy land extends along Clyde and Seneca Rivers, and also through the co. N.
of the lake ridge.
Ganargwa, or Mud Creek, enters the s. w. corner of the co. from Ontario, flows in an irregular
but generally easterly course to Lyons, where it unites with the Canandaigua Outlet and forms
Clyde River,3 which continues eastward to the e. bounds of the co., where it discharges its waters
into Seneca River. These streams receive from the n. West Red Creek, East Red Creek, and
Black Creek, and from the s. numerous small brooks. The streams flowing into Lake Ontario
are Bear, Deer, Davis, Salmon, Thomas, "Wolcott, and Big and Little Red Creeks ; First, Second,
and Third Creeks flow into Great Sodus Bay. The principal indentations upon Lake Ontario are
Great Sodus, East, Port, and Blind Sodus Bays. Great Sodus Bay forms an excellent harbor.
Crusoe Lake, in the s. e. corner, is the only considerable body of water. The streams, in their
course through the drift deposits and lake ridge, have usually worn deep ravines.
The lowest rock in the co. is the Medina sandstone,4 appearing upon the lake and in the ravines
near it. It occupies a strip with an average width of 2 mi., widest at the w. Next above this is
the Clinton group of limestone and shales, extending to the foot of the limestone ridge. Next
above is the Niagara limestone, forming the summit ridge and occupying a strip about 3 mi. in
width. South of this is the Onondaga salt group of red and green shales and gypsum, extending
to the s. border and occupying nearly one-half of the co. The rocks are mostly covered by thick
deposits of drift, and arc only exposed in the ravines of the streams. Shells, marl, and muck are
foand in large quantities in the marshy regions. "Weak brine and sulphur springs are found in
vari.ius localities in tin- Medina sandstone and the red shales of the Onondaga salt group.
The soil derived from the drift deposits is generally a sandy or gravelly loam, with an occasional
intermixture of clay. The soil along the lake shore, principally derived from the disintegration
of Medina sandstone, is a reddish, sandy loam. At the foot of the mountain ridge, both n. and s.,
is a strip of very productive clay h.am. In the valley of Clyde River the soil is principally a
gravelly loam and alluvium. The marsh lands, when drained, are covered deep with a rich
\ ratable mold, which develops info the most fertile soil in the co.
Agriculture forms the leading pursuit The branches, in the order of importance, are grain
ra;-in;r. stock jxrovrinp;, dairying, and wool growing. Fruit is extensively cultivated, and is rapidly
' Named in honor of On. Anthony Wayne.
1 This parallax fi>rm.'iti"ii i» ao-ount'-l tn hy the th~ry thnt
the km r- _'i Dfl through th- >. and central part* of "
red l>v Oi" vatan of the lake, no thai th<- lim<-«t'.n'-
lidge was a loni? bar or point extending into the lake from thew.
* Naai-I lv Wni. McNab, a Scotchman. At an early day it
698
wan navigable as far as Lyons, and was a link in the great chain
of Western trav.-l.
4 'I his stone is extensively quarried for building stono. It U
soft when first taken from tho quarry, but hardens upon ex-
posure to tho atmosphere.
WAYNE COUNTY.
G89
becoming one of the most important agricultural products. Few counties in the State surpass this
in the quality or quantity of apples and peaches annually produced. A strip of land bordering
upon Lake Ontario, and extending from Niagara River to the Oswego, seems peculiarly adapted
to the cultivation of apples and poaches, and is rapidly becoming one of the most important fruit-
growing regions in the State. In Wayne co. $25,000 worth of dried fruit is annually prepared.
Peppermint and tobacco are raised along the valley of Mud Creek.
The county seat is located at the village of Lyons, near the center of the co. The courthouse is
a fine cut stone building, fronting Church St. It has an Ionic portico, and is surmounted by a
large dome.1 The jail is a commodious stone building, in the w. part of the village. It contains
rooms for the jailer's residence, and is one of the best arranged and conducted establishments of
the kind in the State. .The county clerk's office is a fireproof building, fronting Pearl St., a little
s. of the courthouse. The poorhouse is situated upon a farm of 130 acres 1$ mi. w. of the court-
house. The average number of inmates is 67, supported at a weekly cost of $1.55 eaoh. A school
is taught throughout the year. The farm yields a revenue of $1,400. The buildings are insuffi-
cient for the accommodation of the inmates ; but the institution seems to be well arranged and
well kept.
Six weekly newspapers are now published in the co.2
The Erie Canal extends through the s. tier of towns ; and along its course are the most populous
and thriving villages of the co.3 The direct branch of the N. Y. Central R. R. between Syra-
cuse and Rochester extends, along the course of the canal, through Savannah, Galen, Lyons,
1 The first courthouse was a brick edifice, erected soon after
the organization of the co. It was superseded, in 1854-55, by
the present structure, built of Lockport limestone. The building
committee of the present courthouse were John Adams, Stephen
Marshall, and F. B. Cornwell. The first officers of the co. were
John S. Talmadge, First Judge; Ilugh Jameson, Sheriff; Wm.
H. Adams, District Attorney ; Isaiah J. Kichardson, Co. Clerk ;
and John S. Talmadge, Surrogate.
2 The Palmyra Register, tho first paper published in the CO.,
was commenced Nov. 26, 1817, by Timothy C. Strong.
It was continued under various titles until 1823, when
it was published as
The Western Farmer and Canal Advocate, and passed into the
hands of Pomeroy Tucker, who changed its name to
T lie Wayne Sentinel, under which title it is now pub-
lished by Wm. N. Cole.
The Lyons Republican was commenced Aug. 3, 1821, by Geo.
Lewis. It was discontinued in Feb. 1822.
The Lyons Advertiser was commenced May 31, 1822, by Hiram
T. Day. It underwent various changes in name and
publishers. It was published as
The Wayne County Gazette, by Ephraim J. Whitney; as
The Lyons Argus, by E. J. & W. W. Whitney;
The Lyons Gazette, by Barker & Chapman ;
The Wayne Co. Patriot, and as
The Western Argus, by Chapman & Chapin and Ashley & Co.;
and as
The Western Argus, by Charles Poucher. In 1841 it was
changed to
The Lyons Gazette, and was published by Russell from 1849
to 1853, when it was sold to Wm.Van Camp, and in 1855
or '56 it was merged in The Wayne Democratic Press.
The Palmyra Freeman was commenced March 11, 1828, by D. D.
Stephenson. It soon after passed into the hands of J.
A. Hadley, who removed the press to Lyons and
changed the name to
The Countryman. Myron Ilolley became connected with it aB
associate editor. In 1831 it was suspended for a time,
and afterward resumed as
The Lyons American, by Myron Holley. In 1835 it was pub-
lished by Wm. II. Childs. In 1836 it was removed to
Clyde and published as
The Clyde Gazette, by Dennis Cord, until 1838.
The Reflector, mo., was commenced at Palmyra in 1828 by O.
Dogberry, jr. It was discontinued in 1830.
The Newark Republican was commenced at Newark in Nov.
1829, by Jeremiah O. Balch. It was discontinued in 1831.
The Clyde Standard was published about 6 mo. in 1830 by E.
P. Moon.
The Western Spectator and Wayne Advertiser was commenced at
Palmyra Jan. 9, 1830, by Luther Howard and Erastus
Shepard. In 1831 its name was changed to
The Spectator and Anti-Masonic Star. It was removed to
Rochester the same year and merged in The Anti-
Masonic Enquirer.
The Palmyra Wliig was commenced in Feb. 1838, by Wm. N.
and Sam'l Cole. It was removed to Lyons by Wm. N.
Cole, and its name changed to
The Wayne County Whig. In the fall of 1850 it passed into the
hands of Williams & Gavitt. In the spring of 1852
they sold it to Silas A. Andrews, who continued it a
few months and sold it to Wm. Van Marter ; and in
44
Nov. of the same year it passed into the hands of Rodney
L. Adams. In Sept. 1856, its name was changed to
The Lyons Republican; and April 30, 1859, Mr. Adams
sold it to W. T. Tinsley & Co., its present publishers.
The Wayne Standard was commenced at Newark in June, 1838,
by David M. Keeler. In Aug. 1839, it was sold to Gen.
Barney T. Partridge, J. P. Bartle, and S. Culver, who
changed its name to
The New JEgis, Stephen Culver, editor. In Jan. 1840 it was
sold to Norton, and discontinued in May following.
In July following it was revived as
The Wayne Standard, by D. M. Keeler. and published until 1843,
when it passed into the hands o' H. L. Winants, and in
about 1 year was discontinued It was revived soon
after, as
The Newark Courier, by David Fairfield. It was successively
published by Wm. K. Creague and B. F. Jones at)
The Newark Journal; and in 1854 by G. D. A. Bridgman, who
changed its name to
The Newark Whig. In Sept. 1856, it passed into the hands of
C. F. White, who changed its name to
The Newark Weekly Courier, and still continues
its publication.
The Palmyra Courier was commenced May 28, 1843, by Frederic
Morley. It passed into the hands of J. C. Bennett, who
changed its name to
The Palmyra Democrat. It was published again as
The Palmyra Courier, by Benedict, from about 1S51 ti '54.
Mr. Benedict sold it to Beebe, and, in a short time
afterward it passed into the hands of A. E. Averill, who
changed its name to
The Palmyra American, and subsequently again to
The Palmyra Courier, under which name Mr. Averill
still continues its publication.
The Clyde Eagle, was commenced in 1844 by B. Frazee. It was
successively published by Dryer, Stephen Salis-
bury, and in 1847 by Rev. Chas. G. Acly and William
Tompkins, who changed its name to
Tlie Clyde Telegraph. It afterward passed into the hands of
Rev. W. W. Storiker, and soon after to Wm. R. Fowle,
and in a short time it was discontinued.
The Clyde Industrial Times was commenced in Feb. 1850, by
Payn & Smith. It soon passed into the hands of Jos.
A. Payn. Its name was changed in 1S51 to
The Clyde Weekly Times, under which title it is now
published, by Joseph A. Payn.
The Northern Methodist Protestant was published by an asso-
ciation at Clyde in 1S49; Rev. W. W. Storiker, editor.
The Wayne Banner was published at Wolcott in 1850 by John
Mclntyre, and was removed to Clyde, and merged in
The Industrial Times on the first issue of tho latter
paper.
The Farming Mirror was commenced at Lyons in July, 1S53, by
R. L. Adams & Co., and was published 1 year.
The Wayne Democratic Press was commenced at
Palmyra in 1855. It was removed to Lyons the same
year, and is now published by Wm. Van Camp.
3 The enlarged canal crosses Seneca River on the E. border of
the co., on an aqueduct built upon 31 arches of 22 feet spaa
each. It crosses Mud Creek, a little w. of Lyons, upon an aque-
duct of 5 arches, and again crosses the same stream, N. of PaW
myra, upon an aqueduct of 3 arches.
G90 W A Y N £ C 0 U X T Y.
Arcadia, Palmyra, and Macedon. A ship canal1 route and a r. r. route5 have been surveyed,
connecting the Erie Canal and Central R. R. with Lake Ontario.
The -western 9 towns in this co. belonged to the Pulteney Estate ; the e. part, including Savan-
nah, Galen, and portions of Wolcott and Butler, constituted a portion of the Military Tract. The
intermediate portion, except the s. 3 tiers of lots in Rose, were compensation lands granted to the
Pulteney Estate for the gore between the old and new pre-emption lines. The earliest white
inhabitants were hunters and trappers. The first permanent settlements were made in 1789, at
Palmyra, under the auspices of General John Swift, agent of a company of settlers from Conn. ;
and at Lyons, under Charles Williamson, agent for the Pulteney Estate.5 From 1790 to 1794,
colonies came in from R. I., Long Island, and Maryland.4 The settlements did not progress with
great rapidity for several years, owing to the diseases which prevailed. The fear of Indian hos-
tilities and of British invasion during the War of 1812 greatly retarded settlement. On the return
of peace, settlers began to arrive in considerable numbers, principally from New England and
Eastern N. Y. The completion of the Erie Canal gave a new impulse to immigration ; and in a few
years the flourishing villages of Lyons, Clyde, Palmyra, and Newark were built up along its
course. The N. Y. Central R. R., built through the co. in 1852-53, greatly benefitted the co. and
enhanced the value of the lands.
The most notable of the later incidents in the co. have been the rise of Mormonism in Palmyra,5
and the commencement of spiritual rappings in Arcadia.6
ARCADIA — was firmed from Lyons, Feb. 15, 1825. It lies on the s. border of the co., a
little w. of the center. Its surface is a rolling region, broken by drift ridges. Mud Creek flows
E. through the town, x. of the center, and receives several small streams as tributaries. The soil
is a sandy, gravelly loam, mixed with clay on the hills. Gypsum is found in the s. w., and marl
in the center. Newark., (p. v.,) including Arcadia., (p. v.,) in the s. part, on the canal, was
incorp. July 21, 1853, as Newark. It contains 7 churches, a bank, flouring mill, tannery, 3 furnaces,
and several manufactories. It is a flourishing canal village and a station upon the N. Y. C. R. R.
Pop. 2.042. Fairville, (p. v.,) about 5 mi. N., contains 1 church, a tannery, a limited amount
of manufactures, and 159 inhabitants. Marbletown, near the s. e. corner, contains a church
and 10 houses. Jessups Corners and Hydeville are hamlets. Settlement was com-
menced in 1791, by Joseph Winters and B. Franklin.7 The first church (M. E.) was organized in
1805. J. Wesley Benton was the first settled minister, in 1806.8 A family named Fox, residing
at Ilydesville, in Arcadia, first heard the mysterious sounds known as the "rappings" on the
night of March 31, 1849. Investigations were made in regard to the origin of the raps, but
nothing definite was settled upon. The family soon after removed to Rochester, the "raps" accom-
panying them; and hence the name "Rochester Rappings." A series of investigations was insti-
tuted, and the matter became public, some claiming for it a spiritual origin, but the great majority
pronouncing it a humbug or delusion. From this source modern spiritualism originated.
KI'TI^ER — was farmed from Wolcott, Feb. 20, 1820. It is the center town on the e. border
<>f the CO. Its surface is diversifi^'l, level in the s. E. and rising into ridges in the n. w. The
highest point i- Armstrong Hill. The principal stream is Wolcott Creek, which rises in the N. E.
and, flowing in a circuitous < rse, leaves the town near the n.w. corner. The soil in the valleys
ia a gravelly loam, ami on the hills it is generally clay, with a tenacious subsoil. Lime is manu-
factured in the tt, part t" a limited extent. South Roller, (p. v.,) on the s. line, contains 5
chur«-hos, a classical s.-l era! manufactories, and about Inn inhabitants. West flutter
(p. o.) contains 10 housec | WeVtburjr, p. V.f) in the x. e. corner, partly in the town of Victory,
l Tn T>27. a charter was obtain^t for boil hn<r a uhlp canal
from th» Bna Canal, at KuillaUUM, !•■ «;r*at Sodns Il.iv. Sur-
rn.i'K bill nr> »"rk «> m 'I 'iv. A riew charter
& fW p. cm.
Arcadia.
'Gilbert Bowel] and Paul Reese came in in 1T0S : Samivl
was obtained byJotan I ami an- Sovorbill in 170s ; Humphrvy Sherman, Reuben Starks, ami
• ■• 1.. r I v lii n. Wm. II. Adnmv in ISM. T '. in John Miller, from I-ong Island, in 1S00; and Kbenezcr Smith
thn last charter la froi inal. a little w. toon alter. The tasks came in from Columbia bo. in isofi.
of Clyde, smi' work hat been done on parta of this i Jacob, Philip, and Isaac husk purchased 1 sq. mi., which is now
• The - -l ni P Inl ■• - ntfaern i:.i:. was in rj. in April. 1 - iplad by the Tillage of Newark. Caleb Tibbette, Stephen
The mod was t> extend from Bodfli Bay to Newark. The r rots
has U^-n •oprcyed. but n" work ha* ban dona, A Fnrrey nan
also r<-.-n made tm a p.. R. from Clyde t.i BodM Bay.
* Mr. William* n built raadi from Palmyra and LjODJ to
Aldridfc. IIiTirvCroags. and Coopi-r Culver fi-ttled in IsflT: and
I>r. A. Hyde, In 1810. The first death was that of a child of It.
Franklin, in 1702; the first marriage, that of Hess and
Amy Ttbbetta. in 1708. Stephen Aldridge kept the first inn,
Soda* Point; npaa these the early settler! mostly |orit«v|. ijr- anil J. p. Bartiett the first store.
also laid out a city upon Sodus Bay. which ha* not yet r**>n bnilt. | * There are 10 churches in town; 2 Meth. I'mt.. M. K., Presb.,
♦Tbe Maryland settler, bronchi with th-m several slaves ; I ut Prd. ¥,., I'uion, Kef. I'rot. D., Bap., R.C., and Christian,
't was soon found that idave labor wax unprofitable.
WAYNE COUNTY.
691
(Cayuga co.,) 1 church and 20 houses. Ituf l<>r Confer is a hamlet. The first settlement was
commenced in 1802.1 The first settled minister was Mills.2 Rev. Antoinette L. Brown, the
first woman ever regularly ordained in the State, was settled fur B6veral years over the Cong.
Church at South Butler.
GALES!3 — was formed from Junius, (Seneca co.,) Feh. 14, 1812. Savannah was taken off In
1824. It lies on the s. horder of the co., B. of the center. Its surface is hilly in the e., but more
level in the w. In the s. w. is a large tract of swamp land. Clyde River4 flows through the town
from w. to E. in a circuitous course. The soil is a rich, sandy and gravelly loam. Clyde,5 (p. v.,)
near the center, on Clyde River, was incorp. May 2, 1835. The canal passes through the villa-'- ;
it is also a station on the N. Y. C. R. R. It contains G churches, a high school,6 2 banks, a news-
paper office, a glass factory, and several other manufactories.7 Pop. 1,850. Marengo, (p. v.,)
in the s. part, contains a church and 20 houses; Lock Berlin, (p. v.,) in the w. part, on the
canal, a church and 30 houses. AngellS Corners, in the s. e., and Meadville, in the e.,
are hamlets. The first settlement was commenced by Laomi Bedell, in 1800.8 The first church
(Presb.) was organized July 8, 1814.9 Borings for salt water in the vicinity of Clyde have been
made, but without success. One of the wells emitted inflammable gas: the well was soon filled up.
HURON— was formed from Wolcott, as "Fort Bay," Feb. 25, 1826. Its name was changed
March 17, 1834. It lies on Lake Ontario, e. of the center of the co. A part of Great Sodus Bay
lies in the n. w. corner. East Bay, in the N., and a part of Port Bay, in the N. E., extend into the
town. Its surface is rolling, with a general northern inclination. In the w. and n. w., near Great
Sodus Bay, are several tracts of swamp lands. The lake shore rises in a series of bluffs, the
highest of which — Chimney Bluff — is 175 ft. above the lake, and Bay Bluff 120 ft. Several small
streams flow n. through the town, the principal of which is Mudge Creek, which empties into
East Bay. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, intermixed with clay in the s. \oith
Huron (p. v.) contains 2 churches, a saw and grist mill, and 40 houses; South Huron
(Huron p. o.) 1 church, a townhouse, and 20 houses. Port Glasgow (p. o.) is a hamlet, at
the head of sloop navigation on Great Sodus Bay, The first settlement was commenced by Pere-
grine Fitzhugh and AVni. Helmus, and some other families from Md., in 179G.10 The first church
(Presb.) was organized in 1813.11
L¥OKS — was formed from Sodus, March 1, 1811. Arcadia was taken off in 1825. It lies on
the s. border of the co., a little E. of the center. Its surface is a moderately rolling region, broken
by sand ridges. The Canandaigua Outlet from the s., and Mud Creek from the w., join in the s.
part and form Clyde River. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, with marl upon the creek
bottom lands. Lyons, (p. v.,) on the canal, at the junction of Canandaigua Outlet and Mud
Creek, was incorp. April 18, 1854. It contains the co. buildings, 7 churches, 2 banks, 2 news-
paper offices, a union school,12 and several manufactories ;13 and it is an important R. R. station.
Pop. 3,221. Alloway, (p. v.,) in the s. part, on Canandaigua Outlet, contains a church, a grist-
mill, and 30 houses. The first settlement was commenced in 1789, by Nicholas and ¥m, Stansell
and John Featherly.14 They settled, with their families, (12 persons in all,) a half mile s. of the
1 John Granby and Wellman settled near the center, as
early as 1803; Erastus Hubbard and Abijah Moore, in 1805;
Capt. Willis, Wm. Hallett, Henry Bunnel, Aaron Hoppin, Mrs.
Bunce, and Morris Craw, previous to 1807; and Seth Craw and
Roger Olmsted, in 1808. The first birth was a child of
Winans ; the first death was that of Jedediah Wheeler, in April,
1811. Vieles built the first sawmill, at the center.
2 There are 7 churches in town; 2 M. E., 2 Christian, Bap.,
C.mg., and 2d Adv.
3 This was Township No. 27 of the Military Tract, and received its
name from having been appropriated to the Medical Department.
4 Named by Wm. McNab, agent of the Hornby Estate. Geneva.
5 This location was originally called "Block House" from a
blockhouse built here by Indian traders at an early day. It
was used during the Revolution by tories as a " station" in
smuggling goods from Canada via Sodus Bay. It was burned
previous to 1800. The village was first called " Lauravilh,"
from Henrietta Laura, Countess of Bath, daughter and heiress
of Sir Wm. Pulteney. Its name was changed to Clyde in 1818.
8 It is a union school, formed from Districts 14 and 17.
Incorp. April 24, 1834, with special privileges. This was one
of the earliest union schools in Western New York. The
school employs 6 teachers.
1 1 large distilleries, 2 steam flouring mills, 2 steam sawmills,
2 furnaces and shops for manufacturing agricultural implements,
a large cooperage, 1 brewery, 2 malt houses, and a tannery.
8 Among the other early settlers were Nicholas King. David
Godfrey, and Isaac Mills, with their families, from Orange Co.,
N. Y.. "on Lot 70, in the 8. w. part of the town, in 1801 ;
Creagher, from Md., Elias Austin, Payne, and Capt. John
Sherman, in 1804. The first birth was that of Isaac Godfrey, in
Feb. 1802; the first death, that of David Godfrey, accidentally
killed. Oct. 13. 1801. The first marriage was that of JabeB
Reynolds and Polly Mills, in 1805. James B. West kept tlm
first store: Maj. Fred. A. De Zenz built the first saw and Krist
mill, in 1818.
9 There are 9 churches in town; 2 M. E., 2 Bap., Pre.-b., Prot
E.. Germ. Meth., Friends, and R. C.
1° Among the other early settlers were Dr. Zenas Hyde, — —
Knox, and several families from Mass. and Conn., in 1807;
Josiah Upson, in 1808. and Norman Sheldon, in 1810. The first
birth was that of a child of Dr. Hyde; and the first death, that
of Mrs. Hale, in 1809. Gardiner Mudge taught the first school,
in 1812: Norman Sheldon kept the first inn, in 1810; James
Mudge kept the first store; and Elihu Spencer built the first
saw and grist mill, in 1809.
11 There are 3 churches in town ; M. E.. Meth. Prot., and Presb.
12 The Lyons Union School was among the first of the kind
established in the State. It employs 12 teachers and has 800
to 900 pupils.
is Among these are an extensive manufactory of essential oils,
(principally peppermint.) a furnace, machine, and agricultural
implement' shop, a pottery, brewery, tannery, tile manufactory,
brickyard, fanning mill factory, and a manufactory of saddle
trees. About 10,000 lbs. of peppermint oil are produced annu-
ally in the co., — \ of the whole amount in the U. S. — Trans.
Ag. Soc. 1855, p. 657.
i* John Biggs. Richard Jones, Geo. Carr, Wm. Gibbs, and John
Perrine were early settlers. The first marriage was that of Jas.
692 WAYNE COUNT Y.
present village of Lyons. They were piloted up the Mohawk, (where they had previously settled,)
I and by the usual water route, by Wemple, an Indian trader. Charles Williamson, agent of the
Pulteney Estate, commenced a settlement at Lyons Village in 1794, through Charles Cameron, his
local agent. Jas. Otto came in 1796. In 1798, Judge Evert Van Winkle and and 40 others came
in, from N.J. and Md.; and in 1801, Judge Daniel Dorsey and family, from Md. Judge Dorsey
/ had previously purchased of Mr. Williamson nearly 1,000 acres in the immediate vicinity of the
village. Rev. John Cole (Meth.) was the first local preacher.1
MACEDO\ — was formed from Palmyra, Jan. 29, 1823. It is the s. w. corner town of the co.
Its surface is rolling and irregular. The valley of Mud Creek extends E. through the s. part. It
is drained by Mud and Red Creeks and their tributaries. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam
upon a limestone formation. Jtlacedon, (p. v.,) a canal village, was incorp. Nov. 1856. It
contains 2 churches, a saw and grist mill, furnace, and machine shop, and about 500 inhabitants.
Macedon Center (p. v.) is incorp., and contains 3 churches, the Macedon Academy, and 20
houses. The first settlement was made as early as 1789, by Webb Harwood and Ebenezer Reed.2
The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1800.3
MARION — was formed from Williamson, as "Winchester," April 18, 1825. Its name was
changed April 15, 1826. It is an interior town, lying w. of the center of the co. Its surface is
broken by sandy hills and gravelly ridges ; the Niagara limestone crops out in the n. part. It is
drained by East Red Creek, which flows s. into Mud Creek. The soil is a gravelly, calcareous loam,
and drift. Limestone is quarried in the n. part, for building purposes and public works. Near
Marion Village is a sulphur spring. Marion, (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains 4 churches, the
Marion Collegiate Institute, a furnace and machine shop, a fanning mill factory, and 390 in-
habitants. The first settlement was commenced in 1796, by Daniel Lovell.* The first church
(Presb.) was organized Nov. 1, 1808.5
0\TARIO — was formed from Williamson, as "Freetown," March 27, 1807. Its name was
changed Feb. 12, 1808. Walworth was taken off in 1829. It is the n. w. coftaer town of the co.,
Lake Ontario forming its N. boundary. Its surface is mostly level, with a general inclination
toward the lake. It is drained by several streams running n. to the lake, the principal of which
are Bear, Deer, and Davis Creeks. The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam, with drift and muck n. of
the ridge. Between the lake shore and the ridge road are extensive marshes, heavily timbered.
Iron ore, in the form of red oxid, is found in large quantities in the Clinton group, extending e.
and w. through the center of the town. Salt was formerly manufactured to some extent. Ontario,
(p. v.,) in the s. e. part, contains a church, steam sawmill, furnace, and 25 houses; Ontario
Center, 2 mi. w., a church and 20 houses ; Furnace Village, near the center, a furnace6
and 10 houses. Hew Boston, on the lake shore, is a hamlet. The first settlement was com-
menced by Freeman Hopkins, from Mass., in 1806.7 The first church (Bap.) was organized in
1811,8by Elder Lyon.
I» MUM VII .1— vraa formed in Jan. 1789. Macedon was taken off in 1823. It lies on the s.
border of the 00., w. of the center. Its surface is undulating. Mud Creek flows e. through the
town, s. <>f the center. It« tributaries are East and West Red Creeks and several small streams.
The soil is a calcare ii- loam, with marl on the creek bottoms, and drift, sand, and gravel on the
hill-. Palmyra, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, was incorp. April 9, 1819. It is an important canal
village, and is u -!i-i "M on the N. Y. C. R. R. It contains 5 churches, the Palmyra Union School,9
Otto and I datight-r "f Cnyil John Dunn. John Blgffs kept the
first inn. in l-"l : Jndge Daniel Doner, toe urel store; li-nn
Tower, agent of Mr. Wiilin- I the firvt mill*, at aJloway,
in 1796: end Dormy k Milton, the first oardllUJ and >1 th drew-
me mill, in 1807.
' There are 8 churches in town; J M I . I •.-■-!■ . I'r.t. K.,
Bap., Kvan. I.uth.. Often. Kv.ui. Ret, an IB C,
•Israel Delano, fr m Maea, and I ' - U. »"ttl<vj in
Che V.part, anil h.uiufl Corns lock and .1 DM Smith in the ccn-
tr.il part, in 1790. Jacob Gannett, Jubn Gibson. Itirnaba*
Br «n. AbBM Hill. Adam Kingman. .""pe.ir. Jonathan
Warp'n. Oonetant Southard, Raid, Pa kai I Bai r, and
Philip Woods, from Mass., in 1791. A numl- r of Friend* came
in 1800 from ram. and Ham, The first child bornwa I
Gannett, in 1791; the first death waa that of David While,
Barnabas Reed taught the first school; Wm. Porter kept the
first inn. and Jacob Gannett built the first mill.
* There are 6 churches in town; 2 Friends, Bap.. M Y. .SB I B.C
♦ Blakesley and F.ura Phelps settled in 1796, David and
Isaac Pw«7.t in 1797, and Wm. B.Cogswell, from R. I., in March,
IT48. The first birth was to the family of David Lovell ; the first
death, that of Phelps, in 1S0O. Widow Stiles kept the first
inn. in 17W: and built the first gristmill, in 1S01.
6 There are 4 churches in town; Cong., M. JB., Bap., and
Christian.
8 The " Wayne Co. Iron Co." manufacture about 6 tons of pig
Iron pet day, from ore dug in town.
■ Among the early settlers were Peter Thatcher and Harry
LeaTina, who settled on the lake shore, and Noah Fuller, in
1809; Wfllard Church. Isaac Simmons, John Case, Wm. Middle-
I in, Jared Putnam, David Jennings, and Amos Thayer, froir.
< '■ uiTi.. in 1810. In the 8. part settlement commenced in 1808.
i [nman settled at the Corners in 1809 ; John Edmonds,
-mil. ,-ilin. Abraham Smith, Wm. Billings, Lewis Janes, and
ii.-i. S.iwvi-r, near the same place, soon after. Alfred Town,
Nathaniel Grant, and Wm. Greenwood located at West Corners.
Tlii' fir-tt child l>orn was Melissa Hopkins, May 7, 180B. Daniel
Inman kept tho first inn, in 1811, and Freeman Hopkins built
the first sawmill.
• There arc 4 churches in town ; 2 M. E., Proeb., and Bap.
* Incorp. in 1848. Employs 10 teachers and averages about
600 pupils.
WAYNE COUNTY.
093
a bank, 2 printing offices, and a number of manufactories.1 Pup. 2,310. East Palmyra,
(p. v.,) a canal and r. r. station, in the e. part, contains 2 churches, a gristmill, and 20 houses.
The first settlement was made by John Swift, in 1789 or'90.2 In the winter of 1788-89, John Swift and
Col. John Jenkins purchased Tp. 12, R. 2, now Palmyra, and commenced the survey of it in March.
During the summer, John Swift moved into the town, and erected ;i log house and storehouse a little
n. of the lower end of Main St., Palmyra. Before the close of the year 1789, Webb Ilarwood and
family, Noah Porter, Jonathan Warner, and Bennett Bates, from Mass., came in. Mr. Ilarwood
settled a little w. of the village. David White and family came in in 1790. The first church (Presb.)
was formed in 1797 ; Rev. Eleazur Fairbanks was the first pastor.3 Joseph Smith, the father of the
prophet, settled a little s. of Palmyra Village in 1819. The plates of the Mormon Bible were said to
have been dug up on a hillside in Manchester, Ontario co., a little s. of the Palmyra line. The
Smiths were money diggers, and had previously been digging in this locality for gold. The book
was printed at the office of the Wayne Sentinel, Martin Harris, a convert, mortgaging his farm to
defray the expense.
ROSE4 — was formed from Wolcott, Feb. 5, 182G. It lies in the interior, of the co., e. of the center.
Its surface is mostly undulating or level, with drift ridges in the s. e. Several small tracts of swamp
land lie in different parts of the town. The streams are small ; Mudge, Sherman, and Thomas Creeks
are the principal. The soil is a gravelly loam, intermixed with clay on the elevations and with muck
on the lowlands. The highest point is 140 ft. above Lake Ontario. Limestone approaches the sur-
face in the n. part, and has been quarried to some extent for lime and for building purposes. Rose
Valley, (Rose p. o.,) near the center, contains 3 churches, a steam sawmill, and tannery. Pop.
218. Wayne Center, in the w. part, contains 20 houses ; Glenmark Falls,5 in the «. part,
contains 2 gristmills, 2 sawmills, and 10 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1805, by
Caleb Melvin and Alpheus Harman.6 The first church (M. E.) was organized in 1824.7
SAVA1VIVAII8 — was formed from Galen, Nov. 24, 1824. It is the s. e. corner town of the co.
Its surface is broken by drift ridges in the n., and is low and marshy in the s. ; about one-third of
the s. part is a woodland marsh, known as Crusoe Island. Seneca River forms the s. part of the
e. boundary. Crusoe Lake is a small, shallow body of water near the center ; its outlet, Crusoe
Creek, flows into Seneca River. The soil in the n. is a sandy and gravelly loam, and in the s. it is
principally composed of muck and shell marl.9 A tract of about 1,900 acres in the s. E. part is
an open marsh, producing coarse grass. Savannah, (p. v.,) near the center, is a station upon
the N. Y. C. R. R., and contains 20 houses. The first settlement was made by Elias Converse and
Joseph Mozier, in 1812.10 The first preacher was Rev. Wiers, (Bap.) There is no church
in town.
SODUS11 — was formed in Jan. 1789. Williamson was taken off in 1802, and Lyons in 1811.
It is the central town on the N. border of the co., and is bounded n. by Lake Ontario. A part of
Great Sodus Bay lies in the n. e. corner. Its surface in the n. part is mostly level, with a gentle
inclination toward the lake. A ridge 140 to 190 ft. higher than the surface of the lake passes through
near the center ; and s. of this the surface is broken by several ridges extending n. and s. The lake
shore varies in height from a low swamp to bluffs 70 ft. high. Second and Salmon Creeks are the
principal streams. The soil in the n. part is a clay and sandy loam, and in the s. gravelly loam. The
manufacture of lime is extensively carried on in the s. part ; and red sandstone is quarried in the s. w.
Red oxid of iron (argillaceous ore) is found 2 mi. w. of Sodus Point. Salt was manufactured in 1831
1 A machine shop and manufactory of agricultural imple-
ments, 2 furnaces, a scale manufactory, distillery, tobacco manu-
factory, and gas works. About 2 mi. N. E. of the village is an
extensive rope and cordage manufactory.
2 The settlers that followed in 1790-91-92, as near as can be ascer-
tained, were Lemuel Spear, David Jackwa3-s, James Galloway,
Jonathan Willet, the Mattisons, Gideon Durfee, sr., and his sons,
— Gideon, Edward, Job, Pardon, Stephen, and Lemuel, — Isaac
Springer. Wm„ James, and Thos. Rogers, John Russell, Nathan
Harris, David Wilcox, Joel Foster, Abraham Foster, Elias Reeves,
and Luther Sanford. In 1791 "The Long Island Co.," through
Elias Reeves, A. Foster, Wm. Hopkins, and Luther Sanford. pur-
chased 5,500 acres near East Palmyra, at 25cts. per acre ; and the
first wheat harvested sold for 25cts. per bushel. The first birth
was that of a child of Webb Ilarwood, in 1790 ; the first mar-
riage, that of Wm. Wilcox and Ruth Durfee; and the first death,
that of David White. Ira Selby taught the first school, in 1793.
Dr. Azel Ensworth kept the first inn, and Samuel Colt the first
store, at an early day. Jouah Howell built the first mill, 1 mi.
E. of the village.
* The census reports 10 churches in town ; 2 Presb., 2 M. E.,
Prot. E., Bap., Christian, Cong., Friends, and R. C.
* Named from Robert L. Rose, Esq., of Geneva.
6 There is a fall at this place, on Thomas Creek, of 22 ft.
6 Among the other early settlers were Milton Salisbury,
Crafts, John Sherman, Joel Bishop, sr., Lott Stuart, Aaron Shep
aid, Chas. Thomas, Pomeroy. and Bannister. The first
birth was that of a child of Mr. Salisbury, in 1812; the first
marriage, that of nosea Gillett and Hannah Burnham. in Jan.
1813; and the first death, a child of Harvey Gillett. in 1812.
Sally Bishop taught the first school, in 1813 ; and Oliver Wet-
more built the first sawmill, in 1812.
' There are 3 churches in town ; Presb., M. E., and Bap.
8 Named from the surface in the s. part.
9 The Galen Salt Works of an early period were in this town
10 Among the early settlers were Michael Weatherwax, Benj.
Seeley, Garret Burnham, Henry Taylor, Chauncey Ives, Johu
Green, Abner and Ezra Roekway, Henry Myers, David Cush-
man, Smith Ward, and Sampson McBane, mostly from Eastern
N. Y. The first marriage was that of Geo. Fredenburgh and
Sally Couverse; the first birth was that of a child of Geo. Fre-
denburgh; and the first death, that of Sweetman. Lorin
Brown taught the first school, in 1817.
u Called by the Indians "Assorodus," meaning " silvery water."
694 WAYNE COUNTY.
and '32. Sodus (p. v.) contains 3 churches, the Sodus Academy, and about 300 inhabitants.
Soil us Point, (p. v.,) on the lake, w. of the entrance to the bay, is a U. S. port of entry in the
Genesee District. It has a lighthouse, a church, a steam sawmill, and about 200 inhabitants.
Sodus Center (p. v.) contains a church, founder}', carding mill, grist and saw mill, and 40
houses ; Alton (p. v.) a church and 30 houses ; South Sodus (p. v.) a church and 30 houses ; and
Joy (p. v.) a church, shingle factory, and 30 houses. The first settlement was made in 1794, under
the auspices of Charles Williamson, agent of the Pulteney Estate.1 Mr. Williamson caused a road to
be cut through from Palmyra to Sodus Point in the spring of 1794. During the summer the town
was surveyed, an extensive city plan laid out between Salmon Creek and the Point, and within two
years mills were erected on Salmon Creek. A tavern was built at an expense of $5,000, a pleasure
yacht was placed upon the bay ; and in roads, surveys, buildings, &c, over $20,000 was expended.
Thus. Little and Moffat were the local agents of Mr. Williamson. Of all those connected with
these premature improvements, but few remained after they were completed. Elijah Brown was an
earl}- settler, 4 mi. w. of the Point, and Amos Richards, 7 mi. w. Ammi Ellsworth came from Conn.
iD 1801, and settled near the Point. Dr. Wm. Nixon Loomis settled at the Point. He built mills and
a forge. A daughter of his is Mrs. Elizabeth Ellet, author of the " Women of the Revolution," and
"Domestic History of the Revolution." Col. Peregrine Fitzhugh came from Md. in 1803, with his
family and slaves, — over 40 persons in all. Dr. Thos. G. Lawson, an Englishman, settled 1 mi. from
the Point, in 1803. After expending considerable money in attempting to form a settlement, he
abandoned the enterprise in 180o. In 1799, besides those already mentioned, there were 25 families
in town on roads leading to Palmyra and Lyons. The first church (Bap.) was organized in 1805;
Elder Seba Norton was the first settled minister.2
lV.lLWORTlI3 — was formed from Ontario, April 20, 1829. It is the central town on the w.
border of the co. Its surface is a high, rolling upland, the ridges being the most elevated land in
the co. The Niagara limestone crops out in the n. part, marking its course by a hard, stony surface
some rods in width. It is drained n. by several small streams, and s. e. by tributaries of Red Creek.
The soil is a rich, sandy loam. Wal worth, (p. v.,) near the s. e. corner, contains 3 churches,
the Walworth Academy, and 230 inhabitants. In the immediate vicinity is an extensive nursery.4
"West Walworth, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part, contains a church and 115 inhabitants. The first
settlement was begun about 1800.5 The first church (M. E.) was organized previous tol809.6
WILLIAMSON7— was formed from Sodus, Feb. 20, 1802. Ontario was taken off in 1807,
and Marion in 1825. It lies on the N. border of the co., w. of the center, Lake Ontario forming
its N. boundary. Its surface is level in the n., with a gentle inclination toward the lake.
In the s. it rises into tow ridges. It is drained by a few small streams that flow n. into Lake On-
tario. The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam, mixed with clay near the lake shore. Pultney-
villf." (p. v.,) on the lake shore, a U. S. port of entry in the Genesee District, contains a church,
gristmills, a steam sawmill, and about 450 inhabitants; Williamson, (p. v.,) s. of the center,
contains 2 churches, a steam flouring mill, and about 300 inhabitants; East Williamson
tains 2 <-hurchcs and 20 houses. The first settlement was made in 1803, by Wm. Waters.9 The
census report- s churches in town.10
WOM'OTT"- was formed from Junius, (Seneca co.,) March 24, 1807. Butler, Huron, and
B me were tak«'n off in 1826. It is the n.e. corner town of the co., Lake Ontario forming its n.
i M..." mid JAmes Sill kept the first inn, at £ da Point, in the
baildl •*"*• Williamson, "n tho
■\ ■ i i. tut 100 English landi • ! ai
Fran ill- Beet of Sir J ia. \ • . 1 bi the pni i --
ring or destroying »lmt public rtom they could and. They
al 4" Americana, nnder ( apt. Hull, "f I
Alter the fl ret flra the Amerii insretn iti i rhe enemy burned
ml the old Williamson 1 1 ■ * - 1 . mm i byOapLWm.
bam. The publio flour had In a ravine, and
remain) i undiscovered. Tli<> next daj ■. gnnb << pi ceeded up
Nicholas Point and burned « wart-house. The
h bad 2 killed, and tli- Americans 1 killed and l rtally
wounded. Thi total ami unt ..f pro] • rtj di itroji ■! amounted t"
. I rtl 11 rhmches in town; 4 M. K, 2 Prot. E.,
2 It lb . I'-ip.. Christian, I
' Named (rem Chanoslloi Walworth.
« This i tfabUahed In 184 , and
produces annually 300,000 trees, montly - s England,
N. .1.. mi., and V;,'.
* Among the other early settlers Wi re 0( ' r^-e Mill. t. ii
Danii'i Douglaai and George Bandoiph, at West Walworth, Dr.
Hurl I tit Crittenden, in ls"4. !>• .Inmes and
Jonathan Hill, Capt. Gill-rt, Hinckley, and John and
M n-li.ill Chnml crlain. The first death was that of Green,
killed by the fall of a tree, in 1S06. The first store was kept by
■| homas P. KempshalL
(There are 5 churches in town ; 2 Bap., M. E., Cong., and
r. w. Hup.
T Named from Charles Williamson, the first agent of tho
Pulteney Estate.
■ Named from Sir Wm. Pulteney. On the morning of June 18,
1818, Com. .-ir James Feo, with a British force, made a descent
upon this place. Qen. .1. Swift, who commanded the Americans,
surrendered, with the stipulation that private property and
DS Should he respected. Most of the U. S. stores had heen
only removed to a place of safety. The British had 2
killed and '■'■ wounded.
0 Qapt, .v-uii'! Thnx p. Jeremiah Belby, John Holmes, and Al-
pheus Curtis, came in 1806, Hal. \\ rn Rogers in 1807, and Donl
Poppins, Timothy Smith. Denning. Andrew ConnelL Sam!
l,<d.Mird. and Jacob \\. Hallett, soon after. The first child horn
Q N. Throop, in Nov. 1807. Major Rogers kept the first
inn. in 1 -07 ; JoS. Colt, the first store, f'.-ipt. Sam'l Throop and
■h Selby bull) the first saw and gristmill,
'r' 2 Preal , ML 1 ... Wee. Meth., Ban., Cong., Kef. Prot. D., and
Union.
11 Named from Gov. Oliver Wolcott, of Conn.
WAYNE COUNTY.
695
boundary. Its surface is undulating, with a general inclination toward the lake. In several locali-
ties are tracts of low marsh land. The streams are Wolcott and Big and Little Red Creeks, and
several smaller streams, which flow n. into Lake Ontario. A part of Port Bay, in the n\ w., Blind
Sodua Bay,1 in the n. e., and two smaller bays, extend inland from the lake. The soil is a sandy
and gravelly loam. Iron ore is found in the n. e. part. Wolcott, (p. v.,) near the s. w. corner,
was incorp. Feb. 24, 1852. It contains 4 churches, an academy,5 2 flouring mills, 2 sawmills, a
furnace and agricultural machine shop, carding machine, and carpet and coverlet factory. Pop.
600. Red Creek, (p. v.,) in the s. e. part, is incorp., and contains 3 churches, the Red Creek
Union Academy, 2 gristmills, 3 sawmills, a woolen factory, furnace, and tannery. Pop. in 1850,
597. Furnace Village,3 in the w. part, contains a furnace, sawmill, and 12 houses. The
first settlement was made by Jonathan Melvin, sen., on Lot 50, in 1805.* The first settled minister
was Daniel S. Buttrick.5
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Wayne County.
Names of Towns.
Arcadia
Butler
Galen
Huron ,
Lyons
Macedon
Marion
Ontario
Palmyra....
Rose
Savannah ...
Sodus
Walworth...
Williamson.
Wolcott
Total .
Acres of Land.
I
24,539
15,316
24,3014
12.2204
15,917
18,674
14.3024
13.886|
17.099£
13,272|
11. 'J Ml.'
29,963 jj
15,858*
14.796
12,995
254,4511
5,9671
6,920
10,625
7,692
5,230
4,389
3,698
5,97 8 J
4.2024
8,577
7.967*
11,6971
4,605
5,802
8,710
102.0l'2i
Valuation of 1858.
V
e
eS>
^
R W
i|
8
fci
ft?
$101,728
$1,421,601
580,494
21,850
1,381,393
367,578
575,999
31,444
1,355,531
313,950
951,179
121,670
488,585
71,012
464.509
72,588
1,190,524
195,000
527,597
35,911
455,362
8.000
1,085,811
116,089
578.442
82,470
541,248
69,632
549,749
5.-..30II
1.364,222
12.308,024
a
$1,523,329
602,344
1,748.971
607,443
1,669,481
1,072.849
559,597
537,097
1,385,524
503,508
463.362
1,201,900
660.912
610,880
605,049
13,512,246
Population.
I
2,832
1.126
2,706
985
2.604
1,249
985
1,222
2,062
1,084
951
2,331
991
1,301
1,535
23,964
S
_S_
2,684
1,099
2,475
896
2,601
1,1 so
952
1,101
2,053
1,030
811
2,2()7
973
1,251
1,478
22.796
987
414
924
386
874
453
382
451
713
395
343
90S
390
495
593
8,708
«
1,102
438
995
384
978
493
419
466
846
419
349
932
417
529
609
9,376
796
360
490
315
676
366
366
371
527
829
212
777
347
428
484
6.844
Schools.
•<=>
219 17,222
Names of Towns.
Arcadia
Butler
Galen
Huron
Lyons
Macedon
Marion
Ontario
Palmyra ....
Rose
Savannah.. .
Sodus ,
Walworth...
Williamson.
Wolcott
Total.
Live Stock.
Agricultural Products
.
Bush, of Grain.
1
"5- •
Dairy Products.
i
a
i
V
is
■« a
■a «,•
1v3
3 ©5
■8 d
I>1
■ %
POO
1,735
3
05
Co
2.788
s
4
1
4,580
23.S70
s J?
O v 3
ft, Kl
o u s
ft, 5
1,453
1,493
10,821
44.032
180,099
38,424
140,054
5.331
981
1,766
1,024
4,898
1.647
16,462
140,631
2,557
17,906
51,981
97.571
15.112
1,373
1,961
1,649
8,814
4.198
31.178
199,0924
3,806
19.546
49,588
140.55S
16.278
712
1,091
675
3,716
1,438
10,357
113.035
1,910
15,895
20.361
59,850
4,844
1.320
1.322
1,610
7,722
2.406
27.357
134.7524
3,430
17.473
51.526
89,472
4,128
909
1,329
953
10,2S8
1,924
25,787
110,8994
3,163
16.777
27.949
77,662
9.900
846
1,084
974
3,763
1,632
12,47.3
108,7441
2,6834
15,740
34,035
96,550
18,763
8S6
1.201
923
4,020
1,286
9,510
83,6094
2,6854
15,272
17,431
86,375
17,400
859
1.303
1,193
7.954
1.900
31,073
112,235
3.713
16.701
33.113
105,711
14,816
754
1,286
S71
3,727
1,241
9,778
94,200
1,7244
13,246
28,535
66,330
7,075
675
1,348
761
4.947
1,335
15,925
113.8534
1.904
14.376
14.907
69,216
2.29U
1,616
2.516
1,846
15,525
3,149
25.3964
207,538|
5,0724
30,847
70,448
177.259
9,7551
877
1,148
878
6,845
1,644
12,500
113.7044
3,386
19,065
21.170
68.464
5.444
994
1,278
1,037
7,509
1,519
8,803
93.427
2,943
13.835
32,702
91,822
30,175
673
14,928
1,327
21,695
882
HV769
4.296
1,692
9,103
112.750.;
1,7134
45,2714
10.854
17.456
79,186
2.452
104,845
29,799
289,7344
1.918,5724.
261,403
509,626
1,446,080
103.70."!
13,1 644|
1 Named from the sandbar which stretches across its mouth
from the w. shore.
2 The Leavenworth Institute, incorp. in 1859 ; named from
Isaac Leavenworth, who contributed one-half tho total cost
3 Wolcott Furnace manufactures about 450 tons of pig iron
per annum from ore dug in the N. E. part of the town.
4 Among the other early settlers were Adonijah Church, from
Mass., iu 1S06, Osgood Church and family, in 1807, Dea. Knapp
and Lambert Woodruff, in the vicinity of Red Creek. Noadiah
Child, in 1811, and Jacob Snyder, with bis family of 10 children,
in 1813. The first death was that of a son of George Salmon.
Obadiah Adams kept the first inn, and Noadiah Child built the
first saw and grist mill, in 1814.
6 There are 8 churches in town; 2 M. E„ 2 Bap., 2 Presh.,
P. W. Bap., and Meth. Prot.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
This county, constituting one of the original divisions of the State
under the English rule, soon after the first conquest, was organized
Nov. 1, 1683, -with its present limits. It lies upon the E. bank of
the Hudson, in the s. E. part of the State, and is bounded on the E.
by Conn, and on the s. by Long Island Sound. It is centrally
distant 105 mi. from Albany, and contains 525 sq. mi. The sur-
face consists of several ridges of hills parallel to the river and
separated by wide valleys. The hills are in two general ranges,
the first extending along the river and the second along the Conn,
line. They are subdivided into a great number of minor ridges
and hills, all extending x. and s. The highest summits are 600 to
1,000 ft. above tide. The valleys, extending n. and s., are continu-
ous, affording ample opportunity for the construction of roads and railroads ; and they are generally
bordered by gradually sloping hillsides.1 In some localities the hills are abrupt and rocky. The
principal streams are Peekskill Creek, Furnace Brook, Croton, Pocantico, and Neperhan Rivers,
and Tibbetts Brook, tributaries of the Hudson ; Bronx River, Westchester and Hutchinsons Creeks,
Mamaroneck and Byram Rivers, flowing into Long Island Sound ; Maharness and Stamford Mill
Rivers, flowing e. into Conn. ; and Muscoot Creek, Plum Brook, and Titicus, Cross, and Kisko
River?, tributaries of the Croton. The lakes are small bodies of water scattered through the hilly
p irtions. The s. E. portion of the co., along the Sound, is deeply indented with bays and estuaries,
which in some places are bordered by extensive marshes. Most of the streams which flow into
the Sound afford, by the reflux of the tide, an intermitting hydraulic power, which is employed in
several places.
The rocks of the co. consist principally of granite and gneiss, of many dissimilar varieties, and
of white crystalline limestone. These rocks crop out upon the declivities and summits of most of
the hills, affording an abundance of the best kind of building stone. The marble quarries at
Sing Sing and other places are extensively wrought, their products affording one of the most
valuable exports of the co. Traces of various kinds of ore have been discovered ; but all search
for profitable metallic veins has proved unsuccessful. Several mineral springs are found in differ-
ent sections, the principal of which is the Chappaqua Spring, 3 mi. E. of Sing Sing. It emits
sulphuretted hydrogen and is said to possess useful medicinal properties. The soil, derived prin-
cipally from the disintegration of the primitive rocks, is light, sandy, and, naturally, only mode-
rately productive ; but, by a continued process of scientific culture, it has been rendered very
fertile. Upon the Hudson and the Sound and in various other localities are drift deposits and
alluvium, furnishing a much more productive soil. The people are principall}- engaged in gar-
dening and fruit raising, fattening cattle, and supplying milk for the New York market. Bricks
in immon-' quantities are manufactured along the Hudson for exportation. Other manufactures
are largely carried on in the villages adjacent to New York.
This co. is distinguished fur beautiful and picturesque scenery, noticeable in nearly every part.
The highlands that border upon the Hudson afford an extended view of that river, the Palisades,
and of the hilly country of Rockland and Orange. Along the s. e. border fine views are obtained
of the Bound, tli'' numerous green islands along the coast, aud the adjacent shores of Long Island.
In the interior the landscape is agreeably diversified by hills, dabs, and clear, running streams.
Many wealthy inhabitant | V w York have erected beautiful villas and country residences upon
the finest sites; and the hills of the co. are now studded with these splendid specimens of archi-
val art.
In the vicinity of New Y"rk '^° numerous small villages inhabited by mechanics and working
men doing business in the city. Tlo -•• p .-,,],!,. go back and forth daily on the lines of railroad, or
by steamboat) living in the country f<>r the sake of economy. A considerable amount of manu-
factures is carried on at these suburban villages. A large transient population, mostly from New
Y<.rk. make tin- 00. their residence daring the Hummer months.
1 The ro^ds that cross the co. k. and w. arc a constant succession of ascents and descents, while thoso extending R, and s
through the Talleys are nearly 1
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
G97
The co. is a half-shire, the co. buildings being located respectively at Bedford and White Plains.1
The courthouse at Bedford is a wooden structure ; and attached to it is a jail for the temporary
confinement of prisoners. The co. buildings at White Plains are of granite, and are the most
commodious and costly buildings of the kind in the State.2
The poorhouse is located upon a farm of 173 acres in Mount Pleasant, 5 mi. n. of White Plains.
The average number of inmates is 225, supported at a weekly cost of G8J cts. each. The farm
yields a revenue of $2,500. A school is kept throughout the year. The buildings are of stone ;
and the whole establishment seems to be well arranged.
The Hudson River R. R. extends along the river banks through Yonkers, Greenburgh, Mount
Pleasant, Ossining, and Cortlandt. The Harlem R. R. extends n. through the central part of the
co., extending through Morrisania, West Farms, Yonkers, East Chester, Scarsdale, Greenburgh,
White Plains, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, Bedford, Lewisboro, and North Salem. The New
York & New Haven R. R. extends from the Harlem R. R. at East Chester e. through Pelham,
New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Harrison, and Rye. A branch road extends from the Harlem R. R.
at Morrisania s. e. about 2 mi. to Port Morris. The other principal public work in the co. is the
Croton dam and the great aqueduct which supplies the city of New York with water. Lines of
steamers ply between New York and the various ports along the Hudson and East Rivers, affording
cheap and easy means of communication with the great city.
Five newspapers are now published in the co.s
When first known to the whites, this co. was occupied by the Mohegans, who were divided into
several bands or clans with distinctive names.4 They paid tribute to the Five Nations, and were
known in early documents as " River Indians."
The Republican, by J. H. Piatt; J. J. Chambers, editor.
Tlie Westchester Patriot was published at West Farms a short
time in 1812 by Lopez.
The Westchester Herald and Putnam Gazette was published at
Sing Sing in 1817. It was subsequently published as
The Westchester IleraM, by Caleb Roscoe. The office was burned
in 1856, and the publication has not been resumed.
The Westchester Spy was commenced at White Plains in 1832
by Harpending. It was continued by William B.
Lamphear, S. G. Arnold, John W. Bell, and others,
until 1848, when it was discontinued.
The Hudson River Chronicle was commenced at
Sing Sing in 1837 by A. II. Wells. It is now published
by Wm. C. Howe.
The Protector, a campaign paper, was published in 18-14.
The P>rt Chester Banner was [nil), by Win. A. McMillan in 1845.
Tlie Eastern State Journal was commenced at White
Plains in 1845 by Edmund G. Southerland, its present
publisher.
The Westchester and Putnam Democrat was commenced at
Peekskill in 18 — by Bailey & Marks. It was con-
tinued by Samuel Marks, and was for a time discon-
tinued. It was revived by G. K. Lyman, and soon
after it passed into the hands of J. Arnold, who con-
tinued it until 1851, when Ezra J. Horton became pro-
prietor, and changed its name to
The Highland Eagle. In 1855, J. W. Spaight became the pub-
lisher, and in 1858 the paper passed into the hands of
Dr. Kenelnn Hasbrouck. who changed its name to
The Highland Democrat, and still publishes it.
The Westchester Gazette was commenced at Morrisania in 1849.
Stephen Angel was for some time editor. It was discon-
tinued about 1856.
The Westchester County Journal was commenced
at Morrisania in 1856 by James Stillman, its present
publisher.
The Plain Dealer .was removed from Roslyn, and afterward to
Glen Cove.
The Westchester Gazetteer was commenced at West Farms in
1849, by H. Coggshell ; it was removed to Mott Haven
July 14, 1851. and discontinued in 1852.
The Yonkers Herald was commenced in 1S52 by Thos.
Smith, its present publisher.
The Westchester News was commenced at New Rochelle in 1853
bv Thos. Townclrow. It was removed to Yonkers in
1854, and published until Jan. 1856. when it was pur-
chased by M. F. Rowe; and In Feb. following a new
paper was issued in its place, called
The Yonkers Examiner, which is still published by
M. F. Rowe.
The Mount Vernon Gazette was commenced in 1854 by Egbert
A. S. Manning. It was discontinued in 1857.
4 The Siwanoys occupied the shores of the sound from Nor-
walk to near Hellgate: the Manhattans held the island of New
York, and as far n. as opposite Tappan; the Wicqntatkecks held
the shore from the Sint Sink to the Armnnck: the Sint Sinks
occupied the present town of Ossining and its vicinity; the
Kitehawunks claimed fie territory on the Croton, and x. to
Anthonys Nose; and the Purhami and Wappingers the High-
lands. The Tanketenket resided in the rear of Sing Sing. —
Bolton's W. Chester, I, p. 10.
1 At the organization of the co. in 1683, the courts were esta-
blished at Westchester, and were continued there until 1759. A
court of sessions was held at East Chester for some time. By
act of Dec. 16, 1758, the justices and supervisors were directed
to select a new site for a courthouse, which was located at White
Plains; and in that year, 1760, and 1762, £2,000 were voted to
erect and finish it. It was used until 1776, when it was burned.
By an act of May 1, 1786, £1,S00 were appropriated for the erec-
tion of a courthouse at White Plains and another at Bedford,
under the superintendence of Stephen Ward, Ebenezer Lock-
wood. Jonathan G. Tompkins, Ebenezer Purdy, Thos. Thomas,
Richard Hatfield, and Richard Sacket, jr. Prisoners had pre-
viously been confined in the New York jail; and courts had for
a time been held in the Presbyterian church of Bedford. Both
buildings thus erected are still standing, and owned by the co.
A clerk's office was built at White Plains, in 1830. adjacent to
the courthouse, in the old part of the village. The Provincial
Convention held its sessions a few days in July, 1776, at the
courthouse in White Plains; and in front of it the Declaration
of Independence was publicly read upon its receipt by that
body. The building, and what remained of the village, were
wantonly burned by a New England major on the night of Nov.
5, 1776.
2 An act passed March 30, 1855, authorized the county trea-
surer to loan $35,000 for the erection of a new courthouse, jail,
clerk's office, and surrogate's office, upon a site in White Plains,
to be selected by the supervisors, and under a committee to be
appointed by them. The present buildings were erected in
1856-57. under the superintendence of Abraham Hatfield, States
Barton. Wm. Marshall, jr., David Hunt, and Geo. C. Fiueh, at a
cost of $120,000. They are built of granite quarried near the
village, and form 3 buildings connected by corridors. The front
part is devoted to the records of the clerk and surrogate, is fire-
proof throughout, and its spacious rooms are furnished with
iron cases for books and papers. The records have been re-
cently bound, and put in complete order for preservation. The
middle portion is devoted to court and jury rooms, sheriff's
office and residence; and the rear building is the jail, connected
with the court room only by a verandah. Prisoners may be
brought into court without liability to rescue by a crowd. The
cells, 36 in number, are built in 2 tiers in a central block.
By an act of April 16, 1858, the office of Register of Deeds was
created, to be filled by election triennially. The act took effect
Jan. 1, 1859.
8 Tim Somers Museum was published by Milton F. Cushing
in 1810.
The Westchester Gazette was published at Peekskill by Robert
Crombie about 1810. It was afterward changed to
The Westchester and Putnam Gazette. Several changes of pro-
prietors and perhaps of name, occurred when in 1S32
it became
The Westchester and Putnam Sentind, and was published a
short time by Dr. Brewer. It was afterward pub-
lished about 2 years by Samuel Heustis, as
The Sentinel. It then passed into the hands of Samuel Marks,
who continued it as
The Westchester and Putnam Republican. In 1844 it was sold
to Wm. Richards, who changed its name to
The Peekskill Republican. In 1852 Joseph J. Chambers became
proprietor, and in 1857 the paper was removed to Sing
Sing, where it is now published as
698
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Settlement began under the Dutch authority, in the southern part, and before the Revolution
nearly every part of the co. had been occupied. A large part was embraced by the Cortlandt,
Philipsburgh, Pelham, Scarsdale, and Fordham Manors.1 Of these the first sent a representative
to the General Assembly, and the second vras forfeited by the attainder of its proprietor in the
Revolution. The borough of "Westchester, including the present towns of Westchester, West
Farm*, and Morrisania, was also represented by a member, and had a mayor's court. This co.
was the scene of many events of great importance in the Revolution, and, from its occupying the
middle ground between the opposing armies, was alternately overrun and pillaged by the refugees
of both.2 The southern part was taxed -£2,000, May G, 1784, to repay Revolutionary expenses.
BEDFORD3 — was first formed under Connecticut, in May, 1697. Its rights were confirmed
by Xew York in April, 1704 ; and it was fully organized as a town March 7, 1788. It is an interior
town, lying x. e. of thee enter of the co. Its surface is elevated and broken by small hills and
valleys, and is almost entirely available for agricultural purposes. Croton River forms part of the
N. boundary ; Maharness River flows through a small portion of the s. part; and Cross River flows
through the n. e. corner. Byram Lake lies on the s. border. The soil is generally a good quality
of sandy and gravelly loam, but stony on the hills. Bedford, (p. v.,) s. E. of the center, is sur-
rounded by hills, one of which on the n. retains its Indian name of " Aspetong." The village is
a half-shire, and contains a courthouse,4 2 churches, the Bedford Academy, a Female Institute,
and 30 houses. Bedford Station, (p. o.,) on the Harlem R. R., contains 10 houses. Ha-
tonall, (p.v.,) on Cross River, near its junction with the Croton, contains 30 houses. Mount
Hisko, (p. v.,) a station on the Harlem R. R., on the w. border of the town, contains 200 inhabit-
ants. lYliitlockville is a station on the Harlem R. R. near the n. border. The town was
mostly included in a purchase made July 1, 1640, by Nathan Turner, for New Haven, and sold
the same year by the latter to Andrew Ward, Robert Coe, and 20 others, for £33. Other Indian
purchases were made, the last of which was July 24, 1703.6 There are 8 churches in town.6
CORTLWDT' — was formed March 7, 1788. It lies upon the Hudson, in the n. w. corner
of the co. Its surface is broken and hilly. The ranges of hills generally extend n. and s. and
are separated by narrow valleys. The declivities are often steep and nearly precipitous. An-
thonys Nose,8 on the x. line, 1,228 ft. above the river, is the highest land in the co. Although
very broken, the surface generally is susceptible of cultivation. The principal streams are Croton
River, flowing across the s. part, Furnace Brook, Peekskill Hollow Creek, and Gregorys Brook.
The soil is generally a sandy and gravelly loam, with a strip of clay along the- river. Among the
mountains are found a variety of interesting minerals.9 Brick is extensively manufactured.10
1 These patents were granted as follows : —
Cortlandt P.iUnt was granted Jane 17, 1097, to Stephanus Van
1 U Hilt, with an annual quitrent of 40 shillings. It in-
clude 1 the Dreamt towns of Cortlandt, Yorktown, Somers,
Bad North salem.
Phii . indent was granted June 12, 1703, to Frederick
I'lnli| --. at ;. ii annual nuitrent of £4 lis. It included
the anient towns of Qreenburgh, Mount I'leasant, and
•
rdham Patent wai granted '», t. 26, 1887, to John Pell, and in-
1 thy preaent town of Pelhaa and a part of Xew
■ I1-.
fbrdJmm l'.il'ttt wa« granted in 1671 to John Archer, and in-
clude II. nt town of Weal Parma.
Scartd'iU JiaUn' wis granted March 21, 1701, to Caleb Heetb-
m annual qnitrenl "f £•'>. It included tin'
present Umiw of Srarsdah1, New Castle, North Castle, and
a p.irt of w bite Ptalna.
t Two classes of brigands, equally d<-«tltut« of principle, but
professing attachment !■• opposite interests. Infected the oo>,
committii. II crime-* without punishment, and often
preying upon their nominal friend* with u little mercy as
upon their a-. liaa Of ''■ ■■ " '( wboya" pro-
f. ... i tory aentunenta, wbfla the "Skinners'' were ostensibly
attache] to the Am- often ope>
rboyi bringing contraband goodi
Hew Sorh ' ge for the property plnnden 1 by the Skin-
ners: and, when a pretext was to- --TV. i iklrmieb would
occur, and the goods from the enemy would i- openly borne
away, as if law -fully captured. f.p.Zll,
■ Named from Bedfbrdahlre, BngJandV whence many of the
cArly settlers c.iiif-. It formed part of the territory known
aa Rlppowama. Privilege of plantation wa» grants I under the
it n im< by a curt of election held aj Hartl
way 11. i>^j. i"n 100} a patent wai granted to Conn, to the
town. In 1700 tbo royal approval wo* obtained to the surrey
of 16S3 and 'S4, by which Bedford and Rye were included in
New York ; and in April, 1704, a patent with town privileges
was granted by that colony. In 1090 there were 31 proprietors
residing in town.
1 County courts are held alternately here and at White riains.
The village was burned in the Revolution by a party of British
light horse, on their route to Fairfield, Conn. By an act passed
April 11, 1785, courts wcro ordered to be held in the I'resb.
church until the courthouse should bo rebuilt, or till the fur-
ther order of the Legislature.
<> Tin- title to .LI l i acres of land in this town became invested
In JacobtU Van Cortlandt at an early period. This estate was
divided in 1743, Frederick Van Cortlandt receiving 1.424. Abram
Do Peyater l.UO, .John Chambers 1,282, and Peter Jay 1,299
acres, li.iv. .lohn .lay, a son of Peter .Jay, became invested
with a large portion of the last mentioned allotment. Tbo
is Mill owned by his descendants. On a tract known as
" the Nop Qrounds" are still living many families of the same
name as the Bret purchasers, Among these are families named
I, Miller. Holme, Roberta, Ambler, Clark, Avers. Westcott,
>uimpkin. Mead. Welih, t'lason, and Iiiggins. Tradition locates
in this town the scene of a bloody engagement fought in Feb.
K44. between tho Dutch and Indians, in which 500 of the latter
perished.
o 3 ML K., 2 Prot K„ 2 Presh., and Bap.
7 Vii 1 from the original patentee.
8 Nhi 1 from Antoine D, llooge, Sec. of Rensselacrwyck. —
lUnsnnt Memoirt, ;>. 40.
0 Among these minerals aro epldote, splicno, and sulphate of
In opening the n.R. tunnel through Anthonys Nose,
beautiful Bat hexagonal crystals of calcite were found.
1 ■ There were In Aug. l Soo, :;i establishments worked as sepa-
rate yards, 11 of which used steam power and 9 made pressed
brick. Thi- bnaineaa began here about 1812-16, and was most
thriving from 1M7 to ls54. I^irge quantities of these brick
| were used on tho Croton Aqueduct. The business gives employ-
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
C99
Peekskill,1 (p. v.,) upon Pcekskill Bay, in the n. w. part of the town, was incorp. April 17,
1816. It is situated in an elevated valley surrounded l>y heights which afford extensive views of
the river. It contains 10 churches, the Pcekskill Academy, 4 boarding schools, a bank, newspaper
office, and several manufactories.2 It is connected by a steam ferry with Caldwells Landing, and
by a daily steamer and line of sloops with New York. It is a station upon the II. It. It. It. Pop.
3,538. Verplancks l»oint, (Verplanck p. o.,) upon the Hudson, near the center of the w.
border of the town, was laid out in 1836. It contains a church, steamboat landing, several im-
portant brick manufactories, and 1,456 inhabitants.* Croton4 (Croton Landing p. o.) is a R. R.
station, in the s. part of the town. It contains 4 churches, a rolling mill, wire mill, and several brick-
yards. Pop. 400. Crugers5 (Boscobel p. o.) is a landing and a. r. station, 4 mi. s. of Pcekskill.
Annsville, a small village on Peekskill Creek, contains a church and wire mill.6 Cortland-
ville, near the Van Cortlandt mansion, contains a church, a planing mill, and about 20 houses.
Oregon, on the line of Putnam co., contains a rolling mill and a wire mill. Mount Airy,
e. of Croton, is a hamlet. Croton Point7 is a peninsula in the s. part of the town, devoted
chiefly to vineyards. Montroses Point is a peninsula s. of Verplancks and separated from it
by Mcanagh Creek. Daniel Birdsall, Nathaniel Brown, Joseph Travis, and Capt. Isaac Conklin
settled at Peekskill, in 1764.8 There are 18 churches in town.9
EAST CHESTER10 — was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It is an interior town, lying
in the s. part of the co. Its surface is broken by ridges extending n. and s. and separated by
narrow valleys. Bronx River,11 forming the n. boundary, and Hutchinsons or East Chester Creek,12
forming a portion of the e. boundary, are the principal streams. The soil is a sandy and gravelly
loam, with some alluvium along the river intervales. Marble is extensively quarried along the w.
border.13 The Harlem R. R. extends along the valley of the Bronx, and the N. Y. & N. II. R. R.
crosses the s. part of the town at nearly right angles to the hills, requiring heavy cuttings and
embankments. A portion of the territory of the town is public land, under the management of
3 trustees. East Chester, (p. v.,) at the head of sloop navigation on Hutchinson Creek, con-
tains 2 churches and 551 inhabitants. Mount Vernon, (p. v.,) a station at the junction of the
Harlem and N. II. R. R.s, was incorp. Dec. 13, 1853. It contains 4 churches, several private
schools, and 1,161 inhabitants. West Mount Vernon contains 630 inhabitants; East
Mount Vernon 275 inhabitants ; and Waverly and Washingtonville are suburban
villages, inhabited principally by mechanics and men doing business in New York. Bronx-
ville, (p. v.,) on the line of Yonkers, is a R. R. station, and contains a manufactory of carriage
axles. Tuckahoe (p[ v.) is a r. r. station, near the marble quarries. Burpos Corners is
a small settlement on the n. border. Fleetwood and Jacksonville are places projected
ment to 1,350 men, and turns out 80.000,000 to 90,000,000 of
bricks annually. The pressed brick made here are known in
market as "Croton fronts," and sell at from $8 to $9 per M.
There is a small firebrick manufactory at Peekskill, using clay
from N. J.
1 Named from Jan Peek. — Benson's Mem. p. 36 ; Bolton's West
Chester, I, 62. The vicinity was called Sachus, or Sackhoes, by
the natives, and the stream, Magrigaries.
2 Among the manufactories are 6 iron founderies, chiefly en-
gaged in the manufacture of stoves and plows, and giving em-
ployment to 300 men ; 2 machine shops, 2 tobacco factories, a
pistol and gun factory, tannery, and gin distillery.
3 Named from the family of Verplancks, former owners.
This point lies opposite Stony Point; and upon it Fort La
Fayette was erected during the Revolution. King's Ferry, a
part of an important military route, was between the two
points. The fort was captured by the enemy, under Sir Henry
Clinton in person, June 1, 1779, but was abandoned Oct. 21 of
that year. Col. Livingston held command of this place in 1780,
at the time of Arnold's treason; and the headquarters of Gen.
Washington were located here for some time. This locality was
called by the Indians " Meanagh," and was sold to Stephanus Van
Cortlandt in 16S3, with the lands E. called "Appamaghpogh.'' A
small creek n. was called " Tammoesis." The purchase was
, confirmed by patent, with a quitrent of 2 bushels of wheat.
About 1731 it was held by John Lent, at an annual rent of one
pepper-corn. — Bolton's Hist., I, 94. The population mentioned
in the text is much less in winter.
* Formerly called " Collaberg Landing."
5 Named from Col. John P. Cruger, whose estate, including
Oscawaua Island, is adjacent. "Boscobel" (the original name)
was the residence of Staats Morris Dyckman.
6 Cortlandt Bridge, across the mouth of Peekskill Creek, is
1,496 feet long. Upon the point at the mouth of the creek are
the remains of Fort Independence. During the Revolution two
British vessels were sunk opposite this point, and about 40 years
since several cannon were raised from them by diving bells.
1 By the Indians called Senasqua Neck, and long known as
"Tellers Point," from Wm. Teller and Sarah his wife, first
owners. The ship Vulture anchored opposite this point Sept.
21. 1780, with Andre's mission.
8 The first store was built by Daniel Birdsall, in the vicinity
of the Middle Dock. Capt. Swim is said to have sailed the first
sloop from Pemart's Dock, in 1773. — Bolton's Westchester, I, 62.
Many stirring events of the Revolution occurred in this vici-
nity, and the country suffered much from the enemy's incur-
sions. In March, 1777, Col. Bird landed with 500 men. and the
few Americans stationed here fired the storehouses and retired.
In Sept. 1777, the whole village was sacked and burned. Ed-
mund Palmer, a tory spy, was hanged on Gallows Hill, 2 mi. N.
of the village ; and Daniel Strang, another spy from the enemy,
was executed on a pear tree near the present academy. John
Paulding, one of the captors of Andre, was a native of this vil-
lage, and received from the State a farm in this town. His
remains repose in the Episcopal graveyard, 2 mi. N. of the vil-
lage, where a neat monument was erected, at the expense <>f tht
corporation of New York, in 1827 ; and the work was completed
with imposing ceremonies Nov. 22 of that year. Gen. Pierre
Van Cortlandt formerly resided 2 mi. N. of Peekskill; and at
this place Gen. McDougal posted his advanced guard when the
enemy took possession of Peekskill in March. 1777. East of the
Van Cortlandt mansion stands St. Peter's Church, an old, di-
lapidated building, erected in 1767. The united parishes of St.
Peter's and St. Philip's were endowed by Col. Beverly Robinson,
and the title was confirmed Mar. 27, 1794. The property has
been sold by order of the court of Chancery, aud the avails
equally divided between the two churches.
» 4 Friends, 4 M. E., 3 Prot. E., 2 Presb., Bap., Wes. Meth,
Prot. Meth., Ref. Prot. D., and R. C.
1° Anciently called " Hutchinsons." and afterward " The Ten
Farms." Its present name was used as early as 1066. — Bolton's
Westchester, I, 120.
U Named by the Indians "Aquehung."
12 Named by the Indians " Aqueanounck."
W The marble is of the variety called dolomite. The N. Y.
Custom House and the City Hall at Brooklyn were built of this
material. The Custom House at New Orleans is being con-
structed of stone from these quarries.
700 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
by building associations. This town appears to have been a favorite residence of the natives ; and
when first settled by the -whites it contained traces of former occupation. The Indian title -was ac-
quired in 1654 and confirmed in 1654, 1666, and 1700. Thos. Pell, the purchaser, granted it to
James Eustis and Philip Pinkney, of Fairfield, Conn., and their associates. In 1665, 26 persons
signed a covenant for the security of their mutual rights.1 The settlers were incorp. by patent,
March 9, 1666, 2 and for many years were engaged in a controversy with Westchester concerning
the bounds of their grant. A house was fortified in Oct. 1675, as a place of refuge from Indians.
The first schoolhouse was agreed upon in 1683 ; and the site has ever since been occupied for this
purpose. A townhouse was voted in 1685. East Chester was celebrated for the interest it took
in behalf of Leisler.3 The Cong, church of this town was formed in 1665 ; and a place of worship
was built about 1700.* The town suffered greatly in the Revolution, from its being the middle
ground between the opposing armies. A farm of 252£ acres was granted in this town to David
Williams, one of the captors of AndrS, June 16, 1783. He afterward removed to Schoharie co.,
where he died.
GREEVBFRGH5- was formed March 7, 1788. It lies on the w. border of the co., s. of the
center. Its surface is much broken by hills parallel to the Hudson, and separated by narrow val-
levs, through which flow several streams, the principal of which is Neperhan or Sawmill Creek.
Hudson River forms the w. boundary, and Bronx River the e. The soil is clay and sandy loam.
Several marble quarries are worked near the Hudson. Hastings, (Hastings upon Hudson
p. o.,) near the s. w. corner, a station on the H. R. R. R. and a steamboat landing, contains 2
churches, steam marble works, limekilns, and a limited number of manufactories. Pop. 1,135.
Dohbs Ferry,6 (p. v.,) a station on the H. R. R. R. and a landing on the river, contains 3
churches and 1,040 inhabitants. Irvington,7 (p. v.,) a station on the H. R. R. R. and a landing
on the river, contains 2 churches and 599 inhabitants. Tarrytown,8 (p. v.,) on the n. border,
a steamboat landing and a station on the H. R. R. R., contains 4 churches, the Pawling Insti-
tute, and about 2,000 inhabitants. Harts Corners, (Moringville p. o.,) a station on the
Harlem R. R., is a hamlet ; Middletown is a settlement below Tarrytown ; Halls Cor-
ners,9 a neighborhood in the n. part; Ashford, a settlement 3 mi. below; Abbotsford,
a locality near Dobbs Ferry; and Greenville, a neighborhood in the s. part. The first
Indian purchase was made in 1649. In 1662 Connecticut bought all the Indian lands w. to the
>.'.>rth River, and in 1681-82-84 Frederick Philipse bought the lands now included in this and
other towns which, by Patent of 1693, were formed into the Philipsburgh Manor. In 1779 they
were forfeited by the attainder of Col. F. Philipse and sold for small sums to the former tenants,10
under a pre-emption clause in the general act of May 12, 1784, for the sale of confiscated estates.
The census reports 6 churches in town.11
HARRISON12 — was formed March 7, 1788. It is an interior town, near the e. border, s. of the
center of the co., its N. e. corner touching the line of Conn. Its surface is generally level. Blind
• Thos. and Richard Shute, Nathaniel and John Tompkins,
ivl John A. Pinkney, Joseph Joans, John and Hoses
II - 1 itU, Daniel Godwin. Wm. Squire, David Os-
tiiiin. .1.-1. . 1 and John Drake. John and U -
.' White, Wm. HaldOBj John Qay, Richard
II ■ -.vler, John Kmory, and John Clarke were
- of this agreement.
■ PfuUpPlokl Ku'-tis. and Wm.Haidon were named
In tli • : and these persons resigned their trust to the
Inli ■ 'i after.
J fihUoa'j ir • safer, 7,1
* The census liorchea in town ; 3M.K»2 Ref. Prot.
D.. !!•;>.. I'.. 0, sad 1'niv,
6 Named from a family of this name who were early settlers
and kept a ferry. The first interview between Arnold and Andrfi
was to have taken place here; but, for some reason, it did not.
The British commissioners sent up to obtain Andre's release
bad their Interview here with Gen. Greene. Gen. Washington
and Gov. Clinton here met Gen. Turleton, at the close of the war,
in 1783.
' Named from Washington Tiring, whose quaint Dutch home-
stead. " Sunny Side," is a short distance above. The village
m I rmerly called "Denrmans." or " Dearmans Landing."
8 From '•Tarwe,-' wheat; and, by the natives. Alipconck. or
Place "f Elms. By an act of May 1, 1786. a tract of 2 acres for
I burial place, 100 acres for a glebe to the Ref. Prot. D. church,
' In the Dutch "Qreinburjrh,*1 literally "flnln town." In and 17 acres to the Prot. E. church, were confirmed. The vil-
la It Is called * Lawrence's Plantation ;" and by
the Indian*. Werkqua "k. —
in pure Algonquin, Weic-quoea-gnck. the place of the bark
kettle. — fi'H'ti't Hilt "■ ■' t fii., /, p. 163. This town was
Inhabited by a powerful ti liana knos Wide-
ly tb" Kntli'b Wi.-l and until
tb middle of the laat vmutuij the c I - numerous. A
cold order of an Indian wm erengrd 2>i
ward by hit nephew, in Sept. 10P1. Tb" Imtrt, attempted to
but without success. In H, the Mohawks Itequa.
1 I '•■ is pleasantly situated opposite the widest part of the Tap-
pan Zee. The site of Andre's capture, marked by a handsome
monument, dedicated Oct. 7, 1853, is about three-fourths of a
mi. N. p.. from the station.
9 Near the I't'-b. church is the monument to Isaac Van Wart,
one of the enpturers of Major Andre,— erected by the citizens of
the c.. June, 1829.
10 Among these were families named Van Tassel. Van Wart,
OdeU, Lawrence, Post, Archer, Hart, Acker, Dyckman, and
-cent upon tb' M Indian", who fl<M to the Dutch for
; tiers of the fort bj to New Jer-
sey, where the Indians had aa-embl-d. and wantonly butchered
nenrh 100; «t i at Corioars Ilc-k. Tin-
barhoiit.var n-d 11 tribes to vindictive war in which the I
scttlem-nts around F-rt Amsterdam were laid waste. A j
was agreed up- in April 22, 1643, but was not fully established | was formed a separate precinct by act of March 9, 1774.
for many years.
>' 2 M. F... 2 lief. Prot. D.. Prot. F,., and Bap.
14 Sometimes called " Harrisons Precinct." or "The Purchase."
Prior to 1771 it fi nned one of the six precincts of It ye Parish. —
/(-,'/'/)<'.; W.str)i,st.r, 7,246. It was named from John Harrison,
who purchased it from the Indians Feb. 1, 1695. and confirmed
!■• Wm. Nicolls. John Harrison, and others, June 25, 1696. It
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
701
Brook1 forms a part of the e. boundary, and Mamaroneck Creek a part of the w. Rye Pond2 lies
on the n. border, and St. Mary's Pond on the w. The soil is a fertile, gravelly loam. Purchase,
(Harrison p. o.,) in the N. part, is a hamlet, containing 2 Friends' meeting houses. The first set-
tlement commenced at an early period. The census reports 2 Friends' meeting houses3 in town.
LEWISBORO4- was formed March 7, 1788, as " Salem." Its name was changed to " South
Salem" April 6, 1800, and to its present name Feb. 13, 1840. A part of North Salem was an-
nexed April 26, 1844. It lies on the e. border, near the n. e. corner, and forms the eastern angle
of the co. Its surface is much broken and in places mountainous. Croton River forms its w.
boundary. Cross River flows through a small portion of the central southern part. Waccaback
Lake5 and North and South Ponds are in the n. part, and Cross Pond is on the line of Poundridge.
The soil is a clayey and sandy loam. South Salem, (p. v.,) in the e. part, is a scattered vil-
lage, containing a church and 15 houses. Cross River, (p. v.,) in the s. corner, contains 2
churches, several manufactories, and 20 houses. Goldens Bridge (p. o.) is a station on the
Harlem R. R. Vista, (p.o.,) in the s. e. corner, is a small settlement. Lewisbbro (p. o.) is
in the s. part. Settlement was commenced under the authority of Connecticut, at an early period.
This region was the scene of several Revolutionary incidents.6 There are 7 churches in town.7
MAMAROHTECK.8 — was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It lies upon L. I. Sound, in
the s. e. part of the co. Its surface is broken by low ridges of gneiss, generally extending n. and
S. Mamaroneck Creek, forming the e. boundary, and its tributary, Sheldrake Creek, are the prin-
cipal streams. The coast is deeply indented by several bays, which divide it into numerous penin-
sulas and headlands. Mamaroneck, (p-v->) near the head of Mamaroneck Bay, is partly in
Rye. It contains 2 churches, (Prot. E. and M. E.,) and several manufactories not at present in
operation. Orienta,9 Washington ville, Chats worth,10 and Hickory Grove are
village plats and prospective villages. Kelloggsville, on the line of New Rochelle, has an
extensive tide mill. The Indian title was obtained in 1640 and in 1662. John Richbell received
a ground brief from the Dutch, and letters patent from Gov. Lovelace, Oct. 16, 1668, to three necks
of land, at a quitrent of 8 bushels of winter wheat. In 1700 Caleb Heathcote acquired title to
most of the eastern neck, with other lands, which was confirmed March 21, 1701. A portion
descended in marriage to James De Lancey, afterward Governor of the colony, and ancestor of the
present Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Western New York. Settlement began about 1660 ; and
the village of Mamaroneck is one of the most ancient in the co. The town records date back to
1697 ; they were suspended from April, 1776, to April, 1785. During this period numerous events
of historical interest occurred in this town. The day before the battle of White Plains, Col. Small-
wood surprised and cut off a large body of the enemy under Major Rogers, stationed upon Nelson
Hill. Col. White, of the Continental army, was overtaken near this place by Lieut. Hickford, and
some thirty stragglers, who had taken refuge upon the ice, were killed.
MORRISAHTIA11 — was formed from West Farms, Dec. 7, 1855. It is the s. w. corner town of
the co., lying upon Harlem River, contiguous to New York. Its surface is broken by several low
ridges which extend n. and s. Most of its surface is occupied by village plats laid out since the
extension of railways, and is inhabited by persons doing business in New York. Morrisania,
(p. v.,) a r. r. station, in the n. e. corner, contains the St. Joseph's Drsuline Convent, an academy
and free school, and 2,587 inhabitants. Mott Haven, (p. v.,)12 opposite Harlem, contains 2
1 Called by the Indians Mockquams.
2 This pond covers 210 acres, and abounds in pickerel. It
discharges into Bronx River; and it was at onetime proposed to
take this water to supply New York City.
s One of these was built before the Revolution, and was used
by the Americans during the war as a hospital.
* Named from John Lewis, a prominent citizen. Its northern
part formed a portion of Cortlandt Manor; and on its division
in 1734 the part in this town fell to the share of Stephen Van
Cortlandt, Gertrude Beeckman, Margaret Boyd, and Skinner.
Its eastern part is included in the Oblong. See p. 269.
5 Thia lake covers 212 acres, and, with the adjacent ponds, is
fed by springs and rivulets from Great Long Pond Mountain.
Beavers inhabited its shores as late as 1837.
6 Maj. Andre was conducted to the headquarters of Col.
Jameson, in North Castle, and thence, in charge of Maj. Tall-
madge, to Col. Sheldon's quarters, in this town. From this place
he addressed Gen. Washington, disclosing his true name and
rank. The house where he was detained is still preserved.
'2M. E., Meth. Prot., Prot. E., Presb., Bap., and Friends.
8 Pronounced both Mam-aro'neck and Mam-ar'0-neck. The
latter is more generally used, and is often contracted to " Mor-
neck" or " Mar-neck," in common speech. It has been variously
written Momoronack, Mamarinck, Mennack, and Momoronuck
It has been by some supposed to signify ''the place of rolling
stones." — Bolton's Westchester, I, 282. There was an Indian
chief of this name, who resided upon the Croton.
9 Formerly called " Mamaroneck Point," " Great Neck," and
"De Lanceys Neck." The eastern part of this neck is called
Seamans Point, from Giles Seaman, former owner. The natives
called it Waumainuck. The modern name " Edgewater" haa
been applied to this place. The western part is called '■ Long
Beach Point."
10 Near this place is a rocking stone, estimated to weigh 150
tons, which may be moved by the hand.
11 A town of this name was formed March 7. 1788, and annexed
to Westchester Feb. 22, 1791. It was named in honor of Gou-
verneur Morris, whose estate was situated in the town.
12 Named from Jordan L. Mott, principal founder of the works.
Steel works have been erected near the rail road bridge. By
act of March 31, 1790, Lewis Morris was allowed to build a toll
bridge at this place across Harlem River. He assigned his right
to John B. Coles, who was allowed, March 24. 1795, to build a
dam in Harlem River, with locks, and liability for damages.
702 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
churches, an extensive iron foundery, and 843 inhabitants. Port Morris,1 upon the Sound, has
a harbor of GO ft. depth ; and it is proposed to land vessels here that draw too much water to enter
New York Harbor. A branch of the Harlem R. R. 2 } mi. long connects this place with Melrose.
Will on. Old Morrisania, East Morrisania, "West Morrisania, South Mel-
rose. East Melrose, Eltona, Woodstock . Claremont, and High Bridgeville,
are suburban village plats. A tract known as Broncks Land,2 granted by Gov. Nicoll to Jonas
Bi-Miicks, was sold to Richard Morris in 1G68; and on May 8, 1697, Lewis Morris obtained a patent
for the township or Manor of Morrisania, with a quitrent of 6 shillings. Prior to the Revolution
it formed one of the precincts of Westchester parish. Early in the war a division of the American
army was stationed here ; but after the disasters of Long Island it retired northward, and British
troops were posted there, but not without annoyance from partisan corps. The dwellings at Mor-
risania were burned the same day as was the courthouse at White Plains.
MOl\T PEE.4SAIVT— was formed March 7, 1788. Ossining was taken off in 1845. It
lies upon the Hudson, near the center of the w. border of the co. Its surface is broken by high
ridges, the principal of which are Buttermilk and Chappequa Hills. Bronx River forms the e.
boundary ; and Xeperhan and Pocantico Rivers flow obliquely across the town. The soil is a
clayey and sandy loam, well adapted to cultivation. There are several marble quarries in town.3
Pleasailtville,4 (p. v.,) near the N. line, contains 2 churches and 358 inhabitants. ITllion-
ville, (Xeperhan p. o..) a station upon the Harlem R. R. contains 97 inhabitants. Beek-
mant own. on Pocantico River, in the s. w. part of the town, is a suburb of Tarrytown. It con-
tains 5 churches, the Irving and Tarrytown Institutes, and about 1,500 inhabitants. Sleepy
Hollow.5 I'pper Cross Roads, and Lower Cross Roads are hamlets. This town
was included in the Manor of Philipsburgh, granted to Frederick Philipse; and by his will, dated
Dec. 9, 1702, he granted to his son Adolph the portion of the manor n. of Dobbs Ferry, including
this town. The title descended to his son Frederick, and was forfeited by the attainder of a son
of the latter of the same name in 1779. One of the principal grantees under the State was
Gerard G. Beeckman. Many Revolutionary associations are connected with this town; and several
encounters took place within its limits. The census reports 6 churches in town.6
ISEW CASTEE7— was formed from North Castle, March 1§, 1791. A part of Somers was
annexed May 12, 1846. It is an interior town, lying n. of the center of the co. Its surface is
much broken by hills having a general course a little e. of n., the principal of which are Mount
Prospect and the Chappaqua Hills, terminating in Mount Kisko. The Neperhan, Bronx, and Po-
cantico Rivers rise in this town. Upon the borders are Chappaqua, Wampas,8 and Kirby Ponds,
and Croton Lake. Chappaqua Sulphur Springs, 4 mi. N. E. frotn Sing Sing, have acquired a local
notoriety. The soil is a gravelly clay and sandy loam. Mount Kisko (p. o.) is a small village
and r. r. station, on the line of Bedford. Hew Castle (p. o.,) is a small scattered village,
upon Kirby Pond, near the line of Bedford. Chappaqua9 (p.o.) is a r. r. station, near the
s. lino. Sarlcsville is a hamlet, near the center of the town ; and here the town business is
generally transacted. This town was included within Richbell's purchase of 1660, and, with other
lands, was sold to Caleb Ileathcote, and was patented to him and 10 associates10 Feb. 14, 1701. It
iva- afterward known as the "West Patent of Northeastle," or simply "West Patent." Settle-
ment began about 172'», or a little earlier. At the time of the Revolution it formed one of the
predncta of Rye parish. It was greatly annoyed by sudden incursions of plundering parties ; and
St. George's church was f'>r a long time occupied as a guardhouse and hospital by the Continental
troops. The census reports 5 churches in town.11
\EW ROCIIEEEE — was recognised as a town March 7, 1788. It lies upon the Sound, in
the s. part of the co., and extends northward in a long, narrow strip. The surface is moderately
The bride- at Harlem lending to Mott Haven i« now free, the I 6 2Ref. Prot. D., M. E., Trim. Moth., Prot. K., and R. C.
charter of Ita former ownen having exj -• The bridge 'Called by the Indiana simppnqua,said to signify "a vegetable
formerly known a* fcfaoomb'a Briage ■ removed, and is about root." — /ini'inn's H'.\./r/,r.w. r, i.:wa.
being rebuilt * N'umcd from the sachem, chief proprietor of these lands in
i Sometimes railed "Morrlsport." Named from Qouvernsui 1006, whose residence to said to have been near,
Morris, the principal owner. ^jailed by the natives Ranachqne. • Pronounced Sbap-pa*juaw. It ia sometimes written Chapo-
> Tli" New i trieam Custom Ibmse was built of marble from a ' qna.
quarry in the R. e. part of this t"wn. '" These patenteea were Robt. Walters, Leigh Atwood, Corne-
rmarly i kQed •■ Clark* Oon I "us Iiepeyster. Caleb Ileathcote. Matthew Clarkson, John Cald-
llollow i- not< '1 for l-ing the scene r.f on" '■{ Irvine's . well, Richard Slater. Lancaster Simes, Robt. Lusting, and liarne
eenda. The Dutch church at this place was formed Coaena, It was settled by families named Ward, Concklin,
in 1697, and to Uflceen ' Thecommnnjon tabto Hyatt, rnderhill. Hsight, Carpenter, Green, Kirby, Davenport,
-vie. ilat".. .riginallv given by the flret lordofthe man- r. el, Oriffen, Tompkins, Kipp, Secor, Brady, ReynoldB,
are still preserved. Quinly,and Merrith. » 2 M. E., 2 Friends, and Prot. E.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
*03
uneven and in some parts stony. Davenports Neck,1 a peninsula containing 200 acres, and several
fine islands in the Sound, belong to this town.2 Crystal Lake, E. of the village, is chiefly cele-
brated for its ice, large quantities of which are annually " harvested." The soil is fertile and
peculiarly adapted to fruit raising.3 New Roclicllc, (p. v.,) upon an estuary from the Sound,
in the e. part of the town, was incorp. Oct. 5, 1857. It contains G churches, several private
schools, and about 2,000 inhabitants. A portion of the village and the lands surrounding it are
occupied by elegant villas and country residences of persons doing business in New York. The
steamboat landing is a half mile s. w. of the village, on a small island connected with the main laud
by a stone causeway. The village is a station on the N. Y. & N. II. R. R. B shwood Cemetery,
incorp. Jan. 30, 1854, lies a mile w. of the village. "West New Roclicllc, Pctcrsville,'
and Upper New Rochelle are scattered villages, mostly inhabited by Germans. This town
was embraced in the Manor of Pelham, and was sold by John Pell, Sept. 20, 1G89, to Jacob Leisler,
for the settlement of a company of French Huguenots. These people are said to have been
brought over in one of the king's ships, and to have landed on the n. e. part of Davenports Neck,
then called "Banffets" or "Bounfoys Point."5 They mostly purchased under Leisler in 1G90.
There were 23 freeholders in town in 1708. The town records commence Nov. 1, 1G99, and until 1735
were kept partly in French. They were suspended from April 2, 1776, to June 24, 1783. A
French church was organized in 1689, and in 1709 most of the members conformed to the Epis-
copal faith; and this denomination are now owners of property given by Pell. The Presbyterians
also claim succession from the first French church, a part of the members of which did not
conform.6
NORTH CASTL.E7— was formed March 7, 1788. New Castle was taken off in 1791. It
occupies a long, narrow strip on the e. border of the co., adjoining Stamford and Greenwich, Conn.
Its surface is much broken by hills,8 particularly in the w. part. It is drained by Maharness,
Byram, and Bronx Rivers and their branches. Rye Pond lies on the s. border; Byram Pond on the
line of Bedford ; and Wampus Pond on the line of New Castle. Cobamong Pond, a mile e. of
Byram Pond, has no inlet and is very deep. The soil is clay and sandy loam. North Castle
(p. v.) contains a church and a few houses. Armonk,9 (p-v.,) near the center, contains 3
churches, a woolen factory, and 20 houses. Kinsico,10 (p. v.,) in the s. part, contains several
manufactories and 103 inhabitants. Quarter Station is on the II. R. R. R., in the extreme s.
part. The first settlements commenced at a very early period.11 The census reports 7 churches in
town.12
NORTH SA1LEM13 — was formed March 7, 1788. A part was annexed to Lewisboro in 1844.
It is the N. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is hilly, the summits rising 100 to 300 ft. above
the valleys. Croton River forms the w. boundary. Titicusu River, a principal branch of the Cro-
ton, flows w. from Conn, through near the center. The valley of this stream varies in width from
£ mi. to 1| mi., and is bordered by steep hills. Peach Pond, on the n. border, covers 400 acres.
1 Formerly "Laylers" (" Leslies") and "Lecourh" Neck. Bought
in 1786 by Newberry Davenport, and since owned by the Daven-
port family.
2 Davids or Hewletts Island. Named from Thaddeus Davids,
the owner. It contains about 100 acres, and is fitted up for pic-
nic and pleasure parties. Steamboat excursions are occasionally
made thither from the city. Goat, Marketts, Whortleberry,
Locust, and Vaa Cleese Islands also belong to this town. Bur-
dens Point, on Davenport Neck, is also a place of resort.
8 From 12 to 20 acres are devoted to raising blackberries,
— chiefly the variety known as the " New Rochelle or Lawton
blackberry," originally a seedling from the fields, which has
proved of much value. There are also extensive nurseries in
town.
* Formerly called "New Jerusalem"
6 The purchase included 6,000 acres, to which Pell added 100
acres for the use of the French church. Among the refugees
were Francis Le Count, David De Bonrepas, Alexis Allaire, Har-
vey Beignou, Esaye Valleau, Andrew Thaunet, David Bonnefoy,
Louis Guion, Pierre Das, Pierre Palcot, Andrew Naudin and
sons Andrew and Louis, Theophile and Chas. Fourrestier, Am-
broise Sycard and sons Ambroise, Daniel, and Jacques, Guil-
laume Laudrie, G. Latteneau, Isaaq Caillard, Marie Cothon-
neau and her son Guillaume, Jean Newfuille, Estersie Lavigne,
and Jean Constant. Thos. Paine, author of " Common Sense,"
died in this town in 1809, and his remains were taken to Eng-
land by Cobbett in 1819. His admirers have erected a monu-
ment over the spot where he was interred.
6 There are now 8 churches in town ; 3 M. E., Prot. E., Presb.,
Bap., Af. Meth., and R. C.
7 Formerly " While Fields" and afterward designated the
"Liberty of North Castle."
8 Mt. Misery, in the s. e. angle, 200 to 300 ft. above the valley,
is named from the fact that a large party of Indians were cut
off here by the Huguenots, in retaliation for a descent upon
Now Rochelle. — Bolton's Westchester, I. p. 447.
9 Formerly "Mill Square." and still often called by that name.
i° Formerly "Bobbins Mills."
U The Indian title to this town was obtained by Caleb Heath
cote and others between 1660 and 1705, and confirmed by several
patents. Of these the " Middle Patent," embracing 1.500 acres,
was granted Feb. 17, 1701-02, and the w. portion was confirmed
to Anne Bridges and her associates Sept. 25, 170S. A partition
of the Middle and West Patents took place June 23, 1766. Thn
allotments were balloted for and sold to numerous persons,
of whom many named Brundage, Griffin, Lockland, Sillick, Sco-
field, Clapp, and others are descendants. — Bolton's Westchester,
I, p. 455.
Major Andre immediately after his arrest was sent to Col.
Jameson, stationed in this town; and from here he was al-
lowed, through the inadvertence of that officer, to notify Arnold
of his arrest.
12 3 M. E., 3 Prot. E., and Friends.
13 This town was mostly purchased by Stephen Van Cortlandt
and was embraced within the bounds of his manor. The E. part,
within the Oblong, was purchased in 170S by John Beldeu,
Sam'l Keeler, Matthew Seymour, Matthias St. John, and other
inhabitants of Norwalk, Conn. Upon the division of the Manor
of Cortlandt in 1734, this town fell to the share of Andrew Mil-
ler, John Schuyler, and Stephen De Lancey.
14 Otherwise called Mutighticoss. The name in the text per-
haps has been changed from tliis, and is said to have been de-
rived from an Indian chief.
ro4
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Bearer Pond is a small sheet of water near the n. line. The soil is better adapted to grazing than
to grain raising. Turkey Hill lies in the s. vr. part. North Salem,1 (p. v.,) in the e. part,
contains 2 churches, a paper mill, and 30 houses. Salem Center,2 (p. o.,) a hamlet, is the seat
of the North Salem Academy.8 Purdys Station, (p. o.,) on the Harlem R, R., on the w. border,
contains 2 churches and a small woolen factory. Croton Falls, (p. o.,) in the n. w. corner, is a
station on the Harlem R. R. The first settlement commenced at a very early period, mostly by
immigrants from Conn. The census reports 7 churches in town.*
OSSI\ING5 — was formed from Mount Pleasant, May 2, 1845. It lies upon the Hudson, n. of
the center of the co. Its surface is mostly a hilly upland, the ridges extending parallel to the
river. Prospect Hill is a commanding eminence on the s. line of the town. Pocantico River forms
its e. boundary. Marble is extensively quarried, and traces of several metals have been found.8
The soil is a productive, gravelly and clayey loam. Sing Sing-, (p. v.,) upon the Hudson, near
the center of the w. border of the town, was incorp. April 2, 1813. It is beautifully situated upon
ground gradually rising from the river to the height of 180 ft., and at most points affording fine
views of Tappan Bay and the opposite shore of the Hudson. It contains 4 churches, the Mount
Pleasant Academy,7 a female seminary, and several other popular female schools. Pop. about
3,500. This village is chiefly noted for being the seat of one of the N. Y. State prisons. The prison
was erected at this place in 1825, with a view of employing the convict labor upon the marble
quarries. It receives convicts from certain southern and eastern counties, as specified by statute.8
Prospect Hill9 is a scattered settlement along the s. border. Spring* Valley, e. of Sing
Sing, and Sparta, s. of Sing Sing, are hamlets. This town was included in the Manor of
Philipsburgh, and was settled by the Dutch previous to the commencement of the last century.
The lands were forfeited by the attainder of Frederick Philipse during the Revolution.10 The
first church was organized at a very early period, but the exact date is lost.11 The Dale Ceme-
tery, containing 47 acres, £ mi. n. of Sing Sing, was incorporated January 14, 1851.
PEI*HAMU — was formed March 7, 1788. It lies on Long Island Sound, in the s. part of the
C"., on the E. border, and it embraces several islands in Long Island Sound.13 Pelham Neck1* is a
peninsula extending into the Sound ; upon it are several elegant country seats. Its surface is un-
dulating, the valleys ranging n. and s. Hutchinsons Creek15 forms the w. boundary. The soil is
mostly of an excellent quality of sandy and gravelly loam. Pelhamviile, near the n. angle
1 A granite boulder, weighing 60 tons or over, lies in this vil-
1 1_- •-. supported about 3 ft. from the ground upon the points of
ft smaller limestone rocks. There is a chalybeate spring near
the ullage.
5 About a half mile W. of the village is a natural bridge.
3 This academy was erected between 1770 and '75 by Stephen
Di Lanocy for a residence, but was not used as such, and in 1786
it was purchased for its present use. It was incorp. Feb. 19. 1700.
.\nv n,: iU Students have been Dan*l D. Tompkins, Col. N. P. Tall-
madge and brother, Hon. James Kent, and several other
lioent citizens. Its patronage at present is small.
♦ - M. !:.. I'r. -I... Bap., Prut ¥.., Union, and Friends.
6 Originally called "Osstnstng. It name was changed March
14, 1848. The proper Indian name is said to signify "stone upon
stone." and has i eeu writt.-n Sin Sing,t nd Sink-Sink. A power-
tan of Mi hi gani of this name inhabited this region when it
was fir?t known t'i the whites.
* Small •p^imen" •■( catena, with several ores of copper, havo
Bulphuret of zinc and oxyd of manganese are
lly found in tie- lime roek. ' See pp. 74"), 746.
3 Thi« prison was , r. . ted bj the conrlcts thi mselrea, 100 of
whom were nent from Auburn Prison for thai purpose under
i arv- of Otpt Kl iiti Lynda, who bad chiefly directed the
f the Auburn Pri* n. Tie- ni le was ex-
hfbtted on the Itth of May, 1825, • f the arrival of this band on
the open ground which was b itions,
with»nt a place to receive or even a wall to Inelose them. • • •
The find day =unV- ick for shelter
at nieht: and ever after Buy continued in unpauslng labor,
watched by a small number of guards, but held under per«
petnal government of tie -ir I 'ibmis-
• power whose vigilant eye arid nnrt I "ring hand they
felt to be perpetually upon them and ar "tin I them. — Intr^hir.
Ua» In Nat. /{at. .V. )'. p,
The Hudson River R. R. crosses the pri«->n grounds under
two broad nr. lies with an Intervening walli I -I <■ ■ The male
h. and has 1,000 c. 11-.
The W-yard fa lncloacd by 2 bnlldlngl lOfLwIi high,
extending from tlie main prison t-> the river, and DO Op
kitchens, hospital, chap I. and *h"p«. The yard thuj torn
t'.' bj 112 ft., and has a i H wide, parallel to
the main prison. There are also workshops on the t. The
female p-i- n. upon the same premis-s. but under «er
BUBagexOCnt, is built of rough marble taken from the -
quarries. It stands on an elevated »ite, i. of the a. a., with a
colonnade of the Ionic order across the end fronting the river.
It was built in 1835-40, and receives female convicts sentenced
to State prison from every co. in the State; it contains 80 cells.
By an act of April 18, 1859, the Inspectors of State Prisons were
directed to sell such of the premises at this place as are not re-
quired for prison purposes, at a price not less than $250 per aero,
and to appropriate the moneys thus received to building and re-
pairing such works at the prison as they may deem proper.
9 Formerly known as '■ Lnnrj Hill."
10 Families named Ward, Orser, Crank, Bazelie, Acker. Purdy,
Merritt, McCord. Bishop. Balycas, Storm, Jones, Millet, and
Ryder, purchased under the Commissioners of Forfeiture.
11 There are 6 churches in town ; 3 Prot. E., Bap., M. E., and
Presb.
14 Named from Thos. Pell, of Fairfield, Conn. A purchase was
made of tho Indians by Mr. Pell. Nov. 14. ll"54; and most of
this was confirmed to him by Gov. Nicoll, Oct. 6. 1666. The
qultrent reserved in this grant was a lamb annually. Pelham
Manor originally .nilni.-d 9,166 acres, and was confirmed by
Gov. Peine. in. < tit. 25.1687. to John Pell, nephew of tho first
purchaser. This town is mostly owned by a few wealthy pro-
prietors, and, except Scarsdale, is the least populous in the co.
Several ares of berries are cultivated for the city market.
Pelham Bridge connect- the town with East Chester.
13 The principal of these is "City Island." — formerly "Afinne-
firrd ttlanri." or". Wullu rrv fcUm'l." Its present name is derived
from commercial establishments projected at an early colonial
period and renewed subsequent to the Revolution. It was
supposed that the India trado could be carried on from this
with peculiar advantage. It is now principally occupied
by oystermen.
Marts Island, or "Sprr/nrlr Wand," has an area of 85 acres.
Hunters Island, belonging to the estate of ES. Desbrosses llun-
t-r. has an area of 250 acres, and was formerly connected with
the mainland by a stono canseway and bridge. High Island
r the s. point of Pelham Neck.
14 Formerly "Anne. Hooks Week," from an Indian owner; and
afterward " Hntlmans Week." It was a favorite place for Indian
lepnllure; and traces Of graves are still seen. A ferry was es-
t. Mi-led to Hempstead Harbor and to Matagarisons Bay in
1755, by Samuel Itodman.
is Named from Mrs. Anno Hutchinson, tho first sottler. Its
Indian name was Acqueahounck, from a term descriptive of the
red cedar tree. — Bolton' t Watchetttr, I, p. 642.
705
is a
is
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
of the town, is a newly surveyed village and station on the N. Y. & N. II. R. R. Pclliam
p. o. on the e. border. Prospect Hill is a locality near the center. Pelham Priory1
the scat of a young ladies' seminary, established by the late Rev. Robert Bolton and conducted by
his daughters. A settlement was made in this town in 1642,2 by Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, who was
driven from Massachusetts on account of her religious belief. There is 1 church (Prot. E.) in town.
POUIVDRIDGE8- was formed March 7, 1788. It lies in the E. part of the co., its s. line
bordering on Stamford and New Canaan, Conn. Its surface is hilly and much broken. The Stony
Hills occupy the n. part and extend 3 or 4 mi. in a n. e. direction, with steep, craggy sides and
rocky summits. Cross River flows through the extreme n. corner, Stamford Mill River flows 8.
through the e. part, and Maharness River forms a part of the s. w. boundary. Cross Pond is on
the E. line. The soil is a gravelly loam. Poundridge, (p. o.,) near the center, is a small
settlement with 2 churches. Roretontown is a hamlet, in the N. corner. The first settlement
commenced near the center of the town, in 1744, by Capt. Joseph Lockwood and associates, from
Stamford, Conn. There are 3 churches in town ; M. E., Prot. Meth., and Presb.
RYE4 — was formed March 7, 1788. It lies on the e. border of the s. part of the co. It is a
narrow, irregular strip, bordering on the Sound and Greenwich, Conn. Its surface is broken and
rocky. Byram River5 forms a small part of the e. boundary, and Blind Brook a part of the w.
The soil is chiefly clay. There are quarries of hard, blue granite in town. Along the coast are
several small islands.6 The mirage is frequently seen upon the coast, bringing to view the shore
of Long Island with great distinctness. Rye, (p. v.,) a station on the N. Y. & N. H. R. R.,
contains 3 churches, a private seminary, and 300 inhabitants. Milton, in the s. part, is a
hamlet, with 1 church. Ryebeach is a place of resort during the hot season. Port
Chester, (p. v.,) a station on the N. Y. & N. H. R. R., contains 5 churches, several private
seminaries, extensive manufactories,7 and 1,695 inhabitants. King'street is a fine agricul-
tural district, extending nearly 7 miles n. of Port Chester. Glenville is a hamlet, on Byram
River. The first settlement was commenced on Manursing Island.8 The census reports 9
churches in town.9
SCARSDAL.E10— was formed March 7, 1788. It lies in the interior of the s. part of the co.
Its surface is broken by ridges and hills. Bronx River forms the w. boundary, and the e. ano-le
borders on the Mamaroneck. Hutchinson and Sheldrake Creeks rise in this town. The soil is a
clayey and sandy loam. It has no villages, and is the least populous town in the co. Scars-
dale, (p. o.,) in the w. part, contains a church and a few houses. Scarsdale Station, on
the Harlem R. R., is on the w. border of the town. In the s. corner of the town is a Friends
meeting house, on a site used for that purpose long before the Revolution. Gov. Tompkins was a
native of this town ; and Chief Justice Morris and Maj. Wm. Popham — for many years clerk of
the Court of Exchequer — resided here. The census reports 2 churches in town ; Prot. E. and
Friends.
SOMERS11 — was formed March 7, 1788, as " Stephentown." Its name was changed April 6,
1808. A part was annexed to New Castle in 1846. It lies on the n. border of the co., near the
1 Upon these 'premises is a rocking stone weighing about 20
tons.
2 This settlement was soon after broken rip by the Indians,
who killed 18 persons, including the founder.
3 Named from the ancient Indian pound, or deer trap, which
formerly stood at the foot of a high ridge s. of the present vil-
lage.— Bolton's Westchester, II, p. 1. This town was embraced
in Turner's Purchase of 1640, and once formed part of Stamford,
Conn. The Patent of Stamford, granted May 26, 1685, included
a portion of this town. In the settlement of boundaries in 1731,
four miles were taken from Conn. A grant waB made March 2,
1701, to Robert Walters. John Cholwell, Leigh Atwood, Corne-
lius De Peyster, Richard Slater, Barne Cosens, Lancaster Symes,
Matthew Clarkson, Robert Lurting, Peter Matthews, and Caleb
Ileathcote. This grant was subsequently known as the " East
Patent." It was sold Aug. 7, 1766, under " an act for the more
effectual collecting of his Majesty's quitrents." Families
named Lockwood, Ambler, Forsher, Bishop, Ferris, Hoyt, Holley,
Brown, Sillifk, and Scofield were purchasers under this sale.
Until 1775 the town formed one of the precincts of Rye. In
1821, 900 acres were sold to satisfy the State claim to quitrents
in the East Patent.
* Called by the Indians " Poningoe."
& Called by the Indians " Armonck." The meadows bordering
it were called " Haseco" and " Miosehassaky."
6 Manursing, called by the Indians "Minnewies," or Pine,
Henhawk, Great, Middle, and Little Captains Islands.
I These consist of a foundery, edge tool factory, tide gristmiH,
and a last and shoe factory.
8 This island was bought by the Dutch W. I. Company, who
sold it June 29, 1660, to John Coe, Peter Disbrow. and" Thos
Studwell. The proprietors proposed to name the place Hastings,
and issued a declaration of allegiance to the king, to which
was annexed a description of their proposed town, embracing
the country between Byram River and Wind Brook. Upon the
final annexation to New York it was formed into a market
town, with the privilege of holding a fair of four days, begin
ning on the 2d day of October. Courts of special sessions were
also held here. The Dutch made the first Indian purchase in this
region, in 1640; and numerous conveyances were afterward made.
By the agreement of 1660, this town was included in Conn. In
1683 it was assigned to New York. In 1696 it was again
claimed by Conn.; and the present line was fully settled May
14, 1730. The charter of Rye was granted Aug. 12, 1720.
9 3 M. E., 2 Prot. E., 2 Presb., Af. Meth., and R. C.
10 Named from Scarsdale, in England, whence the Heath
cote family came. In colonial times this town formed part of
the manor of Scarsdale.
II Named from Capt. Richard Somers,the intrepid and gallant
hero of the Tripolitan War. " Stephentown" was named from
Stephen Van Cortlandt. Prior to 1788, it formed part of the
township of Hanover, within Cortlandt Manor ; and under the
natives it formed part of the territory of Amapogh, or Amma-
walk. — Bolton's Westchester, II, p. 131.
45
706 "WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
center. Its surface is broken by ridges in tbe s. ; in other parts it spreads out into level plains.
Croton River forms the s. e. boundary. Muscoot River1 and Plum Brook flow s. through the town
into Croton River. Croton Lake, the fountain head of the Croton "Water "Works, lies in the
s. w. corner, extending into Yorktown. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam. Somors, (p. v.,)
in the n. e. part, contains 2 churches, a bank, and 20 houses.2 Croton Falls, (p. v.,) in the
n. e. corner, on the line of North Salem, is a small village and station on the Harlem R. R. It has
a good water-power. "West Somers (p. o.) is a hamlet. This town, in the allotment of the
manor in 1734, fell to the share of Mrs. Margaret Bayard, Philip and Stephen Van Cortlandt,
Andrew Johnston, Miller, Stephen De Lancey, and Mrs. Susannah "Warren. The census
reports 5 churches in town.3
WESTCHESTER4— was organized as a town, Nov. 7, 1788. West Farms was taken off in
18-40. It lies on the Sound, in the extreme s. part of the co. It is bounded on the w. by Bronx
River, and on the s. and e. by the Sound. Its surface is generally low and flat along the coast and
rolling further inland. Several bays and estuaries extend far inland and divide the land into
several peninsulas and necks. The principal of the latter are Classons Point,5 between Bronx and
Westchester Rivers ; Zeregors Point, next e. ; and Throggs Neck,6 a long and narrow promontory
extending s. e. into the Sound. About 2,500 acres along "Westchester River is a salt meadow, a
portion of which is held as public property and managed by 3 trustees. The people are princi-
pally engaged in gardening and fruit growing. Westchester, (p. v.,) at the head of navi-
gation on Westchester Creek, is a scattered village of about 1,000 inhabitants. Bronxdale,
on the line of West Farms, has an extensive tape factory, a dye and bleach works, and about 400
inhabitants. Scliuylerville, upon Throggs Neck, is a scattered village of 300 inhabitants.
Integrity, near Bronxdale, has a tape factory. Connersville, Wakefield, Center-
ville, and 111 ion port are modern villages. Fort Schuyler, upon the extremity of Throggs
Neck, wa» begun in 1833 ; and in 1851 $848,013 had been expended upon it. The estimated cost of
the construction and repairs was then $873, 013.7 The first settlement on Throggs Neck was made in
was begun in 1833 ; and in 1851 $848,013 had been expended upon it. The estimated cost of the
construction and repairs was then $873, 013. 7 The first settlement on Throggs Neck was made in
1642, by John Throckmorton and 35 associates, from New England, with the consent of the Dutch.
The Indian title to the land was extinguished in 1G43, by the Dutch, and a land brief was granted
in that year, and another in 1652. The English began a settlement at "Westchester8 in 1642; but
the Dutch, considering them intruders, arrested several of them, and in 1656 they surrendered
themselves to the Dutch Government. The settlement was claimed by Conn, in 1663; but the
next year it came under the government of the Duke of York. A patent was granted by Gov.
Nicoll, Feb. 13, 1667, and by Gov. Dongan, Jan. 6, 1686. A market was established at West-
che^tor, May 11, 1693, to be held weekly; and the same year an annual fair was established, to
meet alternately at this place and Rye. It was made a borough town April 16, 1696, with mayor,
aldf rmen, and common council, " according to the form of the best governed towns and corpora-
tions of the realm of England," and the right of holding a mayor's court, and a representation by
one delegate in General Assembly. The De Lancey family, prominent officials under the Colonial
Gkxvernment, and loyalists of the Revolution, resided in this town. The first church (Cong.) was
formed soon after the arrival of the first settlers.9
WEST FlIOIS — was formed from Westchester, May 13, 1846. Morrisania was taken off in
1855. It ties upon the Bound and along Harlem River, in the s. part of the co. The surface is
rolling, the ridges extending n. and s. Broni River forms its e. boundary, and Sawmill Brook
flows through the center. It* soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, rendered very productive by scien-
tific farming. Went laiins. (p.v.,) a large village at the head of navigation on Bronx River,
1 This river i.i said to discharge 3/.'J*.S<ii) gallons of water per
'I iv
* Hachaliali Bailey, of Somen, about l*K> lmrs>rte,i the first
elephant brought into the 1 •. -"II Bet" with
->n afti-r Imports I was 1 first travel
; It was built to accommodate 1,250 men and to mount 318
n, w till the projected work upon Vi ilkine Point, in
Flushing, Queens en., these fortresses would effectually protect
New fork ngainst the approach of a hostile fleet from the
Bound. The fort Is built of granite from Greenwich. Conn.
ing menagerie in the country, with which Van Amburgh, the 8 The settlers at •• VreedkmdP' at this timo were Lieut. Thos
famer, was afterward aaaodaled. Thaddeus and Gerard Wheeler, Thoe, l:. Newman, Robert Hassett, John Goes, Sher-
Crane, Lewis Tttna, and John June, (amOtat to the pnbllc as wood Darles, Win. II. Fenfall, Richard C. MeareB, Samuel
ent-rr I • men. weir from this town and Sort!
* 2W !., nnl t'rot. K.
* Tli" Dutch called tola region "VrttdUmit? or the land nf
reace. and the v: ' /' rp." or Ka«t Village.
* Vormerl* - f'r-rn/iUU Neck," and granted to Thf". f'ornhill,
or Orn.-ll. in lfitfl.
Jlavelt. Isaac Holbert, Robert Rocs, Jas. Hill, John S. Genncr,
Richard Oabort,and Win. Ward. The Dutch released Capt. R.
Ponton, Win. Kl«-t Black, John Gr.iv, and Roger Wheeler, who
had been arrested for taking up arms at " Yre.edlandt." — Unlton's
■■ tert II. p. loO. In l'.'iJ they were allowed to nominate
their own magistrates and hold their own courts; "hut in dark
* Named from John Throckmi-rton. the pioneer settler. A and dubious nutters— especially in witchcraft — the party ag-
lightl- ' high And M feet al«.v» the Sound, was built grieved might appeal to the QoventOT and Council."
hero in ISfB, and refitted in 180a. It has a fog bell strnrk by ' • There are 7 cbnrohea in town; 2 Friends, Cong., Prot. E,
machinery 7 times per minute. | M I. . Presb., and Af. Meth.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY. 707
3 mi. from the Sounu, contains 4 churches, a carpet factory, molding mill, and gristmill. Ford-
ham, (p. v.,) on the r. r., in the n. part of the town, contains 4 churches and is the seatof St. John's
College.1 TremonV Central Morrisania/ William* Kridge, (p. o.,) and Fair-
mount are modern villages. The last named is a station upon tlie Harlem R. It. Clareiwont
is a small village on the line of Morrisania. The eastern part of the present town, originally known
as "The West Fanns," was patented April 25, 10GG, to Edward Jessup and John Richardson, Indian
purchasers.* Fordham was bought by the Dutch in 1G30, and in 1G4G it was owned by Adrien
Van der Donck. In 1671 John Archer, owner of 1,253 acres, ohtained a patent under the title of
the " Manor of Fordham." It passed to Cornelius Steenwyck, and was conveyed by his widow in
1694 to the Dutch church in New York, in whose possession it remained GO years.5 The High
Bridge of the Croton Aqueduct connects the s. w. corner of this town with N. Y. City and Ma-
comb's Bridge, in the N. w. corner. Fort No. 8 was built upon the eminence n. w. of the Archer
homestead in the Revolution ; and its guns assisted in the capture of Fort Washington in 1776. It
was demolished by the enemy Oct. 20, 1782. Fort Independence, on Tetards Hill, was dismantled
in 1833. Prince Charles Redoubt and the Negro Fort of the Revolution were on the 8. side of
Valentines Hill. There are 8 churches in town.6
WHITE PL.AI1VS — was formed March 7, 1788. It is an interior town, lying s. of the center
of the co. The surface is rolling and hilly. Mamaroneck River forms its e. boundary, and Bronx
River its w. St. Marys Lake lies along its e. border. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam.
"White Plains7 (p. v.) is situated near the w. line of the town. It contains the old and new
co. buildings, 3 churches, and several private seminaries. It is a station upon the Harlem R. R.,
and contains about 1,000 inhabitants. This town was purchased Nov. 22, 1683, by the inhabitants
of Rye, and was settled soon after. In 1720 it was divided among 41 proprietors ;8 and a charter
was granted March 13, 1721, with a quitrent of 2 shillings 6 pence to every 100 acres. It em-
braced 4,435 acres. Many important historical events occurred in this town during the Revolution.
The village was wantonly burned Nov. 5, 1776, by a New England major. The battle of White
Plains was fought on Chatterton Hill, in Greenburgh, opposite, and within view of the village.
There are 6 churches in town.9
YOSTRERS10 — was formed as a town March 7, 1788. It is the most southerly town in the co.,
upon the Hudson. The surface is rugged and broken by several ridges extending n. and s. Va-
lentines Hill,11 the highest point, is 400 ft. above tide. Tuckahoe Hill, in theE. part, and Thirty
Deer Ridge, extending into Greenburgh, are prominent points. The principal streams arc Bronx
River, forming the e. boundary, Spuyten Duyvil Creek, forming the s. boundary, Neporhan
River, flowing through the center, and Sprain River and Tibbetts Brook.12 The soil is a clayey
and gravelly loam. The people are largely engaged in manufactures.13 The heights along the
river are studded with elegant country residences. Many of the inhabitants are engaged in busi-
1 This college, situated on Rose Hill, immediately E. of the
Harlem R. R., is under the control of the R. C. denomination.
It was incorp. April 10, 18-16, having been opened tor students
June 24, 1841. It is under the direct charge of Jesuits, who.
being associated for religious motives, receive no salary beyond
personal support. Six other persons are employed as special
instructors upon pay. In 1858 it reported to the Regents 59
undergraduates, besides which it has about 100 other pupils.
Upon the premises is a large and handsome gothic church, and
St. Joseph's Theological Seminary. The main building, of stow,
2 stories high, with an attic, contains the parlor, chapel, and
professors* apartments, and is adorned with valuable paintings.
Two front wings, of brick, one story each. 90 by 25 feet, contain
the refectory, kitchen, study hall for the first division, and
general assembly room. A large brick building contains the
study hall for the second division, sleeping, play, and wash rooms.
At each end of the front wings is a 3 story brick building, for
reading hall, music, drawing, and class rooms, and dormitories.
it was in dispute between the patentees of West Farms and
Morrisania from 1666 to 1740.
6 An act of General Assembly, Dec. 12, 1753, allowed the
Dutch church to sell the Manor of Fordham. — which was done,
and the money received is now vested in thecity. Three hundred
acres were excepted from this sale bv Mrs. Steenwyck.
« 3 Prot. E., 2 Ref. Prot. D., 3 M. E., Presb., and R. C.
7 This village is divided into two parts, — the old village, lying
about three-fourths of a mile from the K. R., and the new vil-
lage, lying between the old village and the r. r. station.
8 Among these were families named Horton, Denham, Partly,
Brown, Lane, Frost, Disbrow. Merritt, Hyatt, Hoyt. Knapp,
Pease, Kniffin, Odell, Galpin, Budd, Lounsberry, Travis, Stock-
ham, Fowler, Walter, Cox, Jeffrey, Sherwood, Lyon, and
Brondig. Several of these names are still common in town.
» 3 M. E., Prot. E., Presb., and R. C.
10 Pronounced Yunk'ers. It is a Dutch word, signifying • s<*v.
tleman," or country nobleman, — a title of respect applied nr>t
A 3 story brick building, 100 by 20 feet, contains the library, ' in this place to Adrien Van der Donck, the patentee and first
museum, wardrobe, and walking hall, for the senior division. The | proprietor. This town and Mile Square formed a township in
farm and property are valued at $147,000. Its libraries number the great Manor of Philipsburgh. until the Revolution. The
12.090 volumes, and it has a valuable cabinet of minerals. [ Indians called the place Ke-ke-shiek.
- Formerly " Upper Morrisania" " South Fordham" •' Adams- I u Named from the family who owned the adjoining property
ville." and '■•Mount Hope" — all of which are now embraced in one I for about 130 years,
village under the general name of Tremont. 12 Sprain River was called by the natives Ar-men-pe-ral ; and
3 A town hall was authorized to be erected April 15,1854, and '■ Tibbetts Brook, Mos-ho-lu.
was located E. of Fordham Avenue, in Central Morrisania. It , 13 There are about 20 manufactories in town, employing, when
was built at a cost of about $15,000. By the subsequent erec- in full operation, 1,200 to 1,500 persons. Two hat factories each
tion of Morrisania it is brought near the s. border of this town
* This patent was bounded K. by Bronx River, and w. by a
little brook called by the natives SachwTahung. — including a
neck of land called Quinnahung. The 8. part of the town, or
■ Planting Neck," was called by the Indians Quinnahung. The
W. side of this neck was called the ■' Debatable Ground,"' because
employ near 200 operatives. The foundery at Spuyten Duyvil
employs about 300 hands : and a pickle factory, on the Hudson,
a still larger number. The Neperhan. a stream that enters
the Hudson in the lower part of Yonkers Village, affords a con-
siderable amount of water-power.
708
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
ness in New York. 1'onli.ers, (p. v.,) on the Hudson, near the center of the w. border of the
town, was incorp. April 12, 1855. It contains 9 churches, several private seminaries,1 2 banks, and
2 newspaper offices. Pop. in 1859, 0,800. It is a steamboat landing,2 and a station on the Hudson
River R. R. It has several manufactories and a great number of beautiful suburban villas.3
Spuyten Ouyvil. (p. v.,) on the creek separating the town from New York, is the seat of
several large founderies, and is principally inhabited by operatives. TueliSlSioe, (p.o.,) an old
settlement in the e. part, is a station upon the Harlem R. R..4 Near this place are several marble
quarries. Kingsbrldge (p.o.) lies upon Harlem River, and is connected with New York City
by a bridge. Riverdale, below Yonkers, is a group of villas and a r. r. station. Soutta
Yonkers is a p. o. The Croton Aqueduct passes through this town from n. to s. A castellated
stone mansion, built by Edwin Forrest, the tragedian, on the banks of the Hudson, a mile below
Yonkers, has lately been purchased for an educational institution by the Roman Catholics.5 The
country now included in Yonkers. "West Farms, and Morrisania, and containing about 24,000 acres,
was granted to Adrian Van der Donck in 1646, with the right and title of Patroon. He gave to
his estate the title of "Colai Donck," perfected its title by purchase from the Indians, and took
measures tor its improvement.6 There are 15 churches in town.7
l'ORKTOWX' — was formed March 7, 1788. It lies upon the n. border of the co., w. of the
center. Its surface is broken and hilly. The Highlands lie along the n. border; and several
points are elevated 600 to 1,000 ft. above tide. The principal stream is Croton River,9 flowing
across the s. part. Moharsic Lake,10 near the center, Mohegan Lake, in the n. part, and Magriga-
nies lake, in the x. e. corner, are small bodies of water. Cronipond, (Yorktown p. o.,) near
the center. Pines Bridge, (p. o.,) near the e. line, Jefferson Valley, (p. o.,) in the n. e.
corner, and Slirub Oak, (p. o.,) near the n. line, are hamlets. A rolling mill, wire factory,
gri-tmill, and sawmill have been erected 2 mi. w. of Croton dam. This town formed a part of
Cortlandt Manor, and in the division of 1734 fell to the shares of Andrew Miller, Gertrude Beeck-
man, Cornelia and John Schujder, Gertrude Yerplanck, Elizabeth Skinner, John Watts, Philip
Yerplanck, and Susannah Warren. A Presb. church built at Crompond10about 1738 was burned
July, 1779, and a committee in Congress in 1839 reported in favor of paying $3,500 for the loss, as
the premises had been used as a storehouse by the Continental troops. Col. Green was surprised
in this town May 13, 1781, by a party of refugees, in which affair Maj. Flag, 2 subalterns, and 27
men were killed, and many wounded. The census reports 7 churches in town.11
1 The principal of these are the Yonkers Collegiate Institute
and Gymnasium, conducted on the military system, Starr's Board-
- hool, several female seminaries, and a public free BChool.
- The steamer Henry Clay was burned not far from this place,
on her down trip, July 28, 1*52. Of 500 persons on hoard,
nearly 100 perished, among whom was A. J. Downing, the editor
and author.
* Tli- Manor nail, near the center of the village, built about
1746, »ad one of the seats of the I'hilipse family.
4 Hodgman's Rubber Goods Manufactory, located at this place,
employ*, about 75 bands.
1 An edifice of fine architectural proportions and great jiize
ww erected, In 1868, In the real of the mansion. The preni'ises
form the Institution formerly located on the Central Park in
\". m i . rk. and are under the rharge of Sisters of Charity.
* Van der Donck subsequently took an active part in reprc-
■nttng iri II II ■■■ '. the Interests' of the colonists against the
•II gad tvraiitij of Ihe Went India Company and its servants,
and final!] torts, notwithstanding the enmity
of Got. 8tn md the Influence be was able to bring to
hi in. !!•■ died in 1666, and his • -t ite was afterward sold
in detached portloiii by bis widow. Hi- settlement was laid
by the 1 1 i probably rem
□pied until after thi . In 1672 Frederick
it. •,-■11 or Pfaflipaa, with 11. ■- Delaraf and Th I Is, boo hi
k, nearli all In the present town of
Yon ken; ' |uenlly the f mm became sole owner to
ooeof these thirds ha paid £680. These
were extended, by farther purchase, to Or t.,n and
Bronx Rivera; and in June, 10B3, the 1 r Hanoi of
Phillpsburgb was erected, »ith all the rights, honor*, or privt-
• ftrron I. ■ i' : '. thai I i ;
tut in in the General Ass-mbly. Ea established a drawbridge
>> .-|ir.t'i, Duyvfl Creak, built a church, Mill standing, in
Sleepy Uollow, and made other Improrarnaota. Ilk descendants
iied a prominent position in the colon nv nt : but,
tiding with the royal cause, ha loet erery thing IntheRerolu-
tion. Col. F. Philips", the Inst proprietor of thi- ■ is paid
£62,075 by the British Government, as an eqiuv.il. nt f.ir this
loss; and his estates were sold by the State to his tenants at
Very moderate rates.
£62,079 by the British Government, as an equivalent for this
loss; and his estates were sold by the State to his tenants at
very moderate rates.
7 4 l'rot. E., 3 M. E., 2 Presb.. 2 R.C., Bap., Ref. Prot. D., Wes.
Meth., aud Uuita.
8 The country E. of Cortlandtown was called by the Mohcgans
Appanragbpogh; and the E. part of Yorktown is still called
- Amawalk,"— probably an abbreviation. — Bolton's Westchester,
If, p. 377.
"The Croton dam, at the head of the Croton Aqueduct, is in
this town. At the top it is 106 ft. above tide and 55 ft. above
the bed of the river; 61 feet wide at low water level, with
openings of 90 and 180 feet for the passago of the surplus
waters. Between these is a partition, forming the foundation
of the gatehouse and sluiceway for relieving the structure from
the pressure of the lake, and for the discharge of water during
repairs Tie- water 11. .ws over an ogee-curved apron of cut
stono laid upon hewn timber, and la received in a pond, formed
by a seeond il.'im. 3<K) ft. below. The aqueduct is taken from
the lake through a tunnel, on the s. side, 180 ft. long in the solid
rock; and the flow of water is regulated by a double set of metal
gates. The dam was destroyed while building, in Jan. 1841 ;
but the present structure promises to stand without injury, and
almost without repair, to an indefinitely romote period. The
surfaco over which the waste water flows is now much more
ample than was intended before the accident in 1841. The pond
has a capacity of 500,000,000 gallons.
Croton River was named Kitchawan, signifying a large and
swift current. The bend west of Pines Bridge was named
Keweghtegnaok. The commissioners were obliged to purchase
about 900 acres of land overflowed by the dam, at an average
cost of $500 per acre.
10Often called "Crom Pond," the Dutch term for Crooked
I'' nl. It consists of 2 parts united. Near this pond is French
Mill, where the French forces under Bochambeau were en-
camped in 1781-82. Turkey Mountain is an cxtonsive- woodland
tr.ict to the 8. K.
" 2 M. E„ 2 Friends, Bap., Cong., and Presb.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
709
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Westchester County.
Names of Towns.
Bedford
Cortlandt
East Chester
(Ireenburgh
Harrison
Lewisboro
Mamaioneck ....
Morrisania"
Mount Pleasant.
Newcastle ,
New Uochelle....
North Castle ....
North Salein....
Ossining
I'elham
Poundridge
Kye
Scarsdale
Soiners
Westchester
West Farms
White Plains
Yonkers
Yorktown
Total
Acees of Land.
21,2434
13,014}
4,5061
12,702
8,616i
12,8404
2,8314
13,3964
11,211
3,001
11,4024
10,970
5,891
1,901
8.214J
6,090
2,801*
17,2344
5,479
3,2354
3,276
9,699
18,3894
1209,146$
3,473
6,9664
13,524
2,1824
1,676
4,924
1,051
3,1304
2,781
1,562
4,4104
2,051
1,304
1,333
3,894f
1,251
1,1324
3,110
2,5794
992
9,317
4,267
5,035
81.947i
Valuation of 1858.
e
K|
$1,326,990
2,614,150
1,216.705
4,051,057
723,550
810,785
583,595
1,768,362
1,584,766
697,388
1,350,900
675,133
801,427
1,404,033
533,000
345,734
1,468,967
334,592
1,046,691
l.so.s.ol.-,
1,865,274
771,610
4,072,128
1,069.492
32,925.284
S a,
ft. ft,
$275,180
502,600
243,845
487,600
141,560
144,642
46,100
815,500
261,979
148,822
429,800
119,225
202,750
416,400
213,750
78,774
528,348
86,820
319,842
422,900
364,500
170,755
815,540
176,885
7,418,117
e
$1,602,170
3,110,750
1,460,550
4,538,657
865,110
955,427
629,695
2,583,862
1,846,745
846,210
1,780,700
794,358
1,004,177
1,820,433
746,750
424,508
1,997,315
421,412
1,366,533
2,231,815
2,229,774
942,365
4,887,668
1,246,377
40,343,401
Population.
1,706
4,500
2,428
3,093
611
889
525
1.783
879
1,489
1,213
736
3,173
391
709
1,651
205
859
1.748
6,173
627
3,695
1,156
40,326
1,758
3,908
2,290
3,312
000
886
543
1,894
883
1,612
1,202
792
2,585
442
730
1,817
240
885
1,716
6,263
795
3,859
1,190
40,352 !
015
1.181
774
924
218
338
172
540
317
497
395
289
662
119
281
531
62
304
493
2,035
233
1,368
410
E
■2
674
1.576
936
1.192
240
385
226
704
345
607
467
318
900
122
313
666
74
316
582
2,419
262
1,436
466
12,758 15,225
464
679
597
62 1
152
288
hi
259
220
100
277
188
615
78
250
411
45
157
303
1,445
90
568
324
8,215
Schools.
V
*q
«
1,098
3,110
1.500
2,204
511
0..0
364
2,748
1,241
572
1,163
830
525
1,513
246
469
1,903
137
678
1,215
1,928
448
2,521
717
145 I 30.301
Names of Towns.
Bedford
Cortlandt
East Chester ....
Greenburgh
Harrison
Lewisboro
Mamaroneck ....
Morrisaniaa
Mount Pleasant.
Newcastle
New Kochelle....
North Castle....
North Salem....
Ossining
Pelham
Poundridge
Bye
Scarsdale
Somirs
Westchester
West Farms
White Plains....
Yonkers
Yorktown
Total
Live Stock.
461
725
263
465
221
319
104
389
272
166
326
230
338
78
157
237
116
394
375
408
167
583
.§ i
922
940
238
832
669
781
154
827
658
282
647
634
427
108
607
397
162
1,147
446
241
208
503
538 1,244
7,332 13,074 20,078
S
a
2,127
1,635
595
858
766
1,386
233
1,058
1,074
343
898
1,265
685
126
92
430
213
1,705
675
1,296
229
661
1,728
5
655
302
17
1,949
175
440
30
1,357
476
88
136
417
111
472
40
261
1,695
48
24
246
705
1,677
<a
1,412
1,491
684
1,449
842
913
25'
1,469
763
445
1,156
606
831
125
583
584
325
1,639
567
822
483
1,258
2,157
11,321 20,861
Agricultural Products.
Bush, of Grain.
9.940
7,000
1,716
5,7504
4,2264
3,670
624
5,0734
4,5304
2,340
4,6064
2,4424
2,096
563
2,186
2,436
1,774
5,883
1,236
230
2,367
6,243
8,2ol4
85,1554
61,8334
36,730
15,881
34,362^
20.404
36,9904
5,576
49,0984
31,2514
11,519
29,335!
26,440 £
24,847
5.597
15,9694
15,722^
8,552
57,9704
22,835
7.842
17.533
30,1624
63.985
I
*,
*&
Dairy Pi
fc
■Sj
1*1
e»
•5 e
?a
B O
.° 3
fi
cqft.
31,432
cq-H
ft, «l
8,344
3,333
76,854
5,1004
18,944
934
85.830
2,572
4,474
145
19.732
5,127
14,400
430
48.952
4,187
9,389
2,173
44.515
4,3904
12.205
1,876
62,767
1,121
2,989
636
16,957
5.7974
18,987
1,717
60,258
4,902
9.117
472
34,260
2,471
4,343
156
19,500
4,6004
17.783
1,6094
92,036
4,590
7,220
1,447
77,376
3,004
8,752
510
22,236
968
2,203
7,910
2,3034
6,567
1,346
66,029
4.093
7.523
1,731
24,213
1,225
2.082
493
17,339
6,675
22,809
5.765
101.278
3,174
10,005
108
20,955
2,786
12.960
118
8,537
2.502
7.948
2.243
21,510
3.327
17.739
29.006
37,644
7.237
36.378
3,889
149.901
90.496f
286,249
60,1374
1,116,589
1*1
200
140
100
925
100
120
100
495
40
3
s
40
25
135
48
209
30
2.1S0H 487
• Formed since the census of 1855. This town is estimated to embrace 7,000 acres, and to contain 4,000 males and 4,150 females.
WYOMING COUNTY.
This county was formed from Genesee, May 14, 1841. Eagle,
Pike, and a part of Portage were annexed from Allegany co. in
1846. It is an interior county, in the s. w. part of the State, sepa-
rated from Lake Erie by Erie co., and from the Penn. line by Cafc-
i taraugus and Allegany. It is centrally distant 228 miles from
j Albany, and contains 590 sq. mi. Its surface is abroad, rolling
I upland, divided into ridges and broken by ravines worn by the
streams. It has a slight inclination toward the n. The summits
of the highest ridges are 1,200 to 1,500 ft. above Lake Erie and 1,700
to 2,000 ft. above tide. Several of the ravines in the n. are 1,000 ft.
below the summits of the adjacent ridges. In the interior the
ridges are broken, and the country begins to assume the hilly
character which is more fully developed further s. Genesee River, which forms a portion of the
K. boundary, is bordered by steep bluffs 200 to 400 ft. high. Near Portageville the river descends
from the plateau, in a series of three falls, to a depth of more than 300 ft. within a distance of 2J
mi. The water has worn a deep and irregular ravine in the shelving rocks, and the nearly per-
pendicular banks at the foot of the lower falls are 380 ft. high. The deep gorge, with the rapids
and falls, form one of the wildest and most picturesque scenes in Western New York.1
The other principal streams are Cayuga, Tonawanda, Little Tonawanda, Oatka, East Coy, Wis-
coy, Cattaraugus, and Buffalo Creeks. The valley of Oatka Creek, from near the s. border of
Warsaw to the N. line of the co., is bordered by steep hills 400 to 1,000 ft. high. Silver Lake, in
Castile, (the principal body of water,) is 3 mi. long and about £ mi. wide. The rocks of this co.
consist principally of the shales and sandstones of the Portage group. The summits of the
southern hills are covered with the rocks belonging to the Chemung group. Thin layers of com-
pact Portage sandstone are found in many parts of the co. and are extensively quarried for
flagging. Upon the ridges little rounded eminences are frequently seen, appearing like drift
hills; but upon examination they are found to be shale rock covered with a thin soil. Marl
and muck are found in considerable quantities in the swamps. The waters of Silver Lake
and of several of the streams are constantly depositing lime in the form of marl. The drift
deposits in the co. are very extensive, and the soil in some parts is derived from disintegration.
Upon the hills it is mostly a clay loam underlaid by hardpan, and in the valleys it is a fertile,
gravelly loam and alluvium. The people are principally engaged in stock and wool growing
and in dairying, for which the soil upon the hills is admirably adapted. Wheat, barley, corn,
and fruits are largely cultivated in the valleys. Very little attention is paid to manufactures
except such as are strictly necessary to an agricultural community.
The county Beat is located at Warsaw.2 The courthouse is a commodious brick edifice, situated
in the n. part of the village. The co. clerk's office is a fireproof building, adjacent to the court-
house. The jail is a wood building, arranged so as to enable the keeper to classify the prisoners
' The Upper or Ilnra^FhoeFnlln are about thieefUUltbsof ft mi.
below Portagertlle. TV- name i« derived from the CUrTe in the
face of the cliff over whirh the watM BOWS, FoT a short • I i -
abov- ■ iplcethe water >* broken by a sv
ekmof ttepein the rack, fenBrnga>eei fra) la Tin bright
•if the fill. Including the rapids, ■ about 70ft The Middle PaDa
are about one-half mi. further down the rlrer. Pot 2or8rodi
above the edge of the riiff the vrat»r i« broken Into rapids, and
th'n in an unbroken ■heetitpoura down 110 It. into a chasm
below, bounded by perpendicular ledges. ^ i •■. called the
' Ii&h been worn in the rockl under the w. hank,
Dear the bottom of the nils. In low water 100 per* u e a be
t within it: but wh-n the river in high it la filled with
wsfr. and i" "nly accessible by boats. Tli" Lower Falls oonslsl
,,f t ...ri. j of rapid" one-half mi. in extent, with :,<,
fill of ISO ft. For about 2 ml. below the Middle Palla the rrrcr
pursues a windingand rapid ooorse between Ugh. perpendicular
walls; then descends in a anccossloB of steps almost as regular
an a staircase, dive* under a shelving r^k. shoots out in a narrow
pass n"t mdr" than IS ft. wide, rushes d' wn a nearly perpend! ii-
(ardea .'nt Of SO ft . «trike« against the base Of liik-n r • k-i "land-
ing almost directly In it* OUUia% Whirk hark, and. turning at
Dearly right angles, falls into a deep pool orerhnng with shelving
710
rocks. An isolated mass of rocks, 15 ft. in diameter and 100 ft.
high, known as '• Sugar f.nnf." rises from the river bed at the
bend "f the stream and receives nearly the wholo force of tho
rushing water. It is bordered on one side by the present bed of
the stream, and nn the other by a deep chasm which separates
it from the K. bank of the river. Within the memory of people
DOW livinL'. the river flowed over the precipice on the level nf tho
rock which now forms Its w. bank, and Sugar Loaf was an island.
I 1 falls are accessible only from the w. The perpendicular
bank on the w, side of the river at one point is 380 ft. high.
s The commissioners named in the act to select the location
were Peter K. Heed, of Onondaga, Davis Surd, of Niagara, and
John Thompson, Ol Stent. en. The building commissioners were
.lohn A. McKlwaine. Paul Hicbards.and Jonathan Perry. Trnm-
ble f'arv. Ks'|.. of Hatavia, gave to tin- m. an ample public square
Dpon whirh to erect the public buildings. The first courts were
lold at a public house at Kiist "ningeville, in June. 1841. and tho
first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was at the same place.
The first co. officers were Paul Richards, First Judge. ; James
Bprague, Peter Patterson, Jos. Johnson, Associate Judges ; W.
smith. District Attorney; N. Wolcott. Cb. Clerk) W. K.
Groger, Sheriff; and Harvey Putnam, Surrogate.
WYOMING COUNTY.
711
according to law.1 The poorhouse is situated on a farm of 97 acres near the w. border of Orange-
villo, 9 mi. w. of Warsaw. The average number of inmates is 73, supported at a cost of 75 cts. per
week each. The farm yields a revenue of about f.'WO.11
The Buffalo, New York & Eric R. R. extends s. k. through Attica, Middlcbury, Warsaw,
Gainesville, Castile, and Genesee Falls, crossing the Portage Falls and connecting with the N.
Y. & E. R. R. at Hornellsville. A r. r. route has been surveyed, and a road-bed graded, from
Attica s. w. to the Allegany River.3
There are 5 weekly newspapers published in the co.*
The eastern tier of towns in this co., with the exception of a portion of Castile, belonged to the
Ogden, Silver Lake, and Cotringer tracts of the Morris Reservation, and the remaining parts of
the co. to the Holland Land Purchase. TheGardeau Tract, containing 17,927 acres on both sides
of the Genesee, was reserved for Mary Jemison (the "old white woman") by the Seneca Nation in
their treaty with Robert Morris in 1797.6 About one-half of this tract lies in the present town
of Castile. Upon this tract Mary Jemison and her descendants continued to reside until 1810,
when she sold all but 2 sq. mi. on the w. side of the river to Micah Brooks and Jellis Clute.
The remaining 2 mi. she sold in 1831 to Henry B. Gibson and Jellis Clute, and removed to the
Cattaraugus Reservation. The first white man that lived within the limits of the co. was a tary,
named Ebenezer Allen, who in consequence of his crimes fled from Penn. and joined the
Indians about 1780. He located upon the Genesee, and for a time lived upon the lands of Mary
Jemison. He afterward built a saw and grist mill on the present site of Rochester, removed
thence to Oatka Creek,6 and thence to Canada.7 The first permanent white settlers were John
Tolles, Jacob Wright, Nathaniel Sprout, and Stephen Crow, in 1802. The settlements increased
rapidly, and in a few years most of the best lands of the co. were taken up. Most of the early
settlers were from New England ; but the later immigrants have principally been Germans.
ATTICA — was formed from Sheldon, April 4, 1811. Orangeville was taken off in 1816. It
1 The courthouse, jail, and clerk's office were erected in 1842,
at a cost of $12,000.
2 The poorhouse contains 22 rooms, and the inmates are pro-
vided with good, substantial food; but the house does not admit
of proper accommodations for the paupers, or for classification of
the insane, of which there are always a number.
3 The Allegany Valley Railroad.
* The Genesee Register, the first newspaper in the co., was
established at Warsaw in 1828 by L. & W. Walker, and
was continued 6 months.
The Warsaw Sentinel was commenced by Andrew W. Young in
May, 1830, and continued until Dec. 1831, when it was
merged in the Republican Advocate at Batavia.
The Attica Republican was commenced by David Scott in 1833-
34. It was 6O0n after changed to
The Attica Republican and Genesee Advertiser. E. A. Cooley
became its publisher, and changed it to
The Attica Balance, and subsequently to
The Attica Democrat, and continued it until 1846.
The Genesee Recorder was commenced at Perry by Geo. M. Ship-
per in 1834, and continued about 2 years.
The American Citizen was commenced at Warsaw in 1836 by J.
A. Hadley. After 1 year, it was removed to Perry and
published by Mitchell & Warren. Mr. Mitchell con-
tinued the publication until Jan. 1841, when it was re-
moved to Rochester.
The Pike Whig was commenced by Thos. Carrier in 1838. Soon
after, its name was changed to
The Pike Gazette, and it was continued for about a year.
The Watchtower, a Bap. paper, was issued in 1839 from the office
of The American Citizen. It was published 1 year by
Ansel Warren.
The Register, a campaign paper, was published at Perry in 1840
by Isaac N. Stoddard and John H. Bailey.
The Perry Democrat was commenced in 1841 by Pet. Lawrence.
In 1848 it passed to C. C. Britt, who continued it
until 1853.
The 'Western New Yorker was commenced at Perry
in Jan. 1841, by John 11. Bailey. In the summer of the
same year it passed into the hands of Barlow & Wood-
ward, who removed it to Warsaw. It was successively
published by Barlow & Blanchard, Mr. Blanchard, and
II. A. Dudley until April 1, 1858, when it passed into
the bands of Elijah W. Andrews, and afterward to
Andrews & Harrington, by whom it is still published.
The Countryman was commenced at Perry by N. S. Woodward
in 1843. It soon passed to Dan'l. S. Curtis, who changed
its name to
The Impartial Countryman, and continued it until Aug. 1846,
when it passed to Ansel Warren, who changed its
name to
The Free Citizen, and continued it until Aug. 1847.
The Wyoming Republican was commenced at Warsaw by E. L.
Fuller in 1844; it was published until March, 1847.
The Attica Telegraph was commenced by Abraham Dinsmore in
Oct. 1846, and was published about 2 years.
Tlie Old Eighth Whig was commenced at Attica, April 1, 1848, bv
R. W. Dibble and W. II. Civer. After about 6 mos. Mr.
Dibble retired and Mr. Civer continued the paper, as
The Spirit of the Old Eighth, until 1850.
The Attica Atlas was commenced Jan. 1, 1851, by Silas
Folsom, by whom it is still published.
The Christian Investigator was published at the office of the
Free Citizen for 1 year. Edited by Wm. Gooddell.
The Wyoming Co. Advertiser was commenced Dee. 22, 1853, and
was published 1 year by Horace Wilcox.
The Wyoming Times was commenced at Perry by T.
S. Gillut in May, 1855. It was destroyed by fire in 1856,
and resuscitated eodh after. It is still pub. by Mr. Gillet.
The Wyoming Co. Mirror was commenced at War-
saw in 1848 by A. Holley. In 1856 it passed into the
hands of Babbitt & Lewis, in 1858 to Lewis & Merrill,
and in 1859 to H. A. Dudley, by whom it is still published.
The Arcade Enterprise was started March 31, 1859,
by J. H. Gibson, and is still published.
5 The parents of Mary Jemison emigrated from Ireland iu
1743, and Mary was born during the voyage across the ocean.
The family settled upon the western frontiers of Penn., where
they remained in peace until the breaking out of the French
War in 1754. In 1755 a party of Indians visited the settlement
and took the family prisoners, and on their retreat murdered
all but Mary, then a girl of 12 or 13 years. She was carried
captive to an Indian settlement on the Ohio, and adopted by two
women who had lost a brother in the war. She grew to woman-
hood among the Indians, adopted their habits and customs, was
twice married, and had 8 children, — 3 sons and 5 daughters.
After the Revolution she had an opportunity to return to her
white friends; but she preferred to remain with her husband
and children. She was greatly beloved by the Indians, and
highly respected by tho whites who became acquainted with
her. She retained her knowledge of the English language, and
to the last remembered tho early instructions of her mother,
and the last counsel which that mother gave when they were
taken captive and the designs of the Indians to murder the
father and mother became manifest. She died at the Cattaraugus
Reservation, Sept. 19, 1S33. aged 90 or 91 years.
8 This creek is still locally known as Aliens Creek.
1 Few characters mentioned in either history or fiction have
approached so near the idea of total depravity as this blood-
thirsty monster. He was an open polygamist. — murdered several
persons while profossing the greatest friendship for them, — and
while upon the war-trail with the Indians amused himself by
dashing out the brains of infants.
712 WYOMING COUNTY.
lies upon the n. border of the co., w. of the center. Its surface is a rolling upland, broken by the
ravines of the streams. In the e. part are several considerable hills with long gradual slopes.
Tonawanda Creek, the principal stream, flows through the n. w. corner, and receives numerous
branches from the e., the largest of which is Crow Creek. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam.
Attica, (p. v.,) upon Tonawanda Creek, in the n. w. part of the town, was incorp. May 2,
1837. It contains a flourishing union school, a bank, a newspaper office, a flouring mill, and 5
churches. Pop. 1,184. Attica Center (p. o.) and Vernal are hamlets. The first settle-
ment was made in 1802, by Zera Phelps.1 The first religious services were held Sept. 21, 1809,
by Rev. Royal Phelps, at which time the first church (Cong.) was formed, with 5 members.2
BEWIXGTOX — was formed from Sheldon, March 6, 1818. It is the n. w. corner town
of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland, broken by the ravines of small streams. Cayuga Creek
and its branches drain the central, and Murder Creek the n. part of the town. Tonawanda Creek
flows through the s. e. corner. The soil is a clayey, gravelly and sandy loam. Bennington
Center (Bennington p. o.) contains 3 churches and 30 dwellings; and Cowlesville, (p. v.,)
in tho x. w. part of the town, 2 churches and 200 inhabitants. Folsonidale (p. o.) is a hamlet,
Oil Cayuga Creek, and has a valuable water-power. The first settlement was made near the center
of the town, in 1802, by John Tolles, Jacob "Wright, and William Barber, from Vt.3 The first re-
ligious services were conducted by Rev. Peter B. Root, in 1805. The first church (M. E.) was
formed in 1807.*
CASTILE (Cas-tlle) — was formed from Perry, Feb. 27, 1821. It is the central town upon
tho e. border of the co. Its surface is a rolling and terraced upland, broken by the deep valleys
of the streams. Genesee River, forming a portion of the e. boundary, is bordered by steep
banks 300 to 350 ft. above the water. In some places the faces of the bluffs are perpendicular
lodges 2'">0 ft. high. Numerous small tributaries of the river have worn deep lateral channels in
these bluffs. The valley of Silver Lake occupies a wide and shallow basin in the n. part of the
town.5 Its outlet is toward the n. Wolf Creek rises in a swamp near the head of the lake and
flows s. A wide, level valley, bordered by low terraces, extends from the e. shore of the lake
and opens into the valley of Wolf Creek at Castile Village. The soil is a clay and gravelly loam.
Castile (p. v.) lies on Wolf Creek, in the s. w. part of the town. It is a station on the B. &
N. Y. City R. R. Pop. 682. St. Helena, (p. v.,) on Genesee River, in the s. e. corner of the
town, contains 20 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1808, by Robert Whalley, from
R. I., 1 mi. e. of Castile Village.6 The first religious services (Bap.) were held near the s. end
of Silver Lake, in 1816, by Elder Benj. Luther.7
CIII\A — was formed from Sheldon, March 6, 1818. Java was taken off in 1832. It is the
s. w. corner town of the co. Its surface is a rolling or hilly upland, broken by valleys. Catta-
raugus Creek flows s. w. through near the center of the town, and receives several tributaries, the
principal of which is Clear Creek, from the s. From the valleys the town spreads out into a
rolling region, with long gradual slopes arable to their summits. The highest point is the ridge
in the K. r.., which is 1,100 ft. above Lake Erie, as determined by actual survey. ■ The soil of
the upland is a clayey and in the valleys a gravelly loam. Arcade (China p. o.) is situated
at the junction of Cattaraugus and Clear Creeks, in the s. w. part of the town. It has a fine
• Amnn(? the other r-vrl ill I' 01 t-r. Vath'l
Bpront, oil M>i. i' Adams. The n r-t chOd t>"rn mi Harriet
Phelps, Julv 26, 1808; th ■ Brat marriage, that 1 1 .- 1- ph.-n Crow
and I. ii v KlweU; and the Oral death, that • ■! Thomai Mather,
in the aiders .it the foot of this l.iko while Gen. Sullivan
was laying waste the Indian villages upon the 'Jenesco. In
the -tmini'T of 1865 it was reported that an immense serpent,
100ft lii _r. had been Been In tins lake. So well was the story
in the win! liams taught the Brat apparently authenticated that thousands of visitors came from
school, in 1807; Daniel Btaaton kept the ii r-t Inn, in I* I;
lit ii. the flr-t store; and '/• n Phelps built the fir*t mill.
tn U
'Tli- census reports 8 churches; Dong
m F... and R.G.
a \ thet ■ irlv S"ttW« wero Chnnnroy, Justin, and
•in-. Peletl " skins,
■ ronClapp, and EsraLudden. Theflnl marriage
I \ iron Whitney and Rachel Truesdale, ii
the Bret death In ' «n. thai of a child of Win
Th. Brat I was taught by Rachel Truesdale. in 18 7; the
fir-t inn wm kepi by Joseph hurnham, in 1817. Chan
all parts of the country to obtain a sight of his snakoship.
A burll sous account of the capture of the Berpent, which
appeared in the Hh/ThIh Republic, raised the excitement to tho
highest pitch; and Immediately afterward the whole humbug
collapsed.
• So d after, s settlement was made at the foot of the lake, in
tii" w, part of the town, called the '• Tollman Settlement.'' Zfba
1 1 u r. I and Jonathan Gilbert, from vt.. were the first settlers at
le Village, in 1818. The Brat child bom was Jam- McRay,
in 1818; and the In— t death was that of Laura Wilcox, in 1S15.
The first BChool was taught in 1S1fi, by Anna Dennett, from
Vt. Robert Whalley kept tlif first inn, and erected the first
i ted the first sawmill, In 1808; I 111, on Woll Creek, below Castile Village, in 1811. John
Qu iron CI ipp built tb" nr«t gristmill. «t Cowtesrfiie. I a I and Bj Ivester Latbrop built tho first gristmill, on Lot 40,
K [ ,-. ■ i T Ui - rs old, was lost in the woods in in 1*20; the first store was kept by Lemuel Kldridgo and M.
1808 and « 'ind. Prort. to 1816.
« Ti r- porta 5 churches; Bap.. F. W. Bap., Presb- "The census reports 4 churches; Cong., Bap., M. K., and
M r. and iniT. Christian.
ry Jemison, the "old vihiU woman,'' with her family, hid
WYOMING COUNTY.
713
water power, and contains a woolen factory, flouring mill, and 3 churches. Pop. 037. East
China, is a p. o. The first settlement was made in 1808, on Lot 28, by Silas Meech, from New
England.1 The first religious services were conducted by Rev. John Spencer, at Arcade, in 1812.
The first church (Cong.) was formed at Arcade, by Jno. Spencer, July 24, 1813.2
COVEVGTOrV — named from Gen. Leonard Covington — was formed from Le Roy (Genesee
CO.) and Perry, Jan. 31, 1817. A part was annexed to York (Livingston co.) in 1823. It is the
N. e. corner town of the co. The surface is a moderately hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines
of the streams. Oatka Creek flows through the n. w. corner, and receives as tributary Pearl
Creek, which flows n. w. through near the center. Wide, fertile alluvial flats extend along Oatka
Creek. The soil of the uplands is generally a gravelly loam. Covington Center, (Coving-
ton p. o.,) in the n. part, contains 20 dwellings; Pearl Creek, (p. v.,) in the n. \v., contains 15
dwellings; La Grange, (p. v.,) near the s. line, a church and 20 dwellings ; and Peoria,
(p. v.,) near the e. line, 15 dwellings. The first settlement was made in 1807, in the w. part,
by Jairus Cruttenden, William Miller, and John and William Sprague, all from New England.3
The first religious services were held at the house of David Norris, in 1814, by Rev. Mark
Norris, from Vt.*
EAGLE — was formed from Pike, Jan. 21, 1823. It occupies a central position on the s. border
of the co. Its surface is a hilly upland, broken by the deep ravines of the streams. Nearly the
whole drainage is through Wiscoy Creek and its branches. Cold Creek takes its rise in the s. E.
part of the town. The hills bordering upon the streams are very steep, and their summits are 400
to 700 ft. above the valleys. Eagle Lake, a small body of water in the s. w. part, has no visible
outlet. The soil is a clayey and gravelly loam. Eagle Tillage, (p. v.,) in the s. w. part of the
town, contains a church and 20 dwellings. Eagle, (p.o.,) in the n. e. part, is a hamlet. The
first settlement was made in town in 1808, on Lot 8, by Silas and Wm. Hodges, from Cayuga co.5
There are 3 churches in town ; M. E., F. W. Bap., and Christian.
GAINESVIEEE — named from Gen. E. P. Gaines — was formed from Warsaw, as "Hebe,"
Feb. 25, 1814. Its name was changed April 17, 1816. It is an interior town, lying s. e. of the
center of the co. The surface is an upland, slightly undulating and broken by the valleys of the
streams. Oatka Creek flows through the n. e. part, and East Coy Creek through the s. w. The
soil on the hills is a thin, dark loam underlaid by hardpan, and in the valleys a fertile, gravelly
loam. A good quality of building stone is quarried in the n. part of the town. Gaines-
ville Creek, (Gainesville p. o.,) on East Coy Creek, near the center of the town, contains a
female seminary,6 3 churches, and about 300 inhabitants. East Gainesville, (p. v.,) a station
on the B. & N. Y. City R. R., contains 20 houses. Gainesville Center and ISevrfourgh
are hamlets. The first settlements were made at Gainesville Creek in 1805, by Wm., Richard,
and Chas. Bristol, from Columbia co., and Elnathan George, from Vt.T The first religious meeting
was held in 1809. The first church (Presb.) was formed in 1815.8
GE1VESEE FAEES — was formed from Pike and Portage, (Livingston co.,) April 1, 1846.
It lies on Genesee River, in the s. e. corner of the co. A nearly perpendicular rocky bluff, 100 to
300 ft. high, borders upon the river, and from its summit the country spreads out into an undu-
lating upland. The celebrated Portage Falls, in the Genesee River, are opposite this place.9 The
soil is a sandy and clayey loam. Portageville, (p. v.,) on Genesee River, contains 5 churches
and several mills. Pop. 561. The B. & N. Y. City R. R. crosses the Genesee, near the village, by
a bridge 800 ft. long and 234 ft. above the bed of the river. This bridge was built at a cost of
1 Tchabod Sanders, Samuel Nichols, Silas and Leonard Parker,
Jacob Jackson, Wm. Barnes, Amasa and Alfred Kilbourn — most
of them from Vt. — settled in the town in 1809. The first child
born was a daughter of Jacob Jackson, and the second a son of
Samuel Nichols, both in 1810 ; the first marriage was that of
Silas Meech and Lydia Parker; and the first death, that of Mrs.
A. Kilbourn, in the spring of 1812. Rebecca Parker taught the
first school, in 1811 ; Silas Parker kept the first inn, in 1812,
and the first store, in 1815. Maj. Moses Smith built the first saw-
mill, in 1811, and Col. Duel Rowley the first gristmill, in 1810.
* The census reports 5 churches ; Cong., Bap., F. W. Bap.,
M. E., and K. C.
3 The first child born was Viola, daughter of Dr. Dan'l White,
in 1809: the first marriage was that of Calvin Davis and Sylvia
Beardsley, in 1S14 ; and the first death, that of Mrs. Easty, in
1814. Wm. Miller kept the first inn, in 1813 ; Dan'l Balcom, the
first store, in 1812 ; Spaulding built the first gristmill, in
1810: and Sprague and Spaulding the first sawmill, in 1812.
* The census reports 3 churches ; Presb., Asso. Presb., and M. E.
' Alanson, son of Silas Hodges, was the first child born, Oct. 13,
1809. The first inn was kept by Dan Beach, the first store, by
Elijah Hyde, and the first sawmill was erected by Amos Huntley.
• The Gainesville Female Seminary was established in 1855,
by Misses Hardy and Eldridge, and other citizens of this place.
The school is on the plan of the Mount Bolyoke (Mass ) school.
The buildings will accemmodate 100 boarding pupils and 150
day scholars.
7 John Patterson and James Cravath. with others, settled in
1806. Pamela Patterson was the first child born, in lSuT. The
first school was taught in Dec. 11, by Benj. Cole. The first inn
was kept at the Center, by Benj. lloag. in 1815: and the first
store, by Lewis Wood, in the Yates settlement, in 1816. Wheel-
ock Wood elected the first sawmill, in 1809, on Oatka Creek;
and John Card and Benj. Mallory, the first gristmill, in 1S25,
at Gainesville Creek.
8 The census reports 5 churches ; 2 M. E., and 1 each Cong ,
Bap., and Univ.
» See page 710.
714 WYOMING COUNTY.
$175,000, and is the largest wooden r. r. bridge in the world. The Genesee Valley Canal also
crosses the river at this point by an aqueduct built upon stone abutments 40 ft. high ; the struc-
ture cost $70,000. The first settlements were made on the river, above Portageville, in 1804, by
John, Samuel, and Seth Fields.1 The first religious meeting was held by Rev. John Griffith,
(M. E.,) in 1809 ; and the first church (Bap.) was formed by Rev. Joseph Case, at " Bigelows Cor
tiers," in 1818.2
JAVA — was formed from China, April 20, 1832. It lies on the w. border of the co., s. of the
center. Its surface is an elevated region, broken by hills and the deep valleys of the streams.
The highest summits are 400 to 600 ft. above the valleys and 1,000 to 1,200 ft. above Lake
Erie. Buffalo Creek flows through the w. part, and receives a large number of tributaries. Catta-
raugus Creek takes its rise in the e. part. Cattaraugus Lake is a small sheet of water in the s. e.
part, nearly surrounded by steep hills. It forms one of the sources of Cattaraugus Creek. The
soil upon the hills is a thin, dark loam underlaid by hardpan; in the valleys it is principally a
gravelly loam. About 1 mi. e. of Java Village is a quarry of fine building stone. Java. Vil-
lage (p. v.) lies upon Buffalo Creek, in the n. w. part of the town. Pop. about 200. North
Java, (p. v.,) in the K. e. corner of the town, contains a church and about 100 inhabitants.
Java Center, (p. o.,) East Java, (p. o.,) in thes.E. part of the town, Curriers Corners,
(Java p. o.,) in the s. w., and Williams ville, near the e. border, are hamlets. The first set-
tlement was made on Lot 32, in the N. w. part of the town, in 1810, by Wm. Richardson and
Timothy Kirby, from Lowell, Mass.3 The first church (R. C.) was formed in 1838.4
MIDDLE BIRY- was formed from Warsaw, March 20, 1812. It lies on the n. border of the
co., e. of the center. Its surface is a rolling upland, broken by the deep valleys of the streams.
Oatka Creek flows through the s. e. corner, and Little Tonawanda Creek through the w. part. A
deep ravine extends e. and w. through near the center of the town, forming a natural pass
between the valleys of these two streams. The hills that border upon Oatka Creek are steep and
400 to 600 ft. high. The soil is a gravelly and clayey loam. Wyoming", (p. v.,) on Oatka
Creek, near the e. border of the town, contains the Middlebury Academy,5 3 churches, and 378 in-
habitants. West Middlebury, (Dale p. o.,) a station on the B. & N. Y. City R. R., contains
20 dwellings. The first settlement was made by Jonas Sellick, (from Rutland co., Vt.,) in 1802,
near Wrights Corners.6 There are 5 churches in town.7
ORA.\GEVILLE — was formed from Attica, Feb. 14, 1816. Wethersfield was taken off in
1823. It is an interior town, lying n. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland,
broken by deep ravines. The streams are Tonawanda Creek and its branches, draining the w,,
and small branches of Oatka and East Coy Creeks, draining the e. parts of the town. The sum-
mits of the highest hills are 400 to 700 ft. above the valleys. The soil is a gravelly and clayey
loam underlaid by hardpan. Orangeville Center (Orangeville p. o.) contains 15 houses ;
Jolinsonburg, (p. v.,) on Tonawanda Creek, lies partly in Sheldon. Pop. about 100.
Halls Corners (East Orangeville p. o.) is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in
1h'.i.j, \>j John Duncan, on Lot 13, and Elisha Doty, from Cayuga co., on Lot 12.8 The first
church (Presb.) was organized by Rev. John Alexander, July 11, 1812.9
l Nathan and Joseph Dixon, Joseph and Justice Bailey, and
Bebetiab Ward settled previous to 1807. The first death was
that of s^phi* Smith, in 1M7. The first school was taught by
Maria Bellinger, in ]-'.'. The first inn was kept by Lewis
'Wood, at I and the first store, by Foot A
Martin, the same year. The first sawmill was erected in 1812,
end the first grist null in 1820,00 the river, by Manifold, Smith,
4 MrKay.
' Tbe census report* 6 Hap., M. E., Preejb, t'niv.,
and R.C.
• In 1M2 and 'It, Chas. Richardson and Daniel II. Worcester
d at Java Village, and ( hirb« It .it CatTieri OoTOeT».
:.rst mill was .r.-<~t><l by Daole! II. v. ,t .lava Mi-
lage, in 1810: tlif first inn « a« kepi by Cbl I \. st Curriers
r-, in 1818 ; and tbe first store, by Mr. < • DMtock, at Java
Village, in 1820.
* The census reports 4 churches; Cong., M. ¥.., P. W. Dap., and
R.C.
' This academy was founded mainly by the efforts and libe-
rali!- T of the fir*» settler* of tberi lagi it« main
building wa« erected by subscription, in 1817. it now inm
•one nts. and is under the chaw f,f the B | ti.t de-
Domination, For many] I the first instl-
Corners; the first gristmill was built by Silas Newell, in 1813,
near Wyoming Village; tbe first sawmill, by A. Worden.in 1809,
:it W( si M Iddlebnry ; Amzi Wright kept the first inn. at Wrights
Corners, in 1800. In May, 1817, Artemus Shattuck, a citizen
of thin town, went into the woods, a distance from home, to
chop. While rutting off a log that had been partially split
i |.'ii. his foot was caught in the nark, and he hung for a long
lime suspended by his foot and partially supported by one hand.
iring of receiving aid. and entirely unable to extricate
himself, be finally nnjolnted his ankle with his pocket knife,
made a crutch of a crooked Stick, and started for the house,
lie was found about dark, and carried to the house, where his
leg was amputated by a surgeon. lie recovered, became a Bap.
minister, and lived manv yean.
7 2 Bap . and 1 each P. W. Bap., IVesl... and M. K.
8 Lemuel Chase and James Saver settled about the same time,
and Seth and Adial Sherwood, Silas Mcrrifield. and Asahcl
Ward in 1806; Truman Lewis and a number of other families
In 1807, The first child horn was a son of Seth Sherwood, in
the first marriage was that of Adial Sherwood and Miss
Wood, in 1800 ; and the first death, that of Mrs. James Sayer.
Oorinoa Lewis and Marj McKnlghl commenced the first schools,
May 1. 1811; Isaac Moore kept the first inn. in 1811, at the
tattoo w. o: •■ liner, and still maintains a t Center; and Silas Hubbard the first store, in 1814, at the same
tattoo. Robert Hopkins erected the first sawmill, in 1810, and
• In l6^ a number of immigrant* fr ni Vt settled in the Levi Johnson the first gristmill, in lv17.
town, amoni: whom were Reuben Chamberlain. Jabex Warren. | » The census reports 4 churches; 1'resb., Bap., Rof. I'rot. D.,
rick Gilbert, Sterling Bterne, and ferae] M Dewey. The : and Friends,
first store was kept by hdwin I'utnam, in 1-10, near Wrights
WYOMING COUNTY.
715
PERRY1 — was formed from Leicester, (Livingston co.,) March 11, 1814. A part of Covington
was taken off in 1817, and Castile in 1821. It lies on the e. border of the co., n. of tli<: eentear.
Its surface is level or gently rolling. Its streams are small brooks and creeks. The foot of
Silver Lake lies along the s. border. Perry, (p. v.,) upon the outlet of Silver Lake, was
incorp. in 1829. It contains the Perry Academy,2 a newspaper office, a bank, a woolen factory,
3 flouring mills, and several churches. Pop. 935. Perry Center (p. v.) contains a church
and 40 dwellings.3 West Perry is a hamlet. The first settlement was made in 1800, on Lot
28, by Josiah Williams, from Vt.4 The first religious services were held at Perry Center, in Dec.
1813, by Rev. Mr. Herrick, (Bap.,) when he was retreating from Buffalo. The first church (Presb.)
was organized at the Center, by Rev. Oliver Ayer and Silas Hubbard, -June 28, 1814.5
PIKE6 — was formed from Nunda, (Livingston co.,) March G, 1818. Eagle was taken off ir
1823, and a part of Genesee Falls in 1846. It lies on the s. border of the co., e. of the center.
Its surface is a hilly and broken upland. East Coy Creek flows s. through the E. part, and
Wiscoy Creek s. e. through the center. Enory Hill, the highest point, is about 100 ft. above the
E. R. at Castile, and the lowest point, in the s. e. corner, is 200 ft. below the r. r. The soil is a
gravelly and clayey loam. There are several quarries of building stone in town. Pike, (p. v.,)
on Wiscoy Creek, near th£ center, was incorp. Aug. 11, 1848. It contains the Genesee Conference
Seminary,' an iron foundery, a flouring mill, a woolen factory, and 3 churches. Pop. 581. East
Pike, (p. v.,) on East Coy Creek, contains a church, a flouring mill, an extensive paper mill, and
50 dwellings. Pike Five Corners, Griffiths Corners, and East Coy (p. o.) aYe
hamlets. The first settlement was made in 1806, by Peter Granger, Eli Griffith, Asahel New-
comb, Phineas Harvey, and Caleb Powers, all from Whitehall, N. Y.8 The first church was
formed, Sept. 25, 1821, at Pike Village.9
SHELDON — was formed from Batavia, (Genesee co.,) March 19, 1808. Attica was taken
off in 1811, and Bennington and China in 1818. Its surface is a rolling upland, 400 to 600 ft.
above the valleys. Tonawanda Creek flows through the e. and several tributaries of Buffalo
Creek through the w. part. The soil upon the hills is a thin, dark loam underlaid by hardpan,
and in the valleys a gravelly loam. Strykersville, (p. v.,) in the s. w. corner of the town,
contains several mills, 2 churches, and about 400 inhabitants. Varysfourgh,10 (p. v.,) in the
N. e., upon Tonawanda Creek, contains 2 churches and 20 dwellings. Sheldon (p. o.) and
North Sheldon (p. o.) are hamlets. Johnsonburgh (p. v.) is on the line of Orangeville.
The first settlement was made in the n. part, in 1804, by Roswell Turner, agent of Phelps and
Chipman, the original purchasers of the town.11 The first religious meeting (Bap.) was held at
the house of Roswell Turner, by Rev. Mr. Spencer. The first church was formed at the Center,
in 1808.12
WARSAW — was formed from Batavia, (Genesee co.,) March 19, 1808. Middlebury was
taken off in 1812, and Gainesville in 1814. It is an interior town, lying n. e. of the center of the
co. Its surface is a broken upland, divided into two ridges by the valley of Oatka Creek. The
declivities of the hills are steep, and their summits 700 to 1,000 ft. above the valleys. Upon Mill
Brook, a small tributary of Oatka Creek, is a perpendicular fall of 105 ft. Warsaw, (p. v.,)
the co. seat, was incorp. April 17, 1843. It lies in the valley of Oatka Creek, at the center of the
1 Named from Commodore O. II. Perry.
2 The academy buildings were erected by subscription of the
inhabitants, and cost $12,000. This school has been offered to
the State for a normal school.
8 An academy was sustained here for several years.
* Among the first settlers were Seth Canfield, Samuel and
Nath'l Howard, Amos Smith, Phicol M.Ward. and Amos Otis, —
mostly from New England. The first death was that of Nancy
Williams, in 1815. The first school was tauirht at Perry Cen-
ter, inl813, byAnn Mann, from Mass. The first inn was kept by
Amos Smith, a little E. of the Center, in 1811 ; the first store, by
T. & J. C. Kdgerley ; and the first mill was erected at Perry Vil-
lage, by John Hamersley, in 1812.
o The census reports 7 churches ; 2 Bap., 2 M. E., and 1 each
Presb., Conn., and Univ.
• Named from Gen. Zebulon Montgomery Pike.
'The seminary buildings were erected in 1856, at a cost of
$9,000 ; they have accommodations for 800 students. The pro-
perty is held by a board of trustees, and is under the patronage
of the F. W. Bap. denomination.
8 The first child born was Louisa, daughter of Asahel New-
comb, in Aug. 1806 ; the first marriage was that of Russell II.
Benton and Susannah Olin, Feb. 23. 1809; and the first deaths
were those of twin children of Phineas Harvey, in the spring
of 1807. Mr. Harvey died the succeeding autumn. The first
school was taught by Miss Beulah Abell. (from Washington co.,}
in the summer of 1809. Eli Griffith kept the first inn. at Pike
Village, in 1808. and Tilly Parker the first store, in 1810, ;it the
same place. Eli Griffith built the first sawmill, in 1809, and the
first gristmill, in 1810, a little above Tike Tillage.
9 The censu3 reports 4 churches ; 2 M. E., and 1 each Cong
and Bap.
10 Named from Wm. Vary, one of the first settlers.
u Mr. Turner was the father of O. Turner, Esq,., author of the
History of the Holland Purchase, Phelps and Qorhams Pur-
chase, &c. Among the other early settlers were Robert Carr
and David Howard, in 1805; Seth Gates, Lemuel Castle. Levi
Street, Marvin Brace, Stephen Welton. (from Eastern New York,)
and Uriah Persons, (from Penn..) in 1806. The more recent set-
tlements in the town have been made mostly by German immi-
grants. The first child born was Chipman 1'helps Tomer, in
1805; the first marriage was that of Justin I.oomis and Polly
Kolph. in 1807; and the first death, that of David Hoard, who
was killed by the falling of a limb of a tree, in 1805. The first
school was taught at North Sheldon, by Polly Kolph. in 1807;
the first inn was kept by Roswell Turner, in 1R06, at North
Sheldon. Wm. Vary built the first sawmill, in 18O6, and the
first gristmill, in 1808. at Varysbnrgh.
12 The census reports 8 churches; 2 M.E.. and 1 each Presb.,
Cong., Bap., F. W. Bap., Ref. Prot. D., and R. C.
716
WYOMING COUNTY.
town. Besides the co. buildings, it contains 5 churches, an academy,1 2 newspaper offices, a bank,
an insurance company and office, and several important manufactories.2 Pop. 1,200. Soutll
Warsaw (p-o.) is a hamlet. East Warsaw is a p. o. The first settlement was made at
Warsaw Village, by Elizur Webster, in 1803.3 The first church (Cong.) was organized July 14,
1808 ; Rev. John Lindsley was the first preacher. Their church edifice was built in 1817, and is
still occupied.*
WETHERSFIEL.D— was formed from Orangeville, April 12, 1823. It is an interior town,
lying s. w. of the center of the co. Its surface is a rolling upland. Tonawanda, East Coy, and
Wiscoy Creeks all take their rise in this town. Wetliersfield Springs, (p. v.,) in the
x. e. corner, contains 3 churches and 25 dwellings. Hermitage, (p. v.,) on the e. border of the
town, contains 2 churches and 20 dwellings. Sin it lis Corners (Wethersfield p. o.) is a
hamlet. The first settlement was made on Lot 11, in 1810, by Lewis Hancock, Guy Morgan,
and Calvin Clifford, from Jefferson co.5 Rev. Mr. Boomer (Bap.) was the first preacher.6
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Wyoming County.
Names op Towns.
Attica.
Bennington ...
Castile.
China.
Covington
Eagle
Gainesville....
Genesee Falls.
Java
Mi'l'il.l'iiry...
ville....
rvrrv
Pike
Sheldon
Warsaw
Wethersfield..
Total
Acres op Land.
I
16.432
22.377
17.970$
15.756
12.3444.
12.916
14,124
5,772$
17,996
15,500
14.336
17.9*4
11,084
17,795
16.442
12,820$
241 .654$
g
8,628
13.110
5.755
13.583
2,980
9.923
6,290
2,925
11.709
4,603
6,464
4.771
5.930
n,i;;,6
4,782
9.655$
122.7f4!
Valuation of 1858.
S
$636,112
455.430
771.000
f .24r,
471.823
307,008
462.024
239.470
423.362
493,09:
300,722
738,719
382.299
740.790
330,577
7,652.002
if
fe£
a- ft,
$111,350
18,611
84,303
47,800
31,375
7,175
50,550
9,350
22.315
75,530
30.09S
126,875
23.700
35.400
14S.650
50.150
873.232
$747,462
474,041
855.363
648,046
503,1981
314,183!
512.574J
248,820!
445,677
60S.I.22
330,820
865,594
422.968
417.699
889.440
380.727
Population.
Si
s
g5
1
K
3
Sci
i
OS
3
8
■&
"&■
O
Vc
4
1
i
1
540
ft
13
1,327
1,352
500
406
1.301
1.254
512
545
493
16
1,185
1,158
472
408
374
14
1,051
1,057
345
3S9
316
13
670
660
248
255
216
10
733
657
264
283
215
10
884
869
350
361
312
10
560
538
218
225
145
4
1.187
1,108
408
422
383
12
904
883
351
376
323
15
730
711
251
244
231
9
1,253
1.307
490
532
384
13
930
957
351
370
2S0
10
1.347
1,319
495
519
432
15
1,393
1.401
510
525
452
16
734
728
276
291
246
10
190
16.189
15,959
6,041
6.285
5.208
61
957
941
800
430
588
634
190
992
690
459
801
741
1.225
1.049
549
11,872
Nakf.3 op Towns.
Bennington...,
China.
Covington.
Eagle
ville....
Qeneaee Falls
Java.
Middlebury...
Orang'.'viil'-...
Perry
Pfke
Sheldon
Warsaw
Total....
Live Stock.
I
»1
its
III
592
806
871
619
656
8M
188
:• •
501
963
002
623
T ■
628
1,318
$098
1,484
2.164
710
1,817
1 .■_■ i
404
1496
1.111
1,854
1.355
887
1,326
488
832
762
261
l.lT'i
1 -t
899
924
to
i
5,203
9,743
6.S25
tfiffl
7.4.M
4.708
7.522
1,832
6,795
11.:.: ,1
8.551
10368 22,311 1-
744
699
1,28]
615
581
514
7 '■■'■
927
861
841
■
669
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
Bush, op Grain.
10.276
5,981
108,2691
208
60,321
!n.7
17,788$
12.988
8,741
80,626
'.ii:;
3,61 1
18,744
4,946$
■5
"s.
•S 3
Gift.
•>
39.212$ 6,205 11.364 40.530 54.785 145,950
67,082 6.410 15.261 20,781 90,896 14,618
6S.27SJ 2.597 13.1127 ]9.n7'.i 97.002 7.171
69,871$ 4.683 J 15.724 6.694 123,976 25,100
81,689 2.130 5.782 10.735 66.920 3.945
68,181$ 2,808 17,509 5.790 77,838 16,986
■ . 2,487 13.806 24.396 76,267 15,720
24,991 934 4.479 7,449 14,485 100
90.358$ 3,efl5 10.520 12,962 131.090 42.050
02$ 4,360 9,153 35.499 81.770 74.025
K> 4,605 10.902 19,248 63,010 273460
60,955 2,834$ 17.203 29.524 105,260 15.718
51.971 2,624 14.431 21.016 73.887 28,61
64,176$ 5.859 12,940 25,649 121.962 67.310
lj 4.o4:{ 14.7110 33.2SH 88.076 27.505
66,089$ 2,890$ 11,131 10,650 76.724 65.140
-7-111$ 58.421$ 203.932 323,290 1,333,948 823,105
Dairy Products.
«C
•5 t:
'S „•
a S
0 3
6.S
17,173
1 It was inenrp. by the regents in 1863, and is under * 1 j •-
management of a village board of education.
ml blinds, horse rakes, carriages, and waterproof oil
blacking.
* In th" same Tear, Wm. Webeter, Bbobai l Hi rrie, Asmm Kin-
ney, Ki ij.it) Catting, and Joaeph Palmer, lettied in the ". part
of tb" town, and joatah Borer In the s. part. Th" fir
ti.-r- were mostly from New England. The first child born
was K"....i Webater, In 1804; the Drat marriage waa tl
Silas C. Fargo and Catharine Whiting; and the first death,
that of »n Infant ion of Bterl in 1804. Ti
of an adult was that of Dwight Noble, in 1808. The
first school was taught by Samuel McWhorter, in 1*07. Elizur
Webster kepi the first inn. in 1809; and Absalom Green and
Dnnl Shaw, the first store, in the same year. Solomon Morris
built the oral gristmill, in 1808.
* Th" census reports 6 churches; Presb., Cong., Bap., F. W.
Ban- I'n.i. 1;.. and M. B.
6 John \V. PaiTT, from Oneida co.. nettled at Wethersfield
Spring" in the fail of 1810, and built the first house .it that
place. The Brat Bchool was taught by 0. Martin. The first,
gristmill wai areoted byJamea Cravath, in 1812. on East Coy
Creek ; and the Brat sawmill, by Calvin Clifford, on the same creek,
in 1810,
•The Banana reports 0 rhurches; 2 Bap., and leach Cong.,
Pro*. I . 11 K.. and Christian.
YATES COUNTY.
This county was formed from Ontario, Feb. 5, 1823, and named
from Joseph C. Yates, then governor. Barrington and Starkey
were added from Steuben, April G, 1824. It is centrally distant
172 mi. from Albany, and contains an area of 1,370 sq. mi. Its
surface consists of a series of ridges extending from Steuben co.
in a northerly direction, and gradually declining from a height of
about 1,700 ft. above tide, upon the s. border, to a level of the undu-
lating region near the foot of Seneca Lake. The first or most eastern
of these ridges lies between Seneca and Crooked Lakes, and occu-
pies the towns of Barrington, Starkey, Milo, Torrey, and a part
cf Benton. The highest summit is about 900 ft. above Crooked
Lake and 1,200 above Seneca. The slopes are generally gradual
and the inclination uniform. The second ridge occupies the high peninsula between the two
branches of Crooked Lake, and extends n. through Jerusalem, finally losing itself in the rolling
upland of Benton. The s. part of this ridge is known as " Bluff Point," from its abrupt termi-
nation. It is about 400 ft. above the lake. The third range lies between the w. branch of
Crooked Lake and Flint Creek, and occupies the w. part of Jerusalem, the e. part of Italy, and
the s. e. part of Potter. The highest summits in the s. are about 700 ft. above the lake. A fourth
ridge lies between the valleys of Flint Creek and "West River, and extends n. through the w. part
of Potter. A fifth range occupies that portion of Middlesex lying between "West River Hollow
and Canandaigua Lake. The declivities of the last two ranges are mostly very steep ; and their
summits are 800 to 1,000 ft. above the valleys. The uplands, except in the extreme w. part, are
smooth and arable to their summits. The valleys between them are wide and exceedingly fertile,
and the n. part of the co. is a fine rolling region.
The lowest rocks in the co. are the upper series of the Hamilton shales, cropping out on the
lower course of the Crooked Lake Outlet. Next above these, upon the same stream, appear the
Tully limestone, Genesee slate, and Portage groups. The first of the three, furnishing lime, is
the most valuable mineral in the co. The Portage group near Penn Yan furnishes a good quality
of flagging stone, and is extensively quarried for that purpose. The shales and sandstone of the
Chemung group occupy the summits in the s. part of the co. ; calcareous tufa is found upon
Crooked Lake Outlet, and marl in the swamps near the foot of the lake. Iron pyrites have
been found in considerable quantities at Bluff Point. The soil for the most part consists of a
fine quality of gravelly loam, intermixed with clay and the disintegrated shales of the Portage
group. It is well adapted to either tillage or pasturage.
The principal streams in the co. are Crooked Lake Outlet, Keshong Creek, Big Stream, Rock
.Stream, Flint Creek, and West River. Seneca Lake, forming the e. boundary of the co., is 447 ft.
above tide, and Canandaigua Lake, forming a part of the w. boundary, 668 ft. Crooked Lake,1
near the center, two-thirds of it lying within the co., is 718 ft. above tide and is 18 mi. in length.
Its N. part is divided by Bluff Point into two branches, each of which is from one to two mi. wide.
Owing to the depredations of the midge winter Wheat is less grown than formerly, while spring
grains, root crops, stock, wool, and fruit are much more extensively and profitably produced.
The outlet of Crooked Lake affords large water power for manufacturing purposes, — as yet but
slightly improved.
The county seat is located at the village of Penn Yan,2 on the line of Milo and Benton.5 The
first courthouse4 and jail combined was erected in 1824; and in 1834 it was burned. In 1835 a
new brick courthouse was built, on a public square, at a cost of $12,000. A jail, detached, was
erected the same season. The latter was destroyed by fire in Feb. 1857, and was rebuilt the same
year, at a cost of $10,200. A clerk's office was erected some years previous, upon the public square
1 Called by the Indians O-go-ya-ga, a promontory projecting
Into the lake.
* The commissioners who located the co. seat, were John Sut-
ton, of Tompkins co., George II. Feeter, of Herkuner co., and
Joseph B. Walton, of Otsego co.
8 The first court was held at the houso of Asa Cole, in Penn
Tan, on the first Tuesday in June, 1823. The first board of su-
pervisors met at the same place. The first co. officers were Wil-
liam M.Oliver, First Judge ; James Taylor, Dist. AUy. ; Abraham
H.Bennett, Go. Clerk; James P. Robinson, Sheriff; and Abra-
ham P. Vosburgh. Surrogate.
4 John Sutton, of Tompkins. Geo. H. Feeter, of Herkimer, and
Joseph B. Walton, of Otsego cos., were appointed commissioners
to locate the co. buildings, and Wm, Shattnck. of Benton, Geo.
Sherman and Samuel Stewart, of Milo, to erect them. The
courts were to be held at the house of Asa Cole until the court-
house was finished.
71T
718
YATES COUNTY.
with the other public buildings, near the center of the village. The co. poorhouse is located on
a farm of 123 acres in the tovrn of Jerusalem, about 5 mi. s. w. of Penn Yan.1 The average
number of inmates is 86, and they are supported at a weekly cost of $1 40 each. A school is
taught in the house during a portion of the year, and religious services are held occasionally.
The Crooked Lake Canal extends along the outlet of Crooked Lake, and enters Seneca Lake at
Dresden. It opens a direct water communication with Yates co. and the sr. portion of Steuben,
and affords an easy and cheap means of transportation. The Elmira, Jefferson & Canandaigua
K. II. extends through the co., e. of the center, connecting with the N. Y. C. R. R. at the n.
terminus and with the N. Y. & E. R. R. at the s. These two works of internal improvement fur-
nish market facilities equal to those generally enjoyed by the interior cos. of the State.
Three newspapers are published in the co.2
The early history of this co. is intimately associated with the history of the "Friends," a religious
sect founded by Jemima Wilkinson.3 This singular woman took the name of the "Universal
Friend," and was regarded as a prophet by her followers, among whom were persons of respecta-
bility, wealth, and influence. At a general meeting of the sect, in Conn., in 1786, it was resolved
to emigrate to some unsettled region and found a colony where they might live in peace and in the
undisturbed enjoyment of their religious opinions. Three of their number were delegated to
seek out a proper location.* They proceeded to Penn., went up the Susquehanna River, and fol-
lowed the route of Gen. Sullivan to Seneca Lake, where they finally determined to locate. In
June, 1787, 25 "Friends" set out for the land of promise by the way of the Mohawk Valley. They
settled about 1 mi. s. of the present village of Dresden, the location being fixed upon from its
close proximity to the fine waterfalls upon Crooked Lake Outlet.5 During the fall they prepared
the land, and in the following season sowed it with winter wheat, which they harvested in 1789 ;
and this was the first wheat crop raised in Western N. Y. In 1789, Wm. Potter and Thos. Hathaway,
two of their number, purchased of the State 14,000 acres of land lying between Seneca Lake
and the Pre-emption Line, and subsequently Thos. Hathaway and Benedict Robinson purchased
the town Jerusalem of Phelps and Gorham.6 In 1789, Jemima and a large number of her followers
1 This building, erected 25 years ago, is 100 ft. by 50, and 3 stories
high, including basement. The farm yields a revenue of $1,000.
* The Penn i'an Ilernltl was established at Penn Van in May,
1818. by Abraham H. Bennett. In 1X20 it appeared as
The Penn Tan Democrat. In 1835 it was pub. by
Bennett <fe Reed, in 1842 by Reed & Bennett, and in
1847 by Alfred Reed. In 1850 Darius A. Ogden became
proprietor, in 1853 Reuben Spicer, and iu 1857 Geo. D. A.
Bridgman. its present publisher.
The Tatrs County Republican was started Dec. 16,1824. by E. J.
Bowie, and continued 10 years. He then sold it to John
Remmick, who published it as
The Penn Van Enquirer about 2 years, when it was discontinued.
Tht Wuttrn Star was pub. at Penn Yan in 1833 by H. Gilbert.
Tht MituUany was pub. at Pen ii Yan in 1833 by Thos. II. Bassett.
C Whig was commenced in 1837 by Wm. Child.
About 2 years after it passed into the hands of Nicholas
I). Suydnm. who changed its name to
T\r }'.■■• i. ,n, ,/i/ Whig. In 1845 it passed into the hands of
v I,. Adams. In 1852 Mr. Adams sold it to (love-
I I Look. Mr. Look soon retired, and in 1856 its
name was ch.-n • I i i
The Yale* County Chronicle. It is now published
bj Stafford <'. < level md.
Tht DtmoentU Oman m commenced in 1M4 at Penn Yan by
I In n. . v I,. Wiimnt", and published nlmiit 2 years.
The Pmn Yan KUfTCtph, <\ i . wag issued bom the office of The
Whig, tor 8 mot In
The Dundee Record « .-.-. man no 1 14 Dundee) Jen. 8&
1-41. by Gilford J. B tb. Bdward Hoagland so
to its editorship in 1- 17, John .1. Dtefenonrf in 1863, and
D. S. Braner, Ita prem nt publisher, in 1857.
* Jemim.i WIDdnson was the daughter of Jereml ib Wilkinson,
a is. I. farmer. She wis one of n family of 12 children and had
little or no advantages: of edw itlon. In her 20th year the had a
ickof (ever; and for some time her lift was di -;• "'■ & i t
I Mi it she had been rafted from the
de id< — 'bit her carnal existent •■ w •• i ndi I and heni ofbrtn her
'.if'- was to be spiritual and divine, — and that she was endowed With
the power of pi '<n rommencd traveling and ex-
hortiiiif.M- r'lni; many persnns.nmone wli.. m
were several substantial New England farmers. The following
description of b-r person ll copied frm "The New Han D
Oar.-' ,ii-tKiit Mag i7iiie." ■! it- •! Kan h. 17-7. ••.-Iieju
at- iiit the middle size of woman, m.t genu el in her p rson, rather
awkwnrd in h' r carriage; her complexion good* bar *j
markal-ly black and brilliant, her hair black nnd Waring with
beautiful ringlets upon her neck and ihoulders. Hat f- ktm
regnlar.and the whole of her fare i« thonghl by many to '
f beanttfaL As she is not to lie ■apposed Of 'iiher «ex. ro
this neutrality is manifest in her personal appearance. She wears
no cap, letting her hair hang down as has been described. She
wears her neckcloth like a man ; her chemise is buttoned around
the neck and wrists. Her outside garment is arobe, under which
it is said she wears an expensive dress, the fashion of which is
made to correspond neither with that of man nor woman. Her
understanding is not deficient, except touching her religious fa-
naticism. She is very illiterate, yet her memory is very great;
artful in discovering many circumstances which fall out among
her disciples. On all occasions she requires the most extra-
ordinary attentions that can be bestowed upon her: one or moro
of her disciples usually attend upon iter and perform the most
menial services. Her pronunciation is after the peculiar dialect
of the most illiterate of the countrypeople of New England. Her
preaching has very little connection, and is very lengthy, — at times
cold and languid, but occasionally lively, zealous, and; animated."
When she first arose from her bed of sickness, she assumed that
there was once such a person as Jemima Wilkinson, but that she
died and went to heaven, after which the Divine Spirit reanimated
that same body and It arose from the dead : now, this divine in-
habitant is Christ Jesus our Lord, the Friend to all mankind,
and gives his name to the body to which he is united, and there-
fore body nnd spirit conjointly is the •• I ni ,;•>■•■. ,1 I'ri, ,,■/ ." She
assumed to have two " W'iln, \ws." corresponding in all respects
to those prophesied in Itev. chap. xi. from 3d to 13th verses.
These were James Parker and Barah Richards. During her whole
lite she never yielded the pretensions which sho at first made: and
her whole career had the merit of consistency. Among the prin-
cipal p.-rtiliar tenets ,,f the sect was the strict enforcement of the
Shaker doctrine of celibacy as indispensable to a pure life. The
meetings were conducted after the manner of the Quakers, the
whole congregation often sitting in perfect silence for an hour or
Mere. — \,- Tumer't Bistof Tht Pnelpi andG'orham Purchatt.
Tbil extraordinary woman exerted a strong influence over her
followers, who gratuitously planted and hoed her corn, sowed
and reaped her wheat, and rut and gathered her bay. always
having care to be of no trouble or expense to the Friend upon
these occasions. On one occasion she addressed, through an Inter-
pn ter, I baadOfOheidaSWhohad encamped near her settlement
on their way to a t re it v. endeavoring to convince them that she
wa« Christ. They listened with apparent attention, and, when
she had finished, one of the chiefs arose and delivered a short ad-
dress to his countrymen. She requested to have it interpreted
to her.— when the « ivnge contemptuously replied, in broken Kng-
1 i -li. that if (he were tin- character she .assumed to lie, she would
have understood the poor Indian ns well as any one. She died
July 1. 1819. and her sect hns long since been broken up. — Hud-
son's Lit",- nf ./. ,,,,'ni'i WiDeinton.
* Abraham Davton. Richard Smith, and Thomas Hathaway.
& The first gristmill in Western N. Y. was built in 1780, by Rich'd
Smith. James I'arker.and Abraham Dayton, 2J mi. from I'ennYan.
* "It was a rule at that early period with Mcbsitj. Phelps &
YATES COUNTY.
719
came in. The first framed house in the co. was erected for her, on a farm of 1000 acres set apart,
for her especial use. For a time the colony flourished ; but soon neighbors began to arrive, and
jealousies were engendered, and a series of persecutions commenced, which seriously retarded the
progress of the colony and embittered the last days of the "Friend."1
BAK.RIIVCJT01V — was formed from Wayne, (Steuben co.,) April G, 1822. It lies upon the E.
bank of Crooked Lake, in the s. part of the co. Its surface consists principally of a high ridge,
sloping gradually upward from Crooked Lake to a height of GOO to 800 ft. Big Stream flows
through the s. E. corner, in a deep ravine bordered by steep declivities. From Crooked Lake the
ascent is nearly uniform for 2 miles; and the summit of the ridge is rolling. The soil is a slaty
gravel mixed with clay, and is generally productive. Barrington,2 (p. v.,) near the center,
contains 1 church and 25 houses. The first settlement was made in 1800, by Jacob Teeplis.3 The
Rev. Jas. Osgood (Bap.) was the first preacher. There are two churches in town ; Bap. and M. E.
BElVTOUf4 — was formed from Jerusalem, Feb. 12, 1803, as " Vernon." Its name was changed
to "SneU" April 6, 1808, and to Benton April 2, 1810. Milo was taken off in 1818, and a part
of Torrey in 1851. It is the n. e. corner town of the co. Its surface is rolling and gradually
descending toward the n. and e. From Seneca Lake the land slopes upward for a mile, and to
a height of about 300 ft., where it spreads out in a beautiful undulating region. The valley of
Crooked Lake, 200 ft. below the summits of the table land, extends about 1 mi. into the s. part
of the town. Keshong Creek passes through the n. e. corner. The soil is clay along the lake,
but upon the hills it is a deep, rich, clayey and gravelly loam, well adapted to almost every branch
of agriculture. Bellona, (Benton p.o.,) situated on Keshong Creek, in the n. e. part, contains
2 churches, (pop. 205;) and Benton Center (p. v.) 2 churches and 28 dwellings. Fergu-
sons Corners (p. o.) is a hamlet. The village of Penn Yan lies partly within this town.
The first settlement was made in the spring of 1789, by Levi Benton, from Catskill, Greene co.5
The first religious meetings were held in the barn of Levi Benton, in 1792, and were conducted by
Ezra Cole. There are now 4 churches in town.6
ITAEY — was formed from Naples, Feb. 15, 1815. It is the s. w. corner town of the co. Its
surface consists of three distinct ridges, each attaining an elevation of about 1000 ft. above Canan-
daigua Lake. These ridges are divided by the valley of Flint Creek — known as Italy Hollow —
and West River Hollow. The valleys are generally narrow and bordered by steep and often
precipitous sides. The summits of the ridges are broken uplands. The soil is a slaty and
gravelly loam and is best adapted to pasturage. Italy Hill (p. v.) is situated in the s. E. corner;
and Italy Hollow (p. o.) on Flint Creek, s. of the center. The first settlement in the town
was made by John Mower, at West Hollow, in 1793.' There are 4 churches in town.8
JERUSALEM — was organized Jan. 1789, and Benton was taken off in 1803. A small part
of Steuben co., in the forks of the lake, was annexed Feb. 25, 1814. It lies on the w. bank of
Crooked Lake and is the central town in the co. Its surface is divided into two distinct ridges
by the w. branch of the lake and its inlet. The E. ridge terminates on the s. in Bluff Point, a
promontory, 8 mi. in extent, lying between the two branches of Crooked Lake; and it extends on
the n. into the town of Benton. It is about 400 ft. high and 1 £ to 2 mi. wide, and is bordered by
steep declivities. The continuity of this ridge is broken by a remarkable depression extending
Gorham, in selling a picked township, to require the purchaser
to draw for another township at the same price. Robinson and
Hathaway, after purchasing Jerusalem, drew what is now the
town of Geneseo, Livingston co. The Friend objected to her
people ' trading and buying property at a distance,' and, fearing
her displeasure, they prevailed upon Mr. Phelps to release them
from the bargain, which he was quite willing to do, as he had
ascertained the value of the township." — Turner's Hist.
1 She was several times prosecuted for blasphemy, and was
harassed by lawsuits, which were chiefly instigated by those who
had once been her followers and friends. — Turner's Hist, of The
Phelps and Gorham Purchase.
2 Sometimes called " Warsaw."
3 The next settlers were Thomas Bronson, from Conn.; Wm.
Coolbaugh, from N.J. ; Jonathan Davis, William Ovenshire, Oliver
Parker, Matthew Knapp, Joseph Fenton, John Kriss, and Henry
Spry. The first school was taught by A. C.West, in 1810. Jacob
Teepliskept the first tavern, in 1804, on the Bath Road; and Elijah
Townsend, the first store. John Carr erected the first gristmill,
and Wm. Cummins the first sawmill.
* Named from Levi Benton, the first settler.
5 T. Spencer settled at Bellona in 1790 ; George Wheeler, Ro-
bert Chisson, Jas. Scofield, Otis Barden, and Daniel Brown in
1791 ; and Ezra Cole, Eliphalet Hull, and Samuel and Cyrus Buell,
with their families, in 1792. The first birth was that of Matilda
Buell, in Sept.179'2; the first marriage, that of Thos. Barden and
Olive Benton, in 1791; and the first deaths, those of ESphraim
and Samuel Wheeler, who both died in the fall of \"U2. The first
sawmill was built by Dr. Caleb Benton, in 1790, at Bellona. The
first store was kept by Luther Benton and James Stoddard, in
1799, and the first inn by Ezra Cole, in 1S0O. John Coates taught
the first school, at Benton Center, in the winter of 1794. Tho
first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel Brown.
6 Two M. E., Bap., and Presb.
> Josiah Bradish, Seth Sprague, Fisher and Isaac Whitney,
William Dunton, Edward Low, William Clark, Archibald Arm-
strong, Card Knowles, John Armstrong, Morris and Hastings,
settled in 1794 and '95, and Nathan Scott and Andrew Robson in
1809. The first birth was that of Polly Mower, in Oct. 1795 ; and
a child of Mr. Mower was the first that died. The first marriage
was that of Jabez Metcalf and Nancy Torrey. Nancy Torrey
taught the first school, in 1803, at West Hollow. Elias Lee kept
the first tavern, at the same place, in 1806; Abraham Maxfield
the first store, at Italy Hollow ; Asahel Stone, jr., erected the first
saw and grist mill, at the same place, at an early date.
8 Two Bap., M. E., and Presb.
720
YATES COUNTY.
from the head of the w. branch of Crooked Lake e. to the e. branch. The highest point in this
valley is about 70 ft. above the lake. The ridge on the w. rises gradually for 3 or 4 mi. and attains
a height of about 700 ft. above the lake, where the surface spreads out into a rolling upland. The
soil is a gravelly and slaty loam, and is -well adapted to both pasturage and tillage. Branch-
port, (p. v.,) situated at the head of the w. branch of Crooked Lake, contains 3 churches and
about 55 houses. Kinneys Corners (Bluff Point p. o.) is situated in the e. part of the town;
Shermans Hollow and Yatesville are p. offices. The first settlement was made by
Jemima Wilkinson, in 1789.1 In that year crops of wheat were harvested in the town, and a mill
was erected that made flour the same season. The first, and for a long time the only, religious ser-
vices in town were conducted by Jemima, at her own house. There are 4 churches in town.2
MIDDLESEX — was formed in 1789, as " Augusta." Its name was changed April 6, 1808.
Potter was taken off in 1832, and a part was annexed to Potter in 1856. It is the n. w. corner
town, lying upon the e. bank of Canandaigua Lake. Its surface consists chiefly of high ridges
separated by narrow valleys. The summits are 500 to 600 ft. above the lake. The valley of West
River divides the ridges, and the valley of a small stream known as Boat Brook divides the w.
ridge into two peaks, the n. of which is known as "Bare Hill." The soil is clayey on the summits
of the hills, and gradually changes to a deep gravelly loam in the valleys. Near Federal Hollow,
a mile from Rushville, is an inflammable spring.3 Middlesex Center (Middlesex p.o.) con-
tains 3 churches and 20 dwellings. Overackers Corners is a hamlet. The first settlement
was made in 1789. Judge Potter, one of the surveyors of Phelps and Gorhani's purchase, was the
original purchaser of the town, and took an active part in its first settlement.* Many of the first
settlers were adherents of Jemima Wilkinson; and for a considerable time there was no other
religious association in the town. There are now 4 churches.5
MIL.O — was formed from Benton, March 6, 1818. A part of Torrey was taken off in 1851.
It lies on the e. border of the co., between Seneca and Crooked Lakes. Its surface rises from
Seneca Lake in a gentle and gradual slope for 2 mi., where it attains an elevation of about 400 to
500 ft. From this summit the land spreads out into an undulating region, gradually declining
on the w. to the valley of Crooked Lake. The soil is principally a gravelly loam, with some clay
in the vicinity of Penn Yan and on the shore of Seneca Lake. Penn Yan,6 (p. v.,) the county
seat, was incorp. April 27, 1833. It is situated at the foot of Crooked Lake, and is an important
station on the Elniira, Jefferson & Canandaigua R. R. A daily steamer connects it with Ham-
mondsport, at the head of Crooked Lake. It contains 6 churches, a high school,7 2 newspaper
establishments, and a bank. Pop. 2,277, — 2,114 in Milo, 163 in Benton. Milo Center (p. v.)
contains 150 inhabitants; and Ilimrods Corners (Milo p. v.) 78. The first settlement was
commenced in the n. part, by the followers of Jemima Wilkinson, from R. I., in 1788.8 The first
religious services were conducted by Jemima Wilkinson. There are now 10 churches in town.9
POTTER10 — was formed from Middlesex, April 26, 1832, and part of Middlesex was annexed
Dec. 18, 1856. It lies near the center of the N. border of the co. Its surface is hilly in the s. w., and
rolling in the center and n. Flint Creek, the principal stream, flows northerly through near the
center of the town. A swamp of 1 to 1 £ mi. wide extends along its course for 8 mi. n. of Potter
Center. The soil is a slaty loam in the s. w., and a gravelly and sandy loam, with an intermixture
of olay, in the remaining parts. Rushville (p. v.) is partly in Gorham, Ontario co., but princi-
pally in the n. w. part of this town. Pop. 583, — 408 in Potter, 175 in Gorham. Potter Center
(Potter p. o.) contains 20 houses. Voak is a p.o. on the line of Benton. Settlement was begun
in 178K, by the followers of Jemima Wilkinson. Thr nm-t prominent among them were William
• The fir't mWbHW Tti 0OM U ithaway and Daniel Brown.
In IT-'.'. Jemima) "Tht TMetndk Frimd, at aba wai i
••tit- r n with a large i rig whom'
irds .ml Barbae! Malin. her two- '■'• Kinney,
mon Ingraham, Samnel DooUtUa, ami Win. Sandfbrd, u
..f ii- ir family, all from Bhode l-i is i. They all I it I with Jemima
jn ti, til- fir»t frarri" li' n -■•
l.nilt in Western N. V. ' Th' first gristmill was bail) by Pi. bird
Stall r, and Abraham Dayl Penn
Yan. David V. - :ied the flrnt public boose, at the same
rown built the first sawmill, n'.rtbof Branchport;
in 1 .1 '
« Rip.M. V... Presl ... Dnfr. » />'"*'• Mburdom ft. r,j>.166.
♦ Among the fir-t settlers wrr D Watford,
John Blair, Jamce Lewis, and John McNoar, all
from R.I. Will I taught th" first ichool.in
rt k'-pt the fir^t tavern, near Rnahvflle. and Reason wilder
th" ft- John WaUbrd jr.. Hiilt the first sawmill. The
firwt death WH tint of Mrs. I.urv Wnlford, in 1791.
* Two M. E, Bap, and Free Will Bap.
6 Among the early Bottlers of the village were a Pennsylvanian
and a Yankee, each of whom wished to Dame the place. The
matter was finally compromised by uniting the first syllable of
their respective designations, — Penn and San.
' Tlie I inn Yan High School was incorporated as an academy
in 1 ■':'. The building is now in process of erection.
8 Tlie first settlers were Abraham Dayton. Kirhard Smith. .7 as.
Parker, John Lawrence, Stephen Card, Samuel UartweU. Eteae-
kinh Town-'' i id, David and Peleg Bilge, John Bapplee, Elijah and
Uicajah Brown, Darid Wagoner, ami Adam Hunt and bis sons,
Abel and Silas. The fir-t dr.it h was that of Mrs..ledrdiah Holmes,
in 1788, Ah Jemima Wilkinson's creed was the dominant reli-
gion Of the town at that period and for some time after, there
wi-re no marriages, and of course no known births. It was an
' ra in which people died and none wen- legitimately born. He-
■ekiah Townaend kept the first inn, a little E. of Penn Yan, and
James Hill the first store.
» 8 Bap., 2 M E.. Cong- We* Meth., Prrsb.. Prot. 1',.. and R.C.
10 Named from Arnold Potter, on original proprietor and the
1 first settler in town.
YATES COUNTY.
721
Potter and his sons William, Arnold, Simeon, and Edward, who had purchased the whole town-
ship.1 Rev. Mr. Haskill was the first settled preacher, in 1796. There are 11 churches in town.7
STARREY3- was formed from Reading, (Schuyler co.,) April 0, 1824. It is the 8. e. corner
town of the co. Its surface is a gradual slope from the bluffs which bonier upon Seneca Lake to
the w. border of the town, where it attains an elevation of about 700 ft. The bluffs upon the lake
in the s. half of the town are 100 to 200 ft. high and nearly perpendicular. In the s. part, u ridge
breaks the uniformity of the slope near the center. Big Stream and Rock Stream flow into Sem
Lake, falling several hundred ft. in their course. The soil is clay along the lake, a sandy loam in
the s. part, and a gravelly loam in the n. Dundee, (p. v.,) incorp. June 26, 1848, situated on Big
Stream, in the w. part, contains 4 churches, the Dundee Academy, a bank, and a newspaper office.
Pop. 732. Eddytown (p. v.) contains a church and the Starkey Seminary.* Pop. 123. Rock
Stream (p. v.) contains 25 houses, and Starkey (p. v.) 20. Big Stream Point (p. o.) and
Shannons Corners and Starkey Corners are hamlets. Settlement began in 1800.5
Rev. Mr. Clark conducted the first religious services, in 1808. There are 8 churches in town.6
TORREY' — was formed from Benton and Milo, Nov. 14, 1851. It lies upon the e. border of
the co., on the shore of Seneca Lake. Its surface consists of a slope rising from the lake to the w.
borders, to an elevation of 400 to 500 ft. Crooked Lake Outlet flows through a deep, narrow, and
rocky valley. Its whole fall from Crooked to Seneca Lake is 271 ft. The soil on the lake shore is
clayey, and in the center and w. a sandy and gravelly loam. "West Dresden8 (p. v.) is located on
Seneca Lake, at the terminus of Crooked Lake Canal. It is a landing for the Seneca Lake steamers.
Pop. 365. The town was settled by the followers of Jemima Wilkinson, mostly from New England,
in 1788.9 Jemima was the first preacher. There are now 2 churches in town; Presb. and M. E.
Acres of Land, Valuation, Population, Dwellings, Families, Freeholders, Schools, Live
Stock, Agricultural Products, and Domestic Manufactures, of Yates County.
Names of Towns.
Barrington.
Benton
Italy ,
Jerusalem..
Middlesex ..
Milo
Potter
Starkey ,
Torrey
Total
Acres of Land.
Valuation op
1858.
Population.
21
>
1
©
Sch
1
I*
>j
1
0
eg
1
£
ft, ft.
$12,900
G
1
*
744
1
1
216
223
15
13
16,8881
5,227
$478,775
$491,675
760
305
19,496
5,009*
988,909
152,678
1,141,587
1,279
1,221
487
504
355
12
15.3121
10,156*
295,158
45,656
340,814
783
723
275
289
250
12
26.3941
8,373*
944,497
69,554
1,014,051
1,439
1,358
552
552
456
16
15,472*
6,172*
442,815
23,670
466,485
642
663
258
263
223
9
18,0264.
4,716
1,421,549
209,750
1,631,299
2,076
2228
846
610
530
14
16,612*
5,599*
652,673
KS.605
741.338
1,083
1,065
402
402
346
13
15,858i
4.062*
1,060,543
178,550
1,239,093
1,191
1,237
501
527
316
11
11.481
2,817
540,822
53,400
594,222
647
673
247
258
185
7
107
155,542*
51,134
$6,825,741
$834,823
$7,660,564
9.9i H)
9,912
3,873
3,621
2,884
if
5 s
593
797
697
1.019
457
1,674
893
914
492
7,536
Names of Towns.
Barrington..
Benton
Italy
Jerusalem..,
Middlesex ..
Milo
Potter
Starkey
Torrey
Total.
Live Stock.
I
651
924
582
1,035
620
959
750
775
477
6,773
1,024
1,249
855
1,639
880
1,008
1,186
1,061
627
9,539
q
6,351
12,381
3,848
9,047
5,918
5,394
12.203
4,999
4,686
_J5
1,110
2,025
789
1,832
1,141
1,792
1,344
1,507
1,046
Agricultural Products.
Bosh, of Grain.
12,726
27,183
6,061 1
33,554
22,582*
27,348
21.147J
22,181
19,703
,9<
00,147
117,582
20,305$
61,578*
24,0SS*
53.245*
54.053*
85,064*
54,968
7,250 64,827 12,586 193,486* 531,032$ 15,850*57,912*1143.773 717,259*
I
I
1,378
2,435*
1,827
2,801
1,522
1,392
2,046*
1,422*
1,026
%
« .3
•« a
=5 a.
6,889
8,360
5.311
7,879
3.115
6,963
3,970
11,585*
3.S40
■s.
II
11.509
34,626
5,903
14,814
7,066
15,425
21.139
23.927
9.364
Daiby Products.
'>■;
73,995
113,173
65,540
106,673
65,885
92,705*
63,423
91,299
44.566
5 °^
ft, e
1,523
6,987
23,470
8,055
8,062
2,010
5,147
4.12:;
595
59,972
3 1
230
441
925*
254
412
301
1.163
3,793^
1 Bouse Perry, and Benj., Jesse and Joshua Brown came with
the Potters and settled in the E. part of the town. They were
followed by Elias Gilbert, Jabez French, Abrani, Isaac, and Jacob
Lane, Francis and Peleg Brings, jr., Edward Craft, Amaziah
Keyes, M. Sheffield, David Southerland, Nathan and Calvin
Loomis, Abial Thomas, and George Green. The first birth was
that of Joshua Briggs; the first marriage, that of Amaziah Keyes
and a daughter of Major C. Craft, in 1795 ; and the first death, that
of James Lewis, in 1796. Arnold Potter built the first saw and
grist mill, in 1792. The first public house was opened in 1792, by
Elias Gilbert, and the first store in 1801, by JohmGriffin.
a 4 M. E„ 3 Bap., Cong., Ev. Luth., Univ., and R. C.
8 Named from John Starkey, one of the first settlers.
* The seminary building is a 4 story brick edifice. The school
is under the control of the Christian denomination.
6 William Eddy, Archibald Ellis, Jacobs, Matthew Roj'ce,
Gustin, Abner Hurd, and his son Gen. Timothy ITurd were
among the first settlers. Andrew Harrison kept the first inn, at
Eddytown, in 1808 ; and Hervey Smith the first store, at the same
place, in 1809. The first sawmill was built by Timothy Hard, iu
1807. Ehoda Royce taught the first'school, in 1809.
6 3 Tresb.. 2 M. E., Bap., and 2 Christian.
7 Named from Henry Torrey. 8 Usually called "Dresden."
9 The first settlers were Asahel Stone, Abel. Klnathan and Jo-
nathan Botsford, Benedict Robinson, Thos. Hathaway, Jededlah
Holmes, Elisha Luther, David Fish, James Brown. Robert Buck-
ley, and Eliphalet N'orris. The first marriage was that of Bene-
dict Robinson and Susannah Brown, Sept. 1, 1792; and the first
death, that of Mrs. Jedediah Holmes, in 1788. Thomas Hathaway
kept the first inn, in 17.90 ; and Eliphalet Norris the first store, in
1792. The first mills were built by Charles Williamson, in 1795
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
Abbreviations. — 6a. bay; br. brook; en. county: er. creek; h. hill; isle, bland; la. lake; In. locality or hamlet; ml. moun-
tain; p. pond; p. o. post office ; p. v. post village; r.river; t. town ; v. village.
PAGE
Aalplaats cr. 687, 597
Aaronsburgh lo. 235
Abbotsford. lo. 700
Abbotts Corners v. 291
Acabonac Harbor 634
Academy p. o. 405
Academy Hill lo. 5K7
Accord p. o. 66(1
Acra p.o. 331
Adam mt. 510
Adams p. v. 355
Adams t. 355
Adams Basin p. v. 400
Adams Center p. v. 355
Adams Hidge h. 541
Adamsville lo. 163
Adamsville p. o. 377
Addison p. v. 621
Addison t. 621
Addison Hill p. o. 621
Adirondack.. .mts. 19, 296, 300,
336
Adirondack v. Jjti'-i
Adneys h. tEO
Adriance p. o. 271
Afton p. v. 225
Afton t. 225
Akron p. v. 292
Alabama. p.o. 324
Alabama t. 324
Alabama Center v. 324
Alabama Springs 26
Albany City 156, 159
Albany co. 101, 155
Albion p.v. 513
Albion t. 520
Alden p. v. 282
Alden t. 2S1
Alden Center p. v. 2S2
Alden Station lo. 282
Alder Brook p. o. 311
Alder Creek p.v. 462
Alexander p. v. 324
Alexander t. 324
Alexandria p. o. 355
Alexandria t. 355
Alexandria Bay 355
Alfred p.o. 169
Alfred t. 169
Alfred Center p.v. 169
Allegany co. 168
Allegany mts. 19, 178, 649
Allegany p. v. 188
Allegany r. 21, 23, 186, 187.
188
Allegany t. 187
Allen p. o. 170
Allen t. 170
Allen Center p.o. 170
Aliens cr. 588
Aliens Hill p.o. 498
Alligerville v. 666
Alloway p.v. 691
Allyns cr. 401
Alma p. v. 170
Alma t. 170
Almond p.v. 170
Almond t. 170
Alpina lo. 376
Alpine p. v. 610
Alps p. v. 557
Altay p.v. 612
Alton p.v. 694
Altona t. 235
Amaganset p. v. 635
Amber p. v. 4S6
Amboy t. 520
Amboy v. 481
Amboy Center. p. v. 520
Amenia t. 269
Amenia Union p.v. 270
Ameniaville p. v. 270
American Falls 450
Ames p. v. 412
Amesville p. o. 662
Amherst t. 282
Amity p. v. 510
Amity t. 170
Amity v. 587
PAGE
Aniityville p.v. 596
Amsterdam p. v. 411
Amsterdam t. 411
Anaiiuassacook v. 684
Aiicram p.v. 243
Ancram t. 242
Aniram Lead Mines. ..p.o. 243
Andersonville p.o. 309
Andes p. v. 259
Andes t. 259
Andover p. v. 171
Andover t. 170
Andreas br. 542
Andrusville p. o. 309
Angel Cliff h. 533
Angelica cr. 168
Angelica p. v. 171
Angelica t. 171
Angells Corners lo. 691
Angelville lo. 238
Angola p.v. 2S9, 290
Annsberg lo. 245
Annsville t. 461
Annsville v. 503, 699
Ant h. 505
Anthony mt. 589
Anthonys Kil cr. 589
Anthonys Nose mt. 19, 542,
698
Antwerp p. v. 355
Antwerp t. 355
Apalachin cr. 649, 651
Apalachin p. v. 652
Appling p. o. 355
Apulia p. v. 483
Arcade v. 712
Arcadia p.v. 690
Arcadia t. 690
Argusville p.v. 604
Argyle la. 679
Argyle p. v. 679
Argyle t. 679
Aries la. 557
Arietta t. 337
Arkport p. v. 626
Arkville lo. 263
Arkwright p. o. 210
Arkwright t. 210
Arkwright Summit. ...p. o. 210
Armonk p. v. 703
Armstrong h. 690
Arnoldton p. v. 662
Arthursburgh p. o. 272
Ashbel br. 223
Ashbury v. 667
Ashford lo. 700
Ashford p. v. 188
Ashford t. 1S8
Ash Grove v. 686
Ash Grove Hill h. 674
Ashland p. v. 131
Ashland t. 131
Ash Park p.o. 189
Ashville v. 213
Aspetong h. 698
Astoria p.v. 548
Atkarton lo. 662
Athens p.v. 331
Athens t. 331
Attica p. v. 712
Attica t. 711
Attica Center p.o. 712
Attlebury p. o. 277
Auburn City 199
Augur p. 300
Augusta p. v. 462
Augusta t. 462
Aurelius p.v. 200
Aurelius t. 200
Auries cr. 407, 413
Auriesville p. v. 413
Aurora p. v. 202
Aurora t. 283
Au Sable mts. 232, 296, 302,
305. 307, 336
Au Sable....r. 21, 232. 235, 236,
238, 296, 300, 302, 303
Au Sable t. 235
Au Sable Forks. ..p. v. 236, 302
PAGE
Austerlitz p. v. 243
Austerlitz t. 243
Austin h. 541
Ava p.o. 462
Ava t. 462
Ava Corners v. 462
Avalanche la. 22, 303
Avoca p. v. 582
Avoca t. 682
Avon p. v. 382
Avon t. 382
Avon Springs 26
Ayreshire p. o. 225
Babcock Hill p. o. 463
Babylon p. v. 596
Bacon Hill p.o. 591
Bay leys br. 261
Baker cr. 170, 222
Bakers Bridge v. 169
Bakers Falls 684
Bakers Falls lo. 684
Bakers Mills p.o. 248
Bainbridge p. v. 225
Bainbridge t. 225
Baines Station v. 245
Bald mt. 295, 588, 677
Bald Eagle cr. 515
Bald Mountain p. v. 683
Baldwin cr. 220, 222
Baldwin p. v. 221
Baldwin t. 220
Bald win ville lo. 547
Baldwinsville p.v. 483, 490
Ball h. 188, 541
Ball p. 507
Ball Hill h. 188
Balls Cave lo. 606
Ballston la. 587
Balls ton p. o. 590
Ballston p. v. 587
Ballston t. 586
Ballston Center p. o. 587
Ballston Outlet cr. 590
Ballston Spa v. 590
Ballston Spring 590
Balmville lo. 509
Baltimore v. 254
Bangall p. v. 277
Bangor t. 308
Baptist Hill v. 495
Baquet mts. 336
Barberville v. 558
Barbourville p. o. 265
Barcelona p.v. 216
Bare Hill h. 720
Bargers p. 643
Barker p. o. 1S1
Barker t. 1S1
Barker Point lo. 550
Barkersville p. o. 691
Barnerville p. v. 604
Barnes h. 274
Barnes Corners p. o. 379
Barnum cr. 616
Barrack h. 569
Bane t. 513
Barre Center p. o. 514
Barrett h. 541
Barretts p. 541
Barrington p. v. 719
Barrington t. 719
Barrytown p. v. 276
Barryville p. v. 645
Barton p. v. 650
Barton t. 650
Barton Hill p. o. 606
Bashers Kil cr. 506, 641, 646
Bashville p. o. 643
Basic cr. 166, 332
Basket cr. 645
Basket lo. 645
Basket p. 645
Basket Pond br. 261
Bassitt mt, 302
Batavia p.v. 324
Batavia t. 324
Batavia Kil. ..263. 264. 331,334
Batavia Kill lo. 264
I'A'.K
Batchelcrville p. v. 588
Until isle 450
Bath p. v. 622
Bath t. ('.22
liatb v. 373, 557
Bating Hollow p. o, 687
Batten Kil
Mattel, ville p.v. 683
Baxters br. 201
Bay HlutT lo. 691
Bay Itidge v. 373
Bay Bide lo. 546
Bay \ i' xv p.o. 567
Beach Hidge p.o. 455
Beacon Mill mt. 19
Beacrofts mt. 245
Bean h. 407,413
Beanville v. 176
Bear cr. 216, 688, 682
Bear la. 216
Bear mt. 19, 4S6, 505, 507
Beards cr. 381, 384
Beardsley cr. 222
Bear Kil 265
Bearsville p. o. 668
Bear Swamp br. 204
Bear Trap cr. 487
Bearytown v. 615, 618
Beaver cr. 223, 388, 491, 497
Beaver isle 279
Beaver la. 190
Beaver p. 704
Beaver r. 375, 376
Beaver Brook p.o. 648
Beaver Dam cr. 164, 591
Beaver Dams p.v. 611
Beaver Kil 260, 261, 641, 647,
663
Beaver Kill p.o. 647
Beckers Corners lo. 163
Bedford lo. 367
Bedford p. v. 698
Bedford t. 698
Bedford Station p.o. 698
Bedloes isle 418, 419
Beechers cr. 588
Beechers Hollow v. 588
Beechwood Cemetery.... lo. 703
Beech Woods p.o. 644
Beekman p. o. 270
Beekman t. 270
Beekman Furnace Jo. 270
Beekmans Corners lo. 607
Beekmantown p.o. 236
Beekmantown t. 236
Beekmantown v. 702
Beekmanville v. 270
Beer cr. 668
Beer Kil 668
Beers Settlement v. 656
Belcher p. v. 684.
Belle Isle p. v. 481
Belfast p. v. 171
Belfast t. 171
Belfort lo. 376
Belgium v. 4sl
Belleville p. v. 357
Bellmont t. 309
Bellona v. 119
Bellows la. 317
Bellport p. v. 634
Bellport Bay 633. 634
Bellvale mts. 501, 510
Bellvale p. v. 510
Belvidere p. v. 170
Bemis Heights p. o. 593
Benin Water p. 507
Bennett b. 164
Bennetts.. .cr. 225, 622. 623. 628
Bennetts p. 303
Bennettsburgh p. v. 611
Bennetts Corners p. o. 392
Bennetts Creek p.o. 623
Bennettsville p. v. 2.5
Bennington p. o. 712
Bennington t. 712
Bennington Center v. 712
Benson p.o. 338
Benson Center p.o. 338
723
724
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Bensons Corner* lo. 657
Bcntley p. o. 567
Benton p. o. 719
Benton t. 719
Benton Center p. v. 719
Bergen p. o. 325
Bergen t. 325
Bergen Corners lo. 325
Ben.holtz p. v. 456
Berkshire p. v. 650
Berkshire t. 650
Berlin. p. v. 554
Berlin- t. 554
Bern p. o. 162
Beni t. 162
BernlmrJs Bay p. v. 520
Bernville 162
Berriens isle 548
Bethany p. o. 325
Bethany t. 325
Bethany Center lo. 325
Bethel p. v. 643
Bethel t. 643
Bethel v. 346
Bethlehem t. 163
Bethlehem v. 505
Bethlehem Center p.o. 163
Bethphage lo. 551
Betts Corners v. 484
Big isle 541
Big la. 684
Big p. 506, 647
Big Alder cr. 377
Big Bowmans p. 55S
Big Bn> >k p. o. 471
Big Buffalo cr. 284, 290, 293
Big Choconut er. 179
Big Clear la. 311
Big Creek p. o. 625
Bigelow cr. 325, 327
Big Rata p. v. 220
Big Flats t. 220
Big h. 541
Big II'llow p. v. 335
Big Red cr- 6S8
Big Salmon cr. 202
Big Sister cr. 279, 290
Big Stream cr. 719,721
B . Stream Point p.o. 721
Big Tr-e Corners p. o. 291
Big Trout cr. 261
Bit- Wells p. 643
Bill h. 510
Bill Whites h. 510
Bingh nut >n p. v. 180
Bl IghamtOn t. 1*0.649
Birch hr. 542
Birch cr. 579
Btri h Ridge p. 643
Birdaall p.o. 172
Btrdaall t. 171
Birdsall Center p.o. 172
Birmingham lo. 3oo
Birmingham Falls 235
Birmingham Falls lo. 800
Birmingham Falls v. 235
la. 840
Black br. 406,497,660, 678
Black I 168, 1T1.
17
101, 521, 6«
Black Ja. 23,57-
Black Jnt. 295, 601
I'.l'i k p. 271
Black. ..r. 21. 2J. 861,
:;■ 1 77,.;70,458.
Black Br.i-.k p. ?
Black Hr.K.k _ t
I rr...-k p. v. 17'.
p fa
Bl ick I. >k<. p
: Meadow cr. i- 1
Bla/kmine Ridge nit
Black liiv.-r !.«■
Black River p. •
Black River v. 359
Black Rock fa
I Rock p
Bl u k Top h. 607
Blaek Walnut Inland. ..I". (10
Blackwelii fade 4!-
Blancharda Settlement 1
Ulniv.ltvill.. lo, 671
Bleerk-r p. t. 316
Bleecker t. 316
PACE
Blenheim t. 603
Blind hr. 700
Blind p. 645
Blind Sodas Bay.. 206, 6S8, 695
Hlockville p. v. 213
Blodgets Mills p. o. 252
Bloods lo. 624
Bloodville v. 590
Bloody p. 255
Bloody Pond p. 673
Bloomingburgh p. v. 646
Bloomingdale lo. 419
Bloomingdale.. p.o. 304
Blooming Groye .p. o. 504
Blooming Grove t. 504
Blooming Qrovfl v. 504
Blooming View v. 567
Bloomville p. v. 262
Blossvale p. o. 462
Blue br. 462
Blue Point p.o. 634
Blue Ridge mts. 19
Blue Store lo. 248
Bluff Point lo. 719
Bluff Point p. o. 720
Boat br. 720
Bog Meadow br. 593
Bog Meadow cr. 505
Bog Meadow p. 505
Boght p. o. 166
Bolivar p. y. 172
Bolivar t. 172
Bolton p.o. 673
Bolton t. 673
Bolts Corners lo. 204
Bombay t. 309
Bombay Corners p. o. 809
Bonaparte la. 376
Bene Run cr. 186
Bonny Hill p.o. 627
Eoonville p. v. 462
Boonville t. 462
Booth p. o. 348
Bonnet. ..mt. 295, 301, 302. 304
Boquet r. 296, 301, 305
Boquet v. 301
Borden cr. 624, 626
Boreas p. 304
Boretontown lo. 705
Borodino p. v. 487
Boston p. v. 2S3 I
Boston t. 28.3
Boston Center v. 283
Boston Corner p. o. 243
Bosworth mt. 300
Boncks Falls 605
Bouckville p. v. 392
Bovina p. v. 260
Bovina t. 259
Bowens cr. 324
Bowery cr. 332
Bowery Bay 544
Bowling Green lo. 443
Bowmans cr. 412
Bowmansville p. v. 291
Boyer cr. 655
Boy] ton p. o. 521
Boylston i. 521
Boynton v. 558
Bozon Kil cr. 164, 596
Brackel cr. 2!
Braddocka be, 895
Bradford p. v. 622
Bradford t. 622
Brad! y i p. 182
; Ri Krrolr. la. 890
I
I illago lo. 4:n'.
Bl I* p. v. 557
Brekabeen.. p. v. 806
ilrnmnni foment p, \. 696
Brnnrh br. 687
Brnnrh|.ort p. v. 720
n t. 809
Brandt p. v. ■;<:
Brnndt t. 2*:;
Ilrnndy rr :<!•>
Brfttit! - la. t.74
Brantingbam la. 877
P.ratitinghnm p
Brasher t. 575
Brasher Canter lo. 575
Brasher Fall* p. v. •7.-,
1 [ran Works, !
Rrcnd <-r. 2o1
Bp-nkneck br. '4:
Breakneck mt. 19, 640, 512
PAGE
Breakneck v. 542
Breesport p. v. 222
Brewerton p. v. 481
Brewsters Station p. v. 543
Brickville v. 221
Bridge Haven lo. 547
Bridgehampton p. v. 638
Bridgeport p. y. 394
Bridgeville v. 647
Bridgewater p. v. 463
Bridgewater t. 462
Brier Hill p.o. 580
Brighton p. o. 215
Brighton p. v. 398
Brighton t. 113, 398
Brighton v. 537
Brinkerhoffville lo. 272
Brink Street cr. 332
Bristol p. o. 495
Bristol t. 495
Bristol Center p. v. 495
Broadalbin p. o. 316
Broadalbin t. 316
Broadhead p. 645
Brocken Straw cr. 211
Brocketts Bridge p. v. 346
Brockport p. v. 405
Brockton p. o. 215
Brock ville lo. 515
Brockway h. 559
Bronx r. 23. 696, 699, 700,
702, 703, 705, 706, 707
Bronxdale y. 706
Bronxville p. v. 699
Brookfield lo. 547
Brookfield p. 0. 390
Brookfield t. 390
Brookhaven t. 633
Brooklyn p. 0. 367
Brooklyn City 367
Brooklyn Heights lo. 367
Brooks Grove p. v. 385
Brookville lo. 551
Brookville p. 0. 324
Broome co. 178
Broome t. 603
Broome Center p. o. 605
Brown cr. 387
Browns cr. 340
Browns Hollow cr. 349
Browns Hollow v. 416
Brownvillo lo. 496
Brownville p. v. 356
Brownville t. 356
Bruceville v. 664, 666
Brunswick. t. 554
Brunswick Center lo. 554
Bnishs Mills p. v. 312
Brush Hollow lo. 543
Brushland p. v. 260
Brutus t 200
Bruvnswick p. o. 667
Bnchan h. 569
Buck br. 223
Buck mt. 681
Buck p. 395
Buckhorn .isle 279, 449
Buckling Corners v. 213
Bucks Bridge lo. 582
Biicktoolh cr. 188
Bucktootfa p. o. 188
Bncktooth t. 18S
Bnel p. v. 412
Bnena Vista p. o. 626
llii(T.ilr...cr. 20. 22, 279. 293. 714
Buffalo p. o. 284
Buffalo City 284
Buffalo Plains p. o. 284
Bull h. 542
Bull Hill mt. 19
Bull Pout p. 304
Bulls Head p.o. 270
Bullville p. v. 508
Bulson b. 569
Bunker h. 559
Bunker Hill lo. 659
Burdens Point lo. 703
Burdett p. v. 611
Burdick Settlement v. 227
Hurlingbam p. v. 646
Burlington p. o. 532
Burlington t. 581
Burlington Flats p. v. 532
Burlington Qreen v. 682
Burke p.o. 809
Burke t. 309
Burke Hollow v. 309
PAGE
Burned h. 507, 541
Burns p. v. 172
Burns t. 172
Burns v. 625
Burnt Hill p. 647
Burnt Hills p. v. 5S7
Burpos Corners lo. 699
Burralls br. 491, 498
Burrs Mills p.o. 362
Burtonsville p. y. 413
Bush cr. 175
Bush Kil 263, 641
Bushnells Basin p. y. 401
Bushnellsville p. o. 331
Bush ville lo. 325
Bushwick cr. 367
Bushwick Cross Roads. ..v. 367
Bushwick Green v. 367
Buskirks Bridge...p. v. 556, 679
Busti p.o. 210
Busti t. 210
Busti Corners v. 210
Butler br. 386
Butler h. 505
Butler t. 690
Butler Center lo. 691
Butterfly cr. 523
Butterfly p. o. 523
Butter Hill mt. 19
Buttermilk cr. 186
Buttermilk h. 702
BuWermilk p. 273, 300
Buttermilk Falls 326, 505
Buttermilk Falls lo. 326
Buttermilk Falls p. v. 505
Butternut cr. 474,
481, 4S4, 530, 532, 533, 535
Butternut h. 559
Butternut p. 300
Butternuts p. o. 532
Butternuts ...t. 532
Butterville lo. 665
Buttonwood ..cr. 395
Byersville p. v. 387
Byram la. 698
Byram p. 703
Byram r. 23, 696, 703
Byron p. v. 325
Byron t. 325
Cabin cr. 334
Cabin Hill p.o. 259
Cadiz p. v. 190
Cadmans cr. 591
Cadosia Valley p.o. 262
Cadyville p. v. 239
Cairo p. v. 331
Cairo t. 331
Cairo Forge lo. 331
Calder cr. 387
Caldwell cr. 416
Caldwell p. v. 673
Caldwell t. 673
Caldwells Landing lo. 377
Caledonia p. v. 383
Caledonia. t. 383
Caledonia Spring 383
Caledonia Springs Outlet
cr. 405
California lo. 482^656
< 'allanans. Corners p. v. 163
Callicoon cr. 641, 644
Callicoon p. o 644
Callicoon t. 644
Callicoon Center v. 644
Callicoon Depot p. v. 644
Calvary Cemetery lo. 549
Cambria p.o. 453
Cambria t. 453
Cambridge p. v. 680
Cambridge t. 680
I 'linden p. v. 468
Camden t. 463
Cameron p. v. 623
Cameron t. 623
Cameron Mills p.o. 627
Camillus p. v. 481
Camillas t. 480
Campbell t. 623
Campbell Hall lo. 507
Campbells cr. 622
Campbelltown p. v. 623
Campbellvillo p. v. 273
in nips cr. 534
CampvQle p. v. ,652
Canaan p. o. 243
Canaan t. 243
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAfiE
Canaan Four Corners..p. v. 24.'?
Canacadea or. 619, 626
Canada lo. 201
Canadawav or. 208, 210, 214
Canadice... la. 20, 495
Canadice t, 495
Canadice Corners p. o. 495
Canadice Inlet or. 495
Canadice Outlet cr. 491
Cannjoharie cr. 407, 412
Cannjoharie p. v. 412
Canajoharie t. 412
Canal p. a 490
Canandalgaa la. 20, 22, 491,
717, 720
Canandaigua p. v. 495
Canandaigua t. 495
Canandaigua Inlet cr. 497
Canandaigua Outlet cr. 21,
491, 497, 088, 691
Canarsie p. o. 372
Canasawacta cr. 223
Canaseraga cr. 20, 168, 381,
385. 386, 388, 394, 619
Canaseraga p. v. 172
Canaseraga v. 394
Canastota cr. 38S, 394
Canastota p. v. 392
Candor p. v. 651
Candor t. 651
Candor Center v. 651
Caneadea cr. 168, 172, 479
Caneadea p. v. 172
Caneadea t. 172
Canes Falls v. 681
Canfield p. 647
Canfiekls Corners p. 0.-651
Canisteo p. v. 623
Canisteo r. 21, 23. 168, 170,
619, 623, 625, 626, 627
Canisteo t. 623
Cannonsville p. v. 266
Canoe h. 277
Canoe Place lo. 638
Canoga p. v. 615
Canopus cr. 542
Canopns 1. 540
Canopus Lake cr. 543
Canopus Valley lo. 540
Canterbury v. 504
Canton p. v. 575
Canton t. 575
Canton v. 490
Cap isle 636
Cape b. 507
Cape Vincent p. v. 356
Cape Vincent t. 356
Cap Tree isle 636
Cardiff p. v. 483
Carlisle p. v. 604
Carlisle t. 603
Carl Place lo. 550
Carlton isle 356
Carlton p. o. 514
Carlton t. 514
Carlton Center lo. 514
Carmansville lo. 419
Carmel p. v. 541
Carmel t. 541
Caroga t. 317
Caroline p. o. 655
Caroline t. 655
Caroline Center p. v. 655
Carpenter h. 277
Carpenters p. 486
Carpenters Point lo. 506
Carroll t. 211
Carrolton t. 188
Carrs cr. 264
Carterville p. v. 521
Cartersville v. 401
Carthage p. v. 363
Carthage Landing p. v. 272
Carvtown lo. 413
Caryville lo. 327
Cascadilla cr. 654
Casper cr. 267
Cassadaga cr. 212, 213, 214,
216
Cassadaga la. 216
Cassadaga p. v. 216
Cassville p. v. 466
Castile p. v. 712
Castile t. 712
Castle br. 491, 498
Castle cr. 179, 181
PAfiF.
Castle Male 168
Castle Creek p. v. 181
Castleton p. v. 559
Castleton t. 565
Castleton v. 498
Catatunk cr. 649, 851, 652
Catfish cr. 351, 523
Catharine cr. 219, 222
Catharines cr. 609, 610
Catharines p. v. 610
Catharines t. 009
Cathatachua cr. 340
Cat Head h. 673
Catlin la. 303
Catlin t. 220
Catlin Center p.o. 221
Cato p. v. 201
Cato t. 201
Caton p.v. 623
Caton t. 623
Catskill...cr. 156,165,329, 331,
332, 600, 603
Catskill. ..mts. 19, 329, 331, 660
Catskill p.v. 332
Catskill t. 332
Cattaraugus. ..co. 101, 103, 186
Cattaraugus cr. 20, 22, 186,
187,189,194.213,279,283,
289, 292, 712. 714
Cattaraugus la. 22, 714
Cattaraugus p. v. 193
Cauglmawaga lo. 407
Caughdenoy p. v. 522
Cayadutta cr. 314. 407, 415
Ca'vuga br. 200
Cayuga co. 101, 197
Cayuga cr. 451, 456,712
Cayuga isle 449
Cayuga la. 20, 22, 197, 198,
200, 205, 614, 616
Cayuga p. v. 200
Cayuga Inlet cr. 654
Cayuga Outlet cr. 197
Cayuta....cr. 219, 222, 609, 610,
649, 650
Cayuta la. 609
Cayuta p.o. 222
Cayuta t. 610
Cayuta v. 610
Cavutaville p. o. 611
Cuzenove cr. 2S3, 289, 293
Cazenovia la. 22, 388
Cazenovia p. v. 390
Cazenovia t. 390
Cedar cr. 578
Cedar h. 507,510
Cedar p. 507
Cedar r. 339
Cedar Hill lo. 276
Cedar Hill p.o. 163
Cedar Island isle 635
Cedar Lake p. o. 345
Cedar Swamp p. o. 551
Cedarville p. v. 342
Cemetery of the Ever-
greens lo. 549
Center br. 536
Center cr. 686
Center Almond p. o. 170
Center Berlin p.v. 554
Center Brook :..p. o. 536
Center Cambridge p.v. 680
Center Canisteo p. o. 623
Center Falls v. 683
Centerfleld p. o. 495
Center Island lo. 550
Center Lisle p. v. 182
Center Moriches p.o. 634
Center Point p.o. 507
Centerport p.v. 636
Centerport v. 203
Centerport Harbor 636
Center Shermau p. o. 215
Center Square v. 526
Center Village p. v. 181
Centerville lo. 332, 548, 566,
706
Centerville p. v. 172
Centerville t. 172
Centerville v. 203, 215. 238,
481, 624, 661, 664
Center White Creek ...p. o. 686
Central Bridge ?.p. v. 606
Central Morrisania lo. 707
Central Park lo. 423
Central Square p.v. 522
r\iE
Ceres p. v. 174
Chain la. 303
Champion p. v. 357
Champion t. 357
Champion South Road..p.o. 857
Champlain...la. 21, 22, 28, 121,
232. 230, 237, 239, 296, 804
Chatnplain p. v. 237
Chain plain r. 236
Champlain t. 236
Channingville lo. 274
Chapinville p. v. 496
Chappaqua h. 702
Chappaa.ua p. 702-
Chappaqua p. o. 702
Chappaqua Springs 000, 702
Charleston p.v. 413
Charleston t. 412
Charleston Four Corners
p.v. 413
Charlotte la. 241,245
Charlotte lo. 454
Charlotte p.v. 399
Charlotte... r. 21, 257, 260, 262,
530, 600, 607
Charlotte t. 211
Charlotte Center p. v. 211
Charlotteville p.v. 607
Charlton p.v. 587
Charlton t. 587
Charter br. 685
Chases la. 316,379
Chases Mills p. o. 579
Chasevillc p. o. 534
Chateaugav p. v. 310
Chateaugay r. 307, 309, 310
Chateaugav t. 310
Chateaugav Lake p. o. 309
Chatham p. v. 244
Chatham t. 244
Chatham Center p. v. 244
Chatham Four Corners
p.v. 244
Chatsworth lo. 701
Chatterdens p. 252
Chatterton h. 707
Chaugh-ta-noon-da cr. 597
Chaumont p. v. 359
Chaumont r. 357, 360
Chaumont Bay 124, 352, 359
Chautauqua co. 101, 208
Chautauqua cr. 211. 216
Chautauqua la. 22. 208, 211,
213
Chautauqua t. 211
Chautauqua Valley p. o. 174
Chazy la. 237
Chazy lo. 235, 682
Chazv p. v. 237
Chazy r. 21.23,237. 238
Chazy-. t. 237
Chazv Landing lo. 237
Cheese Coats h. 569
Chekomiko cr. 273
Chelsea v. 566
Chemung co. 219
Chemung p. o. 221
Chemung r. 21. 23. 219. 221,
222, 624, 625
Chemung t. 221
Chemung Center p.o. 221
Chenango co. 101, 223
Chenango p. o. 181
Chenango...r. 21, 23. 178. 223.
226, 228, 229, 230, 388, 458
Chenango t. 181
Chenango Forks, .p. v. 181, 226
Cheningo cr. 250
Chenunda cr. 168,174
Cherry Creek p.v. 211
Cherry Creek t. 211
Cherry Hill lo. 163
Cherry Meadow br. 641
Cherry Valley cr. 530, 534
Cherry Valley p.v. 532
Cherry Valley t. 532
Cherubusco p. o. 237
Cheshire p.v. 495
Cheshireville p. o. 229
Chester p. o. 505
Chester t. 605, 674
Chester v. 505
Chesterfield t. 300
Chestertown p. v. 674
Chesterville v. 167
Chestnut Kidge h. 289
PAIR
Chestnut Ridge p. 043
Chestnut Ridge p.o. 271
Chlcktawauga p.o. 288
Chlcktawauga t. 288
Chili p, v. 398
Chill t.
Chimney Isle 574
Chimney Bluff lo. 691
1 Ihimney Point -77
China p. " 712
China t. 712
< iiin.i Forge p. 5 n
Chippewa cr. 580
Chippewa lo. 577
Chittenango...cr. 388, 390, 474.
1-1
Chlttenango p. v. 394
Chittenango Falls p.o. 390
Chittenango Springs 26
Chittenango Springs lo. 394
ChittcnuVns Fulls v. 248
Christian Hook lo. 547
Chub ]a. 349
Chucks h. 510
Chuctenunda cr. 314, 407,
411, 413, 596
Church Hollow p.o. 226
Churchs Mills v. 210
Churchtown p. v. 244
Churchville p. v. 401
Cicero p. o. 481
Cicero t. 481
Cicero Corners v. 4^1
Cincinnati cr. 4>>7
Cincinnatus p. v. 251
Cincinnatus t. 251
Circleville p. v. 510
Citizens Union Cemetery
lo. 371
City isle 704
City p. o. 270
City Park lo. 369
Clapps Mills v. 685
Claremont Io. 702, 707
Clarence p.o. 2S9
Clarence t. 28S
Clarence Center p.v. 289
Clarence Hollow v. 289
Clarenceville lo. 548
Clarendon p. v. 514
Clarendon t. 514
Clark mt. 302
Clarksburgh p. o. 290
Clarks Corners ..: lo. 590
Clarks Factory p. o.«263
Clarks Mills v. 464
Clarkson p.v. 399
Clarkson t. 398
Clarkson Center p. v. 405
Clarkstown p. 0. 569
Clarkstown t. 569
Clarksville p. v. 164
Clarksville t. 173
Clarksvillcv. 200, 390, 534, 569
Clarksville Corners v. 173
Claryville p. v. 647
Classons Point lo. 706
Claverack..cr. 241. 244. 245, 247.
248
Claverack p. v. 244
Claverack t. 244
Clay p. 0. 481
Clay t. 481
Clay burgh v. 236
Clayton p. v. 357
Clayton t. 357
Clayton Center p. o. 357
Clayville p. v. 466
Clear cr. 190. 212, 289. 712
Clear la. 190
Clear p. 304,543
Clear Creek p.v. 189, 212
Clearwater br. 260
Clendening Valley lo. 418
Clermont p. v. 244
Clermont t. 244
Cleveland p. v. 521
Clifton p. v. 398
Clifton v. 566
Clifton Springs p. v. 497
Clifton Pars; p. v. 587, 589
Clifton Park. t. 587
Clinton co. 110. 232
Clinton p. v. 404
Clinton t. 237
Clinton Corners p.v. 270
20
INDEX 01 GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAOE
Clintondale p. v. 665
Clinton Hollow p. v. 270
Clinton Point p. o. 270
Clintonville lo. 4*5, 533
Clintonville p. v. 235
Clockvillc p. v. 392
Clove br. 261
Clove cr. 542
Cluve lo. 607
Clove p. o. 277
Clove Kil 277
Cloveevflle p.o. i
Clowes ville lo. 550
Clump Foot cr. 621
Clyde p. v. 691
Clyde r. 21, 613. 688. 691
Clvmer p. v. 211
Clymer t. 211
Clvmer Center p. o. 212
Cobamong p. 703
Cobk- Kil 600, 606
Cobleskill p. v. 604
Cobleskill t. 604
Cobleskill Center p. v. 604
Cochecton p. v. 644
Cochecton t. 644
Cochecton Center p. o. 644
Cockburns Gore.- lo. 263
Coeclis Harbor ba. 637
Coeyraans hr. 164
Coeymans cr. 155, 163
Coeymans p. o. 163
Coeymans t. 163
Coeymans Hollow p. o. 163
Coevmans Landing v. 163
Cohoes p. v. 166
Coila p. v. 684
Colchester p.o. 260
Colch-->tT t. 260
Col<i...br. 223, 250. 253, 254. 593
Cold cr. 174. 713
Cold b. 505
Cold Brook p. v. 348
Cold Creek v. 174
Coldon la. 22,302
n p. v. 289
i t. 289
Coldenbain lo. 508
Coldenham p. o. 508
Cold Spring br. 201
Cold Spring cr. 186, 188, 628
Cold Spring....Jo. 454. 499. 028
Gold Spring p. v. 542
Cold Spring t. 188
CohLSpring _ v. 636
Cold Spring Harbor ...644, 636
Cold Spring Harbor. ..p. o. 636
l« iter lo. 399
Cole _ br. 377, 588
Ooiemani MilN lo. 471
-■ Hon lo. 273
- br. 260
.•li lo. 558
- Mills In. Ml
Colenvjlle p. o. 181
rill- t. 18]
Oollatvnr h. 506, 569
Collaburgh p.o. 506
OoilaflM r _ p. o. 482
College Point p. v. 546
Colli.-rTillo p. a
Collins p. t
Collins t. 289
Collin* Cantor p. v. 289
Collins Landing lo. 360
(Mlinsvilla p. *
Mills cr
MS p.v
n p. v
. nbia co. 101. L08, '-'11
imbla p. a
Colombia *
Odu- r v. 342
'.,'9
mMavflle I
imbos p. a
mbas t. 472
mbw Center i
Columbuavill" lo. 549
Oomac v. 636
Oomack p. ■ •
Comfort h. 506, 508
OommonKville v
■ 'linstocks landing.. .p o. 1-7
Comas mt. Ml
PAGE
Concord t. 289
' Conesus cr. 20, 381
j Conesus la. 20, 381
■ Conesus p. o. 383
J Conesus t. 3S3
: CODesus Center p. v. 383
Coneaville p. o. 604
' Conesville t. 604
Coney _ isle 372
Conhocton p.o. 624
ConhoctoD r. 21.
23, 386, 619. 622. i'2o
Conhocton t. 624
Conklin lo. 182
Conklin t. 1*1
Conklin Center p. v. 182
Conklings br. 4S3
Conklingville v. 589
Conklingville Falls lo. 584
Connecticut r. 631, 633
Counery p. 303
Connetquot r. 636
Connewango cr. 23,
186, 189, 208, 210, 211, 214
Connewango p.o. 189
Connewango t. 1S9
Conquest p. o. 201
Conquest t. 201
Conquest Center v. 201
Conscience Bay 633
Constable t. 310
Constable v. 310
: Constableville p. v. 380
j Constantia t. 521
! Constantia Center p. o. 521
Constitution isle 540, 542
Continental Village v. 542
Cooksburgh p. o. 165
Cooks Corners p. v. 393
Cool eys Point lo. 616
Coomer p. o. 454
Coonsville lo. 497
Coopers Falls lo. 576
Coopers Flains p. v. 625
Cooperstown p.v. 536
Coopersville v. 237, 385
Copake la. 241, 245
Copake p. o. 245
Copake t. 244
Copake Flats v. 245
Copake Iron Works... p. o. 245
Copake Station v. 245
Copeland h. 164
Copeland p. 681
Copenhagen p. v. 376
Copperas p. 305
Coram p. o. 634
Corbeau cr. 237
Corbetsville p. o. 182
Corfu p. o. 327
Corinth p. o. 218
Corinth t. 218
Corlaers Hook lo. 419
Corning p. v. 624
Corning t. 624
Cortland co. 250
Cortland Village p. v. 252
CortlandTille... t 252
Cortlandt t. 698
Cortrlght br. 204
''..rnwiill p. o. 505
Corn wall t. 505
Coin If all I-anding v. 505
Cornwallville p. v. 832
rv,rry* _ br. 596
Coxhaqua cr. :.
Cos«ayiina
una
......III!
C.t _.... ;
p.o. 189
br. 259
eck
Coventry y-
Coventry
Ooveotryvflle p. v. 226
Covert i
Coverl
Coverall lo. 591
rv,vii*
Covington |
Coving' t. 713
Covington Center v. 71:;
I n
Cowavlon p
Cow Bay b:/>
PAGE
Cow Xeck lo. 549
Cowilliga cr. 407, 413
Cowlesville p. v. 712
Coxcomb h. 510
Coxsackie cr. 332
Coxsaclde p. v. 332
Coxsackie t. 332
Coxsackie Landing lo. 332
Coxsackie Station lo. 249
Crab isle 239
j Crabbs Kil 597
Craigsville p.v. 504
J Crains Corners lo. 349
Cranberry cr. 23. 314, 318
Cranberry la. 22, 376, 572,
576
Cranberry p. 395, 505, 543
Cranberry Creek p. o. 318
Cranberry Island lo. 510
Crandalls p. 252
Crandalls Corners lo. 681
Crane cr. 200
Crane mt. 19, 610, 615
Cranes Neck lo. 633
Cranes Village lo. 590
Cranesville p. v. 412
Crarys Mills p. o. 575
Crawford t. 506
Crawford Settlement v. 611
Crescent p. v. 589
Cripplebush Kil. cr. 600
Crittenden p. o. 282
Crocker cr. 182
Crofts Corners v. 543
Croghan p. o. 376
Croghan t. 376
Cromlin cr. 504
Crompond lo. 708
Crouks Corners p.o. 379
Crooked cr. 326
Crooked la. 20, 22, 558, 619,
627, 717, 719, 720
Crooked Lake Outlet. ...cr. 717
Cropseyville p. o. 554
Crosby cr. 626
Crosbyville p.v. 623
Cross la. 201, 474, 4S2
Cross p. 701
Cross r. 698, 705
Cross River p.v. 701
Croton cr. 261
Croton la. 542, 702, 706
Croton p. v. 261
Croton r. 267, 273, 696, 698,
701, 703, 706, 708
Croton v. 699
Croton Falls p.v. 704, 706
Croton Landing p.o. 699
Croton Point v. 699
Crouse Store p.o. 277
Crown Point 121
Crown Point p.v. 301
Crown Point.- t. 300
Crow cr. 712
Crow Nest mt. 19. 505
Crugers lo. 699
Crum cr. 416
Crum Klbow...cr. 267, 270. 272
Crum Elbow p.o. 274
Crumhorn la, 534
Crumhorn mt. 534
Cmso p. o. <H7
Crusoe cr. BOS
Crusoe la. 693
Coders <r. lr.s. 174
• il la. 702, 703
Cuba p.v. 173
Cuba t. 173
Bnnunil lo. 178
Cnddebackville p. v. 606
Cumberland Bay
Cumberland Bead lo. 239
Curri'-r^ Corners lo. 714
Coirytuwii v. 416
Cnrtis Station I... 623
Cntcnogne p. v. 640
f'uvl'T p.v. 255
r t. 256
Cuyl.Tvillc p.v. 384
Cj press h. 549
-« Avenue lo. 648
rM,re.«n Hills h. 549
Cypress Bills to, .';7:t
Cypress Hills Cemetery Jo. 549
Da-de-nos<a-ra cr. 575
Dalla p. 303
PAGE
Dale p. 0. 714
Danby p. v. 656
Danby t. 656
Dannemora p.v. 238
Dannemora t. 237
Dansville p.v. 3S5
Dansville t. 624
Danube p. o. 343
Danube t. 342
Darien p. o. 326
Darien t. 320
Darien Center p.v. 326
Darien City lo. 326
Dashville v. 662
Davenport p. v. 260
Davenport t. 260
Davenport Center p. v. 260
Davenport Corners v. 542
Davenports Neck lo. 703
Davids isle 703
Davis cr. 688, 692
Davis p. 647
Daws Cornerslo 326,686
Day p.o. 588
Day t. 588
DayansvUle v. 378
Dayton p.v. 275
Davton t. 275
Dead cr. 682
Dead la. 684
Dead Water Iron Works
p.o. 304
Deans Corners p.o. 591
Deansville p. v. 465
Decatur p. v. 533
Decatur t. 532
Decker h. 510
Deep Clove Kil cr. 334
Deepi Kil cr. 556
Deep Spring 484
Deer cr. 168, 173, 527, 6S8,
692
Deer h. 505
Deer 1. 339
Deer r. 307, 308, 309. 310,
375, 376, 377, 572, 575, 578
Deer River p.v. 376
Deerfield p.o. 463
Deerfield t. 463
Deerfield Corners v. 463
Deering Harbor 637
Deer Park p.v. 636
Deerpark t. 506
Defiance mt. 295, 304, 677
De Forest Corners lo. 543
Defriestville p. v. 557
De Kalb p. v. 576
De Kalb t. 576
De Lancy p.o. 390
Delanti v. 216
Delaware co. 101, 257
Delaware cr. 2S3, 290
Delaware r. 21. 23. 178. 257,
259, 260, 263, 265, 641
Delaware Bridge p.o. 648
Delhi p. v. 261
Delhi t. 260
Delphi p.v. 486
Delta p. v. 465
Doming h. 3*2
Denman Hill mt. 647
Denmark p. v. 376
Denmark t. 376
Di nning p.o. 662
Denning t. 662
Dennis h. 319
Iti nnison p.o. 344
Dennisons Corners lo. 344
I lent 'in v. 511
Depattville p. v. 357
De Peyster p. o. 576
De Peyster t. 576
De Pi vster Corners v. 576
Deposit p.v. 183, 265
De Kuvter p. v. 390
De Bnyter t. 390
Devereaux v. 348
li" Witt p.o. 482
De Witt t. 481
Dewittsville lo. 662
De Wittvillo p.v. 211
Dexter p. v. 356
Dexterville lo. 212
Diameter Rock mt. 677
Diamond Hill v. 348
Diamond Rock h. 556
Diana p.o. 376
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
727
PAOK
Diana t. 376
Diana Center p. o. 376
Dickersonville p. o. 454
Dickinson p. o. 310
Dickinson t. 310
Dickinson Center p.o. 310
Dickinson Station lo. 265
Dike cr. 168
Dionondahowa Falls 680
Discovery mt. 296, 802
Ditch cr. 605
Dix mt. 295
Dix t. 611
Dix Hills p.o. 636
Dix Peak mt. 19, 304
Doaneshurgh lo. 543
Dobbs Ferry p. v. 700
Dodges cr. 168, 173, 186
Dominies Hook lo. 419
Doolittle cr. 651
Doravillo p. o. 183
Dormansville p.o. 163
Dorrs Corners lo. 686
Dosoris lo. 551
Dotys Corners p.o. 625
Dover p. o. 271
Dover t. 270
Dover Plains v. 271
Downs br. 260
Downsville p. v. 260
Dresden t. 680
Dresserville p. v. 204
Drew h. 541
Drews p. 541
Drowned Lands ...lo. 501
Drunimonds br. 590
Dry br. 252, 663
Dry Brook lo. 663
Dry Brook Settlement. ..lo. 263
Dryden la. 656
Dryden p. v. 656
Dryden t. 656
Dry Dock p.o. 587
Dry Falls 203
Dry Run cr. 623
Duane p.o. 310
Duane t. 310
Duanesburgh p. v. 596
Duanesburgh t. 596
Dublin v. 615
Duck p. 201
Duck Cedar p. 507
Dudley cr. 182
Dug Way p. o. 520
Dumpling h. 398
Dunbarton v. 479
Dundee p. v. 721
Dunderbergh mt. 569
Dunhams Basin v. 685
Dunkirk p. v. 214
Dunning Street v. 590
Dunnsville p. o. 164
Durham p. v. 332
Durham t. 332
Durhamville p. v. 392, 479
Durkeetown lo. 682
Dutch p. 647
Dutchess, .co. 101, 103, 110, 267
Dutch Factory lo. 569
Dutch Hills lo. 549
Dutch Hollow br. 204
Dutch Hollow v. 510
Dutch Settlement lo. 664
Dwaars Kil 506, 587, 667
Dwaars Kill p.o. 667
Dyers Neck lo. 633
Dyersville v. 256
Dyke cr. 169, 171
Dykemans p. o. 543
Dykemans Station lo. 543
Eagle la. 713
Eagle p. o. 713
Eagle t. 713
Eagle Bridge p. v. 556
Eagle Harbor p. v. 514
Eagle Mills p.o. 554
Eagle Village lo. 484
Eagle Village p. v. 713
Eagleville v. 165
Earlville p. v. 230, 391
East br. 536
East cr. 560, 683
East r. 367, 544, 548, 549
East Albany lo. 555
East Amherst p. o. 283
East Ashford p.o. 188
PAOF.
East Ashland lo. 331
East Aurora p. v. 283
East Hainbridge lo. 225
East Bank lo. 260
East Hay 631, 691
East Beekmantown....p. o. 236
Bait Hergen p.o. 325
East Berkshire p.o. 650
East Bern p. v. 162
East Bethany p. v. 325
Hast Bloomfield p. v. 496
East Bloomfield t. 496
East Branch cr. 451
East Branch p. v. 262
East Branch Potic cr. 334
East Brook br. 265
East Brunswick lo. 554
East Camp v. 245
EastCanada...cr. 340,346,407,
416, 458
East Candor p.o. 651
East Carlton p.o. 514
Flast Chatham p. v. 244
East Chester p. v. 699
East Chester t. 699
East Chester v. 505
East China p.o. 713
East Clarkson p. v. 399
East Constable p.o. 310
East Coy .cr. 713, 714,716
East Coy p.o. 715
East Creek p. v. 346
East De Kalb p.o. 576
East Dickinson p.o. 310
East Durham p. v. 322
East Eden p.o. 290
East Edmeston p.o. 533
East Elba p.o. 326
East Evans p. v. 290
East Farmington p.o. 496
East Fish la. 317
East Fishkill p. v. 271
East Fishkill t. 271
East Florence p.o. 463
East Gaines p.o. 513
East Gainesville p. v. 713
East Galway p.o. 588
East Genoa p.o. 202
East German p.o. 226
East Glenville p.o. 597
East Grafton p. v. 555
East Greeubush p.o. 555
East Greene p. v. 226
East Greenville lo. 333
East Greenwich p. v. 683
East Groveland p.o. 384
East Guilford p. v. 227
East Hamburgh p. v. 289
East Hamburgh t. 289
East Hamilton p.o. 392
East Hampton p. v. 635
East Hampton t. 634
East Hebron v. 684
East Henrietta v. 399
East Hill p.o. 385
East Homer p. v. 253
East Hounsfield p.o. 358
East Java p.o. 714
East Jewett p.o. 334
East Kil 333
East Lansing p.o. 658
East Leon p.o. 191
East Line p.o. 587
East Macdonough p. v. 227
East Maine p.o. 182
East Marion p. v. 640
East Melrose lo. 702
East Moriches p. v. 634
East Morrisania lo. 702
East Mount Vernon v. 699
East Nassau p. v. 557
East New York p. v. 373
East Norwich p.o. 551
Flaston p. v. 681
Easton' t. 680
Easton Corners v. 681
East Orangeville lo. 714
East Otto p.o. 189
East Otto t. 189
East Painted Post p. o. 624
East Palmyra. p. v. 693
East Pembroke p. v. 327
East Penfield p.o. 401
East Pharsalia. p. v. 229
East Pierrepont p. v. 581
East Pike p. v. 715
East Fitcairn p.o. 581
PAGE
East Poestenkill p. o. 658
Eaat Porter p."- AM
East Randolph p. v. 195
East Bed cr. 688, 692
East Rodman p.o. 361
East Rush v. 405
East Ruah&rd p. v. 175
East Sal. 'in p.o. 6*5
East Sail. (Unit v. 466
East Schodack p. v. 559
East Schuyler p. v. 348
East Scott p.o. 254
East Shelby p.o. 516
East Smithvillo v. 230
East Springfield p. v. 538
East Springwater p.o. 386
East Stockholm v. 582
East Stony cr. 338, 676
East Township lo. 104
East Troupsburgh p. o. 628
East Varick p. o. 618
Flast Venice p.o. 206
East Victor lo. 499
East Virgil p. v. 255
East Warsaw p.o. 716
East Williamson v. 694
East Wilson p.o. 457
East Windham p.o. 335
East Winfield v. 349
Fiast Worcester p. v. 538
Eaton p. v. 391
Eaton t. 390
Eaton Reservoir p. 393
Eatons Corners lo. 596
Eatons Necks lo. 636
Eatonville p.o. 345
Eckford la. 22
Eddytown p. v. 721
Eddyville p. o. 193
Eddyville v. 664
Eden p. v. 290
Eden t. 290
Edenton p. o. 576
Eden Valley p. v. 290
Edenville p. v. 510
Edgecomb Pond p. 673
Edinburgh p.o. 588
Edinburgh t. 588
Edmeston p.o. 533
Edmeston t. 533
Edmeston Center v. 533
Edwards p. v. 576
Edwards t. 576
Edwardsville p. o. 580
Efnor la. 588
Egbertsville v. 567
Eggertsville p. o. 283
Egypt br. 491, 498
Egypt lo. 495
Fjgypt p. v. 401
Eighteen Mile cr. 279, 290,
453, 456
Eight Mile cr. 165, 166, 526
Elba p. o. 326
Elba t. 326
Elbridge p. v. 4S2
Elbridge t. 482
Eleven Mile..cr. 279, 282, 293,326
Elgin p.o. 192
Elizabethtown p. v. 301
Elizabethtown t. 301
Elizabethtown v. 297
Elizaville p. o. 248
Elk cr. 261
Elks Lick cr. 621
Ellenburgh p. v. 238
Ellenburgh t. 238
Ellenburgh Center p. v. 238
Ellenburgh Depot., .lo. 235, 238
Ellenville p. v. 688
Ellery p. o. 212
Ellery t. 212
Ellery Center p. v. 212
Ellieott p. o. 290
Ellicott t. 212
Ellicottville p. v. 189
Ellicottvilie t. 189
Ellington p. v. 212
Ellington t. 212
Elliottsville lo. 565
Ellisburgh p. o. 357
Ellisburgh t. 357
Ellis cr. 592, 650
Ellis isle 418, 419
Ellis v. 357
Ellmores Corners v. 662
Elm cr. 578
MM
Elma_ p. v. 290
Elina t. 290
Elmira p. v. 221
Elinira t. 221,649
Elm. ires Cove v. 662
Elm Valley p.o. 171
Elpis lo. 499
Elsinore lo. 239
Elton p. v. 190
Eltona lo. 702
Fimersons Corners lo. 593
Eminence p. v. 608
Emmons mt. 19, 336
Empcyville v. 463
Enfield p. v. 656
Enfield t. 656
Enfield Center p. v. 656
Enfield Falls lo. 656
EngelWille p.o. 607
English r. 232, 238
Enory Hill h. 715
Ephratah p. v. 317
Ephratah t. 317
Erie co. 101, 279
Erie la. 20, 22, 122, 208,
215, 279, 284
Erieville p. v. 393
Eri.ville Reservoir p. 393
Erin p.o. 222
Erin t. 222
Erwin t. 625
F>win Center lo. 627
Esopus cr. 660, 663
Esopus p. o. 662
Esopus t. 662
Essex co. 110, 295
Essex p. v. 301
Essex t. 301
Esperance p. v. 496,605
Esperance t. 604
Etna p.v. 656
Euclid p.v. 481
Eureka lo. 471
Evans p. v. 290
Evan* t. 290
Evans Mills p.v. 359
Evas Kil 407, 411
Eve mt. 510
Exeter p. o. 533
Exeter. t. 533
Exeter Center v. 533
Fabius p. v. 483
Fabius t. 482
Factory br. 250, 253, 254
Factory Village v. 590
Factor yville lo. 597
F'actoryville p. v. 650
Factory ville v. 565
Fairfield p.v. 343
Fairfield t. 343
Fair Haven lo. 514
Fair Haven p.v. 204
Fairmount p.o. 481
Fairport p. v. 401
Fairview p. o. 190
Fairville p. v. 690
Falconer p. v. 214
Falkirk lo. 292
Fall br. 204, 375. 381. 496
Fall cr. 253, 267, 332, 383,
461, 491, 497, 654, 655, 656
Fall Kil 272,274
Falls h. 346
Fallsburgh t. 644
F'armer p.o. 615
Farmers Hill 1. o. 273
Farmers Mills p.v. 541
Farmers Village 1. o. 550
Farmersville p. v. 190
Farmersville t. 190
Farmersville v. 615
Farmingdale p. o. 550
Farmington p. o. 496
Farmington t. 496
Farnham p. o. 283
Far Rockaway r. 647
Fayette- p.o. 615, 618
Fayette t. 615
Fayetteville p.v. 484
Featherstons la. 596
Federal Hollow lo. 720
Federal Store p.o. 273
Felts Mills p. v. 361
Fenner p. o. 391
Fenner.._ t. 391
Fentonville p.o. 211
72S
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Fergusons Corners p. o. 719
Fergusonville p. v. 260, 202
Feuribush. lo. 164
Feuri-Spruvt Kil 163
Fields Settlement lo. 362
Fillmore p. v. 174
Finchville lo. 508
Fiue p. o. 577
Fine t. 576
Knleys la. 214
Finleya Lake p. r. 214
Fir.- isle 633
Fire Island isle 633
Fire Place p. v. 634
First cr. 688
Fish...cr. 22, 349. 375, 451. 456,
468, 461,465,491,496,526,
527. 529, 591.
Fish la. 190
Fish Creek Landing v. 470
Fishers p. o. 439
Fishers Island isle 639
Fishkill cr. 267. 271
Fi.-hkill mt. 271
FMikilt p.v. 272
Fishkill t. 271
Fishkill Furnace Io. 271
Fishkill Landing p.v. 271
Fishkill Plains p.v. 271
Fitchs Point v. 685
Five Owners p. v. 202
Five Mile cr.lSO, 622
Five Mile Meadow lo. 453
Five Mile Run p. o. InS
Five Streams br. 226
Flanders p. v. 63S
Flat cr. 407. 416
Flat Brook p. v. 243
Flat Creek p. o. 416
Flat bush p. v. 372
Flatbush t. 372
Flatlands p. o. 372
FlatUnds t. 372
Flu cr. 536
Flax Pond Bay 633
twood lo. 699
Fleming p. v. 201
Fleming t. 201
Flint cr. 491, 498, 719
Flint v. 665
Flint Cr..ek p.o. 498
1 lorence p. v. 463
Flon nee t. 463
Florence Hill lo. 463
Florida p.v. 510
Florida t. 413
Flower Hill lo. 550
Floyd - p. o. 464
Floyd t. 463
Floyd Corners. v. 464
Floyd Koad lo. 465
Flushing cr. 546, 548
Flashing p. v. 546
Flashing t. 648
Flashing Bay.- 54:
Floranna p. v. 212
Fly br.
Fly cr. 166
Fly Cr .-k p.v. 536
Fly Meadow cr. 22
Fly Mountain p.
Ingtown 1". :•>■'■
K..I-omdalc D.O. 712
Id p. v. 41 i
la* cr. .''.14, 816
Fon<U9 fa
Fondas Bnsfa •
ts Corners 1 ■
Fordham p.v
;- cr. 168, 176
Fordsborongfa v. 414
Foreetburgn p.o. 645
Fon-t City p.o. 658
Dean • r
Forest Port p. t. 462, 466
Forestville p.v. 218
Forge Hollow •■ •
Fmked lo. 2S
Fori h. 542
K-rt p. 888
Fort Ann mts. 681
Fort Ann p.v. 681
Fort Ann t. 681
Fori Bnwerton
Fort Clinton lo. 570
Fort Covington p.v. 311
Fort Covington t. 311
PAGE
Fort Edward p.v. 682
Fort Edward t. 681
Fort Edward Center. ..p.o. 682
Fort Hamilton p.v. 373
Fort Herkimer v. 344
Fort Hill lo. 327
Fort Hill Cemetery 200
Fort Hunter p.o. 413
Fort Jackson v. 578
Fort Miller p.v. 682
Fort Montgomery p. v. 505
Fort Neck lo. 551
Fort Niagara lo. 456
Fort Plain p.v. 414
Fort Pond ba. 634
Fort Schuyler lo. 706
Forts Ferry lo. 587
Fortsville. ". p. v. 590
Fort Tompkins 419
Fort Washington lo. 419
Fosterdale p. o. 644
Fosters Meadow lo. 547
Fostertown cr. 509
Fostertown lo. 509
Fosterville p. v. 200
Foundry br. 542
Four Corners lo. 278
Four Mile cr. 186, 395. 451,
516, 528
Four Mile Creek p.o. 288
Fowler p. o. 577
Fowler t. 577
FowlervUle v. 387
Fox cr. 165, 318, 416
Fox isle 356
Foxen Kil 162
Vox's cr. 600, 607
Fox Island lo. 510
Frankfort p.v. 344
Frankfort t. 344
Frankfort Hill p. o. 344
Franklin co. 101, 307
Franklin p. v. 261
Franklin t. 261, 311
Franklin v. 464
Franklin Falls p.v. 311
Franklinton p.v. 603
Franklinville lo. 640
Franklinville p. v. 190
Franklinville t. 190
Franklinville v. 637
Franks Corners lo. 255
Fredonia p. v. 214
Freedom p.o. 190
Freedom t. 190
Freedom Plains p.v. 272
Freehold. p. v. 3&3
Freemont p.o. 645
Freemont t. 645
Freeport p.v. 547
Freerville v. 662
Freetown t. 2.~>2
Freetown Corners p.v. 252
FreevHIe lo. 656
Frelelghs Point lo. 616
Fremont t. 625
I i i-mout Center lo. 625
Freemont <Vnt. r p.v. 645
Fnnch..cr. 23, 208, 215, 351, 357
Fri oi b h. 708
French mt. 67". 676
Knurl, Creek p. o. 312
French Creek t. 312
Pit >i< Inn. Hi* cr. 591
liinaii" isb- 4*1. 521
French Mills lo
French Mountain p.o. 876
i cr. 668, 666
Mi sdowi.. lo.
Pond p.o. rri;
Frawsburgn p. v. 211
-l'ii-h p. o. 41 J
, i- la. 'Ti
Friends p.". 214
t n t, I- 1 -in' tery 1". 371
, Ishtp p. v. 178
•l-lii| t. 17
Frontier p.o. 237
t Hill la 400
Fallams Basin lo. 401
Fullervtlla I
Full* -rvill.'Ir >n Work".. DaO. .',77
Fulmar oi
Fult..n t
Fulton p.1
Fulton t
Fulb.nham P- v. 605
PAGE
Fulton Lakes (3, 4, 5) 22
Fulton Lakes (6, 7, 8) 22
Fulton Lakes 339
Fultonville p. v. 413
Furinauville lo. 571
Fnrnace br. 696
Furnace cr. 340, 461
Furnace Hollow cr. 681
Furnace Village v. 692, 695
Gaines p. v. 514
Gaines t. 514
Gaines Basin lo. 514
Gainesville cr. 713
Gainesville p. o. 713
Gainesville t. 713
Gainesville Center. lo. 713
Gainesville Creek v. 713
Galen t. 691
Gales p. o. 647
Galesville p.v. 683
Galeville Mills :p. o. 667
Gallatin t. 245
Gallatinville p. v. 245
Gallop isle 578
Gallows .:.h. 699
Gallupville p. v. 608
Galway p. v. 588
Galway t. 588
Ganargwa cr. 688
Gansevoort p.v. 591
Garbuttsville v. 406
Gardiner t. 662
Gardners isle 631,634, 635
Gardners p. 578
Gardners Bay 631
Gardners Corners v. 378
Gardners Island lo. 510
Gardnertown v. 509
Gardnerville p. v. 607
Gardnersville v. 511
Garlick Falls p. o. 236
Garnerville v. 570
Garoga ... cr. 314, 317, 407, 416
Garoga la. 317
Garoga p. v. 317
Garrattsville p. v. 535
Garrisons p. o. 542
Gasport p.v. 456
Gates p.o. 399
Gates t. 399
Gates Center v. 399
Gay Head p.o. 333
Geddes p. v. 483
Geddes t. 483
Genegantslet.. cr. 223, 227, 230
Genegantslet la. 227
Genegantslet p.v. 226
Genesee co. 101, 320
Genesee cr. 174
Genesee r. 20, 22, 122. 168,
170, 171, 174, 381, 383, 3S5,
386,395,399,402.710,712,
713.
Genesee t. 173
Genesee Falls t. 713
Genesee Yal. R.R.Junc.lo. 405
Geneseo p. v. 888
Genesco t. 888
Geneva p. v. 498
Genoa p. v. 202
Genoa t. 202
George la. 21,
23, 296, 304, 670. 673, 680
Georgetown p. v. 391
town t. 391
Qeorgica p. 635
German p. o. 226
German t. 226
German Flats t. 344
Qermantown p. v. 245
Qermantown t. 245
Qerry p. o. 211
Gerry t. 213
G.-tziiiii. p, 0. 288
Ghent p.v. 245
Ghi i,t t. 245
Slant <■{ the Valley....mt. 801
Gibson v. 624
Gibsonvflle p. v. 384
QidneyS cr. 509
Giers.. br. 201
Gilberts In. 686
GOb rts Mills p. a. 527
QUbertsrflle v. 527, 682
Gilboa p. v. 605
Gllboa t. 605
PAGS
Gilderland p. o. 164
Gilead la 541
Gilgo Inlet cr. 544
Gill cr. 451
Oilman p. o. 337
Oilman t. 337
Glasco p. v. 666
Glass la. 558
Glass House cr. 588
Glass House v. 55S
Glen p. o. 413
Glen t. 413
Glen Aubrey lo. 183
Glen Castle p. o. 181
Glencoe Mills p.v. 248
Gleneove p. v. 550
Glenearie v. 667
Gleneida la. 540
Glenham p. v. 272
Glen Haven p. o. 204
Glenmark Falls v. 693
Glen Mary lo. 652
Glenmore p. v. 461
Glensdale p. o. 378
Glens Falls Io. 674
Glens Falls p. v. 675
Glenville lo. 705
Glenville p. v. 597
Glenville t. 597
Glen Wild p. o. 647
Glenwood p. v. 289
Gloversville p. v. 317
Glowegee cr. 584, 590
Goat isle 450, 703
Goffs Mills p. o. 626
Golden Hill cr. 451, 456
Golden Root h. 541
Goldens Bridge p. o. 701
Goldsmiths cr. 219, 221
Goodground p.o. 638
Goodhue cr. 621
Goodhue la. 621
Goodwin mt. 303
Goose cr. 213
Goose h. 541
Goose isle 541
Goose la. 339
Goose Fond mt. 505
Goose Neck isle 579
Gooseville lo. 4S3
Gorham p. v. 496
Gorham t. 496
Goghen p. v. 506
Goshen t. 506
Gonverneur p. v. 577
Gouverneur t. 577
Governors isle 418, 419
Gowanda p. v. 194
Gowanus v. 367
Gowanus Bay 365. 367
Grafton p. v. 555
Grafton t. 555
Grahamsville p.v. 647
Grummercy Park lo. 423
Granny t. 521
Granby Center p. o. 521
Grand isle 279, 449
Grand Island p. o. 290
Grand Island t. 200
Grand Sachem int. 271
Granger p. o. 174
Granger t. 174
Grangerville p. o. 591
Graniteville v. 566
Grants br. 259
Granville p. v. 682
Granville t. M2
Grass v. 572, 575. 579. 681
Qrasse r. 21
Grassy Point lo. 570
Grassy Swamp br. 500
Gravesend p. v. 372
Gravesend t. 372
Graveeend Bay 366, 873
Gravesvillo p. v. 848
Gray Court it. 505
Grays Corners lo. 589
Oraysville p. v. TS17
Great br. 223. 227
Great Isle 7-0S
Great p. 635
Great Bend p. v. 357
Omit Black Or. 286
Great Chazy ..r. 232. 235, 236, 682
Gnat Gull isle 639
Oreat Hog Neck 639
Great Kiln 566
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
r29
PAGE
Great Long Pond mt. 701
Great Neck. lo. 546, 886
Great I'econic Hay 631, 037
Great Sodus or. fiss
Great Bodua Bay. ..68s, 091,693
Great South Bay 031, 686
Great Sucker or. 578
Great Swamp lo. 542
Great Valley cr. ISO, 100
Great Valley p.o. 190
Great Valley t. 100
Great Valley Station v. 100
Greece p. v. 300
Greece t. 309
Greece Center lo. 390
Green h. 510
Green isle 673
Green la. 317, 48-4
Green r. 243, 246
Greenborough p. o. 526
Greenburgh t. 700
Greenbnsh p. v. 555
Greenbush t. 555
Greene co. 329
Greene p. v. 226
Greene t. 226
Greenfield lo. 372
Greenfield p. v. 668
Greenfield t. 589
Greenfield Center p. v. 589
Green Haven p. v. 270
Green Island p. v. 166
Green Locks v. 666
Green Point p. o. 367
Greenport p. v. 639
Greenport t. 245
Green River p. v. 246
Greens Corners lo. 466
Greens Corners v. 174
Greenville lo. 700
Greenville p. v. 332
Greenville t. 332, 507
Greenville v. 507
Greenville Center v. 333
Greenwich lo. 419
Greenwich p.o. 683
Greenwich t. 683
Greenwich Point lo. 547
Greenwood la. 510
Greenwood p. v. 625
Greenwood t. 625
Greenwood Cemetery ...lo. 371
Greenwood Works p. v. 507
Gregorys br. 698
Greig p. o. 377
Greig t. 376
Greigsville p. v. 387
Grenadier isle 356
Gridley cr. 255
Griffins Corners p. v. 263
Griffins Corners v. 542
Griffins Mills p. v. 283
Griffiths Corners lo. 715
Griffiths Mills.. lo. 496
Grindstone cr. 497
Grindstone isle 357
Grippy Hill mt. 162
Griswolds Mills p. v. 681
Groesbeck lo. 163
Grooms Corners .p. o. 587
Grosvernors Corners...p. o. 604
Groton p. v. 657
Groton t. 657
Groton City p. v. 657
Grove p. o. 174
Grove t. 174
Grove Center lo. 174
Groveland .p. o. 384
Groveland t. 383
Groveland Center p. o. 384
Groveland Corners v. 384
Groves cr. 616
Guilderland t. 164
Guilderland Center p. v. 164
Guilford t. 227
Guilford Center p. v. 227
Guilford Pond cr. 227
Gulicksville lo. 627
Gulph Summit p. o. 183
Guy Park lo. 412
Gypsum p. o. 407
Haanakrois. .cr.156, 163, 166, 334
Hackensack r. 568, 569, 670
Hadley p. o. 589
Hadley t. 589
Hadley Falls 674
P*OI>
Hadlock p. 881
Hagadorns cr. 591
Hagadorns Hollow lo. 501
Hagamana Mills p. v. 412
Hagans p. S4S
Hagel Kil 331
Hague p.o. 674
Hague t. 674
Hauesborongh v. 577
Halcott t. 333
Halcottsville p.o. 263
Hales Eddy P- o. 265
Half Moon h. 647
Half Moon p. o. 589
Half Moon t. 589
Halfway br. 181, 183
Halfway cr. 681
I lalf Way House lo. 587
Hall h. 507
Halletts Cove 544, 657
Halletts Point lo. 669
Halls Corners lo. 590, 615,
700, 714
Halls Corners p. o. 498
Halls Port p. v. 176
Halls Station lo. 455
Hallsville p.o. 414
Halsev Valley p.o. 650, 653
Halseyville lo. 658
Hamburgh p.o. 291
Hamburgh t. 291
Hamburgh-ou-the-Lake
]>. o. 291
Hamden p. v. 261
Hamden t. 261
Hamilton co. 336
Hamilton p. v. 391
Hamilton t. 391
Hamilton Square lo. 423
Hamiltonville v. 164
Hamlin mt. 302
Hamlet p. o. 216
Hammerton lo. 274
Hammond p. v. 577
Hammond t. 577
Hammonds Corners v. 220, 301
Hammondsport v. 628
Hampton p.o. 683
Hampton t. 683
Hampton v. 471
Hamptonburgh lo. 507
Hamptonburgh t. 507
Hampton Corners v. 683
Hancock p. v. 262
Hancock t. 261
Handsome br. 261
Handsome Eddy br. 223
Hanfords Landing p. v. 399
Hankins Station. lo. 645
Hannibal p. v. 522
Hannibal t. 522
Hannibal Center. p. v. 522
Hanover lo. 213
Hanover t. 213
Hanover v. 465
Hanover Center lo. 213
Hans cr. 591
Hardenbergh t. 663
Harford p. v. 252
Harford t. 252
Harkness 1. 303
Harlem p. o. 419
Harlem r. 23, 418,706
Harlemville p. v. 246
Harmony _.p. o. 213
Harmony t. 213
Harmon yville v. 627
Harpers br. 225
Harpersfield t. 262
Harpersfield p. v. 262
Harpersville p. v. 181
Harrietstown t. 311
Harrington h. 680
Harris p. 303
Harrisbnrgh p. o. 377
Harrisburgh t. 377
Harris Hill p. o. 289
Harrison p. o. 701
Harrison t. 700
Harrisons cr. 534
Harrisville v. 376
Hartfield p. v. 211
Hartford p. v. 684
Hartford t. 683
Hartland p. o. 463
Hartland t. 453
Hartland Corners lo. 453
Hart Lot p.o. 4R2
Minis isle 704
Harts Corner* I"- 700
Halts Village p. V. 277
Hartsville lo. 4X4
llartsville t. 828
IlaltsVllle Center V. 625
II art w Ick p. v. 633
llartwiek t. 533
Hartwlck Seminary. ..p. v. 688
Hartwood lo. 64S
Harvard p. v. 202
Hasenclever mts. 840
Haslia h. 569
Haskel Flat p. o. 191
llaskill cr. 186, lot
Ilaskinville [). (i. 626
Hastings p. v. 522
Hastings t. 522
Hastings v. 700
Hastings Center p. v. 522
Hastings upon Hudson
p. o. 700
Hatch h. 497
Hatchs la. 390
Havana p. v. 610
Haver Island 166
Haverstraw p. o. 569
Haverstraw t. 569
Haviland p. o. 542
Hawkins cr. 045
Hawkins Creek p. o. 645
Hawkinsville p. v. 462
Hawks cr. 261
Hawleyton p. o. 180
Hay Island Inlet 544
Haynerville p. o. 558
Haysburgh lo. 245
Hazard p. 507
Hazens h. 541
Hebron p.o. 684
Hebron t. 684
Hecla Works p. v. 471
Hector p. o. 611
Hector t. 611
Hector Falls lo. 611
Hedden cr. 658
Heddingville lo. 543
Hedgesville v. 629
Helderbergh mts. 19, 155.
332, 595
Helena p. v. 575
Hell Gate 544, 548
Ilellibark mts. 19, 600
Hemlock cr. 381
Hemlock h. 507, 541
Hemlock la. 20, 381
Hemlock Lake p. v. 384
Hemlock Outlet cr. 491, 498
Hempstead p. v. 547
Hempstead Bay 544, 547
Hempstead Harbor 544. 540
Hempstead Hook...cr. 367, 308
Henhawk isle 705
Henrietta p. o. 399
Henrietta t. 399
Henderson bav 358
Henderson la. 22. 303
Henderson mt. 303
Henderson p. v. 358
Henderson t. 358
Henderson Harbor lo. 358
Hendy cr. 218, 221
Herkimer co. 101, 103, 340
Herkimer p. v. 345
Herkimer t. 345
Hermitage p. v. 716
Hermitage v. 640
Hermon p. v. 578
Hermon t. 578
Hess Road p.o. 454
Hessville lo. 414
Hensonville p. v. 335
Heuvelton p. v. 580
Hewletts Point lo. 550
Hibernia p. o. 270
Hickory Corners p.o. 454
Hickory Grove lo. 701
Hicksville p. o. 550
Higginsville p. v. 470
High isle 704
High Bridge v. 4«4
High Bridgeville lo. 702
High Falls lo. 376.575, 664,
670
High Falls p. o. 664, 666
High Falls v. 597
PAGE
Highland t. <45
Highland Mills p. v. I -
Highlands mts. 19, .'.40
High Market p.o. 877
High Market t. .".77
High Peak int. 10, 329, 888
High Point b. 407
Hillsborough p. <>. 4' 3
Hillsdale... p. v. 246
Hillsdale t. 246
Hillside p. o. 171
II inn o.ls Corners v. 720
Hiodsburgh p. v. 816
Hitiniansville v. 527
Hinsdale p. v. 191
Hinsdale t. 191
llitrlieoeks Comers v. 270
Hoag p. 27 V
Hoags Corners p.y. 667
llolmrt p. v. 266
Hoboken City lo. 420
Hodge p. 647
lloffinans Ferry p.o. 597
Hog h. 272
Hogais p. 646
Hogansburgh p. v. 309
Hog Back b. 507. 542
Hog Hollow cr. 491, 406
Holland p. v. 291
Holland t. 291
Holland Patent p. v. 4i;7
Holley p. v. 515
Hollins Hook lo. 514
Hollow cr. 340
Holman City v. 4' 0
Holmes Pond t-r. 621
Holmesville v. 22s. 527
Homer p. v. 2b"
Homer t. 252
Homowack p. v. 046. 6( B
Honcoye...cr. 20, 170.172. 381,
3S4. 305. 4(i4
Honeoye la. 20, 405
Honeoye p. v. 498
Honeoye Corners lo. 172
Honeoye Falls p. v. 100
Honeoye Inlet cr. 495, 497
Honeoye Outlet cr 491. 468
Honesville v. 506
Hook p. 635
Hooper p.o. 184
Hoopers Valley p. o. 651
Hoosick p. o. 556
Hoosick. ..r. 21, 552, 555. 557,
558, 686
Hoosick t. '55
Hoosick Corners v. 556
Hoosick Falls p. v. 555
Hope mt. 271
Hope t. 338
Hope Center p.o. 3.38
Hopedale lo. 548
Hope Falls p.o. 338
Hope Kidge mt. 402
Hopewell lo. 271. 506
Hopewell p. o. 497
Hopewell t. 496
Hopewell Center p. v. 49tt
Hopkinton p. v. 578
Hopkinton t. 578
Iloppogue lo. 637
Horicon p. v. 674
Horicou t. 674
Hornbv p. o. 626
Hornby t. 626
Hornby Forks v. 626
Hornellsville p. v. 1 28
Hornellsville t. 626
Horse cr. 172
Horsebone Ledge :;44
Horseheads p. v. 222
Horseheads t. 222
Horsepond mt. 509
Horse Pound br. 541
Horse Shoe p. 643
Horse 8hoe Falls 450, 710
Hortons Point lo. 1 "9
Hotchkiss cr. 195
Hot Ground lo. 243
Houghton Creek p. o. 172
Hounsfield t. 358
Houses cr. 375
i Houseville p. v. 379
Howard p. v. 626
Howard t. fi26
Howards Bush lo. 344
Howells Depot p. v. 510
I6\.
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Hcwes Cave lo. 604
Howlands isle 201
Howlet Hill p. o. 485
Hubbards Run cr. 220
Hubbardsville p. v. 392
Hudson r. 21, 23. 155. 267,
274. 27'.. 296. 329, 540, 542,
652, 568, 569, 570, 584, 588,
689, 590, 591, 593, 662, 665,
670, 674, 676, 700.
Hudson City 246
Hughsonville p. v. 272
Huguenot d. t. 506
Hulberton p. v. 515
Hulls h. 510
Hulls Corners v. 522
Hume p.o. 174
Hume t. 174
Humphrey p. o. 191
Humphrey t. 191
Humphrey Center lo. 191
Humphreysville p.o. 244
Hunger Kil cr. 164
Hungry bay 351
Hunns la. 277
Hunt cr. 253
Hunt .la. 218
Hunter p. v. 3.33
Hunter t. 333
Hunters isle 704
Banters Land p. v. 606
Hunters Point v. 549
Hunt' rstown lo. 245
Huntington —la. 644
Huntington p. v. 636
Huntington t. 635
nuntingtou Bay 636
Huntincton Harbor ba. 636
Hunt- Corners lo. 253, 384
Hunt* Hollow p. v. 386
Huntaville lo. 588
Hurlbutville p.o. 462
Hurl, v p. v. 633
Hurley t. 663
Huron p. o. 691
Huron t. 691
Hnasey h. 662
Ilutchinsons cr
699, 704. 705
Hvatts Corners v. 616
Hv.le 1'ark lo. 550
Hyde 1'ark p. v. 272
Hyde 1'ark t. 272
Hvdcs Brook br. 265
Hyderille lo. 690
Hyndsville p. v. 607
Ida mt. 500
Ilion p. v. 344
Independence cr. 375
Independence mt. 532
Independence p. o. 174
Independent • t. 174
Indian bl
Indian Ii. .'41
Indian la. 273, .'$39. 376
Indian p. 273
Indian r. 2
■ l, a 1. 362,
Indian Castle I
Indian Cbmen Ii
Indian Field p. 643
Indian Fields p
Indian Lake •
Indian Hirer
vims Mill-
Ingraban p. 3<i9
'aliam p. ■
Inverness p. •
Ionia lo. 490
In •
Ira Center p. v. 2tr2
Ireland lo. 646
Ireland Oornen p.o. 166
IraUnorflk r. 1 12
Irian cr. 413
In-h 1 1 ill mt. 168
Irondale
Irondaqnoil cr. 395, 491
IrnndeauoU p. r. 400
IroBdaqaarl t. 400
lr d :■ | ...886, 406
Irving p. ■■
Irrington p. v. 700
lechua .cr. 186, 190, 191, 192
PAGE I
Ischna p. v. 191
Ischua t. 191
Islip p. v. 636 I
Islip t. 636
Italy t. 719
Italy BUI p. v. 719
Italy Hollow p. o. 719
Ithaca p. v. 657
Ithaca t. 657
Jackson p. o. 684
Jackson t. 6S4
Jacksonburgh v. 346
Jackson Center v. 684
Jackson Corners p. t. 245
Jackson Summit p. o. 318
Jacksons Corners lo. 514
Jacksous Corners p. v. 272
Jacksonville lo. 332, 699
Jacksonville p. v. 658
Jacksonville v. 4S4, 534
Jacks Reefs p. o. 4S2
Jamaica t. 547
Jamaica Bay 3C5. 544, 548
Jamaica Heights lo. 548
Jamesburgb p. v. 667
Jamesport p. o. 637
Jamesport v. 637
Jamestown p. v. 212
Jannsvillc v. 482, 5S9
Janet la. 338
Jan Vosent cr. 332
Jan Wemps cr. 597
Jasper p. o. 626
Jasper t. 626
Jasper Five Corners v. 626
Jasper Four Corners v. 626
Java t. 714
Java p. o. 714
Java Center p. o. 714
.lava Village p. v. 714
Jay mt. 300, 302
Jay p. v. 302
Jay t. 302
Jeddo p. v. 515
Jefferson co. 101, 103, 315
Jefferson t. 605
Jefferson Valley .p. o. 708
Jeffersouville p. v. 644
Jenkins p. 647
Jenkinstown lo. 633
JenkinsviUe p. o. 653
Jenny la. 588
Jericho p. o. 551
Jersey City lo. 429
Jerseyfield la. 339
Jerusalem lo. 345
Jerusalem t. 719
Jerusalem South p. v. 547
Jessup r. 339
Jc88up Falls 674
Jessups Corners Io. 690
Jeasnpe Landing v. 588
Jewett p. v. 333
Jewett t. 333
Jewett Center p. o. 333
J. •■ Qee h. 511
John Browns Tract lo. 379
J..l,n Debackera cr. 331, 332
Jobnsbnrg lo. 457
JobnHbnrgh p. v. 676
Jobnaburgb. t. 674
Jobnaonburg p. v. 714, 715
Johnnou cr. i'.:;. 466, 612, 516
di Creek p. r. 408
Jobnamrrflla p. ▼. 658
Johnatown p. v. 317
Johnatown t. 317
Johnatown v. 248
Johnerflle p. v. 271
la. 339
Jones B«u"h lo. 544
lie p. v. 587
Jordan p. v. 482
Jordanvillo p, v. 848
Joy i • A
Jubilee Spring! 2-4
JuhelTfllt v. 880
.Fin,. Hon In. 4*2
.Itinrti'.n p. t. 559
Junius )
Junius t. 615
Kaaten Kit.. 329. 331. 332. 868
rr. 846
Knnona..' p. ». ' --'
Karr Valley cr. 168,170
PAGE
Kasoag p. v. 528
Katonah p. v. 698
Kattel cr. 181
Kattelville lo. 181
Kau-a-da-rauk cr. 416
Kayaderosseras.cr. 411, 590, 591
Kayaderos8eras....mt. 295, 300,
304, 584, 588, 589, 591, 670
Kayaderosseras r. 584
Kecks Center p.o. 317
Keefers Corners p.o. 163
Keene p. v. 302
Keene t. 302
Keeney Settlement lo. 255
Keeseville p. v. 235, 300
Kelloggs Mills lo. 487
Kelloggsville p. v. 204
Kelloggsville lo. 701
Kellys Corners lo. 615
Kelsey br. 223
Kendall p. v. 515
Kendall t. 615
Kendall Mills p. o. 405,515
Kensico p. v. 703
Kent br. 223
Kent cr. 351, 356
Kent p. o. 541
Kent t. 541
Kenwood v. 163
Kenyonville lo. 514
Kerhonkson p. v. 668
Keshong cr. 491, 498, 719
Ketchabonec lo. 638
Ketchamtown lo. 505
Ketchums Corners p. o. 593
Ketchumville p. v. 651
Kettle Bottom mt. 675
Keysers Kil 600
Kiantone cr. 214
Kiantone p. v. 214
Kiantone t. 214
Kidders Ferry p.o. 616
Kidney cr. 680
Killawog p. o. 182
Killbuck p. o. 190
Kil Van Kull cr. 566
Kinderhook...cr. 241, 244, 247,
248, 552, 554, 557, 559, 560
Kinderhook la. 241, 247
Kinderhook p. v. 247
Kinderhook t. 247
Kings co. 365
Kings Bay 237
Kingsborough p. v. 317
Kingsbridge p. o. 708
Kingsbury p. v. 685
Kingsbury t. 684
Kings Falls lo. 376
Kings Ferry p. o. 202
Kings Garden lo. 419
Kings Settlement p. o. 228
Kingston p. v. 663
Kingston t. 663
Kingstreet lo. 705
Kiuneys Corners lo. 720
KinneysFourCorners.p. o. 622
Kirby p. 702
Kirk p. 641
Kirkland _ p.o. 464
Kirkland t. 404
Kirkville p. v. 484
Kirkwood p. v. 182
Ki-h. rwana la. 543
Kttkatom cr. 332
Kiakatom p. o. 332
Risk.. r. 696
Kleina Kil 247
Knapp p. 647
Kn.'ippH Station lo. 582
Knight cr. 168
Knights cr. 203
Know) rsville p. o. 164
Kn..wlesville p. v. 515
Knox p. o. 164
Knox t. 164
Knox Corners p. v. 462
Knoxville v. 164, 393, 624
Kil 666
Knrtright p.o. 262
Kort right t. 262
Kortriglit Center lo. 262
Kottle Kil 666
Koxing Kil cr. 666
Kripplebuah p. v. 664
ike p.o. 666
Kysorville p. v. 386
PAGE
Labrador cr. 250
Labrador p. 255, 483
Lackawack cr. 641, 647
Lackawack p. v. 668
Ladews Corners lo. 667
La Fargeville p. v. 360
La Fayette p. v. 483
La Fayette t. 483
La FayettevUle p. v. 273
La Grange p. v. 713
La Grange t. 272
La Grangeville p. v. 272
LairdsviUe p. v. 471
Lake h. 211
Lake p. o. 683
Lake Hill p.o. 668
Lakeland p. v. 636
Lake Pleasant p.o. 338
Lake Pleasant t. 338
Lakeport p.o. 394
Lake Eidge p.o. 658
Lake Road p.o. 456
Lakeville lo. 550, 683
Lakeville p. v. 384
Lambs Corners lo. 167
Lamsons p. o. 484
Lancaster p. v. 291
Lancaster t. 291
Landimans cr. 267, 276
Landons la. 260
Langdons Corners lo. 685
Langford cr. 222
Langfbrd p.o. 292
Langtons Corners lo. 326
Lansing t. 658
Lansingburgh p. v. 556
Lansingburgh t. 556
Lansing Kil 458, 462,470
Lansingville p. v. 658
Lansingville v. 261
Lapeer p.o. 253
Lapeer t. 253
Laphams Mills v. 238
Laona p. v. 215
La Salle p.o. 455
Lashers cr. 416
Las8ellsville p. v. 317
Lattiugtown lo. 551, 665
Laurel h. 549
Laurens p. v. 534
Laurens t. 534
Lawrence br. 312, 527
Lawrence t. 578
Lawrenceville lo. 549
Lawrenceville p. v. 578
Lawrenceville v. 666
Laws la. 190
Lawsons la. 163
Lawyers h. 505
Lawyersville p. v. 604
Lazy h. 504
Leathervillo v. 416
Lebanon cr. 248
Lebanon p. 646
Lebanon p. v. 392
Lebanon Springs v. 24S
Ledyard p. o. 202
Ledyard t. 2n2
I Li. i- ., la. 376
Lemon Creek p.o. 567
lA'nox ]). o. 392
Lenox t. 392
Lenox Furnace lo. 392
Lee p. v. 465
Lee t. 465
Lee Center p. v. 465
Leeds p. v. 332
I,, .dsville p.o. 270
I.. . -ville p. v. 607
Leicester t. 384
Leon p. v. 191
Leon t. 191
Leonardsville p. v. 390, 537
Le Hay p. v. 359
Le Ray t. 860
Le Hoy p. v. 886
Le Hoy t. 326
Levana p. v. 302
Levant p. o. 212
Lewis co. 374
Lewis cr. 331
Lewis p. v. 302
Lewis t. 302, 377
Leu i.-lKiro p. o. 701
Lewisboro t. 701
Lewisburgh lo. 664
Lowiston p. v. 453
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
731
PAGE
Lewiston t. 453
Lexington p. v. 334
Lexington t. 334
Leydou p.o. 377
Ley den t. 377
Leyden Uill v. 377
Liberty p. v. 645
Liberty t. 645
Liberty v. 624
Liberty Falls p. v. 045
Liberty ville mt. 645
Lilurtyville p. o. 663
Liberty ville v. 658
Lillie p. 645
Lima p. v. 384
Lima t. 3S4
Lime la. 192
Lime Lake lo. 192
Limerick p.o. 350
Limestone cr. 390,474,484
Limestone p. o. 188
Lincklaen p. v. 227
Lincklaen t. 227
Linden p. v. 325
Linden Hills lo. 549
Lindenwald lo. 247
Lindley t. 626
Lindleytown p. v. 626
Line Kil cr. 600
Liulithgo lo. 248
Linn p. o. 483
Lisbon lo. 578
Lisbon t. 578
Lishas Kil p.o. 166
Lisle p- v. 182
Lisle t. 182
Lispenards Meadows lo. 419
Litchfield p. v. 345
Litchfield t. 345
Litbgow p.o. 278
Little isle 334
Little la. 612, 619, 6S4
Little p. 273, 399, 506, 507,
509, 645
Little r. 463
Little Alder cr. 377
Little Bay 544, 546
Little Black br. 236
Little Black cr. 347
Little Britain p.o. 510
Little Brocken Straw. ..cr. 208,
213
Little Buffalo cr. 279
Little Bush Kil 259
Little Captains isle 705
Little Cattaraugus cr. 208
Little Chautauque..cr. 211,216
Little Chazy r. 232
Little Choconut cr. 179
Little Connewango..cr. 189,194
Little Delaware r. 259, 261
Little Falls lo. 264
Little Falls p. v. 346
Little Falls t. 345
Little Genesee cr. 168, 172
Little Genesee p. v. 173
Little Gull isle 639
Little Hog Neck lo. 639
Little Hoosick r. 552, 554
Little Lakes v. 349
Little Long la. 338
Little Neck lo. 633, 636
Little Neck Bay....544, 546, 549
Little Paughcaugnaugh-
sink cr. 506
Little Peconic Bay 631
Little Pond p. 542
Little Red cr. 688
Little Rest p. v. 278
Little Sable r. 232, 238
Little Salmon cr. 202, 206,
395, 522
Little Salmon r. 307, 308,
309, 312
Little Sandy cr. 446, 527
Little Sandy p. 517, 527
Little Schoharie cr. 600
Little Shawangunk r. 508
Little Snake cr. 179, 182
Little Sodus cr. 205, 206
Little Sodus Bay 205
Little Sprite cr. 314,318
Little Stony cr. 858
Little Sucker cr. 578
Little Tonawanda..cr. 324, 714
Little Trout r. 309, 310
Little Utica t. 484
PA OF.
Little Valloy cr. 186, 192
Little Valley t. 192
Littleville v. 382
Little White cr. 686
Little York la. 254
Little York p. v. 253
Little York v. 577
Livermores Corners lo. 226
Liverpool p. v. 487
Livingston br. 683
Livingston co. 101, 103, 3S1
Livingston la. 588
Livingston p.o. 248
Livingston t. 247
Livingstonville p. v. 603
Livonia p. o. 384
Livonia t. 384
Livonia Center v. 384
Livonia Station p. v. 384
Lloyd p.o. 664
Lloyd t. 604
Lloyds h. 272
Lloyds Harbor ba. 036
Lloyds Neck lo. 550, 551
Loch Sheldrake p. v. 644
Lock Berlin p. v. 691
Locke p. o. 203
Locke t. 202
Lockport p. v. 454
Lockport t. 454
Locust isle 703
Locust Glen p. o. 274
Locust Grove lo. 549
Locust Tree p.o. 456
Locust A'alley p.o. 551
Lodi p. v. 616
Lodi t. 616
Lodi Center p.o. 616
Lodi Falls lo. 616
Lodi Landing lo. 616
Log Village v. 684
Long h. 507
Long la. 22, 466, 572, 084
Long p. 276, 395, 505, 507,
541, 645, 646
Long Beach lo. 544
Long Beach Point lo. 701
Long Eddy p.o. 645
Long Island.lOl, 121, 365, 544,
631, 633
Long Island Sound... 544, 548,
549, 633, 636, 637, 704, 706
Long Lake t. 338
Long Neck p.o. 566
Long Pond cr. 395
Long Pond mt. 302
Longs Corners lo. 327
Lookout mt. 663
Loon la. 619, 674
Looneyville p.o. 238
Loon Lake p.o. 628
Lords br. 261
Lords p. 261, 647
Lordsville p. o. 202
Lovetts Corners p.o. 401
Lorraine p. v. 359
Lorraine t. 359
Lottville p. o. 318
Loudonville lo. 166
Louisville p.o. 579
Louisville t. 579
Louisville v. 535
Louisville Landing p. o. 579
Lowell p. v. 471
Lower Black Rock 284
Lower Chateaugay la. 309
Lower Cincinnatus lo. 250
Lower Cross Roads lo. 702
Lower Ebenezer v. 293
Lower Falls v. 304
Lower Genesee Falls 402
Lower Saranac la. 22, 311
Lower Smith Clove lo. 508
Low Hampton p.o. 683
Lowville cr. 375
Lowville p. v. 378
Lowville t. 378
Lox p. 645
Luce h. 253
Ludingtonville p.o. 541
Ludlow cr. 223
Ludlowville p. v. 658
Lumberland p. v. 645
Lumberland t. 645
Lumberville p. o. 263
Luna isle 450
PACK
Lutheran Cemetery 549
Lutluranville p. o. 608
Luzerne into. 252,295, 670
Lucerne p. v. 675
Luzerne t. 075
Lyme t. 359
Lyndon t. 192
l.ynclonville p. v. 616
Lyons p. v. 091
Lyons t. 691
Lyonsdale p. o. 377
Lyons FalU lo. 379
LyonB Falls p.o. 380
Lysander p. o. 484
Lysander t. 483
Lyttles p. 685
Mabbettsville p. o. 277
McConnelsville lo. 402
McConnelsville p. v. 470
McDuffee Town lo. 618
McEwens Corners lo. 317
McGrawville p. v. 252
McGrawville v. 175
McIIenry Valley ...cr. 168, 170
Mclntyre mt. 19, 296, 303
McLean p. v. 657
McMartin int. 19, 296, 303
McNalls Corners lo. 456
McXutt Run cr. 623
Macannon h. 507
Macdonough p. v. 227
Macdonough , t. 227
Macedon p. v. 692
Macedon t. 692
Macedon Center p. v. 692
Machias p. v. 192
MachiaB t. 192
Mackies Corners v. 605
Macomb p. o. 579
Macomb t. 579
Mad br. 230
Mad r. 463
Madison co. 101, 388
Madison p. v. 392
Madison t. 392
Madison Reservoir .p. 392
Madison Square lo. 423 1
Madrid p. o. 579 j
Madrid t. 579
Magnolia p. o. 211
Magriganies la. 708
Maharness r. 696,698,703,
705
Mahopac la. 540
Mahopac p. v. 541
Maine p. v. 182
Maine t. 182
Maiden p. v. 666
Maiden Bridge p. v. 244
Maline lo. 523
Mallory p. 643
Mallory ville lo. 656
Malone p. v. 312
Malone t. 311
Malone v. 307
Malta p. o. 590
Malta t. 590
Malta Ridge lo. 590
Maltaville p. o. 590
Mambasha p. 507
Mamakating p.o. 646
Mamakating t. 646
Mamaroneck cr. 505, 701
Mamaroneck p. v. 701
Mamaroneck r. 511, 696, 707
Mamaroneck t. 701
Mamaroneck Bay 701
Manchester lo. 274
Manchester t. 497
Manchester v. 464
Ma nchester Bridge, .p. o.27 2, 274
Mandana p. v. 487
Manhasset p. v. 550
Manhasset Bay 544, 549
Manhasset Neck lo. 550
Manhattan isle 418, 437
Manhattan Square lo. 423
Manhattanville p.o. 419
Manheim t. 346
Manheim Center p.o. 346
Manilla lo. 514
Manlius p. v. 484
Manlius t. 484
Manlius Center p. v. 484
Manlius Station p. v. 484
Manns br. 637
PAOI
Mannevllle p. v. 357
Mannya Corners In. 412
Manor Kil 000, 604
Manorkill p.o. 004
Manorvillo p. o. 634
Mansfield P-°- 277
Mansfield t. 192
Mainlining isle 705
Maple Grove p.o. 4^o. :..;:.
Mapleton lo. Iff!, 412
Mapleton p.o. 455
Marathon p. v. 268
Marathon t. 253
Marathon v. 546
MarUrtown lo. 090
Mai bletown p. o. 664
Marbletown t. 664
Marcellue t. 484
MarcelluB Falls p. v. 485
Marry mt. 19. 200, 296
Marcy p. o. 465
Many t. 405
Marengo p. v. 691
Margarettville p. v. 263
Maria p. 596
Mariaville p. v. 596
Marietta p. v. 4vr>
Manila p. v. 292
Marilla t. 292
Mariners Harbor v. 566
Marion p. v. 692
Marion t. 692
Marketts isle 703
Marlborough mt. 665
Marlborough p. v. 665
Marlborough t. 664
Marruwback h. 383
Marsh cr. 514
Marshall p. o. 465
Marshall t. 465
Marshfield p.o. 292, 567
Marsh Pond p. 673
Marshville lo. 412,578
Martindale Corners lo. 686
Martindale Depot p. o. 244
Martins cr. 377, 378
Martinsburgh p. v. 378
Martinsville p. o. 456
Martville p. o. 205
Marvin p. o. 212
Mary mt. 302
Maryland p. v. 534
Maryland t. 534
Marvsville v. 542
Masonville p. v. 263
Masonville t. 263
Maspeth p. o. 549
Maseena p. v. 579
Massena t. 579
Maseena Center p. v. 580
Massena Springs v. 5S0
Masten p. 646
Mastic lo. 634
Mastic r. 634
Mathewson p. 227
Matinicock lo. 551
Mattashuck h. 245
Matteawan nits. 267, 501
Matteawan p. v. 271
Mattituck p. v. 640
Mawav r. 571
Mayfield cr. 314
Ma'vfield p. v. 318
Mayfield t. 318
Mayflower p. o. 537
Maynard br. 259
Mayville p. v. 211
Meads cr. 609, 611, 623
Meadville lo. 691
Meanagh cr. 699
Mechanic lo. 278
Mechanicsville lo. 327, 571
Mechanicsville p. v. 593
Mechanic Town v. 510
Mecklenburgh .p. v. 611
Mecox Bay 631
Medfcrd lo. 634
Medina p. v. 515
Medusa p. v. 165
Mellenville p. v. 244
Melville v. 636
Melvina lo. 549
Mendon p. v. 400
Mendon t. 400
Mendon Center p. v. 400
Mentz t. 203
Merchantville lo. 627
r32
I XI) EX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Meredith p.o. 263
Meredith t. 263
Meredith Square v. 2C3
Meridian p. v. 201
Merino Point mt. 246
MerrelsvOle lo. 992
Merrick p. o. 547
Mn ill cr. 253
MerrUumlle p. o. 311
Merritt Island lo. 510
Messena Springs 26
Meesengerrille p. o. 255
Messina Spring 4S2
Metanqnea p. 646
Mettowee r. 882
Mexico p. v. 522
Mexico t. 522
Michaels Brook br. 541
Michigan cr. 623. 627
br. 282
Middle .isle 705
Middlebnrgfa p. v. 606
Middlebnrgh t. 606
Mid dietary t. 714
M Idle Ebeneser v. 293
Middle Falls 710
Id p.o. 534
Middlefield t. 534
ilefield Center p. v. 534
" '1e Genesee Falls 402
Middle Granville p. v.
Middle Grove p. o. 589
Millie Hope p. v. 509
!e Island p.o. 634
leport lo. 392
teport p. v. 456
i p.o. 720
i t 720
Middlesex Center v. 720
MJddletown br. 223
Middletown ~.lo. 549.571. 700
Mid 111 town p. v. 610
Mid i',. t.vrn t. 263
Middletown .v. 589
" ■• Village lo. 549
Middlerflle p.T. 343
ille v. 636
Midway p. o. 334
703
644
629
174
665
Milan
...p. o. Tii
Mil n t. 272
' n v. 203
ville lo. 273
Millmrn lo. 547
Milford p.o. 534
Milford t. 534
Milford Tenter v. 534
p. 236, 238
br. 203, 223, 296, 663.
685. 715
Mill jar. 186, 211, a ,375,
536,654,616. 675
p. 316, 647
Mill Branch. v. _-
Mill Br ■ k p. r. • 74
lo. 182
Milieus Bay. p. o. 356
Millers...... I -
1
Mfllen Place ;
Mfllcrtoa _ 1 . Zl
p. i
MM Grove v. 194
Mill N.-ck a
Millpori p. i
MtUatmrgfa t. 611
Mill* Oornen 1
■■■■r'
Mill" MOli p. • ■. 174
Mflltown p. v
Mm Valley t.
Millville..' 1
Mfllvflle p. ••
M0o t. 780
Mil ■ Oenter p. v. 720
Milton ! "
p. i
M II n ;
MDtOD Center Jo. 590
p.o. 214
Minn I
Mina Corners v. 214
Mioaa Fall cr
Miimville p. t. 413
Min- Kd 801
Mina Kil Falls p. I
••ola p. t
Winers _ cr. 569
PAGE
Minerva p. o. 802
Minerva t. 302
Minetto rr. 526
Minetto p. v. 526
Minden p. o. 414
Mil. d^n t. 414
Mindenville p. v. 414
Minisceongo cr. 56S
Minisink p. o. 507
Minisink t. 507
Misery mt.
Mitchells p,
Mitrhellville p. v
Mixville v.
Modena p. v.
Modern Times.- v. 637
Moffatts Store p. v. 248
MotTatville v. 359
I lore lo. 327
Mohawk p. v. 344
Mohawk r. 21. 23. 155, 165,
340, 343. 344. 345, 407, 458,
462, 468, 465,466,584, 5S9,
593. 595.
Mohawk t. 415
Mohawkrille lo. 597
in la. 708
Moira p. o. 312
Moira t. 312
Moira Corners v. 312
Molly, Mount h. 277
Mongaup la. 647
Monganp p. o. 646
Mongaup .r. 506, 641, 647
Mongaup Valley p. t. 643
Monhagan cr. 510
Monroe co. 101, 103, 395
Monroe p. v. 507
Monroe t. 507
Monroe Works p. o. 508
Monsey p. o. 671
Monsey Depot lo. 571
Montague p. o. 378
Montague „ t. 378
Montauk Point lo. 635
Monterey lo. 277
Monterey v. 611
Montezuma p. v. 203
Montezuma t. 203
Montezuma Marshes 197
Montgomery...co. 101, 103, 407
Montgomery p. 645
Montgomery p. v. 508
niery t. 508
Monticello p. v. 647
Monticello t. 537
Montrose lo. 550
Montrose Point lo. 699
Montville lo. 670
Montrillc v. 203
Moodna p.o. 510
Mooers p. v. 238
Mooers t. 288
Mooers Forks p. o. 238
Moon la. 576
Den cr. 554
Moordeners Kil 559
Moore mt. 303
Moose cr. 304
Moose p. 803
r. 375
i p. v. 203
I t. 203
i t. .'.'"i
Mon nu Station ;
ose t. 838
.:i<- p
ni |
ill- i
ville p. v. 32<i
V h ]
Horiab t. 802
Moriches |
Mile. p. o, 700
I
p. a 636
•
aiia p. v. 701
M.Tri-.inia. t. 7ol
nville p. v. 240
town p. t. 680
Morrtstown t. 680
ille p. r. 390
■die
Morsstnn. p. v. f47
n rs p. v. 2>9
MortonTille p. o. 610
PAGE
Moscow p. v. 384
Moses Kil 679
Mosherville p. o. 589
Mosquito Cove ba. 550
Mosquito Neck lo. 550
Moss Street v. 685
Mother cr. 416
Mott Haven p. v. 701
Mutts Corners p. v. 655
Motts Point lo. 549
Mottville p. v. 487
Mountain br. 259
Mountain Brook lo. 2f0
Mountain Ridge mt. 395
Mount Airy.... lo. 699
Mount Hope p. v. 508
Mount Hope t. 508
Mount Hope Cemetery. .lo. 404
Mount Kisko p.o. 702
Mount Kisko p. v. 69S
Mount Misery lo. 633
Mount Morris p. v. 385
Mount Morris t. 385
Mount Morris Square ...lo. 423
Mount Olivet Cemetery. Jo. 549
Mount Pleasant p. v. 589
Mount Pleasant t. 702
Mount Rascal li. 505
Mount Riga p. 273
Mount Ross lo. 274
Mount Sinai p. v. 633
Mount Upton p. v. 227
Mount Vernon p. v. 699
Mount Vision p. o. 534
Mount Washington. ...p. o. 628
Mourning Kil 587, 588
Moxons mt. 674
Muckle h. 277
Mud cr. 21, 223, 451, 456.
487, 491, 496. 622. 691. 692
Mud la. 190, 210. 349,' 4S3,
5SS. 612. 619
Mud p. 201,236, 273, 304,
645, 647
Muddv br. 542
Muddy p. 543
Muddy Kil 667
Mudge cr. 691
Mud Lick cr. 222
Muitzes Kil 559
Muitzes Kill v. 559
Mumfbrd p. v. 406
Muncev h. 255
MunnsVille p. v. 393
Murder cr. 279,292,326,
327. 712
Murderers Kil 501
Murray p. o. 515
Murray t. 515
Murray Depot lo. 515
Muscoot cr. 696
Muscoot r. 706
Musquito b. 504
Mutton ville v. 495
Myers Corners lo. 272
Mycrsville lo. 276
Nanticoke cr. 179.
182, 651, 652
Nanticoke t. 182
Nanticoke Springs p.o. 182
Nnnnet p. v. 569
Napanock p. v. 668
Napeagne Harbor 634
p. v. 497
Naples t. 4.i7
Napoll p. v. 193
Napoli t. 193
Narrows cr. 624
Narrowsbnrgb. p. v. 648
Nashville p. v. 213
Nassau p. v. 557
Nassau t. 557
Natural Bridge p. v. 363
Nanmbnrg p. o. 376
Navarino p. v, 4*5
Etockaway lo. 547
Nratahwanta. la. 521
Nehtaways Cave. lo. 806
cr. 622
p. O. 393
t. 898
Nelson Plats v. 898
Nelson Hill b. 7oi
••ille v. 542
N< )•• rhan rr. 7oO
Neperhan p. o. 702
PACT?
Neperhan r. 696, 702, 707
Neversink p. o. 647
Neversink r. 21, 501. 506.
641. 647
Neversink t. 646
Neversink Flats v. C47
New Albion p. v. 193
New Albion t. 193
Newark p. v. 690
Newark t. 651
Newark Bay 563
Newark Valley p. v. 651
New Astoria lo. 519
New Baltimore p. v. 334
New Baltimore t. 334
New Beacon mt. 267
New Berlin p. v. 228
New Berlin t. 227
New Berlin Center p. o. 228
New Boston lo. 692
New Boston p. o. 379
New Bremen p. o. 378
New Bremen t. 378
New Bridge lo. 547
New Brighton p. v. 566
New Britain p. o. 248
New Brooklyn lo. 367
Newbnrgh lo. 713
Newburgh p. v. 509
Newbnrgh t. 508
New Castle p. o. 702
New Castle t. 702
New Centerville p. o. 520
Now City v. 166, 569
Newcomb la. 22
Newcomb t. 303
New Concord v. 244
New Dorp p. o. 567
New Ebenezer lo. 293
Newfane p. o. 454
Newfane t. 45 i
Newfield p. v. 658
Newfield t. 658
New Forge lo 240
New Graefenberg p. o. 3-14
New Hackensark p. v. 27:'
New Hamburgh p. v. 274
New Hampton p. v. 511
New Hartford p. v. 4' '5
New Hartford t. 465
New Haven p. v. 528
New Haven t. 52-3
New Hope v. 204
New Hudson p. o. 175
New Hudson Corners v. 175
New Hurley p. o. Gt'5. 6| 7
New Inlet 544
New Kingston p. o. 21 3
Newkirks Mills p. v. 317
New Lebanon p. o. 248
New Lebanon t. 248
New Lebanon Center..]i. v. 248
New Lebanon Springs 26
New Lebanon Springs..p.o. 24^
New Lisbon p. o. 535
New Lisbon t. 535
New Lisbon Center lo. 535
New London p. v. 470
New Lots t. 373
New Milford p. v. 510
New Ohio p. o. lvl
New Oregon p. o. 292
New Paltz p. v. 665
New Paltz t. i '
New Paltz Landing...]), v. 004
Newport p. v. 847
Newport t. 347
New Road p. 0. 265
New Rocbelle p. v. 702
New Rochelle t. 702
New Russia p. v. Bt 1
New Salem p. v. It 4
New Salem v. 4'. o
New Scotland p. v. 1' 4
New Scotland t. 164
New Bprmgvllle p. o,
Newstead t. 292
New Suffolk v. 640
New Sweden p. v. 236
Niwtonville p. o. 166
Newtown cr. 219. 221.
222,365,367,54 s. :,l ■
Newtown lo. 689
Newtown p. V. 649
Newtown t. 648
New rtrecht p. v. 878
New Utrecht t. 373
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
733
PAGE
New Vernon v. 508
New Village p. o. 834
Newville p. v. 343
Newville v. 829
New Windsor t. 509
New Windsor v. 509
New Woodstock p. v. 450
New York co. 418
New York Hay 307,
437, 563, 566
New York City t. 418
New York Harbor 563
New York Mills p. o. 465
New York Mills v. 471
New York Upper Mill9...v. 465
Niagara co. 101, 449
Niagara r. 20, 22, 122,
279, 284, 449, 453, 455
Niagara t. 454
Niagara City v. 455
Niagara Falls 450
Niagara Fidls p. v. 455
Nichols p. o. 651
Nichols t. 651
Nicholville p. v. 578
Niggar p. 571
Nile p. v. 173
Niles p.o. 204
Niles t. 204
Nino h. 537
Nine Corners lo. 204
Nine Mile or. 458, 463, 465,
474. 480, 4><3, 485, 522, 528
Nineveh p. o. 181
Nipple Top mt. 19, 296, 304
Niskayuna lo. 597
Niskayuna t. 597
Nisseqnagae lo. 63S
Nissequague r. 637
Nisseqnagne Harbor ba. 637
Nissequague Neck 637
Niverville p. v. 247
Nobles Corners v. 675
Noblesville v. 535
Norfolk p. v. 580
Norfolk t. 58o
Normans Kil 155,
163, 164, 595. 596, 597
Normanskill p.o. 163
Norrisville v. 240
North p. 273, 520, 647, 701
North Adams p.o. 355
North Albany lo. 166
North Almond p. o. 170
Northampton p. v. 318
Northampton t. 318
North Argyle p. o. 679
North Bangor p. o. 30S
North Barton p. o. 650
North Bay p. v. 470
North Bergen p. o. 325
North Blenheim p. o. 603
North Bloomfield p. v. 500
North Boston p. v. 283
North Branch p. v. 644
North Bridgewater p. v. 463
North Broadalbin p. o. 317
North Brookfleld p. v. 390
North Brother isle 548
North Buffalo p.o. 2S4
North Burue p.o. 309
North Cambridge p. o. 680
North Cameron p. o. 623
North Castle p. v. 703
North Ca^le t. 703
North Chatham p. v. 244
North Ch'-mung p.o. 221
North Chili p. v. 398
North Clarence p.o. 289
North Clarkson p. o. 405
North Cohocton _.p. v. 624
North Collins t. 292
North Collins v. 292
North Copake p.o. 245
North Creek p. v. 675
North Cuba v. 173
North Dansville t. 385
Northeast p. o. 273
Northeast t. 273
Northeast Center p. v. 273
North Easton p.o. 6S1
Northeast Station p. o. 273
North Elba p. o. 303
North Elba t. 303
North Evans p. v. 290
Northfield t. 506
North Franklin p.o. 261
FAOI
North Sage p.o. 4>:;
North Galway p.o. 589
North Granville p. v. 882
North Greece p. v. 399
North Qreenbnsh t. 557
North (iri'i-nlichl p.o. 5S9
North Greenwich p. v. 683
North Hamden p.o. 261
North Barpersfield p. o. 262
North Hartford v. 684
North llaviistraw p. v. 570
North Hebron p. v. 684
North Hector p. o. 611
North Hempstead p.o. 550
Ninth Hempstead t. 549
North Hill h. 211
North Hoosick p. v. 556
North Hudson p. v. 304
North Hudson t. 304
North Huron p. v. 691
North Islip v. 637
North Java p. v. 714
North Kortrigbt p. v. 262
North Lansing p. o. 658
North Lawrence p. v. 578
North Lincklaen p. o. 227
North Manlius p.o. 546
North Nassau .p. v. 557
North Norwich p. v. 228
North Norwich t. 228
North Parma p. o. 400
North Pembroke p.o. 327
North Pharsalia ..p.o. 229
North Pitcher p. v. 229
North Pittstown v. 558
Northport Bay 636
Northport Harbor 636
Northport p. v. 636
North Potsdam p. o. 582
North Reading p. o. 612
North Kidge p.o. 453
North Ridgeway .p. o. 515
North Rome lo. 466
North Rush p. v. 405
North Russell p. o. 582
North Salem p. v. 704
North Salem t. 703
North Sandy cr. 355, 357
North Sanford p. o. 1S3
North Scriba p. o. 528
North Sheldon .p. o. 715
North Shore p. o. 565
North Sparta p. o. 3S6
North Stephentown...p. c. 560
North Sterling p. o. 205
North Stockholm p. o. 582
Northumberland p. o. 591
Northumberland t. 591
North Drbana p. v. 628
North Valley lo. 175
Northville p. v. 318
Northville v. 202, 637
North West Bay 673
North West Bay !>r. 674
Northwest Harbor ba. 634
North Western p. v. 470
North White Creek ...p. v. 686
North Wilna p. o. 363
North Wilson _.p. o. 457
Norton Hill p. v. 332
Nortons Mills p.o. 496
Norway p. v. 347
Norway t. 347
Norwich lo. 551
Norwich p. v. 228
Norwich t. 228
Nowadaga cr. 340
Nunda p. v. 385
Nunda t. 3S5
Nunda Station p. v. 385
Nvack p. v. 570
Nyack Hills h. 568
Nyack Turnpike p. o. 569
Oak cr. 533, 536
Oak isle 636
Oak mt. 588
Oakfield lo. 327
Oakfield p. o. 327
Oakfield t. 327
Oak Hill h. 558
Oak Hill p. v. 245, 332
Oak Island Beach 636
Oakland p. v. 386
Oakland v. 645
Oak Orchard cr. 20, 22. 320,
324, 326, 512, 515
PAOB
Oak Orchard p. v. 515
Oak Orchard Acid Springs
lo. 824
Oak Point p. v. 577
Oak Ridge lo. 413
oaks Corners p.o. 498
Oaksville p. v. 688
oaika cr. 20, 820, 82
405, Tlo. 718, 714, 716
Obernburgh v. 845
Oblong p. -IT-:
Oblong p. o. 273
Odessa p. v. 610
Ogden p.o. 4t)0
Ogden t. 400
Ogden Center v. 400
Ogdeus isle 579
Ogdensburgh p. v. 580
Ohio p. o. 347
Ohio t. 347
Ohio City v. 347
Ohiuville lo. 666
Oil cr. 168, 17:;. M
oil Spring 173, 186
Okkanum cr. 179
Olean cr. 191, 193
Olean p. v. 193
Olean t. 193
Olcott p. v. 454
Old Attlebury lo. 277
Old Aquebogue v. 037
Old Beacon mt. 19, 267, 271
Old Castle lo. 499
Old Dam Fall cr. 506
Old Field Point lo. 633
Old Mans Harbor 633
Old Jlorrisania lo. 702
Old Orchard Shoal lo. 260
Old Place lo. 566
Old Schaghticoke lo. 559
Olive p. v. 665
Olive t. 665
Olive Bridge p. o. 665
Olive City v. 665
I llmsteadville p. v. 302
Olympus mt. 560
Omar p. o. 360
Omar v. 216
Oneida co. 101, 103, 110. 458
Oneida cr. 388, 458, 469, 470
Oueida la. 20, 22, 388, 458.
470, 474. 481, 517
Oneida p. v. 392
Oneida r. 474. 481, 517
Oneida Castle p. v. 469
Oueida Lake p. o. 392
Oneida Outlet cr. 22
Oneida Valley p. v. 392
Oneonta p. t. 535
Oneonta t. 535
Oneonta Plains v. 535
One Pine h. 510
Oniskethau lo. 164
Ontario co. 101, 103, 491
Ontario la. 20, 22. 122. 197.
204, 395, 517, 526, 688
Ontario p. v. 692
Ontario t. 692
Ontario Center v. 692
Onondaga co. 101, 103,473
Onondaga cr. 4*«3. 4vj. 4S9
Onondaga. ..la. 20, 22. 474. 4*7
Onondaga p. o. 485
Onondaga t. 485
Onondaga Castle p. o. 4S5
Onondaga Hill v. 485
Ouondaga Outlet cr. 474
Onondaga Reservation 478
Onondaga Salt Springs ... 473,
479
Onondaga Valley p. v. 4x5
Onoville p. o. 195
Oppenheim p. v. 318
Oppenheim t. 318
Oqnaga cr. 179, 183
Oquaga Hill mt. 184
Oramel p. v. 172
Oran p. v. 486
Orange co. 101, 103, 110. 501
Orange la. 509
| Orange p. o. 611
Orange t. 611
Orange Lake Ontlet cr. 509
Orange Mills lo. 571
Orangeport p. v. 456
Orangetown t. 570
Orangeville p. o. 714
r \c,e
Orangerille t. 714
Orangeville Center v. 714
Orebed p. »l
oreg.u p. ii. 216
in ..v. 643, 699
orient lo. 639
Orient p. v. 640
Oiienta lo. 701
Orient Harbor '40
Ori-kany cr. 393, 392, 168,
■J'.-'. 464,465, 471
< h i-kany p. v. 171
Ori-kanv Falls .p. v. 462
Orleans co. 103, 512
Orleans p. v. 498
Orleans t. 359
I ii leans I r Coi net - p. o. 360
Orville v. 447
i M well p. o. 523
Orwell t. 523
1 ii well Corners v. 523
Osborne cr. 616
< >.-borne Hollow p. o. 181
Osborns Bridge -.p.o. 318
I iscawana isle 699
< Isceola p. o. 379
Osceola t. 378
Ossian p. o. 386
Ossian t. 386
Ossian Center v. 386
Ossining t. 704
i tswago cr. 173
Oswaya cr. 173,186, 194
Oswegatchie r. 21. 23, 375,
376, 572, 575, 577. 680
Oswegatchie t. 580
Oswego co. 517
Oswego r. 20, 22, 122, 474,
483, 517, 521, 523, 527, 528
Oswego t. 526
Oswego City t. 523
Oswego Falls p. v. 521
Oswego Falls 521.524
Oswego Village p. o. 277
Otego cr. 530, 533, 534, 535
Otego p. v. 5?6
Otego t. 536
Otisco a. 474. 4*0
Otisco p. v. 486
Otisco t. 486
Otisco Inlet cr. 474. 599
i >ti-ville p. v. 508
Otsdawa cr. 536
Otsdawa p. v. 536
Otsego co. 101. 103, 530
Otsego la. 21. 22. 530
Otsego t. 536
Otsego Lake p. o. 536
Otselic cr. 228, 229. 388
Otselic p. v. 228
Otselic r. 178, 183. 223. 250,
251. 255
Otselic t. 228
Otsquaga cr. 348, 407. 414
Otsquene cr. 414
Otter br. 252
Otter cr. 201.375, 601, 514
Otter la. 201, 466
Otter Kil 504. 506
Otterkill v. 507
Otterville p. o. 507
Otto p. o. 194
Otto t. 193
Otto Corners v. 1S9
Ouaquaga p. o. 181
Onleont .cr. 257, '-•!. 264
Ouleout p. v. 263
Outlet cr. 587
Overackers Corners lo. 720
Overlook mt. 668
Ovid p. v. 016
Ovid. t. 616
Ovid Center v. 616
Ovid Landing lo. 616
Owasco...la. 20. 22, 197, -< >i. 21 16
Owasco p. v. 204
Owasco t. 204
Owasco Inlet...cr. 202. 206, 657
Owasco Lake p.o. 22
Owasco Outlet cr. 199, 203
Owego cr. 2i.">. i 55
Owego h. 250, 252, 255
Owego cr. 649, 650, 651. 652
Owego p. v. 652
Owego t. 649. 651
Owens p. 543
Owl Kil 679,680
734
INDEX TO GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Owl Pond 592
Owls Head jnt. 309
Ox ....cr. 521
Ox Bow p. v. 356
Oxford p. v. 229
Oxford t. 228
Oxford Depot p. o. 505
Oyster p. 635
Oyster Bay 544
Oyster Bay p. v. 550
Oyster Bay U 550
Oyster Harbor 544
Padgets br. 223, 377
Pages .. br. 223
Pages Corners lo. 589
Pages Corners p. v. 340
Paints cr. 202
Paines Hollow p. o. 344. 346
Paint cr. 595
Painted Post p. v. 625
Painter la. 520
Palatine p. o. 416
Palatine t. 416
Palatine Bridge p. v. 416
Palatini Church. lo. 416
Palensville p. v. 332
Palermo.... p. v. 526
Palermo t 526
Palisades p. o. 570
Palniertown..mt. 295. 584. 588,
589, 677,681
Palmyra p. v. 6f'2
Palmyra t. 692
Paltz Point mt. 665
Pamelia. t, 360
Pam niers..p. T. 360
Pamelia Village v. 360
Panama. p. v. 213
Panther cr. 605
Panther Hill mt. 646
Panth r Kil 600
Paradox la. 304
Pari? p. o. 466
Paris t. 465
Parish p. o. 526
Parish t. 526
Pari- Hill r. 466
ParishrQle p. v. 581
Parishville t. 581
Pari'hville v.
Parishville Center lo. 581
Parksville p. v. 645
Park-r cr. 538
Parkers p. 201
Parma p. o. 400
Parma. t 400
Parma Center p. t. 400
Parma c irnert v. 400
Parri lee Inland lo. 262
Pasca.--k cr. 570
Pal bin. p.o. 288
Patehin Hollow T, 603
Hills lo
bay 633. 634
Pmtchogne p. v. >-",i
rr. 166
•i I i
I' • ■ p. I
t. Ml
Patt p.\
Psngheanghnanghsink..'-r
Pan! -
Parilion p. f
Pavilion t
P»i iii-.ri Center p. \
r me p. t. 273
r tfn| I
i- h p. 5t
1 hard v. 611
!•■ rl rr. 713
I k p.T. 713
I' 1
h. 605
I- rr. 'J' 1
PecksTule In. 271
V oiC r. 23, 631
i ten fa
Peek- rr,
I -kill Bar
I' -kill rr
r p. i
P<vk-kill Hollow br. 698
1 Hollow rr. .'.41
Peek»ki!l HollOW I
Pe<k«kill Hollow ml.. 541
Pekiu p. I
PAGE
Pelham p. o. 705
Pel ham t. 704
Pelham Neck 704
Pelham Priory v 705
Pelhamville lo. 704
Peltons p. 543
Peltonville p.o. 627
Pembroke. p. o. 327
Pembroke. t. 327
Penataquit... p. t. 636
Pendleton. p.o. 455
Pendleton. t. 455
Pendleton Center p.o. 455
Penfield p. t. 401
Penfield t. 401
Penfield Center v. 401
Pennelville p. v. 527
Tenn Yan p. v. 720
Penny Bridge lo. 549
Peoria lo. 164
Peoria p. v. 713
Peoria v. 162
Pepacton p. o. 2f0
Pepacton. r. 21, 257
Perch la. 352
Perch r. 351, 356
Perch River p.o. 356
Perigo Hill h. 558
Perinton t. 401
Perkinsville v. 628
Perry p. 644
Perry : ...p. v. 715
Perry t. 715
Perry Center p.T. 715
Perry City p. v. 611
Perryaburgh p. v. 194
Perrysburgh t. 194
Perrya Mills p.o. 237
Perryrille p.T. 391, 394
Persia. t. 194
Pern lo. 482
Peru p.T. 238
Peru t. 238
Peru Landing lo. 238
PeruTille p.T. 657
Peterbpro p. v. 393
Petersburgh lo. 605
Petcrsburgh_.mt. 552. 555, 677
Petentrargb p. t. 557
Petersburgh t. 557
Petersburgh Four Corners
p.T. 558
Peters Kil 6C6
Petcrsrille... v. 703
Peth t. 190
Petre isle 541
Pharaoh la. 304
Pharaoh mt. 19, 205, 304
Pnanalia p. v. 220
Pharsalla t. 229
Phelps p.T. 498
Phelps t. 497
Philadelphia p.T. 360
Philadelphia t. 360
Philips cr. 168, i;o
Phnipsbnrgh.... lo. 510
Philips Creek p, v. 176
Phllllpsport p.o. 646
PhillpstowB t. 542
Pliili|.-vi|]e p. t. 170
Philmnnt p. v. 244
- i p.o. 667
Pha i.i t p. v. 627
Pteklevllle r. 838
Pierce i r. i 16
Plermonl p, r. 670
Pterreponl p.
Pterrq onl I
• " p. v. :'..'"
Plffard |
Piffardlnla v. 887
Pike t.r. 680
Pike. rr. 200,309
Pik-
Pike |
Pike t. 716
pik- Kiv. Oonten lo. 715
I'ik- Pond p.T. 644
Pillar Point p
Pinrkney ;
Pfnckney I
Pine I,
Pin- Isle 706
Pine la. 317
Pin-
Pines liridCe p..,. 70s
Pine Bush lo. 392
PAGE
Pine Bush p.T. 506
Pine GroTe p.o. 612
Pine Hill. lo. 326
Pine Hill p.T. 667
Pine Island 510. 542
Pine Kil 646
Pin Orchard.. ..mt. 19, 329, 333
Pine Plains p.T. 274
Pine Plains t. 273
Pine Pond br. 541
Pine Valley p.o. 222
PineTille v. 201, 520
Pine Woods. .p.o. 391
Pinnacle mt. 677
Pipe cr. 649, 652
Piscawen cr. 561
Piaeco lo. 337
Piagah h. 541
Pisgah mt. 19, 259
Pitcairn p. o. 581
Pitcairn t. 581
Pitcher p.T. 229
Pitcher t. 229
Pitcher Springs p.o. 229
Pitch Off. mt. 302
Pittsfield p. 0. 536
Pittsfield t. 536
Pittsford p. t. 401
Pittsford t. 401
Pittstown p. o. 558
Pittstown t. 558
Pittstown Corners v. .'.5S
Pittstown Station v. 55S
Placid la. 303
Plainfield t. 537
Plainfield Center t. 637
Plainsville t. 497
Plainville p.T. 484
Plank Road p.o. 481
Plasterville lo. 228
Platners cr. 261
Plato p. 0. 189
Platte Kil 263, 331, 416,
660
Plattekill p. t. 665
Plattekill t. 605
Platter Kil 600, 605
Pittsburgh p. v. 239
Pittsburgh t. 239
Pleasant br. 223, 230
Pleasant cr. 351, 359
Pleasant la. 22.338, 352, 579
Pleasant p. 643, 647
Pleasant Brook p. o. 537
Pleasant Plains p.o. 270
Pleasant Ridge p.o. 277
PleasantVulley.jo. 215,471. 540
Pleasant Valley p. v. 274
Pleasant Valley t. 274
Pleasantrille p. v. 702
Plessis p. t. 355
Plumb br. 606
Plum br. 706
Plum cr. 170
Plum Beach lo. 550
Plum Gut 639
Plum Isle 689
Plymouth h. 277
Plymouth.
,.p. V.
29
Plymouth 1. 220
Pocantlco r. B
Pi chui k cr. 510
Podunk l.r. 681
Kil 554,558,560
Kill p. v. 558
Poeatenkfll t. 658
Polnt-an-For lo. 237
l'oit,i-:iii-Roche 230
point Orleans [0, 360
Point Peninsula p.o. 359
Poinl Rock br. 462
Poke-a-Moonshine mt. 300
Poland p. v. 34s
Poland t. 214
Center p. 0. 214
Pole Hill b. 678
Polkville p. v. 484, oil
Poiufnt t. 214
Pompey h. io
Pompey.. p. 0. 486
Pompey t. 486
pompey Center p. 0. 486
Pompey Hill p.y. 486
nek int. 510
Pi Dd h. 610, 541
Pond Kd'ly p. ... « ' 4 1 .
Iloilow p. o. 658 I
PAGE
Pon-o-kose .h. 554
Pontiac p. v. 290
Poolville p. t. 391
Popes Mills p.o. 579
Poplar Ridge t. 206
Poplopens p. 507
Port Bay 688, 691, 695
Portage t. 386
Portage Falls 710
Portage Station lo. 386
Portageyille p. v. 713
Port Benjamin y. 668
Port Byron p. v. 203
Port Chester .p. v. 705
Port Douglas lo. 300
Port Crane t. 183
Port Deposit lo. 615
Portor t. 455
Porters Corners p.T. 589
Port Ewen p. v. 662
Port Glasgow p. 0. 691
Port Henry p.T. 303
Port Jackson lo. 238
Port Jackson p. t. 413
Port Jackson t. 666
Port Jefferson bay 633
Port Jefferson p. v. 633
Port Jeryis p. y. 506
Port Kendall Jo. 300
Port Kent p.T. 300
Portland p. 0. 215
Portland t. 215
Portlandyille p.o. 535
Port Ley-den .p. v. 377
Port Morris y. 702
Port Nixon y. 668
Port Ontario p.y. 527
Port Richmond p. v. 566
Portville p. y. 194
Portville t. 194
Port Washington p. 0. 550
Port Yv'oodlmll lo. 466
Post cr. 219, 220, 624
Post Creek .p. o. 221
Posts cr. 332
Posts Corners y. 686
Potick cr. 331. 332
Potick h. 331
Potick Hills h. 329
Potsdam p. v. 5S1
Potter p.o. 720
Potter t. 720
Potter Center v. 720
Potter Hill p. o. 556
Potters h. 555
Potters Hollow p. o. 165
Pottersyille ..p. v. 674
Potsdam Junction. lo. 582
Potuck cr. 501
Poughkeepsie t. 274
Poughkeepsie City 274
Poughkeepsie Rural Ceme-
tery lo. 275
Poughfiuag p. t. 270
Poultn.-y r. 6S3
Poundridge p. t. 705
Ponndridge t. 705
Powells Cove 544. 546
Prairie la. 317
Pray h. 537
Prattsbnrgh p. v. 627
Prattabargh t. 627
Pratts Ki.lls 486
Prntts Hollow p. v. 391
Pratteville p.v. 334
Prattsrflle t. 334
Preble t. 264
Preble Corners p.v. U">4
I'iciiilergaet cr. 208
Preston p. 808
Preston p. o. 230
Preston t. 229
Preston Corners v. 230
Preston Hollow p. v. 165
Princes Hay 516, 563, 567
Prlnoetown p. 0. 697
Princetown t. 597
Prickly Ash b 507
Pi 1 t...h. 246, 276, 369. 414,
541, 673
Prospect lo. 827, 348
Prospect mt. 204. To0,
Prospect p. v. 4*"iS
Prospect Hill lo. To.'.
Pro-pert Hill V. 704
Prospect Point lo. 549
Prospect Station lo. 468
INDEX OF GEOGRAPITICAL NAMES.
735
PAOE
Protection .p. o. 292
Providonce p. o. 691
Providence t. 691
Psanticoko Swamp 557
Pugsleys Dopot p. o. 655
Pulaski p. v. 627
Pultenoy p. o. 627
Pulteney t. 627
Pulteneyvillo p. v. 694
Pulvers Corners p. o. 274
Pulvers Station lo. 245
Pumpkin Hill lo. 325
Pumpkin Hook cr. 686
Pumpkin Hook lo. 686
Punch Kil 555, 600
Puusit cr. 241
Purchase lo. 703
Purdy cr. 625
Purdy Creek p. o. 625
Purdys Station p. o. 704
Purvis p. o. 647
Putnam co. 101,640
Putnam cr. 296, 300
Putnam mt. 681
Putnam p. o. 685
Putnam t. 685
Putnam Corners .v. 685
Putnams cr. 301
Putnam Valley t. 542
Quacken Kil 554, 555
Quackenkill p. o. 555
Quaker br. 542
Quaker cr. 506, 510
Quaker Hill lo. 273
Quaker Springs 591
Quaker Springs p. v. 591
Quaker Street p. v. 596
Quality Hill v. 392
Quarryville p. v. 667
Quassaic cr. 509
Queechy lo. 243
Queens co. 103, 544
Queens p. o. 548
Queensbury lo. 245
Queensbury p. v. 675
Queensbury t. 675
Quincy v. 215
Quogue p. o. 638
Racket la. 22, 337
Racket r. 21, 23, 307,
309, 338, 572, 576, 580, 581
Racket River p. v. 580
Racketville v. 582
Ragged la. 309
Rahway r. 566
Rail Bridge cr. 595
Rainer h. 504
Ramapo mts. 568
Ramapo r. 501, 568, 571
Ramapo t. 571
Ramapo v. 571
Ramapo Works p. o. 571
Rams Head 236
Randalls ibIo 418, 419
Randolph .p. v. 195
Randolph t. 194
Randolph Center p. o. 184
Ransoms cr. 282, 288
Ransomville p. v. 456
Rapids p. o. 454
Rathbone t. 627
Rathboneville p. v. 627
Rattle h. 541
Rattlesnake h. 454
Rattlesnake isle 279
Raven Hill h. 296
Raven Hill int. 301
Ravenswood p. v. 549
Rawson p. o. 192
Rawson Hollow p. o. 655
Raymertown p. v. 558
Raymoudville .p. o. 580
Rayville v. 244
Reading p. o. 612
Reading t. 612
Reading Center p. v. 612
Reads Corners lo. 399
Red cr. 206
Red Creek p. v. 695
Red Falls p. v. 334
Redfleld p. o. 526
Redfield t. 526
Redtbrd p. v. 340
Redhook p. v. 276
Redhook t. 276
PAOE
Red Hook 419
Red House cr. 186, 188
lied Kil 263, 264
Red Jacket p. o. 284
Red Mills p. v. 541
Bed Hidgo h. 504
Red Rock lo. 243
Redwood p. v. 355
Reeds Corners lo. 386
Reeds Corners p. v. 496
Reeseville v. 597
Reidsville p. v. 162
Remsen p. v. 466
Remsen t. 466
Rensselaer co. 101, 103, 552
Rensselaer Falls p. v. 575
Rensselaervillo p. v. 165
Rensselaerville t. 165
Rensselaerwyck Manor 155
Reserve p. o. 293
Reservoir. la. 191
Reservoir Square lo. 423
Rexford Flats p. V. 587
Reynales Basin p. v. 456
Reynolds Corners lo. 690
Reynoldsville p. v. 611
Rhinebeck p. v. 277
Rhinebeck t. 276
Rhinebeck Kil 276
Rhinebeck Station p. v. 277
Rhoda p. 241, 245
Rhoderic mt. 254
Rice cr. 526
Rice v. 191
Rich la. 22
Richburgh p. v. 176
Richfield p. o. 537
Richfield t. 537
Richfield Springs 26
Richfield Springs p. v. 537
Richford p. v. 652
Richford t. 652
Richland t. 527
Richland Station lo. 527
Richmond co. 563
Richmond p. v. 566
Richmond t. 498
Richmond Mills p. o. 498
Richmond Valley p. o. 567
Richmondville p. v. 606
Richmondville t. 606
Rich's Corners lo. 514
Richville lo. 327
Richville p. v. 576
Ridgo p. 303
Riders Mills v. 244
Ridge p. v. 385
Ridgebury p. v. 511
Ridge Mills v. 466
Ridgeway p. v. 515
Ridgeway t. 515
Rieds br. 261
Riga p. o. 401
Riga t. 401
Riga Center v. 401
Rikers isle 548
Rikers Hollow p. o. 627
Ripley h. 473
Ripley p. o. 215
Ripley t. 215
Risingville p. o. 627
Riverhead p. v. 637, 638
Riverhead t. 637
River Road lo. 385
River Road Forks p. o. 385
Riverdale v. 708
Roanoke p. v. 328
Roaring br. 375, 560
Roberts Corners p. o. 358
Robertsonville p. o. 645
Robins isle 631
Robinsons p. 241, 245
Robins Reef. 419
Rochdale lo. 274
Rochester t. 666
Rochester City 402
Rockaway p. o. 547
Rockaway Beach.. ..lo. 544, 547
Rock City lo. 173
Rock City p. v. 273
Rock City Mills p. v. 590
Rockdale p. v. 227
Rock House h. 569
Rockland co. 101, 568
Rockland la. 569
Rockland p. o. 647
Rockland t. 647
PAOl
Rockland v. .770
Rockland Lake p. v. 669
Rockland Mount 19
Rocky Point lo. 688
Rock Stream cr. 721
Rock Stroam p. v. 721
Rock Stream r. 721
Rockvillo lo. 510
Rockvillo p. o. 171
Rockville v. 607
Rockvillo Center p. v. 547
Rockwood p. v. 317
Rocky h. 607, 510
Rocky Hill lo. 646
Rocky Point lo. 633
Rodman p. v. 361
Rodman t. 361
Roeliff Jansens Kil... 241, 233,
244, 245, 247, 248, 267, 272
Rogers cr. 683
Rogersville v. 625
Roll Way Bluff h. 346
Rome p. v. 466
Rome t. 466
Romulus p. v. 616
Romulus p.v. 618
Romulus t. 616
Romulus Center. p. o. 616
Rondout...cr. 23, 660, 602. 664,
666, 668
Rondout p.v. 663
Ronkonkoma la. 631
Root p.o. 416
Root t. 416
Rose br. 264
Rose h. 707
Rose p. o. 693
Rose t. 693
Roseboom p. v. 537
Roseboom t. 537
Rose Hill p.o. 615
Rosendale p. v. 666
Rosendale t. 666
Rose Valley v. 693
Roslyn p. v. 550
Rossie p. v. 582
Rossie t. 582
Rossville p. v. 567
Rotterdam lo. 597
Rotterdam t. 597
Rough mts. 501, 510
Rough and Ready p. v. 625
Round h. 504, 505, 541
Round la. 338
Round mt. 541, 559
Round p. 225, 273, 303, 309,
399, 507, 645, 646
Round Top h. 331
Round Top mt. 19, 329, 333
Rouses Point p.v. 237
Roxbury p. v. 264
Roxbury t. 264
Royalton p. v. 456
Royalton t. 456
Rudds p. 273
Run cr. 334
Rural Hill p.o. 358
Rush cr. 175, 291
Rush p.o. 405
Rush t. 404
Rushford p.v. 175
Rushford t. 175
Rushville p. v. 720
Russell p. o. 582
Russell t. 582
Russia p. v. 348
Russia t. 347
Russia v. 240
Rutland p.o. 361
Rutland t. 361
Rutland Center v. 361
Rutledge v. 189
Rye p. 701,703
Rye p. v. 705
Rye t. 705
Ryebeach lo. 705
Sabbath Day Point lo. 674
Sackets p. 647
Sackets Harbor p.v. 358
Sacoudaga...r. 21, 23, 314, 338,
584, 588, 589
Sacondaga Vlaie lo. 316
Saddle mt. 677
Sagamore la. 541
Sage cr. 522
PAOB
Sageville p. v. 338
Sagg lo. 638
Sag Harbor p.v. 638
St. Andrews p. o. 508
St. Arinand t. 304
St. A inlands Bay 236
St. Iblcua p.v. 712
St. James p. o. 637
St. .laim-sville v. 637
St. JohiiH I'.'irk lo. 423
St. Johngvllle p. v. 416
St. .Minsville t. 416
St. Lawrence. .co. 101, 103, 572
Saint Lawrence p. o. 356
st. Lawrence r. 20, 22, 23,
572, 579
St. Marys la. 707
St. Marys p. 701
St. Regis la. 311
St. Regis....r. 23, 307, 309, 310,
572, 575, 578, 581
St. Regis v. 309
St. Konans Well isle 549
Salem p. v. 685
Salem t. 685
Salem v. 215
Salem Center p. o. 704
Salina p.o. 500
Salina t. 487
Salisbury p.o. 348
Salisbury t. 348
Salisbury Center p.v. 348
Salisbury Corners v. 348
Salisbury Mills p.v. 504
Salmon cr. 22, 395, 405, 526,
654, 658, 688, 694
Salmon...r. 21, 22, 23. 122,232,
307, 311, 812, 375, 517, 520,
527.
Salmon River p.o. 520
Salmon River v. 239
Salmon River Falls 523
Salpeu p. 543
Salt Point cr. 270
Salt Point p.v. 274
Salt Springsville p.o. 532
Sammoiisville p. v. 317
Sam-po-wans br. 636
Sampson p. 236
Samsonville p. v. 665
Sand la. 558, 588
Sand p. 646, 647
Sandanona mt. 19, 290, 303
Sand Bank p.v. 520
Sandburgh cr. 660, 668
Sander Kil 666
Sandford la. 22
Sandfordvillo v. 582
Sanford p. 303
Sanford. p. v. 183
Sanforda Corners p.v. 359
Sand Lake p.v. 558
Sand Lake t. 558
Sand Pond br. 261
Sands cr. 261
Sands Point lo. 549, 550
Sandstone cr. 527
Sandusky p. v. 190
Sandy cr. 122, 351, 359, 361,
395, 512, 514
Sandy Creek p.o. 527
Sandy Creek t. 527
Sandy Hill cr. 538
Sandy Hill p.v. 685
Sandy Hook 419
Sangerfield p. o. 467
Sangerfield t. 467
Sangerfield Center v. 467
Saranac la. 309
Saranac p. 239
Saranac p. v. 240
Saranac r. 21, 232, 236, 239,
240, 303, 304, 307, 311
Saranac Falls 239
Saranac Lake p.o. 303, 311
Saratoga co. 101, 584
Saratoga la. 5S4, 590. 591
Saratoga t. 591
Saratoga Springs p.v. 592
Sardinia p. v. 292
Sardinia t. 292
Sarlesville lo. 702
Saugerties p. v. 666
Saugerties t. 666
Sauquoit...cr. 458,465,466.471
Savannah p. V. 693
Savannah t. 693
73G
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Savannah v. 693
Savil p. o. 509
Savona p. v. 622
Saw Kil 207. 276. 663
Saw Mill _ br. 706
Sawmill Run cr. 1S8
Baw Mill Station lo. 2S3
Sawyers cr. 455, 456
Sayrille p. v. 636
Sc ijaquady cr. 2s4
Scarsdale p. o. "no
Scarsdale t. 705
Scarsdale Station 1". 705
Bchaghticoke p. o. 559
Schaghticoke t. 558
Bchaghticoke Hill v. 559
ghticoke Point v. 559
Schenectady Citv 598
Schenectady co. 409, 595
Schenevas cr. 530.
533, 534, 538
Schcnevus p. v. 534
Schodack t. 559
Schod.ick Center p. o. 559
lack Depot p. v. 559
Schodack Landing p. v. 559
Schoharie co. 101. 104, 600
Schoharie, cr. 329.333,334.
407, 595, 596, 600. 603.
605,606
Schoharie - rut. 595
Schoharie p. v. 606
Schoharie t. 606
Schroeppel t. 52!
Schroon la. 804, 674
Schroon mt. 295,
301,302. 304,
305. 336
Schroon r. 296,
678,674, 676
Schroon t. 304
Schroon Lake p. v. 304
Schroon River p. o. 304
Schultzville p. o. 270
Schuuemunk mt3. 501, 507
Schuvler - co. 609
Schuvler isle 300
Schuvler la. 22, 530
Schuvler t. 348
Schuvler Falls p. v. 340
Schuyler Falls. t. 340
Schuylera Lake p. v. 533
Schuvlerville p. v. 591
SchuVlerville v. 70tj
Scio p. t. 175
Scio t. 175
Sciota p. v. 287
Scipio p. o. 204
Scipio _ t. 204
8cipio Center v. 204
Scipi"ville p. v. 204
Sconondoa p. v. 470
Scotch Uu-h p. o. 413
Scotch Towd p. v. 510
Scotia p. v. 597
Scott p.o. 254
8cott t. 264
Scott Center i
Scott Corners
Scott* cr _
8cotM>nrph p.
Scott- (' rn.-r-i 1
Scott- Oornen «
ScotUville, p.
Scril.i
Scriba p.
E Iba ■
Scriba Corners
Scrul. rr. 166
Scum la. 190
Scutten 1*1
Scuttle riole 1
Sea Lund I
Seaman* Point lo. 7'H
Searshurgh p.o. 611
Seamvlllo.. p
Seatuck
Second i l
Seelv .r. 21
E p. 223
Point !
- in p.
Irk
Selkirk* Cave 1
Bomprooroa p.
Senipr.inius
Seneca co. 613
PAGE I
Seneca la. 20. 22.498,
609, 613, 616, 717, 720. 721
Seneca r. 21. 22,
197. 201. 474. 481, 482,
4S3, 490, 613, 617, 61 S
Seneca t. 498
Seneca Castle p. o. 498
Seneca Falls p. v. 617
Seneca Kails t. 617
Seneca Hill p. v. 528
Seneca River p. o. 201
Sennett p. v. 204
Sennett t. 204
Sepasco la. 276
Setauket p. v. 633
Setauket Bay 633
Seventh Pond p. 074
Seward nit. 19. 296. 3 >7
Seward p. o. 007
Seward t. 607
Seward Valley v. 607
Seymour p. o. 173
Shaker Settlement lo. 106
Shandaken p. v. 067
Sbandaken t. 667
Shannons Corners lo. 721
Sharon p. o. 007
Sharon t. 607
Sharon Center p. v. 607
Sharon Hill v. 607
Sharon Springs 26
Sharon Springs p. v. 607
Sharon Station p.o. 270
Sharertown p. o. 259
Shaw br. 259, 555
Shaw p. 277, 647
Shawangunk cr. 646
Shawangunk mts. 19,
501, 506, 507, 646, 660
Shawangunk p. v. 667
Shawangunk r. 501,
506, 507, 667
Shawangunk t. 667
Shawangunk Kil 641, 663
Shawler br. 225
Shawler cr. 223
Shawnee p. v. 457
Sheds Corners p. o. 390
Sheeps Head Bay 365, 372
Shelby p. o. 516
Shelby t. 516
Shelby Basin p. o. 516
Shelby Center v. 516
Sheldon p. 0. 715
Sheldon t. 715
Sheldrake cr. 616, 701.705
Sheldrake p. o. 616
Sheldrake Point v. 616
Shelter isle 631
Shelter Island p. o. 637
Shelter Island. t. 637
Shenandoah Corners...p. 0. 271
Shepard p. 571
Shepherd h. 292
Sherburne p. v. 230
Sherborne t. 230
Bheridan p. v. 215
Sheridan t. 215
Bheridan Center p. v. 216
Sherman cr. 693
nan p. v. 215
man t. 215
BhermaiM Hollow p.o. 720
■ 1:111- Mills p. 0.
Shi rw..«i p. v. 204
p. v. 292
shin Creek p.o. 647
Shingle br.
Shingle 1 r. :-;l
Shi 1 1 p. 1 .
Bhlnnecock h. 638
Shinnecock v. 03s
k Bay
Bhohao p. v. 161
Sbong ■ p. o. 176
krille 1". 273
Me- •• r- Uli
Short Tract p. 0. 174
tsville p. v. 497
Shoemaki ...lo. 171
ShrabOak p.o : ■
Shins la. 668
Sbulta ml
ShnlUrille p.
Shnmla I". 216
Bhoaban p. r.
abutters Corners p.o. 608
PAGE
Sibleyville lo. 400
Sidney p. v. 264
Sidney t. 264
Sidney Center p. v. 264
Sidney Plains p. v. 264
Siloam p.o. 393
Silver cr. 208, 213
Silver la. 270, 577, 710
Silver Creek p. v. 213
Simewog h. 540
Siuclearville v. 211
Sing Sing cr. 219, 220
Sine Sing p. v. 704
Six Mile cr. 451,
521, 654
Sixteen Falls cr. 616
Six Town cr. 16S, 172
Skanandoa cr. 402,469
Skaneateles cr. 254
Skaueateles la. 20, 22,197,
204, 250, 474, 487
Skaneateles p. v. 4S7
Skaneateles t. 487
Skaneateles Outlet cr. 474,
4S2, 599
Skinners cr. 357, 359
Skinnerville lo. 5S2
Slader cr. 172
Slate Bottom cr. 288
Slate Hill p. v. 511
Slate Hills h. 3S0
Slateville p.o. 684
Slaterville p. v. 655
Slatterloys cr. 504
Slaughters p. 507
Slaughters Landing lo. 509
Sleepy Hollow lo. 702
Sleightsburg v. 662
Sliters Corners v. 558
Sloansville p. v. 605
Sloatsburgh p. v. 571
Slush p. 236
Sly p. 681
Smally h. 541
Smithfieia t. 393
Smith Mills p. v. 213
Smiths p. 533
Smiths Basin p.o. 6S5
Smithsboro p. v. 053
Smiths Corners lo. 348, 716
Smiths Corners v. 507
Smiths Landing lo. 378
Smiths Mills v. 522
Smiths Valley lo. 392
Smithton lo. 00.3
Smithtown lo. 589
Smithtown p. v. 637
Smithtown t. 037
Smithtown Branch p.o. 637
Smithville lo. 324
Smithville p. v. 355, 358
Smithville t. 230
Smithville Flats p. v. 230
Smokes cr. 293
Smoky Hollow p. v. 244
Snook Kil 590
Smyrna p. v. 230
Smyrna t. 230
Snake cr. 182, 526
Snake h. 505, 509,557, 558,
570
Snyder p. 241,245
Bociality lo. 189
S..ilu-...* p. v. 122. 094
Bodui t. 693
Bodui Center p. v. 694
Bodua Point p. v. 694
Bolitude lo. 268
Solon p. 254
Solon p, v. 264
Solon t. 264
Sunei-s p. v. 422
II rs t. 705
Somerset p. v. 4.'.o
Somerset t. 450
B nerville p. v. 582
ra p.T. 02-2
ille p. v. 392
.-.nth Melrose lo. 702
s..iir Spring lo, 826
S .mil h. 482,520,534,701
to Addison p. v. 621
E nth Alabama p. 0. 824
- tfa AlblOO p. 0. 520
Booth Amenia p.T. 270
- Dtham) t n p. v. 03s
Southampton t. 638
PAGE
South Argyle p. o. 679
South Avon p. 0. 382
South Ballston p.o. 587
South Bangor p.o. 308
South Barre p.o. 514
South Bay 392,481,633,
680
South Bay v. 681
South Bend Mills lo. 244
South Berlin p. v. 554
South Bern 162
South Bethlehem lo. 103
South Bird cr. 222
South Bolivar p. o. 172
South Bombay lo. 309
South Bradford p. v. 622
South Branch cr. 194
South Bristol/. p.o. 499
South Bristol t. 499
South BrookHeld p.o. 390
South Brooklyn 367
South Brother isle 548
South Butler p. v. 690
South Byron p. v. 325
South Cairo p. 0. 331
South Candor v. 651
South Canton lo. 575
Southeast Center v. 543
South Chili lo. 398
South Colson p.o. 576
South Columbia p. o. 342
South Corinth p. v. 588
South Cortland p. v. 252
South Danby p.o. 656
Smith Dansville p.o. 625
South Dickinson p. o. 310
South Dover p.T. 271
South Durham p.o. 332
South Edmeston p. v. 533
South Edwards p. v. 576
Southeast t. 543
South Easton p. v. 681
South Erin p.o. 222
Southfield lo. 50S. 566
Southfield mts. 507
Southfield t. 566
South Galway p. o. 589
South Glens Falls p. v. 590
South Granby p.o. 521
South Granville p. v. 6S2
South Gilboa p. v. 605
South Greece p. v. 399
South Hamilton p. o. 392
South Hammond v. 577
South Hannibal p.o. 522
South Harford v. 252
South Harrisburg p.o. 377
South Hartford p.o. 084
South Hartwick p. v. 533
South Haven p. v. 634
South Hill p.o. 626
South Howard p.o. 626
South Huron v. 691
South Kortright p.o. 262
South Lansing p.o. 658
South Lima p. v. 384
South Livonia p. v. 384
South Middle Branch. ..cr. 186,
189
South New Berlin p. v. 228
Southold p. v. 639
Southold t. 639
South Onondaga p. v. 485
South Otsolic p. v. 228
South Oxford p.o. 229
South Oyster Bay 544, 547,
550
South Pekin p.o. 453
South Pitcher p.o. 229
Sooth Plattsborgh p.o. 239
Sooth Plymouth p.o. 22!)
Southport p. v. 222
Boothport t. 222
South Richland p.o. 527
Sooth Rondoot v. 662
South Royalton p.o. 456
Sooth Rutland p. o. 361
SOOtfa Slllelll p. v. 701
Booth Bandy cr. 357
South Sand Lake p. o. 558
South Schodack p.o. 559
Southsiile ]). o. 567
Booth Sodas p.T. 694
South 8tephentown....p. o. 560
Booth Stockton p.o, 216
South Thurston p.o, 627
South Trenton p. v. V\1
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
737
PAGE
South Troupsburgh. ..p. v. 628
South Valley p. v. 637
South Valley t. 195
Southville p. o. 582
South Wales p. v. 293
South Warsaw p. o. 716
South Waterloo v. 615, 618
South Weatcrlo p. o. 167
Southwest Oswego p. o. 526
South Williamsburgh...lo. 549
South Willsboro. p. o. 652
South Wilson p. o. 457
South Worcester. p. v. 538
South Yonkers p. o. 708
Spafford p. v. 487
Spafford t. 487
Spafford Hollow p. o. 487
Spar Kil 568
Sparta lo. 704
Sparta p. o. 386
Sparta t. 386
Sparrow Bush p. o. 506
Speigletown v. 557
Spencer p. v. 652
Spencer t. 649
Spencer t. 652
Speedsville p. v. 655
Spencerport p. v. 400
Spencerville lo. 166
Spencers Corners lo. 273
Spencers Settlement lo. 471
Spencertown p. v. 243
Speonk p. v. 638
Split Kock 295
Split Rock cr. 186
Split Kock lo. 485
Spooners Corners p. o. 537
Spragues Corners lo. 356
Sprain r. 707
Sprakers Basin p. o. 416
Spring br. 260, 527
Spring cr. 325
Springs p. o. 635
Spring Brook p. v. 290
Springfield cr. 367, 368
Springfield lo. 548
Springfield p. o. 538
Springfield t. 537
Springfield Center p. v. 537
Spring Hill lo. 546
Spring Mills p. v. 174
Springport t. 205
Springtown lo. 665
Spring Valley lo. 704
Springville lo. 546
Springville p. v. 289
Spi'ingwater p. v. 386
Springwater t. 386
Sprout cr. 267, 271, 272
Sprout Brook p. o. 412
Sprout Creek p. o. 272
Spruce ._ cr. 348
Spruceville lo. 263
Spuyten Duyvil cr. 418, 707
Spuyten Duyvil p. v. 708
Squaw isle 279
Stillson Hollow v. 184
Staatsburgh p. o. 272
Staceys Basin lo. 470
Stafford p. v. 328
Stafford t. 327
Stamford p. v. 262, 265
Stamford t. 264
Stamford Mill r. 696, 705
Stanford t. 277
Stanfordville p. v. 277
Stanleys Corners p. o. 498
Stanwix p. v. 466
Stapleton p. v. 566
Stark t. 348
Starkey p. v. 721
Starkey t. 721
Starkey Corners lo. 721
Starkville p. v. 348
Starrs Hill h. 467
State Bridge lo. 255
State Bridge p. v. 470
State Dam lo. 590
State Line lo. 215
Staten Island 563,564
Staten Island Sound 563
8tate Road p. o. 222
Steamburgh lo. 611
Stedman p. o. 213
Steels cr. 261
Steena Kil 589
Stephens - cr. 623
PAGE
Stephens Mills p. o. 625
Stephcnsville...... lo. 163
Stephcntown p. v. 500
Stephontown t. 559
Stephcntown Flats v. 560
Sterling cr. 340
Sterling mts. 501, 510
Sterling p. 510
Sterling p. o. 205
Sterling t. 205
Sterlingburgh. lo. 356
Sterlingbush. p. v. 376
Sterling Center.. v. 205
Sterling Valley.— v. 205
Sterlingville p. v. 360
Sterling Works lo. 510
Steuben co. 101, 619
Steuben - cr. 467
Steuben p. o. 467
Steuben t. 467
Steuben Corners.. v. 467
Stevens - br. 495
Stevensburgh v. 644
Stevensville p. o. 645
Stillwater cr. 214
Stillwater p. v. 593
Stillwater t. 592
Stink la. 317
Stissing mt. 273
Stissing p. 273
Stissingville lo. 277
Stitsonville lo. 535
Stittsville p. v. 465, 408
Stockbridge p. o. 393
Stockbridge t. 393
Stockholm p. o. 582
Stockholm t. 582
Stockholm Depot p.o. 582
Stockport p. v. 248
Stockport t. 248
Stockport Springs 26
Stockport Station p.o. 262
Stockton p. o. 216
Stockton t. 216
Stocktons cr. 622, 627
Stockwell Settlement v. 467
Stokes p. o. 465
Stony br. 569, 600, 637
Stony cr. 314, 351, 355, 358,
376, 587, 683
Stone Arabia p. v. 416
Stone Bridge cr. 674
Stone Bridge lo. 604
Stone Church.... lo. 271
Stone Church p.o. 325
Stone Mills p.o. 360
Stone Ridge h. 416
Stone Ridge mt. 664
Stone Ridge. p. v. 664
Stony Brook p. v. 633
Stony Brook Harbor 637
Stony Creek p. 309
Stony Creek t. 675
Stony Hills h. 705
Stony Point lo. 237, 569
Stormville p. v. 271
Stottsville v. 248
Stowells Corners .p.o. 358
Stows Square lo. 378
Straights Corners p.o. 653
Strattons Falls p.o. 264
Strawberry isle 279
Strykers Bay lo. 419
Strykersville p. v. 715
Strykersville v. 604
Stuyvesant p.o. 248
Stuyvesant t. 248
Stuyvesant Falls p. v. 248
Stuyvesant Landing v. 248
Stuyvesant Square lo. 423
Success p. 544
Success p. o. 639
Sufferns p. v. 571
Suffolk co. 631
Suffolk Station p.o. 637
Sugar cr. 168, 3S6
Sugar r. 375, 377
Sugar Hill p.o. 611
Sugar Loaf. mt. 505, 542
Sugar Loaf. p. v. 505
Sugar Town cr. 191
Sugar Town p. o. 191
Sullivan co. 641
Sullivan p. o. 394
Sullivan t. 393
Sullivanville p. v. 222
Summer HilL la. 205
PAGE
Summer Hill p.T. 205
Slimmer Hill t. 205
Summit la. 537, 600, 679
Summit p. v. 607
Summit t. 607
Sunimitville v. 646
Sunken Meadow Isle 419
Sunk Lot lo. 542
Superior la. 643
Suspension Bridge p.o. 455
Susquehanna r. 21,23,178,
223, 225, 257, 530, 538, 649,
651, 652.
Sutherlands p. 505
Swains p. 252
Swaiusville p. o. 174
Swamp r. 267,270, 273
Swarte Kil 587, 662, 664
Swartz cr. 658
Swartoutville lo. 272
Sweden p. o. 405
Sweden t. 405
Sweden Center v. 405
Sweets la. 370
Swezys Lauding.. lo. 633
Switz Kil ...cr. 162
Syosset... - p. o. 550
Syracuse City -. 488
Taberg p. v. 461
Taghkanick cr. 249
Taghkanick mt. 241, 24S,
267, 273, 552, 555, 557, 677,
686.
Taghkanick p.o. 249
Taghkanick t. 249
Talcotts Corners v. 202
Talcotville v. 377
Tamerack Swamp 679
Tannersville p.o. 333
Tappan Bay 704
Tappantown p. v. 570
Tappan Zee 700
Tarrytown p. v. 700.702
Taughaniek cr. 654. 658
Taughaniek Falls 658
Taylor mt. 19
Tavlor t. 254
Taylors p. 236
Taylorville p. v. 254, 500
Tekaharanea Falls 532
Telards h. 707
Temple h. 383
Ten Mile cr. 165, 62'J. (41.
655, 656
Ten Mile...r. 267, 270, 273. 647
Teunis la. 260
Texas p. v. 522
Texas Valley p.o. 253
The Battery .lo. 423
The Borough lo. 559
The Branch v. 637
The City p. v. 270
The Corner p. o. 667
The Cove _.lo. 372
The Frontiers lo. 237
The Glen p.o. 675
The Gulf 238
The Highlands...mts. 501, 540,
542
The Hook lo. 679
The Narrows 563
The Noses h. 19, 416
The Park lo. 423
Theresa p. v. 361
Theresa t. 361
The Square p. o. 204
The Union lo. 236
The Vlaie lo. 393
The Vly 680
The Wells lo. 271
Thiells Corner v. 570
Third cr. 6S8
Thomas cr. 688
Thomasville Jo. 310
Thompson t. 647
Thompsons br. 636
Thompsons la. 162
Thompsons p. 273, 510
Thompsons Station p. o. 637
Thompsonville lo. 191
Thompsonville p. v. 647
Thorn Hill p.o. 485
Thorntons Corners lo. 615
Thornville lo. 273
Thousand Islands 577
Three Mile Bay p. v. 359
PAOE
Three Mile Harbor ba. 6S4
Three Falls lo. 576
Three River Point p. v. 481
Three Sisters isle* 460
Throggs Neck lo. 706
Throop t. 206
Throopsvillo p. Y. 206
Thoraton p. o. 627
Thurston .t. 627
Thunder Hill mt. 647
Tibbits br. 696, 707
Tibbetts Point 122
Ticonderoga p. v. 304
Ticonderoga t. 304
Tiger A. 507
Tildens v. 24«
Tin br. 508
Tioga co. 101, 649
Tioga r. 21, 23. 619, 625, 626
Tioga p. v. 653
Tioga t. 652
Tioughnioga cr. 253
Tioughnioga....r. 178, 182, 250,
388, 489
Tip Top Summit lo. 169
Ti Street v. 304
Titicus r. 696, 703
Titusville p. o. 312
Tivoli p. v. 276
Tivoli Hollow lo. 166
Toddsville p. o. 536
Toddsville p. v. 533
Tom mt. 273
Tomhannock cr. 554, 559
Tomhannock p. v. 558
Tom Jones mt. 507
Tompkins co. 654
Tompkins _.t. 265
Tompkins Corners lo. 543
Tompkins Cove lo. 569
Tompkins Cove v. 570
Tompkins Square lo. 423
Tompkinsville p. v. 566
Toms Rocks h. 504
Tonawanda. cr. 20, 22, 279,
282, 2S8, 320, 324, 450,455,
456, 712, 714, 716.
Tonawanda isle 279, 449
Tonawanda p. v. 293, 457
Tonawanda t. 293
Tonawanda Falls 324
Tonawanda Indian Reser-
vation 324
Tonawanda Swamp... 320, 450.
513
Tonetta .la. 543
Tongue .mt 295, 673
Toppiu jut. 19, 250, 254
Torn ait. 507
Torrey t. 721
Tottenville v. 567
Towlesville p. v. 626
Town br. 264
Town Cliff. h. 533
Towners p. o. 542
Towners Station lo. 542
Town House Corners ....lo. 166
Town Line p. o. 292
Townly cr. 658
Townsend p. v. 611
TownsendHill A. 289
Townsendville p. v. 616
Townsville lo. 505
Tracy Creek p. v. 184
Trammel cr. 240
Transit lo. 326
Transit Bridge p.o. 171
Transparent la. 349
Tree isle 636
Trembleau Point 296, 300
Tremont lo. 707
Trempers Kil 259
Trempers Kill .p. o. 259
Trenton p. v. 467
Trenton t. 467
Trenton Falls. 347
Trenton Falls.. p. v. 467
Triangle p. v. 183
Triangle t. 183
Tribes h. 411
Tribes Hill ...p. v. 412, 415
Troups ...cr. 628
Troupsburgh -.p.o. 628
Troupsburgh t. 628
Troupsburgh Center v. 628
Trout, .br. 203, 252, 254, 499, 674
Trout cr. 186, 250, 685
47
738
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
PAGE
Trout la. 578, 673
Trout p. 046,681
Trout r. 309, 310
Trout Creek p. o. 265
Trout River p. o. 310
Troy City 560
Tnunansburg cr. 615
Trumanetrargh p. v. 658
Truniansburg Landing
p. o. 615
Trumbulls Corners ...p. v. 658
Truxton b. 250, -'54. 256
Truxton p.v. 255
Truxton —t. 255
Tsatsawa8sa cr. 557, 558
Tsatsawassa -la. 557
Tabby Book lo. 419
Tuckahoe h. 707
Tuckahoe p.o. 699,708
Tii- h. 374
Tag - nit. 189
Tullv._ la. 22
Tullv p.v. 189
Tully t. 489
Tully Valley p. v. 489
Tuna p.o. 188
Tunegawant - cr. ISO. 1S8
Tuness.issa cr. 186
TunesasBah cr. 186
Tappers la. 22, 578
Turin p.v. 379
Turin t. 379
Turk .h. 401
Turkey h. 704
Turkey.. nit. 541
Turkey Mountain lo. 708
Turkey Street lo. 469
Turners p.v. 507
Turtle Bay -.lo. 419
Tuscarora. cr. 621, 629
Tuscarora ...p.v. 385
Tusten .t. 647
Tuthill. p.o. 663
Tuthilltown v. 663
Twelve Corners -lo. 204
Twelve Mile .cr. 451,622
Twenty Mile... cr. 208, 215
Two -p. 507
Tyhrville — v. 361
Tyre p. o. 617
Tyre- t. 617
Tyre City v. r,17
Tyrone p.v. 612
Tyrone t. 612
Ulster co. 101, 660
Ulstervflle p.o. 667
Ulysses t. 658
Onadflla p.v. 538
Unadilla r. 21. 23, 223,
225, 227, 228, 388, 458,
530, 532, 535, 536, 538
Unadilla t. 538
Unadilla Center p. ■•
lilla Pork* p. v. 537
i n on p. v. u-4
Union t. 188, 405
T'ni..n Center p. v. 184
Union Cfanri h p. o. 164
Union Corners Ii
327
Union Corner* p. v. 386
D Palis p. o. 236
Union Mill- p.o. 317
Union Park lo. 423
Union Place I". 546
Uldonnorl '°- "06
Union Settlement p. i
Union Society.... p.o. 335
Union S'princo p. v. 206
Union Bouare p.o. 522
•n Vale t. 877
Union Valley p.v. 254
Tni .n Village
Tni .nvill.. 10.164,372,548
Unlonville p. v. 507
Unkmrllle v. 4"-'. "•:. T"-
T'nitaria p. 0. D*l
Upper la. "47
tJppi r AquebogM p.o. 637
Upper Chiitcaugav la. 23S
Upper Crow Roads lo. 702
Upper Kbenesei v. 290
Upper Fall- v. 304
Upper Hollow l
Upper Qeoesee Kali- 4"J
I pper Green River lo. 243
PAGE
Upper Lisle p. v. 183
Upper New Rochelle v. 703
Upper Redhook p. v. 276
Upper Saranac la. 22
Uptons p. 277
Urbana p. o. 628
Urbana t. 628
Utica City 468
Utsyantliia la. 257, 600, 605
Vails Mills p.v. 318
Valatie p. v. 247
Valatie Kil 557, 559
Valcour isle 239
Valcour p. o. 238
Valentines b. 707
Valley cr. 367, 368
Valley Falls p.o. 558
Valley Stream lo. 547
Valonia Sprinps p.o. 181
Van Aikens .Mills v. 667
Van Buren p.o. 490
Van Buren t. 490
Van Buren Center p. v. 490
Van Campeus cr. 168, 170
Van Cleese isle 703
Vandemark cr. 168
Van Ktten t. 222
Van Kttenville p. v. 222
A 'an Hoinesville p.v. 348
Van Leuvens Corners. ..lo. 167
Van Schaicks isle 166
Vansville v. 204
Varick _ p. o. 618
Varick t. 617
Varna p. v. 656
Varysburgh p. v. 715
Vaugans Corners v. 685
Venice p. V. 206
Venice t. 206
Venice Center p.o. 206
Verbank p. v. 277
Verdrieteges Hook b. 568
Verf Kil 597
Verona p. v. 470
Verona t. 470
Verona Depot p. o. 470
Verona Mills p.v. 470
Verplanck p. o. 699
Verplancks Point lo. 569
Verplancks Point v. 699
Vermillion p. v. 526
Vermont p. o. 213
Vermontville p.v. 311
Vernal lo. 712
Vernon p. v. 469
Vernon t. 469
Vernon Center p. v. 469
Vernon Valley p. v. 636
Vernooy cr. 666
Versailles p. v. 194
Vesper p. v. 489
Vestal p. v. 184
Vestal t. 184
Vestal Center p. v. 184
Veteran p. o. 267
Veteran t. 222
Victor p. v. 499
Victor t. 499
Victory p. v. 206
Victory t. 206
Victory Mills p. v. 591
Vli nna p. v. 470
Vienna t. 470
Vierdee Kil 559
Vllb n.va p. o. 216
VOlenora t. 216
ir Ii. 642
Virtril cr. 255
Virgil p. v. 266
Yiivil t. 266
Vl«ta p. o. 701
■ - I ■ n v p. o. 587
Vl.innn- Kil 168
Vlaman* br. 164
Vl'imaiii cr. 155
VIolda Kil 666
Vly rr. 686
VOM p. o. 720
Volney p. o. 528
Volney t. 628
Volney Corner* v. 528
Vohtsta p. o. 216
Voorheesvillo v. 413
Wari-aKirk
Wellington....
...la. 701
.p. ▼. 679
PAGE
Wadhams Mills p.v. 305
VTading r. 637
Wading River p.v. 637
Wainscott Io. 635
Waits Corners lo. 215
Wakefield lo. 706
Walden p.v. 508
Waldenville p. o. 608
Wales p.v. 293
Wales t. 293
Wales Center p.v. 293
Walesville p. o. 471
Wallabout lo. 367
Wallabout Bay 365, 367
Wallace p.o. 622
Wall Kil 501.
506. 50S, 060, 662, 665
Wallkill t. 510
Walloomsac r. 555
Walloomsac v. 556
Walmore p. v. 457
Walnut cr. 20S, 210, 213
Walnut h. 641
Walnut Hill mt. 19, 645
Walton .p.v. 265
Walton t. 265
Walworth p. v. 694
Walworth t. 694
Wampus p. 702, 703
Wampecack cr. 679
Wampmissic lo. 634
Wampsville p. v. 392
Wappingers cr. 23. 267,
271, 272, 274
Wappingers Falls p. v. 272
Ward t. 175
Wardboro p. o. 674
Wards isle 41S, 419, 548
Wardville lo. 325
Wardwell p. o. 358
Warners Station v. 490
Warnerville p. v. 606
Warren co. 670
Warren p. o. 349
Warren t. 349
Warren v. 569
Warrensbush lo. 409
Warsaw p. v. 715
Warsaw t. 715
Warwick mts. 501, 510
Warwick p. v. 510
Warwick t. 510
Washington co. 101, 104, 677
Washington p. 645
Washington - p. o. 278
Washington ...t. 277
Washington Heights.. .p. o. 419
Washington IIollow...p. v. 274,
278
Washington Mills p.v. 465
Washington Park lo. 369
Washington Square.... lo. 4-3.
547
Washingtonville lo. 701
Washingtonville v. 504,
527, 699
Wassaic p. v. 270
Wassnlc cr. 269
Waterburgh v. 658
Waterford p. v. 593
WntTf.nl t. 593
Waterloo p.v. 618
Waterloo t. 618
Waterloo Mills p.o. 507
Watermelon h. 541
WatermOl lo. 688
Waterport p. o. 514
Watertown p. v. 362
Watertown t. 362
Watertown Center lo. 362
Wat'rval" p.v. 486
Water Valley p.v. 291
w aterrllie p.v. 467
Waterrliet t. 165
Watenrllet Center..p. o. 166, 597
Walkins p.v. 611
Watson p. 0. 379
Watson t. 379
Wat-onvillo v. 605
Watts h. 541
Waverly lo. 634
WaTeriy p. v. oso
Warerly v. 194, 699
M'.v.ir-ing p. v. r,r,H
Wawareing t. 667
Wawayanda. cr. 501
Wawayanda.- t. 511
PAGE
Wayland Depot p.o. 628
Wayne Four Corners...p.o. 629
Wayland t. 628
Wayland v. 628
Wayne co. 101, 104, 688
Wayne p.v. 629
Wayne t. 629
Wayne Center v. 693
Weaver Hollow lo. 245
Weavers la. 349
Webbs Mills p. o. 222
Webster mt. 559
Webster p. v. 405
Webster t. 405
Weedsport p.v. 201
Wegatchie p. o. 582
Wellington mt. 537
Wells isle 355. 359
Wells p. 645
Wells p.o. 339
Wells t. 339
Wellsburgb p.v. 222
Wells Corners p.o. 511
Wellsville p.v. 176
Wellsville t. 175
Weltonville p.o. 651
Wende lo. 282
Werners la. 162
Wetliersfield p. o. 716
West br. 265, 270. 536
West mt. 569
West r. 720
West Addison p.o. 627
West Albany lo. 166
West Amhoy p.v. 520
West Almond p.v. 176
West Almond t. 176
West Bainbridge p.o. 225
West Bangor p.v. 308
"West Bane p.o. 514
West Bergen p.o. 325
West Berlin . p.o. 554
West Bethany Mills. ..p. o. 325
West Bloomfield p.v. 499
West Bloomfield t. 499
West Branch p.v. 465
West Brighton p.v. 398
West Brook p.o. 265
West Brookville p.o. 646
West Burlington p.o. 532
Westbury lo. 550
Westbnry- p.v. 206, 690
West Bush p.o. 317
West Butler p.o. 690
West Cameron p. v. 623
West Camp p.v. 667
West Canada .cr. 340, 343,
347, 463, 466
West Camden.- p.v. 463
West Carlton p.o. 514
West Carthage v. 357
West Cayuta. p.o. 610
West Charlton p.v. 587
West Chazy p.v. 237
Westchester co. 101, 696
Westchester p. v. 706
Westchester . r. 706
Westchester t. 706
West Chester v. 505
West Olarkson v. 399
West Clarksvillo p.o. 173
West Colesville p.o. 1R1
West Constable p.o. 312
West Concsville p.o. 604
West Danby- p.o. 656
West Davenport p. v. 260
West Day p.o. 588
West Dayton v. 1M}
West Dresden... p.v. 721
Most Dr>den .p.v. F56
West Eaton p.v. 391
West Kdmeston p.v. 533
Weeterlo t. 166
Westerlo p. o. 167
Western t. 470
Western villo p.v. 470
Meat Exeter p.v. 533
West Falls p.v. 2*3
Weal Farmington p.o. 496
Weal F'arnis p.v. 706
West Farms t. 706
West Favetto p.o. 615
Wi stfield p. v. 216
Westfield t. 567, 216
Westfield Flats v. 647
West Fish la. 317
West Flushing... lo. 549
INDEX OF GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES.
739
PAGE
Westford p. v. 538
Westford t. 638
West Kort Ann p.o. 681
West Fowler p. o. 577
West Fulton p. v. 005
West (iaines p.o. 514
West (iiilway p. v. 588
West Gates lo. 399
West Ghent p. v. 245
West Gilboa p. o. G05
West (ileus Falls v. 675
West Greece p. v. 399
West Greenfield p.o. 589
West C reenwood p. o. 025
West Groton p. v. 057
West Hadloy p.o. 689
West Hebron p. v. 684
West Henrietta p. v. 399
West Hills p.o. 636
West Hoosick p.o. 656
West Hurley p. v. 663
West Jasper p.o. 626
West Junius p.o. 615
West Kendal p.o. 515
West Kil 334, 600, 007
West Kill p.v. 334
West Laurens p.v. 534
West Lexington p.o. 333
West Leyden p.v. 377
West Lowvillo p.o. 378
West Martinsburgh....p. v. 378
West Meredith p. o. 263
West Middlebury v. 263
West Milton p. v. 590
West Monroe p. o. 528
West Monroe t. 528
Westmoreland p. o. 471
Westmoreland t. 471
West Moriches lo. 634
West Morrisania. lo. 702
West Mount Vernon v. 699
West Nassau v. 557
West Newark p.o. 051
West Neck Harbor ba. 637
West New Rochelle v. 703
West Niles lo. 204
Weston p. v. 012
West Oneonta p.v. 535
West Onondaga p.o. 485
West Perry lo. 715
West Plattsburgh p.o. 239
West Point p.o. 505
Westport p. v. 305
Westport t. 305
West Potsdam p.o. 582
West Providence p.o. 591
West Red cr. 688, 692
WestRichford p.o. 652
West Richmondville...p. o. 606
West Rome lo. 460
West Rush p.v. 405
West Sand Lake p.v. 558
West Sauquoit v. 466
West Schuyler. p. v. 348
West Seneca. p. o. 293
West Seneca t. 293
West Seneca Center....p. o. 293
West Shandaken p.o. 663
West Shelby p.o. 516
West Somers p.o. 706
West Somerset p.o. 456
West Southold p.o. 640
West Sparta- t. 386
PAGE
West Stephontown p.o. 660
West Stockholm p.o. 682
West Stony Creek cr. 675
West Suffolk p.o. 637
West Swedon v. 405
West Tnghkanick p. v. 249
West Theresa p.o. 361
West Town p.v. 607
West Township p. o. 164
West Troupsburgh p.o. 628
West Trout.. br. 200
West Troy p.v. 165
West Turin t. 379
West Union p.o. 629
West Vicuna p.v. 470
West View... p.v. 386
Westville... p. v. 538
Westville t. 312
Westville v. 312
West Walworth.. p.o. 694
West Webster p.v. 405
West Windsor..... p. o. 349
West Winfleld.. p. v. 349
Westwood p.o. 283
West Yorkshire.. p.v. 195
Wethersfield t. 716
Wethersfield Springs. .p. v. 716
Whaleys p. 273
Whallon8burgh p. v. 301
Wharton cr. 530, 532, 533
Wheatfield t. 456
Wheatland p.o. 406
Wheatland t. 405
Wheatland Center v. 406
Wheatville p. v. 324
Wheeler cr. 201
Wheeler p. o. 629
Wheeler t. 629
Wheeler Center v. 629
Wheeler Corners lo. 522
Whetstone cr. 375,378
Whetstone Gulf. lo. 378
White cr. 168,
347, 381, 555, 685
White la. 466
White p. 541
White r. 643
White Clay Kil 276
White Creek p. o. 686
White Creek t. 686
White Face mt. 19, 296, 306
Whitehall p. v. 686
Whitehall t. 686
Whitehall Landing 419
White Lake p.o. 643
White Plains p. v. 707
White Plains t. 707
Whiteport v. 006
Whitesburgh p.o. 348
Whitesborough v. 471
Whites Corners p. v. 291
Whiteside br. 679
Whiteside Corners p. o. 589
Whitestone p. v. 546
White Store p. o. 228
Whitestown p. o. 471
Whitestown t. 471
White Sulphur Spring 593
Whitesville p. v. 174
Whitesville v. 361
Whitiugs p. 241,243
Wbitlockville lo. 698
Whitney h. 559
TAGE
Whitneyi Crossing p. o. 172
Whitney! Landing lo. 010
Whitneyi Point p.v. 1S3
Whitney Valley cr. 188, 10'.i
Whortlulicrry isle 70, 703
Wiccopoe Pass lo. 271
Wickhams p. 610
Wickopee p. 543
Wigwam cr. 10s, 170
Wilbur p. v. 664
Wildi'hauso Kil 164
Wilkins Point lo. 546
Willardg mt. 077
Willett p. o. 256
Willett t. 255
Williams Bridge p. o. 707
Williamsburgh p. o. 307
Williamsburgh v. 165
Williamson p. v. 694
Williamson t. 694
Williamstown p. v. 528
Williamstown t. 528
Williamsville lo. 714
Williamsville p. v. 282
Willing t. 176
Willink p.v. 283
Willow br. 165
Willow isle 334
Willow Tree lo. 548
Willow Vale v. 405
Willsboro p. o. 652
Willsborough p. o. 305
Willsborough t. 305
Willsborough Falls v. 305
Willseyville p. v. 651
Willwemack cr. 647
Wilmington p. v. 306
Wilmington t. 305
Wilmurt t. 349
Wilna p. o. 363
Wilna t. 362
Wilson p. v. 457
Wilson t. 457
Wilson Creek p. o. 650
Wilton lo. 702
Wilton p. v. 593
Wilton t. 593
Winant8ville lo. 549
Windfall cr. 173, 188
Windham t. 334
Windham Center p. v. 335
Windsor p.v. 184
Windsor t. 184
Wine cr. 528
Winfield cr. 624
Winfield lo. 549
Winfield p. o. 349
Winfield t. 349
Wing Station p. o. 271
Winspear p. o. 292
Wirt p.o. 176
Wirt t. 176
Wiscoy cr. 710, 174,
713, 714, 715, 716
Wiscoy p. o. 174
Wolcott cr. 688, 690
Wolcott p. v. 695
Wolcott t. 694
Wolf cr. 166, 168, 712
Wolf p. 647
Wolf Run cr. 623
Wood cr. 21, 23,
458, 466, 470, 678, 686
PAGE
Woodbury p. o. 551
Woodbury Clove v. 508
Woodcock h. 5i4
WoiHlhavcn v. 648
Woodhull la. 349
Woodhull p. o, 029
Woodhull t. 629
Woodland p. 0 367
Wood row v. 567
Wood Settlement lo. 868
Woodstock lo. 702
Woodstock p. v. 608
Woodstock t. 008
U Iville lo. 387
Woodville i). v. 357
Woodsville lo. 507
Woodwards Hollow.. ..p. o. 289
Woodworth la. 316
Worcester p. v. 538
Worcester t. 538
WortelKil 271
Worth t. 363
Worthville p. o. 363
Wright t. 608
Wrights cr. 186
Wrights Corners p. o. 454
Wrightsville lo. 237
Wurtzboro p. v. 646
Wyomanock cr. 248
Wyoming co. 101, 710
Wyoming p. v. 714
Wynants Kil 557, 558, 560
WynantskilL p. v. 557
Wyncoop br. 641
Wynkoops cr. 219,
220, 221, 222
Yankee p. 646
Yaphank p.v. 634
Yates co. 717
Yates p. o. 516
Yates t. 516
Yates Center v. 516
Yatesville lo. 416
Yatesville p. o. 720
Yellow la. 579
Yonkers p. v. 708
Yonkers t. 707
York p. 645
York p. o. 387
York t. 387
York Center v. 387
York Corners lo. 588
Yorkshire p. o. 195
Yorkshire t. 195
Yorkshire v. 182
Yorkshire Center p.v. 195
Yorkshire Corners v. 195
Yorkshire Creek cr. 182
Yorktown p. o. 708
Yorktown t. 708
Yorkville lo. 419
Yorkville v. 471
Young Hickory p. o. 628
Youngs la. 349
Youngs Cave lo. 604
Youngstown p. v. 456
Youngsville p. v. 644
Zantzee Kil 597
Zeregors Point lo. 706
Zimmerman cr. 318, 416
Zoar v. 361
ADDITIONAL NAMES.
Ambler i lo. 228
Boscobel p. o. 699
CortlandvUle v. 699
Fairmonnt v. 707
Integrity lo. 706
Kreischerville p. v. 567
Moharsic la. 708
Thirty Deer Ridge h. 707
Waddington t. 579, 583
81EK10TTPED BY L. JOHNSON 4 CO.
This Institution was opened for the admission of students September 0, 1858, and ttio collegiate department ia now fully
organized, with the following members of the Faculty of Arts:
REV. JOIIN McCLINTOCK. D.D., LL.D., JAMES STRONG, S.T.D.,
President, and Professor of Moral Science. Vice-President, and Professor of Biblical Literature.
MARVIN R. VINCENT, A.M., OGDEN N. ROOD, A.M.,
Professor of the Latin Language and Literature, l'rofessw of Chemistry.
CIIARLTON T. LEWIS, A.M., ALEXANDER MAC WHORTER, A.M.,
Professor of Pure Mathematics. Professor of Philosophy.
HENRY H. HADLEY, A.M.,
Professor of the Indo-European Languages and Literature.
THE COLLEGE GROUNDS
Comprise a plat of thirty-six acres, of rare beauty and healthfulness of position; and the building is one of the most imposing
and well arranged of the kind in the country, affording accommodations for about one- hundred and fifty students, including
chapel, recitatiou-rooins, dormitories, boarding hall, and professors' apartments.
THE PLAN OF INSTRUCTION
Embraces the most approved features of the American College sj-stem, with all the essential advantages of the English and
German Universities, giving an opportunity for the most thorough and general literary culture.
THE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT PROPER
Will be inaugurated by appropriate courses of lectures on the higher branches of science, art, and literature, as soon as there
shall be graduates prepared to enter upon it. The design of the founders of the institution is to make it a sound Christian (but
not sectarian) school of the highest class, both in scholarship and practical efficiency. The course of study includes
A SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT,
Which differs from the classical chiefly in the omission of Latin and Greek, and in occupying only three years.
ANNUAL EXPENSES.
Tuition Fee (for those not on scholarships) $35 00
Room Rent 16 00
Warming and use of public rooms. 4 5 00
Repairs 4 00
Use of Library 2 00
Janitor's services' $2
Printing 1
Good Board, per week, is provided in the college hall
at 2
Washing, per dozen
00
00
00
60
Free tuition for one student for forty years $100 00
Two students fifty years 300 00
One student perpetually 300 00
PRESENT PRICES OF SCHOLARSHIPS.
Two students perpetually $500 00
Three students perpetually 1,000 00
Or five for fifty years 1.000 00
TERMS AND VACATIONS.
There are two terms and two vacations in the college year. The first, or short term, begins with the Thursday on or about the
8th of September, and continues fourteen weeks, followed by a vacation of three weeks. The second or long term, begins with
the Thursday, on or about the 5th of January, and continues till Commencement, on the third Thursday of June.
For circulars and full information, address the President or Vice-President, as above. Letters on the business of the Trustees,
should be addressed to Rev. Z. Phillips, Financial Agent, Troy, N. Y.
WALNUT HILL SCHOOL, GENEVA, N. Y.
Rev. Dr. Reed's Boarding School
for Boys is pleasantly situated near
the village of Geneva. The number
is limited to seventy. Boys are pre-
zi_ pared for college, or any department
=: of life that requires
THOROUGH EDUCATION.
The course of study is full, includ-
ing
Ancient and Modern Languages,
SCIENCE,
LITERATIRE,
AND THE FINE ARTS.
Terms for full English Mathemati-
cal and Classical course, $250 per
annum. For the Arts the charge is
extra. Circulars will be sent to those
wishing information, on applying to
THOMAS C. REED,
Rector and Proprietor.
ROCHESTER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE,
N. W, BENEDICT and L. R. SATTEKLEE, Principals.
CORNER OF ATWATER AND OREGON STS., ROCHESTER, MONROE COUNTY, N.Y.
To those desirous of being well
prepared to enter
COLLEGE,
Or to take a high position in
professional or commercial life,
THIS INSTITUTION
affords a complete course of syste-
matic study, based upon the most
thorough discipline of the intel-
lectual and moral powers.
The ruperority of its Classical
instruction is widely known.
ITS MATHEMATICAL AND
OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Are equally efficient, being each
conducted by a professional teacher
ftf the highest order.
The Female Department,
In charge of an experienced
and highly accomplished precept-
ress, offers superior advantages to
young ladies, to whom
DIPLOMAS
Are awarded on the completion
of the prescribed course of study.
Students from Abroad
Are provided with the best ac-
commodations in a boarding de-
partment, und r the supervision
of the Principals.
Cirrulars containing more par
ticular information may be ob-
tained by application to the prin-
cipals, Rochester, Monroe county,
N. Y.
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FORT EDWARD INSTITUTE.
AT FORT EDWARD, WASHINGTON CO., N. Y., ON THE RAILROAD.
EEV_ JOSEPH E- KING, jP^.T^L., PRINCIPAL.
This Institution was opened December, 1S54, since which time the Regents' Annual Reports show it to have been the
BEST SUSTAINED BOARDING SEMINARY IN THE STATE.
Nearly every county in the State, and two-thirds of the States of the Union, have been its patrons. The following are soms
of the grounds of its claim to the popular favor : —
Its substantial brick buildings, well guarded against fire, and which, by the central position of its common Dining Hall,
Chapel, and an ample suit of class rooms, accessible respectively to the two separate departments by distinct entrances, ar« most
admirably adapted to the safe and successful co-education of ladies and gentlemen, the two departments being at all hours al>-
sulutely under the control of the Faculty. Also its noble Library aud Apparatus.
ITS LIBERAL PROVISION FOR THE ABLEST INSTRUCTION
In each branch and department of study: three professors and teachers bjing devoted exclusively to the common English
studies, two each to the Mathematics and "Classics, one respectively to Commercial Instruction, to Natural Science, to Modern
Languages, and to Painting, while no less than four have in charge the department of Music. Rare facilities are thus afforded
to prepare for teaching : while desirable situations are procured for young ladies who graduate in the prescribed Course of Studies.
It is a part of the well established system of this Christian Institute, to conserve and promote the health, manners, and morals
of its pupils. The Principal wishes it distinctly understood that he becomes personally responsible to parents fur the moral and
social well being of their daughters while in attendance at this Institute.
It provides good, spacious rooms, plainly but suitably furnished; and wholesome and sufficient Roard, of a quality and variety
satisfactory to its patrons.
ITS REMARKABLY MODERATE RATES.
To many families the difference in the cost of maintaining a son or daughter at home or at this Institute, would be scarcely
appreciable. One hundred and three dollars per year, pays for Roard, furnished room, fuel, washing and tuition in common Eng-
lish. Extra branches at corresponding rates, A student may enter for a single term, or at any time in the term and pay for the
residue only.
There are three terms of fourteen weeks each. Winter Term opens December 1st, 1S59; Spring Term opens March 23d, 1860;
Fall Term opens August 16th, 1860. For circulars, or for rooms, apply to the Principal.
Turn to the chapter in the Gazetteer descriptive of Fort Edward, also to chapter of statistics of Academies, and notice the
Washington Co. Seminary.
TESTIMONIALS OF EXAMINING COMMITTEES.
Rev. Wm. Scott, of Montreal, Secretary, 1855. The Committee
found the buildings, in their construction and specific arrange-
ments, better adapted to their purpose than any other ever
visited by them.
Rev. S. Washburn, of Troy, Secretary, November, 1856. We
were highly gratified with the good order and decorum apparent
in every department of the Institute.
Rev. M. Rates, of Schenectady, Secretary, March, 1857. There
ij. we think, no Institution, not wholly devoted to this object,
where equal facilities are afforded for acquiring, at trifling ex-
pense, a thorough business education.
Prof. John Newman, A. M., of Union College, Seceetary, Nov. 18,
1857. The Committee have found the most satisfactory evidence
in its able Board of Instruction and Government, its skillful finan-
cial management, as well as in the extent and sterling character
of its patronage, that the Fart Edward Institute is a signal success-
While the Institution IB in all departments Worthy of entire
confidence, the Committee feel called upon to mention the de-
partment of Music and that of Painting, as decidedly superior to
anything we have ever heard or seen in any similar Institution.
Bev. J. K. Cueesman, of Schenectady, Secretary, July, 1857.
The gastronomic department, under the care of Mr. A. K. Haxtnn,
the Steward, is finely managed. An abundant supply of well
cooked food is provided.
Rev. R. H. Robinson, Secretary, Saratoga Springs, Nov. 25,
1858. The peculiar energy of the Principal pervades every
department of instruction', embracing eighteen teachers, a
number sufficient to permit a subdivision of classes, so that
none need be neglected. Many students have consecrated their
young hearts on the altar of Christianity, and will go forthwith
great power, rightly directed, to bless the church and the world.
Prof. C. T. Lewis, A.M., Troy University, March, 1859. Im-
practical drill was admirable. Attention had been given to the
powers of ready and neat expression, but the b;isis lay in a clear
comprehension of facts and principles, for which good language
was made an ornament, not a substitute. Perhaps no feature
of the exercises was more charming than their entire fairness,
which was at once transparent and unobtrusive.
Rev. B. Hawlet, A.M., Chairman, West Troy, June 23, 1859.
In the circle of our large Academies, furnishing the highest
advantages at the lowest charges, I know of no one sustaining
a better reputation than Fort Eaward Lnstitjjte. 9 *
743
MOUNT PLEASANT ACADEMY;
A SELECT
j±rr smsra-siisra-,
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS.
C. F. MAURICE, A.M., MAJ. W. W. BENJAMIN,
Instructor in Eihies, Mental Philosophy, <£c. Instructor in Mathematics and Military Tactics.
Z. M. PHELPS, A.M.,
Instructor in Ancient Languages.
INSTRUCTORS.
H. AYME, M.D., W. MULLER,
Instructor in French, Spanish, and Drawing. Instructor in German and Music.
II. M. WALLACE, A.B., CHS. STOCKING,
Instructor in Historical Studies and Elocution. Instructor in Gymnastics.
R. W. MOORE, J. HYATT,
Instructor in Elementary Studies. Lecturer in Chemistry and Philosophy.
This institution, in its plan and arrangements, has regard to the physical as -well as the moral and
intellectual training of its members.
THE COURSE OP INSTRUCTION
Is liberal and thorough, such as experience has proved to be most effectual for this purpose. By it,
students are prepared for any class in college, for the scientific schools, or for commercial life. The
ANCIENT LANGUAGES
are taught critically and with a view to sound scholarship and not to mere superficial acquaintance. The
MATHEMATICAL COURSE
is extensive. The preparation of pupils who have passed through it, and their success elsewhere, gives
the best evidence of faithfulness and skill in this very essential department of instruction. Very many
are the unsolicited testimonials received on this point. Special attention is given to the
MODEEN LANGUAGES:
French, Spanish, an 1 Gorman form an important part of the course of study, and are taught as spoken
languages by well qualified masters. The
ENGLISH LANGUAGE,
nl=o, in its element", as well as in it" higher departments, receives more than ordinary notice, and is
not made subordinate to any other study.
MORAL AND RELIGIOUS TRAINING
is carefully regarded, M in every well ordered household ; but no interference is attempted with the peculiar
tenets of any faith. Seats arc provided for the pupils in both the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches.
PHYSICAL, EDUCATION.
The complete arrangements made for this generally neglected object, and the success that has attended
them, deserve to be specially noticed. Under their influence, we have seen the delicate and almost puny
7«
boy become the robust and enduring youth, able to sustain continued application and to perform in
after life an amount of intellectual labor that only a sound and vigorous development could make possible.
In connection with the
GYMNASIUM AND THE RIDING SCHOOL
ARE TnB
MILITARY EXERCISES,
The infantry and artillery drills ; and, while these receive a minuteness of attention not often given to
them, and are so used as to produce physically a permanent effect, they have no tendency to create a desire,
as experience has shown, for a military life. The system, as here arranged, has been chosen for the great
benefits that result from it. But, although a military school, the institution, it must be distinctly under-
stood, is not for the training of those who are vicious or unmanageable under any other system. Should
any of this class, by accident or misrepresentation, ever be received, they will, on the manifestation of
such character, be at once returned to their parents. The feelings of the principals, not less than their
intimate relations with their pupils, look to other associations and other results. Confidence, patience,
and kindness on their part, truthfulness, honor, and generous sentiment on the pupil's, are the basis
and the bond of union between them. No boy who is insensible to considerations of this kind is desired
in the school, nor can he long remain connected with it.
Pupils are received whenever a vacancy occurs ; but, as the number is limited and places are usually
filled in advance, applications, to prevent disappointment, should be made as early as possible.
Further infoi'ination may be obtained from the gentlemen named as references, or by addressing the
principals.
REFERENCES.
The Faculties of Williams College,
Harvard College,
Yale College,
Columbia College,
Union College,
N. Y. University,
College of New Jersey,
Military Academy, West Point,
and also to the following gentlemen : —
Hon. A. Bruyn Hasbrouck, LL.D., late President
Rutgers College, New York City,
Rev. R. W. Dickinson, D.D., New York City,
Samuel Jaudon, Esq., New York City,
S. C. Paxon, Esq., New York City,
George Barrell, Esq., New York City,
Willard Parker, M.D., New York City,
B. R. Winthrop, Esq., New York City,
Doct. E. E. Marcy, New York City,
Rev. John Krebbs, D.D., New York City,
Francis Skiddy, Esq., New York City,
Henry Leverich, Esq., New York City,
Charles Day, Esq., New York City,
Chas. Rockwell, Esq., New York City,
Joseph Bento, Esq., New York City,
D. N. Barney, Esq., New York City,
Rev. J. P. Thompson, D.D., New York City,
McKilop & Wood, Com. Agency, New York City,
John H. Brower, Esq., Brooklyn, L. I.,
H. K. Corning, Esq., Brooklyn, L. I.,
George S. Puffer, Esq., Brooklyn, L. I.,
John Schenck, Esq., Brooklyn, L. I.,
Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., Brooklyn, L. I.,
Doct. W. Swift, U.S.N., Brooklyn, L. I.,
Doct. McLellan, Brooklyn, L. I.,
Hon. Aaron Ward, Sing-Sing,
Rev. Wilson Phraner, Sing-Sing,
Thomas Smull, Esq., Sing-Sing,
Maj. E. Backus, U.S.A., Governors Island,
Charles L. Schlater, Esq., Ogdensburgh, N. Y.,
Capt. James Mcintosh, U.S.N., Sackets Harbor,
745
Hon. D. B. St. John, Albany,
0. Bronson, M.D., Hudson,
Marcus L. Ward, Esq., Newark,
Cortlandt Parker, Esq., Newark,
Prof. John S. Hart, LL.D., late Principal of High
School, Philadelphia, Pa.,
Jacob Sharp, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa.,
Rodolphus Kent, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa.,
Prof. J. Henry, LL.D., Smithsonian Institution, Wash-
ington.
Brig. G. S. Churchill, U.S.A., Washington,
Thomas Higham, Jr., Esq., Charleston, S. C,
J. Izard Pringlo, Esq., Georgetown, D. C,
W. Blake, Esq., Combahec, S. C,
George Gordon, Esq., Savannah, Ga.,
Henry Roser, Esq.', Savannah, Ga.,
G. W. Ludlum, Esq., Rondout,
Col. W. J. Hardee, U.S.A., West Point.
G. T. Hodges, Esq., Rutland, Vfc,
Col. Thomas Williams, Detroit, Mich.,
Wm. Neyle Habersham, Esq., Savannah, Ga.,
Francis Sorrell, Esq., Savannah, Ga.,
J. Clay King, Esq., Waynesville,
J. Emmanuel, Esq., Mobile, Ala.,
R. G. Mays, M.D., Orange Mills, F.A.,
Hon. Thomas Slidell, New Orleans, La.,
J. W. Zacharie, Esq., New Orleans, La.,
Mrs. Clifford Neff, Cincinnati, 0.,
R. A. Clay, Esq., Cincinnati, 0.,
H. Emerson, Esq., South Reading, Mass.,
Rev. A. Woods, D.D., Providence, R. I.,
P. Hall, Esq., Providence, R. I.,
Edward Pearce, Esq., Providence, R. I.,
Hon. W. C. Gibbs, Newport, R. I.,
Calvin Williams, Esq., Stonington, Conn.,
Giles F. Ward, Esq.. Snybrook, Conn.,
Hon. P. D. Vroom, Trenton, N. J.,
Com. Thomas A. Conover, U.S.N., Princeton, N. J.,
Com. Lawrence Kearney, U.S.N., Perth Amboy,
Rev. David Magie, D.D., Elizabethtown.
GARDEN FRONT, LIVINGSTON STREET.
PACKER COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE,
birooiki/y:!^ heights, l. I.
Thifl Institution claims to give to females all the advantages for thorough and complete education
that are enjoyed by the other sex in our best appointed Colleges.
It is liberally endowed, and is under the patronage of the State.
Its location, in the city of Brooklyn, opposite New York, enables it to command all the educational
resources of the metropolis; while no country village is more quiet, beautiful, or healthy.
THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION
Is under the direction of A. Crittenden, A.M., who has devoted his whole life to female education.
lie is assisted by twenty-four professors and teachers ; and the course of instruction embraces the modern
languages, with Latin, the various branches of Literature, History, Mathematics, Chemistry, Natural,
Moral, and Intellectual Philosophy, Music, Drawing, Painting, &c. &c.
THE LABORATORY
Is a model of its kind, and furnished with every necessary article of apparatus.
THE OBSERVATORY
Has an excellent achromatic telescope of six inches object glass. It is equatorially mounted, moved
by clockwork, &c.
THE CABINETS
Are amply provided with minerals, shells, &c. One or two articles of apparatus particularly arrest
the attention of the observer, — one of Ross's Compound Microsomes, which magnifies 1800 diameters,
also Barlow's large Planetarium, eleven feet in diameter.
The accommodations for pupils from abroad are intended to afford all the comforts of home, and to
secure for them social, intellectual, and moral culture.
Ml
74f
DESIGN.
The object of this chain
of Colleges is to prepare
young men in an essential
manner for the duties of a
business life, in giving them ||
a thorough knowledge of
the sciences •which secure
that end.
CHICAGO MERCANTILE COLLEGE
BUFFALO MERCANTILE COLLEGE
BRYANT, STRATTON & CO.'S
ALBANY. COLLEGE
FHlLAflELFHia C0LLE6E
HEW YORK CITY MERCANTILE COLLEGE.
MERCANTILE COLLEGES.
C; r
ElANn«ERCANmEC°ttl
TERMS.
A scholarship, which can
be purchased at any of these
points for $40, entitles the
holder to a Life Membership
in either or all of the above
Colleges.
No institutions of the kind
in the country are so thorough r^§|
in all departments. RU| f MercaNtTlE c
Address BRYANT, STRATTON ft CO., at either of the above points, for circular and
catalogue containing full particulars.
f«
fc***m*
749
r^SSsfViWnCvJ!
Length of building, 137 feet.
Width of do. 77 feet.
Play grounds, 25 acres.
Gymnasium covers 1,900 feet.
The building and grounds cost $75,000
POUGHKEEPSIE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL.
A BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS OF ALL AGES.
Thin school was established in 1836. From that time to this there has been but one change in the principalship, — which occurred
after the death of the late principal, Charles Bartlett. It has always enjoyed a liberal patronage, drawn from all sections.
During the past year pupils have been in attendance from twelve States.
The students prepare their lessons in one large room, where one of the Principals presides.
iFiFtEixrciH:, s:?^:i>tis:h:3 -A^nxriD a-ZEZFUMCAJisr
Are each taught by a native teacher.
The principals and their families, the teachers and pupils, all reside in one building and eat at the same table. The pupils are
not allowed to leave the premises without permission. The building is lighted with gas, and heated with hot air furnaces. No
expense has been spared to attain thorough ventilation. The pupils' rooms aro furnished with a carpet, clothes-press, single beds,
wash-stand with bowl and pitcher to each pupil.
In short, no effort has been omitted to make this in every respect
A FIRST CLASS SCHOOL.
The annual expense is two hundred and fifty dollars. Spanish and Gorman, Music and Drawing, are the only extras.
We refer to the following gentlemen, most of whom have been patrons of tho Bchool : —
IU-v. P. ir. Weston, Hudson St.. Kew York,
Hon. Julian C. Yerplan k. New York,
Hon. James Bmott, Pougbkeepsle,
Isaac Itonipvelt. MI).. I'miglikr-'-pile,
Prof. Charlf" Murray Nairn". Columbia College, N. Y.,
Prof. .Tub n F<nt'T. t'ni'ii (Villrgp, Scli<-in«t:idy,
Prof. Wm. II. Crosby. Poughkeepslo,
O. K. Willi!, freehold, N. J,
Prof. John Haywood. Westerrllle, Ohio,
Rev. II. O. Ludlow. 1 >-« m •.
Rev. a. I). Tracer. Poughkeepsie,
Kfv. B. I'.ii'l. Ponghkeepsle,
J. II. QriSOOm, M.D.. New York,
P. S. Maclas, 46 Beaver St., New York,
Those who may desire further information are invited to visit the school or to address the Principals,
C. B. WARKTNG, A.M.,1 p . , .
OTIS BISBEE, A.M., / ^rmclPals-
750
David F. Iloadly, Offlco Panama R. R., Wall St., New York,
I Inn. John Thompson. Poughkeopsie, N. Y.,
Solomon .Tenner, 75 Henry St., N. Y.,
David D. Otis. Watertown, N. Y.,
Thomas R. Smiley, Hamilton,,Ohio,
R. C. Crocheron, 1 Park Place, New York,
Col. G. T. M. Davis. 47 Exchange Place, New York,
Hon. E. S. Doughty, Somerville, N. J.,
(n ] it. .Tames L. Day, Norwich, Conn.,
Joseph A. Eddy, St. Louis, Mo.,
II. II. Hathorn, Saratoga Springs, N. Y.,
S'tli Kirhards, Bentonsport, Iowa,
J. M. Sims, M.D., N«w York.
YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE,
AT TEMPLE GROVE, SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y.
BEV. Xi. B1. BEECHES-, ID.D., ^ZROIISrCIIP^L.
Open forty Weeks, from the second
Monday in September of each year.
Every department supplied with expe-
rienced teachers. Music taught, singly
and in classes, by competent prof,
on a new and highly approved plan, by
means of which a
. MUSICAL EDUCATION
Of the highest grade can be reached
at less expense than at any other place
in the State.
The French, German, and Spanish
Languages receive special attention.
Every department is under the special
and personal supervision of the Prin-
cipal. Number of pupils limited to one
hundred.
TEEMS.
From one hundred and sixty to two
hundred dollars, for board and English
tuition. Music from forty to fifty dol-
lars per annum. Access to the cele-
brated Congress Spring daily, free of charge. This privilege alone is often worth the price of a year's residence at the school.
Catalogues sent to any address, on application to the Principal.
HIGHLAND ACADEMY,
NEWBURGH, ORANGE Co., N. Y.
ZDZE^^AJELTn^EHSTTS.
CLASSICAL STUDIES,
MODERN LANGUAGES,
DRAWING and PAINTING,
ENGLISH BRANCHES,
VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC,
PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
The school year, of forty-two weeks, commences the second Tuesday of September in each year. Accomplished instructars
employed in the various departments.
For particulars apply to
Rev. John Brown, D.D., Newburgh,
Acx. John Forsyth, D.D., Newburgh,
Hon. Nathaniel Jones, Newburgh,
Hon. Jno. W. Brown, Justice Supreme Court, Newburgh,
WM. N. REID,
Principal and Proprietor.
BEFEEEUCES.
- Hon. John Slosson, Judge of Superior Court, N. T. City,
Win. E. Warren, Esq., Deputy Controller of the City of New
York.
William Fullerton, Esq., 61 Wall St., New York City.
751
tt$
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